This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we’re joined by Kayla Fitzgerald, the force behind Palmetto Ultras, whose journey from "hating running" to directing unique endurance events is a masterclass in mental strength and community building.

Kayla gets real about how running started as a rare moment of personal peace amidst parenting responsibilities and quickly evolved into a spontaneous dive into the world of ultras. We discuss her transition into race directing, where she stepped up to keep her local ultra scene alive, even when faced with "sink-or-swim" challenges like unexpected flooding in the Francis Marion trails.

From the mental grit required for the Last Man Standing format to her passion for creating the most inclusive, welcoming environment possible, Kayla’s story is all about the joy of nature and the power of the running community. Plus, we talk about why aid station snacks might just be the most important part of the race!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down with John Calabrese, an ultra runner whose journey proves that sometimes, the hardest parts of life lead you straight to the starting line!

John opens up about how personal struggles, including a divorce, fueled his passion and led him from the road to the trail. We dive deep into the mental challenges of ultra running, sharing hilarious anecdotes about the hallucinations that come with extreme fatigue (seriously, what did he see?!).

But John's story is bigger than miles and mirages. He shares his incredible commitment to Ainsley's Angels, running alongside people with disabilities and finding profound joy in supporting others. John's journey highlights the power of community, resilience, and finding pure joy in the run.

Get ready for an honest, funny, and deeply inspiring conversation that shows how running can truly be the best therapy.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to welcome the incredible Ashley! Her story is proof that hard work, meticulous planning, and a little bit of community magic can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Ashley takes us behind the scenes of her monumental achievement: setting the Pinhoti FKT! We dive into the year-long logistics, the crucial nutrition adjustments, and how she learned to "burn the boats" for total commitment. She shares the raw, honest truth about the challenges faced during the FKT and the sheer relief and celebration at the finish.

But what truly fueled her? Ashley opens up about the "village" that made it possible—the unwavering family support and the experienced pacers who carried her through. From tackling the Mohican 100 Miler to the emotional highs and lows of the Pinhoti, this conversation is a powerful reminder that perseverance pays off, and that the best part of ultra running is the people you share it with.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're joining forces with the dynamic Mariah Fields, a remarkable ultra runner who now leads the pack as Race Director for Coyote Ugly Racing!

Mariah takes us on her incredible journey, starting from battling exercise-induced asthma in middle school to finding her strength on the ultra trails after having children. She opens up about the tough lessons learned, including the grueling heat of Cruel Jewel, and the powerful mental health benefits that running provides.

We dive deep into the world of Coyote Ugly Racing—how the name reflects the love for the trail's beautiful hardships—and why creating an inclusive, supportive community is the heart of every event. Mariah’s story is a testament to resilience, the bond between women runners, and the joy of finding your purpose (and your tribe!) in the dirt.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation that celebrates transformation, perseverance, and the ultimate camaraderie of the ultra life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mariah Fields and Her Journey

03:24 Early Running Experiences and High School Athletics

06:26 Returning to Running After a Break

09:28 First Races and the Tortoise and the Hare Concept

12:22 Transitioning to Ultra Running

15:39 Lessons Learned from Ultras

18:32 Challenges Faced in the Cruel Jewel 50-Miler

21:24 The Importance of Listening to Your Body

24:30 Experiences on the Duncan Ridge Trail

27:26 The Struggles of Chafing and DNF Experiences

33:46 Lessons Learned from Chafing and Running

38:01 Heat Exhaustion and Its Impact on Performance

43:58 The Journey of Race Directing

49:22 The Birth of Coyote Ugly Racing

59:08 Challenges and Triumphs in Race Directing

01:09:09 Exploring Fire Tower and Feral Mountain Races

01:13:10 The Challenge of the 100K Race

01:20:11 The Importance of Inclusivity in Ultra Running

01:21:15 Finding Peace Through Running

01:24:55 The Challenges of Race Directing

01:31:03 Favorite Trails and Community Connections

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're sitting down with an emerging ultra phenom, Hans Troyer! His journey is a testament to raw talent, resilience, and the power of setting audacious goals.

Hans takes us from his days dreaming of football and basketball to finding his true calling on the trails. He gets real about the lessons learned the hard way—like the early struggles with fueling and hydration—and the remarkable comeback after a serious injury that only fueled his fire.

We dive into his incredible 2025 season, where he racked up multiple top finishes in prestigious races, including an impressive 8th place finish at Western States 100 (a major accomplishment for a 100-mile debut!) and earning a Golden Ticket earlier in the year! He shares his innovative nutrition strategies, his focus on intrinsic motivation, and how he's navigating the pressures of being in the ultra spotlight.

Hans's story is a powerful reminder that the best version of yourself is always possible, and that success in ultra running comes down to continuous learning and the sustainability of your passion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hans Troyer

01:10 Hans's Early Running Journey

06:47 Transition to Ultra Running

10:22 Fueling Challenges and Learning

14:54 The Impact of Rabdo and Recovery

19:54 Grindstone Experience and Lessons Learned

24:15 Success at Tussey Mountain Back 50 Mile

29:27 The Challenges of Endurance Racing

29:58 Overcoming Setbacks and Building Confidence

32:49 A Year of Dominance in Racing

36:03 Reflections on Race Performances

38:52 The Reality of Racing Under Pressure

40:47 The Importance of Community in Racing

43:27 Future Goals and Upcoming Races

46:15 Strategies for Recovery and Longevity

56:16 The Hardest Race Experience

01:00:42 A Life-Changing Hospital Experience

01:03:48 The Drive to Run: Passion and Purpose

01:07:47 Aiming for Greatness in Ultra Racing

01:09:54 Handling the Spotlight and Pressure

01:13:06 Chasing vs. Being Chased in Races

01:14:12 Experiences at Blue Ridge Ultra

01:15:00 Innovative Hydration: The Super Bottle

01:18:16 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, your hosts David and Matt are pulling back the curtain on the tough lessons and big wins from their latest ultra adventures!

We're diving straight into the deep end, starting with the Yeti 100, where David faced down some serious health issues and learned, once again, that ultra running is less about the legs and more about the fight. Then, Matt brings the good news, sharing his successful strategy and grit from the Blue Ridge Ultra!

This episode is packed with real-world takeaways on mastering the fundamentals: the absolute necessity of nailing your nutrition and hydration strategies (lessons learned the hard way!). We’re also talking about the vital role community support plays in fueling the growth of East Coast Adventures.

Plus, get ready for a look ahead at our future race plans, including Firewater, and a sneak peek at innovative ideas—like live streaming future events—and what masterclasses we should tackle next with you, our amazing listeners!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to have a familiar voice and a cornerstone of our community: Mike Taylor, co-founder of East Coast Adventures!

Mike takes us through his deeply personal and inspiring journey, from his early days in sports to the unexpected moment he dove headfirst into marathons. He opens up about how running became a therapeutic outlet during challenging times, proving that the trails can truly heal.

We dive into the founding story of East Coast Adventures—how a shared passion between Mike and David grew into a force for supporting local runners. Mike gets real about his recent races, including the brutal No Business run, where he faced intense pain, moments of doubt, and the true test of resilience.

This episode is a powerful celebration of perseverance, community, and the emotional strength it takes to push through adversity. Mike's story is a profound reminder that every challenge is an opportunity for personal growth, and that the finish line is always within reach when you have the heart to keep going.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up with Richard Abernathy, an avid ultra runner and the visionary Race Director behind Dirty Wolf Racing!

Richard takes us on his incredible journey, which started with a simple competition and evolved into a deep passion for the trails. We dive into the wild world of race directing, covering unique events like the challenging Beast of the East and the brutal Hellhole 100K, where the flat terrain somehow makes it even tougher!

But this episode is all about the power of story. Richard shares why storytelling is so crucial to the ultra running experience and how the scenic beauty of the trails fuels his passion. We also get the scoop on his epic personal challenge: running 12 ultras in 12 months!

From the joy of helping others reach their goals to the importance of creativity in race directing, Richard’s story is a testament to community, grit, and the belief that every mile is an adventure waiting to be shared.