The Ultra Happy Podcast
Welcome to ’The Ultra Happy Podcast,’ where joy, ultrarunning, and insightful conversations converge. Join me, along with invited guests, athletes, and experts, as we explore the happiness found in both ultrarunning and everyday life. Delve into inspiring stories, practical tips, and the transformative power of adopting the ultrarunning mindset. As I document my journey crossing the 5 deserts, we invite you to share in the joy, resilience, and lessons learned on the trail and in our pursuit of happiness.
S5 E8: From Zero to 21K – Andy’s First Half Marathon & Tania’s Next Big Leap!
Today, we’re celebrating Andy’s incredible journey from zero to 21K in just one year! We’ll dive into the key lessons for new runners—from staying motivated and recovering well to actually enjoying the process of building up to longer distances.
Stepping outside our comfort zones is where the magic happens, and just like Andy did with his half marathon, Tania is about to take on her biggest challenge yet: the legendary Cocodona 250—a non-stop 400 km race across Phoenix. We’ll talk fears, dreams, and what it takes to push past limits.
Tune in for an in...
S5 E7 Feeling Like a Fraud on Race Day? Let’s Fix That!
You trained. You showed up. But suddenly, at the start line, that voice creeps in: “Do I really belong here?” 😨 Impostor syndrome is REAL in running, and today, we’re tackling it head-on!
🔥 We’ll break down:
✅ Why even the strongest runners battle self-doubt
✅ How to flip those nerves into fuel for the race
✅ The ultimate mindset shift to OWN that start line
PLUS—we’re sending Andy off for his FIRST HALF MARATHON! 🏅 What’s going through his head? Will he crush it, or will the pressure get to him?
🚀 AND NEXT WEEK… we have a...
S5 E6 Desert Wisdom: Abbey’s Atacama Insights & My Final Deserts Prep
In today’s episode, we have a very special guest in the studio—Abbey, a former Atacama Crossing finisher, joining us all the way from Singapore! 🌏🏃♀️ We’re beyond excited to pick her brain and dive deep into her experience conquering one of the world’s toughest deserts.
With my final 4 Deserts challenge just weeks away, Abbey shares invaluable insights, tips, and personal stories to help me (and all of you!) prepare for what’s ahead. From mental grit to gear must-haves, this conversation is packed with golden nuggets for anyone taking on ultra challenges.
Expect great laughs, i...
S5 E5: Gear Up and Elevate: Your Ultimate Guide to Ultramarathons and Altitude Prep
Today, we're finally answering all your questions! From training tips and essential gear to race-day advice and the unforgettable ultramarathon experience—this episode is packed with insights for everyone. Whether you're dreaming of tackling a desert ultramarathon or you're a new runner gearing up for your first big challenge, there's something here for you.
Plus, today’s Facts by Andy are all about dealing with altitude—a crucial topic for my next big challenge in the Atacama Desert. Learn along with me as we prepare together for this incredible ride.
🎧 Tune in now and let’s g...
S5 E4 Mindset & Milestones: Facing Challenges and Saying Goodbye to Antarctica
In today’s episode, we dive deep into the mental side of taking on monumental challenges. From battling self-doubt and insecurities to finding resilience in the face of failure, we discuss the tools and mindset needed to push through. Plus, we catch up with Andy as he prepares to tackle his biggest challenge yet, sharing insights to help him along the way.
As we bid farewell to the Antarctic adventure and celebrate the final steps of completing the fourth desert, we reminisce about funny anecdotes, breathtaking landscapes, and the lessons learned in one of the most remote pl...
S5 E3: New Year, New Goals? Ready to Start Running or Take it to the Next Level? & Antartica adventures
In today’s episode, we dive into:
💪 The importance of strength training for runners.
🤔 Andy’s Fun Facts uncovering the most common running injuries.
🎢 The challenges and struggles faced by new runners—and how to overcome them!
Plus, Tania shares her incredible adventure in Antarctica 🧊:
🌍 Behind-the-scenes logistics of her race.
🔥 How she handled the surprisingly hot conditions in the icy wilderness.
🥶 Battling the struggle of not being able to eat during the race and her creative solution.
Whether you're new to running, starting again, or chasing a big adventure, this episode is packed with...
S5 E2: HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Andy’s Ultra Leap & Keys to Progress
Happy New Year, Ultra Happy friends! 🎉 In this special episode, we reflect on why this day holds so much meaning for me and dive into the power of planning for a successful year. We’ll discuss defining goals, share a few but crucial tips to make consistent progress, and set the tone for an incredible year ahead.
WE'VE GOT MASSIVE NEWS ! We’ve finally convinced Andy to take the leap and sign up for his first ultramarathon—welcome to the dark side, Andy! 🏃♂️
Thank you all for your amazing support this year. Stick with us as we embark on ne...
S5 EP1 From Ice to Inferno: Antarctic Adventures and the Road to Cocodona250
We're back from the adventure of a lifetime—running in Antarctica! This season, we’re diving into the icy tales of the race, the journey, and everything in between. Get ready for stories inspired by our travels around South America, as we push toward completing the Grand Slam Plus challenge: running 5 deserts in 12 months. We’ll share how we’re gearing up to recover in just two weeks before tackling the epic Cocodona250 course. This season is packed with wild adventures, resilience, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned—it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
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...S4 E5 Embracing the Cold: Conquering Fears and Dreaming Big
In today's season finale, Tania takes us behind the scenes of her thrilling preparations for Antarctica, the 4th desert in her quest to conquer the 5 deserts.
For the next three weeks, she'll be traveling to Antarctica to face 250 km of extreme cold, stepping into one of her biggest fears—the freezing temperatures and survival in the Antarctic extreme environment.
It's a journey to reconnect with uncomfortable situations and embrace uncertainty, with the hope that her mental strength will carry her through the challenge.
Tania reflects on the incredible season full of powerful lessons an...
S4 E4: Beyond the Finish Line: Recovering, Racing, and Facing Challenges
In today's episode, Tania takes us through the final stretch of her incredible 250 km journey across Jordan, sharing insights from her brief but refreshing trip to Jeddah and Alula—perfect spots for recovery and exploration. She also gives a fun recap of her first race in the UAE, a grueling 12-hour fun run on a looped course around Hatta. Andy chimes in with his first-ever trail running experience, and together, they dive into key topics like post-race recovery, mental strategies for overcoming challenges, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Don't miss this inspiring and energetic conversation!
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