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What does it take to race at a world-class level when running itself isn’t an option? We sit with Meikael Beaudoin-Rousseau to trace a brutal knee injury—down to bone—and the long, confusing road back: tendon thickening, scar pain that burns like hot iron, false starts, and a fitness base built on a handbike, arms-only swims, and an elliptical. Meika is candid about uncertainty and the daily choice to believe that today could be the first day of the comeback. Then we go deep on what that mindset looks like on the start line, from a med-tent finish at Pikes Peak to a podium at the Rut VK, and how trail racing rewards whole-body fitness even when mileage is scarce.

We widen the lens to the life that makes the athlete. Meika's a tri-citizen (United States, France, Canada) who grew up in California splitting time between ocean and Sierra, now based in Boulder’s running community. He talks gardening, ocean kayak fishing with whales and dolphins, and the grounding joy of catching and cooking his own food. We cover Stanford, discovering pro trail running through Megan and David Roche, and why sub-ultra distances still feel like home while 50K races like OCC/CCC pull him toward longer adventures that feel like missions.

The future of the sport takes center stage: how sub-ultra is booming, why FKTs and personal mountain projects should live alongside race series, and the role of storytelling in building real fandom. Meika shares honest takes on sponsorship trends, Brooks’ investment in sub-ultra, anti-doping beyond race-day tests, world championships versus UTMB, and the calendar coordination needed for true head-to-heads. Through it all, he stays focused on longevity and authenticity—keeping the community feel while growing prize money, media, and opportunity.

If this conversation fires you up, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a spark, and leave a quick rating and review to help more trail fans find the show. Then tell us: what should trail running fix first as it grows?

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The mountains of Spain are set to host an unprecedented gathering of mountain running talent as the World Mountain Running Championships descend upon Canfranc in the Pyrenees. This year's championship field is arguably the deepest ever assembled, with elite athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Italy, France, Spain, and the United States poised for an epic showdown across four grueling disciplines.

The championship courses themselves present extraordinary challenges. The vertical race features nearly 1,000 meters of climbing over just 6.4 kilometers, while the short trail packs a staggering 12,000 feet of elevation gain into its 45-kilometer route. These aren't your typical mountain races – they feature sustained climbs and descents that dwarf what most American runners encounter domestically, with technical terrain that will test even the most seasoned mountain athletes.

Kenya's Patrick Kipengeno seeks to make history with a third consecutive vertical championship, while Team USA fields perhaps its strongest contingent ever. Christian Allen makes his world championship debut with legitimate medal potential, Anna Gibson represents an exciting American talent who could surprise everyone, and the accomplished veterans Joseph Gray and Grayson Murphy each chase their third world titles in different disciplines. The Spanish team, led by technical descending maestro Manuel Morales, will enjoy home field advantage on courses that seem tailor-made for their skills.

The team competition adds another compelling dimension, with nations scored based on their top performers in cross-country fashion. This creates strategic depth requirements beyond individual brilliance. After Kenya's dominant showing in 2023, teams like Italy, France, Spain, and the USA all bring squads capable of challenging for team medals.

Whether you're tracking the established champions, the emerging talents, or the team battle, this championship weekend promises mountain running at its most thrilling and competitive level. Watch as athletes push their limits on Spain's demanding terrain in pursuit of world championship glory.

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Christian Allen takes us deep into the rugged heart of the Pyrenees as he prepares to represent Team USA at the World Mountain Running Championships. The reigning US Mountain Running Champion opens up about the wild, technical trails of Canfrank that barely resemble paths at times—"They stuck flags into a bunch of rock that you're just hiking up. It's really steep."

Fresh off his stunning victory at Broken Arrow, where he outpaced legends Kilian Jornet and Joe Gray, Allen reveals the strategic approach that's transformed his running. "I've been working with David Roach and he definitely focuses on running economy and turnover more than when I was coaching myself," he explains, crediting this shift for his breakthrough performances despite coming back from a six-week injury layoff earlier this season.

Beyond the physical aspects of elite mountain running, Allen shares how his family and faith provide deeper meaning to his athletic pursuits. The father of two recounts touching moments of his children's involvement in his racing journey, including his son's disappointment after a fourth-place finish: "He was super mad and just in the worst mood ever... he said he hated the guy that won the race because he beat daddy." These personal insights reveal the human side of a champion who balances world-class athleticism with fatherhood and spiritual purpose.

As Team USA looks toward potential gold at the World Championships, Allen's confidence is measured but unmistakable. "I think we can definitely podium. I don't see why not, and everyone in the back of their mind is shooting for gold." His preparation, mindset, and journey exemplify what it takes to compete at the highest level of mountain running while maintaining perspective on what truly matters most.

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Taylor Stack's remarkable transformation from promising college runner to Team USA representative has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this wide-ranging conversation, Stack opens up about his breakthrough European racing season where he finished as top American and 12th overall in the Golden Trail Series, plus secured a podium at the brutally technical Pitz Alpine Glacier race.

What makes Stack's journey particularly fascinating is his balanced approach to high-pressure competition. Rather than buckling under expectations, he emphasizes gratitude for these opportunities and focuses on embracing the experience—a mindset that has paradoxically enhanced his performances against the world's elite. His versatility across different course types—from cold, technical mountain races to scorching hot runnable routes—demonstrates a rare adaptability that's becoming his competitive signature.

The conversation delves into Team USA's unprecedented depth heading into World Championships, with Stack describing how a genuine team atmosphere has developed under the leadership of veteran Cam Levins. This camaraderie was evident when Stack, Levins, and Mason Coppi worked together throughout the Broken Arrow race, showcasing the collaborative dynamic that could prove decisive against European dominance at Worlds. Stack also shares insights about his training base in Salida, Colorado, where immediate access to the highest peaks in the state has prepared him perfectly for international mountain competition.

As Stack prepares to don the stars and stripes, there's tangible excitement about the mountain classic course at Worlds reportedly favoring American strengths with more runnable terrain. Could this be the year an American man finally breaks through for gold? With his rapid development and balanced perspective, Stack represents a new generation of American trail runners closing the gap with European competitors and redefining what's possible on the global stage.

Have you experienced the transformative power of finding the right team and mindset in your own athletic pursuits?

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Noah Williams has been on fire this summer. Fresh off a breakthrough performance at Sierre-Zinal where he clocked an impressive 2:45:10 as the third American finisher, he's now setting his sights on something even bigger: gold at the Trail Running World Championships in Spain.

The conversation kicks off with Noah recounting his recent racing adventures, from Alaska's rugged terrain to the iconic trails of Switzerland. His Sierre-Zinal performance stands out as particularly special - finishing 27th in what many consider the most competitive mountain race globally. Noah breaks down how he managed to improve significantly from last year, particularly in maintaining energy through the runnable sections after the brutal climbs. "I think I just improved significantly in that stretch and I was actually catching runners rather than being caught," he explains, showing how his training is paying dividends at the highest level.

As we turn to the upcoming World Championships, Noah doesn't shy away from ambition. With teammates like David Sinclair, Eli Hemming, and veteran Max King (replacing the injured Ryan Becker), Team USA is bringing perhaps its strongest squad ever. "Gold is definitely the goal," Noah states confidently, while acknowledging the fierce competition from European powerhouses like France, Spain, and Italy. The discussion delves into course specifics, equipment choices (poles vs. no poles), and the unique challenges of representing American trail running on the world stage.

What comes through most clearly is Noah's passion for elevating American trail running and inspiring the next generation. "I just want to do it for that next generation and inspire some American trail runners to do the same and show them that we are the best in the world, or we can be," he shares, highlighting how this race transcends individual achievement. After Worlds, he'll transition to his winter life as a ski patroller and competitive skier, demonstrating the versatility that makes mountain athletes so impressive.

Follow along as Noah takes on the world's best in the Pyrenees! Share your support for Team USA and let us know your predictions for the World Championships.

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Cam Smith and Anna Gibson join the podcast from Italy where they're juggling an extraordinary athletic challenge. Currently training with the USA Skimo team, both athletes are preparing to represent Team USA in dual events at the upcoming Mountain Running World Championships in Spain.

The conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into their Italian training camp and the unique dynamics of preparing for two completely different mountain disciplines simultaneously. Anna reveals her deep skiing background—"It's definitely the original sport for me"—explaining how her lifelong passion for skiing has naturally evolved into competitive ski mountaineering as the sport heads toward its Olympic debut. Meanwhile, Cam shares insights about the technical challenges of mastering quick transitions and equipment changes essential to skimo racing.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is the candid discussion about team dynamics within USA Trail Running. Cam details his efforts to foster camaraderie through a pre-Worlds training camp in Colorado, where the team tackled challenging 14,000-foot peaks together. "This exact group will never be together again as teammates," Smith reflects, highlighting the fleeting nature of these special team configurations and the importance of maximizing every moment.

The most poignant segment comes when Anna discusses her decision to postpone her Grand Teton FKT attempt after rolling her ankle before Sierre-Zinal. Her thoughtful explanation reveals the complex calculus elite athletes must navigate when balancing personal goals against team responsibilities. The conversation concludes with a passionate discussion about anti-doping in trail running and the athletes' hopes for the sport's future, including potential Olympic inclusion.

Whether you're a mountain sports enthusiast or simply fascinated by elite athlete mindsets, this episode offers remarkable insights into the dedication, versatility, and thoughtful decision-making required at the highest levels of endurance sports. Follow along as Cam and Anna head to Worlds to represent Team USA in this pivotal moment for American mountain running!

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What does it truly mean to represent your country on the world stage? For Michelino Senseri, it's the fulfillment of a childhood dream that once seemed impossible. Speaking from Spain where he's been meticulously studying the World Trail Championship course, Michelino offers an unfiltered look at what American trail runners can expect when they toe the line against the world's best.

The terrain in Spain presents a fascinating challenge - more technical than anything in the United States, with runnable climbs that zigzag up mountains and downhills so steep and rocky that Michelino warns "if it rains the night before, you're gonna wish to God you had lugs and good rubber." His early arrival and careful course reconnaissance reveal a race that will demand technical proficiency, strategic pacing, and mental fortitude from every competitor.

Despite what he calls a "bumpy season," Michelino approaches this championship with refreshing clarity and determination. "How many chances do you have to line up at a world championship? If you're not rolling the dice and going for it, then why are you there?" This all-in mentality extends to his assessment of Team USA's chances against powerhouse nations like Spain, Italy, and France. With teammates Eli Hemming, David Sinclair, Seth DeMoor, Noah Williams, and late addition Max King (replacing injured Ryan Becker), Michelino believes they have the firepower to challenge for gold if three Americans can crack the top 15.

Perhaps most compelling is Michelino's perspective on what success actually means. "The dream was not to win in the jersey. The dream has been to represent the jersey and the colors and the country." In a sport often focused on individual achievement, his pride in wearing the stars and stripes transcends personal results. Listen now for an insider's perspective on international competition and what it truly means to race not just for yourself, but for something larger.

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What happens when you throw away your carefully crafted race plan and follow your intuition instead? For elite mountain runner Remi Leroux, it meant transforming a 15-race schedule into nearly 25 events across two continents in a single summer.

Diving deep into his whirlwind season, Remi shares how his partnership with Brooks teammate Dan has pushed him toward spontaneity and risk-taking. Their contrasting personalities—Dan's high-energy spontaneity balanced against Remy's thoughtful approach—created the perfect dynamic for an unforgettable European racing campaign. From training camps in Les Houches to competing alongside the Brooks team at Golden Trail Series events and during UTMB week, Remy found himself surrounded by a professional team atmosphere that elevated his performance.

The conversation explores Remi's victory at Cirque Series Cannon Mountain despite racing with a significant foot injury, his surprising 5th place finish at the hyper-competitive ETC race, and his specific preparation for the upcoming World Mountain Running Championships in Spain. With remarkable self-awareness, Remy analyzes his strengths—particularly his ability to climb efficiently after descending—and how he's tailoring his training for the unique demands of championship mountain racing.

Perhaps most compelling is Remi's perspective on representing Team Canada on the world stage. Beyond personal achievement, he sees international performance as crucial for growing competitive mountain running in Canada, shifting perceptions from casual recreation to serious sport. His measured ambition—targeting a top-10 finish against running powerhouses like Kenya, Uganda, and Italy—reveals both humility and confidence.

Join us for this fascinating glimpse into elite mountain running through the eyes of an athlete who's learned that sometimes the best decisions come from following your gut rather than your spreadsheet. Whether you're chasing podiums or personal bests, Remy's journey offers valuable insights on balancing structure with spontaneity in pursuit of your running goals.

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What happens when you suddenly find yourself among the world's elite athletes? Mason Coppi, who has exploded onto the sub-ultra mountain running scene with remarkable success, joins us for a candid conversation about his journey to the top and upcoming World Championships appearance.

Despite dominating races and earning his place among the sport's best, Mason reveals his ongoing battle with imposter syndrome. "I would feel uncomfortable putting my name in that conversation," he admits, even as his results speak volumes. Yet he's found a powerful antidote in staying present during competition – deliberately pausing during races to absorb the scenery and experience the joy of the moment.

Having represented Team USA once before at Chiang Mai, Mason approaches this year's World Championships in Spain with fresh perspective. His first European trip represents not just a personal milestone but an opportunity to be part of something bigger. The camaraderie within Team USA has transformed his approach, creating what he describes as a true team environment he hasn't experienced since college. Through pre-championship training camps and races, these elite individuals have formed a cohesive unit ready to challenge the world's best.

As preparation for the technically demanding world championship course continues, Mason shares his philosophy of maintaining successful training approaches rather than making dramatic changes. His balanced perspective extends to his championship expectations – acknowledging the exceptional difficulty while maintaining confidence in his abilities. Most compelling is his vision for what a team medal might mean: "This is an opportunity to really show what we're capable of" and potentially rewrite the narrative around American mountain running on the global stage.

Listen now to this inspiring conversation about athletic excellence, team dynamics, and finding joy in the journey to the top. Follow Mason and Team USA as they take on the world's best mountain runners and represent American trail running on the global stage!

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When Lindsay Allison submitted her application for the US Mountain Running World Championship team, she never expected to be selected. "When I got the call I was like, 'What? Are you sure? Me?'" she shares with genuine surprise in her voice. This unexpected honor comes at the perfect moment in her season—just as she's hitting her stride after overcoming early-season challenges.

Our conversation explores Lindsay's fascinating journey through a summer of unexpected hurdles and triumphant breakthroughs. After battling persistent nausea that severely impacted her performance at Speedgoat, Lindsay discovered she might have been over-consuming electrolytes. "I think my sweat rate changed throughout the summer," she reflects, highlighting how our bodies' needs evolve with adaptation. This experience serves as a powerful reminder that even elite athletes continue learning about their bodies through careful observation and experimentation.

Perhaps the most profound shift in Lindsay's season came when she intentionally disconnected from training technology. As a self-described "type A" athlete, she found herself overwhelmed by data from multiple devices. Her decision to run without her watch for several weeks proved transformative: "It was so liberating... I just felt free." This digital detox allowed her to reconnect with the pure joy of running, making decisions based solely on feel. Her subsequent performances at the Telluride Mountain Run and The Rut—both technically demanding mountain races with significant vertical gain—not only provided perfect physical preparation for Worlds but also rekindled her passion for mountain running at precisely the right moment.

As Lindsay prepares to represent Team USA in Innsbruck, her humble approach and genuine excitement for the experience shine through. With plans to race UTMB Bariloche in Patagonia afterward, she's embracing every opportunity this remarkable season has presented. Join us for this candid conversation about finding balance between data and intuition, overcoming mid-season obstacles, and the unexpected paths that lead to representing your country on the world stage.

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