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.
Episodes

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
S5 E11: This is the End
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
The day has finally come! After a year of sharing this journey with you, we’re heading out to race the final desert of the 4 Deserts Series – Atacama 🌵🏃♀️. This race will mark history as I become the first Mexican to complete this challenge!
But the adventure doesn’t stop there—after Atacama, I’ll be facing the ultimate test: Cocodona250, the race that started it all. We’ve prepared for this moment together, and now it’s time to stay strong and push through the final stretch.
Thank you for being part of this journey! Your support and incredible energy mean the world. Keep following, keep cheering, and most importantly—keep doing whatever makes you Ultra Happy! 💫🔥
See you in a few weeks!
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IG: @taniaruns_theworld
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Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Join us for today’s episode—it’s almost time to say goodbye as I get ready to embark on the most important journey yet. After nearly a year of preparation, we’re finally heading to the Atacama Desert for an epic race, followed by Cocodona 250 just four weeks later.
As I continue my final preparations, I’m sharing all the gear that has carried me through the past 1,000 km across some of the toughest deserts in the world—plus plenty of stories that will make you laugh along the way. Don’t miss this one!

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
As Tania prepares for her ultimate challenge—400 km from Phoenix to Flagstaff—we had an incredible opportunity to sit down with Steven Aderholt, race director of Cocodona 250. In this episode, we pick his brain on everything from course strategy to the most common mistakes runners should avoid.
Steven shares insights not just from a race director’s perspective but also as an experienced ultrarunner himself. We break down race rules, the uniqueness of the course, and the best strategies to tackle this epic journey. We also dive into how Aravaipa Running has revolutionized the ultra scene—turning races into full-blown experiences and using live streaming and social media to showcase the inspiring stories behind the miles.
This is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of Cocodona, long-distance ultras, or just looking for that next big challenge. Tune in and take notes—you won’t want to miss this one!
Check out Cocodona website for more info about this event: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/cocodona2/

Saturday Feb 15, 2025
S5 E8: From Zero to 21K – Andy’s First Half Marathon & Tania’s Next Big Leap!
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
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 inspiring episode packed with motivation, mindset shifts, and the joy of chasing big goals! 🎙️🏃♂️🔥

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
S5 E7 Feeling Like a Fraud on Race Day? Let’s Fix That!
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
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 MASSIVE guest you won’t believe! Stay tuned for the big reveal!
🎧 Hit play NOW—your next race-day breakthrough starts here!

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
S5 E6 Desert Wisdom: Abbey’s Atacama Insights & My Final Deserts Prep
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
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, inspiring takeaways, and a unique perspective on endurance, resilience, and the beauty of desert racing. Tune in, learn, and get inspired by Abbey’s incredible journey! 🎧
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Thursday Jan 23, 2025
S5 E5: Gear Up and Elevate: Your Ultimate Guide to Ultramarathons and Altitude Prep
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
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 get ready!
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Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
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 places on Earth. Join us for an inspiring mix of reflection, growth, and adventure!
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