Dirt And Vert – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

In this episode, we meet Kassandra Klemenz, a double lung transplant recipient who has defied the odds and become an inspiring athlete. Kassandra will share her journey of overcoming cystic fibrosis, the challenges she faced before and after the transplant, and her newfound passion for endurance sports. You'll hear about her participation in mountain bike races, duathlons, and completing the Knoxville Marathon this year, all while training for even bigger goals in the future. Kassandra's story is one of resilience, determination, and the importance of pushing your limits. Tune in to hear her inspiring story!

Meet Rob Apple, the ultramarathon legend and a pioneer in the sport who holds the world record for the most ultras ever run. In this episode, Rob shares his incredible journey from his early days as a runner in the '70s to his relentless pursuit of ultra distances. Discover the transformation of the sport from its humble beginnings with homemade energy drinks and minimal support, to the thriving scene it is today. Get inspired by Rob's unwavering passion and experience the evolution of ultra running through his eyes.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Daniel Grant, an avid runner who has conquered various races. Daniel’s running odyssey began with a modest 5K, but he gradually pushed his limits, eventually participating in grueling 100-mile races. Along the way, he discovered the power of perseverance and the mental and physical resilience required to overcome challenges.

Nutrition Insights: Daniel found that solid food doesn’t fare well for him during hot races. Instead, he relies on easily digestible options like applesauce. It’s a lesson learned through trial and error, as he navigated the complexities of fueling his body during intense runs.

The 100K Adventure: His first 100K race, the Pistol, went smoothly until he encountered the infamous “wall.” Despite the setback, Daniel emerged wiser and more determined. Each race became a learning opportunity, propelling him forward.

Training Strategies: Daniel shares his experience with low heart rate training and the meticulous approach he took leading up to the Pistol Ultra. He also candidly discusses the struggles he faced with knee pain and blisters during races, emphasizing the importance of gleaning wisdom from adversity.

Race Chronicles: From Three Sisters to Fort Frenzy, Firewater, and Fall Creek 100, Daniel recounts his adventures at various races. He even delves into the unique challenges of staying awake during a 24-hour race and the temptation to take a seat during loop races.

Conditioning and Reflection: Reflecting on his performance at Chief Ladiga in 2023, Daniel acknowledges how conditioning played a pivotal role in his improvement in 2024. He also opens up about a difficult decision: dropping out of a race due to physical and mental reasons, and the impact it had on him and his running partner.

Coaching and Nature’s Bliss: Daniel appreciates the guidance of a coach and finds solace in running on trails, connecting with nature’s rhythm. His favorite race distances include 100 miles, and he sets ambitious goals for the future—aiming to run two to three 100-mile races annually and enhance his performance in 24-hour races.

Community and Support: Lastly, Daniel expresses heartfelt gratitude for the running community and the unwavering support he receives from his team. It’s a testament to the camaraderie that fuels his passion for running.