This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're tackling a story that's a touchdown for the running community! We're hanging out with Chris Stangle, a former football player who traded his helmet for a headlamp and is now not only crushing ultra marathons but also orchestrating some seriously awesome races!

Chris takes us on his unexpected journey from the gridiron to the grueling world of ultras, sharing how he discovered his love for endurance and the challenges he faced along the way. But what really shines through is his passion for the running community. We'll talk about the significance of those coveted race buckles (you know you collect them!), the importance of a strong support crew, and the incredible family-like atmosphere he creates at his events in Florida and Ohio.

Ever wonder what it's like to be the person behind the race? Chris pulls back the curtain on the wild world of race directing, the hurdles involved, and the immense joy that comes from seeing runners achieve their goals. Get ready for a story that's all about passion, community, and the unforgettable memories forged on the trails.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chris Stangel and His Journey

02:31 The Transition from Football to Running

05:22 The Evolution of Chris's Running Career

08:17 Starting Run Fluent and Race Directing

10:41 The Significance of Matakwa and Race Directing Experiences

13:41 Unique Race Medals and Their Importance

16:33 Meeting His Wife and Shared Running Experiences

19:11 Memorable Races and Lessons Learned

22:09 The Impact of Virtual Races During COVID-19

28:47 Running Shoes and Early Experiences

30:35 Challenging Races and Personal Growth

35:58 Upcoming Races and Training Plans

37:04 Event Planning and Race Descriptions

49:25 Community Building and Race Directing Challenges

01:00:15 The Challenges of Race Timing

01:06:30 The Evolution of Running and Race Directing

01:07:50 Finding Purpose in Running

01:10:05 The Joy of Race Directing

01:11:57 Low-Key Races and Personal Preferences

01:15:24 Dream Races and Aspirations

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're strapping on our headlamps and hitting the trails with Nick Bianchini, a true force of nature who went from battling wildfires to crushing ultra marathons! 🔥

Nick's journey is a wild ride, and he's not holding back. We're talking about how he traded the smoke and flames for sweat and dirt, using running as his escape and his freedom. He opens up about his battles with addiction and how lacing up his shoes became his lifeline.

But it hasn't been all smooth trails. Nick shares the gritty details of his ultra running experiences, including the setbacks of injuries and the mental toughness it takes to bounce back. We also dive into the incredible ultra community, especially the vibrant scene in Chattanooga, and the crucial role his family plays in his running adventures (including running with his son – how cool is that?!).

Plus, we get the lowdown on fueling strategies (salty snacks over sweet – you heard it here first!), the beauty and brutality of East Coast trails versus the vastness of the West, and why Nick always aims for the stars, even in the toughest races.

If you're ready for a story of resilience, redemption, and a whole lot of ultra-inspiring moments, you HAVE to tune in!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nick Bianchini

03:03 Nick's Journey into Running and Ultra Running

06:01 Wildland Firefighting and Its Impact on Nick's Life

09:00 First Experiences with Ultra Running

12:00 Training and Coaching for Ultra Running

15:04 Favorite Trails and Races

18:02 Overcoming Injury and Returning to Running

21:13 Inspiration and Family in Running

23:55 Experiences with DNF and Race Culture

26:57 Exploring the Southeast Ultra Running Scene

27:32 Exploring the Chattanooga Running Scene

30:09 Challenges and Triumphs in Ultra Racing

33:47 Adapting to Diverse Race Conditions

39:03 The Last Man Standing Experience

44:07 Cherokee Race Insights and Community

48:06 Navigating the Penhody 100

51:46 Running with Family and Personal Growth

54:04 Trail Racing Experiences and Competitions

01:01:02 Motivation Behind Running

01:03:52 Comparing East Coast and West Coast Trails

01:10:05 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Running

01:12:51 Favorite Races and Future Aspirations

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're hanging out with Katie Baksa, a total rockstar who's gone from kicking soccer balls to crushing marathons (like, Olympic Trials level crushing!). But her story isn't just about speed and PRs; it's a hilarious and inspiring look at a messy, beautiful journey of a runner who's not afraid to chase big dreams (and maybe stumble a little along the way - that humbling 5K story is gold!).

Katie spills the beans on her ultra and trail running adventures, her training secrets (fueled by recovery drinks and maybe a little bit of crazy), and the incredible support system that keeps her going (shoutout to the family!). Plus, we dive into the wild world of starting a running brand, Bound Running, where community and togetherness are the name of the game.

If you've ever doubted yourself, chased a crazy goal, or just love a good running story with a healthy dose of reality, you HAVE to listen to this episode. Katie's proof that even after a "humbling" 5K, the marathon (and life!) is still yours to conquer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Katie Baksa and Her Journey

03:23 Transitioning from Soccer to Running

06:48 The Shift to Ultra and Trail Running

10:53 Marathon Experiences and Personal Growth

14:03 Training Dynamics and Family Support

17:43 The Olympic Trials Experience

20:35 Reflections on Running and Lifestyle Choices

22:01 Fueling Strategies for Races

30:14 Recovery Drinks and Nutrition Strategies

31:50 Upcoming Races and Summer Training

36:47 Lessons from Crashing and Burning

43:44 The Birth of Bound Running

56:14 Why I Run: The Journey of Progress

01:02:10 The Humbling 5K Experience

01:06:47 Running Dreams and Aspirations

01:10:14 The Birth of Bound

01:17:48 Coaching Dynamics in Relationships

01:24:06 Finding Joy in Racing