Dirt And Vert

Greg Armstrong, a talented ultra runner and founder of Run4Water, shares his journey into running and his experiences in various races. He recounts memorable moments, such as running Volstate 500k where he was mistaken as a homeless person and the Arkansas Traveler 100 where he had a challenging finish. Greg also talks about his transition to longer events and the importance of mental toughness in ultra running. He discusses a big event coming up for his non-profit organization Run4Water and his pursuit of making the US 24-hour ultra team. Greg Armstrong shares his favorite 24-hour race, the 2018 Desert Solstice, where he competed to make the U.S. team. He describes the competitive nature of track races and the experience of being lapped by faster runners. He recounts a race against Nick Curry where he pushed himself to run a 155.1-mile PR. Greg also discusses his work with Run4Water, a project that aims to provide clean water solutions in areas affected by the water crisis. Greg Armstrong discusses his hope to partner with the Park Service to provide water solutions for porters in Tanzania. He also shares plans to organize an event in May where elite ultra runners will summit the mountain with a group of porters and then participate in a race. The event is a celebration and also a chance to help raise money for a large upcoming project. Greg emphasizes the incredible endurance and resilience of people around the world who face water scarcity and the need for clean water. He talks about his daughter's organization, 84 Days, which provides feminine hygiene products and self-defense training to girls in Uganda. Greg also mentions his upcoming projects in Mexico and Guatemala. To DONATE please visit: www.run4water.net Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Greg Armstrong's Running Achievements 04:19 Greg's Running Journey and the Appeal of Ultra Running 09:46 Greg's Memorable Ultra Running Stories 16:47 The Growth of Run for Water and Greg's Nonprofit Initiative 25:35 Greg's Pursuit of Making the US 24-hour Ultra Team 30:55 The Thrill of Track Races and the 2018 Desert Solstice 32:18 Competing Against Elite Runners and Pushing Personal Limits 37:26 The Evolution of the 24-Hour Race and Increasing Competitiveness 44:25 Run for Water: Addressing the Global Water Crisis 01:04:10 Water Solutions for Porters in Tanzania 01:05:09 Elite Ultra Runners Summit Mount Kilimanjaro with Porters 01:06:07 Highlighting Porters' Work and Water Needs 01:12:39 Fundraising for Run for Water 01:13:59 Sustainable Options for a Poor Community in Mexico 01:15:27 Creating an Event in Mexico to Support the Monarch Butterflies 01:17:47 Empowering Girls in Uganda with 84 Days 01:19:38 Greg's Minimalist Approach to Nutrition

On this week's Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by ultra-badass Tara Dower and her incredible crew member, Rascal, to talk about Tara's recent Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt on the Appalachian Trail. Tara's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We get into the nitty-gritty of her training, the challenges she faced on the trail, and the mental fortitude it takes to chase such a massive goal. Rascal pulls back the curtain on what it's like to support an FKT attempt. From coordinating logistics to providing on-the-ground support, it's a masterclass in teamwork and problem-solving. But this isn't just a story about logistics and miles. Tara opens up about the emotional and physical rollercoaster of the FKT, and the lessons she learned along the way. It's a raw and honest look at the highs and lows of chasing a dream. Whether you're an aspiring FKT chaser or just love a good adventure story, this episode will leave you fired up and ready to tackle your own challenges. In this conversation: Tara Dower, Rascal, David Compton, & Matthew Williams Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 03:23 Meeting on the Trail 06:17 Preparing for the FKT 09:18 Crew Dynamics and Challenges 12:23 The First Major Hurdle 15:24 Adjusting to the Demands 18:19 Logistical Coordination 21:21 The Role of Support Crew 28:58 The Importance of Preparation and Equipment 31:01 Adapting to Challenges During the Journey 34:31 Mental Resilience in Ultra Running 36:20 Crew Dynamics and Support 39:21 Pushing Limits: The Longest Days 41:55 The Role of Humor and Team Spirit 49:35 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies 55:03 Sleep Strategies and Recovery 57:00 The Final Push: Overcoming the Last Hurdles 58:32 Pushing Towards the Record 01:00:59 Emotional Moments Before the Finish 01:03:37 Celebrating the Journey 01:06:01 Reflections on the Accomplishment 01:09:17 Inspiring Others Through Achievement 01:12:35 Art and Community Impact 01:14:45 Listener Questions and Insights

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with ultra runner David Sullivan. David's journey in the ultra world is nothing short of inspiring, and he shared some incredible insights with us. We talked about his evolution from casual runner to podium finisher, and how gratitude and community have played a huge role in his success. David also emphasized the mental side of racing – how important it is to stay focused and resilient when the going gets tough. Of course, we couldn't forget about the physical challenges of ultra running! David dove into the importance of nutrition, hydration, and having a solid support crew, especially in those grueling 100-mile races. But it's not just about crossing the finish line. David opened up about the personal growth that comes with pushing your limits and facing those challenges head-on. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, David's story is a powerful reminder that we're all capable of achieving incredible things. In this Conversation: David Sullivan, David Compton & Matthew Williams Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Sullivan 06:06 Gratitude in Ultra Running 12:16 First Race Experiences 17:12 Overcoming Challenges in Racing 22:12 Mental Resilience in Ultra Running 27:42 The Race Experience: Fun vs. Competition 32:53 First 100-Mile Race: Overcoming Intimidation 41:12 The Mindset of Racing: Control and Commitment 51:04 Memorable Race Moments: Weather and Community 58:51 Training Philosophy and Mindset 01:05:47 Fueling Strategies and Nutrition 01:11:18 The Emotional Journey of Racing 01:17:49 Finding Your Why in Running 01:26:01 The Joy of Racing 01:32:44 Personal Running Journeys and Family Involvement

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we sat down with ultra runner Ron Wireman. Ron's no stranger to pushing limits, and he shared some incredible stories from his experiences at Bob's Backyard Ultra and Big's Backyard Ultra. We dove deep into the nitty-gritty of backyard ultras, from the unique challenges they present to the incredible camaraderie among runners. Ron opened up about his training, race day strategies, and how he fuels himself to keep going. But it's not just about the physical stuff. Ron got real about the mental battles he faced during those races – the grit and determination it takes to overcome pain and keep pushing forward. He also talked about the importance of teamwork and support in the ultra world, and how those bonds help runners achieve the impossible. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just curious about this crazy sport, Ron's insights are sure to inspire you to chase your own adventures and discover the strength within. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ron Wireman and His Achievements 06:30 Training and Preparation for Big's Backyard Ultra 12:08 Logistics and Crew Management for Big's 18:05 Nutrition Strategies During the Race 23:55 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges During the Race 35:31 Navigating the Challenges of Endurance Racing 44:44 Team Dynamics and Support in Ultra Running 53:29 The Mental Game: Pushing Through Pain and Fatigue 01:00:01 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies for Endurance 01:08:49 Gear Choices: Finding the Right Shoes for the Race 01:15:55 Achieving Personal Records and Overcoming Challenges 01:25:03 Advice for First-Time Backyard Racers 01:34:45 Finding Your Passion in Endurance Sports 01:45:31 Navigating Pain in Endurance Running 01:51:29 The Role of Mental Resilience 01:59:28 Crew Support and Decision Making 02:11:19 Future Goals and Reflections

Shattering records with 526 miles in 6 days at the Dome and the most recent female world record at Big's Backyard Ultra with a jaw-dropping 362 miles! That's the mind-boggling distances ultra runner Meg Eckert has achieved in 2024. On this episode of Dirt and Vert, Meg takes us inside this incredible feat of endurance, sharing the mental and physical hurdles she overcame. From her transition to trail running to tackling her first 100-miler, Meg reveals the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her ultra journey. Plus, she dives deep into the crucial role of nutrition, recovery, and mental resilience in pushing human limits. Get ready to be inspired by Meg's unwavering passion and dedication to the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Meg Eckert and Her Achievements 06:14 Transitioning to Ultra Distances 11:46 The Challenge of Six Days at the Dome 17:26 Nutrition and Recovery Strategies 23:13 Final Thoughts and Future Goals 41:35 Memorable Races and Personal Highlights 46:59 The Challenge of Big Horn 100 54:17 The Backyard Ultra Experience 01:01:36 Facing Challenges and Mental Strategies 01:07:05 Lessons from DNF Experiences 01:20:21 The Mental Game of Endurance Running 01:29:44 The Joy of Running and Personal Challenges 01:37:15 Hallucinations and the Ultra Running Experience 01:45:27 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Goals

Imagine collapsing mid-marathon, waking up in the hospital, and facing the possibility of never walking again. That's exactly what happened to ultra runner Heather Watson. In this episode, Heather shares her harrowing experience of suffering a stroke during a race, the surreal moments she experienced while unconscious, and the critical role a paramedic played in saving her life. Hear how she fought back with unwavering determination, battling communication difficulties and fear during her hospitalization, to embark on a remarkable journey of recovery fueled by resilience, community support, and the joy of running.

In this episode of the Dirt and Vert podcast, hosts David and Matt sit down with Ken Zemach, the 2023 King of the Road, to discuss his journey into ultra running. Ken shares how personal struggles led him to take up running seriously at the age of 39, losing weight and finding a coping mechanism through the sport. He emphasizes the importance of coaching and accountability in training, as well as the strategies he employs to optimize his running experiences, particularly in challenging races like Vol State and Badwater. The conversation also delves into the significance of heat training, pacing strategies, and the community aspect of ultra running, highlighting how these elements contribute to personal growth and enjoyment in the sport. In this conversation, Ken Zemach shares his insights on pacing, discipline, and the transformative power of running. He discusses his personal experiences in ultra races, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey and finding joy in the process. Ken also highlights the significance of nutrition and personal limits in endurance racing, providing practical strategies for aspiring ultra runners. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ken Zemach and His Journey 06:17 The Catalyst for Change: Personal Struggles and Running 12:17 The Role of Coaching and Accountability in Running 18:16 Optimizing the Vol State Experience 24:03 Comparing Vol State and Badwater: Different Experiences 30:15 Heat Training: Strategies and Benefits 35:53 Pacing Strategies: The Importance of Even Splits 42:00 The Experience of Running: Community and Personal Growth 01:03:20 The Importance of Pacing in Ultra Running 01:10:51 Finding Your Personal Limits and Discipline 01:17:09 Memorable Races and Personal Achievements 01:30:13 The Transformative Power of Running 01:36:29 Why Running Brings Peace and Joy 01:38:26 Strategies for Endurance Racing 01:48:50 Nutrition Choices for Ultra Runners 02:04:11 The Joy of Running and Community 02:05:13 Life-Changing Experiences in Running

In this episode of the Dirt and Vert podcast, David and Matt sit down with Lauren Beihoffer, a former research scientist turned ultra running coach. Lauren shares her inspiring journey from being a non-runner to a passionate endurance athlete, detailing her experiences with various races, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation delves into the importance of nutrition, the balance between strength training and running, and the unique experiences of coaching others in the ultra running community. Lauren also recounts her adventure on the reality show 'Naked and Afraid,' highlighting the challenges of survival and the perspective it gave her on comfort and resilience. The episode concludes with a discussion on the reasons why we run and the joy it brings to our lives. Chapters 00:00 From Research to Running: Lauren's Journey 04:28 The First 50K Experience: Trials and Triumphs 09:28 Learning the Ropes: Nutrition and Hydration in Ultra Running 15:23 Facing the Elements: The Hardest Race 20:26 Fueling Strategies: Finding What Works 30:28 Lessons Learned: The Continuous Journey of an Ultra Runner 40:58 Lessons from Early Races 45:38 Listening to Your Body 51:18 Balancing Performance and Longevity 57:20 The Ebb and Flow of Training 01:01:27 The Journey into Coaching 01:10:04 Why I Run 01:11:47 Experiences on Naked and Afraid

In this episode of the Dirt & Vert Podcast, hosts David and Matt discuss their upcoming races, the Yeti 100 and Firewater, and share insights on training, nutrition strategies, and recovery practices. They reflect on past races, the importance of community in running, and their goals for future events. The conversation emphasizes the significance of proper training, hydration, and recovery in achieving running success. This podcast was to be released after Yeti 100 but unfortunately the southeast has been hit very hard with flooding from Hurricane Helene and most races around this area were cancelled. We hope you and your families are safe and our hearts go out to everyone who has lost friends and family during this time. We love you guys! -David & Matt

In this engaging conversation, Chris Clemens shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering accident that he overcame to becoming an accomplished ultra runner finishing Vol State an incredible 6 times. He discusses the challenges he faced during recovery, the importance of community and support, and his experiences in various races. The dialogue highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of running. In this engaging conversation, Chris Clemens shares his journey through endurance racing, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles, the mental game of racing, and the transformative power of these experiences. The discussion also touches on personal growth, time management, and the balance between running and life. Chris reflects on why he runs, the lessons learned from bad races, and how these experiences shape his perspective on life. He also shares insights on his training strategies and favorite gear, concluding with a discussion on the evolution of his race preferences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:26 Overcoming Adversity: A Traumatic Brain Injury 03:04 Progressing in Running: From 5K to Marathons 03:53 Discovering Ultra Distances 04:46 The Vol State Race: A Special Connection 06:09 The Wood Chip Incident and Recovery 11:52 Consistency and Hard Work 14:22 Changing Academic and Career Paths 16:11 From Marathons to Ultras 20:33 Running in Extreme Weather 21:01 Finding Joy and Freedom in Healthy Habits 26:46 Different race formats 30:13 The Importance of Listening and Being Present 39:36 Evolution of Favorite Distances 41:30 Favorite races 45:41 Challenging race experiences 48:15 The role of race directors 49:08 Conclusion and Takeaways 50:04 The Challenges and Growth of Ball State and Warhammer 52:08 Adapting and Overcoming Obstacles in Races 54:38 Navigating Difficult Sections of Races 58:07 The Varied Terrain of Races 01:00:00 Races: A Catalyst for Personal Growth and Perspective 01:00:36 The Challenges of Warhammer 01:03:15 The Unexpected Difficulty of Races 01:07:35 The HOTS 2022 Race: Unknown Challenges 01:09:11 Choosing to Overcome Challenges 01:11:04 Making the Most of Your Time and Prioritizing Passions

In this episode, David interviews Davy Crockett, who has completed over 165 races and is a member of the 100-100s club. Davy shares his journey into running, starting in his mid-40s and gradually progressing to longer distances. He discusses his experience with injuries, including a stress fracture in his tibia, and how he recovered and continued running. Davy also talks about his involvement in creating the 100-100s club and the common traits shared by its members. The conversation highlights the determination and tenacity required to complete 100-mile races and the camaraderie within the ultra running community. Davy Crockett discusses his running journey and the races he has participated in. Davy shares his experience of getting back into running after knee replacements and how he gradually improved his speed. He also discusses some of the hardest and most memorable 100-mile races he has done. Davy explains how he started the website ultrarunninghistory.com to track and document the history of ultrarunning, including the early races and records. Davy Crockett discusses the fascinating history of ultrarunning and his work in documenting the achievements of ultrarunners. He shares stories of the early days of ultrarunning, including the crazy and bizarre events that took place. Davy also talks about his books on ultrarunning history and where they can be found. He mentions his favorite place to run, the Grand Canyon, and the history of rim-to-rim running. Davy emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rich history of ultrarunning and the individuals who paved the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:47 Davey's Running Journey and Introduction to the 100 100s Club 06:53 Overcoming Challenges and Persevering in Ultra Running 11:39 The Creation and Significance of the 100 100s Club 17:50 Researching and Recognizing Achievements in Ultra Running 22:30 The Traits and Characteristics of 100 100s Club Members 28:49 The Growth and Inspiration in the Ultra Running Community 35:29 Training Methods and Personal Experiences in Ultra Running 37:40 Admiring Rob Apple: The Ultra Legend 39:31 Overcoming Knee Replacements and Regaining Speed 42:24 The Toughest and Most Memorable 100-Mile Races 54:49 Preserving the History of Ultrarunning 01:08:57 The Crazy and Bizarre Era of Ultrarunning 01:10:23 Exploring the History of Rim-to-Rim Running in the Grand Canyon 01:16:25 The First 100-Mile Race in the US 01:17:49 The Early Trails and Mountain Hundreds 01:20:50 The Peace and Quiet of Running Alone 01:25:50 Verifying Ultrarunning Records 01:28:57 The 100 100s: Recognizing Ultrarunning Achievements 01:31:38 Dealing with DNFs and Mental Challenges

Aaron Dana, a trail runner, shares his journey into running and the mental health benefits he experienced. He started running in 2019 and quickly fell in love with trail running. Running became his outlet and a way to cope with stress. He found that running helped him manage his mental health and gave him a sense of accomplishment. Aaron progressed from running a half marathon to completing a 100-mile race. He learned valuable lessons about pacing, nutrition, and hydration. Aaron's goal is to continue improving and pushing his limits in ultra running. Aaron reflects on the mental growth and lessons he learned over the years of participating in the Midstate Mile race. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating wins and not getting caught up in comparing oneself to others. Aaron shares that the most important thing he did to finally achieve his goal was to have an unshakable belief in himself and refuse to doubt his abilities. He also highlights the significance of having a supportive spouse and crew who understand the challenges of ultra running. Aaron advises new runners to focus on being true to themselves, embracing the clock, and learning from the lessons the race has to offer. In this final part of the conversation, Aaron discusses his future plans and bucket list races. He also talks about his strength training routine, average mileage per week, and favorite hydration methods. The hosts share their experiences as race directors and the importance of volunteering in the ultra running community.

Join Kaylee Frederick, a young and fearless ultra runner, as she shares her incredible journey to becoming a top competitor in the world of endurance racing. From her first 100-miler at 16 to battling the extreme heat of Badwater 135, to winning Badwater Cape Fear in 2024 Kaylee's story is fun and inspiring. You can hear the joy she has for the sport and her determination to be competitive and continue to push boundaries. Learn about the mental and physical challenges she's faced, the lessons she's learned, and the incredible rewards that come with pushing your limits. Discover how Kaylee balances her training with her teenage life, the support she receives from the ultra running community, and her ambitious goals for the future.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Matt Cook, an ultra runner who defied the odds. After being nearly paralyzed by Guillain-Barré syndrome, Matt not only recovered but went on to win The Cherokee Ultra 70k. In this podcast, Matt shares his incredible story of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Discover how he overcame adversity, found his passion for running, and achieved extraordinary athletic feats. Learn about Matt's experiences in ultramarathons, the challenges he's faced, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

In this episode, we sit down with Brandy Krisher, the chief editor of East Coast Ultra Running Magazine. Brandy opens up about her personal journey into running and ultra running, which began in her 20s as a way to cope with a difficult relationship and struggles with alcoholism. Running became a therapeutic outlet for her, and she has now been sober for over seven years. Brandy shares how she gradually increased her running distances that led to a 30K trail race that ignited her passion for trail running. She then progressed to a 50K and eventually completed a 50-mile race, her longest distance to date. She describes the emotional and physical challenges of her first 50-mile race and the transformative power of ultra running. As the chief editor, Brandy discusses her role at Run Bum Races, potential release date for the magazine, and her vision for East Coast Ultra Running Magazine. The magazine aims to highlight hidden gems and influential figures within the East Coast running community. Brandy expresses her excitement for the magazine’s first episode and the opportunity to bring the community closer together. The conversation also touches on the importance of photographers in capturing the essence of races and the stories of runners. Brandy, who started photography in high school and has been practicing digitally for almost five years, shares her love for honey as her go-to nutrition during runs and her use of Relite for electrolytes. She also talks about her ongoing quest to find the perfect trail shoe. Join us as Brandy shares her inspiring story and her passion for ultra running, photography, and community building.

Brian Vermillion takes us on a journey from a nail in his knee during a trail race to back-to-back podiums finishes. One of which is Dam Yeti 50 his "fun run" turned into a podium finish. Brian shares his experiences with different coaches and his new focus on speed. The episode dives deep into the Cherokee 130K, where Brian is 1st place overall and sets the course record finishing first place overall in a race with a 70% DNF rate. We get insights into the race's toughness and the potential for future adjustments and finish up discussing Brian's upcoming races.

Get ready to hit the trails with "Candy Mama" Tara Dower, a seasoned thru-hiker turned ultra runner! Join us as Tara, a seasoned through-hiker turned ultra runner, spills the beans on her FKT adventures, epic race fails (cactus attacks, anyone?), and hilarious trail stories. From conquering brutal mountain trails to dodging foot fetishes at the Ohio Backyard Ultra, Tara's journey is anything but ordinary. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even lace up your own running shoes!

Kallup McCoy II, a Cherokee native from North Carolina, shares his journey from addiction to becoming an ultra marathoner. He struggled with addiction for over 15 years and served time in jail before finding transformation and a new purpose in endurance sports. He started with an Ironman 70.3 race and fell in love with the sense of accomplishment and community. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including losing his father to cancer, Kallup persevered and found hope. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. Kallup shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose through running. He experienced years of addiction, attempted suicide multiple times, and even overdosed. However, a series of events, including a near-death experience and a chance encounter with a pastor, led him to find faith and start his path to recovery. After getting out of jail, he decided to run the Trail of Tears route to connect with his Cherokee heritage. This experience sparked his love for running and eventually led him to run a time of 2:40 in the marathon and complete an 800-mile run that would be a journey to a new start. Kallup's story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the transformative nature of running.

Ed the Jester, a record holder for the most 100-mile races completed, shares his journey into running and the challenges he faced along the way. He started running marathons as a teenager but stopped due to knee pain. After going through a period of depression and losing everything in the real estate market crash, he found solace in running again. He gradually got back into running and eventually started participating in ultra marathons. He broke the world record for the most marathons in a year and later set the record for the most 100-mile races in a year. Ed Ettinghausen, also known as the Jester, discusses his running achievements and records in this conversation. He talks about his goal of surpassing the current record holder Walter Handloser for the most 100-mile races completed. Ed shares his motivation to set high goals and push himself to achieve more. He also mentions other records he holds, such as the most lifetime hundred-mile wins and podium finishes. The conversation explores the evolution of the Jester persona and how it represents Ed's unique approach to running and life.

Darren Janzen spills the dirt on his Mid-State Mile adventure, sharing his thoughts, heat-beating strategies, and the hilarious camaraderie of the trail running tribe. From plantar fasciitis to bulging discs, this guy knows pain, but he also knows how to push through it like a champ. This isn't your normal Sunday stroll. It's about finding your inner wild, embracing suck, and discovering just how far those legs can carry you. So grab your hydration bottle, start your run, and get ready for a dose of trail running inspiration with Darren. You might just find yourself signing up for your next ultra.