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