Join us on this episode of the HappyCast as we venture to one of the most beautiful places in America, Zion National Park, as we talk about the Zion 100 Ultra Marathon by Vacation races!  For this episode, Andrew sits down in the guest chair and is joined by Jessica Schiller as they both detail their experience running the 100 miler. We gain insight and perspective regarding the race itself, as well as the different mindsets going into the race. We hear about their overall thoughts on the race as well as their recommendations for those interested in running it in the future.  For A ..read more

In this deeply moving episode of Happy Cast, we welcome Rosie Gagnon, an ultra-marathon runner with a mission that goes far beyond physical endurance. Rosie has set herself the extraordinary challenge of completing 100 100-mile races, a goal inspired by the tragic loss of her son, a Marine veteran who struggled with mental health issues after his service and ultimately took his own life. Through her running, Rosie aims to honor her son's memory and raise crucial awareness about the mental health challenges facing veterans. Join us as Rosie shares insights into the transformative power of her ..read more

In this gripping episode of the Happy Cast, we sit down with ultrarunner Dena Carr, whose recent endeavor at the Barkley Marathons has captivated the hearts of many. Known as the race "that eats its young," the Barkley Marathons is not for the faint of heart, pushing the limits of human endurance, resilience, and spirit. Dena shares her journey from the call of the conch shell to the final, grueling miles, revealing the preparation, challenges, and unexpected lessons learned along the way. From serious insights into the mental fortitude required to tackle such an extreme challenge to lighter ..read more

This week on a special episode of the HappyCast, we examine what it’s like to “run fast and fly young” with Hans Troyer, an up-and-comer in the ultra running game who was shot out of a cannon and made his presence known in the elite scene with one of the most interesting and intense first two months you’ll hear about in ultra running.  We examine his memorable performance at Bandera 100k - where he broke Jim Walmsley’s course record, but also somehow later DIDN’T break it. This lead to a last minute appearance at Black Canyon 100k - where unfortunate circumstances right before the race m ..read more

For this week's episode of Happy Cast, we're diving deep into Stephanie's journey at the Mountains to Sea Trail 100 Endurance Run (MST 100).  The MST 100 offers an iconic single-track trail race that stretches along the scenic Mountains to Sea Trail. Participants had the option to tackle various distances, but the 100-mile challenge is notably rigorous, with a 32-hour time limit. The event, held in Raleigh/Durham, NC, featured beautiful vistas of Falls Lake, numerous bridge crossings, and paths that hugged the lakeside, offering both beauty and challenge​​. Stephanie's participation in th ..read more

In this inspiring episode of the Happy Cast podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Aum Gandhi, co-owner of Run Tri Bike and a beacon in the world of endurance running. Fresh off his nomination as Runner of the Year by Runner's World, Aum shares the riveting journey from his initial steps into running to becoming an ultra-endurance athlete and a philanthropist. Dive into Aum's transformative tale of sobriety, which redefined his life and running career, propelling him to achieve unimaginable distances and goals. Discover the story behind Run Tri Bike, a platform that champions inclusivity and suppo ..read more

This week on the HappyCast, we keep things simple and ramble on about all things trail running with our debut of “HappyChat”. In the first segment, Stephanie details her amazing and nerve wracking time at the rugged and remote LOViT 100 in Arkansas. She spent her weekend supporting previous guest and manliest runner in the country, Will Bryant. She describes a harrowing scenario where they both got lost with just four miles left to go. What would YOU do in a situation similar to theirs?  In the second segment, the three hosts discuss the use of commonly heard phrases throughout ultrarun ..read more

In this week’s inspiring episode of HappyCast, we spotlight Lisa Decker, a remarkable runner from the Houston Area Trail Runners (not North Texas), who has not only conquered the Jackalope Jam 100 hour race (with over 150 miles) but did so with the added challenge of a weighted vest. Join us as Lisa shares the highs and lows of her unique adventure, her impactful weight loss journey, and her future in the racing world. Weighted Vest, Weightless Spirit: Lisa dives deep into her experience at the Jackalope Jam, detailing the physical and mental strategies required to endure 100 hours of continuo ..read more

This week on the HappyCast, we sit down with one of the very few finishers of the Black Canyon 100 mile challenge, and frequent HappyCast pot-stirrer, Matt Leake. Yes, that one.  Black Canyon Ultras in Arizona is one of the biggest and most competitive trail running races in North America, and they have both a 100k on Saturday and a 60k on Sunday. With over 1400 people doing the race in total, the 100 mile challenge option of doing both 100k and 60k fields less than 50 people each year. Each participant in this challenge must complete the 100k as soon as possible and make it back to the ..read more

This week on HappyCast, we delve into the heart of Texas trail racing with an in-depth look at the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler, a race renowned for its incredible support from the DFW running community. Join us as Dylan recounts his journey through the wet, muddy, and cold trails to complete the daunting 100-mile distance, while Andrew and Stephanie share their perspectives from the sidelines as pacers and volunteers. Dylan’s Wet and Wild 100-Mile Odyssey: Discover how Dylan tackled one of the most challenging races of his life, facing rain in the beginning and treacherous mud that tested the limi ..read more