James Lauriello

ABOUT:

Originally a flat lander from South Florida, I didn’t discover “the mountains”, until my senior year of undergrad in 2013; when I ventured out to the San Juan, Mountains in Southern Colorado on a field camp course to finish my degree in geology. 

The Colorado high peaks left a lasting impression on me, and it wasn’t long after that, I found myself a Colorado resident trying to combine my passion for running with the thrills and adventure of playing in the mountains. The mountains are natures greatest arena, and I’ve been fortunate enough to live in a place where I can test myself year after year. They provide the ultimate motivation as a place to seek growth both personally and athletically.

La Sportiva, for me has always been the pinnacle of brands championing mountain movement, and I find myself so lucky to be able to use La Sportiva products to explore my favorite modality of mountain movement, (mountain running) to the absolute fullest.  

Q&A:

Who is your favorite running partner and why?

I would have to say my favorite running / training partners are my two cattle dogs, Ravi & Luna. Together, along with my fiancé, Rose - we've been on more adventures in the mountains than I can count. They are always up for hard efforts and exploring new landscapes. 

What is your go-to hype song? 

Throwing it all the way back to 2009, my favorite hype song is Drake, Forever.

What was the first La Sportiva product you tried?

La Sportiva Mutants 

Which charity/advocacy organizations do you support or belong to?

POW, Florida Oceanographic Society 

What are your 5 proudest moments? 

2024 | Launching the Steep Stuff Podcast 
2023 | 7th Place at the Broken Arrow Skyrace, Ironface Challenge 
2023 | Podium at the Quest for the Crest (NC)
2023 | At one point in 2023, holding current FKT's on 8 CO 13er's
2023 | Winning & Lowering my CR at the Sangre De Cristo Ultras 14K 

What are your 3 favorite LaSpo Products?

La Sportiva Mutant, La Sportiva Kaptiva, La Sportiva Tempo Short 

What is your resting heart rate? 

36 bpm

Photographer: © Isaac Yee