This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up and hitting the trails with Ginny Smith, a prominent race director for Bad Beard Events and an ultra runner who’s all about building community, one stride at a time!

Ginny takes us on her inspiring journey from pounding pavement to embracing the trails after moving to Chattanooga. She opens up about the wild ride of becoming a race director – from the early challenges to learning the art of delegation – all fueled by her passion for connecting people through running.

We dive deep into why community is the heart of trail running for Ginny, and she shares stories from her favorite races that just foster that sense of belonging. Plus, we talk about the ever-changing landscape of trail running, how her events support local charities, and the joy of seeing others find connection and personal growth out in nature.

Get ready to be inspired by Ginny's dedication to the sport, her love for the trails, and her unwavering belief in the power of community!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jenny Smith and Her Journey

02:56 From Road Running to Trail Running

05:39 The Transition to Race Directing

08:14 Injuries and Resilience in Running

11:11 Nutrition and Race Preparation

13:58 Memorable Races and Experiences

16:40 Community and Support in Running

19:37 The Importance of Strength Training

22:28 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

28:15 The Sticky Situation: Energy Gels and Race Day Experiences

32:58 Becoming a Race Director: Ginny's Journey

37:28 Challenges of Race Directing: The Stump Jump Experience

42:15 Evolving Race Experiences: Meeting Modern Runner Expectations

46:57 Ginny's Race Lineup: A Look at Upcoming Events

51:20 Trail Maintenance and Community Involvement

56:03 The Heart of Running: Community and Connection

57:01 The Healing Power of Nature

58:14 Transformative Experiences in Running

01:00:44 The Role of a Race Director

01:04:25 Challenges in Race Directing

01:06:52 Memorable Race Moments

01:09:24 The Influence of Music on Running

01:15:08 Expanding Race Events

01:15:30 Favorite Trails in Chattanooga

01:17:21 Community Engagement and Future Plans