The Steep Stuff Podcast

2d ago

Send us a text The ache that won’t sit still, the quad-dominant stride, the back that tightens after miles on trail—none of it is random. We invited Dr. Sean Rimmer, PT, DPT of Run Potential PT, to unpack how the pelvis truly drives running: three-plane motion, rotational loading, and the elastic recoil that makes a stride feel effortless. When the pelvis stops moving, hips overwork, nerves get irritated, and the system loses its spring. Sean explains how to spot the difference between hip, pelvis, and nerve-driven pain, and why a shifting, vague ache is often a neural clue rather than a muscle tear. We go deep on practical solutions you can apply today. Sean demos walking pelvic rotations and reverse steps to restore glide and rotation, and shows how a simple flow rope builds rhythm, timing, and side-to-side weight shift that mirrors efficient running mechanics. He also shares quick self-screens—pelvic side glides and marching with hands on the pelvis—to reveal blocked planes of motion. If you’ve been told “anterior pelvic tilt” is your problem, you’ll learn why hip flexor rotation is the missing piece and how better sequencing beats endless stretching. Strength that actually transfers to performance is the final lever. Sean outlines heavy split-stance isometrics to load the glute–ham complex the way running demands—fast stabilization with tendon recoil—without crushing soreness during hard training blocks. Expect clearer cues, less quad overload, and a snappier, more resilient stride within weeks. Whether you’re dealing with nerve flare-ups, stubborn hip tightness, or you just want more power and durability, this conversation gives you a blueprint: restore pelvic motion, retrain rhythm, and load what matters. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a running friend, and leave a quick review on your favorite app. Tell us which drill changed your stride first, and what body area you want us to tackle next. Follow Sean on IG - @runpotentialpt Contact Sean for PT - @runpotentialpt Check out Run Potential PT online - @runpotentialpt Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !

4d ago

Send us a text The sport keeps growing, the livestreams keep improving, and the fields get deeper every year—so why do so many iconic ultras still offer zero prize money? We sit down with Eric, the builder behind Run Fund, to unpack a direct, no-drama solution: let the community and sponsors crowdfund purses that pay athletes fairly and transparently. No betting, no gimmicks, just clean rails that move money from fans and brands to finishers. We dig into how Run Fund works behind the scenes—escrowed funds, Stripe payouts in seven to ten days, and simple tax handling—plus the decision to split purses 50-50 for men and women by default. Eric explains why the platform leans on existing adjudication for races and FKTs, how it handles athletes serving sanctions, and what happens when a drug test lands months after the podium photos. We also explore the “nonprofit” defense from legacy races, the quiet dependence on brand bonuses, and what it means for an unsponsored winner to take home nothing while a contract athlete cashes a check for the same result. The conversation stretches from six-figure short trail purses to the potential of FKT bounties on iconic routes like the AT, where attempts demand serious logistics and community support. We talk partnerships with organizers who want the visibility of prize money without building new infrastructure, and why grassroots races can benefit just as much as marquee events—because $500 to a regional winner can pull a whole club onto a start line next year. Eric shares early targets like HURT and Black Canyon, thoughts on future international expansion, and a fan-first vision that boosts engagement without crossing into gambling. If you care about fair pay, athlete pathways, and a healthier event ecosystem, this one’s for you. Hit play, then tell us: which race should get a crowdfunded purse next? Subscribe, share with a friend who races, and drop a review to keep the conversation moving. Check out the Run.Fund - Run.Fund Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !

6d ago

Send us a text What does it take to choose the mountains when a different calling has your heart? We sit with Arc’teryx athlete Emma Cook-Clarke for a candid, high-altitude conversation about identity, risk, and the rare joy of sustainable excellence. Emma reflects on a season loaded with contrasts—top 10 in the world at the uphill and a historic team bronze for Canada, a Speedgoat podium in a record-fast year, and the sting of missing Olympic SkiMo qualification—then walks us through how she’s rebuilding momentum by staying grounded in Canmore and training by feel. Emma’s path didn’t start on talus. Gymnastics built composure, rugby taught grit and trust, and running unlocked freedom. A local uphill challenge during the pandemic revealed world-class climbing talent and led to her Arc’teryx partnership—support that feels like true professionalism: wellness first, smart planning, and access to specialists. We dig into her decision to step away from structural firefighting, drawing clear lines from the fireground to the backcountry: risk a lot to save a lot, fight complacency, and communicate with purpose. That same mindset shows up on technical ridges, at chaotic VK starts, and when the watch tries to drown out intuition. You’ll hear a tactical breakdown of World Champs VK strategy, the team dynamics behind Canada’s first-ever medal, and a pacing masterclass from Speedgoat—altitude, heat, and humility yielding a steady engine and a late-race surge. We also celebrate the soul of skyrunning at Meet the Minotaur, where handbuilt trails and scree descents keep adventure alive, and we talk Rockies reality: bear spray, smart route choices, and a rare, unforgettable wolverine sighting that reminds us to look up and simply watch. If you’re an athlete navigating big goals, a fan of skyrunning and SkiMo, or someone weighing a hard life pivot, Emma’s story offers a clear compass: protect your joy, respect risk, and let the mountains reshape what success looks like. Enjoy the conversation—and if it moves you, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and drop a review to help others find the show. Follow Emma on IG - @emcookclarke Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !

Dec 12

Send us a text Breaking news rarely hits mountain running like this. The World Skyrunner Series is officially returning to the United States, and the Beast of Big Creek on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is the stage. We dive straight into what makes this 23K course so compelling: sustained grades exceeding 20 percent, a clean up-and-down profile that rewards efficient climbers and fearless descenders, and a summit near 6,000 feet that avoids altitude headaches without losing the punch. With 1.5x points on offer, we make the case for why European stars could cross the Atlantic and why sub-two hours might be in play. We unpack the “why here” question through logistics and strategy. Seattle’s international access makes travel simple, while the terrain delivers classic skyrunning character without sprawling altitude or complex permitting. Then we zoom out: how ISF certification interacts with the World Series, the signals from Whiteface and Broken Arrow, and whether a U.S. skyrunning series is waiting in the wings. We compare philosophies too, contrasting Golden Trail’s media-friendly flower loops with skyrunning’s traditional aesthetic lines and discussing why a tighter global calendar could sharpen competition and improve storytelling. This is also a conversation about athlete pathways. If more U.S. events gain certification, short-trail standouts, collegiate converts, and VK specialists can build toward European icons like Matterhorn and Trofeo Kima without crossing oceans for every test. We talk rumors, real implications for the Northeast and Pacific Northwest scenes, and how brands and athletes might respond if skyrunning gains momentum here. Hit play to catch our hot takes, practical race analysis, and the questions that will define the next phase of American mountain running. If you enjoy the show, follow, share with a trail friend, and leave a quick review—what race should be the next U.S. skyrunning stop? Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !

Dec 11

Send us a text What happens when a top ultrarunner steps behind the curtain and starts managing athletes, budgets, and contracts—while still chasing Western States dreams? We sat down with Coree Woltring for an unfiltered deep dive into the modern trail ecosystem: how sponsorships really get done, why timing matters, what brands value beyond results, and how the sport can better support its athletes. Coree traces his arc from triathlon hopeful to crewing Leadville, to a breakout North Face contract sparked by a well-timed magazine article. Then the script flips. He explains life on both sides of the table at Merrell—shaping a roster that spans Skyrunner World Series, Western States, and UTMB—while guiding athletes through contract season, social expectations, and the art of the ask. If you’re wondering how to pitch a brand, whether to hire an agent, or how to stand out without selling out, Coree’s playbook is refreshingly clear: start early, know your value, and communicate like a pro. We also tackle the money question head-on. From Broken Arrow’s big prize purse to the financial squeeze on golden ticket chasers, Corey lays out why meaningful prize money and smarter collaboration between races and brands would elevate competition and sustainability. And when injury forced a midyear reset, photography and storytelling filled the gap—leading to paid work with Cirque Series and a new creative lane that complements, rather than replaces, racing. There’s plenty of forward look, too: Western States is back on Coree’s calendar, with Moab 240 and Cape Town in the mix, plus a sharp take on trail running’s Olympic prospects through sub-ultra formats. It’s a conversation for athletes, fans, and industry folks who care about performance, credibility, and the future of the sport. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review—then tell us what you’d fix first: contracts, prize money, or social expectations? Follow Coree on IG - @coreewoltering Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !

Dec 9

Send us a text What happens when a Texas kid with marathon roots drops 60 pounds, moves across continents to mentor young athletes in Kenya, and then turns that purpose into a season-long charge through the Cirque Series? We unpack the full story with McKennon Woltman—complete with chai-fueled mornings, singletrack at altitude, and the lessons that only service and steep terrain can teach. We start with a family tradition of marathoning and the health scare that pushed him to act. That path led to Germany, then into the heart of Kenya’s running culture, where daily life is simple, meals are consistent, and training is built on red roads and forest trails around Iten and Kaptegat. McKennan opens up about the ethics of sport—doping access, predatory management, and the realities of poverty—then explains how holistic mentorship (mind, body, spirit) helps athletes chase big dreams without losing themselves. The result is a rare, grounded view of what high performance looks like when anchored in integrity. Then we head stateside, where he maps that foundation onto the Cirque Series: short, steep, technical races that demand weekly readiness and tactical restraint. He breaks down how he learned to race smart—saving legs for the downhill, choosing the right shoes for mixed terrain, and making decisive moves at Targhee’s off-trail descents. We also talk culture: why short mountain races are a perfect development path, and how American trail running can build a louder fan experience with lift-access cheering zones, cowbells on ridgelines, and community stoke that rivals Europe. Looking ahead, McKennan shares plans to focus on sub-ultra events in the UTMB ecosystem, race Broken Arrow, and sharpen road speed with a spring marathon as a step toward the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials standard. If you care about mountain running, athlete development, or simply want to feel the energy of someone who races hard and gives more back, this one hits home. Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the show, share with a trail friend, and leave a rating and review. And if you’re watching on YouTube, smash subscribe so more runners can find it. Follow McKennon on IG - @mckennonwoltman Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !

Dec 5

Send us a text What happens when a mountain athlete chooses meaning over metrics? We sit down with ski mountaineer and mountain runner Michael Wirth for a rare, candid conversation about privacy, purpose, and why FKTs feel more honest than podiums. Michael traces his path from the Roaring Fork Valley to a brief stint in consulting, then into a life shaped by long tours, sketchy weather windows, and the strange pressure of being recognized for what you do in quiet places. We dive into the gritty details of his November push on the Tonto Traverse—training alongside David, the tendon flare-up that arrived five days out, the decision to keep moving until it didn’t make sense, and the bittersweet satisfaction of seeing a partner set the record. Michael explains why FKTs pull him more than racing: logistics and judgment matter, terrain asks real questions, and the reward lives in moving across a landscape with speed and care. He also opens up about social media’s tradeoffs—how YouTube can tell richer stories than Instagram, why follower counts too often shape contracts, and how protecting your relationship with the mountains sometimes means posting less. From scouting the North Cascades High Route and a scary black bear encounter to training blocks built on threshold, VO2 efforts, and the occasional treadmill sufferfest, Michael’s outlook is equal parts frank and thoughtful. He’s eyeing future ski objectives, possibly a renewed push on the High Route with friends, and a career path that might include climate tech or even farming—all while keeping the flame for big, meaningful days outside. If you care about the soul of mountain sport, the pull of place, and the balance between craft and commerce, this one hits home. If the conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. It helps more curious listeners find these stories and keeps the stoke going. Follow Michael on IG - @michaelcwirth Follow Michael on Youtube - @michaelcwirth Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !

Dec 3

Send us a text The view from a razorback ridge can change your life—and your training. We invited Robin Vieira Brower, one of the few American women racing the Skyrunner World Series, to unpack how she built a season across Austria and Ireland, what “sea to sky” truly demands, and why skyrunning needs a bigger footprint in the U.S. Robin shares a refreshingly candid path from college soccer to technical mountain running, the exact workouts that paid off on steep grades, and the mindset shift required when weather cancels races the day before the start. We dig into the nuts and bolts—heart rate based training, base-building through winter, and the intervals that translate directly to efficient climbing and controlled descending. Robin also opens up about running a creative studio while racing internationally, turning storytelling into a strength instead of a distraction. We compare skyrunning with Golden Trail and UTMB, talk through ISF standards that protect the sport’s identity, and spotlight the best U.S. gateways for “real sky” skills: Cirque Series venues, The Rut, Alyeska, and the Wasatch. Expect practical insights on gear, travel, and course selection, plus honest talk about representation and how to support more women on technical terrain. If you’ve wondered how to break into skyrunning—or just want to understand why switchbacks are sometimes optional in Europe—this conversation delivers a clear map and plenty of motivation. Tap play, then tell us which course you’d race first. If you’re enjoying the show, follow Robin at @mindfullyrobin, subscribe, and leave a quick review to help more mountain athletes find us. Follow Robin on IG - @mindfullyrobin Contact Robin on her website - mindfullyrobin.com Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !