In this unforgettable episode of the HappyCast, hosts Andrew, Dylan, and Stephanie welcome Canadian ultrarunner and mental health advocate Evan Birch, along with his trail-blazing running partner: his seven-year-old Vizsla, Nova. Together, Evan and Nova recently attempted the Orcas Island 100, marking what may be one of the first sanctioned 100-mile ultramarathon efforts by a human-canine team. Their story—captured in the upcoming documentary Supernova: The 100-Mile Dog—goes far beyond finish lines.

Evan takes us through the years of preparation that led to this moment, from choosing Nova as a pup specifically for the trails, to learning how to communicate without words, to tailoring training and gear for the unique demands of ultrarunning with a dog. The conversation dives into the bond they’ve built over hundreds of miles and the sheer trust it takes to tackle such a challenge together.

Beyond the race, this episode is a powerful reflection on mental health, identity, and resilience. Evan opens up about his background in emergency services, his own struggles, and how trail running—and Nova—became a path toward healing. Raw, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring, this episode is a reminder that sometimes, the journey isn’t just about covering ground—it’s about who we become along the way.

ultrabirch.com

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