Dirt And Vert East Coast Adventures

Join us with ultra runner Brandon Johnson as he shares his inspiring journey to running to his mailbox to lose weight to finishing his first marathon and most recently setting the 12-hour state record. Brandon's passion for running shines through as he recounts the trials and tribulations of training, racing, and everything in between. Whether he's discussing his love for backyard ultras, his family's unwavering support as his pit crew, or his fueling strategies. Brandon's infectious enthusiasm will make you want to lace up your shoes and hit the trails.

In each episode, Brandon delves into a different aspect of his running life, from the mental strategies that keep him going during those dark moments on the trail to the gear and nutrition that fuel his ultra adventures. He'll also share the stories behind his most memorable races, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his aspirations for the future of his running career.


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In this episode, we meet Cassandra Clemens, a double lung transplant recipient who has defied the odds and become an inspiring athlete. Cassandra will share her journey of overcoming cystic fibrosis, the challenges she faced before and after the transplant, and her newfound passion for endurance sports. You'll hear about her participation in mountain bike races, duathlons, and completing the Knoxville Marathon this year, all while training for even bigger goals in the future. Cassandra's story is one of resilience, determination, and the importance of pushing your limits. Tune in to hear her inspiring story!



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Meet Rob Apple, the ultramarathon legend and a pioneer in the sport who holds the world record for the most ultras ever run. In this episode, Rob shares his incredible journey from his early days as a runner in the '70s to his relentless pursuit of ultra distances. Discover the transformation of the sport from its humble beginnings with homemade energy drinks and minimal support, to the thriving scene it is today. Get inspired by Rob's unwavering passion and experience the evolution of ultra running through his eyes.






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In this podcast episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Daniel Grant, an avid runner who has conquered various races. Daniel’s running odyssey began with a modest 5K, but he gradually pushed his limits, eventually participating in grueling 100-mile races. Along the way, he discovered the power of perseverance and the mental and physical resilience required to overcome challenges.

Nutrition Insights: Daniel found that solid food doesn’t fare well for him during hot races. Instead, he relies on easily digestible options like applesauce. It’s a lesson learned through trial and error, as he navigated the complexities of fueling his body during intense runs.

The 100K Adventure: His first 100K race, the Pistol, went smoothly until he encountered the infamous “wall.” Despite the setback, Daniel emerged wiser and more determined. Each race became a learning opportunity, propelling him forward.

Training Strategies: Daniel shares his experience with low heart rate training and the meticulous approach he took leading up to the Pistol Ultra. He also candidly discusses the struggles he faced with knee pain and blisters during races, emphasizing the importance of gleaning wisdom from adversity.

Race Chronicles: From Three Sisters to Fort Frenzy, Firewater, and Fall Creek 100, Daniel recounts his adventures at various races. He even delves into the unique challenges of staying awake during a 24-hour race and the temptation to take a seat during loop races.

Conditioning and Reflection: Reflecting on his performance at Chief Ladiga in 2023, Daniel acknowledges how conditioning played a pivotal role in his improvement in 2024. He also opens up about a difficult decision: dropping out of a race due to physical and mental reasons, and the impact it had on him and his running partner.

Coaching and Nature’s Bliss: Daniel appreciates the guidance of a coach and finds solace in running on trails, connecting with nature’s rhythm. His favorite race distances include 100 miles, and he sets ambitious goals for the future—aiming to run two to three 100-mile races annually and enhance his performance in 24-hour races.

Community and Support: Lastly, Daniel expresses heartfelt gratitude for the running community and the unwavering support he receives from his team. It’s a testament to the camaraderie that fuels his passion for running. 






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Brian Zickefoose, an ultra runner, shares his journey from making bad choices and tanking his career to finding redemption through running. He started running in seventh grade after being cut from the baseball team and discovered his talent for long-distance running. Despite facing setbacks and addiction, he found his way back to running and achieved impressive results, including podium finishes and breaking course records. Zick emphasizes the importance of community and running for a higher purpose, finding meaning in supporting and inspiring others along the way. Brian Zick's journey in running has taught him the importance of loving others and humbling himself. He realized that his marathon PRs didn't matter as much as how he loved other people and how he could be a light in the world. He also discovered the reality of eternity and the impact his actions can have on it. Zick's decision to do something that scared him, like running his first marathon, led him to the world of ultra running, where he found a sense of brotherhood and connection with other runners. He learned to focus on the race of life and how he can make a difference in the world.

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David and Matt dive into their marathon experiences, sharing the challenges and triumphs of training. They discuss how life events, like moving and illness, impacted their preparation but didn't stop them from reaching the finish line. The importance of strength training, flexibility work, and pushing through those 'ugly runs' is a key theme.

The conversation then shifts to upcoming races both as competitors and organizers. David and Matt reveal their must-have gear for 100-mile races and highlight the events they'll be timing. They wrap up with a thank you to listeners and invite suggestions for future guests.


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