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Meet Josh Potvin, the Vancouver-based architect who's simultaneously designing buildings and carving his name into the elite trail running scene. Fresh off his victory at the highly competitive Gorge Waterfall 50K, Josh shares the fascinating journey that took him from track roots to mountain summits.
Josh's approach to balancing a demanding professional career with world-class athletic performance offers a masterclass in prioritization. "When I have to get my run in, I stop work and then go back later," he explains, sometimes returning to his desk at 9 PM to finish projects after training. This dedication extends to his preparation—sleeping in his car for a month while working remotely to acclimatize before races at altitude demonstrates just how far he'll go to overcome challenges.
The conversation reveals a crucial turning point in Josh's development: transforming his nutrition strategy. "I just wasn't eating enough," he admits, describing how working with a nutritionist revolutionized his performance by addressing persistent gut issues and increasing his sodium intake during races. This nutritional evolution enabled him to finally push through the final kilometers of races where he previously struggled with cramping, unlocking his full potential on the trail.
Josh shares insights into his training methodology, upcoming races including Broken Arrow and the World Mountain Running Championships, and his mental approach to competition. Whether you're juggling career and athletic pursuits or simply looking to improve your own trail running performance, Josh's thoughtful reflections offer valuable wisdom for navigating both the physical and practical challenges of the sport.
Follow Josh on Instagram @jjpotvin to keep up with his racing schedule and continuing evolution as one of Canada's most promising trail running talents.

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