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.