Episode description
In this special women-led episode of HappyCast, Stephanie teams up with guest co-host Ben Bridgeman to spotlight the incredible performances at this year’s Achilles Hill ultra event. The spotlight shines brightly on Jaclyn Lovelady, Alisa Hardy, and Lisa Decker—three powerhouse women who not only swept the competition but redefined what grit and community mean on the trail. From setting new course records to creating new divisions (hello, ruck champion!), the ladies brought fierce determination and even fiercer support for one another throughout the 48-hour endurance fest.
Jaclyn claimed the coveted Last Person Standing title with 108 miles completed in 26 loops, outlasting a competitive field with steady pacing and mental toughness. Meanwhile, Alisa crushed the Miles Champion category with a record-breaking 130 miles, channeling doubts into fuel and proving once again that women belong at the top of the leaderboard. And Lisa? She went beast mode—completing a 100-mile effort while hauling a 20–25 lb ruck, outlasting most of the field and closing out the race with community-powered momentum and a smile.
Beyond the numbers, this episode captures the heart of Achilles Hill: a tight-knit, fiercely supportive trail family where everyone roots for your win. From popsicle breaks to last-minute pacer gigs and pond-diving dogs to mushroom-fueled mayhem, the stories shared are as heartfelt as they are hilarious. Whether you’re chasing a buckle or just your own limits, this episode reminds us that joy, strength, and sisterhood can carry you farther than you ever imagined.
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