The trails are drying and the time for exploration in the mountains is now! While the majority of runners in the mountains are just out for a quick adventure, we know a few friends of Stio who have the tenacity and strength to not just run unimaginable distance, but compete while doing it. We caught up with friend of Stio Josh Fuller and ambassador Katie Steinberg to learn more about how they got in to long distance running, what their goals are for the summer, and their trails of choice.
Athlete Q&A with Josh Fuller
How did you first get involved with ultra-marathons and long distance running?
I fortuitously happened into volunteering at the Bighorn 100 Mile Endurance Run my senior year of high school. With no formal running in my background, I didn’t even know that these sorts of feats were humanly possible. Watching, firsthand, the raw energy, complete carnage, and total absurdity of running 100 non-stop miles in the mountains was fantastic. The next year, deviating slightly from any recommended progression, I signed up for the Bighorn 100 as my first-ever running race. I think I was probably trying to impress a girl too. Nevertheless, my first taste was seminal in the relationship that I have developed with the mountains, and ultra-distance racing has provided an avenue to see some pretty remarkable corners of the world.
What do you love the most about running in the Tetons?
They’re big and they’re in Wyoming; a lifetime of exploring to be had in our very own back yard. As a Wyoming native I’m partial to our square state, and I think the Tetons embody the Wyoming ethos in so many ways.
What does your race schedule look like for the summer?
After a fairly big (for me) early season of racing the Old Ghost Ultra – 85k in New Zealand and the Lake Sonoma 50M in California, I just have two more planned this year: Bighorn 100M (Wyoming) in June and the Silverton 100k (Colorado) in August.
What’s your favorite trail or place to run?
I honestly think that running downhill along the little section of Josie’s Ridge Trail from the summit of Snow King to the pile of rocks at the top of Josie’s (Jackson Hole folks will know) is one of the Universe’s greatest gifts to mankind. It’s a half mile of perfect downhill, unbelievable scenes of the Snake River valley and into Leeks Canyon, and always bursting with wildflowers. An evening cruise along this section is nothing short of magical.
How did you first get involved with ultra-marathons and long distance running?
I have enjoyed running since the age of 12 when I would join my father on his morning runs before school. I played team sports in high school, but my favorite part was always the dry land training. A few years after moving to Jackson, I had two girlfriends who wanted to train for a 50K. None of us had ever done one before and I had never run longer than a half marathon, but I was committed. I followed a strict training regime and showed up to the race completely unsure of how it would go. I walked away with a win and couldn’t wait to sign up for my next race. I enjoyed pushing my mind and body to its limit and realized I could do well as I continued to take first in the next several 50K and 50 mile races. I have been set back at times with injury (terrible ankles) and pregnancy, but it has only ignited my desire to return stronger.
What do you love the most about running in the Tetons?
I love the solitude. It is a place my mind can wonder as Im distracted by the beauty and wildlife around me and time flies by. It makes me feel alive as the challenging terrain makes my lungs burn and my muscles ache and I go home happily exhausted. It is the ultimate release for me, from the stress and anxieties of life.
What does your race schedule look like for the summer?
My race schedule is sparse this year as I enjoy my time as a new mom. I developed SPD in my pelvis during pregnancy and while I would love to be running longer, I am enjoying pushing my self harder for shorter distances. With limited mileage and time, Ive been working on speed and breaking my PR’s on my favorite trails. I am thinking of using my training for some vertical accent races!
What’s your favorite trail or place to run?
It’s so hard picking one! My favorite trail for quick access from my house is Ferrins; the grind to the top is rewarded with beautiful views of the Tetons and a fun downhill on the return. When I can get out for a longer adventure, I love running around Phelps lake or looping Paintbrush to Cascade Canyon. My favorite run in the US is the Grand Canyon and in the world (so far) has been the summer Haute route from Chamonix to Zermatt.
