HappyCast

This week on the HappyCast, we sit down with the first EVER finisher of the Mighty Gallatin seven-day stage run, Connor McClelland, fresh off of his flight back home to San Diego, and go in-depth with his experience and everything it took to get him to be the first person ever to finish all seven days.  The Mighty Gallatin is a seven-day stage run that takes place in Montana, and is put on by Helg...

This week on the HappyCast, the crew ramble on about a variety of topics as they all prepare for a very busy next few weeks. In the first segment, Dylan and Stephanie do a check-in with returning guest favorite, Regina Massingill, as she describes the comedy of errors that ensued during her Muleshoe 60k night race over the weekend. Her new favorite thing just might be racing in the middle of the n...

In this week's episode of HappyCast, we join local ultrarunner Greg Sisengrath as he reflects on his transformative journey at the Western States 100. Greg, alongside his crew members Jen Kirkpatrick and Kelley Mims, dives into the details of his race experience, discussing how he mastered his state of flow against the rugged backdrop of one of ultrarunning’s most legendary races. He also sha...

In the latest heart-stirring episode of HappyCast, join Stephanie as she takes on the formidable Copper Kings 100, an awe-inspiring mountain race crafted by ultra-runner Wes Plate. Set in the picturesque town of Butte, Montana, this race is not for the faint of heart—marked by its "fatass" style, it challenges runners with no aid stations and no course markers, demanding resilience and r...

In this thrilling recap episode of HappyCast, we introduce our newest adopted member, Marion Guillemant. Marion connected with Andrew and Stephanie and was crewed and paced by the Happy Endings team, ultimately completing the grueling Tahoe 200 in an impressive 82:29 hours. Listen as Marion shares her incredible story of struggle and perseverance, highlighting the highs and lows of her journey. In...

In this electrifying episode of HappyCast, we dive deep into the heart of Texas to explore the grueling yet exhilarating local fatass race known as Achilles’ Hill. Join us as race directors Ben and Liz Bridgeman recount the race's evolution over the past five years, transforming it into a true test of endurance and spirit. Battling the blistering summer heat to navigating the trail and road,...

In this exhilarating episode of HappyCast, join us as we venture into the heart of Ohio for the iconic Mohican Trail 100. Known as one of the original 100-mile races in the United States, this trail offers more than just a run; it's an enchanting journey through forests that whisper tales of endurance and spirit. Stephanie and Moe share their unique experiences—the mystical sights hidden in t...

Join us this week on HappyCast as Dylan sits down with Andrew Marvin and Matt Leake to discuss their upcoming challenge at the Tahoe 200. In this special race prep episode, we delve into the detailed strategies and preparations essential for tackling one of the most demanding races in the trail running world. Andrew and Matt share their insights on everything from travel logistics and gear essenti...

This week on the HappyCast, we venture down to a place in Georgia that not even the devil would go: The Chattahoochee National Forest for the 2024 edition of Cruel Jewel 100. Considered one of the hardest 100 mile foot races in the country, with over 30k feet of climbing and a 48 hour cutoff, and a buckle that is the size of a small child’s head, Cruel Jewel attracts some of the bravest (and crazi...

Join us on a riveting HappyCast episode as Stephanie sits down with trailblazer Mercedes Avery to delve into the nuances of mental health and the journey to the starting line of life's races. In this heartfelt conversation, they explore the challenges and triumphs of preparing mentally and physically for endurance sports and life’s unpredictable moments. Mercedes shares her insights on the im...

This week on an exciting HappyCast, we sit down with co-host Andrew as he goes over his experience being a part of the most competitive and exciting 200 mile event yet: the 2024 edition of the Cocodona 250! After racing it last year, Andrew goes over his time crewing and pacing, and how the different perspective made him appreciate the race even more. He also talks about the logistics of crewing a...

This week on HappyCast, we’re taking a moment to catch up with our intrepid hosts, each on a unique journey through the world of trail running and crewing. Dylan is gearing up for a refreshing vacation, stepping away from the rigorous training and races to recharge.  Meanwhile, Andrew is embarking on an exciting venture in Arizona, where he’s crewing for our good friend and podcast supporter, Jaso...

Join us for a lively and laughter-filled episode of Happy Cast as we recount the highs and lows of the Captain Mountain 34 Hour Race. Stephanie, alongside guests Moe Villanueva and Shashi Reddy, delve into their experiences tackling this daunting endurance race that pushes runners to their limits and beyond. The episode kicks off with an exploration of the race’s unique setting in the Capitan Moun...

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 we...

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 h...

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 fin...

This week on HappyCast, we're thrilled to welcome back Jenni Ashcroft, fresh from her awe-inspiring debut at the 100-mile Prairie Spirit Trail in Kansas. This episode is extra special as Jenni is accompanied by her husband and stalwart crew chief, Sean, to unpack the intricate dance of a 50-mile out-and-back challenge. While the Prairie Spirit Trail may have been a rails to trails race, Jenni...

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 h...

This week on the HappyCast, the crew heads over to the LBJ Grasslands in North Texas to partake in one of the biggest trail racing events in the area - the Grasslands Trail Run. Stephanie, Dylan, and Andrew all participated, and we get to hear about their experiences. From running, pacing, and DNFing straight into crewing, we cover all facets of this event. And during this roundtable discussion, t...

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. Th...

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 transforma...

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 go...

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 futur...

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...

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 pacer...