Chasing Cutoffs and Finding Yourself in Kentucky

HappyCast is back with a new episode at what can only be described as “the speed of slug”—with a raw, unfiltered catch-up episode full of trail chaos, life updates, and a whole lot of honesty. Stephanie dives deep into her recent races, including LOViT and a tough DNF at a brutal Kentucky course, sharing what it’s like to chase cutoffs, navigate technical terrain, and show up completely solo. From sleeping in her car to learning she doesn’t need a crew or pacer, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and real growth.  

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the mental side of ultrarunning either—what it feels like to be proud and disappointed at the same time, how DNFs can humble you, and the ongoing internal battle between “I belong here” and “I have work to do.” Stephanie opens up about pushing into harder races, figuring out whether getting faster actually matters, and continuing to show up in spaces that feel uncomfortable—all while trying to inspire others to do the same.  

Andrew brings his signature humor and perspective, recapping the chaos of Sam’s Last Stand, a fat-ass-style race full of DNFs, unexpected wins, and unforgettable moments (including a runner pacing with a random dog). Together, they reflect on how far they’ve come—from running races together to navigating life, racing, and everything in between. It’s messy, hilarious, a little unhinged—and exactly what you’d expect from a HappyCast comeback episode.

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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 info@happyendingstc.org