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Step onto the trails with Oakley Olson, the collegiate steeplechase specialist turned mountain running phenom who's rapidly ascending to the top of the trail running world. Fresh from her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite, Oakley shares the remarkable journey that took her from soccer fields to mountain summits.

Oakley reveals how a two-mile time trial during soccer practice unexpectedly launched her running career, leading eventually to success at Utah Valley University as a steeplechaser. The conversation explores her breathtaking transition to trail running, where she stunned the community with an 8th place finish at the US Mountain Running Championships at Snowbird and set the FKT on Utah's imposing Mount Timpanogos with almost casual determination: "I just looked at Tim and thought, I want to go do that right now."

What makes steeplechase athletes like Oakley so dominant on technical trails? She offers fascinating insights into the mental fortitude required for both disciplines: "When you're trail running, you have to look at the mountain and believe you're going to get to the top. In steeplechase, you need to know you're going to clear every single hurdle." This fearless mindset translated perfectly to her mountain racing success alongside professional athletes.

Looking ahead to an exciting 2024 season, Oakley discusses balancing her collegiate track commitments with appearances at Soonapy Scramble, Cirque Series races, and potentially Broken Arrow. Her perspective on competition reveals a refreshing blend of fierce determination during races and genuine camaraderie afterward. "The sport is amazing because of the positive culture we create," she reflects, embodying the spirit that makes trail running special.

Whether you're fascinated by the crossover between track and trails, curious about breaking into mountain running, or simply inspired by athletic courage, Oakley's story demonstrates how belief in yourself can move mountains—or at least help you run up and down them very, very fast.

This episode is brought to you by Ultimate Direction ! Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your next order on UltimateDirection.com ! Make sure to check out the newly released Ultra 12L and Race 6L vests ! 

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