Dirt And Vert

Most ultra runners encounter their toughest moments when the race pushes them to the limit—and Kirk Cherep’s story is no different. From a lightning-fast win in his first ultra to a heartbreaking DNF at the grueling No Business 100, Kirk’s journey is a vivid reminder that in this sport, humility is part of the adventure.

In this candid episode, the founder of Trailblazer Running shares the "nitty-gritty" of race strategy, the wrestler-to-runner pipeline, and the insider secrets to creating community-driven races in Indiana. We dive into the unique challenge of a "Trail Golf" ultra—where strokes matter more than time—and how to manage the staggering 10,000 feet of elevation gain at the Knobstone 50. Whether you’re chasing your first 50K or dreaming of a hundred-miler, Kirk’s insights on mental toughness and technical race design provide the ultimate blueprint for the modern trail runner.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we welcome back Jeremy Bohnett, the Co-Founder of Hyperlyte Liquid Performance, fresh off a massive podium finish and a new Personal Best at the Run Love It 100.

Jeremy takes us inside the race where everything finally "clicked." We break down the specific muscular endurance workouts that paved the way for his success and how he balances the "Triple Threat" of elite training, high-stakes entrepreneurship, and family life. Jeremy also gives us an exclusive first look at the future of Hyperlyte, including the development of their highly anticipated high-carb gels and flavor-neutral formulations.

Whether you’re looking to kill the "death march" at mile 80 or want to hear how a viral documentary sparked a brand explosion, this conversation is packed with actionable gear, grit, and gains.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are sitting down with Katie, an athlete whose endurance resume is as diverse as it is impressive. From the structured intensity of collegiate rowing and professional triathlons to the rugged freedom of the Appalachian Trail, Katie has seen it all.

We dive into how she navigated high-level burnout to find her passion again in the trail and ultra world—culminating in her unique (and digestive-defying) victory at the Taco Bell 50K. Katie breaks down how she balanced a "Fourth Meal" with race-pace miles, the lessons she carried off the AT, and why she’s traded the Ironman asphalt for the dirt of the upcoming Arizona Trail.

Whether you're looking for professional training insights or just want to hear how one survives a 31-mile burrito run, this episode is a masterclass in versatility.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are talking about the long game. We sit down with Dusty Jameson to discuss his incredible decade-long pursuit of the "Holy Grail" for many marathoners: the sub-3 hour finish.

Dusty wasn't a natural-born runner—in fact, he started out hating it. He takes us through the evolution from a reluctant runner to an elite performer, sharing the raw reality of the injuries that sidelined him and the mental resilience it took to keep coming back. We break down the specific race strategies, pacing discipline, and injury prevention protocols he used to finally break the 3-hour barrier.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are joined by a woman who literally rewrote the history books: Ashley Paulson.

Ashley recently stunned the running world by setting the 100-mile World Record, and in this episode, she pulls back the curtain on how she did it. We move past the surface-level talk and dive into the "meticulous" planning required to maintain world-record pace for 100 miles. Ashley shares her specific fueling protocols, the high-volume training strategies that hardened her body, and the "dark room" of mental toughness she enters when the miles get heavy.

From her early days to her future goals of pushing the limits of human potential even further, this is a deep dive into the mind of the fastest 100-mile woman on the planet.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are entering the "Yellow Gate." We’re sitting down with Jason Bailey to deconstruct his journey from the local trails to the most elusive race on the planet: The Barkley Marathons.

Jason takes us behind the scenes of Frozen Head State Park, detailing the grueling progression of his running career and the hyper-specific training required to even stand a chance in Tennessee’s toughest woods. We dive into the "Barkley specific" skillset—navigating by map and compass, the adrenaline-fueled hunt for hidden books, and the legendary traditions that make this race a psychological battlefield.

This isn’t just about miles; it’s about the profound meaning found in the struggle and the mental resilience required to face a race designed to make you fail.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are joined by one of the most versatile and high-performing athletes in the ultra world: Meg Eckert.

Meg is a force to be reckoned with, whether she’s running circles at Desert Solstice, tackling the furnace of Badwater 135, or preparing for the 250-mile journey at Cocodona. We go deep into the "how" of her training—from the calculated suffering of sauna sessions to the mental flexibility required to survive a 6-day race. Meg also highlights the incredible rise of the female ultra-running community and the deep emotional bonds that make races like Snowdrop so much more than just a distance on a map.

If you want to know what it takes to perform at the elite level while maintaining a deep passion for the community.

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.