182. Dylan Walker | Into the Mountains, Beyond the Limits: A Runner’s Awakening

<p>Dylan Walker joins host Francesco Puppi for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to transform your life through running — from starting at 240 lbs with no plan or fitness, to completing ultras, crossing the Alps in the Transalpine Run, and preparing for his first 100-mile race.</p><p><br></p><p>They dive into the realities behind long-term progress: coping with pain when it shows up in every race, training for mountain events while living at sea level, and why community and support matter more than split times.</p><p><br></p><p>Dylan also reflects on the deeper lessons the sport has taught him — discipline, resilience, patience, and the courage to sign up for challenges that feel far beyond your comfort zone.</p><p>If you’ve ever doubted whether you can take on a big goal, start from zero, or rebuild yourself through running, this conversation will stay with you for a long time.</p><p><strong>What you’ll learn</strong></p><p>• The mindset that helps runners manage pain in long races</p><p>• Why the trail community creates such powerful connections</p><p>• How to train for elevation without mountains</p><p>• What it feels like to complete the Transalpine Run</p><p>• Why anyone — with time and structure — can aim for big challenges</p><p>• Dylan’s next goal: a 100-mile race crossing an entire continent</p><p>🎧 <strong>Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>🏃‍♂️ <strong>Want to train smarter, not harder?</strong></p><p>Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.</p><p><br></p><p>📲 <strong>Follow </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fvert.run%2F&is_from_rle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>@vert.run</strong></a></p><p>Download the app and start your plan at <a href="https://vert.run/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">vert.run</a></p><p>Francesco’s links:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/francescopuppi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Instagram </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/francescopuppi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">X </a>| <a href="https://www.strava.com/pros/11943431" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Strava </a>| <a href="https://francescopuppi.it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Website</a></p>