Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Uphill Athlete Podcast

Rick Ridgeway, renowned mountaineer, environmentalist, and storyteller, joins host Steve House on Voice of the Mountains to share insights from a life lived boldly and with purpose. Known as the "real Indiana Jones," Ridgeway recounts transformative adventures, from summiting K2 to walking across Kenya’s wild bushlands. He delves into the profound lessons learned from nature, loss, and resilience, emphasizing the power of purpose-driven living. Along the way, he reflects on his relationships, including partnerships that shaped his climbing career and personal evolution. This episode is a testament to the enduring impact of values, exploration, and living a life bigger than oneself.

If you'd like to see the companion essay and more information on Voice of the Mountains, please visit: https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/

In the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark welcomes coach and mountaineer Martin Zhor to discuss his recent climb of Manaslu, an 8,000-meter peak in the Himalayan mountains. The two discuss Martin’s lifelong dream of high-altitude climbing and details the challenges he faced in achieving this milestone. From years of endurance training and studying acclimatization strategies to overcoming logistical, physical, and mental hurdles, Martin provides an insightful look into his experiences in high altitude mountaineering. He emphasizes the unpredictable nature of such expeditions, the importance of preparation, and the sheer determination required to succeed. Tune in for an incredible story and an educational experience on what it takes to climb an 8000m peak without oxygen.

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit us at uphillathlete.com 

The Uphill Athlete podcast returns with host Alyssa Clark and UA coach Alexa Hasman discussing reframing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a negative outcome. They emphasize the value of compassion and growth through their shared personal experiences with DNFs (Did Not Finish. They highlight factors like internal pressure, safety concerns, and lack of enjoyment. They stress the importance of understanding personal motivators, such as joy and social connection, and how these impact performance. They conclude that ultimately failure and DNFs lead to resilience and setbacks are part of the journey to achieving bigger goals.

Visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to use at coach@uphillathlete.com 

Voice of the Mountains host Steve House welcomes renowned climber Conrad Anker on to the podcast. They discuss Conrad's journey in mountaineering, his philosophy, and his leadership within the climbing community. They reflect on lessons learned in their own early climbing experiences, noting how climbing became a way to understand themselves and build resilience.

Conrad emphasizes the motivations behind mountaineering, contrasting reward-seeking with purpose-driven pursuits. He describes his path from climbing as a youth in the Sierra Nevada to his extensive expeditions across the world. They discuss the importance of trust and connection between climbing partners, as well as the responsibilities and ethical considerations in leadership, especially within the climbing community.

Conrad also shares insights into his work with the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC) in Nepal, which provides education and training to Sherpa climbers. The conversation highlights Conrad's belief in silent leadership, leading by example, supporting others, and focusing on collective success rather than personal accolades.

The two legends of climbing reflect on legacy, risk, loss, and the impact of experiencing grief in the climbing world. Tune in for an episode full of wisdom and empathy we can all learn from.

The Uphill Athlete podcast welcomes mountain athlete, ultra runner and Uphill Athlete ambassador Gabe Joyes for a discussion with host Alyssa Clark. Gabe and Alyssa discuss his journey from being a backpacker to transitioning into competitive trail and stage racing, including his recent third place finish in the Dragon's Back Race in Wales. They break down his training approach, gear choices, challenges he faced, racing strategies, and his favorite aspects of the race. Gabe credits years of consistent training, adaptability, and thoughtful preparation for his success and shares his wisdom with listeners interested in stage racing or multi-day events. Tune in for a fun and enlightening conversation with Gabe!

Check out more information on coaching or racing at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

In this episode, host Alyssa Clark and RD Alyssa Leib discuss the role of fat oxidation, fasted training, and Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) diets in endurance training. They explain that fat oxidation, or the body’s use of fat as fuel, is crucial for ultra-endurance athletes. But, aerobic training will improve fat oxidation rather than strict low-carb diets or fasting. They also dive in to how fasted training has negative effects on performance, health, and training quality. Uphill Athlete’s updated stance emphasizes that the risks of fasted training, such as low energy availability, outweigh its benefits. They also discuss how LCHF diets, do not have evidence to support claims of improved endurance. Studies show limited performance gains and potential health risks, especially in high-altitude environments. Alyssa and Alyssa note that athletes should focus on balanced, fueling, especially with carbohydrates, and prioritize consistent training over restrictive dietary approaches.

If you'd like to read more, check out our three articles linked below:

https://uphillathlete.com/nutrition/fat-adaptation/

https://uphillathlete.com/nutrition/the-impact-of-fasted-training-on-performance/

https://uphillathlete.com/nutrition/high-fat-low-carb-diet-ultra-endurance-performance/

Please visit uphillathlete.com to learn more about our nutrition coaching options or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

Most of us will never reach the pinnacle of our most passionate pursuit, no matter how driven we are. Our guest today has, through dedication, creativity and ingenuity, reached the pinnacle of three of his passions.

Beginning with a unique journey to discover climbing and skiing, then the discovery of an interest in photography, which finally led to becoming a premiere feature and documentary filmmaker, Jimmy Chin has forged his path with resilience, empathy, and a desire to tell important stories.

Jimmy’s accolades and accomplishments speak volumes about a climber and artist who has pushed boundaries and silenced doubters. But it has always been the manner with which Jimmy has achieved that is most impressive. Steve and Jimmy discuss the evolution of his career and the catalyst for picking up a camera in the pursuit of climbing. They dive into the moral qualms Jimmy had shooting Free Solo and how and why he decided to create the award-winning documentary. Tune in for a conversation between two legends of the sport.

Check out the companion essay and more information on Voice of the Mountains here:

https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/

In the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, Chantelle and Alyssa break down the ins and outs of coaching. They discuss how and why you might need a coach, what to expect, how to get the most out of your experience and much more. They talk about why coaching is the best way to learn about yourself and prepare in the most specific way for your objective. It also helps ensure your training load is tailored to you for not only best performance but injury prevention, overall health, and well-being. Learn more about why coaching might be right for you and how Uphill can best set you up for success.

Write to us at: coach@uphillathlete.com or visit us at uphillathlete.com to learn more. 

Cory Richards returns to the Uphill Athlete podcast for an in-depth conversation with Steve. The two discuss Cory’s book, The Color of Everything currently available by book or audiobook. The memoir delves into Cory's life from childhood to his career as a photographer, climber, mental health advocate among many other pieces of his identity. Steve and Cory discuss the book’s exploration of various psychological challenges like bipolar disorder, addiction, and narcissism and how they serve not only to highlight individual struggles but also to reflect on the universal nature of storytelling in shaping our identities. Tune in for a wonderful discussion on a powerful story.

Check out Cory's book on amazon and all other major platforms. Visit us at uphillathlete.com 

On the latest episode of Voice of the Mountains, Steve is joined by one of the most accomplished young climbers on the planet, Sasha DiGiulian. Sasha fell in love with the sport at her older brother's birthday party at a climbing gym when she was six years old. Within a year, she was competing and by the time she graduated from high school, she was red, pointing 5.14. She continued climbing while a student at Columbia University and rattled off several U.S. and Pan-American sport climbing championships, adding a world championship gold medal in the all around in 2011. Sasha has dozens of first free ascents around the world to her name and however impressive Sasha is on the rock, she may be even more impressive off of it. She's a filmmaker, an activist and an author. Like so many climbers, Sasha has firsthand knowledge of the sport's inherent dangers and tragedies, which she bravely shares. And like too many women in our sport, Sasha has had unfortunate firsthand experiences with some of the chauvinistic gatekeeping, which sadly is still prevalent in climbing as well as in our wider culture. Steve and Sasha explore Sasha’s unique role in the climbing world and the dualities she has discovered throughout her career.

If you'd like to learn more about Voice of the Mountains, check out the website: https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/

Or visit us at uphillathlete.com

In the latest Uphill Athlete episode, Alyssa and Chantelle discuss the most commonly asked questions from Uphill Athletes. The topic of their discussion revolves around training zones, what they are, how to use them, and how to set them up for your training. They break down the procedures of establishing aerobic and anaerobic thresholds and why you might need training zones. Lastly, they touch on Rate of Perceived Exertion and Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome in regards to the evolution of training principles and guidance. If you’ve ever wondered about training zones, this episode will answer all your questions.

Useful articles: https://uphillathlete.com/aerobic-training/aerobic-anaerobic-threshold-self-assessment/

https://uphillathlete.com/aerobic-training/heart-rate-drift/

Steve welcomes long time climbing partner, extremely accomplished mountain athlete, IFMGA guide, Piolet d‘Or winner, owner of Skyward mountaineering, dad, and husband, Vince Anderson, to the podcast. They discuss their groundbreaking ascent of the Rupal face on Nanga Parbat in 2005 and work to find meaning and understanding of the origin of thoughts, feelings, and motivations in the mountains. They connect those findings back to established schools of thought and the experience they had on Nanga Parbat. With the framework of the climbs, Steve and Vince try to unpack the meaning of suffering and the undying belief in the meaning and importance of their actions. On the 19th anniversary of their landmark climb, these two legends of the sport share their wisdom and learnings from years of hard earned experience.

Check out more information on this episode at: https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/

On this episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, book club edition, Steve dives into the minds of today's most inspiring authors and helps listeners to learn from the mountain world's most important thought leaders. In this book club episode, Steve welcomes Luis Benitez to the podcast to discuss his new book, Higher Ground. Luis is a mountain guide, government worker, executive leadership development expert, and professor among many other positions. Steve and Luis break down the impetus for Higher Ground and the main thesis of the book, the human potential within the mountain community at large. You can find out more about the book at www.highergroundbook.com.

If you would like to learn more about Uphill Athlete, please visit us at uphillathlete.com

The Uphill Athlete podcast returns with a special episode discussing the newest training plans release, the Uphill Athlete Skyrunning plan. Alyssa welcomes mountain athlete and influencer Lukas Mann to the podcast to discuss his experiences working with Alyssa as she developed the skyrunning plan around his training for the Minotaur Skyrace. The two discuss Lukas’ background in mountain sports and his transition to adding trail running as a staple to his mountain toolbox. They break down Lukas’ training cycle, the challenges and growth he felt using the plan, and his experience in the Minotaur Skyrace. Tune in to learn more about the background of building training plans and to hear about a fantastic mountain athlete challenging himself in a new discipline. You can check out the plan in the Uphill Athlete Training Peaks store and hit the link in the bio to learn more.

https://www.trainingpeaks.com/training-plans/running/trail/tp-488866/trail-running-skyrunning

In the latest episode of Voice of the Mountains, Steve welcomes an icon of mountain sports and artistic genius. Cory Richards went from homeless kid to Nat Geo Adventurer of the Year. From depression and bi-polar diagnoses to one of the best spokesmen and advocates for mental health, particularly men’s mental health. Cory and Steve discuss difficult transitions, how certain beliefs, such as how a certain unhealthy relationship is good for them, become convictions. How they spent years living in the confines of those beliefs despite the seemingly obvious damage to themselves and others. So in this episode, they unpack what this looks and feels like and they hope others will recognize themselves in that and seek positive change. Cory and Steve step in to the difficult conversations and use vulnerability to lead an enlightening discussion between two mountain greats. Check out Cory’s new book, The Color of Everything or visit his website: https://www.coryrichards.com/

See more episodes and companion essays at: https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/

On the third episode of Voice of the Mountains, Steve welcomes the pioneering climber Lydia Brady, who created a life of climbing through windows when the doors were slammed. She became the first female climber to summit Everest without oxygen in 1988 along with many first ascents worldwide. From big walls, to alpine climbs, Lydia has made her mark on the climbing world as a leader in her own climbing and a mountain guide. Unfortunately she faced tremendous doubt and scrutiny with her ascent and faced a ten year ban from climbing in the Himalaya. Steve and Lydia tackle the questions of whether the harder the journey, the greater the shift good journeys end with your understanding of yourself shifted? They also discuss how Lydia wishes to be remembered and what goals she has for her future. Tune in, sit down, and get ready to listen to both Lydia's humility and a lifetime of hard earned wisdom.

Visit the Voice of the Mountains website at: https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/

The Uphill Athlete podcast is back to answer your questions on all things altitude. Director of Coaching, Chantelle Robitaille and host Alyssa answer a range of questions from altitude and Vertical Kilometer races, coming from sea level to race at altitude, and the benefits and challenges of using a hypoxic tent vs mask. They also touch on the effects of altitude on men vs women as well as considerations aging athletes should take when planning for altitude adventures. The two wrap up the conversation with a discussion on the need for individualized planning when it comes to balancing normal training and acclimatization protocols and the direction Uphill Athlete is headed in supporting athletes for their altitude training needs.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast season on altitude, Alyssa welcomes IFMGA guide and Uphill Athlete coach, Jerome Sullivan, on to the podcast. Jerome has spent significant time climbing technical objectives in high to extreme altitudes and has found much success in being awarded a Piolets d’Or in 2016. Jerome and Alyssa discuss the risks and challenges of not only existing, but performing at high altitudes. They dive into the mental and physical preparations as well as the deep partnerships needed to stay safe in difficult objectives. They also discuss Jerome’s memorable experiences at altitude and when to choose between continuing forward and turning back. Join us for an exciting conversation about what it takes to perform at altitude.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Voices of the Mountains welcomes all-round action hero Will Gadd who is legendary in the climbing world. Year after year, Will has continually pushed the boundaries of ice and mixed climbing. He leaned into competition climbing and with other visionaries like Jeff Lowe, pushed mixed climbing forward. Will is a veteran of mountain sports, and not only does he continue to seek new adventures but he seems to have boundless energy.

Will tells the listeners how just ten short years ago, he was quick to call out younger climbers for their inexperience, and the dumb risks they took—only to be met with dismissal as an outdated voice from a previous generation. Today, Will no longer calls people out. He calls them in. And in making that shift discovers how this profound change opened the floodgates to learning; learning which now flows freely in both directions.

 Will and Steve discuss the culture of ex-communication of older, wiser athletes in the mountain community.  How we all need a new model for aging athletes where we value the elder wisdom, insights, and experiences and not just an athlete’s mere physical prowess.

 Join Will and Steve as they challenge one another to unpack a lifetime of lessons from the peaks, and help one another to embrace the wisdom that there is far more to life than facing the external challenges of ice, rock, and gravity, and together they level up to be able to navigate the internal terrain that defines us as human.

Visit us at https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/ or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

In the second episode of our Acclimatization Strategies, Martin and Alyssa discuss high and extreme altitude acclimatization protocols. They break down different approaches for mountains like Denali and Everest and what it takes to prepare for the extreme altitudes. They discuss the various protocols from the traditional acclimatization of spending weeks to a month of moving up and down the mountain to different altitude camps, to using hypobaric hypoxic and normobaric hypoxic chambers. If you’ve been looking to take your mountain activities to the next level, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In the first episode of a two-part podcast, Alyssa and coach Martin Zhor, dive into an overview of acclimatization strategies, with particular focus on moderate to high altitudes. They break down how and why the body adjusts to altitude with specific responses and the short and long-term effects. They also discuss training and racing strategies to manage the effects of altitude within recreational and performance situations. Martin offers advice on how to support goals in higher altitude environments and common mistakes athletes make. Tune in to help your lofty goals become a reality.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

We are thrilled to release the first episode of our new series, Voice of the Mountains. Hosted by legendary climber Steve House, the first episode welcomes Barry Blanchard. He hardly needs an introduction, but Barry is an Alpinist, a mountain guide, a father, a mentor and a dear friend to many. Barry and Steve explore the connection of Barry’s childhood and his foundation and desire to be a mountain climber. From Barry’s Metis heritage, to his connection with the mountains and those that challenges themselves within their grace, the two cover a wide array of their experiences and what it means to live a life in the mountains. This is the first in the Voice of the Mountains series as the podcast explores a range of ideas with the hope of building a philosophy of the mountains.

You can learn more about Barry's climbing here. 

Also you can purchase Barry's book at this link. 

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit us at uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains

In the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, Alyssa and Steve welcome AMGA guide Bill Allen, to discuss guiding practices and client preparation at altitude. They provide recommendations for clients concerned about altitude, how a guide assists and assess’ clients at high altitudes and how guides keep themselves safe on the mountain. They continue with common mistakes they see from clients and offer specific advice to make the best out of your high altitude mountain trip. Tune in to hear from two expert guides and learn their perspective on staying safe in the mountains.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

You can learn more about Mountain Trip at: https://mountaintrip.com/ 

In the newest episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, Director of Coaching, Chantelle Robitaille and Director of Memberships Alexa Hasman, join Alyssa to discuss mental training tips in the preparation phase for big mountain expeditions or races in altitude. The three break down the unique mental challenges athletes face at altitude as well as sound principles of mental training recommended for safety and success. They address fears athletes may face in higher altitudes along with how to manage the stress of travel and foreign environments. Continue your altitude education with this episode to prime your mental game.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

In the second episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast altitude series, Alyssa welcomes Registered Dietician, Alyssa Leib, to discuss nutrition considerations at altitude. The two run through nutritional needs at different altitudes and recommended practices for training. They also discuss how to navigate eating on expeditions in foreign countries and the challenges athletes may face with travel and on mountain nutrition. Lastly, they dissect the use of certain supplements and their effectiveness in altitude adaptations. Alyssa Leib brings a wealth of knowledge and advice to help support your high-altitude adventures.

If you'd like to learn more about our training options for trail running click here: https://uphillathlete.com/train/

If you'd like to learn more about our training options for mountaineering click here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

The Uphill Athlete podcast returns with a new educational series dedicated to altitude and endurance athletes. In this multi-episode season, they begin with an introduction to altitude with guests Chantelle Robitaille and Martin Zhor who have extensive background in altitude education and application. Alyssa, Chantelle and Martin define the different altitude zones as well as give a general overview of the body’s reactions at these zones. They discuss AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) with specific recommendations on how to monitor and assess an athlete’s well being at altitude. Lastly, they define differences between male and female reactions at altitude as well as common myths many athletes believe about altitude. Learn from experts in the field of altitude study to keep you safe and healthy in your high mountain pursuits.

Check out our training options for trail running here: https://uphillathlete.com/train/

Check out training options for trail running here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Steve House welcomes guest Guy Cotter to the Uphill Athlete podcast in the latest episode. Guy is a New Zealand based IMGA guide, the owner of Adventure Consultants guiding company and has multiple Everest and other 8000m peak summits. Steve and Guy begin the conversation around Guy’s foundations as a mountain athlete and his newly released book, Everest Mountain Guide. The two continue with a discussion on the evolution of Everest climbing and Guy’s personal experiences on the mountain. They share stories of experiences with clients in their heydays of guiding and their personal evolution as climbers, parents and mountain lovers. Steve and Guy bring years of wisdom and knowledge of high altitude climbing to the Uphill Athlete podcast.

In the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, Steve chats with long time friend and climbing partner, Josh Wharton. Josh is a man of all trades in climbing and a highly accomplished climber. Steve and Josh dig into the origins of Josh’s climbing dating back generations to his families experiences in the UK. The two discuss how his family’s principles around climbing influenced Josh’s career and passions. They bounce around the climbing areas that have been most meaningful to Josh and how he grew through the lessons he learned on the walls. Two legends of the climbing world reminisce on past experiences and how their learnings can be applied to future generations.

If you'd like to learn more about Uphill Athlete, visit uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

In the latest Uphill Athlete podcast, coach Will Weidman flips the script on Alyssa and interviews her on her experiences at the Dragon’s Back Race in Wales. The Dragon’s Back Race is a 6 day stage race that runs the length of Wales covering 380km and over 17000m on completely unmarked terrain. Will and Alyssa dive into Alyssa’s race results and running prior to Dragon’s Back and the mindset, training and nutrition changes she has made in the past year. They then break down the ups and downs of the race and the pressure cooker that is stage racing. If you’ve been eyeing a multi-day adventure or event, tune in for the good, the bad and the ugly of its unique challenges.

On the latest podcast episode, Steve and Alyssa welcome Chantelle and her athlete, Branden Joy, to discuss Branden’s self-designed Scandinavian Arctic Traverse. The route spanned nine hundred and eighty-five miles of which Branden covered using a backcountry ski set up and a snow kite, all while pulling a sled full of his supplies. The four discuss Branden’s background in endurance sports and the unique journey he has taken to create his own endurance adventures. Chantelle and Branden explain Branden’s unique training situation of living and working in Antarctica prior to his traverse, and how they adapted to prepare him for the journey. The four dig into the deeper meanings and findings that come from endurance endeavors and explore the why behind what we search for in the mountains.

In the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, Steve chats with Lindsey Hamm and Priti Wright about their experiences in the Charakusa Valley in Pakistan. The three reminisce about their time in the valley climbing the magnificent walls and peaks. Along with specific discussions on objectives and routes, the three also reflect on the relationships they built there and the warmth of the local people. From cultural learnings to volleyball games to movie nights, Steve, Lindsey and Priti discuss how the Charakusa and its people, have left a lifelong impression on the three of them. Listen to a conversation that will leave you yearning to travel to unique and untouched places.

Check out Steve's videos on K7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFyivVv-Kh4

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit uphillathlete.com for more information on our offerings. 

In a special holiday episode, Alyssa sits down with Uphill Athlete’s new registered dietician, Alyssa Leib. The two tackle listener questions about fueling well through the holidays and the unique challenges athletes face. The questions range from how to handle comments about your eating habits to staying on track with training and nutrition during the holidays. RD Alyssa offers advice on adding, not subtracting with your nutrition choices as well as tips on approaching potentially stressful holiday meals. The two wrap with RD Alyssa’s words of wisdom including, eating consistently throughout the day, and practicing compassion and flexibility during the holidays. Listen along for great advice to help you through the stress of the holidays.

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit uphillathlete.com to learn more. 

In the second episode of Chronicles of K2, Steve, Martin and Jon discuss Jon’s specific training for the mountain and his background before coming to work with Uphill Athlete. The three breakdown Jon’s progression from unstructured gym work to establishing an elite endurance base. They also work through an injury Jon sustained prior to his K2 training block and how he mentally dealt with the training progression from injury. Martin discusses his approach to acclimatization with Jon and how Jon managed to accomplish the climb without supplemental oxygen. This episode reveals the hard work and progression of a climber from beginner to elite athlete.

If you'd like to check out our new memberships or learn more about Uphill Athlete, please visit uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Uphill Athlete Membership Program. In this episode, Alyssa, Steve and coach Alexa Hasman, reveal details about the program and what new members can expect. They break down the three tiers of the membership as well as the vision behind creating this new offering from Uphill. The three discuss training plan updates, the cost of the programs and best of all, what they are most excited about for the community. Check out the membership options on uphillathlete.com or visit our social channels to find out more.

In our second episode of Voices of the Mountains, Steve and coach Martin Zhor, speak with one of their athletes, Jon Lawrie, who recently summited K2 without supplemental oxygen. Jon chronicles his experience on the mountain, from the trek to base camp, to the jeep ride back to a warm bed. Steve and Jon relate over the odd experience of life above 8000 meters and a tragedy Jon witnessed on the mountain. The discussion shows a glimpse of the difficulty of this type of climb and the precarious nature of humanity on the ledges of a mountain known for death. This is the first of a two-part episode around Jon’s experience training for and ultimately summiting K2 without supplemental oxygen.

If you'd like to reach us, email coach@uphillathlete.com or visit uphillathlete.com to learn more about our offerings. 

In April 2018 Steve House and another mountain guide were the first to discover a massive tragedy that ultimately took the lives of seven skiers.  Swiss National Television recently released a documentary on the incident, Todesfalle (Death trap) Haute Route, a film directed by Frank Senn. Steve recounts his experience of the catastrophe and digs into what it means to be a first responder, guide and most of all a human, when faced with the loss of human life. Alyssa and Steve grapple with the questions of luck, human error, preparedness and individual responsibility. They dissect the judgment often associated with accidents and attempt to reconcile how to learning from these tragedies and supporting a community often faced with devastating losses.

Please write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit uphillathlete.com for more information. 

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBbtfX16UFE&t=125s

In the final episode of our Training for Trail Running Series, Alyssa and return guest, coach Will Weidman, address race strategies and preparation for trail running success. The two discuss common mistakes in racing, developing a realistic time goal and race strategy, and how to focus on process vs outcome. They further break down organizing gear in drop bags and for your crew as well as setting time goals and expectations for your crew when coming in to aid stations. Will and Alyssa offer their advice on handling race day nerves and remembering that consistent training and hard work will lead to positive outcomes.

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit uphillathlete.com to find out more about our coaching services, training programs and much more!

In this episode of Training for Trail Running, Alyssa sits down with one of the Uphill Athlete Physical Therapists, Pete Dickinson. The two discuss common injuries Pete sees in trail runners and how to avoid the training errors that lead to injury. They also break down treatment options, recommendations for strength training and the importance of recovery for runners. They tackle tendon injuries and why they occur along with differences between road and trail running. Pete gives his recommendations for recovery techniques and how to stay happy and healthy on the trails. Tune in for a great episode with many suggestions from a top notch physio.

Please visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode, Alyssa sits down with coach Martin Zhor to discuss running in extreme conditions like altitude, heat and cold. They kick off with recommendations for acclimatization before racing, and different strategies to utilize depending on time and finances. They break down the higher caloric and hydration needs at altitude as well as the changes the body goes through at altitude. They then tackle running and racing in heat and heat training strategies that can help the body adapt more smoothly to the stress. They also touch on nutrition and hydration factors in heat as well as cold. Finally they wrap up with proper preparation and gear management for cold weather running to stay safe. For those reaching for higher and more complex races, this is the podcast for you.

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit uphillathlete.com for more information. 

On this episode, Alyssa catches up with Registered Dietician, Rebecca Dent, to discuss proper race fueling strategies and how to perform your nutrition best in trail running. The two break down how to set up a race nutrition strategy as well as how to test this strategy in your training. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of proper carbohydrate consumption throughout the race and how it can turn a DNF into a Personal Best. They continue with considerations for multi-day races, gut training and common GI issues runners face. The two wrap with hydration and sodium requirements as well as the top three common mistakes Rebecca sees trail athletes make in nutrition. Rebecca shares a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience in this podcast and it will help you achieve your trail running goals.

Reach us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Sweat Loss Calculator: https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/hydration/how-to-measure-your-sweat-rate/

Alyssa welcomes fellow coaches Alexa Hasman and Brian Passenti to a coaches round table to discuss in race fueling strategies. They break down using aid stations, planning race nutrition, as well as fueling considerations for different distances. With all three having experience running distances from 50km to over 300 miles, each discusses how they individually approach a race, mistakes they have made and how they have learned to deal with ups and downs in their own careers. They also give advise on managing nausea and their ride or die must bring nutrition. Lastly, the three discuss what to do when it seems like everything is going wrong, and how to dig yourself out and keep moving forward. You do not want to miss this lively discussion on managing your race fueling.

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or check out our website uphillathlete.com for more information on our offerings. 

Alyssa is joined by two special guests this episode on pacing and crewing, her pacer from the Canyons 100 miler, Nic Erol, and her husband and long time crew chief, Codi Clark. The first part of the episode focuses on pacing where Nic and Alyssa discuss the history of pacers, their purpose in races as well as where in the world pacing is allowed or disallowed. They go on to talk about what to look for in a pacer, the pacer’s role for the runner, and discussions to have pre-race. In the second half of the episode, Codi and Alyssa break down the role of a crew, especially how a crew chief operates and delegates tasks to help the runner. They also discuss packing essentials for crew, how to mentally and physically prepare for the race and wrap up with Codi’s key takeaways from crewing for the past six years. This is a great episode to share with your pacers and crew to help prepare for success in racing and beyond.

Steve is joined by the Chamonix Fit master himself, Neil Maclain-Martin, to interview the legendary mountain athlete, Hillary Gerardi. Among her accomplishments as a skyrunning series champion and Mont Blanc 90 km winner, Hillary most recently set a new Fastest Known Time summiting Mont Blanc in 7 hours, 25 minutes and 28 seconds. Steve, Neil and Hillary discuss Hillary’s introduction to mountain running and how she has combined her elite running with ski touring and alpinism. Hillary and her husband Brad, share a deep passion for conservation and climate activism which factors greatly into her mountain pursuits. The three continue with a discussion on Hillary’s route choice for her FKT and the impact these decisions have on setting safe examples in the mountains. Hillary also brings up the relationship she has with her coach and the deep trust and collaboration the two have to help Hillary be her best. This is an inspiring and thought provoking episode sure to get you excited to head to the mountains.

In this episode, Steve and Alyssa welcome coach Will Weidman to the podcast to discuss the benefits of muscular endurance training for trail runners. The three break down what muscular endurance training looks like for trail runners, how it can be integrated into training and its importance particularly in downhill training. Will describes his positive experiences with using muscular endurance training for UTMB and Tor Des Geants and the improvement in results he found. The three discuss using gym based vs outdoor based muscular endurance and how Alyssa and Will use it specifically for themselves and their athletes. They wrap up with a conversation about the upper body endurance needed for 200 miles and the importance of training with weight to endure a 200 mile event. Muscular endurance training is key to big mountain trail running and you do not want to miss this lively discussion.

Please write to us @ coach@uphillathlete.com or visit our website at uphillathlete.com for more information.

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Steve and Alyssa welcome back Coach Alexa Hasman to discuss the specifics of strength training for trail runners. They break down why trail runners should prioritize strength training and its benefits for injury prevention, climbing speed and descent durability among many others. The three discuss how to periodize strength training to fit a racing schedule as well as tapering principles and accommodating for B and C level races. Lastly, Alexa shares her top strength exercises for runners and how to fit them into a busy lifestyle. Strength training is crucial to success for mountain runners and Uphill is here to help you prepare and be your best.

Alyssa sits down with another special guest for the trail running series, professional runner, environmental activist and writer, Damian Hall. Damian has a wide variety of racing experience and success from a Spine Race Course Record, to a Pennine Way FKT and a 5th place finish at UTMB. He is also a coach, journalist and author of two books including We Can’t Run Away From This which examines the impact of running and racing on the climate crisis. The two discuss Damian’s trail running journey alongside his environmental activism. They dive into the balance of choosing goal races while reducing environmental impact. Damian also gives advice on reducing waste in gear, nutrition and hydration and how to make running as sustainable as possible. The two wrap up discussing the future implications of environmental disasters as well as the importance of advocating and taking a stance to change environmental policies for future generations.

If you are interested in learning more about Damian’s initiatives and joining the organization he co founded, check out thegreenrunners.com

If you would like to learn more about uphill athlete, please visit uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

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Steve and Alyssa are joined by the first special guest of the trail running podcast series, John Kelly. John is a prolific runner, data scientist and father to four. He has successfully taken on everything from Ironman World Championships, fast marathons, multi day FKTs, 200 mile races and last but not least, his two time finish of Barkley Marathons. 

The three kick off with John’s experiences racing and adventuring while balancing a full time job, a family of four and the subsequent time constraints. John explains his decision making process with racing and the rates of success he expects in taking on lofty goals. They also discuss John’s evolution in his relationship with competition and how he deals with failure and success. This is a conversation not to be missed with an athlete who has years of wisdom and experiences to share.

You can check out John's adventures here: https://www.randomforestrunner.com/ or find him on Instagram @randomforestrunner 

Visit us at www.uphillathlete.com, email us at coach@uphillathlete.com or see us on instagram @uphill_athlete

Director of Coaching Chantelle Robataille and coach Alyssa Clark are back in the second episode of the trail running series. They discuss the basics of training for trail running including aerobic base building, metabolic efficiency, and proper training progression. 

They move into discussing and debunking common myths in training for ultras. Chantelle and Alyssa wrap up with advice on specializing your training to fit your race profile and strategies. Join the two for a lively discussion of all things trail running!

Visit us at www.uphillathlete.com, email us at coach@uphillathlete.com or see us on instagram @uphill_athlete 

We are beginning a new educational series focused on trail running. Uphill Athlete has long coached and supported trail runners, but we are dedicating even more time and attention to this ever growing sport. Along with this podcast, we are also launching a trail running training group in June led by coaches Alexa Hasman, Brian Passenti and Alyssa Clark. We are revamping our training plans and have many experienced trail running coaches on staff available for one on one coaching. 

In this episode, Brian and Alyssa discuss the history of trail running along with the wide variety of races and adventures out there for mountain athletes. They touch on mountain safety, the culture of trail running and why this community is so special to many. Come join in on the trail running fun and be welcomed with open arms to this growing but tight knit space.

Visit us at www.uphillathlete.com or drop us a note at coach@uphillathlete.com 

In this episode, Steve and Alyssa welcome coach Martin Zhor onto the podcast to discuss tapering and the post-mountain blues. They discuss the dos and don’ts of tapering along with advice on the duration and types of workouts athletes should be focusing on during this time period. They also touch on the effect of travel during a taper period and how to account for altitude and acclimatization. Along with tapering, the three discuss the after period of a big climb and what happens next mentally and physically regardless of the summit success. They offer their own experiences and tips to handle the let down post-trip. Join the three in a comprehensive discussion rounding out the mountaineering training series and helping athletes reach their mountain goals.

Thank you to Chase Clark for our Intro/Outro Music and Tim McClain for our sound mixing. 

Please visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com