EP 25: Olympic Dreams, the Story of Track Town Pizza, and Retiring At 31 with My Dad (Part 1)

Hello, and welcome back to the Shadows Run Podcast! 

This episode features the first half a conversation with my dad, Tom Happy. Beyond being a parent to myself and my younger brother, throughout his life Tom has been a runner; a business owner; a philanthropist; an avid adventurer; and an engaged community member serving on a number of volunteer-based boards operating within the city of Eugene, Oregon. 

In this half of our conversation we discuss my dad's running career, and the somewhat tragic ending that it came to. We also talk about the healing journey he has been on in recent years, and the ways in which he is grateful for that setback early in life as he looks back now. 

We talk about his childhood and what it was like growing up in the 60s and 70s. He also shares about how being the oldest in a big family, where he had to navigate a number of challenging relationships and substance abuse issues with close family members, impacted him and the way he has come to operate in the world.

And finally, we talk about my dad's highly unusual 10 year career, running Track Town Pizza from 1981 to 1991 and for all intents and purposes retiring at 31. 

This one is jam-packed with stories and insights. Thank you for being here!