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When Sydney Petersen toed the line at the Broken Arrow Skyrace this summer, she wasn't sure she'd even finish. After two weeks of complete rest nursing what she feared might be a serious hip injury, her training was far from ideal for what would serve as the US World Championship qualifier. Yet sometimes our greatest performances emerge when expectations fall away.

"I think everything that could have gone wrong leading up to this race went wrong," Peterson reveals in this candid conversation. "I wasn't feeling good, I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to race." Despite these setbacks, Peterson found herself in a unique mental space—grateful simply to be healthy enough to compete and free from self-imposed pressure. What followed was a breakthrough performance that secured her spot on Team USA's vertical squad for the World Mountain Running Championships.

The drama of that qualifying race unfolds like a thriller as Petersen describes getting caught behind slower runners at the start, methodically working through the field, and misunderstanding her position. Believing she was the fourth American (the final qualifying spot) rather than her actual position as second American, she sprinted desperately to the finish in what she calls "the farthest I've ever gone into the pain cave." This performance marked a profound shift in how she views herself within the competitive landscape: "Before it was like the top American women are in their race and I'll be running my race behind them. Now I consider myself in the same race."

From European racing adventures to Team USA training camps in Colorado, Peterson shares the lessons she's gathered in her rapid evolution as an elite trail runner. With the World Championships approaching, she balances the team's medal potential with her desire to remain present for the experience. Her journey reminds us that in trail running's unpredictable world, adaptability and gratitude often matter more than perfect preparation.

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!