#98 - Lindsay Allison

The Steep Stuff Podcast

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When you hear Lindsay Allison's story, you might wonder how one person balances so many contrasting elements. A Stanford graduate working remotely from Telluride while training at an elite level, Lindsay embodies the modern trail runner who refuses to choose between career and athletic dreams.
From her unexpected athletic background in competitive trampoline to her recent signing with Altra and podium finish at Big Alta 50K, Lindsay takes us through the fascinating journey that brought her to the trails. Her connection to Mount Tam, where she first fell in love with running as a high schooler, provides a beautiful through-line to her current life as a mountain athlete in one of America's most stunning landscapes.
The conversation delves into the realities of living in remote Telluride – a double-edged sword offering unmatched mountain access but presenting logistical challenges that would deter many elite athletes. "You can be in the Alpine at 6 AM and at your desk by 9," Lindsay explains, revealing how she makes the most of this unique training environment despite its limitations. Her insights about the local running community showcase a refreshing perspective where the experience of the mountains trumps metrics and data.
What truly stands out is Lindsay's approach to training volume. Running 100-115 miles weekly while maintaining a full-time job requires extraordinary discipline, yet she discusses it with remarkable practicality. "You have to have a reason for everything you're doing," she shares, offering wisdom about finding the right "imbalance" rather than pursuing perfect life balance.
Looking ahead to Broken Arrow, Speed Goat, and ultimately CCC in the UTMB series, Lindsay's thoughtful race strategy reveals an athlete who knows her strengths and how to maximize them. Her candid discussion about race nutrition, including mishaps and solutions, provides valuable takeaways for runners at any level.
Whether you're fascinated by the lifestyle of elite mountain athletes, curious about balancing professional careers with competitive running, or simply looking for inspiration from someone charting her own path, this conversation delivers honest insights from one of trail running's rising stars.

Follow Lindsay on IG - @l_allison

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This episode was brought to you by Ultimate Direction! Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com

Chapters

1. Introduction to Lindsay Allison (00:00:00)

2. From Trampoline to Trail Running (00:10:38)

3. Life in Telluride's Mountain Community (00:18:16)

4. Joining the Altra Team (00:33:42)

5. Race Breakdown: Big Alta 50K (00:44:48)

6. Training & Racing as a Couple (00:59:54)

7. High Mileage & Balance (01:10:54)

8. The Future of Trail Running (01:17:09)