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