Dirt And Vert

We are just two weeks out from Father's Day weekend, and that means it's time for a family reunion at the notorious Mid-State Mile in Franklin, Tennessee. To get our runners mentally locked in, we sit down with two legendary champions who know exactly what it takes to survive the "murder mile": Aaron Dana and Eric Kienle. This conversation is a total masterclass for anyone stepping onto this course for the first time. Aaron and Eric strip away the illusions of the race on paper and dive straight into the brutal reality of the trail—the steep incline of Myers, the technical quad-burning descents, and the thick canopy that traps 90-degree heat and humidity deep into the night. We deconstruct our own fumbles from year two, trade notes on time-saving gear hacks like elastic Caterpie laces, and talk about how to mentally manage a strict 20-minute loop without letting a pity party or false strength from other runners take you out of the game.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are joined by a true legend of the ultra world: Maggie Guterl. From her humble beginnings in Philly to becoming a Team USA standout and the first woman to win the Big’s Backyard Ultra outright, Maggie’s journey is one of pure grit and constant evolution.Maggie takes us back to her first 24-hour race where she battled extreme nausea to hit 97 miles, her legendary experiences at Western States, and her deep dive into the world of Laz Lake at the Barkley Fall Classic and the full Barkley Marathons. She opens up about the "superpower" of community, recovering from major Achilles surgery, and the tactical aggression needed to stay in the Top 10 in today’s ultra scene.Whether you're curious about her hydration struggles (losing 14lbs of water weight!) or her "singular goals" during world championships, this episode is a masterclass in the mindset of a champion.Coaching Announcement! 🏃‍♀️💨Maggie is officially taking on new athletes! If you want a champion’s perspective in your corner to help you refine your training and race strategy, reach out to her at:maggie@wildpeakcollective.com

The OG trio is finally back together! This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, David, Matt, and Mike reunite for a special Christmas run to close out the year and look ahead to an massive 2026.We’re revealing our 2026 Bucket List Races, including big goals for the Cruel Jewel 50 and the No Business Hundo. We also get technical on what it really takes to train for the Mid-State Mile, specifically how to dial in the elevation training necessary to survive those climbs.The guys also give their unfiltered first impressions of the new Hyperlite nutrition products, talk about the upcoming Smoky Mountain 24-hour Challenge, and share some laughs about the "gastronomic gauntlet" that is the Taco Bell 50K. Most importantly, we take a moment to reflect on the growth of this community and share our gratitude for every one of you who joined us on the trails this year.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we’re joined by Kayla Fitzgerald, the force behind Palmetto Ultras, whose journey from "hating running" to directing unique endurance events is a masterclass in mental strength and community building.Kayla gets real about how running started as a rare moment of personal peace amidst parenting responsibilities and quickly evolved into a spontaneous dive into the world of ultras. We discuss her transition into race directing, where she stepped up to keep her local ultra scene alive, even when faced with "sink-or-swim" challenges like unexpected flooding in the Francis Marion trails.From the mental grit required for the Last Man Standing format to her passion for creating the most inclusive, welcoming environment possible, Kayla’s story is all about the joy of nature and the power of the running community. Plus, we talk about why aid station snacks might just be the most important part of the race!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to welcome the incredible Ashlie! Her story is proof that hard work, meticulous planning, and a little bit of community magic can lead to extraordinary achievements.Ashlie takes us behind the scenes of her monumental achievement: setting the Pinhoti FKT! We dive into the year-long logistics, the crucial nutrition adjustments, and how she learned to "burn the boats" for total commitment. She shares the raw, honest truth about the challenges faced during the FKT and the sheer relief and celebration at the finish.But what truly fueled her? Ashlie opens up about the "village" that made it possible—the unwavering family support and the experienced pacers who carried her through. From tackling the Mohican 100 Miler to the emotional highs and lows of the Pinhoti, this conversation is a powerful reminder that perseverance pays off, and that the best part of ultra running is the people you share it with.

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hans Troyer01:10 Hans's Early Running Journey06:47 Transition to Ultra Running10:22 Fueling Challenges and Learning14:54 The Impact of Rabdo and Recovery19:54 Grindstone Experience and Lessons Learned24:15 Success at Tussey Mountain Back 50 Mile29:27 The Challenges of Endurance Racing29:58 Overcoming Setbacks and Building Confidence32:49 A Year of Dominance in Racing36:03 Reflections on Race Performances38:52 The Reality of Racing Under Pressure40:47 The Importance of Community in Racing43:27 Future Goals and Upcoming Races46:15 Strategies for Recovery and Longevity56:16 The Hardest Race Experience01:00:42 A Life-Changing Hospital Experience01:03:48 The Drive to Run: Passion and Purpose01:07:47 Aiming for Greatness in Ultra Racing01:09:54 Handling the Spotlight and Pressure01:13:06 Chasing vs. Being Chased in Races01:14:12 Experiences at Blue Ridge Ultra01:15:00 Innovative Hydration: The Super Bottle01:18:16 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals