The Ultra Happy Podcast

Today's episode is a spicy one. 🌶️ We go from the 200 km mark in Jerome all the way to 300 km in Munds Park. From sharing miles with my dad, to cooling down a little family drama, to a moment where I genuinely didn't feel safe and had to work through that fear. We also run through the magic of Sedona, where I finally made peace with the place I DNF'd last year... before stepping into completely un...

In today's episode, we continue our Cocodona 250 journey, leaving Whiskey Row behind and heading toward Jerome, taking us from 120 km to nearly 200 km into the race. Along the way, Andy experiences his very first night on the trails and only the second time in his life going beyond 40 km. We share the highs, the lows, and the lessons that come when the adventure gets real. Later, one of the most s...

Three years. That's how long Cocodona250 has lived in my head before I finally stood on the start line of what I consider the race of a lifetime. In this episode, I share how the dream of running 250 miles across Arizona first started, the training behind it, the heartbreak of my DNF in 2025, and what it felt like returning one year later to face the same challenge again. More importantly, I break...

After several months away, The Ultra Happy Podcast is back and we’re stepping straight into the fire. In this episode, we kick off a new season as we gear up for Cocodona250, facing fears head-on and choosing discomfort once again. I share why I select specific races each year, what draws me to certain challenges, and how fear plays a powerful role in that decision-making process. Andy reveals his...

🎙️ We’re back from the dust, the art, and the wild ride that is Burning Man  and wow, do we have stories for you! This episode is extra special because Andy just crossed a huge milestone: he finished his very first ultramarathon! 🏃‍♂️✨ After a decade of me trying to convince him to start running, he finally gave in last year… and now a fresh ultrarunner has been born. We’ll share all the buzz fr...

Season 7 Finale 🎙️ Andy’s first taste of Scotland’s wild trails became the perfect mental toolkit for the next big challenge. We close out the last kilometres of my Cocodona journey, sharing the raw feelings, the mess-ups that led to the most epic DNF, and exactly what I’ll do differently next year (because yes, we’re going back!).   We’re taking a short break as we head to Black Rock City for Bur...

🎙️ Today’s episode is a wild one! We’re officially 3 weeks out from the Burning Man 50K , Andy’s very first ultramarathon and he just hit a huge milestone in his training this past weekend! We also have a little memory-lane road trip coming up, and in the second half of the episode, we dive deep into the Cocodona 250 journey from kilometer 110 to 200. This was by far the toughest section: wet, mud...

Training continues as we gear up for Burning Man 50K and the ultimate goal: Cocodona250. The heat is on, literally. We've faced scorching long runs, tough miles… and now, Andy and I are about to part ways on the trail. In the second half of the episode, I take you back to the beginning of the Cocodona adventure. Join me as I relive the first 110 km where the excitement, the fear, and the reality o...

In this emotional episode, Tania opens up about the real reason behind taking on Cocodona250, how what many saw as the finish line (completing the 5 deserts) was actually just the beginning. Those deserts? They were her training camps for something bigger: the ultimate test of mind, body, and spirit. We dive into the heart of why she sets herself massive challenges, how life led her to this very m...

Today’s episode gets real. We talk about the emotional weight of rebuilding—that raw space between who you used to be and who you’re becoming. Missing your old self? Yep, we’ve been there. But we’re also clearing the mental and logistical path toward Cocodona250—a beast of a race across 410 km of Arizona dirt, and just 4 weeks away. From finishing the 5 deserts to now prepping a new adventure, we’...

Today’s episode is extra special! I’m joined by the fabulous Brad ! from the UK, he is not only an amazing friend but also my Atacama Crossing tentmate and adventure buddy across 250 unforgettable kilometres. Brad takes us through the highs, lows, bad choices, and belly laughs of being a first-time racer in one of the toughest desert ultras on the planet. From the rookie struggles to the unexpecte...

This is the one. The most emotional, the most epic—where we finally cross the finish line of the Atacama, the 5th and final desert, and close the chapter on a year-long journey. I’ve officially made history as the first Mexican and Latin American woman to complete the Grand Slam Plus—and the 9th woman in the world to ever do it. This episode has everything: adventure, struggle, new training routes...

This week, we're diving into Stages 3 & 4 of the Atacama Crossing—the raw, emotional miles, the lessons, and the laughs that carried me through some of the toughest terrain in the desert. But that’s not all… I’m also sharing what it’s really been like rebuilding my fitness after a long, unexpected break due to surgery—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Spoiler: it’s not linear, but it’s fu...

In today’s episode, we’re kicking off Season 6 with all the juicy updates  from the Atacama Crossing to Cocodona250 and everything in between. I walk you through the emotional highs and sandy lows of Stages 1 & 2 of the Atacama Crossing, the final race in my 5-desert challenge. Plus… I’m finally sharing a new project I’ve been secretly working on  something powerful and especially close to my...

The day has finally come! After a year of sharing this journey with you, we’re heading out to race the final desert of the 4 Deserts Series – Atacama 🌵🏃‍♀️. This race will mark history as I become the first Mexican to complete this challenge! But the adventure doesn’t stop there—after Atacama, I’ll be facing the ultimate test: Cocodona250, the race that started it all. We’ve prepared for this mo...

Join us for today’s episode—it’s almost time to say goodbye as I get ready to embark on the most important journey yet. After nearly a year of preparation, we’re finally heading to the Atacama Desert for an epic race, followed by Cocodona 250 just four weeks later. As I continue my final preparations, I’m sharing all the gear that has carried me through the past 1,000 km across some of the toughes...

As Tania prepares for her ultimate challenge—400 km from Phoenix to Flagstaff—we had an incredible opportunity to sit down with Steven Aderholt, race director of Cocodona 250. In this episode, we pick his brain on everything from course strategy to the most common mistakes runners should avoid. Steven shares insights not just from a race director’s perspective but also as an experienced ultrarunne...

Today, we’re celebrating Andy’s incredible journey from zero to 21K in just one year! We’ll dive into the key lessons for new runners—from staying motivated and recovering well to actually enjoying the process of building up to longer distances. Stepping outside our comfort zones is where the magic happens, and just like Andy did with his half marathon, Tania is about to take on her biggest challe...

You trained. You showed up. But suddenly, at the start line, that voice creeps in: “Do I really belong here?” 😨 Impostor syndrome is REAL in running, and today, we’re tackling it head-on! 🔥 We’ll break down: ✅ Why even the strongest runners battle self-doubt ✅ How to flip those nerves into fuel for the race ✅ The ultimate mindset shift to OWN that start line PLUS—we’re sending Andy off for hi...

In today’s episode, we have a very special guest in the studio—Abbey, a former Atacama Crossing finisher, joining us all the way from Singapore! 🌏🏃‍♀️ We’re beyond excited to pick her brain and dive deep into her experience conquering one of the world’s toughest deserts. With my final 4 Deserts challenge just weeks away, Abbey shares invaluable insights, tips, and personal stories to help me (an...

Today, we're finally answering all your questions! From training tips and essential gear to race-day advice and the unforgettable ultramarathon experience—this episode is packed with insights for everyone. Whether you're dreaming of tackling a desert ultramarathon or you're a new runner gearing up for your first big challenge, there's something here for you. Plus, today’s Facts by Andy are all abo...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the mental side of taking on monumental challenges. From battling self-doubt and insecurities to finding resilience in the face of failure, we discuss the tools and mindset needed to push through. Plus, we catch up with Andy as he prepares to tackle his biggest challenge yet, sharing insights to help him along the way. As we bid farewell to the Antarctic adven...

In today’s episode, we dive into: 💪 The importance of strength training for runners. 🤔 Andy’s Fun Facts uncovering the most common running injuries. 🎢 The challenges and struggles faced by new runners—and how to overcome them! Plus, Tania shares her incredible adventure in Antarctica 🧊: 🌍 Behind-the-scenes logistics of her race. 🔥 How she handled the surprisingly hot conditions in the icy wi...

Happy New Year, Ultra Happy friends! 🎉 In this special episode, we reflect on why this day holds so much meaning for me and dive into the power of planning for a successful year. We’ll discuss defining goals, share a few but crucial tips to make consistent progress, and set the tone for an incredible year ahead. WE'VE GOT MASSIVE NEWS ! We’ve finally convinced Andy to take the leap and sign up fo...

We're back from the adventure of a lifetime—running in Antarctica! This season, we’re diving into the icy tales of the race, the journey, and everything in between. Get ready for stories inspired by our travels around South America, as we push toward completing the Grand Slam Plus challenge: running 5 deserts in 12 months. We’ll share how we’re gearing up to recover in just two weeks before tackli...