Uphill Athlete Podcast

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark talks with climber Laura Pineau, fresh off becoming the first woman, alongside Kate Kelleghan, to complete the Yosemite Triple Crown in under 24 hours. Laura shares the story behind her nickname "Mademoiselle Fissure" and how a passion for crack climbing transformed her career. She reflects on her path from deep water soloing in France to big walls in Yosemite, highlighting the mentors who shaped her journey. The conversation dives into her training, mindset, and the importance of nutrition, hydration, and strategy for long endurance climbs. Listeners will be inspired by Laura's humility, love of learning, and insights on tackling seemingly impossible challenges. You can follow Laura's adventures on instagram @laurapineau  If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Dr. Jeff Hammond, a double-boarded foot and ankle specialist, joins host Alyssa Clark to talk about athlete foot health and injury prevention. They cover the pros and cons of shoe drop, custom orthotics, and how different footwear can impact performance and injury risk. Jeff shares practical advice on managing Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, blisters, and trench foot while emphasizing prevention through smart training, socks, and foot care. The conversation also explores mental and physical challenges athletes face during tapering and long races, plus strategies for nutrition and gear testing. Join us to learn about all things foot care and injury prevention. You can learn more about Dr. Hammond at https://hammondfootandankle.com/ If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Join us for a recap of the 2025 Everest season with host Steve House, coach Martin Zohr, and Everest expert Alan Arnette. They discuss key themes of the year, wind, drones, and new climbing aids like xenon gas, plus the challenges of frostbite, illness, and unpredictable weather. The conversation covers how drones improved safety and waste removal but also brought noise, and examines the ethics, risks, and potential of rapid-ascent technologies. Martin and Alan share coaching insights, stressing long-term preparation, realistic expectations, and defining success beyond summiting. They close with predictions for 2026, including possible new regulations, shifting climbing demographics, and emerging trends in high-altitude mountaineering. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark interviews ultra runner, podcaster and coach, Joe Corcione about his journey from addiction to endurance sports. Joe shares how running became his path to sobriety and self-belief, emphasizing the importance of learning and growth over results. They dive into identity, self-worth, and how chasing performance for external validation can backfire. Joe discusses the value of embracing failure as a tool for progress and highlights how process-oriented goals foster longevity in sport and life. The conversation is a powerful reminder that becoming someone you're proud of matters more than any finish line. Learn more about Joe @joecorcione or @everydayultra. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Steve House and guest, Coach Martin Zohr, explore the physical and mental challenges of climbing Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of Asia. They discuss the importance of structured training, including building a strong aerobic base, muscular endurance, and back-to-back long hikes with heavy packs. They touch on the effects of extreme altitude, logistical considerations like acclimatization and route choice, and the necessity of individualizing training plans. The conversation also highlights the value of subjective feedback in monitoring fatigue and readiness. Aconcagua is a tough yet rewarding climb that requires patience, preparation, and respect for the mountain's demands. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Ultra-running coach and legend Zach Bitter joins the Uphill Athlete Podcast to discuss the mental and physical strategies behind his record-breaking performances in 100-mile races. Host Alyssa Clark chats with Zach about his evolution in the sport, from his early trail running days to mastering fast courses like Desert Solstice. Zach dives deep into managing monotony, training with rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and how mountain races like San Diego 100 contributed to his speed-focused events. He also reflects on career longevity, transitioning from traditional sponsorship, and his growing interest in multi-day ultras. This episode is packed with insights for endurance athletes, whether you're training for a summit or chasing distance records. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark chats with alpinist, climber, and trail runner, Vitaliy Musiyenko about the powerful lessons endurance athletes can learn from each other. Vitaliy shares his inspiring journey from an unhealthy teen to a top alpinist, emphasizing the value of mentorship, ego-checking, and relentless curiosity. He dives into the physical and mental demands of the Goliath Traverse and how it sparked his deep dive into endurance training. They also discuss the crossover between climbing and trail running, from pacing strategies to mountain safety, and how these skills are essential to success and longevity in the mountains. The episode wraps with a reflection on failure, growth, and the importance of keeping longevity and safety at the forefront of all mountain pursuits. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Steve House is joined by in-house dietitian Alyssa Leib to explore the crucial role of nutrition in athletic recovery. They debunk common myths around overtraining and emphasize that under-recovery, often due to poor nutrition, is a very common issue. Alyssa highlights the importance of sufficient calorie, protein, and especially carbohydrate intake, along with timing meals around workouts to optimize performance and healing. They discuss recovery strategies like drinking milk before bed, magnesium supplementation, and using antioxidant-rich foods like tart cherry juice among others. They underscore that good nutrition and quality sleep are the foundation of successful recovery for mountain athletes. Visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathelte.com to connect with Alyssa and learn more about our nutrition offerings.

In this podcast episode, Lukas Furtenbach, founder of Furtenbach Adventures, and Steve House discuss Lukas' work in high-altitude expedition mountaineering. They discuss the development of hypoxic pre-acclimatization techniques and how technologies like xenon gas are being used to reduce expedition durations. The conversation addresses the ethical debates around these technologies, commercialization of Everest, and the reasons behind Lukas' decision to utilize xenon gas in a ground breaking expedition beginning in May. This is part two in the Uphill Athlete podcast series surrounding the discussion of the use of xenon in mountaineering.

In this episode, host Steve House sits down with Dr. Peter Hackett, a pioneer in high-altitude medicine, to discuss the potential use of xenon gas as a performance enhancer for mountaineers. Xenon, once used as an anesthetic, is a noble gas that may briefly stimulate erythropoietin (EPO) but lacks solid evidence of improving red blood cell count or performance. Dr. Hackett explains the risks of unsupervised xenon use and stresses the importance of controlled research before drawing conclusions. He shares skepticism around current anecdotal claims, especially without peer-reviewed data. The episode emphasizes safety, science, and honesty in altitude medicine. This is the first part of a two-part series on the use of Xenon in mountaineering.

n the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, host Steve House talks with author Will Cockrell about his new book Everest, Inc. Cockrell's book explores the evolution of commercial guiding on Mount Everest. They dive into the origins of the Everest guiding industry, the early trailblazers, and how the mountain shifted from a mountaineering challenge to an endurance experience. Will shares stories of the colorful characters who helped shape the business and the ethical challenges. They also discuss the rise of Nepali-led guiding companies and the evolution and current state of Everest tourism. Everest Inc is available on all major book platforms.

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark welcomes Director of Coaching, Chantelle Robitaille, to discuss the emotional and physical challenges of injuries in endurance sports. Chantelle shares her personal journey of overcoming a fractured humerus and torn labrum, highlighting the mental resilience needed to navigate setbacks. She offers practical strategies for recovery, including focusing on controllable factors, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a strong support system. The two discuss the importance of viewing recovery as part of training and finding new ways to stay engaged with your community. Tune in for insights on how to turn injury into an opportunity for growth. If you'd like to learn more, visit uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark is joined by Kylee Van Horn and Zoë Rom, creators of the Your Diet Sucks podcast, to discuss the dangers of nutrition myths and fad diets in endurance sports. They explore why extreme athletes are particularly susceptible to restrictive eating patterns, the misconceptions surrounding low-carb and fasted training, and the potential risks these approaches pose to both performance and health. Kylee and Zoe emphasize the importance of balanced nutrition, critical thinking, and recognizing the emotional and social aspects of food choices. They also offer insights on how athletes can resist diet trends by questioning sources, focusing on fundamentals, and seeking expert guidance. The conversation challenges the allure of quick fixes and reinforces the value of sustainable, evidence-based fueling strategies. If you'd like to listen to Your Diet Sucks, check it out on apple, spotify or your favorite podcast platform. You can learn more about Zoë and Kylee by visiting @youdietsucks, @carrot_flower_z or @flynutrition3 on instagram. If you'd like to learn more about Uphill Athlete, visit Uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode, host Alyssa Clark sits down with trail runner, podcaster, and coach Hilary Spires to discuss her journey to the HURT 100, just nine months after giving birth. Hilary shares the challenges of postpartum recovery and balancing training with her family. She opens up about the physical and mental struggles she faced during the race, including a rib injury and battling the sleep monster. Hilary finished strong in fourth place, proving her resilience and determination. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on Hilary's journey postpartum and how she made it possible to train for hard things with a family. Check out Trail Running Women Podcast on all podcast platforms! You can also see more of what Hilary is up to on instagram at @hilsport55 or @trailrunningwomenpod Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit uphillathlete.com to learn more about our coaching, training plans and memberships.

In the latest Uphill Athlete podcast episode, Alyssa interviews Tanner Wanish, a former Navy SEAL turned elite climber known for his record-breaking Yosemite Triple Crown ascent. Tanner shares his unconventional entry into climbing, his disciplined training regimen, and his perspective on balancing risk and endurance in high-altitude technical climbing. They discuss the mental and physical challenges of pushing limits while maintaining safety, particularly in extreme endurance events like the Yosemite Quad. The conversation also touches on his experience with sponsorships, overtraining, injury management, and the importance of listening to one's instincts in dangerous situations. Tune in for a fantastic episode with one of the rising voices in climbing. If you'd like to follow Tanner's adventures, you can check him out on instagram at @ilikebigbutress  If you'd like to learn more about our offerings, please visit uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

The Uphill Athlete podcast returns with UA tactical coach and strength specialist, Drew Hammond joining Alyssa to discuss the balance between strength and endurance for mountain athletes. Drew emphasizes the importance of strength as a foundation for endurance sports, highlighting how both attributes complement each other. They chat about how Drew implements auto-regulation, a flexible training approach that adapts to an athlete's readiness, using tools like rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and reps in reserve. The two underscore the importance of athlete enjoyment in their workouts and focusing on movement patterns versus specific exercises. Drew brings tremendous insight, wisdom and humor on how to build strong and durable athletes. Check out uphillathlete.com for more information or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Director of Coaching, Chantelle Robitaille takes over the Uphill Athlete podcast to turn the mic on usual host Alyssa Clark. They discuss Alyssa's journey to the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) in 2024 showcasing the changes she needed to make to focus on resilience and growth. After years of preparation, she achieved 11th place in the most competitive women's field in UTMB history, finishing in 26 hours, 25 minutes, and 13 seconds. Her season was marked by challenges, including shifting her mindset from rigid perfectionism to embracing joy, curiosity, and adaptability in running. She credited her success to building a supportive team, seeking help, and prioritizing mental strategies, such as staying present and controlling the controllable. Alyssa and Chantelle conclude that the power of gratitude, community, and self-compassion are far stronger than pushing oneself to fear and failure. Visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

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

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