This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're hanging out with Katie Baksa, a total rockstar who's gone from kicking soccer balls to crushing marathons (like, Olympic Trials level crushing!). But her story isn't just about speed and PRs; it's a hilarious and inspiring look at a messy, beautiful journey of a runner who's not afraid to chase big dreams (and maybe stumble a little along the way - that humbling 5K story is gold!).

Katie spills the beans on her ultra and trail running adventures, her training secrets (fueled by recovery drinks and maybe a little bit of crazy), and the incredible support system that keeps her going (shoutout to the family!). Plus, we dive into the wild world of starting a running brand, Bound Running, where community and togetherness are the name of the game.

If you've ever doubted yourself, chased a crazy goal, or just love a good running story with a healthy dose of reality, you HAVE to listen to this episode. Katie's proof that even after a "humbling" 5K, the marathon (and life!) is still yours to conquer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Katie Baksa and Her Journey

03:23 Transitioning from Soccer to Running

06:48 The Shift to Ultra and Trail Running

10:53 Marathon Experiences and Personal Growth

14:03 Training Dynamics and Family Support

17:43 The Olympic Trials Experience

20:35 Reflections on Running and Lifestyle Choices

22:01 Fueling Strategies for Races

30:14 Recovery Drinks and Nutrition Strategies

31:50 Upcoming Races and Summer Training

36:47 Lessons from Crashing and Burning

43:44 The Birth of Bound Running

56:14 Why I Run: The Journey of Progress

01:02:10 The Humbling 5K Experience

01:06:47 Running Dreams and Aspirations

01:10:14 The Birth of Bound

01:17:48 Coaching Dynamics in Relationships

01:24:06 Finding Joy in Racing