Singletrack Dan Curts: Chasing The Pro Running Dream, Sub-Ultra Focus, Northeast Trail Culture (Sunday Conversation)
Dec 29, 2022
01:19:03
In our last episode of 2022 we are talking with Dan Curts, a professional trail runner based in Norwich, VT.
This is a wide-ranging conversation in which we talk about the disillusionment that can come about in the collegiate and post-collegiate track and road running worlds, how Dan ultimately landed in the sub-ultra trail racing scene, building a running team in the Northeast and the pros and cons of being an aspiring pro trail runner in this part of the country, and the highs and lows of the past year trying to make it in the sport.
Sponsors:
- Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/discount/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order
- HVMN - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://hvmn.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order
Timestamps:
- (1:55) introduction to the trail running scene, specialities, career highlights to date
- (4:55) running as a vehicle for educational and career opportunities
- (9:26) pros and cons of collegiate running
- (13:22) motivations to continue pursuing competitive running post-collegiately
- (20:57) trail running inspirations
- (23:04) Northwoods Athletics running team
- (29:26) the pressure for aspiring east coast trail runners to head west to make it professionally
- (41:43) lessons of building a running team, reflecting more on the northeast trail scene
- (52:46) the highs and lows of the last year trying to make it as a pro trail runner
- (61:21) whether brands are more interested in ultra or sub ultra trail athletes right now
- (65:23) interesting relationships, conversations with contemporaries in the sport
- (70:01) racing culture differences across running disciplines
- (75:41) 2023 racing plans
Guest Links:
- Follow Dan on Strava
- Follow Dan on Instagram
- Northwoods Athletics
Additional Episodes You May Enjoy:
- #54 - Garrett Heath | Switch To Trail Running, Pro Lifestyle, Running Teams, Brooks Beasts
- #26 - Sam Parsons | How To Build A Trail Running Team
- #12 - Jack Kuenzle | FKT Scene, Sponsored Trail Runners, Brand Relationships