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From collegiate steeplechaser to trail running phenomenon, Rachel Tomajczyk's athletic journey is one of remarkable resilience and evolution. Fresh from her impressive performance at the Great China Wall Race, Rachel joins us to unpack her experiences competing on one of the world's most iconic landmarks – dealing with brutal climbs, technical descents, and navigating cultural differences along the way.

Rachel pulls back the curtain on the realities of international competition, from the complex visa processes to the camaraderie formed with competitors from across the globe. Her perspective on training solo versus group dynamics offers fascinating insights into the psychology of elite performance, challenging conventional wisdom about what truly helps athletes thrive.

What truly sets this conversation apart is Rachel's candor about her struggles with eating disorders during her collegiate career. She shares how initially associating weight loss with improved performance led to a cycle of injuries that threatened her athletic future. Her journey toward healing wasn't immediate but evolved through painful lessons that have shaped her current approach to health and performance – wisdom that could be life-changing for listeners facing similar challenges.

The business side of professional running receives significant attention as Rachel explains how working with an agent has transformed her sponsorship experiences. She offers rare transparency about contract negotiations and the awkward position athletes face when approached by competitors seeking sponsorship connections – insights that aspiring professionals rarely hear discussed openly.

Throughout our conversation, Rachel's balanced perspective on competition, faith, and defining success reveals why she's not just a formidable competitor but a true ambassador for the sport. Follow her journey on Instagram @rachrunsworld as she continues to dominate the trail running scene while maintaining the refreshing authenticity that makes her story so compelling.

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Step into the world of mountain running's future with Jeremy Strom, the visionary behind Satori Endurance and coaching partner for the Skyrunner World Series. This conversation unveils the transformative potential of bringing authentic European-style sky running to American soil while nurturing the next generation of mountain athletes.

Jeremy's concept of "Satori" – perfect focus without expectations – forms the philosophical foundation for his approach to mountain running. Unlike track or cross-country, mountain running offers a spiritual dimension that creates lifelong connections between athletes and wild places. Through his youth development camps and coaching, Jeremy is building crucial bridges for talented young runners seeking alternatives to traditional collegiate running paths.

We dive deep into the technical elements that make sky running distinct – rope-assisted descents, exposure with real consequences, and terrain that challenges both mind and body. Jeremy explains how his upcoming Sky Camp partnership with Gravity House and the Skyrunner World Series aims to introduce more Americans to this intense mountain discipline while providing comprehensive training in mental preparation, technical skills, and physiological adaptation.

The conversation explores fascinating contrasts between different mountain regions, permitting challenges facing race directors, and what makes events like Broken Arrow so successful. Jeremy's insights on neurofunctional training reveal how elite mountain runners process visual information at superhuman speeds while managing fear and fatigue.

Perhaps most compelling is our discussion of perceived exertion as the ultimate limiting factor in mountain performance. Jeremy shares how changing your mindset can literally change what's physically possible for your body – illustrated by stories of athletes accomplishing seemingly impossible feats on technical mountain terrain.

For anyone fascinated by the evolution of trail running, the mental game of outdoor sports, or the growing accessibility of mountain adventures, this episode offers a masterclass in the science, art, and spirit of running in high places.

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What does it take to reach the elite level of trail running when your body keeps threatening to derail your dreams? Ryan Becker knows this challenge intimately. After fully tearing his Achilles tendon during a college cross-country championship race—and still finishing to earn All-American honors—he's spent years battling chronic tendon issues while quietly becoming one of the most consistent performers on the American trail running circuit.

From his unorthodox beginnings as a tennis player who discovered running relatively late, to his current status as a mountain running stalwart based in Telluride, Colorado, Becker shares the twists and turns of his remarkable journey. His candid discussion about nearly undergoing double Achilles surgery before finding an alternative path to recovery offers hope to anyone dealing with persistent injuries. "Health is really a lot more important than hitting a number of run miles in the week," he explains, detailing how cross-training on the bike and skis has allowed him to maintain world-class fitness despite sometimes running zero miles per week.

Perhaps most fascinating is Becker's thoughtful perspective on the sponsorship world, where he's remained largely on the outside looking in despite impressive results like winning the Kodiak 50K and numerous podium finishes at prestigious events. His reflections on what brands truly value—and whether consistency might sometimes be less marketable than dramatic breakthroughs—provide valuable insight for athletes navigating today's complex landscape. As he looks ahead to potentially tackling the Leadville 100 and continuing to compete at the highest level, Becker's story reminds us that sometimes the most impressive athletic achievements aren't just the victories, but the relentless pursuit of excellence despite significant obstacles.

Whether you're dealing with injuries, questioning your path in endurance sports, or simply appreciate stories of quiet determination, this conversation will leave you with new perspectives on what it means to succeed on your own terms in the mountains. Join us for this deep dive with one of trail running's most respected and resilient competitors.

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This episode was brought to you by Ultimate Direction - use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your next order on Ultimatedirection.com