This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by Kristian Morgan, an ultra runner whose journey is nothing short of epic. And get this – he currently holds the second fastest time in BOTH directions on the Appalachian Trail and he's going back in 2025 for another attempt!

Kristian takes us on his incredible adventure, from tackling the legendary Appalachian Trail to his relentless pursuit of the Fastest Known Time (FKT). We'll hear about the challenges, the triumphs, and the hard-earned wisdom he's gained along the way.

But it's not just about the miles. Kristian opens up about the power of community support, his personal training philosophies, and the profound sense of purpose that running has brought to his life. He reflects on his past, the obstacles he's overcome, and his ambitious goals for the future, including conquering the Triple Crown FKT.

Prepare to be inspired by a story that proves running can be a transformative force, forging connections and revealing the extraordinary strength within.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Christian Morgan

01:03 Christian's Adventurous Beginnings

02:39 The Journey into Running

04:44 Transition to Ultra Running

06:25 Global Running Experiences

08:01 Significant Races and Transformations

10:01 The Beauty of Thailand North Face 100K

13:11 Experiences at UTMB

16:07 Transitioning to FKTs

19:01 Training for the Appalachian Trail

22:07 Lessons from FKT Attempts

25:06 The Importance of Support

27:55 Planning for the Next FKT Attempt

31:07 The Pursuit of Happiness and Relationships

49:09 Building a Supportive Community

50:03 Exploring the Appalachian Trail

52:40 Setting Realistic Goals

54:51 Training Strategies and Mileage

56:49 The Impact of Weather on Running

59:48 Finding Purpose in Running

01:06:11 The Role of Running in Personal Growth

01:10:57 Culinary Adventures in Running

01:12:57 Future Aspirations and Bucket List Races

01:17:16 Fueling the Journey

01:21:17 Coaching and Sharing Knowledge

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by the incredibly inspiring Lindsey Sexton, a two-time No Business 100 finisher whose journey proves that strength and resilience can conquer any obstacle.

Lindsey takes us on her remarkable path, from her early days starting a cross-country team in high school to facing down breast cancer and emerging to complete ultra marathons. We'll hear about her motivations, the challenges she's overcome, and the raw emotion of crossing that finish line after her battle.

Lindsey emphasizes the vital role of community support, the power of mental strength, and the unwavering belief in oneself that fuels every step. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and triumph.

Get ready to be moved, inspired, and reminded that anything is possible when you refuse to give up on your dreams.

Chapters

00:00 Lindsey's Running Journey Begins

04:23 Transition to Ultra Running

09:29 Facing Breast Cancer

15:01 The No Business 100 Experience

36:01 Emotional Finish and Community Support

42:47 Year Two: Overcoming New Challenges

51:59 The Journey of Resilience

54:31 Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Strength

56:45 The Power of Sharing Stories

01:00:08 Life Lessons from Running

01:02:42 The Importance of Early Detection

01:03:44 Running as a Form of Freedom

01:06:28 Setting Future Goals

01:11:38 The Mindset of a Runner

01:21:55 Confidence and Self-Belief

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're bringing you an extraordinary live update from the road! We're checking in with Kallup McCoy II, an inspiring indigenous runner who's embarking on an epic journey across America, a feat accomplished by few indigenous runners since 1928.

Kallup is sharing the raw, real-time experience of this incredible endeavor. We'll hear about the challenges he's facing, the unwavering support of his crew and community, and the profound purpose that fuels his every step: to raise awareness about health issues and substance use disorder.

This isn't just a story about running; it's a testament to the power of hope, the strength of resilience, and the ability of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle. Kallup's journey is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can achieve the seemingly impossible.

Join us as we follow Kallup's footsteps and witness history in the making. And if you're moved to support his mission, please visit www.rezhoperecovery.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Crew Introduction

02:33 Challenges on the Road

05:23 Mental Health and Substance Use Awareness

08:02 Purpose Behind the Run

09:36 The Journey of an Indigenous Runner

10:48 Cultural Significance and Personal Growth

10:51 Celebrating the Journey

13:04 Encouragement and Inspiration

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by Alec Cline, an ultra runner who just has the fastest 50 mile top performance time currently this year.

Alec's journey is a wild ride, and he's sharing all the details. We're talking about the switch from pavement pounding to trail racing, the mind-bending challenges of ultra racing, and how he learned to push through the pain when his body was screaming "STOP!"

But it's not just about the suffering (okay, maybe a little). Alec's dropping knowledge bombs on training strategies, fueling secrets, and the mental game that separates the finishers from the DNFs. We'll even hear about his epic first 100-mile race and the lessons he learned the hard way.

If you're ready for some serious inspiration and a healthy dose of "I can do that!" this episode is a must-listen. Alec's story is a reminder that even the most reluctant among us can find our fire on the trails.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alec Klein and His Running Journey

06:18 Transitioning from Road to Trail Running

12:49 Experiences in Ultra Racing: Mohican 50 and Big Turtle

19:18 The Get Lucky 50: Training and Nutrition Insights

25:49 Recovery Strategies and Preparing for Georgia Death Race

32:11 Overcoming Challenges: Heart Health and Racing Goals

36:55 Navigating Health Challenges and Discovering Fasting

40:17 The Journey Back to Running

41:07 First 100-Mile Attempt and Lessons Learned

44:39 Endurance and Mental Fortitude in Racing

52:12 Upcoming Races and Future Aspirations

01:12:33 Finding Purpose in Running

01:16:09 Running as a Reflection of Identity

01:18:12 The Joy of Self-Expression in Running

01:19:49 Embracing the Elements: Running in Winter

01:21:22 Memorable Races and Personal Connections

01:22:29 Fueling the Journey: Favorite Race Snacks

01:23:30 Pushing Limits: Longest Distances and Support Systems

01:25:27 Dream Races and Cultural Experiences

01:28:23 The Evolution of a Runner

01:31:57 The Balance of Data and Intuition in Running

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by the one and only Michael Wardian, an endurance athlete who's not just a runner, he's a legend. He holds multiple FKT's and American Records.

Michael takes us on his incredible journey, from his early days hitting the pavement to becoming a record-breaking ultra marathoner. We'll dive into his experiences at iconic races like the Boston Marathon, the brutal Badwater, and the historic JFK 50.

But it's not just about the races. Michael shares his thoughts on the power of community, the science of nutrition, and the dedication it takes to push the limits of human endurance. And yes, we even talk about running in costumes (because why not?!).

From conquering the Appalachian Trail to dreaming of running in space, Michael's story is one of adventure, inspiration, and a deep love for the running community. It's a reminder that running is about more than just personal achievement; it's about connecting with others and inspiring those around you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Wardian

01:01 Michael's Journey into Running

04:02 The Boston Marathon Experience

05:18 Running in Costumes: Fun and Challenges

09:28 Lessons from the Appalachian Trail

11:44 Survival in Endurance Events

13:07 Training Plans and Coaching Insights

17:52 Nutrition and Stomach Training

18:50 The Roller Coaster of Ultras

23:20 Community in Endurance Racing

25:15 The Challenge of Endurance Racing

29:23 Transitioning from Marathons to Ultras

34:11 The Journey to JFK 50 and Beyond

38:23 The Impact of Marathon Training on Ultra Performance

43:43 Experiences at Badwater and Beyond

49:46 The Importance of Community in Ultra Running

52:45 Reframing Competition and Personal Growth

56:12 The Journey of the Appalachian Trail

58:07 Running Across America for a Cause

01:06:42 Experiencing the Run: From San Francisco to Ocean City

01:10:43 Inspiring Others Through Running

01:17:36 The Essence of Running: A Personal Reflection

01:18:41 Celebrating Achievements and Records

01:19:39 Race Experiences and Community Support

01:21:41 Exploring Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

01:25:11 Innovative Running Adventures

01:28:37 Transitioning to New Challenges: Rowing and Beyond

01:32:55 The Journey of Endurance and Personal Growth

01:40:17 Introduction to Ultra Running and Records

01:41:14 Celebrating Achievements in Running

Alright, buckle up, Dirt and Vert listeners! This week, we're chatting with a badass ultra runner who just crushed the Southern States 200, taking home third overall and leaving them in the dust. That's right, we're talking about the incredible Ashlie Ithurburn!

Ashlie's journey is a wild ride, and she's taking us all the way from those "boring" old road races to the gritty, glorious world of ultra marathons. We'll hear about her first 100-miler, the epic challenge of switching to trail running, and what it really takes to survive (and thrive!) in those multi-day death marches.

But it's not all suffering and sweat. We're diving deep into the importance of camaraderie on the trail (because even tough runners need friends!), the power of a rock-solid mindset, and how Ashlie found peace and confidence in the pain cave.

If you're ready for some inspiration that'll kick you in the butt and get you out on the trails, this episode is a must-listen. Ashlie's dropping knowledge, sharing laughs, and proving that anything is possible with a little grit and a whole lot of heart.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ashley Itherburn

02:53 Ashley’s Journey into Trail Running

05:59 Transitioning from Road to Trail

08:42 First Ultra Experience and Lessons Learned

11:41 The Challenge of 200-Mile Races

14:42 Comparing Tahoe 200 and Southern States 200

17:40 The Importance of Community in Ultra Running

27:25 Trail Running Adventures and Ankle Injuries

30:13 The Mental Game of Endurance Racing

31:45 Training for the 200-Mile Race

34:24 Race Day: Preparation and Anticipation

36:17 Navigating the Course: Challenges and Mistakes

40:56 Support and Camaraderie During the Race

44:08 Pacing Strategies and Personal Goals

48:45 Catching Up: The Race for First Place

52:42 Final Push: Overcoming Obstacles to Victory

57:55 Riding the Highs and Lows of Racing

59:34 Teamwork and Support in Endurance Racing

01:01:25 The Power of Music and Connection During Races

01:03:12 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Fears

01:06:12 The Emotional Journey of Winning

01:09:50 Finding Confidence Through Running

01:14:09 The Importance of Community in Trail Running

01:14:55 Mindset at the Start Line

01:18:40 Gear Choices for Endurance Races

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're diving deep into the world of grit and camaraderie with Cory Clark, a runner whose journey proves that transformation is always within reach.

Cory takes us from his high school athletic days to his full-blown love affair with ultra running, a world where mental fortitude is just as crucial as physical endurance. We talk about the challenges he's faced, from battling injuries to pushing through the pain, and how he's learned to embrace the power of community.

But it's not just about the miles. We explore the science of hydration and electrolytes, the importance of preparation, and the sheer joy of pushing your limits. We also dive into Cory's experiences with rucking, a new challenge that's testing his strength and resilience.

Cory's story is a reminder that running is more than just a sport; it's a journey of personal growth, connection, and the unwavering belief in the human spirit's ability to overcome any obstacle.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're sharing a story of extraordinary talent, unwavering spirit, and a legacy that continues to inspire. We're honored to welcome Chris and Melissa Wiseman, parents of the remarkable Darrah Wiseman, a young athlete from Tennessee whose life left an indelible mark.

Chris and Melissa recount Darrah's journey, from her early years in sports to her exceptional achievements in track and field, including her 6 state championships. We explore the dedication, the passion, and the sheer talent that made Darrah a shining star.

This episode is more than just a recounting of athletic feats. It's a tribute to a life lived with purpose and a story of how a community has rallied to honor Darrah's memory. We discuss the family's mission to build a track in her name, a lasting testament to her impact on young athletes.

Join us as we celebrate Darrah's life, her achievements, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

If you would like to leave a donation for Darrah please visit:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-darrah-wiseman-building-a-legacy-track

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darrah's Journey

02:51 Early Athletic Development

05:32 High School Track and Cross Country

08:41 State Championships and Achievements

11:31 Transition to Focused Training

14:22 Challenges and Growth in Competition

16:59 Indoor and Outdoor Seasons

19:49 Junior Year and Mental Challenges

22:58 Senior Year and Future Aspirations

34:36 Carrying On a Legacy

37:41 The Mindset of a Champion

42:04 Building a Track in Her Honor

49:01 Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

57:43 Upcoming Events and Future Plans

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, buckle up for an adventure-packed episode with ultra runner extraordinaire, Gavin Woody!

Gavin's tackled some of the most epic races on the planet, from Badwater 135, Hardrock, UTMB and even the Iditarod Trail Invitational. We dive deep into his journey from casual runner to ultra legend, and how he's learned to embrace challenges, push his limits, and find strength in the ultra community.

Gavin opens up about the importance of setting goals, building daily habits, and learning from both victories and setbacks. So if you're ready for a dose of inspiration, adventure, and a whole lot of grit, this episode is a must-listen!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ultra Running Adventures

07:27 Gavin Woody's Journey into Ultra Running

14:40 The Transition to Ultra Running

25:12 Challenges and Learning in First 100-Mile Race

29:42 Family and Community in Ultra Running

31:59 Navigating the Challenges of Ultra Racing

34:05 Experiences at UTMB and the Importance of Family

37:08 The Pigtails Challenge: A Twist of Fate

40:40 The Infamous Badwater: A Bucket List Race

44:21 Comparing Tough Races: Badwater vs. Hurt

47:50 The Dragon's Back Race: A Unique Challenge

52:54 The Backyard Ultra Format: A New Experience

56:51 Running with Legends: Moab and Beyond

01:03:07 The Adventure of Exploration

01:06:22 Challenges and Triumphs in Ultra Events

01:07:57 Personal Milestones and Achievements

01:10:40 The Learning Curve of Adventure Racing

01:12:43 Daily Habits and Incremental Progress

01:15:51 Team Red, White, and Blue: A Mission of Unity

01:28:54 Preparing for the Journey Ahead

01:34:55 The Importance of Exercise and Nutrition

01:36:37 Medicine 3.0: A Shift in Healthcare

01:40:40 The Journey of Running: Personal Reflections

01:41:42 Why Do You Run?

01:47:53 Listener Questions and Community Engagement

01:53:11 Future Aspirations in Ultra Running

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by the inspiring Zandy Mangold, an ultra runner who's not afraid to chase those epic challenges.

Zandy takes us on his incredible journey, from those early days on the trails to tackling the legendary Spartathlon, one of the toughest ultra marathons in the world. We talk about the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the transformative power of running.

Zandy opens up about the importance of coaching and mentorship, the strength of the running community, and how his passion for the sport has shaped his life.

We also dive into Zandy's invaluable advice for new runners, emphasizing the importance of confidence, patience, and recovery. It's a reminder that running is a journey, not a race, and that everyone's path is unique.

Zandy's story is one of perseverance, personal growth, and the unwavering belief in the human spirit. It's a must-listen for anyone who's ever chased a dream.

Chapters

31:58 The Hardest Race: Spartathlon Experience

37:58 Crossing the Finish Line: Emotions and Community

41:56 Pride in Achievements: Reflecting on Races

44:48 Becoming Coach Zandy: A Natural Progression

47:54 The Joy of Coaching: Supporting Runners

53:21 Advice for New Runners: Building a Strong Foundation

01:02:58 The Importance of Recovery in Running

01:06:52 Motivation Behind Running

01:11:16 Experiences from Badwater Ultra Marathon

01:18:39 Setting a Marathon PR at 50

01:23:46 Community and Coaching in Running