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's stellar finish time of 22 hours and 15 minutes is a testament to her grit and determination. Dive deep...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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 min...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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, the crew is joined by 100 mile finisher Gus Rodriguez from Houston to talk about his race as well. Hi...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 t...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 distance...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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 s...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 ...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 part...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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 ...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 4
This week on the HappyCast, we sit down once again with Regina Massingill, fresh off of her Big Bend 100 FKT and HURT 100 performances, as the Year or the Women pt. II (or is it III or IV) continues! Regina talks us through becoming the first person to successfully run through Big Bend, both the rugged and remote State Park, and the vast and mountainous National Park, in a journey that spanned over 110 miles, countless amounts of route finding, bushwhacking, survival, bouldering, and other unexp...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this inspiring episode of HappyCast, we put the spotlight on co-host Stephanie as she shares her exhilarating journey at the Shippey 100 in Missouri. Get ready to dive into an episode filled with grit, determination, and valuable insights into cold weather racing strategies. Stephanie recounts her experience at one of the most challenging races in her running career. From the starting line to the triumphant finish, she opens up about the mental and physical demands of this grueling 100-mile r...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this first HappyCast episode of 2024, join Andrew, Stephanie, and Dylan as they reunite after the holiday break to share updates and set the stage for an exciting new year. This episode isn't just about catching up; it's a deep dive into the extraordinary challenges and triumphs of endurance running. The hosts kick things off by discussing how they spent their holiday break, offering a personal glimpse into their lives outside of running. They also share their aspirations and plans for 2024, ...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Join us on this week's HappyCast as co-hosts Dylan, Andrew, and Stephanie take a reflective journey back through the year's running highlights. It's an episode filled with personal triumphs, memorable moments, and shared experiences from our vibrant running community. Listen as Dylan, Andrew, and Stephanie each share their standout running moments from the year. From personal bests to unforgettable races, they delve into stories that marked their year, discussing not just the successes but also ...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 49
This week on HappyCast, join us for an extraordinary episode where co-host Stephanie and guest Chuck Clark recount their incredible 100-mile adventure run through the vibrant streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. From last-minute decisions to the challenges of urban endurance, this episode is a captivating journey into the heart of long-distance running. Hear how Stephanie, in a spur-of-the-moment move, convinces Chuck to sign up for this daunting challenge. Their story is a testament to the power of impu...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 48
In this enlightening episode of HappyCast, we're thrilled to welcome Nicholas Askey, the runner-up at the recent Dinosaur Valley Trail Race and an esteemed Airrosti provider. Dive into Nick's world as he shares not only his personal journey but also invaluable insights into the realms of training, maintenance, and injury prevention for athletes. Nick's 100-Mile Journey: Get an inside look at Nick's remarkable performance in the 100-mile race at Dinosaur Valley. He takes us through his race strat...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In this captivating episode of HappyCast, join co-hosts Andrew and Stephanie as they take you through the thrilling trails of the recent Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run. This episode is not just a race recap; it's a journey filled with personal milestones, unique experiences, and the sheer joy of trail running. Andrew's 100k Triumph: Dive into Andrew's exhilarating experience as he tackles the 100k distance in an effort to beat Regina in the distance. This race holds a special place in his heart, ...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 46
New episode, and free race entry details below! This week in the HappyCast, we sit down with runner and race director Chase Hammond of Ultraverse Supplements and talk about his new behemoth of a race - The Summit 200. Taking place in Colorado, with it starting and ending in Frisco, this race is shaping up to become one of the most challenging undertakings yet, and quite possibly the biggest and baddest 200 miler around. We have Chase explain to us the history behind this race and the challenges ...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Welcome to the 80th episode of HappyCast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of endurance racing. Join us as we sit down with co-host Dylan and his pacer, Moe, for an insightful and emotional recount of Dylan's recent Pinhoti experience. Dylan takes us through the race, describing the challenging course, the dynamics at each aid station, and the varying conditions he faced along the way. He opens up about his lacking training regimen and the mental and physical strategies he adopted going ...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 44
On the latest episode of the HappyCast, we sit down and chat with Abraham Bejil from Midland, Texas and learn about his start in ultra running, culminating in his epic undertaking of this years new-and-improved Moab 240. Abraham is also heavily involved with his local community, which showed during his Moab 240 adventure, with many going out to support him and share his journey, alongside the amazing charitable efforts being made towards the Midland Childrens Rehabilitation Center throughout. So...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this thought-provoking episode of HappyCast, co-hosts Andrew and Stephanie tackle the controversial topic of DNFs (Did Not Finish) in the running community. They delve into why DNFs are not just acceptable but sometimes the wisest decision a runner can make. Andrew and Stephanie share their personal DNF stories, offering insight into the importance of listening to your body and mind. They discuss the fine line between pushing your limits and preserving your health, and how making the tough de...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and join us for another episode of HappyCast! This time, we're excited to introduce you to the local running legend, Will Bryant. In this conversation, we sit down with Will to unravel the story behind his impressive running journey. Will shares his running history, goals, and unique training philosophies that have propelled him to success in his running journey. Starting out pounding the pavement to tackling trails, his passion for the sport shines throug...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 41
On our latest episode of the HappyCast, we take a deep dive into the newest (and maybe hardest?) 200 miler around: The Divide 200 by Sinister Sports. Located in southern Alberta, this is the first 200 mile race in Canada, and it traverses the Great Divide and the very raw and rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains. We speak with three of the finishers about their experiences, including first time guest, Lance Parker from New York City. Lance is no stranger to challenges like this, even though this is h...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 40
This week on the HappyCast, we learn that the the ‘K’ is NOT silent and are joined by the up-and-coming social media running truth teller and comedian, Michelle Knafla, better known as “FuelMyRun” on Instagram. We poke fun at anything and everything, including her UltraSignup account. Did she even know she had one? As a road runner that has dabbled in some trails, we pick her brain as we stroll through this fun and carefree episode, all while trying to convince her to frolic through some trails ...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Wes Plate is back on the latest episode of the HappyCast! We catch up with Wes and his recent epic adventures, including his most recent appearance at the inaugural Oregon 200 put on by GoBeyond. We learn all about this race, including Wes’ experience and his thoughts on it for those interested in it going forward. Wes may have gotten a 200 mile PR at this race, but it sounds like he has even more incredible things up ahead. We find out more about Wes’ recent foray into race directing, including...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 38
In this episode of HappyCast, we lace up our running shoes and dive into the world of ultra running with our spirited guest, Callie Vinson. But this isn't your typical running podcast; we're getting real, casual, and funny as we explore Callie's incredible journey and her Instagram adventures. Join us with Callie as we peel back the layers of her story. From her first steps into the world of ultra running to her Instagram escapades that keep us all entertained, Callie shares her experiences with...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride in this week's episode of Stagecoach Line 100-Mile. Join us as we lace up our running shoes and hit the trail with the remarkable Stephanie Leake, who takes us on a thrilling journey from Flagstaff to the iconic Grand Canyon. Stephanie's recounting of her recent Stagecoach Line 100-Mile race is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As she shares her experience, you'll be on the edge of your seat. From the starting line in Flagstaff to the awe-inspiring vistas o...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Join the HappyCast team as they gather around the mic to sift through a treasure trove of tips and strategies from their engaged Facebook community. These aren't just your average running tips—these are battle-tested nuggets of wisdom from real runners who've crossed the 100-mile finish line. Our hosts provide their own seasoned advice, drawing from their experiences and journeys in the world of long-distance running. Together, they create a vibrant tapestry of advice, covering everything from n...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 35
On this episode of the HappyCast, we are joined by recent Leadville 100 finisher (survivor?), Regina Massingill, and her main pacer and crew support, Starla García, who has quite the impressive resume of her own. These two had quite the emotional adventure during the “race across the sky”. Coming straight from flatland Texas, Regina battled the altitude, nausea, Hope Pass, llamas, and yes…cutoffs. This episode goes into detail about the harrowing last “17 hours of torture”, as Regina was fightin...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Continuing right where we left off, we push on and explore the second half of Jason Hanley’s Bigfoot 200 adventure! And yes, things finally do take a turn. Mountain Lions? The “Green Tunnel”? What exactly is a Klickitat? And you know what we all like after running 190+ miles of trail? Soft, beautiful road for the last 15+ miles to end the race. After concluding his epic adventure, we then dive into Jason’s new adventure goods company, Wildsense. We talk about its background, its mission, and how...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 45 min•Season 2Ep. 33
On this episode of the HappyCast, we have a two-parter with the owner of Wildsense Goods and recent Bigfoot 200 conquerer, Jason Hanley! Hailing from Houston, TX, we speak to Jason about his preparation for Bigfoot 200, the logistics, and his crewing plan. In part one and the beginning of part two, Jason goes in depth with the race section by section. Part one goes over his preparation and his experience with Bigfoot 200 from the start until shortly after 100 miles in. And shortly after this, pa...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 53 min•Season 2Ep. 33
