In this episode, we chat with Matt Blankenship, former University of Tennessee Volunteer and national champion, as he shares his surprising journey from the gridiron to Olympic weightlifter who holds multiple world records to an ultramarathon runner who pushes his limits on the dirt. Buckle up for blisters, bicep tears (ouch!), and the powerful lessons discovered through sweat, community, and leaving a legacy.

What does it take to be an ultra runner and a photographer? How do you balance your passions and goals in life? How do you overcome the obstacles and challenges that come your way? In this episode, we talk to Misty Heron, an accomplished ultra runner and photographer who has done amazing things in both fields. Misty shares her journey in trail running and photography, from how she got started to how she developed her skills and style. She also tells us about her experience thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest and most scenic trails in the world. This episode is full of inspiration, wisdom, and stories from a remarkable woman who finds her passion and chases it!

Casey George is a runner who used to be a smoker who wanted to do something better for himself, and he decided to make a change and started running which quickly led to his first ultra marathon. His first race was a 10K that crushed him but he was hooked. He quickly progressed to longer distances, and he has now run multiple distances including 100-milers, a 200-miler, and backyard ultras. Listen to Casey's journey as he takes us through this fun conversation.

David, Matt, and Mike discuss their worst and best race experiences of the year, highlighting the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned. They share stories of races like the Chattanooga Marathon, Georgia Jewel, Black Toe, and Mad Backyard. The conversation emphasizes the importance of hydration, training, and mental resilience in achieving race goals. Overall, the hosts reflect on the growth and personal development that comes from both successful and challenging race experiences. They also share lessons learned from injuries and the importance of listening to one's body. The conversation touches on setting realistic expectations, the challenges of 5K races, and the announcement of a new race in the Cherokee National Forest.

Kyle Kalbus is a decorated ultrarunner who has achieved a lot in the sport in a short amount of time. He is a true inspiration to anyone who is looking to push their limits and achieve their goals. Kyle's story is one of perseverance, dedication, and hard work. He started running as a way to lose weight and quickly fell in love with the sport. He has since gone on to win numerous races and set course records. Kyle is a humble and approachable athlete who is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.

Walter Handloser shares his journey into running and his experiences in various races. He discusses his transition from marathons to running to a record of 50-100 miler races in 1 year. Walt also talks about his pursuit of the Western States 100 and his participation in challenging races like The Spine Race. He shares his approach to planning and logistics to race back-to-back events. Overall, Walt's story highlights his passion for running and his determination to push his limits.

Ultrarunner Chuck Rudd wore his "DNF" bracelet as a reminder of his 100-mile failed attempt for two years before going back for redemption at Yeti 100.

Rudd's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how many times we fail. Failure is simply a stepping stone to success.

So next time you're feeling discouraged, remember Chuck Rudd's story. And don't be afraid to take risks. Because without risk, there is no reward.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're excited to welcome Ron Wireman Jr as he shares his incredible story of transforming from a sedentary lifestyle to winning multiple ultramarathons. Ron's passion for running, ignited during his childhood. After a lengthy break, he rediscovered his passion for running and embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to achieve multiple race victories and podium finishes. His journey began with a half marathon challenge from a coworker, and since then, Ron has never looked back.

Join us for an engaging and fun conversation with ultra runner Amy Hamilton as she shares her journey from field hockey and lacrosse to the trails. We'll delve into her experience of transitioning from road running to ultras, including her first ultra at Mountain Masochist to winning Yeti 100. Hear about her struggles with nutrition and how she overcame them to become a top ultra runner. Learn about her favorite hydration and nutrition strategies for long races. And get Amy's insights on the mental toughness it takes to conquer ultras. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for any ultra runner.

https://linktr.ee/runeastcoastadventures

Barncreek Backyard race results and quick recap. Our recent races and the struggles and remembering why we do what we do. Finding your "why" when the times get hard. Why do you run?

https://linktr.ee/runeastcoastadventures