Episode #192
#192 - Kirsty Skye Dickson
Send us Fan Mail A 3:05 at Sierre-Zinal and a Mont Blanc Marathon 23K podium is the kind of season that usually comes with “full-time pro” stamped on it. Kirsty Sky Dixon is doing it while working full-time as an orthodontist in Scotland, and the way she thinks about that balance might change how you approach your own training and goals. We talk through what Sierre-Zinal felt like on her first attempt, why the course is so addictive, and how the race exposes both strengths and weaknesses, especially when you’re a pure climber who wants to level up on technical descents. Kirsty shares what she noticed about the heat, the atmosphere, and the little details that matter when the times are historic and you’re racing the mountain as much as the field. From there, we get into the practical side: training for big vertical when you don’t have endless alpine climbs outside your door. Her setup is surprisingly simple, built around Arthur’s Seat, commuting runs to the train, weekend adventures in the hills, and the accountability of guidance from mountain running legend Angela Mudge. We also dig into the UK hill running and fell running culture, why Edinburgh is such a strong hub, and how Great Britain team trials work when selection is tight and timing is tricky with a clinical schedule. One note: we hit technical difficulties and lost the final portion of the conversation, so the recording ends abruptly. If you enjoy this one, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s juggling big goals, and leave a quick rating and review so we can keep bringing these stories to the trail running community. Follow Kirsty on IG - @kirstyskyedickson Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa
