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