The Steep Stuff Podcast James Lauriello

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Today, I sit down with Evan Paul to uncover the raw and riveting world of Search and Rescue. From the practicalities of high-risk rescues in Chaffee County South to the psychological toll on those who save lives, we navigate the depths of SAR operations. We also celebrate the confounding joy of mountain sports, sharing tips on essential gear for the backcountry and acknowledging the unsung heroes who make our adventures possible.

Evan's journey from the snowboarding slopes to pacing ultra-runners through the night unveils the essence of camaraderie and the indelible spirit of outdoor communities. We swap stories of coaching athletes, guiding backcountry expeditions, and the unexpected turns in life that lead us to fulfilling careers away from the conventional paths. Listen as Evan and I dissect the nuances of pacing, laugh over the quirks of coaching, and pay homage to the transformative power of supporting each other through life's various races.

With Evan's colorful history involving celebrity clients and the magnetism of outdoor adventures, this episode takes a turn towards the peculiar and exhilarating. We recount bizarre escapades with naked runners and rumored cults, while also tackling the more terrestrial topic of UFO skepticism. Meanwhile, we don't shy away from the competitive streak in us all, whether we're sprinting across social media platforms like Strava or simply relishing the anticipatory buzz of trying new gear. Join us as we underscore the vital role of SAR teams and the simple ways you can support these guardians of the wild.

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Trailblazer Dreama Walton joins me on an unforgettable journey through the peaks and valleys of her life, from overcoming personal adversities to leading the charge in trail and mountain running. As a resilient mom, veteran, and athlete, Dreama opens up about her transformative experiences, giving listeners a firsthand account of how she channels her passion into fostering a love for the outdoors in the next generation. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of trail running, examining Dreama's mixed feelings on its commercialization and potential Olympic future, while celebrating the community spirit that defines the sport.

When Dreama Walton graced the scene with her personal documentary, "The Dreama, Team," and her impactful Beyond the Trail podcast, the trail running community stood up and took notice. In this episode, we explore the serendipitous creation of her film and its emotional narrative, as well as the profound influences of her military service on her life and ultra-running discovery. Dreama's candid recounting of her deployment to Baghdad and subsequent travel adds a layer of profound depth to her story, showcasing her commitment to global understanding and human rights.

Ending on a note of aspiration and admiration, Dreama shares her training challenges in Colorado Springs, her respect for legends like Kilian Jornet and Courtney Dauwalter, and her ambitious dream to tackle iconic races, despite the tricky lottery entries. Her story, rife with resilience, purpose, and a spirit of adventure, is not just about running—it's about the courage to chase dreams and the tenacity to make them real. Tune in for an episode that's a testament to the human spirit and the trails that beckon us to tread them.

Dreama Walton IG - @dreamawalton
Documentary - Dreama Team / @dreamateamfilm
Podcast - Beyond the Trail Podcast - @beyond.the.trail.podcast  
Youtube - @BeyondTheTrailPodcast
Youth Trail Running Camp - @COS-TRCK / www.cotrailrun.com

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This week's Steep Stuff podcast guest is none other than the trailblazer himself,  Benjamin Townsend; who brings the highs and lows of his running journey right into your ears. From his childhood roots in Logan, Utah, to the punishing Broken Arrow Skyrace, Benjamin doesn't hold back on the details of his intense training and the unforgettable races that have marked his ascent in the trail running world.

Navigating the undulating path of trail running isn't just about endurance; it's a dance of strategy and support, something that Benjamin and I dissect with the precision of a well-placed foot on a mountain trail. We unravel the contrasts between American and European approaches to the sport, and consider the emerging trend of trading college running tracks for rugged trails. Equally, we reflect on the shared stories from events like the XTERRA 21K National Championship and the Iron Face Challenge, granting you a window into the technicalities that make each race a unique beast to conquer.

The episode isn't just about looking back; it's a forward march to the future of trail running. We debate the purity of the sport in the face of growing commercialization and its potential Olympic future, wrapping up a conversation that's as varied and challenging as the trails Benjamin and I have both come to love. Join us for an episode that’s as much about the soul of running as it is about the sweat and dirt.

Benjamin Townsend IG -  @benjamin.tsend 

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Join the thrill as Jackson Cole,  a La Sportiva teammate and mountain running powerhouse, sits across from me, James Lauriello, revealing the highs and challenges of his career. From his exhilarating victory at the Minotaur Sky Race to a record-smashing Ten Mile Traverse FKT in Colorado, Jackson's tales are bound to ignite the trail community's excitement. We delve into his transformative journey, which led him from New Zealand's rugged terrains to the majestic Sangre De Cristo mountains, rekindling his love for running. It's not just about the victories, though; we also peer into Jackson's strategies for the upcoming 2024 season, uncovering the parallels between our philosophies, all while reflecting on the synergy that has shaped our endurance.

As Jackson reflects on his move to Missoula, we uncover the city's magnetic pull for athletes and the unexpected benefits it brings to training regimes. We're talking high-caliber competition in local races, and the strategic importance of endurance for the season's more grueling runs. The Missoula community, with figures like Adam Peterman and Jeff Mogavero have been an inspiring force for Jackson, honing his approach to training. We even take a step back to appreciate Jackson's under-the-radar yet outstanding 2023 season, as he carved his trail across European sky races, setting the stage for a deep dive into his latest athletic achievements.

Finally, we venture beyond the domestic realm and into the heart of international competition, where Jackson shares insights on the distinct nature of events like Matterhorn Ultraks and the technical training critical for excelling in sky races. The conversation then shifts gears towards the fascinating differences between the Golden Trail Series' fast courses and sky running's rugged mountaineering-style challenges. We wrap up by celebrating the emerging young talents in the sport and paying homage to the legends who continue to inspire athletes across the globe. So, lace up your trail shoes and prepare to be inspired by the raw, exhilarating experiences of an elite athlete who breathes passion into the world of mountain running and endurance sports.

Jackson Cole - IG - @jayrcolee

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Ever wondered what it takes to keep your running shoes pounding the pavement year after year? Join us as Jeff Wilson, the Colorado Springs running maestro, shares his journey from competitive runner to strength training advocate, and how he balances both with a thriving personal training business.  We also take a nostalgic trip through Michigan sports – the triumphs, the heartaches, and everything in between.

This podcast isn't just about the solo sprints; it's a collective sprint through the importance of strength training, debunking the myths holding many runners back. Jeff's insights into the evolution of wellness culture and its nuanced implications for runners at various life stages resonate with anyone looking to go the distance. We get personal, too, with discussions on dietary adjustments, testosterone deficiencies, and how these hurdles can reshape an athlete's trajectory. It's a candid look at the interplay between physical and mental wellbeing that underscores the longevity of a runner's career.

As we cross the finish line of this episode, we reflect on the profound influence a supportive community and tailored training have on an athlete, novice or expert. From the nitty-gritty of hybrid training to the philosophical musings on aging and athletics, this conversation with Jeff Wilson is more than just a run through the park. It's a deep dive into how we can adapt, overcome, and continue to set personal records in running and life. So whether you're lacing up for your first mile or your thousandth, this episode promises to fuel your fire and keep your legs moving forward.

Jeff Wilson, IG - @coachjeffwilson
Jeff's Personal Training Business - totalbodyrunning.com 

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Embark on a captivating journey with Brian Whitfield, Colorado Springs' trail running marvel and dedicated science teacher, as he shares his tale of balance, endurance, and the passion for both environmental science and trail running. From a top ten finish at the Pikes Peak Ascent to the demanding Black Canyon 100K, Brian's narrative bridges the gap between an ardent teaching career and the thrill of competitive running. Discover the man who ties his running shoes with purpose and teaches with the same fervor, a true testament to the power of dedication in multifaceted lives.

This episode transcends the mere recounting of races and training regimes as we traverse the thought-provoking trails of competitive strategy, environmental stewardship, and the profound meaning that running injects into our existence. Listen to Brian's tactics, like meticulously knowing each twist of a trail and how such preparation can result in improved performance. As we navigate the environmental concerns that come hand-in-hand with the sport's popularity, the episode paints a holistic picture of the future of trail running within the delicate dance of conservation and community engagement.

Wrap up your laces for an inspirational sprint through the ethos and aspirations of the trail running community. We celebrate the diversity of stories within our ranks, from the legends who've paved the way to the everyday runners finding their 'why.' Brian and I engage in a vibrant dialogue that transcends the race course, touching on the significance of sharing narratives from across the spectrum of experience, fostering an inspiring, collective energy that fuels our own personal quests in the great outdoors.

Brian Whitfield IG - bwhitfield_