This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down with the incredible Crystal Wheatley, "Queen of the South," and ultrarunner whose journey is a powerful story of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of running.

Crystal shares her path from being a competitive 5K runner in high school to facing personal challenges that led her to sobriety. She opens up about how running became her lifeline and her passion, propelling her into the world of ultra marathons.

We dive deep into her experiences in races, including her unforgettable partnership during the Heart of the South Road Race, and the mental and physical hurdles she's overcome. Crystal's journey is a testament to the fact that running isn't just about miles; it's about the life lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the incredible joy found in every step.

Her story will inspire you to face your own challenges head-on and find happiness in the journey, no matter what it takes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Crystal Wheatley

01:48 Crystal's Journey into Running

07:47 Overcoming Addiction and Rediscovering Running

10:03 The Impact of Sobriety on Performance

13:09 First Experiences with Ultra Running

20:13 Recent Races and Achievements

26:31 The Journey Begins: Overcoming Challenges

30:17 Memorable Moments: Waffle House Adventures

33:52 The Race Experience: Trials and Triumphs

38:11 Facing the Storm: A Test of Resilience

42:07 Pushing Through: Mental and Physical Struggles

45:59 Reflections on Accomplishment: The Finish Line

49:51 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals

50:10 The Elsa Chicken Plucker Event

52:03 Heart of the South Road Race Overview

53:07 Preparing for the Race: Mindset and Strategy

55:45 Running with Ken: A Unique Partnership

01:00:09 Challenges and Lessons Learned During the Race

01:04:40 The Importance of Weight Management in Ultra Running

01:09:13 Navigating Water Supply Challenges

01:11:59 The Final Stretch: Climbing to Victory

01:18:00 The Journey of Racing and Friendship

01:20:39 Transformation Through Running

01:22:36 Reflections on Sobriety and Running

01:26:16 The Impact of Community and Support

01:28:51 Choosing the Right Races

01:32:09 Favorite Races and Their Significance

01:34:09 Marathon Achievements and Goals

01:35:17 Local Fame and Community Engagement

01:35:47 Preparing for Upcoming Challenges