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The mountains call and Cam Smith answers. Having just secured his spot on Team USA in the Mountain Classic discipline with a stellar fourth-place finish at the Sunapee Scramble, Cam joins us to unpack his tactical brilliance and focused mindset that led to this achievement.

What stands out immediately in our conversation is Cam's strategic approach to racing. Despite minimal specific downhill training—"I did maybe about 20 minutes of fast downhill running total this year"—he leveraged his climbing prowess while developing a nuanced plan for the technical terrain. Drawing from his extensive ski mountaineering background, Cam explains how he identifies sections where power can be applied versus technical segments that serve as equalizers regardless of fitness level.

"When we're running straight through puddles and trying not to slip off hunks of granite, it doesn't matter whether you feel good or not," Cam shares, revealing how this understanding allowed him to push strategically on climbs and hold back where necessary. This calculated approach proved crucial as he navigated the competitive field, battling with elite runners including David Norris, who made an impressive late-race surge.

Despite achieving his Mountain Classic qualification, Cam maintains laser focus on the upcoming Broken Arrow Vertical Kilometer. "I'm not letting off the gas yet," he emphasizes, highlighting his opportunity to potentially secure spots on both USA teams—a rare achievement in mountain running circles. His perspective on pressure is particularly refreshing: rather than avoiding it, he embraces the challenge, noting "I want the pressure, I want it to be a need to go fight for that team."

Looking ahead to the World Championships in Spain, Cam thoughtfully weighs the benefits of competing in both disciplines, considering how each complements his primary ski mountaineering season. His balanced approach to multi-sport excellence offers valuable insights for athletes navigating similar paths.

Listen now to this candid conversation with one of America's most versatile mountain athletes as he continues his quest for dual-team qualification and international success!

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