Max Keith is a trail runner, coach, and cofounder of Vert.run—and someone who’s been shaping the sport from both the frontlines and behind the scenes. In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with Max for a deep and honest conversation about racing, coaching, and the evolution of trail running today.

We reflected on the emotional highs and lows of recent races, the path of athletes like Abby Hall, and the internal pressure that comes with performance. Max opened up about what competition really means, the importance of finding joy in racing, and how both winning and losing can shape an athlete.

We also touched on the technical challenges of the trail, how athletes adapt to different terrain, and why patience is the most underrated trait in training. Plus—some thoughts on the Tour de France and what it can teach us about endurance sports.

🎧 If you care about the future of trail running, this is a conversation worth listening to.

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Francesco’s links: Instagram | Twitter | Strava | Website

173. Max Keith | Beyond the Finish Line: Racing, Resilience, and the Evolving Spirit of Trail Running