Someone finally closes the gap on you mid-race. You don’t know if it’s one runner or the whole field. Your legs are fading on a rocky climb, the descents are muddy and technical, and every choice feels expensive. That’s the moment where champions either tighten up or stay clear headed. We talk with 2026 U.S. Mountain Running Champion Maya Rayle just days after her win to find out what she told herself, what she did tactically, and why she never let the race turn into a panic spiral.

We break down the Sunapee course in practical trail running terms: how she handled an aggressive start, where she felt strongest, and why the descents were actually the highlight. Maya shares what it looked like when Elisa caught her, how she managed the pass without giving up contact, and how subtle terrain changes like trail sections, fire roads, and long downhills shape pacing in mountain running. If you care about race strategy, downhill running technique, and staying composed under pressure, this recap delivers real, usable lessons.

Training talk gets equally honest. Maya explains being self-coached, balancing preparation with field ecology research in remote Montana, and using winter backcountry skiing and Nordic skiing to build aerobic volume without forcing a rigid weekly mileage plan. We also dig into Missoula’s low-key but highly athletic culture, the value of supportive training partners, and how she’s thinking about the transition to Broken Arrow and representing Team USA in Canada.

If this conversation helps you rethink your own trail running training or race mindset, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. What’s the hardest part for you: the climb, the descent, or staying calm when the race changes?

Follow Maya on IG - @maya_rayle

Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us

Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa