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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.

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The trail running world has a new star to watch, and she comes from an unexpected background. Rena Schwartz, fresh off her victory at the Mount Washington Road Race, joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to share the fascinating journey that took her from Nordic skiing champion at Dartmouth College to dominating some of America's most challenging mountain races.

What makes Reena's rapid rise in trail running so remarkable is how new she is to competitive racing. After graduating from Dartmouth in 2022 where she competed as an elite Nordic skier, Reena moved to Boulder and almost accidentally discovered her talent for mountain running. Within months, she stunned the trail community with a fifth-place finish at the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee Scramble before claiming victory at the iconic Mount Washington Road Race.

Throughout our conversation, Rena reveals how her extensive Nordic skiing background created the perfect foundation for mountain running success. The physiological adaptations, training approach, and mental toughness developed through years of elite skiing transferred seamlessly to the trails. "Most of [ski training] is honestly hiking," she explains. "Skiers, when they're going slow training, they're going slow training, and so you're hiking a lot. I think that's probably a huge part of the way I run today."

What truly sets Rena apart is her balanced perspective on athletic achievement. Currently pursuing a master's degree in social work, she views running as one component of a multifaceted life rather than her sole focus. As she navigates the possibilities of sponsorships and more competitive racing, she brings a refreshing mindset to a sport often defined by singular dedication. For anyone fascinated by athletic crossover potential, the science of endurance performance, or simply inspiring stories of unexpected excellence, Reena's journey offers valuable insights into what's possible when Nordic skiing precision meets mountain running passion.

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The mountain running world turns its attention to Palisades Tahoe this week for what promises to be an epic showdown at the Broken Arrow 46K. This isn't just any race – it's a Team USA selection event that has attracted virtually every elite mountain runner in the country, creating what might be the most competitive field ever assembled on American soil.

The race itself presents a formidable challenge: approximately 28 miles with a punishing 9,000 feet of vertical gain over two loops. Course record holder David Sinclair's time of roughly four hours could be under threat this year, with perfect weather conditions and extraordinary talent at the starting line. Unlike previous years where scorching heat played a factor, this year's forecast calls for cooler temperatures in the 60s, potentially setting the stage for blistering performances.

What makes this race particularly fascinating is the strategic complexity surrounding Team USA selection. Several favorites, including Eli and Tabor Hemming, have indicated they may decline team spots even if they qualify, preferring to focus on European races like OCC and CCC. This creates a dynamic where some athletes are racing purely for personal achievement while others see this as their golden opportunity to represent their country internationally. With limited spots available and such depth of talent, expect fierce competition down to the final descent.

The women's field features multiple former champions including Helen Mino Faulkner and Jennifer Lichter, with Grayson Murphy's potential participation looming large over the competition. On the men's side, Eli Hemming enters as the clear favorite after dominant performances this season, with Garrett Corcoran, David Norris, Brian Whitfield, and John Aziz among those battling for podium positions. For mountain running fans, Saturday's race represents a rare opportunity to witness America's best athletes pushing their limits on one of the sport's most challenging and prestigious courses.

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