This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we are joined by a true legend of the ultra world: Maggie Guterl. From her humble beginnings in Philly to becoming a Team USA standout and the first woman to win the Big’s Backyard Ultra outright, Maggie’s journey is one of pure grit and constant evolution.

Maggie takes us back to her first 24-hour race where she battled extreme nausea to hit 97 miles, her legendary experiences at Western States, and her deep dive into the world of Laz Lake at the Barkley Fall Classic and the full Barkley Marathons. She opens up about the "superpower" of community, recovering from major Achilles surgery, and the tactical aggression needed to stay in the Top 10 in today’s ultra scene.

Whether you're curious about her hydration struggles (losing 14lbs of water weight!) or her "singular goals" during world championships, this episode is a masterclass in the mindset of a champion.

Coaching Announcement! 🏃‍♀️💨

Maggie is officially taking on new athletes! If you want a champion’s perspective in your corner to help you refine your training and race strategy, reach out to her at:maggie@wildpeakcollective.com

🚨 SPECIAL OFFER: Brian is giving all Dirt & Vert listeners 10% OFF the entire store at thefooster.com!Use code: DIRT10 at checkout or click here to shop now!

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we sit down with Brian Abadia, the founder of Fooster. Brian’s journey is a powerful look at how a major setback—a debilitating back injury—can actually be the catalyst for a total life transformation and a thriving business.

Brian shares how he moved from the high-impact world of CrossFit into running as a way to regain his mobility and mental clarity. Along the way, he realized that the nutrition world for endurance athletes was cluttered, confusing, and often lacking a personal touch. That realization led to the birth of Fooster, a nutrition marketplace designed to take the guesswork out of fueling so you can focus on the miles.

We dive into the "why" behind Fooster, Brian’s philosophy that running is the ultimate life teacher, and the unique way he curates his shop—by personally testing every gel, bar, and "rocket fuel" before it ever hits the site.

The OG trio is finally back together! This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, David, Matt, and Mike reunite for a special Christmas run to close out the year and look ahead to an massive 2026.

We’re revealing our 2026 Bucket List Races, including big goals for the Cruel Jewel 50 and the No Business Hundo. We also get technical on what it really takes to train for the Mid-State Mile, specifically how to dial in the elevation training necessary to survive those climbs.

The guys also give their unfiltered first impressions of the new Hyperlite nutrition products, talk about the upcoming Smoky Mountain 24-hour Challenge, and share some laughs about the "gastronomic gauntlet" that is the Taco Bell 50K. Most importantly, we take a moment to reflect on the growth of this community and share our gratitude for every one of you who joined us on the trails this year.

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, David and Matt are dropping some massive announcements that will shape the next two years of trail running in the Southeast!

We are officially announcing a heavy-hitting collaboration with Yeti Trail Runners for a brand-new race in Sevierville, and giving you the lowdown on the legendary (and slightly chaotic) Taco Bell 50K—a free event that proves ultra running doesn't always have to be serious to be a challenge.

We look ahead to why 2026 is going to be the biggest year yet for East Coast Adventures (ECA). Plus, we’re talking team dynamics, the nutrition strategies fueling our current training blocks, and a heartfelt thank you to you—our listeners—for the incredible growth we’ve seen this year.

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 Ashlie! Her story is proof that hard work, meticulous planning, and a little bit of community magic can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Ashlie 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? Ashlie 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