Kristina Mascarenas | Back to Back Pikes Peak Marathon Champion

The Steep Stuff Podcast

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Christina Mascarenas, a two-time Pikes Peak marathon champion, joins us for a captivating conversation on her latest adventures and achievements. Christina opens up about her recent trip to Japan for the Golden Trail World Series, providing listeners with vivid imagery of the Kobe 23K race and the unexpected delights of Kobe's underground city life. Get ready to experience Japan through her eyes, from its breathtaking landscapes and pristine streets to the warm and welcoming locals and delectable cuisine.
In this episode, we journey through Christina’s transformation from a competitive gymnast to a trail-running sensation. Facing a career-ending injury at 14, Christina didn’t let adversity keep her down. Instead, she channeled her determination into a remarkable running career, driven by a pivotal bet with her brother at age 24. We explore her strategic approach to racing, the camaraderie among trail runners, and the mental grit required to stay ahead in high-altitude competitions like the Pikes Peak Marathon. Her story is a testament to resilience and the powerful influence of family in shaping an athlete’s path.
But it’s not all about running; Christina’s life is a fascinating blend of athletic prowess and scientific inquiry. We delve into her work in a biology lab and discuss how she balances her demanding training schedule with her professional career. From overcoming severe injuries to representing Team USA at the World Championships, Christina's journey is filled with inspiring moments and lessons in perseverance. Tune in for insights on training routines, race preparations, and even some light-hearted banter about Bigfoot and aliens. Don't miss this episode's heartfelt conclusion, where we emphasize the importance of rating and reviewing the podcast to help us continue sharing these incredible stories.

Chapitres

1. Golden Trail Series (00:00:00)

2. Race Strategy and Running Background (00:08:08)

3. From Gymnast to Pike's Peak Winner (00:10:37)

4. Trail Running Race Discussions (00:17:19)

5. Overcoming Injuries and Returning to Running (00:26:32)

6. Worlds Qualifying, Team USA Representation (00:31:22)

7. Training and Racing at Altitude (00:38:33)

8. Inspiration From Running Crew (00:49:33)

9. Passion for Running and Science (00:56:07)

10. Promoting Podcast Ratings and Reviews (01:06:32)