Wild Horses, Chips & Race Tales | Fiery Embers Guest: Mandy Mullen
What do wild horses, 200-mile relays, and ketchup-covered chips have in common? Mandy Mullen. In this Fiery Embers podcast episode from Run Tri Bike, host Jason Bahamundi interviews Mandy—founder of Run Windsor and race director of the Wild West Relay—for a hilarious, honest, and human take on endurance sports. Set against Colorado’s scenic backdrop, this episode is less about splits and more about smiles.
The Wild West Relay stretches 200 miles through rugged, wildlife-rich landscapes. Whether you’re going solo or with a team of 2–12, runners get more than just a challenge—they get moose sightings, wild horse encounters, and sweeping views from places like Dead Man’s Pass. Mandy’s stories offer more than race logistics; they transport listeners to an event full of grit, beauty, and laughter.
From Running to Race Directing
As Mandy explains, directing a race post-COVID is no walk in the park. Recruiting 150–200 volunteers with tight budgets and busy schedules is a feat in itself. But the demand for longer distances? Surprisingly high. The endurance community wants more—more miles, more challenge, more connection—and Mandy’s game to deliver.
Bacon, Glamping, and Grit
Mandy’s not just directing races; she’s building a community. With 12 events on the calendar—including the Weld Your Mettle Ultra with glamping tents, food barns, saunas, and country dancing—Run Windsor creates inclusive, welcoming spaces for all types of runners. Elite or casual, everyone’s part of the party.
Her home doubles as race gear storage. Her daily runs double as errands. And yes, she’s plotting to reclaim a labeled cone her town “borrowed.” It’s this blend of determination and humor that makes Mandy’s story so relatable—and so entertaining.
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Laughter, Llamas (Almost), and Ketchup Chips
Jason’s knack for off-the-wall questions keeps the tone light. When he grills Mandy on whether she’d rather ride a horse or a bison in the relay, she confidently chooses the horse—mainly because they’re already part of the course. Her favorite race foods? Bacon, spaghetti, and Costco-brand sea salt chips… topped with ketchup. Seriously.
Movie trivia reveals she’s never seen Tombstone, 310 to Yuma, or The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. But her go-to wild west flick? A Million Ways to Die in the West—because laughter always wins.
Why You’ll Keep Listening
This isn’t just another endurance sports podcast. Fiery Embers takes you beyond pace charts and personal records. It’s about the joy of community, the chaos of race day, and the unpredictable magic that keeps us showing up. Mandy reminds us that endurance is more than performance—it’s people, stories, snacks, and yes, sometimes chasing a moose mid-run.
In this podcast episode, the theme is based on the Wild West Relay so grab your weirdest race snack, rally your relay crew, and tune in. You’ll leave with a smile, and maybe, just maybe, a new idea for race fuel.
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