Finding Your Fire: Audrey Carter's Story of Records, Resilience, and Running with Heart

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're lacing up with the remarkable Audrey Carter, an accomplished ultra runner from the East Coast Adventures team whose story is all about finding her fire on the trails. She's coming off two incredible podium finishes at The Cherokee Ultra 70K and Fort Frenzy Ultra Festival 24 Hours!Audrey takes us on a journey from her early days as a soccer player to discovering the world of ultra running during the pandemic. She opens up about the mental and physical hurdles she's overcome, the vital role of strength training, and the incredible power of the running community here in Tennessee that's fueled her every step.This episode is packed with inspiration as Audrey shares insights into her record-breaking performances and the personal growth that has come from pushing her limits. It's a powerful conversation about self-belief, accountability, and the joy of embracing every challenge. Audrey’s story proves that you don't have to be a professional to have a champion's mindset—all you need is a little grit and a lot of heart.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Audrey Carter and Her Running Journey01:14 Audrey's Athletic Background and Transition to Running03:12 The Shift to Ultra Running During COVID04:32 First Experiences with Trail Racing06:05 Audrey's Progression in Ultra Distances10:07 Dirt Circuit and Team Dynamics13:54 Achievements in Recent Races17:43 Record-Breaking Performances19:29 Training Strategies and Strength Training23:12 The Impact of Motherhood on Running28:22 Family Support and Race Experiences31:30 Challenges Faced in Racing32:09 Facing Fears: The Challenge of Trail Running35:58 The Race Experience: Overcoming Obstacles39:32 Pushing Through Pain: Mental Strategies in Racing45:56 The Finish Line: Validation and Reflection53:31 The Journey of a Runner: Growth and Identity01:01:24 The Transformative Power of Running01:03:23 Inspiration and Family Influence in Running01:04:26 Solo Racing vs. Team Support01:06:41 Nutrition and Daily Routines for Runners01:10:35 Mental Strategies for Overcoming Challenges01:12:58 Transitioning from Road to Trail Running01:17:53 Preparing for Upcoming Races and Strategies01:22:58 Accountability and Personal Growth in Running