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From podium finishes to mountain FKT ambitions, Jane Maus has been quietly building an impressive resume in trail running. Just weeks before the highly anticipated Broken Arrow Skyrace 46K, she joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to share her practical approach to one of North America's most competitive mountain races.

Having placed 7th at Broken Arrow in 2022, Moss brings valuable course experience to this year's event. She candidly discusses her race strategy—holding back on the first loop to avoid the late-race blowup she experienced previously. "Last time I raced this, I felt amazing the first lap and was third or fourth place the entire lap," she recalls. "And then I had a bit of an explosion the last four miles and got passed by like three or four women."

What makes this conversation particularly refreshing is Maus' honest self-assessment. Despite strong performances this season, including a second-place finish at Lake Sonoma 50 Miler and victory at GoPro Mountain Games, she acknowledges the specialized nature of Broken Arrow's terrain and the depth of the women's field. While making Team USA would be "absolutely a dream come true," she's focused on executing her best possible race rather than fixating on specific placement goals.

The discussion extends beyond Broken Arrow to explore her ambitious plans for 2023, including potential FKT attempts on Grand Teton and Whirl Peak, several Cirque Series races, and possibly the Leadville 100. Her excitement about blending traditional trail racing with technical mountain objectives showcases the versatility that defines today's elite mountain athletes.

Whether you're preparing for your own mountain race or simply fascinated by the strategic thinking behind elite performances, this conversation offers valuable insights into the mindset required to succeed in competitive mountain racing. Give it a listen, then follow along as Jane takes on one of the year's most exciting trail events.

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Ashley Brasovan redefines what success looks like in ultrarunning. With 25 years of competitive running experience, four Team USA appearances, and consistent podium finishes, she's accomplished what many dream of—all while running just five days a week.

The secret? Balance. After battling four femoral stress fractures during her collegiate career at Duke, Ashley developed a sustainable approach to training that prioritizes cross-training, recovery, and listening to her body. Rather than chasing high mileage, she focuses on quality workouts, strategic race selection, and proper tapering. This approach not only keeps her healthy but allows her to maintain a professional career alongside her athletic pursuits.

As she prepares for the Broken Arrow 46K, Ashley shares her race strategy for the challenging two-loop course: patience. While others might charge hard from the start, she plans to run her own race, knowing many will fade on the second lap. This measured approach has served her well throughout her career, including at last year's race where she secured a podium finish.

What's perhaps most remarkable is how Ashley has adapted her training around motherhood. With a one-year-old at home, she acknowledges being slightly "under-trained" compared to previous years but has become more efficient with her limited time. Her flexible approach to nutrition and hydration—using salt tabs to adjust on the fly rather than following rigid plans—exemplifies her adaptability.

Whether you're chasing podiums or simply trying to stay injury-free while juggling life's demands, Ashley's story offers a refreshing perspective on what sustainable success in endurance sports can look like. Ready to rethink your approach to training and racing? This conversation might just change how you view what's possible.

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A broken bone can shatter more than just your foot – it can fracture your confidence. When professional Adidas Terrex athlete Dani Marino suffered a cuboid fracture (the rare "nutcracker fracture") during OCC last year, the physical damage was just the beginning. The psychological barrier of running downhill again loomed larger than any mountain course.

This conversation captures a pivotal moment in Marino's comeback journey. Fresh off a confidence-building performance at the GoPro Games, where navigating through crowds of runners on technical terrain proved she could trust her body again, Dani opens up about the mental obstacles that often outweigh physical ones. "Coming home I'm like I think I'm healed, like I can run downhill now," she reflects with palpable relief.

What stands out most is the evolution of athletic support systems in trail running. Marino describes her approach as a table where she sits at the center, with equal input from specialists: coach Tom Evans, nutritionist Kyla Chanel, sports psychologist Kai, her sister as strength coach, plus massage therapists and chiropractors. This integrated method represents how trail running has professionalized beyond solo training into comprehensive athletic development.

The relationship between athlete and sponsor shines as especially progressive. When injury struck, Adidas Terrex didn't disappear – they increased support. "Getting a phone call from my team manager, 'Hey, just how's it going today?' goes such a long way," Marino explains. "It makes you want to show up more for the brand when you know they care about you." This approach respects athletes as humans, not just result-generating machines.

Looking ahead to Broken Arrow 46K and CCC later this season, Marino reveals her tactical approach as "a hunter" who excels at closing strong. Her race philosophy and patient return from injury offer valuable lessons for athletes at any level. Whether you're battling back from injury or seeking to understand elite performance, this candid conversation reveals the mental, physical, and professional elements that shape a champion's journey.

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Jade Belzberg has quietly become one of the most formidable forces in North American mountain running, with podium finishes at Broken Arrow Skyrace that have turned heads throughout the elite trail running community. As she prepares to tackle both the Vertical Kilometer and 23K races at this year's event, Jade offers a rare glimpse into the mindset and preparation of an athlete operating at the highest level of mountain sport.

The journey to elite status wasn't predetermined by genetics or family background. "I don't feel like I'm super talented genetically," Jade reveals. "No one runs in my family. I was last at every trail race growing up." Instead, her rise has been built on consistency—80-90 mile weeks with significant vertical gain—and a refreshingly healthy perspective toward competition. Her approach balances ambition with self-compassion: "I know that I can have a strong performance, but I also know that I'm not granted that on any given day."

What makes Jade particularly fascinating is her versatility across distances. Few athletes can excel at both the lung-searing intensity of vertical kilometers and the strategic demands of longer mountain races. This adaptability stems from years of ultrarunning experience dating back to 2014, combined with targeted training for specific events. For the VK, she's learned from past tactical errors: "Last year I charged out way too hard at the start... This year I'm going to hold back a little bit in the hopes that I can overpower some of them in the later stages."

As a dual Canadian-American citizen who has qualified for Team Canada at the upcoming World Championships, Jade represents the global evolution of mountain running while remaining grounded in a philosophy that emphasizes process over outcomes. Her equipment choices (Ultra Mont Blanc Carbons) and nutrition strategy reflect the detailed planning that accompanies high-level competition.

Whether you're a competitive trail runner looking for strategic insights or simply a fan of mountain sport, Jade's perspective offers valuable wisdom on balancing ambition with enjoyment in the beautiful but demanding world of mountain running.

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The countdown to Broken Arrow is on, and Colorado Springs crusher Brian Whitfield has his sights set firmly on earning a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships. This conversation reveals not just an athlete ready to race, but one who has methodically transformed his approach to professional trail running.

Whitfield offers a refreshingly candid look at his evolution from self-coached athlete to someone with a comprehensive support system. "I think if I really want to step it up and make that leap, I need to fund my own team," he shares, explaining his decision to invest in a physical therapist, strength coach, dietitian, and athlete agent. This professional development represents a significant shift in his approach and demonstrates the increasingly professionalized nature of elite trail running.

The strategic elements of championship racing come alive as Whitfield breaks down his approach to the two-loop Broken Arrow course. With experience from races like Black Canyon 50K and Desert Rats, he emphasizes patience and racing intelligently when stakes are high. "That first lap is really the warmup and you'll see a lot of guys go and try and make a name or get to the top of the mountain first," he explains. "The second loop is where you want to be closing and that's where you want to be in the money." This measured approach, combined with meticulous nutrition planning and heat management strategies, showcases an athlete who has learned from past experiences and refined his racing philosophy.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is witnessing an athlete at a pivotal moment in their career. Making Team USA represents a two-year goal for Whitfield, who balances his elite running aspirations with his roles as a teacher, husband, brother, and son. His desire to "show up for my community" reveals the deeper meaning behind his competitive pursuits.

Listen in as host James Lauriello and Whitfield discuss the nuances of championship racing, professional development in trail running, and what it would mean to represent the United States on the global stage. Are you ready to watch this race unfold?

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The trail running world buzzes with anticipation as Broken Arrow 46K approaches, and there's no better guest to break down this iconic race than its 2023 champion, Michelino Sunseri. Fresh off a move to Salt Lake City—which he boldly claims has "the best trail running community in the United States"—Michelino brings refreshing honesty about his current fitness and race strategy.

Coming back from winter injury with just five weeks of running in his legs, Sinceri shares why he's approaching this year's race differently: "I'm not going to join the dick measuring contest," he explains, planning instead to leverage his veteran experience against younger, fitter competitors. His candid recounting of a previous race implosion—dropping from second to eighth in the final miles—reveals the hard-earned wisdom behind his current approach.

Beyond race tactics, Michelino dives into the broader conversation about training sustainability in trail running. Questioning the extreme 160-mile weeks some competitors are logging, he contrasts this with Anna Gibson's success using moderate running volume supplemented with cross-training: "I enjoy running, I want to run forever," he reflects, highlighting his philosophy of career longevity over short-term gains.

Perhaps most compelling is Sinceri's discussion of his World Championship team aspirations. Despite fitness concerns, he's already submitted his application, expressing that representing the United States would mean "everything" to him. This conversation captures not just pre-race strategy, but the deeper motivations that drive elite athletes beyond podium finishes and course records.

Want to upgrade your trail running gear? Use code STEEPSTUFFPOD for 25% off Ultimate Direction's new UltraVest 12L, RaceVest 6L, and their just-released quiver.

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The world of mountain running has transformed dramatically in recent years, with increasing competition and international participation revolutionizing races across America. In this illuminating conversation, elite Brooks athlete Talon Hull shares his journey from collegiate track star to professional trail runner, offering rare insights into the tactical approach needed for mountain racing success.

Fresh off an impressive top-10 finish at the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee, Talon breaks down his race strategy for the muddy, technical course. "I wasn't climbing well at first," he admits, before explaining how he found his rhythm on the second lap, moving through the field on the most challenging sections. This tactical approach—knowing when to push and when to conserve—showcases the intelligence needed to succeed in today's competitive landscape.

As Talon prepares for the upcoming Broken Arrow Skyrace, a Golden Trail Series event, he reflects on how the competition has evolved since his fourth-place finish two years ago. "Two years ago American men swept the top four positions," he explains, "but last year it was taken over by Kenyans." This internationalization has radically changed performance expectations, with times that would have been competitive in the past now falling short against global talent.

What makes Talon's perspective particularly valuable is his unique background. Unlike many trail runners, he found success on mountain terrain early, placing third at the World Junior Mountain Running Championships while still in high school before pursuing a collegiate track career at the University of Washington. His story of being noticed by Brooks after setting FKTs in the Pacific Northwest demonstrates how the pathways into professional trail running continue to diversify.

Now training in Boulder after years in Seattle, Talon shares insights about altitude training, technical terrain preparation, and the camaraderie within the rapidly expanding Brooks trail team. His friendship with teammate Dan Howell highlights the community aspect that makes trail running special, even as the sport becomes increasingly professionalized.

Whether you're a competitive runner looking to transition to the trails or simply fascinated by the evolution of mountain racing, this conversation offers a window into the mindset, training philosophy, and race tactics of one of America's top mountain running talents.

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Trail running fans rejoice! Canadian elite mountain runner Josh Potvin joins the Steep Stuff podcast to share his preparation for the upcoming Broken Arrow 46K race. Coming off a victory at the Gorge Waterfall 50K, Potvin's confidence is high as he aims for a podium finish against top American competition.

In this candid conversation, Potvin reveals his meticulous training approach, including innovative heat adaptation sessions on the bike while wearing a heat suit. "It's the first time I've ever done this," he explains, describing how this method provides altitude preparation benefits without adding stress to his running volume. After previewing the course, he shares surprising insights about the terrain: "There was a lot more stuff that you could run that I was not anticipating," noting the fast downhill sections that could prove decisive on race day.

What makes Potvin's perspective particularly valuable is his strategic mindset. With a build that "couldn't have gone better," he discusses how he'll approach the notorious first lap that often sees elite runners blow up from going too hard too early. Unlike his American competitors using this as a World Championship selection race, Potvin (already selected for Team Canada) carries different pressures, potentially giving him a tactical advantage. His careful preparation extends to taper strategy, nutrition planning, and even lodging arrangements through Broken Arrow's elite housing program.

Whether you're a competitive trail runner seeking performance insights or a fan eager to understand the mental game behind elite mountain racing, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into an athlete's final preparation for one of North America's premier sky races. Will Potvin's methodical approach pay off against a stacked field? Tune in to learn his strategy, then follow along on race day to see how it unfolds!

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Imagine grinding uphill at a 30% gradient during the Broken Arrow 46K, your heart hammering against your ribs, legs burning with each step. Now imagine doing it twice—because that's exactly what awaits the elite athletes competing for spots on Team USA this weekend in Olympic Valley.

Trail running standout Cade Michael joins us fresh off impressive performances at Canyons 50K and GoPro Games to share his mindset heading into what might be the most significant race of his career. With candid humor and thoughtful insight, Cade reveals the dramatic details of his Canyons 50K finish, where he experienced "full body seizes" yet refused to DNF, and the surprising nutritional discovery that might have been holding him back for years.

The Boulder-based runner offers a fascinating glimpse into his training environment, where running alongside some of the world's best trail athletes has both humanized these elite performers and boosted his own confidence. His race strategy for Broken Arrow draws inspiration from French pointillist painting—approaching each segment as its own focused effort while maintaining perspective of the complete picture.

Most compelling is Cade's deeply personal motivation: the childhood dream of representing Team USA. As a self-described "Olympics junkie" who would wake at 2 AM to watch events during the 2008 Beijing Games, the opportunity to don the stars and stripes represents the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration. With the trail running world converging on Palisades Tahoe for this selection race, we get an insider's perspective on what it means to chase this dream across 28 miles and 8,000 feet of vertical gain.

Whether you're following the Broken Arrow race this weekend or looking for insights into elite trail running preparation, this conversation captures both the physical and mental elements that define ultrarunning at its highest level. Subscribe now for more in-depth conversations with the sport's most compelling athletes.

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The mountains call and Cam Smith answers. Having just secured his spot on Team USA in the Mountain Classic discipline with a stellar fourth-place finish at the Sunapee Scramble, Cam joins us to unpack his tactical brilliance and focused mindset that led to this achievement.

What stands out immediately in our conversation is Cam's strategic approach to racing. Despite minimal specific downhill training—"I did maybe about 20 minutes of fast downhill running total this year"—he leveraged his climbing prowess while developing a nuanced plan for the technical terrain. Drawing from his extensive ski mountaineering background, Cam explains how he identifies sections where power can be applied versus technical segments that serve as equalizers regardless of fitness level.

"When we're running straight through puddles and trying not to slip off hunks of granite, it doesn't matter whether you feel good or not," Cam shares, revealing how this understanding allowed him to push strategically on climbs and hold back where necessary. This calculated approach proved crucial as he navigated the competitive field, battling with elite runners including David Norris, who made an impressive late-race surge.

Despite achieving his Mountain Classic qualification, Cam maintains laser focus on the upcoming Broken Arrow Vertical Kilometer. "I'm not letting off the gas yet," he emphasizes, highlighting his opportunity to potentially secure spots on both USA teams—a rare achievement in mountain running circles. His perspective on pressure is particularly refreshing: rather than avoiding it, he embraces the challenge, noting "I want the pressure, I want it to be a need to go fight for that team."

Looking ahead to the World Championships in Spain, Cam thoughtfully weighs the benefits of competing in both disciplines, considering how each complements his primary ski mountaineering season. His balanced approach to multi-sport excellence offers valuable insights for athletes navigating similar paths.

Listen now to this candid conversation with one of America's most versatile mountain athletes as he continues his quest for dual-team qualification and international success!

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