This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're sitting down with an emerging ultra phenom, Hans Troyer! His journey is a testament to raw talent, resilience, and the power of setting audacious goals.

Hans takes us from his days dreaming of football and basketball to finding his true calling on the trails. He gets real about the lessons learned the hard way—like the early struggles with fueling and hydration—and the remarkable comeback after a serious injury that only fueled his fire.

We dive into his incredible 2025 season, where he racked up multiple top finishes in prestigious races, including an impressive 8th place finish at Western States 100 (a major accomplishment for a 100-mile debut!) and earning a Golden Ticket earlier in the year! He shares his innovative nutrition strategies, his focus on intrinsic motivation, and how he's navigating the pressures of being in the ultra spotlight.

Hans's story is a powerful reminder that the best version of yourself is always possible, and that success in ultra running comes down to continuous learning and the sustainability of your passion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hans Troyer

01:10 Hans's Early Running Journey

06:47 Transition to Ultra Running

10:22 Fueling Challenges and Learning

14:54 The Impact of Rabdo and Recovery

19:54 Grindstone Experience and Lessons Learned

24:15 Success at Tussey Mountain Back 50 Mile

29:27 The Challenges of Endurance Racing

29:58 Overcoming Setbacks and Building Confidence

32:49 A Year of Dominance in Racing

36:03 Reflections on Race Performances

38:52 The Reality of Racing Under Pressure

40:47 The Importance of Community in Racing

43:27 Future Goals and Upcoming Races

46:15 Strategies for Recovery and Longevity

56:16 The Hardest Race Experience

01:00:42 A Life-Changing Hospital Experience

01:03:48 The Drive to Run: Passion and Purpose

01:07:47 Aiming for Greatness in Ultra Racing

01:09:54 Handling the Spotlight and Pressure

01:13:06 Chasing vs. Being Chased in Races

01:14:12 Experiences at Blue Ridge Ultra

01:15:00 Innovative Hydration: The Super Bottle

01:18:16 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals