This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by an absolute force of nature, Anna Troup! Her story is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to find your calling.

Anna takes us on her incredible journey from a rowing background to becoming a dominant ultra runner who just won the Summer Spine 2025! We'll dive deep into her experiences in legendary races like the UTMB and the brutal Spine, and how she navigates the mental game of running her own race when leading alone.

But it's not all about speed and glory. Anna gets real about the challenges of injury recovery, the importance of resilience as an older athlete, and her unique fueling strategies (ever tried hot water and lemon juice mid-race?). Her story is a powerful reminder of the rising tide of female ultra runners and the incredible camaraderie that makes our community so special.

Get ready to be inspired by a story that's all about finding purpose, pushing past limits, and showing up with grit and grace, no matter what age or obstacle.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anna Troup and Her Journey

03:05 The Transition from Triathlons to Ultra Running

05:38 Understanding UTMB and TDS

08:29 Experiences at UTMB and the Competitive Landscape

11:23 Fell Running: A Unique Challenge

14:19 Fueling Strategies in Ultra Running

17:11 Injury Challenges and Recovery

20:04 Lessons Learned from Ultra Running

27:31 Navigating Injury and Recovery

30:36 The Mental Toll of Injury

34:51 Preparing for the Spine Race

37:50 The Spine Race Experience

46:17 Leading the Race: Strategy and Mindset

52:10 The Final Stretch: Endurance and Mental Challenges

54:58 Running Alone and the Importance of Companionship

56:09 The Mental Challenges of Long-Distance Running

57:30 Crossing the Finish Line: Relief and Reflection

58:40 The Role of Nutrition and Mental Strategy in Ultra Running

01:01:28 Proud Moments: Overcoming Mental Battles in Racing

01:04:05 The Hardest Race: Lessons from Inexperience

01:05:12 The Why Behind Running: Community and Personal Growth

01:09:08 Respect Across the Field: The Ultra Running Community

01:12:41 Lessons from Injury: Identity and Training

01:14:33 Water Access and Nutrition Strategies in Ultra Races

01:17:48 Food Choices and Preferences During Races

01:19:23 Pack Preferences and Mandatory Gear in Ultra Running

01:21:52 Weekly Mileage and Training Strategies

01:24:25 Community and Group Runs

01:27:13 Gender Dynamics in Ultra Running

01:30:03 The Joy of Running and Overcoming Challenges