Send us Fan Mail

A re-release with a purpose: we’re celebrating Zach Erickson’s selection to the 2026 Trail Team Elite and unpacking the gritty, honest road that got him there. Zach grew up in Idaho Falls chasing every ball sport, found running in middle school, and lived the BYU dream—until a chronic hip injury benched him for a year and eventually cut him from the roster… twice. What followed wasn’t a comeback montage; it was a mindset shift. He let go of fear, built gratitude into his daily training, and said yes to trails on a nudge from Christian Allen.

That curiosity changed everything. Zach showed up as a total unknown at the US Mountain Champs at Snowbird and finished third. He followed with a collegiate national title at Sunapee and a podium at the Pikes Peak Ascent, proving he’s built for steep, sustained climbing and high altitude. We dive into why trails fit his physiology better than the track, how cycling translates directly to uphill power, and what he learned from a humbling weekend at Broken Arrow. He shares altitude confidence built on a Peru trek to 15,000 feet, the value of course scouting, and why vertical races may be his sharpest blade.

We also pull back the curtain on life inside an elite NCAA program—the allure and the pressure—and how trying to hang with national champions on rep one can derail long-term progress. Zach talks gear on a budget, hand-me-down super shoes, and segment hunting on Utah’s canyon climbs. He’s eyeing LOTOJA, the 200-mile Logan-to-Jackson ride, not as a detour but as targeted base work for mountains. Plus: triathlon chaos, ocean swims that humbled him, and the joy of stacking new skills even when you’re a beginner.

If you’re navigating injury, searching for your best event, or just hungry for a grounded, practical take on mountain running, Zach’s story delivers. Hit play to learn how to turn setbacks into fuel, build real climbing strength, and set goals that motivate without crushing you. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a training partner who loves big climbs.

Follow Zachary on IG - @zacherikson

Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod