182. Dylan Walker | Into the Mountains, Beyond the Limits: A Runner’s Awakening

182. Dylan Walker | Into the Mountains, Beyond the Limits: A Runner’s Awakening

From Running long - A trail and ultra running talk by Vert.run

November 18, 2025 · 53 min

About this episode

Dylan Walker shares his inspiring journey from starting at 240 lbs to completing ultras and preparing for a 100-mile race.

Dylan Walker joins host Francesco Puppi for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to transform your life through running — from starting at 240 lbs with no plan or fitness, to completing ultras, crossing the Alps in the Transalpine Run, and preparing for his first 100-mile race. They dive into the realities behind long-term progress: coping with pain when it shows up in every race, training for mountain events while living at sea level, and why community and support matter more than split times. Dylan also reflects on the deeper lessons the sport has taught him — discipline, resilience, patience, and the courage to sign up for challenges that feel far beyond your comfort zone. If you’ve ever doubted whether you can take on a big goal, start from zero, or rebuild yourself through running, this conversation will stay with you for a long time. What you’ll learn • The mindset that helps runners manage pain in long races • Why the trail community creates such powerful connections • How to train for elevation without mountains • What it feels like to complete the Transalpine Run • Why anyone — with time and structure — can aim for big challenges • Dylan’s next…

People in this episode

Host: Francesco Puppi

Guest: Dylan Walker

Topics covered

  • transformation through running
  • ultra running
  • community support
  • training challenges
  • personal growth

Keywords

  • running transformation
  • ultra running
  • Transalpine Run
  • community support
  • training at sea level
  • pain management
  • discipline
  • resilience

Sponsors

Vert.run

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vert.run

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