This week on the HappyCast, we talk all things hockey with our favorite runner from up north, Trevor Meding!

Not really, though. As cool as that would be, we decide to discuss the latest edition of Southern States 200 with Trevor, who just ran the race and is slowly recovering from his epic trek from Georgia to Alabama. 

The Southern States 200 is the only point-to-point mountain race east of the Rockies. With 85% of the race taking place on the Pinhoti trail, and a shade under 28,000ft of climbing, this is an epic, scenic and “runnable” 200 miler. We talk to Trevor about his experience on the course, his strategies, and shockingly, how it was to run the ENTIRE race with no crew OR drop bags. Yes, he carried EVERYTHING he had on his back, which apparently was only “7-8lbs”.

As someone who enjoys running alone, we also hear about Trevor’s experience running with three other men who eventually were dubbed “the four amigos”. We also dive deep into his epic sprint at the end to finish sub-72 hours. 

We discuss all of this and more, on another epic edition of the HappyCast! 

Don’t forget to check out Trevor’s blog that goes over his races:

#ultrarunningdad

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In this episode of HappyCast, we welcome Kathryn “Kat” Stewart, Charmin McKee, and Gus Rodriguez—three incredible ultrarunners who completed the 2024–25 Lone Star Slam. This ambitious challenge—completing six 100-mile races across Texas in just eight months, including Habanero Hundred, Cactus Rose, Dinosaur Valley, Brazos Bend, Rocky Raccoon, and Grasslands—sets the stage as the crew dives deep into what it takes to conquer the Slam.

Each guest shares what got them into the challenge and how their motivation evolved with every race. Charmin juggled a demanding job and motherhood while using trail running as her personal outlet. Kat transformed the challenge into a fundraising campaign for her daughter’s rare genetic condition. Gus embraced the Slam as a way to discover new parts of Texas and test his pacing strategy across diverse terrain. From dancing into aid stations to sleepwalking into emotional breakthroughs, this episode reveals how joy, grit, and community can carry runners through the darkest miles.

The crew reflects on their highs and lows—from near DNFs and energy drink-fueled hallucinations to ghost energy (both literal and figurative) and the dreaded terrain of Cactus Rose. With stories of unconventional nutrition (shoutout to chicken salad, Bobos, and Ghost Energy), sandal running legends, and surprising race favorites, this conversation captures the spirit of ultrarunning in its most rugged and rewarding form.

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The HappyCast team takes on the Rabid Raccoon 100, an ultra in Pennsylvania that delivered relentless mud, unpredictable storms, and plenty of surprises. Stephanie Leake shares her emotional journey through the race, from navigating steep climbs and descents to finding strength in her crew and pacers. Ultimately conquering her fear of the mud with the help of trekking poles.

Rachel Moore joins the conversation to break down her first-place finish and new course record, sharing insights into her pacing strategy, mental approach, and the moment she realized she had won. Jason Hanley and Kathleen Hanley played a huge role in keeping the runners going, with Kathleen stepping in as Stephanie’s pacer and teaching her how to use trekking poles effectively in the deep mud. Jason, who was also crewing and pacing, kept a close eye on race standings and played a key role in confirming Rachel’s frontrunner status before she crossed the finish line. Their crew experience, patience, and humor helped keep spirits high through long, wet, and grueling miles.

From first-time pacers to seasoned runners, the team dives into the camaraderie and perseverance that make 100-milers so special. They reflect on the women’s buy-one-get-one entry initiative that brought six Texas women to the event, the seamless crew logistics with an indoor start/finish area, and the small yet fierce competition that kept the field moving. They also discuss frogs, unexpected fan encounters, and the importance of community in the ultrarunning world. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just love hearing about extreme endurance feats, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and plenty of laughs!

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This week on a special edition of the HappyCast, we have our Arizona Monster 300 race and course preview episode! This race is the newest, biggest, and baddest race in the ultra (ultra) distance running world. This is Destination Trail’s first 300+ mile race, and the hype surrounding this event has been palpable. Selling out in a matter of days a year ago can do that. With race day (April 4) fast approaching, we talk all things Arizona Monster. 

The crew is joined by four special guests who all chime in about the race and some of their biggest questions going into it. Rachel Bambrick returns to the podcast to talk about her mindset entering the race. Three-time podcast guest Garren Hill joins us again along with his daughter Emily Hill as they talk about training together and running the race together, with some competition mixed in. And finally, Carol Northrup, who is no stranger to the Arizona Trail, talks about her experience doing recon of the course. She has hiked the Arizona Trail before as well, so she sheds some light on what to expect during our course preview. She has probably done more recon of the course recently than anyone around! 

With less than a month to go until race day, the anticipation is reaching an all-time high. Join us as well all share our nervous excitement together and talk about the upcoming experience and what to expect.

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In this episode of HappyCast, we welcome ultra runners Chuck Clark and Ben Bridgeman to recount their epic (and sometimes disastrous) attempt at running two brutal 100-mile races just two weeks apart: Outlaw 100 and Lovit 100. What started as a simple challenge turned into a saga of icy wipeouts, brutal climbs, poor life choices, and a whole lot of stubbornness. From navigating Jeep roads littered with boulders at Outlaw to dealing with a brand-new course layout at Lovit, the guys break down the highs, the lows, and everything in between—including the moment when Ben took an all-time classic fall that had his friends doubled over in laughter.

With course changes, extreme conditions, and the mental battle of pushing through back-to-back races, Chuck and Ben share their strategies (and mistakes) in managing fatigue, staying fueled, and making sure they crossed the finish line. Along the way, they discuss why pacing each other sometimes feels more like a competition than teamwork, why the smallest aid station breaks can kill your race time, and what it’s like watching your friend’s race completely fall apart in real-time.

Plus, we debate the age-old ultra-running question: Is it better to go out fast or play it safe? And, of course, no episode is complete without some well-earned roasting, a look ahead at future races, and the latest Can’t Let It Go segment. Tune in for an episode filled with laughs, lessons, and the kind of suffering only ultra-runners willingly sign up for!

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Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

This week on HappyCast, it’s just the core trio—Andrew, Dylan, and our very own Stephanie Leake, who takes center stage to share the wildest race recap we’ve had in a while. Stephanie traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, to take on her 17th 100-mile finish, expecting a straightforward timed event. What she got instead? A logistical rollercoaster involving sand-filled shoes, an unexpected rainstorm, a mid-race existential crisis, and—oh yeah—the race director canceling the event while she was still on course.

With no volunteers, no aid stations, and only an email notification to signal the end of the race (which, let’s be honest, no ultra-runner is checking mid-race), Stephanie had a choice: pack it in, or keep going and hope for the best. Spoiler: she kept going. Along the way, she met some incredible runners, took her first-ever trail nap, and discovered just how far sheer stubbornness and a little bit of fear can carry you when you’re determined to finish what you started.

We break down the drama, debate the ethics of continuing after a race is called, and discuss what race directors should do in situations like this. Plus, we dive into a major controversy in the ultra world—how illegal running shoes got a USATF champion disqualified—and wrap things up with our signature “Can’t Let It Go” segment, featuring some hot takes on running gear (RIP Stephanie’s favorite hydration vest).

Would you have kept running? Would you have even checked your email? Tune in, and let us know!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the HappyCast, we are joined once again by the Swiss Army Knife of Ultrarunning, Wes Plate, as we discuss everything from his upcoming race director debut at Copper Kings 100, to Arizona Monster 300 training, and a whole lot more! 

Wes discusses the challenges up preparing for his first ever race directing gig at his inaugural Copper Kings 100. From permitting to the logistics, and trying to differentiate his race from other “premium” 100 mile races. Wes is trying to strike that balance between epic and accessible for all.  Stephanie, who ran the unofficial course last year, also chimes in and will also be volunteering this year. Look out for Copper Kings 100 in June, with spots still open! It’s selling out fast. 

Wes also joins Andrew to talk about their prep for the upcoming Arizona Monster 300; the newest, biggest, and baddest 200+ mile race yet. With the race coming up in April, Wes talks about balancing that, recovering for his fifth Cocodona 250 in May, and then topping it all off with Copper Kings 100 in June. It’s safe to say that Wes has quite the full plate! 

So join us as we catch up with Wes’ epic life and running journey! An inspiration to many, and don’t forget to check out his YouTube channel!

Links

http://wesplate.com
http://youtube.com/c/wplate
http://copperkings100.com
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/copper-kings-100-prospectors

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

In this jam-packed episode of the HappyCast, the whole gang recaps and relives their time at Rocky Raccoon 100, one of largest 100 milers in the country. They are joined by Javier Gutierrez and his crew, Connor Bessell and Michael McGinnis. Javier. 

Javier returns to Rocky after surviving the onslaught of rain at last year’s edition. He ran a spectacular and very calculated race, and was joined by some equally impressive talent pacing him in Connor and Michael. We relive his race through his eyes and his crews. And in another segment, we are joined by returning guest Gus Rodriguez, as Javier and Gus tell their side of the epic showdown between them at the end of the race. 

Dylan, Stephanie, and Andrew also tell their side of the race. From Dylan tackling the 100 once again and finding peace with his effort, to Stephanie running two entire aid stations throughout the weekend. And of course, Andrew handicapping himself once again with an interesting 100k and “betraying” Stephanie in the process. 

All that and more as we tackle all things Rocky Raccoon! 

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Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Happy Cast, hosts Stephanie Leake, Dylan Rueff, and Andrew Marvin sit down with ultra runner Steph Smith, who has taken the trail-running world by storm—by running 100-mile races in Crocs. From her early days as a marathoner to her first ultra, Steph shares how she discovered her love for endurance racing and why traditional running shoes never quite worked for her. After experimenting with barefoot running and minimalist sandals, she made the switch to Crocs and has never looked back.

We dive into the mechanics of running in Crocs, the modifications she’s made (including adding rugged Vibram soles), and how they compare to traditional running shoes. Steph also shares her experiences at races like the Badger 100, Midwest States 100, and Tuscobia Winter Ultra, where she’s tested the limits of both herself and her unconventional footwear. Plus, we discuss the ultrarunning community, the importance of race traditions, and the mental strength it takes to keep going—whether you’re running in Crocs or not.

Beyond the gear, Steph talks about the camaraderie that keeps her coming back to the same races year after year. She shares stories of bonding with strangers on the trail, the unique challenges of winter ultras, and the magic of smaller looped races where every runner, fast or slow, becomes part of a shared experience. We also touch on the problem-solving mindset that ultrarunners develop—whether it’s troubleshooting blisters, adjusting nutrition, or deciding to run in something completely unexpected.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]

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.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram and check out our website for the more episodes, posts and merchandise coming soon.

Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at [email protected]