In this episode of the Happy Cast, we dive into the the Long Haul 100 in Florida with special guests Rachel Grabow and Brandon Veltman. Hosts Stephanie Leake and Dylan Rueff guide the conversation through the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of this challenging ultra-marathon in Florida’s unpredictable January weather. From overcoming flat-course mental hurdles to battling the intense humidity, Rachel and Brandon share their strategies, missteps, and triumphant finishes.

Listeners will hear about Brandon’s ambitious “go out fast” approach, his minimalist travel setup, and the unexpected struggles that led him to a mid-race rest stop in a portapotty. Rachel shares her methodical preparation, including pacing plans and a unique snack strategy involving a cream cheese bagel that fueled her through key moments of the race. The team discusses the challenges of managing nutrition and hydration in Florida’s humid conditions, the importance of pacers and crew, and the unexpected camaraderie of meeting strangers who became essential race allies.

This episode is also a deep dive into the logistics and quirks of the Florida Long Haul 100. From its wide trails and multi-loop format to the creative touches like Christmas lights and pacer bibs that matched runners’ numbers, every detail is tailored to support runners as they take on 100 miles. Whether you’re an ultra-running enthusiast or new to the sport, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and inspiration from the trail.

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