This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by the incredible Rachel Drake, a newly minted doctor who also happens to be an amazing ultra runner who just shattered the women's course record at the JFK 50!

Rachel's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We hear about her evolution from high school track star to ultra marathoner, including the Mackenzie River 50K where she met her husband. We dive deep into the challenges of those 100-mile races, the power of the running community, and the lessons she's learned along the way.

But it's not just about breaking records. Rachel reminds us that running is about joy, personal growth, and discovering the incredible strength we all have within.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Drake

02:25 Rachel's Journey into Running

04:50 The Impact of Education on Running

09:30 Discovering Ultra Running

10:50 Lessons from the First Ultra

13:52 Transitioning to Longer Distances

19:16 Experiences in 100K Races

24:28 The Importance of Grit and Resilience

28:33 Racing in Europe: CCC and UTMB

31:01 The Black Canyon 100K and Future Goals

31:04 Navigating Race Conditions and Mental Strategies

37:19 First-Time Experiences at Western States

40:15 JFK 50: Embracing New Challenges

50:48 The Emotional Journey of Racing

56:40 Community and Connection in Running