Uphill Athlete Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Trail Running Series: Hillary Gerardi and the Legacy of Mountain Athletes Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

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.

Trail Running Series: Muscular Endurance for Trail Runners Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

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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Trail Running Series: Strength Training Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

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.

Trail Running Series: Environmentalism and Trail Running with Damian Hall Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

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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Trail Running Series: John Kelly on Longevity at the Top Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

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

Trail Running Series: Base Training to Course Specialization May 22, 2023

Show notes

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

Trail Running Series: Racing, Adventures and FKTs May 08, 2023

Show notes

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

Training for Mountaineering: Tapering and Post-Mountain Blues Mar 27, 2023

Show notes

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

Training for Mountaineering: Climbing Specific Period Mar 13, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Training for Mountaineering, Steve and Alyssa discuss the last training period before tapering, the climbing specific period. This stage follows the crucial base period, and serves to sharpen the skills a climber needs for a specific goal. Steve and Alyssa tackle how to navigate and plan this period from build up climbing trips, to training at home. They break down how a climber should distribute intensity, volume, recovery and strength throughout the week. They also touch on the importance of mental preparation and the confidence this period brings to a climber before they take off for their goal climbs.

Thank you to Chase Clark for the intro/outro and Tim McClain for our sound engineering.

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

Training for Mountaineering: Strength Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Training for Mountaineering, Steve House and Alyssa Clark are joined by veteran Uphill Athlete coach, Jason Antin. The trio open by discussing the role of strength in Jason, Steve and Alyssa’s athletic careers and the purpose of strength training in the mountains. They continue with defining strength, strength training and its role in helping athletes move efficiently and safely in mountain objectives. Jason and Steve break down the three periods of strength training including transition, max strength and muscular endurance. Jason discusses his favorite max strength exercises and how single leg strength is vital for mountain athletes. The three wrap up with exploring muscular endurance and the variations possible for those living in mountain towns to New York City. Join us for a lively discussion of strength in the mountains.

Thank you to Chase Clark for the intro/outro and Tim McClain for our sound engineering.

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