The Steep Stuff Podcast

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When a Nordic Combined athlete transitions to mountain running, the results can be remarkable. Adam Loomis brings unique insights from his years as a national team ski jumper and cross-country skier to the challenging world of technical mountain races and ultramarathons. Having recently won the Telluride Mountain Run 40-mile race with a course record, Loomis opens up about how his specialized background has shaped his approach to trail running.

"Training for Nordic Combined, you're combining very, very different sports," Loomis explains, describing how balancing the power and technique of ski jumping with cross-country skiing's endurance demands created an ideal foundation for mountain running. This versatility shows in his impressive range – from placing top five at the technical Speed Goat 50K to taking podium positions at the 100-mile Run Rabbit Run.

The conversation explores life in Park City, where Loomis enjoys unparalleled mountain access while working at the Utah Olympic Park. He shares vivid details of racing experiences, including debilitating hamstring cramps during Speed Goat and the unique challenges of Run Rabbit Run ("way harder than it looks on paper"). Loomis offers thoughtful perspectives on the growing Salt Lake running scene and his friendly rivalry with fellow Wasatch runner Grant Barnett.

As the sport evolves, Loomis maintains a balanced view on professionalization while hoping the grassroots elements of trail running remain intact. His focus now turns to The Rut 50K and future international races like CCC, where his proficiency with poles (a skill transferred directly from Nordic skiing) should serve him well. For anyone fascinated by athletic versatility and the mental aspects of endurance sports, Loomis provides a compelling blueprint of how diverse athletic backgrounds create exceptional mountain runners.

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Dive into the remarkable dual journey of Nicholas Turco, who seamlessly navigates the demanding worlds of elite trail running and international diplomacy. As one of only three American men invited to the prestigious Golden Trail World Series Final in Italy, Nicholas has established himself among the country's top mountain runners while simultaneously serving as a consultant for the United Nations Human Rights Office.

From the vertical trails of Durango that shaped his early running career to the halls of the UN in Geneva, Nicholas shares how he's intentionally crafted a life that honors both passions without compromise. His breakthrough performances this season at races like Broken Arrow Skyrace and the Golden Trail event in Mexico showcase an athlete hitting his stride on the world stage.

What makes Nicholas's story particularly compelling is his candid discussion of overcoming performance anxiety through sports psychology and his work with the US Olympic Committee. He reveals how addressing cortisol imbalances and implementing specific breathing techniques transformed his racing experience, allowing him to perform at his best when the stakes are highest.

Beyond his personal achievements, Nicholas is pioneering an innovative project connecting Olympic athletes with UN humanitarian efforts, leveraging the power of sport for global impact. As an openly LGBT athlete, he's also passionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong in their athletic dreams.

Whether you're juggling multiple career paths, struggling with performance anxiety, or simply fascinated by how elite athletes structure their lives, this conversation offers valuable insights into balancing high-level performance across different domains. Nicholas's message that "if you continue to do what you want to be, you will become it" serves as powerful inspiration for anyone pursuing seemingly divergent passions.

Follow Nicholas on Instagram @turco_nicholas as he prepares for the Golden Trail World Series Final and continues his journey toward representing Team USA in international competition while making a difference on the global stage.

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Bronze medal Nordic skier Michael Earnhart opens up about the fascinating overlap between skiing and trail running, revealing why skiers consistently dominate mountain races despite minimal running-specific training. His journey from a young Alaskan runner to Olympic-level Nordic skier provides a unique window into the physiological and methodological advantages that transfer between sports.

The secret lies in the structured, periodized training approach that Nordic skiers follow religiously. While runners might log impressive mileage, skiers focus on heart rate zones, threshold training, and extensive time under tension that builds tremendous leg strength. "We just have these massive engines," Earnhardt explains, describing how their cardiovascular development allows them to power up mountains with relative ease. Their training involves 4-5 hour sessions on snow, creating adaptations that perfectly translate to steep mountain terrain.

Earnhart shares his experiences at iconic races like Mount Marathon and Cirque Series Alyaska, where he placed third behind professional mountain runners despite focusing primarily on his skiing career. The significance of these races extends beyond competition—Mount Marathon serves as his showcase to the Alaskan community that might not follow his international skiing accomplishments. His training at Alaska's glacier facility offers a glimpse into the specialized preparation that elite Nordic skiers undertake, skiing on snow even during summer months.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about the future of both sports, with Earnhardt suggesting he might transition to professional trail running after his Nordic skiing career concludes. With his massive aerobic engine already built through years of skiing, he'd only need to develop more running-specific strength to compete at the highest levels. His journey represents the evolving intersection between endurance sports, where cross-pollination of training methodologies continues to raise the competitive bar.

Subscribe now to hear more conversations with elite athletes who are redefining what's possible in mountain endurance sports. Follow Michael on Instagram @m.earnhart to keep up with his skiing and running adventures through the Alaskan wilderness.

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Matt Daniels opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of professional trail running in this wide-ranging, candid conversation. After battling significant health issues from mold exposure while simultaneously going through a divorce, Daniels shares how he's rebuilding his season around the prestigious Run Rabbit Run ultramarathon.

The conversation takes us behind the scenes of the phenomenally successful Boulder Boys podcast, which Daniels co-hosts. What started as casual conversations among friends has evolved into one of trail running's most popular media outlets, now part of Jonathan Levitt's podcast collective. Daniels' insights into this unexpected career development reveal how athletes can build platforms beyond their competitive results.

As a former Nike-sponsored athlete with experience at world-class events like Sierre-Zinal and Zegama, Daniels offers a rare perspective on the sponsorship landscape in trail running. At 37, he speaks frankly about how his priorities have shifted—now seeking partnerships that value his community contributions alongside race results. His partnership with Hyperlight nutrition exemplifies this approach, where relationship quality trumps transactional sponsorship.

Throughout the conversation, Daniels thoughtfully addresses the future of trail running, expressing concerns about potential Olympic inclusion while acknowledging the sport's growing professionalization. His training approach for Run Rabbit Run (focusing on time rather than mileage) and plans for races like JFK 50 and Black Canyon provide valuable insights for ultrarunners at any level.

Whether you're fascinated by the business side of trail running, interested in ultramarathon training approaches, or simply enjoy authentic conversations with thoughtful athletes, this episode delivers remarkable depth and honesty. Follow Matt on Instagram @mattdaniels480, check out the Boulder Boys podcast, and reach out directly if you're interested in his coaching services.

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Get ready for an exhilarating UTMB OCC race preview that blends expert analysis with laugh-out-loud banter! James Lariello teams up with Teddy Tonelli from the Chasing Trail podcast to break down this iconic 55K mountain race that features over 11,000 feet of climbing through some of the most spectacular terrain in the Alps.

The duo dives deep into what makes OCC special - from its technical course that prohibits switchback cutting to the mandatory gear requirements that add an extra layer of challenge. With forecasts showing potential rain and temperatures ranging from 48-68°F, the stage is set for an unpredictable battle on the trails.

At the heart of this preview is the much-anticipated showdown between Jim Walmsley and Adam Peterman, two American ultra-running stars rarely seen competing in the same race. Has Walmsley's move to France (and his newly acquired French accent, as the hosts joke) given him the European edge? Can Peterman, coming back from injuries, reclaim his position among the elite? The hosts also highlight other Americans to watch including Michelino Sanseri and rising star Cade Michael.

On the women's side, defending champion and course record holder Mao Yao returns to face stiff competition from Switzerland's Judith Weider and a strong American contingent led by Hannah Allgood and Sophia Lockley. Canadian Jasmine Lather, fresh off setting records on the Grand Teton, brings her exceptional climbing ability into the mix.

Between the analysis, Teddy and James deliver hilarious commentary on everything from European shower habits to the dangers of aggressive Alpine cows, making this preview as entertaining as it is informative. Their chemistry shines through as they debate their podium picks and contemplate the future of betting in trail running.

Whether you're planning to follow the live coverage or just want to understand what makes OCC one of the most competitive races of the UTMB weekend, this episode offers the perfect blend of insight, predictions, and trail running culture. Tune in before Thursday's race to get fully primed for what promises to be an epic mountain running showdown!

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Ever wonder what happens when one of America's most talented track athletes fully commits to the trails? Liam Meirow joins us fresh off his win at the Y East Trail Fest 28K to share exactly that journey.

Growing up in Summit County, Colorado, Liam's path wasn't initially pointed toward running - he dreamed of becoming a professional skateboarder or snowboarder. After finding success in high school running, he pursued a collegiate career at Oklahoma, where despite dedication, he never quite reached his full potential. The true breakthrough came after graduation when the pressure lifted and freedom entered his training approach.

"When you feel good and there's no stress, things just come easier," Liam explains, describing how his post-collegiate mindset shift led to remarkable performances. After joining Bowerman Track Club's elite team in Portland and working for Nike, Liam gradually transitioned to trail running. The pivotal moment arrived in 2023 when he made Team USA for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Austria, placing as the top North American.

What makes this conversation particularly illuminating is Liam's candid discussion of the mental challenges elite athletes face. After signing with Nike and experiencing early success, the 2024 season brought struggles and disappointment, including missing the World Championship team. Through this adversity, Liam rediscovered his fundamental motivation: "The rock's always there. You just have to block out that other stuff and bring it back."

Today, Liam balances track workouts with trail adventures, mixing distances from 28K to 50K while keeping his training fresh and motivating. As the sport of trail running grows and evolves, his perspective on maintaining its soul while embracing professional opportunities provides valuable insight for where we might be headed.

Have you been overthinking your running? This episode might just inspire you to reconnect with the joy and freedom that made you fall in love with the sport in the first place.

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Special Announcement - Live Podcast at the La Sportiva Summer Run Series with Special Guest - Anton Krupicka

RSVP will be going live soon, so mark your calendars ! 

When : Thursday, September 11th 

Where: La Sportiva Store, Boulder Colorado 

Time: 5:00pm event start

           5:30pm run start 

          6:45pm Live Podcast 

DM me on Instagram with any questions ! 

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Jane Maus' trail running journey embodies perseverance against formidable odds. After multiple extended injury layoffs that nearly ended her running career, she's emerged as one of America's premier mountain athletes. Her remarkable comeback culminated in earning a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain this September.

The conversation reveals how strategic racing propelled Jane to success at the fiercely competitive Broken Arrow 46K. Despite rolling her ankle just days before the race, she executed a flawless race plan—conservatively pacing the first lap to stay within the top ten, then maintaining steady effort while others faded. This fourth-place finish, behind only some of the sport's biggest names, secured her selection to represent her country on the global stage.

Beyond race results, Jane offers refreshing perspective on injury management that resonates with runners at all levels. "I thought I was the only one consistently taking time off and working through these things," she shares, "but then talking to other runners and people on start lines—it's extremely common." This realization helped transform her approach to training, embracing quality over sheer volume.

The conversation shifts to her exciting summer plans—training in Wyoming's mountainous terrain while attempting the Grand Teton FKT (Fastest Known Time). This ambitious goal, despite never having climbed the Grand before, exemplifies her thoughtful approach to progression in the sport. She's balancing high-performance racing with adventure, strategically adjusting her schedule to optimize her World Championship preparation.

Her victory at the Cirque Series Snowbird race highlights another dimension of her racing prowess. Competing in her hometown against a stacked field, Jane describes the unique camaraderie she shared with fellow competitor Alexa Jornsten as they pushed each other up the brutal climb. Together they broke the "curse" of the course preview, demonstrating that mental barriers often fall when approached with the right mindset.

What's your approach to balancing competitive goals with adventure? Follow Jane's journey toward the World Championships and beyond by subscribing to the Steep Stuff Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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Two of trail running's most beloved podcasts collide in this dynamic exploration of the sport's evolution, challenges, and future. The hosts of SubHub and Steep Stuff dive deep into trail running's identity crisis, debating whether "short trail" or "sub-ultra" better describes races under marathon distance – a conversation that reveals much about how we frame our sport's narrative.

The discussion moves through fascinating territory, examining how races can achieve iconic status in today's sponsorship-driven landscape. Can events survive without being part of major series like Golden Trail? The hosts identify community integration as the secret ingredient behind legendary races like Zegama and Mount Marathon, where locals have embraced these events as cultural touchstones rather than merely athletic competitions.

Perhaps most illuminating is the frank conversation about athlete longevity and economics. While shorter distances might extend competitive careers, financial realities often push talented runners toward ultras prematurely. Geographic advantages become starkly apparent as the hosts acknowledge how athletes based in trail running hubs like Boulder or California's mountain towns enjoy significantly better sponsorship opportunities than equally talented runners from other regions.

The episode culminates with a celebration of standout performers, highlighting athletes like Jen Lichter ("possibly the best mountain 50K runner on the planet right now"), Anna Gibson, and remarkably, Ryan Becker – a consistent podium finisher still without major sponsorship. Rising stars like Mason Copey, Taylor Stack, and Courtney Coppinger round out this insightful assessment of trail running's current competitive landscape.

Whether you're a competitive trail runner, industry insider, or passionate fan, this collaboration offers rare insight into the sport's growing pains and potential future. Follow both podcasts across all platforms and join the conversation about where trail running goes from here.

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Announcing a Collaboration Episode Between the Sub Hub Podcast & The Steep Stuff ! Dropping tonight at 11pm MST - we will be releasing a "State of Sub Ultra" episode ! Part 1 will be available on the Sub Hub Podcast and Part 2 will be available on the Steep Stuff Podcast ! We hope you can tune in !  

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