Happy Trails Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

A bit of a wrap up episode this week on the Happy Trails podcast. 

We have had such a great year recording 25 podcasts, meeting some amazing new people, hearing some great stories and having some great fun at some big events ourselves

Today we discuss some of the personal highlights and performances that have jumped out to us as being amazing. 

We look toward 2026 with some vague goals and cant wait to see what the amazing people in this community getup to next year. 

Thanks so much for listening and remember...... Its always a happy trail. 

In this episode of the Happy Trails podcast, Tim Woods shares his journey from a casual runner to an accomplished ultra marathoner. 

He discusses his experiences in various races, including Coast 2 Kosci, Buffalo Stampede, and the challenging Grampians race. Tim emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, nutrition, and balancing family life with his passion for running. 

Tim discusses his experiences with endurance racing, focusing on nutrition strategies, the impact of caffeine, pacing consistency, mental strategies for overcoming challenges, and the weather conditions faced during races. He also shares his future goals and upcoming races, emphasizing the importance of training and self-awareness in improving performance.

We chat about the power of discipline and consistency that has got him to the pointy end of some major races and finally what lies ahead for 2026! 

Hope you enjoy! 

Happy Trails. 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, hosts Mitch Benny welcome podiatrist Blake Withers to discuss his journey as a runner and the importance of podiatry in injury prevention. 

They explore the impact of physical activity on mental health, share experiences from major marathons, and delve into the evolution of running shoes. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding training loads, the science behind running injuries, and the benefits of multi-directional sports for youth. 

In this engaging conversation, the lads get into the importance of physical activity for youth development, the role of strength training in improving bone health across all ages, and the critical impact of nutrition on performance and recovery. 

They discuss energy availability and its effects on athletes, strategies for managing training loads to prevent injuries, and the nuances of progressing from shorter to longer distances. 

Sports Medicine Project Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/sports-medicine-project/id1608497693

Blakes Insta: https://www.instagram.com/blake.sportspodiatrist?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Enjoy the episode! 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, hosts Benny and Mitch dive into a mix of topics including UTMB Races, touching on some key contenders and some Aussies making the journey.

They have a brief recap of Ironwood 24 hour, touch on the comeback from David Roche and his epic run at Leadville and geta visit from the crew chief for Moab.

Upcoming UTMB Freetrail Fantasy:  https://fantasy.freetrail.com/leagues/join/c4802453df

Follow the Pod: Instagram
 
Enjoy! 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, the boys head back to the pub to chat shit about running, they discuss a number of topics including their recent training updates, insights on speed sessions, and the importance of Zone 2 training. 

They also delve into upcoming races, particularly the Moab, and analyse the performance key threat to MOAB glory like Killian Korth. The conversation touches on the need for drug testing in the sport and highlights emerging talent in trail running. 

Finally, they preview the Ironwood 24 Hour Race and share their excitement for the event.

Enjoy the Show! 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, Benny and Mitch get the pleasure of chatting to an old Shire buddy and Host of the "Running Matters Podcast" Haddy. 

The boys chat about the evolution of running podcasts, Haddy's journey from gymnastics to ultra running, and the challenges of balancing family life with competitive running. 

They delve into the importance of community and charity in the running scene, share memorable experiences from races like the Oxfam Trailwalker and UTMB, and reflect on the changing landscape of trail running events. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of running, including the inspiration drawn from interviews, overcoming challenges during races, and the importance of pacing and persistence in ultra marathons. 

They chat about psychological aspects of racing, the experience of working in sports therapy, and the benefits of altitude training for performance. The discussion also touches on the dynamic of podcasting with a co-host, the emergence of young talents in the running scene, and future aspirations in both racing and professional endeavours.

This is a ripping chat and one you will enjoy. 

If you haven't found your way to Running Matters Pod yet, get involved! bloody good listen. Link is below: 
Running Matters - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

The notes will be updated with Haddy's fundraising and will share the link to his page shortly. 

If you think someone may get a kick out of the pod, please share it and/or give it a review. 

Thanks and enjoy! 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, the Benn and Mitch joined by Nikita and Mark to discuss the big news of getting invited to run Coast 2 Kosci.

We delve into topics such as imposter syndrome, the application process, training strategies, nutrition, and the importance of community support in long-distance running. 

The conversation highlights the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, emphasizing the need for discipline, proper planning, and a positive mindset. Mark and Nikita share personal stories and insights, creating an engaging dialogue about the journey of becoming an ultra runner.

Enjoy! 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, hosts Benn Mitch discuss their experiences at the Elephant Trail Race, highlighting the challenges of the course, the importance of nutrition, and the role of community support. They reflect on their post-race recovery, training insights, and the logistics of race day, providing valuable tips for fellow ultra runners. 

Benn touches on his training plans for MOAB 240, and the excitement surrounding the UTMB. They delve into the mental challenges faced by runners, particularly in high-stakes races, and explore the importance of mindset in overcoming obstacles. The conversation emphasizes the significance of preparation, both physically and mentally, for endurance athletes.

Hope you enjoy the show! 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, hosts Ben and Mitch  welcome ultra-endurance athlete Mark Avery. Mark has raised over 100k for different charities over his journey and is one hell of a good bloke to chat to.

They explore Mark's journey in trail running, discussing his experiences in various races, the importance of mental preparation, and the role of mindset coaching in enhancing performance. Mark shares insights on training consistency, recovery, and the emotional aspects of racing, including the camaraderie among runners.

Mark chats about some difficult challenges and turning loss into motivation for his running journey, culminating in his attempt at a treadmill world record. In this engaging conversation, Mark  shares his journey through running, focusing on the mental and physical challenges he faced while training for ultra marathons and charity events.

He discusses the importance of building habits, the therapeutic aspects of running, and the impact of community support. Mark reflects on his setbacks, the lessons learned from 24-hour races, and his aspirations for future challenges, all while emphasizing the significance of having a purpose behind his running endeavors.

This one will inspire you!

- Marks website including Videos and blogs mentioned in the pod is: Mark James Avery

Remember subscribe, share and comment on any of the podcasting platforms or on Insta. 

- Follow and like the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/happy-trails-podcast/id1816856770

Remember, it doesn’t matter if you are at the front, middle or back of the pack, they are all HAPPY TRAILS! 

In this episode of the Happy Trails Podcast, Mitch and Benny discuss the recent Hard Rock 100 race, training strategies for upcoming events like Moab, and the importance of specific race preparation. 

Benny gives some insight on the upcoming Elephant Trail Race this weekend and both Benny and Mitch set some goal times for the race. 

They dive into the challenges of ultra running, including the mental and physical stresses involved, and share personal insights on their training regimens. 

Finally we get our first taste of the Grumpy Trail runner. 

Enjoy! 

Remember subscribe, share and comment on any of the podcasting platforms or on Insta. 

- Follow and like the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/happy-trails-podcast/id1816856770

Remember, it doesn’t matter if you are at the front, middle or back of the pack, they are all HAPPY TRAILS!