Episodes
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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
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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
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Missing episodes?
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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
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In this engaging conversation, Chris Clemens shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering accident that he overcame to becoming an accomplished ultra runner finishing Vol State an incredible 6 times. He discusses the challenges he faced during recovery, the importance of community and support, and his experiences in various races. The dialogue highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of running. In this engaging conversation, Chris Clemens shares his journey through endurance racing, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles, the mental game of racing, and the transformative power of these experiences. The discussion also touches on personal growth, time management, and the balance between running and life. Chris reflects on why he runs, the lessons learned from bad races, and how these experiences shape his perspective on life. He also shares insights on his training strategies and favorite gear, concluding with a discussion on the evolution of his race preferences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:26 Overcoming Adversity: A Traumatic Brain Injury
03:04 Progressing in Running: From 5K to Marathons
03:53 Discovering Ultra Distances
04:46 The Vol State Race: A Special Connection
06:09 The Wood Chip Incident and Recovery
11:52 Consistency and Hard Work
14:22 Changing Academic and Career Paths
16:11 From Marathons to Ultras
20:33 Running in Extreme Weather
21:01 Finding Joy and Freedom in Healthy Habits
26:46 Different race formats
30:13 The Importance of Listening and Being Present
39:36 Evolution of Favorite Distances
41:30 Favorite races
45:41 Challenging race experiences
48:15 The role of race directors
49:08 Conclusion and Takeaways
50:04 The Challenges and Growth of Ball State and Warhammer
52:08 Adapting and Overcoming Obstacles in Races
54:38 Navigating Difficult Sections of Races
58:07 The Varied Terrain of Races
01:00:00 Races: A Catalyst for Personal Growth and Perspective
01:00:36 The Challenges of Warhammer
01:03:15 The Unexpected Difficulty of Races
01:07:35 The HOTS 2022 Race: Unknown Challenges
01:09:11 Choosing to Overcome Challenges
01:11:04 Making the Most of Your Time and Prioritizing Passions
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In this episode, David interviews Davy Crockett, who has completed over 165 races and is a member of the 100-100s club. Davy shares his journey into running, starting in his mid-40s and gradually progressing to longer distances. He discusses his experience with injuries, including a stress fracture in his tibia, and how he recovered and continued running. Davy also talks about his involvement in creating the 100-100s club and the common traits shared by its members. The conversation highlights the determination and tenacity required to complete 100-mile races and the camaraderie within the ultra running community. Davy Crockett discusses his running journey and the races he has participated in. Davy shares his experience of getting back into running after knee replacements and how he gradually improved his speed. He also discusses some of the hardest and most memorable 100-mile races he has done. Davy explains how he started the website ultrarunninghistory.com to track and document the history of ultrarunning, including the early races and records. Davy Crockett discusses the fascinating history of ultrarunning and his work in documenting the achievements of ultrarunners. He shares stories of the early days of ultrarunning, including the crazy and bizarre events that took place. Davy also talks about his books on ultrarunning history and where they can be found. He mentions his favorite place to run, the Grand Canyon, and the history of rim-to-rim running. Davy emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rich history of ultrarunning and the individuals who paved the way.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:47 Davey's Running Journey and Introduction to the 100 100s Club
06:53 Overcoming Challenges and Persevering in Ultra Running
11:39 The Creation and Significance of the 100 100s Club
17:50 Researching and Recognizing Achievements in Ultra Running
22:30 The Traits and Characteristics of 100 100s Club Members
28:49 The Growth and Inspiration in the Ultra Running Community
35:29 Training Methods and Personal Experiences in Ultra Running
37:40 Admiring Rob Apple: The Ultra Legend
39:31 Overcoming Knee Replacements and Regaining Speed
42:24 The Toughest and Most Memorable 100-Mile Races
54:49 Preserving the History of Ultrarunning
01:08:57 The Crazy and Bizarre Era of Ultrarunning
01:10:23 Exploring the History of Rim-to-Rim Running in the Grand Canyon
01:16:25 The First 100-Mile Race in the US
01:17:49 The Early Trails and Mountain Hundreds
01:20:50 The Peace and Quiet of Running Alone
01:25:50 Verifying Ultrarunning Records
01:28:57 The 100 100s: Recognizing Ultrarunning Achievements
01:31:38 Dealing with DNFs and Mental Challenges
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Aaron Dana, a trail runner, shares his journey into running and the mental health benefits he experienced. He started running in 2019 and quickly fell in love with trail running. Running became his outlet and a way to cope with stress. He found that running helped him manage his mental health and gave him a sense of accomplishment. Aaron progressed from running a half marathon to completing a 100-mile race. He learned valuable lessons about pacing, nutrition, and hydration. Aaron's goal is to continue improving and pushing his limits in ultra running. Aaron reflects on the mental growth and lessons he learned over the years of participating in the Midstate Mile race. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating wins and not getting caught up in comparing oneself to others. Aaron shares that the most important thing he did to finally achieve his goal was to have an unshakable belief in himself and refuse to doubt his abilities. He also highlights the significance of having a supportive spouse and crew who understand the challenges of ultra running. Aaron advises new runners to focus on being true to themselves, embracing the clock, and learning from the lessons the race has to offer. In this final part of the conversation, Aaron discusses his future plans and bucket list races. He also talks about his strength training routine, average mileage per week, and favorite hydration methods. The hosts share their experiences as race directors and the importance of volunteering in the ultra running community.
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Greg Armstrong, a talented ultra runner and founder of Run4Water, shares his journey into running and his experiences in various races. He recounts memorable moments, such as running Volstate 500k where he was mistaken as a homeless person and the Arkansas Traveler 100 where he had a challenging finish. Greg also talks about his transition to longer events and the importance of mental toughness in ultra running. He discusses a big event coming up for his non-profit organization Run4Water and his pursuit of making the US 24-hour ultra team. Greg Armstrong shares his favorite 24-hour race, the 2018 Desert Solstice, where he competed to make the U.S. team. He describes the competitive nature of track races and the experience of being lapped by faster runners. He recounts a race against Nick Curry where he pushed himself to run a 155.1-mile PR. Greg also discusses his work with Run4Water, a project that aims to provide clean water solutions in areas affected by the water crisis. Greg Armstrong discusses his hope to partner with the Park Service to provide water solutions for porters in Tanzania. He also shares plans to organize an event in May where elite ultra runners will summit the mountain with a group of porters and then participate in a race. The event is a celebration and also a chance to help raise money for a large upcoming project. Greg emphasizes the incredible endurance and resilience of people around the world who face water scarcity and the need for clean water. He talks about his daughter's organization, 84 Days, which provides feminine hygiene products and self-defense training to girls in Uganda. Greg also mentions his upcoming projects in Mexico and Guatemala.
To DONATE please visit: www.run4water.net
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Greg Armstrong's Running Achievements
04:19 Greg's Running Journey and the Appeal of Ultra Running
09:46 Greg's Memorable Ultra Running Stories
16:47 The Growth of Run for Water and Greg's Nonprofit Initiative
25:35 Greg's Pursuit of Making the US 24-hour Ultra Team
30:55 The Thrill of Track Races and the 2018 Desert Solstice
32:18 Competing Against Elite Runners and Pushing Personal Limits
37:26 The Evolution of the 24-Hour Race and Increasing Competitiveness
44:25 Run for Water: Addressing the Global Water Crisis
01:04:10 Water Solutions for Porters in Tanzania
01:05:09 Elite Ultra Runners Summit Mount Kilimanjaro with Porters
01:06:07 Highlighting Porters' Work and Water Needs
01:12:39 Fundraising for Run for Water
01:13:59 Sustainable Options for a Poor Community in Mexico
01:15:27 Creating an Event in Mexico to Support the Monarch Butterflies
01:17:47 Empowering Girls in Uganda with 84 Days
01:19:38 Greg's Minimalist Approach to Nutrition
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Join Kaylee Frederick, a young and fearless ultra runner, as she shares her incredible journey to becoming a top competitor in the world of endurance racing. From her first 100-miler at 16 to battling the extreme heat of Badwater 135, to winning Badwater Cape Fear in 2024 Kaylee's story is fun and inspiring. You can hear the joy she has for the sport and her determination to be competitive and continue to push boundaries. Learn about the mental and physical challenges she's faced, the lessons she's learned, and the incredible rewards that come with pushing your limits. Discover how Kaylee balances her training with her teenage life, the support she receives from the ultra running community, and her ambitious goals for the future.
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Matt Cook, an ultra runner who defied the odds. After being nearly paralyzed by Guillain-Barré syndrome, Matt not only recovered but went on to win The Cherokee Ultra 70k.
In this podcast, Matt shares his incredible story of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Discover how he overcame adversity, found his passion for running, and achieved extraordinary athletic feats.
Learn about Matt's experiences in ultramarathons, the challenges he's faced, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
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In this episode, we sit down with Brandy Krisher, the chief editor of East Coast Ultra Running Magazine. Brandy opens up about her personal journey into running and ultra running, which began in her 20s as a way to cope with a difficult relationship and struggles with alcoholism. Running became a therapeutic outlet for her, and she has now been sober for over seven years.
Brandy shares how she gradually increased her running distances that led to a 30K trail race that ignited her passion for trail running. She then progressed to a 50K and eventually completed a 50-mile race, her longest distance to date. She describes the emotional and physical challenges of her first 50-mile race and the transformative power of ultra running.
As the chief editor, Brandy discusses her role at Run Bum Races, potential release date for the magazine, and her vision for East Coast Ultra Running Magazine. The magazine aims to highlight hidden gems and influential figures within the East Coast running community. Brandy expresses her excitement for the magazine’s first episode and the opportunity to bring the community closer together.
The conversation also touches on the importance of photographers in capturing the essence of races and the stories of runners. Brandy, who started photography in high school and has been practicing digitally for almost five years, shares her love for honey as her go-to nutrition during runs and her use of Relite for electrolytes. She also talks about her ongoing quest to find the perfect trail shoe.
Join us as Brandy shares her inspiring story and her passion for ultra running, photography, and community building.
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Brian Vermillion takes us on a journey from a nail in his knee during a trail race to back-to-back podiums finishes. One of which is Dam Yeti 50 his "fun run" turned into a podium finish. Brian shares his experiences with different coaches and his new focus on speed. The episode dives deep into the Cherokee 130K, where Brian is 1st place overall and sets the course record finishing first place overall in a race with a 70% DNF rate. We get insights into the race's toughness and the potential for future adjustments and finish up discussing Brian's upcoming races.
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Get ready to hit the trails with "Candy Mama" Tara Dower, a seasoned thru-hiker turned ultra runner! Join us as Tara, a seasoned through-hiker turned ultra runner, spills the beans on her FKT adventures, epic race fails (cactus attacks, anyone?), and hilarious trail stories. From conquering brutal mountain trails to dodging foot fetishes at the Ohio Backyard Ultra, Tara's journey is anything but ordinary. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even lace up your own running shoes!
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Kallup McCoy II, a Cherokee native from North Carolina, shares his journey from addiction to becoming an ultra marathoner. He struggled with addiction for over 15 years and served time in jail before finding transformation and a new purpose in endurance sports. He started with an Ironman 70.3 race and fell in love with the sense of accomplishment and community. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including losing his father to cancer, Kallup persevered and found hope. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. Kallup shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose through running. He experienced years of addiction, attempted suicide multiple times, and even overdosed. However, a series of events, including a near-death experience and a chance encounter with a pastor, led him to find faith and start his path to recovery. After getting out of jail, he decided to run the Trail of Tears route to connect with his Cherokee heritage. This experience sparked his love for running and eventually led him to run a time of 2:40 in the marathon and complete an 800-mile run that would be a journey to a new start. Kallup's story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the transformative nature of running.
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Ed the Jester, a record holder for the most 100-mile races completed, shares his journey into running and the challenges he faced along the way. He started running marathons as a teenager but stopped due to knee pain. After going through a period of depression and losing everything in the real estate market crash, he found solace in running again. He gradually got back into running and eventually started participating in ultra marathons. He broke the world record for the most marathons in a year and later set the record for the most 100-mile races in a year. Ed Ettinghausen, also known as the Jester, discusses his running achievements and records in this conversation. He talks about his goal of surpassing the current record holder Walter Handloser for the most 100-mile races completed. Ed shares his motivation to set high goals and push himself to achieve more. He also mentions other records he holds, such as the most lifetime hundred-mile wins and podium finishes. The conversation explores the evolution of the Jester persona and how it represents Ed's unique approach to running and life.
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Darren Janzen spills the dirt on his Mid-State Mile adventure, sharing his thoughts, heat-beating strategies, and the hilarious camaraderie of the trail running tribe. From plantar fasciitis to bulging discs, this guy knows pain, but he also knows how to push through it like a champ.
This isn't your normal Sunday stroll. It's about finding your inner wild, embracing suck, and discovering just how far those legs can carry you. So grab your hydration bottle, start your run, and get ready for a dose of trail running inspiration with Darren. You might just find yourself signing up for your next ultra.
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In a heartfelt conversation, the reigning Mid-State Mile champion and course record holder Eric Kienle opens up about his inspiring journey into the world of ultra running to his success and hard work to be the last man standing at Mid-State Mile. His evolution as a runner is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief.
He shares his stories of setbacks, recounting the invaluable lessons learned from each race. We dive into the details and experience at the Mid-State Mile, a race that pushed him to his limits, is a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and humility in the face of adversity.With raw honesty, he reflects on his personal growth, emphasizing the importance of staying present, running your own race, and not letting external factors dictate your pace. His journey towards sobriety and his commitment to being a better father add a deeply personal touch to his story and will inspire many others to prioritize what truly matters.
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Michael Montgomery, an extraordinary athlete with over 1,000 races to his name, reveals a lifetime of dedication and passion for running. From his early days of pounding the pavement in 1982 to finishing 377 ultras and over 200 marathons and counting. Michael's journey is an exciting story that reveals his passion for the sport and the community.He discusses his DNFs, race directing, the community and how it has changed over the last 40 years. Michael's story is a reminder that running is more than just a sport; it's a way of life. It's about pushing boundaries, forging friendships, and discovering the extraordinary within ourselves.Michael's legacy is not just about the miles he's logged, but the lives he's touched and the community he's watched grow and change through the years. His story is a reminder that running is more than a sport; it's a way of life, a journey of self-discovery, and a celebration of the human spirit.
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Rosie Gagnon, an ultra runner, transforms grief into a powerful journey of healing and strength. Inspired by her son Dexter's courageous battle with mental health, she has conquered 73 grueling 100-mile races, each stride a tribute to his memory. Through her inspiring story, Rosie demonstrates the transformative power of sport, finding solace and resilience in the ultra running community. Her incredible journey serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention while showcasing the indomitable human spirit.
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What happens when a guy facing tough times decides to hit the trails? For Ryan, it was the start of an epic adventure he never could have imagined. Join us as he shares his transformation from facing a challenging time in his life in 2020 to running 100 and 200 miler races in less than 2 years.Join him as he recounts iconic races like Warhammer 100, Cruel Jewel 100, Hellbender, and even the Souther States 200-mile adventure! Ryan's love for nature and his work as a regional manager intertwine with his passion for running, creating a unique and inspiring story. So, lace up your shoes and get ready for an adventure that'll leave you wanting to go on that long run!
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Join us with ultra runner Brandon Johnson as he shares his inspiring journey to running to his mailbox to lose weight to finishing his first marathon and most recently setting the 12-hour state record. Brandon's passion for running shines through as he recounts the trials and tribulations of training, racing, and everything in between. Whether he's discussing his love for backyard ultras, his family's unwavering support as his pit crew, or his fueling strategies. Brandon's infectious enthusiasm will make you want to lace up your shoes and hit the trails.
In each episode, Brandon delves into a different aspect of his running life, from the mental strategies that keep him going during those dark moments on the trail to the gear and nutrition that fuel his ultra adventures. He'll also share the stories behind his most memorable races, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his aspirations for the future of his running career.
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