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Sydney Petersen's meteoric rise in the trail running world is a testament to what happens when natural talent meets mountain passion. From walking on to Colorado State University's team to signing a professional contract with Brooks Trail Runners in just one competitive season, her journey exemplifies the beautiful transition many athletes experience when moving from track to trails.

Growing up in the mountain town of Crested Butte gave Sydney a natural affinity for vertical terrain. Despite starting competitive running relatively late, she developed steadily through college under coaches who recognized her potential. But it wasn't until tackling the iconic Imogene Pass Run after graduation that she discovered her true calling. Without specific training for the longer distance, Sydney had what she describes as "a spiritual experience" during that race, realizing her body might be better suited for mountains than tracks.

What makes Sydney's approach refreshing is her "beginner mindset." Rather than feeling intimidated when lining up against world-class athletes at events like the US Mountain Running Championships, she focuses on enjoying the experience and removing self-imposed limitations. This mental framework allowed her to race confidently against established stars like Grayson Murphy, even leading portions of championship races in her debut season.

Her 2024 plans include returning to Broken Arrow with improved tactical awareness, tackling the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee, and venturing to Europe for Golden Trail Series races including the legendary Sierre-Zinal. Sydney balances ambitious racing goals with thoughtful training through Gunnison's snowy winters, incorporating skiing and creative workouts while focusing on improving technical downhill skills to complement her natural climbing prowess.

Listen in for insights on transitioning between running disciplines, maintaining confidence among elite competition, and finding inspiration from athletes who balance competitive excellence with community contribution. Sydney's story reminds us that sometimes the most beautiful athletic journeys happen when we follow the terrain that speaks to our hearts.

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Meet the architect behind American trail running's most influential collegiate program. Josh Eberly, head coach of Western Colorado University's trail running team, has created something truly unique in the running world: the only dedicated collegiate trail running program in the United States.

What began as a small experiment has evolved into a powerhouse that's reshaping how young runners transition from high school competition to mountain athletics. Through his decade of leadership, Eberly has mentored some of the biggest names in American trail running—Cole Campbell, Kieran Nay, Brian Whitfield, and others who've gone on to professional careers with teams like Adidas Terrex.

But what makes Western's program special isn't just its elite output. Eberly has created an inclusive environment where athletes of all abilities can thrive, united by their love of mountains and trails rather than strictly performance metrics. "It's not all about creating the next professional," he explains. "We have athletes with different goals and ambitions. They love the work ethic, they love the trails, they love the mountains."

The program blends structured training with adventure, taking athletes to iconic locations like the Grand Canyon, Leadville's 14ers, and the San Juan Mountains. These experiences reinforce why many chose trail running over traditional track programs—connection with nature and the joy of exploration. With support from Adidas Terrex providing gear and opportunities, Western's athletes can focus on developing as both runners and humans.

As trail running grows in popularity, Western's unique model raises fascinating questions about the future of collegiate athletics. Could we see more universities developing similar programs? For now, Eberly continues refining his vision, balancing his own competitive career while guiding the next generation of mountain athletes in the high-altitude playground of Gunnison, Colorado.

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In a special one-year anniversary celebration of the Steep Stuff Podcast, host James Lauriello sits down with mountain running sensation Bailey Kowalczyk for a revealing conversation about her remarkable journey from track athlete to three-time RUT 28K champion.

Bailey takes us through her formative years in upstate New York, where weekend family hikes in the Adirondacks unknowingly built the foundation for her technical descending skills. "My dad would just sprint down the mountain," she recalls, "so my only option was to keep up." This early exposure to steep terrain fostered the fearlessness that would later define her racing style.

The conversation doesn't shy away from darker chapters. Bailey opens up about her experience at Clemson University, where unhealthy coaching practices led to an eating disorder and her eventual medical removal from the team. At just 19, she believed her running career was over. Her move to Boulder, Colorado—ironically a running mecca—marked the beginning of her healing journey and eventual discovery of trail running.

What makes this episode particularly captivating is Bailey's perspective on suffering. While most runners dread the pain of steep climbs, she's developed unique mental strategies to transform these moments into positive experiences. "I don't tell myself I'm grateful, but I think about reasons to be grateful," she explains, revealing the mantras that carry her through the sport's most challenging moments.

The live audience Q&A brings additional depth as Bailey discusses her training approach, injury recovery philosophy, and future aspirations including OCC and qualifying for the World Mountain Running team. Her balanced attitude toward competition—admitting she'd be content just setting FKTs if racing wasn't an option—offers a refreshing perspective on what drives elite athletes.

Whether you're a competitive mountain runner or simply fascinated by how athletes push their limits, Bailey's story of resilience and her unique relationship with technical terrain delivers powerful insights into athletic performance and personal growth. Subscribe now and join our community of mountain enthusiasts exploring the steeper side of running!

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Joan DeLeon's path to becoming one of trail running's most exciting talents defies conventional narratives. From the concrete streets of Waco, Texas, to stunning the mountain running world by beating Joe Gray at A-Basin, his journey combines raw talent with refreshing authenticity.

Growing up without mountains or trails, DeLeon's running foundation came through summer track programs where Baylor University athletes served as mentors. This early exposure to quality coaching propelled him to collegiate success, but his introduction to mountain running came almost by accident when college teammate Cade Michael convinced him to visit Colorado's Gunnison Valley after graduation.

What began as a temporary stay evolved into five transformative years in one of America's mountain running epicenters. DeLeon speaks candidly about discovering a completely different relationship with running in the mountains – one characterized by freedom and exploration rather than oval tracks. This new environment rekindled his love for the sport after collegiate burnout.

The trail running community embraced DeLeon after his breakthrough performance at Cirque Series A-Basin, rallying through a GoFundMe to send him to Golden Trail Series races. This experience opened his eyes to the global mountain running scene, inspiring a more structured approach to training under the guidance of the Hemmings coaching team and leading to his new partnership with Satisfy Running.

Looking toward 2025, DeLeon balances ambitious competitive goals—including the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee—with genuine appreciation for the journey. His competitive philosophy combines fierce determination with perspective: "We're all friends, but when we step on the line, my job is to destroy you."

Ready to witness the next chapter in this remarkable story? Follow Joan's 2025 season as he continues to redefine what's possible for a kid from the concrete jungle.

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From track star to mountain master, Dan Curts path to the pinnacle of sub-ultra trail running defies conventional wisdom. While many elite athletes flock to western training hubs like Boulder or Flagstaff, Kurtz has embraced the harsh New England winters and technical terrain of his Northeast home. "Four below this morning," he mentions casually, "but that teaches you something that has to translate to real mountain running."

After a collegiate career at Iowa State that left him questioning his relationship with running, Kurtz found renewed purpose in mountain races. Now a three-time Team USA representative who has competed at World Championships in Thailand and Innsbruck, he offers rare insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing excellence on the trails. His candid discussion about breaking his toe in Thailand, rebuilding fitness through skiing, and preparing for the upcoming season reveals the unfiltered reality of professional trail running.

The conversation explores fascinating territory beyond racing, from van life and Brooks' emergence as perhaps "the best sub-ultra trail team on the planet" to the neurological aspects of race-day cramping. Kurtz makes a compelling case for the Northeast as an underappreciated training ground, suggesting that the increased presence of high-profile races like the Cirque Series might finally bring deserved attention to the region. With honest reflections on the pressure to make another World Championship team and admiration for innovators like Jack Kenzel and Jim Walmsley, this episode offers a window into the mind of an athlete operating at the cutting edge of mountain running's evolution.

Want to hear more from the athletes reshaping trail running? Subscribe to the Steep Stuff Podcast for conversations that go beyond the finish line into the heart of what makes this sport special.

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What does it take to transform from a competitive tennis player into one of trail running's most exciting uphill specialists? Remy Leroux shares his remarkable journey with refreshing candor and scientific precision in this wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of mountain running.

Fresh off his impressive third-place finish at the Big Alta 50K against elite competition, Remy opens up about finding running after his tennis career ended at age 19. Without the traditional track background of many elites, he's carved out a unique path to success through methodical training and race analysis. His approach to the sport combines meticulous preparation with genuine passion – monitoring heart rate variability before races to determine his caffeine intake and music selection, while remaining childlike in his enthusiasm for exploring endless dirt roads during Quebec's harsh winters.

Remy's recent signing with Brooks reflects the growing investment in sub-ultra mountain running, joining a stacked roster of specialists in a discipline that's gaining momentum in North America. He offers fascinating insights into the differences between European and American race cultures, revealing why standardized courses and distinct race categorizations might help sub-ultra racing gain the popularity it enjoys overseas.

What makes Remy particularly compelling is his specialized uphill ability – twice defeating mountain running legend David Sinclair – combined with his analytical approach to improvement. He breaks down his race strategy for iconic events like Broken Arrow and Sierra-Zinal with the precision of someone who studies every aspect of his craft while maintaining genuine joy in the process.

Ready to discover what separates ultra from sub-ultra racing psychology and why the latter might provide more thrilling competition? Listen now and follow Remy's journey as he prepares to represent Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships and take on the Golden Trail Series against the world's best.

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Big Alta 50K & 28K Race Companion with Co-Host, Nick Tusa

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When Gwen Rudy tore her ACL last February, followed by ankle surgery in June, few would have predicted she'd be competing for an Olympic spot just months later. Yet here she is, relocating to Europe for six weeks to help Team USA secure their continental qualification for ski mountaineering's Olympic debut in 2026.

From her home in Leadville, Colorado at 10,000 feet elevation, Gwen shares the fascinating journey that transformed her from ultra runner to Olympic ski mountaineering hopeful. The altitude presents unique challenges – "I actually can't run a 6:30 minute mile up here," she explains – but has helped develop her extraordinary aerobic engine.

What's most remarkable is how Gwen's injuries became catalysts for positive change in her approach to training. "My new motto is 'quit a lap early and hit the gym,'" she reveals, highlighting her shift from pure endurance volume to incorporating serious strength training. This evolution has her feeling stronger and healthier than ever before, despite the setbacks.

The conversation explores the technical intricacies of ski mountaineering that casual observers might miss – the importance of flawless transitions, equipment management, and the power required for explosive movements. Gwen provides fascinating insights into what separates American athletes from their European counterparts who have grown up in the sport.

With Team USA currently just one point ahead of Canada in the Olympic qualification battle, every World Cup performance matters. Gwen's willingness to uproot her life, temporarily step back from her Leadville business, and immerse herself completely in European competition speaks volumes about the sacrifices elite athletes make in pursuit of their dreams.

Beyond the Olympics, we discuss the broader lessons of resilience, recovery psychology, and finding balance between ambition and sustainability. Whether you're a mountain sport enthusiast or simply appreciate stories of human determination, Gwen's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom about what it takes to pursue excellence against formidable odds.

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Mountains aren't just for conquering—they're for conversations and connections. In this deeply personal episode, trail running legend Rickey Gates opens up about his journey from competitive racer to what he calls a "conceptual runner," someone who approaches running as a form of artistic expression rather than pure athletic pursuit.

Rickey takes us back to his early days in Aspen, Colorado, where high school cross country ignited his passion for trail running. We follow his path from winning local races to representing the US Mountain Running Team to becoming a cornerstone athlete on the Salomon team during the explosive growth years of trail running. His collaborations with filmmaker Dean Leslie produced some of the most influential running films of the last decade, inspiring countless newcomers to the sport.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Rickey shares rare insights about racing against Kilian Jornet at Mount Marathon—his all-time favorite race—describing what it's truly like to compete against someone widely considered the greatest mountain runner ever. "There's a drive in him that can't really be learned or faked," Rickey explains, offering a glimpse into Jornet's extraordinary competitive spirit while also emphasizing his genuine kindness.

Perhaps most compelling is Rickey's candid discussion about stepping away from competition after 15 years to pursue more creative running projects. From running across America to his "Every Single Street" projects and his current work on "50 Classic Trails of America," Rickey has redefined success on his own terms. Now at 43, balancing fatherhood with guiding running trips and creative work, he reflects on finding fulfillment through exploration rather than race results.

Whether you're chasing podiums or simply seeking connection through movement, Rickey's thoughtful perspective reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful paths emerge when we question conventional definitions of success and follow our authentic curiosities instead.

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Trail running defies easy categorization, and Jane Maus embodies this truth perfectly. From soccer fields to technical mountain ridges, Jane's athletic journey has been anything but conventional. In this revealing conversation, she takes us behind the scenes of her recent Black Canyon 100K experience, where stomach issues forced her to drop at mile 46 despite running alongside the elite women. 

Jane doesn't just race trails—she lives them. After relocating to Boulder from Salt Lake City, she now shares a house at 8,500 feet with professional runners Johnny Luna-Lima, Bailey Kowalczyk, and Chris Myers. This immersive environment has transformed her training, though she admits the intensity can be overwhelming. "Everything is running-focused," she explains, which proves beneficial when healthy but challenging during injuries or downtime.

What sets Jane apart is her identity as a mountain athlete first and runner second. Her climbing background and comfort on technical terrain have shaped her racing success, most notably at last year's A-Basin Cirque Series where she took the overall women's win against a stacked field. That performance caught industry attention and ultimately led to her partnership with La Sportiva—a connection she initiated herself by reaching out directly.

As a registered dietitian now working alongside renowned mountain sports nutritionist Vic Johnson, Jane brings professional insight to her fueling strategy, making her candid discussion of her Black Canyon nutrition failures particularly valuable. The conversation weaves through her mixed feelings about the sport's commercialization, her dream FKT attempts like the Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup, and how she maintains authenticity in an increasingly media-driven environment.

Whether you're navigating your own relationship with running, curious about high-altitude training, or figuring out how to fuel your ultramarathons, Jane's thoughtful perspective offers both practical wisdom and inspiration. Follow her journey as she continues blending competitive racing with the pure joy of moving through mountains.

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