Dirt And Vert

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.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up with the remarkable Sarah Baker, an ultra runner whose journey on the Appalachian Trail is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the unwavering belief in oneself.

Sarah shares her raw and honest story, revealing the physical and emotional challenges she faced during her attempts to set a Fastest Known Time (FKT). We talk about the brutal realities of the trail—from battling norovirus and trench foot to the mental barriers that can feel heavier than any pack.

But this isn't a story of defeat; it's a story of transformation. Sarah opens up about the crucial lessons she learned, the pivotal decision to go self-supported, and how the guidance of her coach prepared her for a third attempt. She reflects on the deeper meaning she found on the trail, embracing the hunger and finding beauty in the struggle. Her story proves that true strength isn't about the final time, but the courage to keep going, even when you're crying on a rock.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation about pushing limits, finding your "why," and how facing adversity can lead to the most profound personal growth.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down with a true legend in the ultra running community, Jason Green from the Yeti Trail Runners!

Jason takes us on a deep dive into the heart of the sport, from his own personal journey into ultra running to the wild evolution of the Yeti 100 race. He gets real about the challenges of race directing and the immense joy of creating a welcoming and inclusive space where every runner, no matter their pace, feels like a champion.

We're talking about the crucial role of mentorship in keeping new runners in the sport, the authenticity that builds trust on the trails, and the lessons learned from those tough races that make us stronger. Jason's story is a powerful reminder that our sport is about so much more than just miles; it’s about the shared experiences, random acts of kindness, and the laughter that defines our incredible community.

Get ready for an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation that embodies the very best of ultra running.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yeti Trail Runners and Jason Green

01:26 Jason's Journey into Ultra Running

06:11 The Importance of Mentorship in Ultra Running

11:32 Creating a Unique Race Experience

19:02 Building a Community in Ultra Running

21:56 Embracing Failure and Learning in Ultra Running

28:22 Supporting Ultra Runners Through Tough Times

31:32 The Importance of Community in Ultra Running

38:24 Mentorship and Kindness in the Running Community

41:16 The Passion Behind Ultra Running

48:36 The Evolution of Yeti Races and Community Engagement

51:16 Mentorship and Community in Ultra Running

53:41 The Spirit of Early Races

56:16 Lessons from Failure and Growth

59:08 The Hardest Races and Personal Growth

01:02:48 Memorable Race Experiences and Humor

01:12:05 Pride in Accomplishments and Longevity in Racing

01:13:54 The Beauty of Repeated Races

01:16:37 Community and Connection in Ultra Running

01:20:09 The Soul of Running

01:22:17 Favorite Trail Events and Race Directing

01:23:55 The Challenge of the Yeti 100

01:28:11 Excitement for Dark Anchor's Move

01:31:05 Collaborations and Future Events

He's back! This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down once again with the one and only ultra runner, Andy Glaze. And let me tell you, he’s been busy!

Andy takes us on a wild ride through his latest adventures, from the mind-bending Cocoa Monster to the epic Arizona Monster 300. He gets real about the challenges of solo racing, the crucial art of recovery, and the logistical chaos of preparing for these massive events. We dive deep into his unforgettable experience at Leadville, tackling the brutal reality of altitude sickness and the incredible atmosphere of its aid stations.

But this episode is about so much more than just miles. Andy opens up about the emotional journey of writing his upcoming book, sharing how storytelling connects us and why mental preparation is just as important as physical training. We also talk about the rise of young athletes in the sport and how involving family makes every finish line even more meaningful.

This is an honest, powerful conversation about balancing a demanding job with an even more demanding passion, proving that with grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart, anything is possible

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andy Glaze and His Races

02:46 The Cocoa Monster: Concept and Execution

05:27 Challenges of the Arizona Monster 300

08:10 Solo Racing: The Mental and Physical Struggles

11:22 Planning and Preparation for Ultra Races

13:56 The Experience of First-Year Races

16:56 Post-Race Recovery and Foot Care

19:33 The Impact of Weather on Racing

22:26 Cocadona: The Final Challenge

25:00 The Evolution of Cocadona and Its Challenges

30:02 Navigating Change in Sedona

31:41 The Impact of Nature on Racing Regulations

32:38 Experiencing Cocodona 250

33:24 Family Adventures and Running

38:20 Inspiring the Next Generation of Runners

40:07 The Challenge of Leadville

46:42 The Journey of Writing a Book

55:38 The Anticipation of Andy's Book Release

57:38 The Importance of Physical Fitness in Firefighting

59:46 Balancing Work and Running

01:04:21 Injury Prevention and Running Longevity

01:07:01 Mental Strategies for Tackling Big Races

01:09:17 Exploring the Southeast and Overcoming Fears