The Steep Stuff Podcast

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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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This episode is proudly supported by Ultimate Direction. Head over to UltimateDirection.com to check out UD's new Race Vest 6L & Ultra Vest 12L packs that just dropped last week ! Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off ! 

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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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This episode is brought to you by Ultimate Direction ! Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your next order ! The new Race Vest 6L & Ultra Vest 12L just dropped in some beautiful colorways, don't miss out and order one before they sell out. 

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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.

Follow Rickey on IG - @rickeygates

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Check out Rickey's 50 Classic Trails Project - @50ClassicTrails

Sign up for Rickey's Santa Fe Fastpack ! This May 26th - 30th 2025

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Sign up for Rickey's Bus Run Bus San Fran to Seattle ! This June 28th - July 5th, 2025 @busrunbus

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This episode is brought to you by Ultimate Direction! The new Race 6L & Ultra 12L vests have just dropped in beautiful new colorways. These dynamic new vests will be in my gear lineup for my upcoming mountain running season. Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your purchase on ultimatedirection.com ! 

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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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Ultimate Direction just launched their new Race 6L & Ultra 12L vests! Go pick one out in their beautiful onyx & green and white & blue colorways and use code steepstuffpod for 25% off ! 

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Announcing our Guest of Honor & Live Podcast Guest for our 1 Year Birthday Bash at Colorado Running Company 

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Christopher Fisher's journey from Texas football fields to the highest Himalayan peaks represents one of the most remarkable transitions in mountain sports. In this candid, wide-ranging conversation, Chris reveals how his greatest "failure" – dropping out of Navy SEAL training – became the catalyst that ultimately propelled him toward extraordinary achievement.

With disarming honesty, Chris takes us through pivotal moments that shaped his meteoric rise in the mountain world. From setting the MaxVert Challenge record with 400,000 vertical feet in a month to completing all of Colorado's 14,000+ foot peaks in winter conditions, his accomplishments defy conventional limits. The harrowing details of his Winter 14ers project – navigating bulletproof ice, triggering strategic avalanches, and making life-or-death decisions solo in remote backcountry – illustrate both the dangers and the profound rewards of high-consequence mountaineering.

The conversation shifts to Chris's evolution in the Himalaya, including his unorthodox "fast and light" summit of Manaslu (the world's eighth highest peak) wearing just a sun hoodie and windbreaker at 26,800 feet. His partnership with elite athlete Tyler Andrews has helped redefine what's possible in high-altitude mountaineering, challenging traditional approaches to acclimatization and equipment.

Perhaps most valuable is Chris's transparent look at the realities behind the Instagram-worthy lifestyle. He discusses the financial struggles of professional mountain athletics, the support systems that make these pursuits possible, and his philosophy that these grand adventures compress "multiple lifetimes" of human experience into compressed timeframes. Looking forward, he shares ambitious plans including a speed attempt on Lhotse and a project to climb all 106 six-thousand-meter peaks in the Andes – a feat never before accomplished.

What's your next impossible goal? Listen now to recalibrate your understanding of human potential.

Follow Chris on IG - @chrisjfish 

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The discussion heats up as we explore the dynamic landscape of trail running free agency in 2025! With the sport evolving rapidly, we delve into exciting athlete moves, brand strategies, and the implications of these changes for the athletic community. Guest Nick Tusa joins us to share his insights on the marketplace for talent, emphasizing the significance of strategic signings and how they can reshape competition among brands. 

Listeners will gain invaluable knowledge about the latest signings and speculations regarding notable athletes such as Joyce Nauru and Remy Leroux. We break down the shifting dynamics within brands like Brooks and Salomon, examining how their decisions are instrumental in setting trends and fostering competitive spirit in the sport. This episode isn't merely about transactions; it challenges listeners to view the wider picture regarding athlete performance and brand relationships. 

Join us as we reflect on pivotal moments in trail running and look ahead to significant races through 2025. Whether you're an avid follower of the sport or a newcomer, this conversation will keep you informed and engaged with the challenges and triumphs faced by trail running athletes. Prepare for insights and commentary that place you at the heart of the discussion as we document the changes that will undoubtedly shape the future of this thrilling sport. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

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Step into the world of trail running with Alex King, an innovative sub-ultra athlete who is reshaping the landscape of running apparel. In a recent episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, Alex opens up about his journey—from grappling with the intricacies of running injuries to launching his trail running brand, Terignōta. Discover how Alex translated his personal struggle with expensive gear into a mission to make quality running apparel more accessible to everyone.

Throughout the conversation, Alex discusses his experience overcoming a significant Achilles injury, shedding light on the often-unspoken challenges athletes face during recovery. He emphasizes the importance of community support and the mental resilience required to bounce back stronger after setbacks. The episode highlights Alex's determination to keep trail running approachable, breaking the mold of overpriced gear that can alienate newcomers to the sport.

With a keen understanding of the market and a passion for innovation, Alex has crafted Terignōta to offer exceptional value without compromising quality. Listeners gain insight into the ethos and goals behind the brand, recognizing its potential to transform how runners experience the sport while keeping costs in check. 

For those looking to add affordable yet stylish running gear to their collection, now is the perfect time to explore Terignōta and join a community dedicated to redefining trail running. Tune in and discover how passion can drive change! Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences. Subscribe to the Steep Stuff Podcast for more inspiring stories!

This episode is brought to you by Ultimate Direction ! Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at ultimatedirection.com 

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The Steep Stuff Podcast is Turning One !

Come celebrate with us - this Saturday, March 29th at 8am at the Colorado Running Company in Colorado Springs 

We will be having a :

- Group Run (2 distances) 

- Refreshments, Provided by Ultimate Direction  

- Gear Demo and Giveaway from Ultimate Direction (Get a first look at the new Race & Ultra Vests dropping this month !)

- Naak Booth, for all your nutrition needs 

- Several Yet to be Announced Sponsor Demos (Think Shoes)

- Numerous Special Guests from some of the biggest names in the sport 

-  All Capped off with a Live Pod with a Special Guest of Honor 

Thanks so much for the support of Ultimate Direction ! Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your order at UltimateDirection.com 

Create a Rendezvu Account  @rendezvu

Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us

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