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Meet Josh Potvin, the Vancouver-based architect who's simultaneously designing buildings and carving his name into the elite trail running scene. Fresh off his victory at the highly competitive Gorge Waterfall 50K, Josh shares the fascinating journey that took him from track roots to mountain summits.

Josh's approach to balancing a demanding professional career with world-class athletic performance offers a masterclass in prioritization. "When I have to get my run in, I stop work and then go back later," he explains, sometimes returning to his desk at 9 PM to finish projects after training. This dedication extends to his preparation—sleeping in his car for a month while working remotely to acclimatize before races at altitude demonstrates just how far he'll go to overcome challenges.

The conversation reveals a crucial turning point in Josh's development: transforming his nutrition strategy. "I just wasn't eating enough," he admits, describing how working with a nutritionist revolutionized his performance by addressing persistent gut issues and increasing his sodium intake during races. This nutritional evolution enabled him to finally push through the final kilometers of races where he previously struggled with cramping, unlocking his full potential on the trail.

Josh shares insights into his training methodology, upcoming races including Broken Arrow and the World Mountain Running Championships, and his mental approach to competition. Whether you're juggling career and athletic pursuits or simply looking to improve your own trail running performance, Josh's thoughtful reflections offer valuable wisdom for navigating both the physical and practical challenges of the sport.

Follow Josh on Instagram @jjpotvin to keep up with his racing schedule and continuing evolution as one of Canada's most promising trail running talents.

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From the first moment Abby Bennett stepped onto the technical, demanding trails of the White Mountains, she knew she'd found her calling – despite having no competitive running background whatsoever. Now, as one of the Northeast's strongest mountain runners, she shares the remarkable journey that's taken her from financial services burnout to mountain race podiums.

What makes someone believe they can reach the pinnacle of a sport they started as an adult? Abby's answer is refreshingly straightforward: an almost "delusional" belief in her future self, coupled with relentless daily consistency. The results are undeniable – multiple podium finishes at the White Mountain Endurance Cup series and a growing reputation in the technical mountain running community.

This conversation dives deep into the reality of training through brutal Northeast winters, where deep cold and minimal daylight create resilient athletes capable of handling any terrain. We explore her ventures into ski mountaineering, her time as an isolated mountain hut caretaker, and the mental challenges of her current injury-induced training pause.

Perhaps most compelling is Abby's perspective on growth potential. Despite her rapid rise, she estimates she's only reached 40% of her ceiling – a testament to her long-term vision of where consistent training might take her over the next decade. For anyone who started their athletic journey later in life, her story offers both inspiration and practical insights into building sustainable success.

Whether you're fascinated by the Northeast's technical racing scene, curious about the mental aspects of injury recovery, or simply drawn to stories of unconventional athletic paths, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what's possible when unwavering belief meets consistent effort.

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The transition from collegiate track to mountain trails represents one of running's most fascinating journeys – and Kyla Christopher-Moody is navigating it with remarkable authenticity and talent. Fresh off her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite, Kyla joins us to share her path from Michigan high school standout to Montana State University track athlete and now emerging trail running competitor.

Her story isn't the typical straight line to success. After battling persistent injuries at the University of Colorado Boulder, Kyla made the courageous decision to step away from competitive running entirely – a choice she now calls "probably the best decision I've ever made in my life." This reset allowed her to rediscover her passion at Montana State, where mountain trails became her sanctuary during injury recovery. The natural progression to trail racing happened almost accidentally, with a spontaneous entry into the GoPro Games 10K resulting in an impressive fifth-place finish despite minimal specific training.

What makes Kyla's approach refreshing is her process-oriented mindset and genuine love of competition. Rather than setting rigid outcome goals as she enters the trail running scene, she's focused on learning and exploration. "I don't have preconceived notions of what I'm able to do," she explains, demonstrating the healthy perspective that will serve her well as she targets races like Sierre-Zinal and the USATF Mountain Running Championships. Meanwhile, her academic pursuits in snow science perfectly complement her athletic journey, connecting her professional interests with her passion for mountain environments.

Whether you're fascinated by the track-to-trail transition, curious about the emerging pathway for NCAA athletes into mountain running, or simply enjoy authentic conversations with rising stars, Kyla's story offers valuable insights into finding your path – even when it means taking unexpected turns along the way. Give this episode a listen and discover why we're so excited to follow Kyla's trail running journey in the months and years ahead.

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For Devin Pancake, trail running represents much more than a post-collegiate athletic pursuit—it's a thoughtful 30-year journey he's just beginning. Fresh off his win at the Antelope Island Buffalo Run 25K and his selection for the 2025 Trail Team Elite, Devin brings refreshing perspective to a sport that often celebrates immediate success.

The conversation traces Devin's path from running a 4:00 mile at Utah State University to discovering trail running through iconic films like "Where Dreams Go to Die" and "Found on 49." Unlike many collegiate runners who turn to trails after burnout, Devin maintained a healthy relationship with running throughout college, crediting his coach for emphasizing sustainable development over grinding for immediate results.

Devin shares the surreal experience of racing alongside Western States champion Adam Peterman in his first ultramarathon, chatting with the elite runner for miles while pushing his own limits. This story perfectly captures his approach to trail running—competitive but joyful, serious about performance but equally focused on connection and experience. His willingness to return to Speed Goat 50K after a self-described "humbling" first attempt demonstrates his commitment to learning and growth.

What makes Devin's perspective particularly valuable is his balanced enthusiasm for everything from fast 25Ks to potential 100-milers and FKT attempts. Supported by the Trail Team Elite and coached by long-trail master Joe McConaughey through the All-In Collective, he's developing the skills to pursue both competitive excellence and soul-enriching adventures. His inspiration comes from thoughtful pioneers like Courtney Dauwalter and Jared Campbell, reflecting his own view of running as "a form of long-life meditation."

Follow Devin's journey on Instagram @devinpancake as he tackles upcoming challenges including the Desert Rats 21K, Speed Goat 50K, and potentially Sunapee Scramble Mountain Classic while preparing for his Uinta Highline Trail FKT attempt. His story reminds us that the most fulfilling path in trail running might be one that balances serious competition with genuine appreciation for the mountains and community.

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Shay Aquilano's remarkable transformation from college soccer player to elite ultrarunner showcases what's possible when passion meets purpose in the mountains. Having recently captured the Gorge Waterfalls 100K championship and secured a coveted Western States lottery spot, Shay joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to walk us through her unique journey into the ultrarunning world.

Unlike many elite trail runners, Shay didn't come from a competitive running background. She discovered running during COVID lockdowns while studying neuroscience at Notre Dame, initially hitting trails with her parents at local parks in Indiana. What began as a pandemic coping mechanism evolved into a profound connection with ultrarunning, which she beautifully describes as "life distilled" - a raw experience where you encounter all the highs, lows, doubt, and joy played out over miles of trail.

The conversation takes us through Shay's pivotal decision to relocate from flat Indiana to mountainous Boulder - a move she calls her "best decision of 2023." Now training alongside fellow elites while maintaining her unique approach, Shay has been selected as one of two ultra specialists on the prestigious Trail Team Elite. This recognition provides crucial infrastructure and mentorship that was missing during her early development in the Midwest.

Shay shares fascinating insights into her training philosophy, nutrition strategy (working with dietician Kylie Van Horn), and mental approach to ultrarunning. Rather than fixating on heart rate zones or rigid fueling protocols, she prioritizes perceived exertion and has found her personal sweet spot around 60-70 grams of carbohydrates per hour during races. Her pre-race music choice? "Stacy's Mom," because as she puts it, "you can't have the ultra sads" while listening to that song.

What stands out most is Shay's refreshingly grounded perspective despite her rapid rise in the sport. While discussing her upcoming Western States 100 debut, she emphasizes longevity over immediate results: "I want to be a long-term athlete and a sustainable runner... I want to still be doing this when I'm 80 years old." Join us for this inspiring conversation with one of ultrarunning's brightest rising stars, and discover why the ultra trail community is, in her words, "humanity at its greatest."

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The ultra-trail world is buzzing as Canyon's 50K approaches, and we've got the ultimate preview loaded with analysis, predictions, and some good old-fashioned trash talk. In this special episode, host James Lauriello teams up with guest co-host Teddy Tonelli to break down what might be the most anticipated ultrarunning matchup of the year: defending champion Eli Hemming versus 2023 winner Hayden Hawks.

These two titans of trail running bring nearly identical impressive résumés to the start line. Hawks recently dominated Terroir 50K with a blazing 3:18:46, while Hemming crushed Big Alta 50K in 3:19:30, leaving elite runners gasping in his wake. As Teddy puts it, "This should have a belt on the line" – it's that big of a heavyweight clash.

The women's race promises equal drama with Jennifer "El Lobo" Lichtner squaring off against Tabor Hemming in a rematch of last year's battle where they were separated by just two minutes. Former champion Heather Jackson lurks as a potential spoiler after a disappointing showing at Black Canyon.

Beyond the elite matchups, we dive into controversial topics like UTMB's eye-popping race fees ($285 for a 50K!), the exodus of talent from The North Face team, and what it means to "swim with sharks" when racing against the sport's best. We also spotlight dark horses who might surprise everyone, including local favorite Nick Handel and rising star Cade Michael.

Whether you're placing bets, planning your race strategy, or just love ultra-trail drama, this episode delivers everything you need to know about one of America's premier ultrarunning events. And for those wanting even spicier commentary? Head to the Chasing Trail YouTube channel for the unedited "director's cut" version.

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Sophie Wright is a name you need to know in the American mountain running scene. Fresh off completing her collegiate career at Western Washington University—where she holds the school record in the mile—this Alaskan-born trail runner is ready to make waves on the professional circuit as a 2025 Trail Team Selection athlete.

Growing up in Palmer, Alaska provided Sophie with the perfect training environment. Surrounded by Hatcher Pass, Pioneer Peak, and Lazy Mountain, she developed technical skills on some of the most challenging terrain North America has to offer. The tight-knit Alaskan mountain running community, featuring inspirational figures like Denali Foldager-Strabel and Christy Marvin, helped shape Sophie into the competitor she is today.

Sophie's racing resume already impresses with accolades including the 2022 Cirque Series Alyeska championship and top-five finishes at the iconic Mount Marathon race. Now, with her collegiate career behind her, she's focusing entirely on mountain running with ambitious goals for 2025, including making the U.S. Mountain Running Team at the Sunapee Mountain Race and competing in prestigious events like the GoPro Games in Vail.

What makes Sophie particularly dangerous is her versatility. She combines elite track speed with technical mountain skills, excelling on uphill sections while actively working to improve her downhill capabilities. Her self-described 9/10 competitiveness extends beyond running into everyday life, fueling her drive to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.

As Sophie relocates to Colorado for summer training and joins the 2025 Trail Team under coach Andy Wacker, she represents an exciting new generation of American mountain runners poised to make an impact on the international stage. Follow her journey this season as she transitions from collegiate track star to professional mountain running talent—this is just the beginning for Sophie Wright.

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From the rugged trails of rural New Mexico to NCAA Division I running and now the competitive mountain racing scene, Emily Clarke's journey represents a thoughtful evolution in running specialties that many athletes aspire to navigate. Fresh off her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite roster and a second-place finish at Way Too Cool 50K, Emily joins us to share the insights she's gathered along her unique path.

Growing up with national forest trails literally at her backdoor, Emily developed an early appreciation for mountain running before heading to college. Her collegiate career took her from Claremont Mudd Scripps to the University of Nevada, where she became immersed in a trail running culture she "knew nothing about" through teammates and her eventual coach, MK Sullivan. That connection with MK has evolved from potential college coach to current mentor, providing Emily with invaluable guidance as she transitions into competitive trail racing.

Now based in Flagstaff's thriving mountain running community, Emily shares her approach to balancing road speed with technical trail skills. Her recent 50K performance demonstrated both her strengths and weaknesses – leading for 26 miles before struggling on a technical downhill section. With refreshing candor, she discusses her nutrition strategies, training philosophy, and the importance of "controlling the controllables" while maintaining a healthy relationship with competition.

As she prepares for prestigious races at Broken Arrow and Tsunopee, Emily offers a window into the mindset of an emerging trail talent who's thoughtfully building her career one race at a time. Her balanced perspective on competition, rating herself just a "6 out of 10" on the competitive scale while focusing on personal improvement, might be the secret ingredient to her early success.

Whether you're a competitive runner looking to transition to trails or simply curious about what makes trail elites tick, Emily's journey provides valuable lessons on finding flow in both track and trail environments. Follow her progress on Instagram @_emilaria as she tackles the 2025 season with the perfect blend of track speed and mountain grit.

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Step onto the trails with Oakley Olson, the collegiate steeplechase specialist turned mountain running phenom who's rapidly ascending to the top of the trail running world. Fresh from her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite, Oakley shares the remarkable journey that took her from soccer fields to mountain summits.

Oakley reveals how a two-mile time trial during soccer practice unexpectedly launched her running career, leading eventually to success at Utah Valley University as a steeplechaser. The conversation explores her breathtaking transition to trail running, where she stunned the community with an 8th place finish at the US Mountain Running Championships at Snowbird and set the FKT on Utah's imposing Mount Timpanogos with almost casual determination: "I just looked at Tim and thought, I want to go do that right now."

What makes steeplechase athletes like Oakley so dominant on technical trails? She offers fascinating insights into the mental fortitude required for both disciplines: "When you're trail running, you have to look at the mountain and believe you're going to get to the top. In steeplechase, you need to know you're going to clear every single hurdle." This fearless mindset translated perfectly to her mountain racing success alongside professional athletes.

Looking ahead to an exciting 2024 season, Oakley discusses balancing her collegiate track commitments with appearances at Soonapy Scramble, Cirque Series races, and potentially Broken Arrow. Her perspective on competition reveals a refreshing blend of fierce determination during races and genuine camaraderie afterward. "The sport is amazing because of the positive culture we create," she reflects, embodying the spirit that makes trail running special.

Whether you're fascinated by the crossover between track and trails, curious about breaking into mountain running, or simply inspired by athletic courage, Oakley's story demonstrates how belief in yourself can move mountains—or at least help you run up and down them very, very fast.

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The 2024 Golden Trail Series kicks off in Japan with the technically challenging Kobe Trail race, and we've got the complete preview to get you ready for all the action. This 21K mountain course packs a serious punch with nearly 7,000 feet of climbing across four increasingly difficult loops, culminating in a brutal final climb that will separate the contenders from the pretenders.

What makes this race particularly fascinating is the unique intersection of skills required – pure climbing strength versus technical descending prowess. The Japanese terrain features slick roots, rocks, and challenging singletrack that caused several DNFs last year when Philemon Kiriago twisted his ankle while running in the lead pack. This technical challenge especially favors athletes with orienteering backgrounds, potentially giving an edge to competitors like Switzerland's Joey Hadron.

We break down the surprisingly thin elite field (compared to typical Golden Trail events), analyzing why many top athletes chose to skip this opener and how that creates a strategic advantage for those who made the journey to Japan. On the men's side, defending champion Patrick Kipngeno returns as the clear favorite, coming off remarkable training blocks in Kenya with 120+ mile weeks. For the women, newly-signed Norda athlete Joyce Njeru faces strong challenges from technical specialists Sarah Alonso and Malin Osa in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.

Whether you're following the Golden Trail Series all season or just love expert race breakdowns, this episode delivers insider knowledge on course specifics, athlete preparation, and bold predictions for who might take home the win. The conversation also explores broader themes in the sport including sponsor dynamics, athlete development, and the strategic importance of early-season race selection in a championship year.

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