About this episode
Send us a text When Noah Williams crossed the finish line at Broken Arrow 46K in fourth place, beating dozens of elite international competitors, he knew something special had happened. "I felt almost out of body," he shares, describing that rare state where everything clicks perfectly into place. Just one week later, he stood on the podium at Italy's prestigious Lavaredo 80K. This conversation takes us deep into the mind of one of America's most exciting mountain runners. From his Vermont roots to his current home in the thin air of Leadville, Colorado, Noah reveals how his winter as a ski patroller and dedicated skimo athlete built the foundation for his breakthrough performances. With remarkable candor, he explains how accumulating 20,000 feet of weekly vertical gain on skis translated directly into running power once the snow melted. Noah offers a refreshing perspective on training philosophy, eschewing rigid workout structures for mountain-based efforts that keep him mentally engaged. "I try to focus on what really motivates me – interesting terrain and big climbs," he explains. This intuitive approach stands in contrast to conventional wisdom but has clearly yielded exceptional results. The discussion expands beyond personal performance to tackle the current state of trail running culture. Noah doesn't hold back when addressing what he sees as an "ultra bias" in media coverage and sponsorship priorities. "Ultra running is not that competitive," he argues, pointing to the depth of fields in races like Broken Arrow compared to most hundred-mile events. His passionate advocacy for sub-ultra distances reflects a belief that the sport's future lies in developing athletes progressively rather than pushing them prematurely toward extreme distances. Whether you're fascinated by elite training methods, curious about the intersection of skiing and running, or simply inspired by authentic mountain athletes, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what it takes to compete among the world's best. Join us for this riveting discussion with a trail runner whose star is clearly on the rise. Follow Noah on IG - @nowawill 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 ! 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 !