This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joining forces with the dynamic Mariah Fields, a remarkable ultra runner who now leads the pack as Race Director for Coyote Ugly Racing!

Mariah takes us on her incredible journey, starting from battling exercise-induced asthma in middle school to finding her strength on the ultra trails after having children. She opens up about the tough lessons learned, including the grueling heat of Cruel Jewel, and the powerful mental health benefits that running provides.

We dive deep into the world of Coyote Ugly Racing—how the name reflects the love for the trail's beautiful hardships—and why creating an inclusive, supportive community is the heart of every event. Mariah’s story is a testament to resilience, the bond between women runners, and the joy of finding your purpose (and your tribe!) in the dirt.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation that celebrates transformation, perseverance, and the ultimate camaraderie of the ultra life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mariah Fields and Her Journey

03:24 Early Running Experiences and High School Athletics

06:26 Returning to Running After a Break

09:28 First Races and the Tortoise and the Hare Concept

12:22 Transitioning to Ultra Running

15:39 Lessons Learned from Ultras

18:32 Challenges Faced in the Cruel Jewel 50-Miler

21:24 The Importance of Listening to Your Body

24:30 Experiences on the Duncan Ridge Trail

27:26 The Struggles of Chafing and DNF Experiences

33:46 Lessons Learned from Chafing and Running

38:01 Heat Exhaustion and Its Impact on Performance

43:58 The Journey of Race Directing

49:22 The Birth of Coyote Ugly Racing

59:08 Challenges and Triumphs in Race Directing

01:09:09 Exploring Fire Tower and Feral Mountain Races

01:13:10 The Challenge of the 100K Race

01:20:11 The Importance of Inclusivity in Ultra Running

01:21:15 Finding Peace Through Running

01:24:55 The Challenges of Race Directing

01:31:03 Favorite Trails and Community Connections

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're sitting down with an emerging ultra phenom, Hans Troyer! His journey is a testament to raw talent, resilience, and the power of setting audacious goals.

Hans takes us from his days dreaming of football and basketball to finding his true calling on the trails. He gets real about the lessons learned the hard way—like the early struggles with fueling and hydration—and the remarkable comeback after a serious injury that only fueled his fire.

We dive into his incredible 2025 season, where he racked up multiple top finishes in prestigious races, including an impressive 8th place finish at Western States 100 (a major accomplishment for a 100-mile debut!) and earning a Golden Ticket earlier in the year! He shares his innovative nutrition strategies, his focus on intrinsic motivation, and how he's navigating the pressures of being in the ultra spotlight.

Hans's story is a powerful reminder that the best version of yourself is always possible, and that success in ultra running comes down to continuous learning and the sustainability of your passion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hans Troyer

01:10 Hans's Early Running Journey

06:47 Transition to Ultra Running

10:22 Fueling Challenges and Learning

14:54 The Impact of Rabdo and Recovery

19:54 Grindstone Experience and Lessons Learned

24:15 Success at Tussey Mountain Back 50 Mile

29:27 The Challenges of Endurance Racing

29:58 Overcoming Setbacks and Building Confidence

32:49 A Year of Dominance in Racing

36:03 Reflections on Race Performances

38:52 The Reality of Racing Under Pressure

40:47 The Importance of Community in Racing

43:27 Future Goals and Upcoming Races

46:15 Strategies for Recovery and Longevity

56:16 The Hardest Race Experience

01:00:42 A Life-Changing Hospital Experience

01:03:48 The Drive to Run: Passion and Purpose

01:07:47 Aiming for Greatness in Ultra Racing

01:09:54 Handling the Spotlight and Pressure

01:13:06 Chasing vs. Being Chased in Races

01:14:12 Experiences at Blue Ridge Ultra

01:15:00 Innovative Hydration: The Super Bottle

01:18:16 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, your hosts David and Matt are pulling back the curtain on the tough lessons and big wins from their latest ultra adventures!

We're diving straight into the deep end, starting with the Yeti 100, where David faced down some serious health issues and learned, once again, that ultra running is less about the legs and more about the fight. Then, Matt brings the good news, sharing his successful strategy and grit from the Blue Ridge Ultra!

This episode is packed with real-world takeaways on mastering the fundamentals: the absolute necessity of nailing your nutrition and hydration strategies (lessons learned the hard way!). We’re also talking about the vital role community support plays in fueling the growth of East Coast Adventures.

Plus, get ready for a look ahead at our future race plans, including Firewater, and a sneak peek at innovative ideas—like live streaming future events—and what masterclasses we should tackle next with you, our amazing listeners!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to have a familiar voice and a cornerstone of our community: Mike Taylor, co-founder of East Coast Adventures!

Mike takes us through his deeply personal and inspiring journey, from his early days in sports to the unexpected moment he dove headfirst into marathons. He opens up about how running became a therapeutic outlet during challenging times, proving that the trails can truly heal.

We dive into the founding story of East Coast Adventures—how a shared passion between Mike and David grew into a force for supporting local runners. Mike gets real about his recent races, including the brutal No Business run, where he faced intense pain, moments of doubt, and the true test of resilience.

This episode is a powerful celebration of perseverance, community, and the emotional strength it takes to push through adversity. Mike's story is a profound reminder that every challenge is an opportunity for personal growth, and that the finish line is always within reach when you have the heart to keep going.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, your hosts David and Matt are pulling back the curtain on the tough lessons and big wins from their latest ultra adventures!

We're diving straight into the deep end, starting with the Yeti 100, where David faced down some serious health issues and learned, once again, that ultra running is less about the legs and more about the fight. Then, Matt brings the good news, sharing his successful strategy and grit from the Blue Ridge Ultra!

This episode is packed with real-world takeaways on mastering the fundamentals: the absolute necessity of nailing your nutrition and hydration strategies (lessons learned the hard way!). We’re also talking about the vital role community support plays in fueling the growth of East Coast Adventures.

Plus, get ready for a look ahead at our future race plans, including Firewater, and a sneak peek at innovative ideas—like live streaming future events—and what masterclasses we should tackle next with you, our amazing listeners!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up with Richard Abernathy, an avid ultra runner and the visionary Race Director behind Dirty Wolf Racing!

Richard takes us on his incredible journey, which started with a simple competition and evolved into a deep passion for the trails. We dive into the wild world of race directing, covering unique events like the challenging Beast of the East and the brutal Hellhole 100K, where the flat terrain somehow makes it even tougher!

But this episode is all about the power of story. Richard shares why storytelling is so crucial to the ultra running experience and how the scenic beauty of the trails fuels his passion. We also get the scoop on his epic personal challenge: running 12 ultras in 12 months!

From the joy of helping others reach their goals to the importance of creativity in race directing, Richard’s story is a testament to community, grit, and the belief that every mile is an adventure waiting to be shared.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down with Lauren, a remarkable ultra runner whose story is a masterclass in resilience and grit.

Lauren shares her incredible journey from battling a broken ankle to achieving the ultimate dream: qualifying for Team USA! We dive deep into her training philosophy, her harrowing experience in the final miles of a race, and the mental fortitude it takes to push through extreme fatigue and confusion.

But it's not all about the suffering. Lauren opens up about the importance of effort-based pacing, the power of real food during long races, and the invaluable role of a strong support system. We also explore the unique challenges and camaraderie found in backyard ultras.

This episode is a powerful reminder that every setback is a setup for a comeback, and that with a little bit of grit and a lot of heart, anything is possible.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up with the remarkable April Bailey, a former basketball player who found her true calling on the trails and went on to become the first-place female and overall winner of the 2025 Yeti 100!

April shares her powerful and deeply personal journey, opening up about how running became a source of healing after personal loss. She takes us through her transition from the court to the trails, detailing the challenges and triumphs of her various races, and what it took to achieve her remarkable 15-hour and 42-minute finish at the Yeti 100.

We dive deep into her training philosophy, her crucial nutrition strategies, and the unwavering community support that fuels her every stride. April’s story is a testament to resilience, the kindness that defines the Yeti family, and the incredible, transformative power of running to not only heal but also propel you to new heights.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're diving into a world of grit, genius, and a little bit of madness with Jared Beasley, a runner and writer who knows a thing or two about chasing demons on the trails.

Jared takes us on his incredible journey from a troubled past to finding his purpose through running and writing. He pulls back the curtain on the enigma himself, Laz, the legendary race director, and shares what it's truly like to enter his world—a world Jared describes as a modern-day Willy Wonka factory that tests the very character of those who dare to enter.

We talk about the intense experience of the Backyard Ultra, the raw power of willpower, and the profound lessons learned from Laz's unique philosophy. It's a powerful conversation about personal growth, the vital role of community, and the art of turning pain into purpose.

Jared's story is a testament to the fact that running can be a path to redemption, and that sometimes, the most challenging races are the ones that save us.

Two links to purchase "The Endurance Artist" below:

Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Endurance-Artist/Jared-Beasley/9798990795822

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Endurance-Artist-Lazarus-Lake-Barkley/dp/B0DV4NBP4S

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up with the incredible Katti Jackson, an ultra runner whose journey is a masterclass in resilience and grit. She's coming off an epic run where she won and set the course record at The Cherokee 70K!

Katti's story is proof that you don't need years on the trails to make a name for yourself. She takes us on her wild ride from a DNF in her first 50K to winning the legendary Grindstone 100 and tackling the brutal weather of UTMB.

We dive deep into the mental and emotional side of racing, including how she navigated grief on the trail and learned to find joy in the process, not just the competition. Katti shares her secrets to overcoming nutrition issues, battling wild weather, and how the unwavering support of the ultra running community fuels her spirit.

This is an honest, powerful conversation about the transformative power of trail running and the importance of chasing ambitious goals, no matter how quickly you get there.