Dalton McCurdy – Bozeman Running Coach

Description

Bozeman running coach Dalton McCurdy has years of ultra training and racing under her belt, including remote, high altitude races and FKTs. If you’re looking to tackle your first 100 miler or a new FKT, or you want to add in a better fueling strategy and strength and mobility routine to your training, Dalton is your coach. Reach out below to get started.

*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%dalton ***

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LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Bozeman, MT
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only

SPECIALTIES

I specialize in coaching trail and ultra athletes of all abilities. In addition to programming individualized training plans, I can provide guidance on the following:

• Fueling strategies for races and training
• Calendar design- including races and potential FKT options in your area if desired
• Race strategy- including gear planning and writing crew and race plans for specific events
• Strength training and mobility exercises
• Motivation and encouragement. Lots of communication and so many virtual high fives.
• Monthly group runs for athletes local to Bozeman, MT

PHILOSOPHY

I love helping athletes identify goals that both motivate and excite them- and scare them maybe just a little bit too.

If running isn’t enjoyable, you shouldn’t do it. Even when things get gritty, my approach is always to keep things fun (even if it’s the type 2 kind) and interesting. I like to think creatively to personalize training to meet athletes where they are, keep the process exciting, and design expectations to fit alongside additional life demands. As a working mom of three, I understand the necessary dance to get things done and also the grace needed to sometimes just do what you can when you can. I have first hand experience in returning to running post-pregnancy (3 times!) as well as returning post-injury. Every single journey is different, but through strong communication and a constant feedback loop, I am passionate about helping athletes push limits.

I will cheer you on the entire way and help you not only stay focused on your fitness, but also on the necessary mindset to keep pushing and hopefully stay smiling (just a little bit) when you’re in the grind.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

I have been a coach in other worlds for over 15 years and have a strong understanding of the communication and individualization necessary to motivate an athlete as they work toward a goal. As I’ve moved more formally into ultra running, I have started working with friends and peers to strategize running goals and training plans. This work has spanned from guidance on training for a first trail race to prepping for a hundred miler and nutrition planning, to just generally growing a trail running practice.

I have experience not only designing training plans but also in race strategy and race and crew planning in ultras. I have worked with a coach (and still do!) over the past 2 years and have learned so much about myself and training strategy through her. I consider myself a lifelong learner of the sport and continue to grow an understanding through personal experiences in both race and support roles as well as through up to date literature and science related to running, biomechanics, and nutrition.

ABOUT ME

I am a mom of three girls with a background in science education. I am excellent at filling up all the hours in a day and wear many hats including being a teacher, a “yes friend” who’s always up for an adventure, and a gritty competitor who believes that smiles and gratitude miles can serve as a superpower.

I grew up playing organized sports and then continued into college as a D3 and D1 athlete in lacrosse, winning two NCAA national championships. Team sports instilled in me a love for running and all of the people and places it connects you with. After college I trained on roads and the track and completed multiple half and full marathons. Then about 8 years ago I ran my first trail race. It ended with a big community pancake breakfast, a ridiculous number of hugs and high fives with strangers, and a finish line party. I have never looked back. 

Since then I have been lucky enough to run or crew at a variety of awesome races including Run the Rut, Crazy Mountain 100, Run Rabbit Run, Hardrock 100, The Bear, Hellbender 100, The Canyons Endurance Runs, Black Canyons Ultra, Gorge Waterfalls, and Midstate Massive.

BIG INFLUENCES

I have been particularly inspired by so many of the incredible women in the trail scene over the past few years- not only throwing down incredible performances and continuing to raise the bar, but also how they lift each other up and support each other both on and off the trail. This is a culture that I feel lucky to be a part of and inspired by.

Coaches that I am influenced by are:

• Jason Koop for his science-based training that is advancing ultra-running in the smartest ways
• Megan and David Roche for their general trail energy and their cutting edge training strategies that mix stoke and science
• Ashley Nordell for being my own coach and mentor and a badass mother runner

RACING HISTORY

I started racing half marathons and marathons after college as a way to maintain connection to sport and community. Since discovering trail running about 8 years ago, I have raced a variety of ultras at all distances all over the country and over the past two years have really honed in on 100 milers running Crazy Mountain 100, Scout Mountain 100 and Run Rabbit Run. Through these experiences I have gained so much on the ground understanding of what it takes to not only train for these types of races, but the mentality to persevere the inevitable troubleshooting to run through the finish line.

CERTIFICATIONS

• UESCA Certified Ultrarunning Coach

PRs

• Road Marathon: 3:43 (Maine Marathon, 2009)
• 60K: 6:26 (Black Canyon Ultra, 2023)
• 50 mile: 11:17 (Scout Mountain Ultra, 2022)
• 100 mile: 22:57 (Midstate Massive 2024)

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• Midstate Massive 100 2024, 1st Female and 6th overall
• Hellbender 100 miler 2024, 3rd place female
• Scout Mountain Ultra 100 miler 2023, 2nd place female, 3rd overall (one hour and 45 minutes under previous course record time)
• Bridger Ridge Run 2024, Female Masters Champion
• Bridger Ridge Run 2023, Female Masters Champion
• Run Rabbit Run 100 miler 2023, Hares Division 9th female
• Crazy Mountain Ultra 100 miler 2022, 3rd place female
• Scout Mountain Ultra 50 miler 2022, 4th place female
• Crazy Mountain Loop Female FKT

CONTACT DALTON

Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.

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PUBLICATIONS

• How Injury Recovery Taught me the Power of Gratitude Miles