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What happens when a track star trades the oval for mountain trails? Dan Curts, one of the most highly anticipated prospects in American sub-ultra trail running, unpacks his remarkable journey from First Team All-American to mountain champion.

Dan takes us behind the scenes of his Thailand adventure that ended with a broken toe, and how that injury forced him to reassess his training approach heading into 2025. We explore the unexpected challenges of transitioning from track to trail, including how he struggled to find meaning in traditional running achievements before discovering his passion for technical mountain racing.

The conversation ventures into fascinating territory as Dan makes a compelling case for the Northeast as an underrated training ground. Despite brutal winters where temperatures plummet below zero, he argues that the region's tough conditions build mental fortitude and technical skills that translate perfectly to European-style mountain racing. Dan offers a thought-provoking analysis of why brands and athletes gravitate toward Western training hubs, potentially overlooking exceptional talent in places like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Perhaps most candidly, Dan shares his concerns about doping in trail running, pulling no punches as he discusses the limitations of current testing protocols and the conflicts of interest within the sport. His perspective offers rare insight into the challenges elite athletes face when competing at the highest levels.

Whether you're fascinated by the mental aspects of performance, curious about training environments, or simply want to understand what drives a world-class mountain runner, this conversation delivers profound insights from someone at the pinnacle of the sport. Dan's thoughtfulness, competitive fire, and love for mountain running shine through as he prepares for another shot at making the U.S. World Championship team.

Follow Dan on IG - @dancurts

Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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