On this week's Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joined by ultra-badass Tara Dower and her incredible crew member, Rascal, to talk about Tara's recent Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt on the Appalachian Trail.

Tara's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We get into the nitty-gritty of her training, the challenges she faced on the trail, and the mental fortitude it takes to chase such a massive goal.

Rascal pulls back the curtain on what it's like to support an FKT attempt. From coordinating logistics to providing on-the-ground support, it's a masterclass in teamwork and problem-solving.

But this isn't just a story about logistics and miles. Tara opens up about the emotional and physical rollercoaster of the FKT, and the lessons she learned along the way. It's a raw and honest look at the highs and lows of chasing a dream.

Whether you're an aspiring FKT chaser or just love a good adventure story, this episode will leave you fired up and ready to tackle your own challenges.

In this conversation: Tara Dower, Rascal, David Compton, & Matthew Williams

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

03:23 Meeting on the Trail

06:17 Preparing for the FKT

09:18 Crew Dynamics and Challenges

12:23 The First Major Hurdle

15:24 Adjusting to the Demands

18:19 Logistical Coordination

21:21 The Role of Support Crew

28:58 The Importance of Preparation and Equipment

31:01 Adapting to Challenges During the Journey

34:31 Mental Resilience in Ultra Running

36:20 Crew Dynamics and Support

39:21 Pushing Limits: The Longest Days

41:55 The Role of Humor and Team Spirit

49:35 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies

55:03 Sleep Strategies and Recovery

57:00 The Final Push: Overcoming the Last Hurdles

58:32 Pushing Towards the Record

01:00:59 Emotional Moments Before the Finish

01:03:37 Celebrating the Journey

01:06:01 Reflections on the Accomplishment

01:09:17 Inspiring Others Through Achievement

01:12:35 Art and Community Impact

01:14:45 Listener Questions and Insights

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we sat down with ultra runner Ron Wireman. Ron's no stranger to pushing limits, and he shared some incredible stories from his experiences at Bob's Backyard Ultra and Big's Backyard Ultra.

We dove deep into the nitty-gritty of backyard ultras, from the unique challenges they present to the incredible camaraderie among runners. Ron opened up about his training, race day strategies, and how he fuels himself to keep going.

But it's not just about the physical stuff. Ron got real about the mental battles he faced during those races – the grit and determination it takes to overcome pain and keep pushing forward. He also talked about the importance of teamwork and support in the ultra world, and how those bonds help runners achieve the impossible.

Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just curious about this crazy sport, Ron's insights are sure to inspire you to chase your own adventures and discover the strength within.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ron Wireman and His Achievements

06:30 Training and Preparation for Big's Backyard Ultra

12:08 Logistics and Crew Management for Big's

18:05 Nutrition Strategies During the Race

23:55 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges During the Race

35:31 Navigating the Challenges of Endurance Racing

44:44 Team Dynamics and Support in Ultra Running

53:29 The Mental Game: Pushing Through Pain and Fatigue

01:00:01 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies for Endurance

01:08:49 Gear Choices: Finding the Right Shoes for the Race

01:15:55 Achieving Personal Records and Overcoming Challenges

01:25:03 Advice for First-Time Backyard Racers

01:34:45 Finding Your Passion in Endurance Sports

01:45:31 Navigating Pain in Endurance Running

01:51:29 The Role of Mental Resilience

01:59:28 Crew Support and Decision Making

02:11:19 Future Goals and Reflections

Shattering records with 526 miles in 6 days at the Dome and the most recent female world record at Big's Backyard Ultra with a jaw-dropping 362 miles! That's the mind-boggling distances ultra runner Meg Eckert has achieved in 2024. On this episode of Dirt and Vert, Meg takes us inside this incredible feat of endurance, sharing the mental and physical hurdles she overcame. From her transition to trail running to tackling her first 100-miler, Meg reveals the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her ultra journey. Plus, she dives deep into the crucial role of nutrition, recovery, and mental resilience in pushing human limits. Get ready to be inspired by Meg's unwavering passion and dedication to the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meg Eckert and Her Achievements

06:14 Transitioning to Ultra Distances

11:46 The Challenge of Six Days at the Dome

17:26 Nutrition and Recovery Strategies

23:13 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

41:35 Memorable Races and Personal Highlights

46:59 The Challenge of Big Horn 100

54:17 The Backyard Ultra Experience

01:01:36 Facing Challenges and Mental Strategies

01:07:05 Lessons from DNF Experiences

01:20:21 The Mental Game of Endurance Running

01:29:44 The Joy of Running and Personal Challenges

01:37:15 Hallucinations and the Ultra Running Experience

01:45:27 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Goals

Imagine collapsing mid-marathon, waking up in the hospital, and facing the possibility of never walking again. That's exactly what happened to ultra runner Heather Watson. In this episode, Heather shares her harrowing experience of suffering a stroke during a race, the surreal moments she experienced while unconscious, and the critical role a paramedic played in saving her life. Hear how she fought back with unwavering determination, battling communication difficulties and fear during her hospitalization, to embark on a remarkable journey of recovery fueled by resilience, community support, and the joy of running.

In this episode of the Dirt and Vert podcast, hosts David and Matt sit down with Ken Zemach, the 2023 King of the Road, to discuss his journey into ultra running. Ken shares how personal struggles led him to take up running seriously at the age of 39, losing weight and finding a coping mechanism through the sport. He emphasizes the importance of coaching and accountability in training, as well as the strategies he employs to optimize his running experiences, particularly in challenging races like Vol State and Badwater. The conversation also delves into the significance of heat training, pacing strategies, and the community aspect of ultra running, highlighting how these elements contribute to personal growth and enjoyment in the sport. In this conversation, Ken Zemach shares his insights on pacing, discipline, and the transformative power of running. He discusses his personal experiences in ultra races, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey and finding joy in the process. Ken also highlights the significance of nutrition and personal limits in endurance racing, providing practical strategies for aspiring ultra runners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ken Zemach and His Journey

06:17 The Catalyst for Change: Personal Struggles and Running

12:17 The Role of Coaching and Accountability in Running

18:16 Optimizing the Vol State Experience

24:03 Comparing Vol State and Badwater: Different Experiences

30:15 Heat Training: Strategies and Benefits

35:53 Pacing Strategies: The Importance of Even Splits

42:00 The Experience of Running: Community and Personal Growth

01:03:20 The Importance of Pacing in Ultra Running

01:10:51 Finding Your Personal Limits and Discipline

01:17:09 Memorable Races and Personal Achievements

01:30:13 The Transformative Power of Running

01:36:29 Why Running Brings Peace and Joy

01:38:26 Strategies for Endurance Racing

01:48:50 Nutrition Choices for Ultra Runners

02:04:11 The Joy of Running and Community

02:05:13 Life-Changing Experiences in Running

In this episode of the Dirt and Vert podcast, David and Matt sit down with Lauren Beihoffer, a former research scientist turned ultra running coach. Lauren shares her inspiring journey from being a non-runner to a passionate endurance athlete, detailing her experiences with various races, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation delves into the importance of nutrition, the balance between strength training and running, and the unique experiences of coaching others in the ultra running community. Lauren also recounts her adventure on the reality show 'Naked and Afraid,' highlighting the challenges of survival and the perspective it gave her on comfort and resilience. The episode concludes with a discussion on the reasons why we run and the joy it brings to our lives.

Chapters

00:00 From Research to Running: Lauren's Journey

04:28 The First 50K Experience: Trials and Triumphs

09:28 Learning the Ropes: Nutrition and Hydration in Ultra Running

15:23 Facing the Elements: The Hardest Race

20:26 Fueling Strategies: Finding What Works

30:28 Lessons Learned: The Continuous Journey of an Ultra Runner

40:58 Lessons from Early Races

45:38 Listening to Your Body

51:18 Balancing Performance and Longevity

57:20 The Ebb and Flow of Training

01:01:27 The Journey into Coaching

01:10:04 Why I Run

01:11:47 Experiences on Naked and Afraid

In this episode of the Dirt & Vert Podcast, hosts David and Matt discuss their upcoming races, the Yeti 100 and Firewater, and share insights on training, nutrition strategies, and recovery practices. They reflect on past races, the importance of community in running, and their goals for future events. The conversation emphasizes the significance of proper training, hydration, and recovery in achieving running success. This podcast was to be released after Yeti 100 but unfortunately the southeast has been hit very hard with flooding from Hurricane Helene and most races around this area were cancelled. We hope you and your families are safe and our hearts go out to everyone who has lost friends and family during this time.

We love you guys!

-David & Matt