This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up and hitting the trails with Ginny Smith, a prominent race director for Bad Beard Events and an ultra runner who’s all about building community, one stride at a time!
Ginny takes us on her inspiring journey from pounding pavement to embracing the trails after moving to Chattanooga. She opens up about the wild ride of becoming a race director – from the early challenges to learning the art of delegation – all fueled by her passion for connecting people through running.
We dive deep into why community is the heart of trail running for Ginny, and she shares stories from her favorite races that just foster that sense of belonging. Plus, we talk about the ever-changing landscape of trail running, how her events support local charities, and the joy of seeing others find connection and personal growth out in nature.
Get ready to be inspired by Ginny's dedication to the sport, her love for the trails, and her unwavering belief in the power of community!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jenny Smith and Her Journey
02:56 From Road Running to Trail Running
05:39 The Transition to Race Directing
08:14 Injuries and Resilience in Running
11:11 Nutrition and Race Preparation
13:58 Memorable Races and Experiences
16:40 Community and Support in Running
19:37 The Importance of Strength Training
22:28 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
28:15 The Sticky Situation: Energy Gels and Race Day Experiences
32:58 Becoming a Race Director: Ginny's Journey
37:28 Challenges of Race Directing: The Stump Jump Experience
42:15 Evolving Race Experiences: Meeting Modern Runner Expectations
46:57 Ginny's Race Lineup: A Look at Upcoming Events
51:20 Trail Maintenance and Community Involvement
56:03 The Heart of Running: Community and Connection
57:01 The Healing Power of Nature
58:14 Transformative Experiences in Running
01:00:44 The Role of a Race Director
01:04:25 Challenges in Race Directing
01:06:52 Memorable Race Moments
01:09:24 The Influence of Music on Running
01:15:08 Expanding Race Events
01:15:30 Favorite Trails in Chattanooga
01:17:21 Community Engagement and Future Plans
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