The Steep Stuff Podcast
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The Steep Stuff Podcast
#95 - Kyla Christopher-Moody - 2025 Trail Team Elite Selection
The transition from collegiate track to mountain trails represents one of running's most fascinating journeys – and Kyla Christopher-Moody is navigating it with remarkable authenticity and talent. Fresh off her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite, Kyla joins us to share her path from Michigan high school standout to Montana State University track athlete and now emerging trail running competitor.
Her story isn't the typical straight line to success. After battling persistent injuries at the University of Colorado Boulder, Kyla made the courageous decision to step away from competitive running entirely – a choice she now calls "probably the best decision I've ever made in my life." This reset allowed her to rediscover her passion at Montana State, where mountain trails became her sanctuary during injury recovery. The natural progression to trail racing happened almost accidentally, with a spontaneous entry into the GoPro Games 10K resulting in an impressive fifth-place finish despite minimal specific training.
What makes Kyla's approach refreshing is her process-oriented mindset and genuine love of competition. Rather than setting rigid outcome goals as she enters the trail running scene, she's focused on learning and exploration. "I don't have preconceived notions of what I'm able to do," she explains, demonstrating the healthy perspective that will serve her well as she targets races like Sierre-Zinal and the USATF Mountain Running Championships. Meanwhile, her academic pursuits in snow science perfectly complement her athletic journey, connecting her professional interests with her passion for mountain environments.
Whether you're fascinated by the track-to-trail transition, curious about the emerging pathway for NCAA athletes into mountain running, or simply enjoy authentic conversations with rising stars, Kyla's story offers valuable insights into finding your path – even when it means taking unexpected turns along the way. Give this episode a listen and discover why we're so excited to follow Kyla's trail running journey in the months and years ahead.
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What is up, fam? Welcome back to the Steep Stuff Podcast. I'm your host, james Lauriello, bringing you guys a super fun episode. I'm super stoked about Lots of supers in there, with none other than 2025 Trail Team Elite Selection, miss Kyla Christopher Moody.
Speaker 1:Kyla has had a really fun journey, both on the indoor-outdoor track as well as the cross-country as well. At Montana State University, we talked a lot about her time on the track and just her collegiate experience, which was really fun to get into. We talked about the transition, making that transition from the collegiate level to running on the trails at a high level as well. We talked about some racing. Kyla last year took a top five finish at the GoPro Games 10K against some stout competition and we talked about what we're getting into for this year. Kyla's currently signed up for Soonapy, where she's going to be competing at the Mountain Classic running championship in hopes to get a bid for one of those world spots, which is going to be super fun, super competitive race I'm sure she's stoked and ready for. And on top of that, we talked about just like that transition life, being able to kind of make that move and what that's like coming from the tracks to the trails. So, without further ado, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Kyla Christenberg for Moody, it's time. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, we are live. Listen up, guys.
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Speaker 2:How are you?
Speaker 1:Thanks, yeah, no, I'm excited to have a conversation with you. Congratulations on making the trail team this year. That's exciting.
Speaker 2:Thank you. Yeah, I'm super stoked about it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, we'll get into it, we'll, we'll do a deep dive into there.
Speaker 2:How's it.
Speaker 1:First of all, how's your day going so far?
Speaker 2:It's good. Um, it started to get a little gloomy again here in Bozeman, not quite spring yet, so yeah, a little disappointing yeah, so it goes how's the?
Speaker 1:uh? So the weather's kind of gloomy there. It's funny we're? Oh my gosh, yeah, it's been, it's been bananas. How morbid it's been. Yeah, I don't know. I guess Montana is still still kind of brutal. That's, that's, no, no bueno.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So yeah, maybe give me the five minute elevator pitch on your background and kind of like how you got into running and stuff like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so I started running when I was around like five years old, just a like week long summer camp, um, and uh, I was always the best, which was really fun as a five-year-old um, to just be good at something. And then, uh, I mostly focused on soccer, um, up until the end of middle school and then uh really started taking running seriously and then um got really good at it and, um, yeah, I went to CU for undergrad CU Boulder, um, and then, uh, I actually quit my last year there, um, cause I could feel myself not really liking running anymore, um, so I stepped away from the sport and then came back to it for grad school here at Montana state, um, and since then I've, uh and I feel like I'm really leveling up this year so stoked to see how that transitions to the trails.
Speaker 1:Are you originally from Michigan? Yeah, okay, super cool. I lived in Ann Arbor for a year I must went to Michigan for grad school. Yeah, okay, super cool, I lived in.
Speaker 2:Ann Arbor for a year.
Speaker 1:I must went to Michigan for grad school. Yeah, are you. Are you a Michigan fan or like a Michigan state fan? Like what do you? What do you identify as?
Speaker 2:Uh, well, both my parents went to Michigan state, uh, and then, uh, my brother went to U of M. So we don't, we don't really have a preference, but super cool, yeah, what was it like?
Speaker 1:uh, I guess high school wise, like that cross-country track running scene, like was it pretty good infrastructure for being able to get pretty good, like good competition, like what was that like for you?
Speaker 2:really, really good competition. Our um my like high school cross-country county meet was insane. Like I want to say, like the top 20 girls all went d1. Um, maybe that's an exaggeration, but like I remember, um, I went to a footlocker my sophomore year high school um for cross country and, uh, I think like five or six of the top 11 girls were from Michigan, um for the midwest region. So, yeah, michigan, um for the Midwest region. So, yeah, michigan was like a definitely powerhouse state when I was in high school. Um, I don't really follow that much anymore but yeah, it was a great place for competition. Um, the training location was pretty okay. Um, yeah, I grew up in West Bloomfield and there was a? Um nice like rails to trail right near the high school. So, um, that was nice but very flat. So, yeah, not very conducive to trail running.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah. So we'll get into like what inspired you and like what you got. What got you stoked on like on trail running in the first place. But like I'm curious about like coming out of high school, like the recruitment process, like what made you choose Colorado, and like what was like, was it a difficult decision for you? Was it an easy one? Like what was that? What was that like also being recruited by one of the best running schools in the world?
Speaker 2:Yeah it was. It was very flattering. Um yeah, um, yeah, I think my entire life have kind of been like like, I know I'm good, but I always have that like hesitation of like am I really that good? Um, and uh, there's something I'm working on, but, um, the the recruitment process was really interesting.
Speaker 2:I like, weirdly enough, in uh, fifth grade, I had this like um like college project of like where, like, just choose a random college around the country and do little, like like what GPA do you need? Um, just like get young kids excited about college. Um, and I chose CU Boulder. Um, when I was 10. And then, uh, and then when I like started running, I was like, oh, there's just no way I'm gonna go there if I want to run in college. And then, um, then I started to get really good and I was like, well, I guess I could go there now. Um, so, yeah, and I I mainly chose it because I found Boulder really interesting, it's an interesting place, and I chose it for the cross-country program, of course, but I was injured my whole time there. Oh, God.
Speaker 2:Let's talk about that, let's dive into that.
Speaker 1:Some people. It's funny. I talked to a lot of folks Most of your folks, more I'd say maybe 90% of them usually like professional trail runners, like run at the collegiate level more or less. But like everyone has, an overwhelming majority of them have a gripe of like what you know what it was like running in college. They all kind of hated it more or less. Like well, what was that like for you? Like it sounded like towards senior year or the end, like it kind of wasn't so exciting for you Maybe talk about like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah. So I mean, I came in in like 2019, my freshman year with two stress reactions and I was kind of like, oh well, I'll just run through the pain, it's going to be fine, um, but then that was super dumb. And then, like, I just got in this vicious injury cycle, um, and I think I raced two total cross-country races when I was there, wow, and it was both. Like those were both during that weird COVID season that was in like February, so those didn't even count for eligibility. So, um, yeah, I was just like battling injury the whole time.
Speaker 2:Um, really cross training, and I like refuse to go near a pool now other than to splash. Um, exercise in a pool for me, but, um, I got really into cycling because of it. And then, uh, like for training, lots of cycling, um, and then what was really difficult was, um, that like I didn't have that release that running gives me necessarily Cause, um, like I just wasn't in nature like want to be, so, um, that was really difficult. Um, and then, like, once I would be able to run again, I'd always be on trails because I wanted soft surface. Um, and then, uh, which maybe wasn't the best idea, because some of them are a little too technical for coming back to or coming back to running from injury. So, yeah, yeah, and then, like toward my senior year, I, like I don't know I knew I loved running and like something was telling me that if I continued at cu running for them, I would not keep that love. So I quit.
Speaker 1:That's very like a very grown up thing to do, to know yourself that well, to make that decision, like were there people around you helping you make that decision, or was that a deeply personal one for you? Just you knew that you that's what you wanted to do. Good for you I got. A lot of people would have stayed in and like suffered through that, so I can commend you for that.
Speaker 2:Thank you, yeah, yeah. It was like probably the best decision I've ever made in my life. Like to leave, um, yeah, cause like I mean I quit the team, but like I feel like if I had stayed I would have been quitting on myself, cause it just wasn't good for me. Yeah, um, yeah. And then uh, but I'm back in the NCAA, um, at Montana state, and I love it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, let's talk about that. So you've kind of like re-invented yourself in one way or another. Now that you're at Montana State, what has that been like? The program is just way healthier. The coaching is way better. What do you take away from it that you think has led to more success?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I don't know if I'd necessarily say reinvent myself. It was more like refinding myself, because I think when I was at CU I was totally lost. And now I'm back and I, I mean, I definitely think like where you are and the people you're around makes a huge difference. But also that year that I took, I then really set me up for success here. Um and uh, yeah, the coaching staff is great. I love my teammates and I love the location. Um and uh, I think like it's a healthier environment, but I'm also healthier myself, gotcha.
Speaker 1:So yeah, All right, now let's talk trails. What got you stoked about the trails Like? What excites you about it, what part of that competition like, especially because you're an NCAA athlete, I think now for someone in your position it's easier to realize, versus like years ago, that like you can actually like make a career in trail running, like people do it now.
Speaker 2:Yeah, no, what gets you stoked to do that? Yeah. So, um, my family, we would go to uh grand teton national park every year, um, from when I was like probably around five, um, and ever since then I fell in love with the mountains and um just being in nature on the trails. And, uh, as I got older, when we'd go there in the summer, um, I'd start running on the trails there and I just loved it. And then, um, I hopped into a light hill climb race there at a snow King mountain and, um, I loved it and I just like I kind of crushed it, but I didn't register because I the Michigan high school rules were pretty weird. So I just like ran it and it was really fun. And, yeah, after that I was like, okay, I really really want to do this later.
Speaker 2:Um, kind of like kept it on a back burner, um, and then at CU, I uh like one summer, after being injured for like a whole year, I really wanted that competition aspect of running again. So, um, I ran at GoPro games and I got uh first in my age group, um, and I got uh first in my age group, um, and I was like, oh sweet, like I can actually like. This translates pretty well and it's fun, and I um a bunch of my teammates from CU came up with me to Vail um and we just had a really good time. And since then, um, I just like get out on the trails whenever I can, um, yeah, and then last year I did go pro games, um, cause I didn't make it to nationals for tracks, so I was like, well, I'll just drive down to Vail Um, and then, uh, I got fifth overall, um, which is exciting. So what did you run?
Speaker 1:Sorry, I like poked around on like ultra sign up as well as like a bunch of. Cirque series results and I could not find. I probably should have asked you before we had this conversation but I did not. I did not check the gopro games results, I didn't even think to. Let's talk about that. What, what, um, would you run the 5k, the 10k, like what? What did you do?
Speaker 2:and yeah, let's talk about that race yeah, I did the 10k, um, and uh, I felt like really horrible because I was, um, I mean, I mean I was I'd been training for a 5k on a track for the last like six months, so I was. I was not really set up for success, uh, physically or mentally, cause I hadn't. That was the first time I ran on a trail, um, since, like the previous summer and fall. So, um, yeah, I, um I don't know what like got me through that necessarily, but um, I mean, fitness is fitness right Like a lot of it's?
Speaker 1:what? Is it GoPro games? A lot of that's like dirt roads anyway. So fitness is fitness Like it kind of transfers, so that's cool.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, but I like, um, I've I was already. I was pretty burnt out from track season, so I was just like, oh, this will be a good training run, I guess. Um, I like maybe I shouldn't say this, but I just like, I basically just like walked up and then um would like sprint down the technical parts because I, um, I think from cycling and skiing, um, I'm really good at technical downhills and I just kind of like crush, and I think that's where that race went well, cause I the uphills were pretty, pretty abysmal for me.
Speaker 1:It's so funny. Like Dan Kurtz is similar. Like Dan Kurtz, highly touted prospect to come in and like I would think like is Dan so fit coming from Iowa state? I was like dude, like his thinged prospect to come in and like I would think like is dan so fit coming from iowa state? I was like dude, like his thing has got to be like uphill. But now he's like a badass downhill runner and I see more and more folks coming into the sport, like with double ncaa backgrounds, like are really good at downhilling and that's like the last thing.
Speaker 1:I think you guys would be better going uphill. It's just interesting to me, I don't know. So that's cool that, like the skiing and mountain biking gives you like this ability to pick a line and like hammer. That that's pretty good, so you like you like the downhills better than that's interesting I don't know.
Speaker 2:I I'm excited to see like what happens when I actually like train for uphill running with purpose instead of just like doing it. Um when there happens to be an uphill on a trail.
Speaker 1:Um yeah.
Speaker 1:So I saw you. You were on the wait list for broken arrow VK all the ascent, like they call it now. Um, how are, how do you plan, especially cause we're still in season, if you will like. How are, how do you mix that up? How do your coaches let you mix that up with some some training? Are you just going to just develop, continue to develop, track fitness and and then because that'll translate great, I mean, if you come in super fit, you'll crush people, you know and then maybe a few sessions of downhill and, yeah, your body will learn easily.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly, I am definitely going to focus on track um training until um drills begin. So, um, who knows? And that'll be hopefully after outdoor nationals. Um and then the week after that will be broken arrow. So you kind of a quick turnaround. But, um, yeah, I I haven't talked with my coach all that much about, um, what to do, but I think, uh, it would probably be the same as what I'm going to do.
Speaker 2:Um, yeah, I think, um, like you said, like fitness is fitness, so um, yeah if I'm ready to go on the track, like I'm sure I'll be ready to go do some big climbs.
Speaker 1:It's interesting to me because I think people get so caught up and you'll see this as you get more experienced in the sport People get so caught up in the minutia of specificity, so much time out before a race and it's like, dude, just get super fit and then you could like three weeks out, four weeks out, like you don't have to do too much to like actually get like the specificity, like get your muscles ready for like particular stuff for a race. So it's interesting because, like anna gibson um, she's someone I really look up to in the sport, former trail team girl, um, obviously one of the biggest female names on the on the sub ultra side, but also really good on the track, like insanely good, and she did like a whole I think it was last season did a whole track season and then like just came in like super fresh to the Broken Arrow VK and like I think got second or third place, like did amazing.
Speaker 1:So it can be done a hundred percent. So I see you're signed up for a Soonapy as well. I'm super excited to hear your thoughts on, like, just go into that race and what that's going to be like, Cause that's, you know, I think it's like kind of throwing yourself into the deep end with, you know, all these crusher women like what do you, what do you expect to, you know, for that race.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, that one actually lines up with the middle of track season. So I I'm signed up for it if I don't go as far as I want into the track season. But it's also kind of a like win-win situation where if I don't go as far in a track, I can do that race okay. So I, if I do go to that, I'm I'm really stoked for it. I think that course is like perfect for someone like me. Um yeah, just the like up down kind of situation I think will be really good.
Speaker 1:Um yeah, do you think like because I don't know, it's always interesting to me seeing like new people come into the sport and panic when they get into deep water with some of these, like like a grayson murphy or an ally mac, like these women are insanely good, but like for someone like you who races such fat, fast, fit women, like already and like at a super high level, like it's almost like not that difficult for someone like you to kind of transfer like right into that Right, like I don't know.
Speaker 1:I feel like the mental space is kind of one for one Right.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah, I think the like I don't think I'd necessarily be nervous about um who I'm racing against. It's more like where am I racing? Cause it's going to be so different of um, like there's not going to be people all around a track or all along a cross country course, like it's just going to be basically like me in the woods for a while, a couple of spectators Um, me in the woods for a while, a couple of spectators, um, and then, uh, like yeah, I think that's going to be the biggest shift, um, and also like at this point I I have no idea where I will fall um against competitors, so the I don't know. I think it kind of opens it up for me where I like.
Speaker 2:I don't have these like preconceived notions of where I should be. Yeah, it's just like I go out there and go hard and see what happens All the dice and see where you land.
Speaker 1:I mean like you have no like you said, no preconceived notions of what what it's like, or you know what it's going to feel like, or this and the others. So yeah, I mean when you don't have expectations like that and you feel like you have to win the race, like you could possibly win the race.
Speaker 2:You never know what's gonna happen, right so?
Speaker 1:yeah, I know it's super cool. I'm excited. I mean like I'll be at that race. It's gonna be a super fun one like the uh. Just like the amount of people showing up and because it's like a national team selection race it'll be, it's like good for you to see like what that'll be like like at the highest point of the sport. So it's good, good experience there. What?
Speaker 1:is um, so what's your take on joining the trail team? Like how stoked are you? Like, what's your favorite part about joining it? Like have you talked to any of the mentors yet?
Speaker 2:like, talk to me about that yeah, um, I'm really excited about it. Obviously. I um, I remember when it first started I uh, I was just like feel like super down and out with running in general, still being at CU and I, um, and then I saw who they were uh looking at and I was like.
Speaker 2:Anna Gibson. I was like, oh, think it um. Like this year I think like I got the call the day um, or the morning of my big sky conference, uh, championship race in the 5k um, and I was just like such a confidence booster for the race too and I like, like, um and like I don't know. I back to what you actually asked me about Um.
Speaker 2:I uh like I've known a lot of the people that are on the trail team for a while. Um, my old roommate and really good friend, anna Schultz, is on the um club team and every now and then I would uh join for their practices and uh like run up Mount Sanitas with them and um, it's just a good crew and um, I go pro games. Last year I hung out with the whole trail team Um, and then, uh, carly um Rempel uh, she and I were with each other in the race for a while and she was like talking with me and um having a good time. So I'm really excited for the team aspect of it. Um, yeah, and I think the just the whole concept of it I think is really needed in the sport um, because, like you said, like the it's it's becoming kind of a more um well-known thing that NCAA runners can make that transition, um, and I don't really know how um, and that's what the trail team is for, um, yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I'm really excited that I have the opportunity to learn how to make that shift.
Speaker 1:Yeah, there's so many things like I mean it'd be something as small as nutrition or something as big as figuring out how to make that shift.
Speaker 1:Yeah, there's so many things like I mean it'd be something as small as nutrition or something as big as figuring out how to get into a race Like there's so many different little like things that people don't think about. Um, you know, for NCAA athletes to come over and, you know, have success and a lot of you find success very quickly. You know a lot of it's you guys already bring over. You know a gigantic amount of fitness. It's just like figuring out how to apply that and you know most of you, like I said, like I thought you know first and second, you know teams of um, you know the trail team that andy's picked. Like I mean, a lot of them run professionally now and it's just kind of crazy.
Speaker 1:So, yeah, it's very cool. Like the mentorship aspect too, I think there's like I don't specifically know who he picked this year as mentors, but like usually it's a group of like professional athletes in the sport and people you can just like rely on and ask questions to, and it's always just like such a good wealth of knowledge to learn certain things Like, even especially for, like the European races, um, like what to do there. Like Andy's always been like a huge pillar in the sport for helping Americans when they go over and have no idea what to do, because the Euros do things entirely different.
Speaker 2:Yeah, exactly, andy's a great person and a great resource, um, for me and the entire sport. Um and uh, yeah, I'm, uh, I'm signed up for um the pits, alpine Glacier run and um. Sarah's you know Um and uh. I like had no idea how to do any registration for that um or registration and stuff, but just like the whole setup is going to be complicated and I'm really happy that I have Andy in my corner to help me out with that.
Speaker 1:Oh, he's the man like literally first bout hall of famer, but like just even better human, like super cool.
Speaker 1:Um, let's talk about that a little bit. Like you're, you're swimming with sharks, like that's jumping right into the series and all is like the race of races. Like that's my bucket list race. I haven't gotten over there race it yet. People don't know it starts in a place called siri and ends in a place called zanal, which is pretty dope. I didn't know that until I looked it up. Well, are you? Uh, what do you think about that? Like, are you excited to go race some of these mythical races? And like oh yeah it's crazy, right.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm stoked, yeah, I um. Yeah, I honestly don't really have words for you yet, cause I haven't, like, fully comprehended that. Um, I'm doing that, but yeah. I'm I'm really stoked Like just for the location and the competition, yeah, and it's going to be really cool.
Speaker 1:Yeah, such a good learning experience to like so much to you know, like that's like especially to race like the pinnacle race, like something like series and all early on in your career, like you're going to learn so much and you know, and then you get to see like how European racing is. It's like now you want to talk about fans, like it's nothing like america, like those people are, they go wild. It's so cool to have like real fans and real spectators at these races and like people like really get stoked over it yeah yeah, so super cool.
Speaker 1:Is there any race like I don't know, like, is there anything that's like popped out to you? I'm always interested to get take on. Take some people that are like so new to the sport, like is there any race that's like? Popped out to you? They're like oh my gosh, I want to do that. Like if you come across anything that like really like a, like a marathon or anything like that, where you're like oh, that looks fun seriously no, there's no you're hitting the bucket list already.
Speaker 1:All right, all right, super cool, yeah, okay, yeah, um. All right, all right, super cool yeah.
Speaker 2:Um, yeah, I, I've heard about that race for a while and, um, yeah, it's always. It's always been on my bucket list, um, since I like found out really what trail running is. Um, and uh, yeah, I'm excited that I got the opportunity to do it. Um, and just like go for it and see what happens.
Speaker 1:Super cool. Now I know as athletes, everybody's got like we all have big goals. We all we always like have there's always a goal oriented, oriented process for everything. Right, like I'm kind of curious, like how do you view, especially being so new this year, like, do you have goals? Like what are your like? Like how do you approach this? Or how are you mentally approaching this?
Speaker 2:yeah, I, I would say at this point, I more have like process goals instead of outcome goals and um, like or more focusing on the process goals, when the outcome goals will figure themselves out, um, with the process goals. So it's more a mentality thing at this point of um just seeing what happens and, uh, like I don't know. I, like I said earlier, like I don't have preconceived notions of what I'm able to do, but, um, I do know the big names and I know what, like I know who it is, and um, I will be racing against them. And I think the big mental thing is to not write myself off because I have no idea, um, I mean, I do have some idea, um of my abilities, but I just don't know where it falls amongst, uh, my future peers. So, um, yeah, that would be the main thing is to not write myself off, um, and then see where that takes me, which could be far.
Speaker 1:I know. I think it's a really healthy way, cause, like I, I'll talk to some people that are like, just like fresh into the sport and they're like I want to go get a top 10 at this or top five at that. And it's like, well, what if you don't? Like you know what are you going to take? Are you just going to be disappointed? Are you going to still learn from it? Like it's all you know? It's still.
Speaker 1:It's such a hard sport to nail the first time around and it's like you know. I think like, especially culturally too, like especially for someone like you, just uh, go to race at different places and take different things away culturally, and I don't know. I think there's just so much more to it than the results and it's more to just like enjoy the people and enjoy the. You know the process and if, if, if it clicks, it clicks, and if it doesn't, well, you got a lot of time to figure it out, so you know, super cool, what shoes are you running in these days? Like what? What do you? What kind of brands do you do you like?
Speaker 2:Um, well, right now for uh track and just like running on, well, mainly uh concrete right now, cause it's still basically winter here. Uh, I really liked the A6 Nova blasts. Um, yeah, they um really how they feel, really like how they feel um. But then for the trails, um, I started wearing the las partiva um prodigios, okay, um yeah, and then I've been figuring out what I'm gonna race in um yeah, I. I think it'll be adidas probably.
Speaker 1:But yeah, super cool. All right, I'm always curious to hear what people are wearing these days. I like the Las Pradivas Prodigios. Check out the pros if you haven't tried the pros yet. Yeah, those are dope. Yeah, super cool. How much eligibility do you have left? So you said you're in a master's degree. Do you have a whole nother year after this, or you just have one more year?
Speaker 2:no, I'm done, just okay. What are you studying um snow science?
Speaker 1:okay, so like snow hydrology um yeah super cool. Are you interested in like going to apply that in the like in the job market afterwards, or like like work as a like a glaciologist or a geologist, or like what do you want to do?
Speaker 2:Um, yeah, I'd like to work in the same field. Um, it's a. I chose it very methodically, um of like, what kind of people do I want to be around? Um, and like, what's the working culture like? And I don't know, I feel like, um, like snow science. People are just like nerdy dirt bags, and that's my people. So, yeah, I, I do really. I really like what I do and I like to think I'm good at it, so I will like to. I would like to continue in career, um, because I'm like, my master's thesis is on, like, um, forest and snow interactions super cool.
Speaker 1:Do you think you'd go for a phd possibly after and go for that?
Speaker 2:or what do you think? That's a lot.
Speaker 1:It's a hard thing, but like yes, it's just interesting yeah, um, unlikely.
Speaker 2:If I can like get away with a good career without getting a phd, I'd like to. Um, yeah, I don't want to like write it off, but I don't really see myself wanting to go back to school once I actually start making money.
Speaker 1:I totally, totally, yeah, nobody wants to be 40 and still be in school. Forget that. Or like 30s yeah, it takes a long time, it's not? I have a lot of friends that have become doctors and it's like man, that's, that's like you really spent a lot of time yeah, you really don't.
Speaker 2:Yeah, a bunch of my lab mates are phds and uh, this looks pretty horrible but they're doing a good job. But I don't know. I, I want to do it.
Speaker 1:For sure, for sure, for sure. No, I have an undergraduate degree in geology and I worked as a geologist for first few years, first few years at college and, like I don't know, it's just it was. It's always interested in me talking to science majors or like people that are in, like the applied and physical sciences, cause it's like what you learn in school just becomes so different when you get out into the real world and what people like, what the, the job classifications are like, or what they ask you to do so yeah it's interesting, it's cool stuff.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, super cool. All right, so let's get an end submitting questions. I don't want to take all your time today. Um, curious, I want to talk to you about competition, like how you view it. Like some people have a really healthy like relationship with competition. Some people like on a like some people are like how you view it. Like some people have a really healthy like relationship with competition. Some people like on a like, some people are like really intense about it. Like where do you fall on that spectrum?
Speaker 2:I love competition. Um, yeah, I, I feel like if I didn't have it in running, I'd be a horrible person to be around in real life. Um, just like. I'm such a competitive person and I get a lot of joy out of pushing myself with other people and like all of us pushing forward. So, yeah, I would say I have a very healthy relationship with competition for the most part. Sometimes I get way too nervous, but um, yeah, I, I just love competing. Um and uh. It was really hard for me when I was injured so much in undergrad. Um, like not having that outlet and uh, so I would like I just compete in other ways. Uh, like I do a couple cycling races and um, yeah, it just like I, it just gets me going. I, I love it, I love it it's funny.
Speaker 1:There's uh, there's you'll, you'll meet up here very soon. Uh, he runs for brooks, taylor stack. He's uh I and he's uh kind of a trail team adjacent. A lot of the people that are on the trail team know who he is. He runs for brooks and it's funny.
Speaker 1:I've heard a couple stories told in the podcast about taylor stack, about like he's just like one of the most human, like competitive humans like that I probably have ever had on the podcast. So usually when I ask people I'm like on a level of like one to Taylor stack like how competitive are you? So to me it's very funny to hear like how, how people fall you sound very competitive. I like that. I always like people that are not afraid to be like. Yes, I want to like crush because that's just like who I am, that's my makeup and that's what I want to do. So it's interesting. I do have a question for you about cycling Like and I know you said you've spent some time in the pool with injury Does like triathlon like ever interest you at all? Have you ever done any triathlons or?
Speaker 2:I've never done a triathlon and it always like I really want to do it. But I'm also so bad at swimming I like same um which, like I'm really good at like swimming to survive. But um, just like growing up in the great lake state, um, I swam like every day in the summer, um, it was more just like splashing. So, yeah, I, um, I'd be interested, but I think a lot would have to change for me to like be good at it.
Speaker 1:Interesting, interesting, and it's so different than trail. Right, like trail is very much a soul sport, whereas, like I feel like triathlon is so dialed and so, by the numbers, um, but like it's, I don't know, it doesn't interest me as much, like just the run and bike component. But I have to be honest with you, I feel the same way about swimming. It doesn't, it doesn't, it doesn't get me too excited now, plus, especially when you jump in with all these people, like you get kicked and like they're like trying to like. Yeah, I've heard horror stories, not yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2:I just have a hard time like like visualizing how that would go for me of like, yeah, let's like breathe hard in a medium you can't breathe in yeah um and that, just like I don't know I'm curious to see um who inspires you.
Speaker 1:It could be in sport, could be in life doesn't matter um, that's a really good question.
Speaker 2:Um, I mean, I guess a lot of people inspire me, um, for various reasons. Um, yeah, um, well, I guess, uh, like as a person and athlete and just like in general, I really think Allie Ostrander inspires me Like I don't know. Especially lately she's just been like very open about her experiences, just as like a woman in sport, uh, just as a human. Um, and I, I really appreciate that and um, and I think, like she like definitely sees like I don't know, it's someone's Instagram, so who knows but um, like, she appears to have like a really good sense of what it is to be human, while also having fun with it. Um, cause, like being human is like a serious thing, but also like have fun. Um, and, yeah, I, I'm really inspired by her approach to running and life.
Speaker 1:Um, yeah, Dude, you're the second podcast in a row that I've had someone to. I just had another podcast the other day that someone told me Ellie Ostrander. I got to get her on the podcast.
Speaker 2:That's interesting.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean, she's a super cool girl Like, so it's I understand like it totally makes sense. And she's an interesting one too, where it's like she's got like 130,000 Instagram followers and it's like, how do you? It's like a really hard thing. It must be very difficult to be that real Like. I hate Instagram to begin with, like personally. So it's like to have to like open yourself up to 130,000 people who know your name, or plus more, depending on how much reach you get, while also trying to like be you and then also trying to be an athlete at the same time. But can't be easy.
Speaker 1:So, yeah, interesting you you had said you did say something about instagram as well. So I'm curious, like, how do you view that like, especially as an athlete? Like? I know a lot of people, especially when they get into the professional side of the sport, like struggle with being able to be their true selves and because you know when you, when you get a sponsor, get a sponsor, you'll have to post for brands and you'll have to do all this stuff that you might not want to do Like. What are your thoughts on that? Like? Do you, are you like very much trying to be authentic on social media, or how do you? How do you kind of rumble that?
Speaker 2:Um.
Speaker 1:I mean.
Speaker 2:I'm definitely myself on Instagram, but, honestly, like a more extreme version, like it's like I don't know. I feel like it's more of like okay, what would people find most entertaining about me? Um, and like that's what I post. I think, um, but yeah, I think it would be silly to like share something with people that isn't yourself um, oh, you'll see a lot of it, just wait oh, definitely, I already do yeah but, um, yeah, I think it.
Speaker 2:I think it'll be interesting, like once I have to start like posting for realsies of like. All right, how do I want people to perceive me?
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's a weird thing to grapple with, like it's like how do people perceive you? But also, like I know I see a lot of people that are just like just post about results and it's like that's great, but like what's the process to get to there? You know, like it can't just be all about that, right? So yeah, it's interesting. Are you a big music person? I am. What's your, what's your pump up song before? Before a?
Speaker 2:hard effort or like a workout or race. Like, what are you listening to? It depends what I need, um, cause sometimes I'll like really need to chill out. Um, like, I'll be like way too hyped up and I'll need to listen to something chill. Um, and other times I like okay, like you're actually racing today, let's go Um and uh. Yeah, so it depends on the day. It also depends on um, like what? Um, what kind of vibe I'm feeling? Um and uh.
Speaker 2:Usually it'll just be like my favorite song of the month. Um and uh. Just be like my favorite song of the month. Um and uh. But one I always go back to is um, my Fun by Suki Waterhouse. Um, I just feel like it's exactly how like it just is such a fun song, um, and it starts with like blood on. Oh wait, how does it go? Something about like blood on, oh wait, how does it go? Same about like blood on the knees, um, and I don't know. I feel like that's. It reminds me of childhood, just like skinning your knees and just like run around getting back up and just like I don't know, hitting the ground and going back up and um, I don't know. I really liked that song. Um, it's just a good vibe. And then also lately, for some reason, the beastie boys have just been really getting going?
Speaker 1:Yes, beastie boys are the best. Yeah, all right, that's cool. I'm glad to hear the beastie boys are making more of a comeback. You're the first one. I think I'd said it in like 110 episodes, so I appreciate you. That's awesome. Yeah, all right. So usually for the latter questions I ask something kind of out there from left field and wild. I kind of want to ask you about AI, but I don't know. You're in college, so you guys use it for everything. What's your take on AI? Are you stoked for it? I feel like for snow science and stuff like that. Certain aspects of it are awesome, I guess.
Speaker 2:Right. Well, I'm really happy that for my undergrad I didn't have it, because I don't think I'd learn anything yeah so, like I do a lot of programming and, um, I think if I had taken the classes I had to take an undergrad for computer science and programming, I would not be able to do what I do today. Um, and I use AI, like every day for programming, but um, what do you do?
Speaker 1:What do you program? What's the? What do you use? Python, or what languages? Python? Okay, yeah, um yeah.
Speaker 2:And I I think, because I have like an actual programming background, I know what to look for when AI spits something out weird or if I like want to tweak it a little more, um, like, I can go through it and see what's wrong where I think a lot of people who use ai more can't see that. Yeah, um, yeah, I think it's a useful tool, but it definitely you have to be able to write good prompts to get good outputs, so sure sure you know, I've even used it a little bit for like certain workouts and stuff like that.
Speaker 1:I'll ask you questions, like if I give it like super, so you have to like be able to like really like ask it a few times and get very specific. But some of the stuff it's giving me, I'm like damn, all right, let's, let's give this a try. Yeah, it's, uh, it's a little bit, I don't know. It's cool. I also think it's going to be our evil robot overlord one day, but I'm a little worried about that. Maybe a decade down the line, hopefully not, but we'll see what happens, I don't know.
Speaker 2:Hopefully we can keep our importance as humans.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I agree, I'm very pro-human. Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, humans are good.
Speaker 1:Well, kyla, thank you so much for coming on the podcast. This is a great conversation, wishing you the best of luck in the rest of your season and as you get started in your trail season. I'm so excited for what you're going to do this summer and, yeah, definitely we'll be in touch. I'll probably see you at Soonapy and we'll probably be interviewing you before Soonapy as we start to do a breakdown of all the uh, all the elite women, so it should be fun yeah, sweet, thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 2:Yeah, no problem.
Speaker 1:Have a great rest of your day, you too yeah what'd you guys think?
Speaker 1:what a fun episode. I want to thank kyla so much for coming on the podcast. It was a great conversation and I'm just absolutely wishing her the best of luck in her 2025 season. Uh, it's going to be fun to follow along at sunop coming up in like less than 90 days. That's going to be a bananas. Follow along at Soonapy coming up in like less than 90 days. That's going to be a bananas race. So excited to see what's going to unfold there. So crazy stuff.
Speaker 1:Before you guys get going, hop on Instagram. You can give Kyla a follow. You can find her at Kyla, underscore CM, typing in that's K-Y-L-A, underscore CM. Obviously, cm stands for Christopher Moody. Yeah, send her. Give her a follow, send her some DMs, let her know what you guys thought about the episode. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you all. And, yeah, super cool stuff. Before you guys get going, if you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five star rating and review on Apple, spotify, youtube or wherever you consume your podcasts. That would mean the world to us. No-transcript. We've got a lot of good race previews. We've got a lot of good interviews coming up and there's just going to be a lot of fanfare and just fun surrounding these races, so it's going to be some good stuff. Really appreciate you guys following along and tuning in. Have a great rest of your week, thank you.
