This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are joined by the incredible Becca Joyner—ultra runner, course record holder, and a powerhouse who balances three boys and multiple jobs while crushing miles.

Becca takes us through her evolution from a workplace step challenge to setting the course record at Dark Anchor. We dive into the raw, humbling reality of races like Volstate and the Yeti 100, where running strips you down to the bare essentials of survival. Becca opens up about the emotional toll of training, the "kindness of strangers" that keeps you moving at Mile 80, and her deep-seated passion for fundraising for Type 1 Diabetes research.

This is an episode about grit, vulnerability, and finding a purpose far bigger than the finish line.

🏃‍♂️ Call to Action: Run for Type 1!

Dirt & Vert listeners, it’s time to step up. Becca is hosting the Run for Type 1 5K to benefit JDRF/Breakthrough Type 1 in honor of Beau Joyner.

There is a virtual option, so there are NO EXCUSES. Whether you are local or across the country, you can log these miles for a great cause.

• Race: Run for Type 1

• Cause: All proceeds go to JDRF/BT1D

• Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Dutton/RunforType1

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we’re joined by Jeremy Bohnett, the co-founder of Hyperlyte Liquid Performance. Jeremy’s journey is a fascinating transition from the world of long-distance thru-hiking to the high-intensity realm of 100-mile ultra-marathons.

We dive into the "why" behind Hyperlyte, a nutrition company born out of the need to simplify the complicated world of endurance fueling. Jeremy breaks down the science of their high-carb, high-sodium formulas and why they chose an "authentic, messy" brand identity that reflects the reality of trail running over a polished corporate image.

Whether you’re curious about the mental shift from walking across the country to running 100 miles, or you're looking for a better way to manage your race-day gut, this conversation with Jeremy is packed with entrepreneurial grit and trail wisdom.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Bonet and Hopper Lot

03:01 Jeremy's Journey from Thru-Hiking to Trail Running

06:02 Transitioning from Hiking to Running: Challenges and Growth

08:42 The Allure of the 100-Mile Race

11:49 The Community and Camaraderie in Ultra Running

14:42 Fueling Strategies for Endurance Races

17:54 The Science Behind Hopper Lot's Formulation

20:51 Launch and Growth of Hopper Lot

25:04 Timing and Luck in Marketing

28:46 The Importance of Branding

30:02 Reflecting on Success

32:54 The Simplicity of Running

35:49 What Sets Hopper Lot Apart?

40:28 Pride in Authenticity

42:02 Favorite Gear and Products

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we sit down with the newly crowned MAD Backyard Ultra Course Record Holder, Ashley Pipkin!

Ashley's story is the ultimate proof that you don't need to be a "lifelong athlete" to dominate the ultra scene. She takes us through her transformation from a non-athletic childhood to outlasting the field and rewriting the record books. We dive deep into the specific mental grit required to run loops until you're the last one standing, her "eat everything" nutrition strategy, and why she values raw, real-life trail experiences over the curated world of social media.

From her first "accidental" interest in long distances to her upcoming goals at the legendary Barkley Fall Classic, Ashley breaks down the mindset of a champion and the importance of having a rock-solid support system (shoutout to her husband!) in your corner.

Takeaways:

Ashley transitioned from recreational running to competitive ultra running after college.

She emphasizes the importance of nutrition and eating enough during races.

Ashley enjoys the community aspect of ultra running and the friendships formed.

Her first 50K was a challenging but rewarding experience, leading to her interest in longer distances.

She has a strong focus on mental preparation and self-discovery through running.

Ashley believes in the importance of setting personal goals and pushing limits.

She has learned to embrace the challenges and unpredictability of ultra races.

Her husband plays a crucial role in her support system during races.

Ashley finds joy in the beauty of nature while running and values the real experiences over social media.

She is excited about future races and the potential for personal growth in her running journey.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are joined by a true legend of the ultra world: Maggie Guterl. From her humble beginnings in Philly to becoming a Team USA standout and the first woman to win the Big’s Backyard Ultra outright, Maggie’s journey is one of pure grit and constant evolution.

Maggie takes us back to her first 24-hour race where she battled extreme nausea to hit 97 miles, her legendary experiences at Western States, and her deep dive into the world of Laz Lake at the Barkley Fall Classic and the full Barkley Marathons. She opens up about the "superpower" of community, recovering from major Achilles surgery, and the tactical aggression needed to stay in the Top 10 in today’s ultra scene.

Whether you're curious about her hydration struggles (losing 14lbs of water weight!) or her "singular goals" during world championships, this episode is a masterclass in the mindset of a champion.

Coaching Announcement! 🏃‍♀️💨

Maggie is officially taking on new athletes! If you want a champion’s perspective in your corner to help you refine your training and race strategy, reach out to her at:[email protected]

🚨 SPECIAL OFFER: Brian is giving all Dirt & Vert listeners 10% OFF the entire store at thefooster.com!Use code: DIRT10 at checkout or click here to shop now!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we sit down with Brian Abadia, the founder of Fooster. Brian’s journey is a powerful look at how a major setback—a debilitating back injury—can actually be the catalyst for a total life transformation and a thriving business.

Brian shares how he moved from the high-impact world of CrossFit into running as a way to regain his mobility and mental clarity. Along the way, he realized that the nutrition world for endurance athletes was cluttered, confusing, and often lacking a personal touch. That realization led to the birth of Fooster, a nutrition marketplace designed to take the guesswork out of fueling so you can focus on the miles.

We dive into the "why" behind Fooster, Brian’s philosophy that running is the ultimate life teacher, and the unique way he curates his shop—by personally testing every gel, bar, and "rocket fuel" before it ever hits the site.

The OG trio is finally back together! This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, David, Matt, and Mike reunite for a special Christmas run to close out the year and look ahead to an massive 2026.

We’re revealing our 2026 Bucket List Races, including big goals for the Cruel Jewel 50 and the No Business Hundo. We also get technical on what it really takes to train for the Mid-State Mile, specifically how to dial in the elevation training necessary to survive those climbs.

The guys also give their unfiltered first impressions of the new Hyperlite nutrition products, talk about the upcoming Smoky Mountain 24-hour Challenge, and share some laughs about the "gastronomic gauntlet" that is the Taco Bell 50K. Most importantly, we take a moment to reflect on the growth of this community and share our gratitude for every one of you who joined us on the trails this year.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, David and Matt are dropping some massive announcements that will shape the next two years of trail running in the Southeast!

We are officially announcing a heavy-hitting collaboration with Yeti Trail Runners for a brand-new race in Sevierville, and giving you the lowdown on the legendary (and slightly chaotic) Taco Bell 50K—a free event that proves ultra running doesn't always have to be serious to be a challenge.

We look ahead to why 2026 is going to be the biggest year yet for East Coast Adventures (ECA). Plus, we’re talking team dynamics, the nutrition strategies fueling our current training blocks, and a heartfelt thank you to you—our listeners—for the incredible growth we’ve seen this year.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we’re joined by Kayla Fitzgerald, the force behind Palmetto Ultras, whose journey from "hating running" to directing unique endurance events is a masterclass in mental strength and community building.

Kayla gets real about how running started as a rare moment of personal peace amidst parenting responsibilities and quickly evolved into a spontaneous dive into the world of ultras. We discuss her transition into race directing, where she stepped up to keep her local ultra scene alive, even when faced with "sink-or-swim" challenges like unexpected flooding in the Francis Marion trails.

From the mental grit required for the Last Man Standing format to her passion for creating the most inclusive, welcoming environment possible, Kayla’s story is all about the joy of nature and the power of the running community. Plus, we talk about why aid station snacks might just be the most important part of the race!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down with John Calabrese, an ultra runner whose journey proves that sometimes, the hardest parts of life lead you straight to the starting line!

John opens up about how personal struggles, including a divorce, fueled his passion and led him from the road to the trail. We dive deep into the mental challenges of ultra running, sharing hilarious anecdotes about the hallucinations that come with extreme fatigue (seriously, what did he see?!).

But John's story is bigger than miles and mirages. He shares his incredible commitment to Ainsley's Angels, running alongside people with disabilities and finding profound joy in supporting others. John's journey highlights the power of community, resilience, and finding pure joy in the run.

Get ready for an honest, funny, and deeply inspiring conversation that shows how running can truly be the best therapy.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to welcome the incredible Ashlie! Her story is proof that hard work, meticulous planning, and a little bit of community magic can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Ashlie takes us behind the scenes of her monumental achievement: setting the Pinhoti FKT! We dive into the year-long logistics, the crucial nutrition adjustments, and how she learned to "burn the boats" for total commitment. She shares the raw, honest truth about the challenges faced during the FKT and the sheer relief and celebration at the finish.

But what truly fueled her? Ashlie opens up about the "village" that made it possible—the unwavering family support and the experienced pacers who carried her through. From tackling the Mohican 100 Miler to the emotional highs and lows of the Pinhoti, this conversation is a powerful reminder that perseverance pays off, and that the best part of ultra running is the people you share it with.