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