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Jane Maus' trail running journey embodies perseverance against formidable odds. After multiple extended injury layoffs that nearly ended her running career, she's emerged as one of America's premier mountain athletes. Her remarkable comeback culminated in earning a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain this September.

The conversation reveals how strategic racing propelled Jane to success at the fiercely competitive Broken Arrow 46K. Despite rolling her ankle just days before the race, she executed a flawless race plan—conservatively pacing the first lap to stay within the top ten, then maintaining steady effort while others faded. This fourth-place finish, behind only some of the sport's biggest names, secured her selection to represent her country on the global stage.

Beyond race results, Jane offers refreshing perspective on injury management that resonates with runners at all levels. "I thought I was the only one consistently taking time off and working through these things," she shares, "but then talking to other runners and people on start lines—it's extremely common." This realization helped transform her approach to training, embracing quality over sheer volume.

The conversation shifts to her exciting summer plans—training in Wyoming's mountainous terrain while attempting the Grand Teton FKT (Fastest Known Time). This ambitious goal, despite never having climbed the Grand before, exemplifies her thoughtful approach to progression in the sport. She's balancing high-performance racing with adventure, strategically adjusting her schedule to optimize her World Championship preparation.

Her victory at the Cirque Series Snowbird race highlights another dimension of her racing prowess. Competing in her hometown against a stacked field, Jane describes the unique camaraderie she shared with fellow competitor Alexa Jornsten as they pushed each other up the brutal climb. Together they broke the "curse" of the course preview, demonstrating that mental barriers often fall when approached with the right mindset.

What's your approach to balancing competitive goals with adventure? Follow Jane's journey toward the World Championships and beyond by subscribing to the Steep Stuff Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow Jane on IG - @_janemaus_

Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod