Why 279 Miles Wasn’t About Winning

In this episode of HappyCast, Andrew and Stephanie sit down with Stephanie Rosebaugh to unpack an extraordinary performance at The Summit Last Person Standing, a Big’s Backyard Ultra Silver Ticket race in Texas. Stephanie ran an incredible 279 miles over 67 hours, averaging sub-50 minute loops with minimal rest — all while navigating sleep deprivation, changing weather, and the mental grind of a true last-person-standing format.Rather than racing others, Stephanie shares how a powerful mindset shift away from comparison nearly doubled her previous LPS distance. The conversation explores flow state, nighttime running, fueling discipline, unexpected crew support, and the unique camaraderie that forms when the field dwindles down to just a few runners sharing the same hour over and over again.The episode closes with a deeply reflective moment: choosing to step away not because her body failed, but because it felt right. It’s a conversation about endurance, self-trust, and redefining success — reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful finish isn’t about winning, but about knowing when you’ve done enough. The Power of EnoughnessBe 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 HappyCast, we dive into a full, emotional, hilarious, and raw recap of the Fall Creek 100 in Tennessee — a race filled with waterfalls, scenic ridges, surprise proposals, mud, and a whole lot of internal battles.  Stephanie is joined by Chuck Clark, who shared most of the 100 miles with her, and Race Director Scott Simcox, the creative mind behind the Fall Creek, Long Hunter, and Rim Runner races. Scott walks us through how he designs courses with intention: showcasing every overlook, waterfall, bridge, and scenic loop the park has to offer. We also learn about his volunteer-first family culture, the impact of tornado damage on trail systems, and why Fall Creek’s dorm setup might be one of the best race perks out there.Stephanie opens up about her toughest mental race to date — calling her mom at mile 30 in tears, dealing with self-doubt from previous DNFs, navigating humidity and trail math, and experiencing her first mid-race panic attack. Chuck shares how he tried (unsuccessfully) to medicate her attitude with potatoes for 12 straight hours, why they thought they were on the verge of missing cutoffs, and how a simple reminder — “You stack these because you know you can finish them” — helped shift the energy.We also talk crew magic, Peg’s legendary road-trip rescue, Kevin’s 50K-plus pacing effort, Mo’s volunteer hero arc, and the incredible Tennessee trail community that kept runners fed, supported, and cheerful through every loop.It’s emotional. It’s chaotic. It’s honest. And it’s a perfect look at what makes 100-milers so transformative.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]

On this episode of the HappyCast, we go in-depth with local Houstonian Katy Barber who just tackled the Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) FKT. Located in Texas, and definitely NOT Galveston, this is the 4th longest beach in the WORLD and one of the most isolated places in the country, all tucked away on the largest unprotected barrier island in the world. This is a 65+ mile FKT that traverses the entire length of the beach, and no woman has ever attempted this feat before, and only two men have completed it. We do a deep dive with Katy and her coach and fellow guest, Chad Lasater (who will one day have his own episode as he is a treasure trove of accomplishments). We talk about the logistics, the difficulty of running on a beach, and the dynamics with crewing and dealing with the remote nature of the race. Further yet, this was double the distance Katy has previously ran, so we talk about establishing distance PR’s in the process. We also share a few crew stories, as both Chad and Andrew were present for the FKT. Katy’s crew also consisted of Kevin Christensen, Regina Massingill, Jaimie (kind of like Cher or Bono), Laura Lundell, and John Kilburn. Join us as we tackle one of the more primitive, remote, and unconventional recaps yet - 65+ miles on nothing but sand! And congratulations on setting the FKT, Katy! It was one hell of a (sandy) adventure. 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 we’re taking it back to where it all began. While the crew is busy, we’re dipping into the archives and replaying the very first episode of HappyCast — the one that sparked the Happy Endings Trail Crew and everything that’s grown from it.In this throwback, you’ll hear the full origin story: how a chaotic weekend at Rocky Raccoon brought three underprepared runners together, the debut of the infamous beaver costume, the birth of the “weed wobble,” and the moment we realized this community was something special. The audio may be rough around the edges, and honestly… so were we — but the heart of what makes Happy Endings what it is today was already there.Whether you’re newer to the podcast or you’ve been with us since day one, enjoy this trip back to the beginning. We’ll be back with a new episode soon — but for now, here’s the throwback that started it all.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]

When brutal weather forced Cactus Rose to relocate to the unforgiving hills of Camp Eagle, most runners hesitated—but not Houston’s own Madeline Green. With no aid stations, no crew, and endless miles of mud, rain, and lightning, she pushed through 105 miles of chaos to become the only female finisher of one of Texas’ toughest ultramarathons. In this episode, Stephanie and Andrew dive into Madeline’s mindset—how she handled a last-minute course change, two nights alone on the trail, and the mental rollercoaster of a self-supported 100-miler. From training on Houston’s flatlands to conquering Camp Eagle’s rocky climbs, her story is pure grit and quiet determination.As always, things get candid, funny, and just a little chaotic. The crew swaps stories about storms, hallucinations, and what happens when your headlamp flash convinces you lightning’s about to strike. Madeline talks redemption, recovery, and what it means to represent women in the most rugged corners of ultrarunning—all while proving that sometimes, the loneliest miles lead to the loudest triumphs.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]

Stephanie returns fresh off her 30-hour adventure at the Ghost Train Trail Races in New Hampshire, sharing what it took to push through 115 miles of near-perfect conditions, unexpected challenges, and one of her strongest performances yet. From the mental battle of deciding to go beyond 100 miles to the moment she realized she was on track for the second-fastest female finish in race history, this episode dives deep into what it means to truly test your limits.Andrew and Stephanie catch up on the busy fall race season, updates from the DFW trail running scene, and the many familiar faces lighting up the course around the country. They also talk about the balance between ambition and self-belief, and how saying your goals out loud can transform the way you chase them.To close things out, Regina hops on for a quick life update and some laughs, including talk of upcoming adventures like Girlfriends with Grit and a few too-honest travel stories from Stephanie’s post-race flight home. It’s a mix of celebration, reflection, and classic HappyCast chaos — the perfect reminder that growth comes from going just a little further than you thought you could.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 have a special (very) late night episode and a small reunion of sorts that quickly becomes unhinged as we have Aaron Kubala of Speed Project and Moab 240 Pool Boy fame join to talk about his latest undertaking - The Ultra Gobi. Andrew and Aaron sip on some wine all throughout and try to stay on track to talk about this latest undertaking. This is a 400km race through the Gobi Desert in China that traverses the ancient Silk Road. Aaron was able to not only finish, but he ended up running a majority of the race with another 200 mile juggernaut, Jovica Spajic. We hear all about this experience and the formation of a friendship that will last the test of time.And in a twist development, Mika Thewes joins us to help stir the pot and create even more madness in this episode as we talk about all sorts of topics. For those who enjoy a well structured episode focused solely on trail running, this one may not be it. So join in on the chaotic, free-flowing nature of this episode as we learn more about Aaron’s epic undertaking and, well, a lot of other stuff. There’s sure to be something in this episode that will tug at the heart strings…or not. Who can say.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]

Host Andrew Marvin is joined by guest host Isabella Campos-Janovick for Part 2 of our Mammoth 200 Roundtable, featuring two finishers of the inaugural race: Steve Epifano and Amber Bouge. Together they unpack what it was like to take on 200 miles through unpredictable Sierra weather, endless climbs, and the unique camaraderie that forms when everyone is just trying to make it to the next aid station.Steve shares his perspective as both an athlete and coach—balancing recovery, directing his own trail series, and finding beauty in the chaos of high-altitude racing. Amber reflects on tackling her first 200-miler, jumping straight back into mom life, and the mental highs and lows that come with pushing far beyond familiar distance. From lightning storms and ski-shack shelters to hallucinating wiener dogs and debating the merits of Pop-Tarts, the stories capture everything that makes these multi-day races unforgettable.The group also digs into what made the Mammoth 200’s first year special—the strong community support, the creativity of the race organization, and the moments that will bring runners back again. Whether you’re a seasoned 200-mile veteran or just curious about what happens when the miles blur together, this roundtable delivers equal parts humor, honesty, and heart.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]

The Happy Endings Trail Crew sits down with five incredible athletes who took on — and conquered — the inaugural Mammoth 200. Hosts Andrew Marvin and Stephanie Stonebraker guide a lively roundtable filled with stories of grit, community, and chaos from this first-year 200-miler in the Eastern Sierras. From wild weather and sleepless nights to Taco Bell recovery runs, this episode captures what it means to survive (and love) a race that pushes every limit imaginable.Guests Rachel Entrekin, Kevin Goldberg, Adam Williams, Carol Northrup, and Christian Peranzi each bring their unique perspective: a first-time 200-miler’s awe, a husband-and-wife anniversary on the course, and the relentless drive of those chasing finish lines across the country. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a race that somehow felt both brand new and perfectly dialed in — complete with espresso machines at aid stations, lightning storms at the summit, and friendships forged in fatigue.It’s an honest, funny, and down-to-earth look at what really happens over 200 miles — the good, the bad, and the weird in between. The group swaps stories about what kept them moving, what broke them down, and what moments made it all worth it. No hype, no filters — just runners talking about why we keep showing up to do the hard things, even when it makes no sense.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]

Stephanie takes us to New Jersey for her 22nd state on the journey to all 50 with the Wild Goose Trail Festival 100-miler. What could have been a solo grind turned into a full-on adventure of community, resilience, and unexpected friendships. With her original pacer getting injured, Stephanie found last-minute support in Andrew Bondarev, who drove in to help keep her on track through the long night. Along the way, she also met Fra Balbi, a non-binary runner taking on their first 100K, after chasing them down to take a picture of their sign that read “Trans People Belong Everywhere.” That one moment of connection turned into miles of conversation, shared finish-line celebrations, and a reminder of how powerful representation on the trails can be.The episode dives deep into the raw and real side of ultrarunning—from wrong turns that add unexpected miles, to the dreaded “blue loop” that every runner loved to hate, to the mental lows that hit at mile 60, mile 90, and everywhere in between. Stephanie shares how she struggled with self doubt about missed strength training, navigated tough moments like self-regulating through tears on a log, dealing with her period in the middle of the night, and resisting the urge to waste time at her car. Andrew explains the fine balance of pacing—when to push a runner harder, when to simply keep them moving, and how accountability can exist even while you’re asleep in the crew tent. Fra opens up about the challenges of being one of just two non-binary participants at the event, why visibility matters, and how running with a sign sparked conversations that made the miles more meaningful.Together, their stories capture the essence of why ultrarunning is more than just the distance on paper. It’s about the community you stumble into, the resilience you discover in the middle of the night, and the ways running can open space for bigger conversations about identity, representation, and belonging. From close podium finishes to surprise bear encounters, from course records to moments of doubt, this episode is equal parts honest, funny, and inspiring—a reminder that the trail gives back so much more than it takes.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]