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The Trail Network Podcast

The Trail Network Podcast celebrates the power of friendship and connection in trail and ultrarunning.

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Yesterday · 1 hr 31 min
Episode 125: The Masters Masterclass: Katie Asmuth, Devon Yanko, Heather Jackson & Carla Molinaro
Four women over 40. Four top-five finishes at the Javelina 100. Four performances that rank among the fastest women's trail 100-mile times ever. Katie Asmuth joins Devon Yanko, Heather Jackson, Carla Molinaro, and Women of Distance host Lauren Kramer for a special crossover episode. They dive into race preparation, strategy, mindset, longevity in ultrarunning, and why masters women are raising the bar in the sport. The masters class is here to stay! Listen to the Women of Distance podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-of-distance/id1756011486 This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout.
November 4 · 53 min
Episode 124: Katie’s Javelina 100 Podium, Hilary’s Return & Embracing Life’s Seasons
The Trail Network crew is back together for a much-needed catch-up! Katie recaps her third-place finish at the Javelina 100, sharing her race strategy, nutrition, and the emotional journey behind one of her strongest performances yet. Hilary returns to the podcast with updates on motherhood, postpartum recovery, and her plans for 2027, while Leah reflects on slowing down after a busy racing season. Together, they discuss finding balance, embracing different seasons of life, and trusting that running will always be there when you're ready to return. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
October 22 · 51 min
Episode 123: Abby Hall: It's Cool to Care
Abby Hall joins Katie Asmuth on The Trail Network for an honest conversation about navigating the highs and lows of professional trail running. Following a challenging season at Western States and UTMB, Abby reflects on the pressure of expectations, the difference between physical fitness and mental readiness, and learning to find value in the process when race results don't go as planned. With a renewed focus on adventure, curiosity, and enjoying the sport beyond competition, Abby shares how she's redefining success, embracing failure, and finding the courage to keep taking big swings. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
October 17 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 122: Lotti Brinks on Mindset, Balance, & Performance
Fresh off her win at the Kodiak 100K, HOKA athlete Lotti Brinks joins Katie Asmuth to reflect on a season that looked nothing like she originally planned but turned into one of her most successful yet. From finishing fifth at Western States to stacking wins throughout the year, Lotti shares how she's learned to embrace flexibility, trust her training, and stay competitive across different distances and terrain. She takes us behind the scenes of her Kodiak victory, where unexpected knee pain leading into the race and debilitating leg cramps for more than 40 miles made simply reaching the finish line a mental battle. Katie and Lotti also dive into her love of mountain biking, the lessons she's carried from big jumps to ultra racing, and how she balances competing at the highest level with leading marketing at a tech startup. They discuss her close relationship with fellow elite runner and sister-in-law Careth Arnold, the meaningful story behind her fern tattoo, and how working with Precision Fuel & Hydration has transformed her approach to race nutrition. With no set race calendar beyond Western States in 2027, Lotti shares why her biggest goal isn't tied to a particular finish line, but to continuing to grow as an athlete while protecting the joy that brought her to trail running in the first place. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
October 3 · 50 min
Episode 121: Leah’s Hardrock News, Katie’s Javelina Plans & A Big Weekend in the Trail World
Katie and Leah catch up after a big few weeks in trail running, from Mammoth Trailfest and the Bear 100 to what’s next in their own racing seasons. They talk about the performances and people that stood out, the energy of being part of the trail community, and the different paths athletes take through the sport. They also get into longevity, mindset, balancing running with the rest of life, and knowing when to push versus when to listen to what your body is telling you. Plus, Leah shares some big Hardrock news, and Katie talks about why another 100-miler might be calling her name sooner than expected. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
September 18 · 51 min
Episode 120: Making Trail Running More Affordable and Sustainable with Take 2 Trail
This week, Katie, Leah, and Rachel talk motherhood in sport, post-UTMB recovery, and their renewed motivation to get serious about strength training. Katie also sits down with Jes Parker, founder of Take 2 Trail, a secondhand trail running gear business making it easier for runners to buy and sell used gear. Jes shares how a pile of unwanted headlamps sparked the idea, how Take 2 Trail works, and why giving gear a second life can make trail running more affordable and less wasteful. Plus, the crew catches up on what’s next after UTMB, from mountain biking and CCC goals to getting “shredded in the backyard.” This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
September 6 · 1 hr 9 min
UTMB 2026: Rachel, Leah & Katie Recap Their Race!
The whole crew is back for a UTMB debrief! Hilary sits down with Rachel Drake, Leah Yingling, and Katie Asmuth to unpack their journeys around Mont Blanc, from the very different paths that got each of them to the start line to everything that unfolded over 100+ miles in the Alps.Rachel shares the emotional roller coaster that had her considering dropping at Courmayeur before turning her race around and ultimately finishing 25th. Leah talks about chasing big goals in an increasingly deep women's field, a nutrition mistake that changed the trajectory of her day, and finding an unexpected teammate in Amanda Basham for the final hours. And Katie reflects on arriving at UTMB with a completely different set of expectations, racing without the pressure to perform, and coming away with a renewed excitement for the sport.They get into the magic of the UTMB start, GI problems, motherhood and racing, learning to problem-solve when things go wrong, the complicated feeling of being both proud and disappointed with a result, and why all three walked away already thinking about what might come next.This is the full Trail Network UTMB recap: the good, the hard, the messy, and everything they learned along the way.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
August 21 · 41 min
Episode 118: Emily Schmitz: Behind the Scenes at HOKA UTMB Camp
Katie sits down with fellow HOKA athlete Emily Schmitz for a casual conversation from France as UTMB gets closer. Emily shares the path that brought her to trail running and eventually to living and training in France, plus a behind-the-scenes look at HOKA’s UTMB camp and what it’s really like preparing for one of the biggest weeks in the sport. With both Katie and Emily gearing up to race UTMB, they dig into the realities of training and racing in the Alps, what they’ve learned from experience on the course, and how they’re approaching race day this year. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
August 2 · 49 min
Episode 117: Inside the Final Month Before UTMB
Leah Yingling and Hilary Yang catch up after a busy few weeks as UTMB training reaches its final stretch. Leah recaps her podium finish at Speedgoat 50K, what clicked mentally on race day, and the nutrition, gear, and pacing lessons she's taking into UTMB. Hilary shares updates as she enters the final weeks of pregnancy, reflects on balancing life beyond running, and the two discuss the importance of stepping away from the sport when it's what you need most. They also chat about the incredible performances at Badwater, the growing depth of women's ultrarunning, the Start Line Project at Speedgoat, and why trail running is at its best when more people have access to the start line. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
July 24 · 1 hr 23 min
Episode 116: Becca Bramley Breaks the High Lonesome Course Record
Fresh off setting a new course record at High Lonesome 100, Becca Bramley joins Katie to share the story behind one of the biggest performances of the summer. They talk about Becca's unconventional path through trail running, balancing racing with a career as a social worker, recovering from a broken arm just months before the race, and why staying patient has been the key to her steady rise in the sport. It's a conversation about resilience, joy, and trusting the process as Becca continues to establish herself among the top women in ultrarunning. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
July 16 · 54 min
Episode 115: Careth Arnold’s Hardrock Debut, Racing Through Pulmonary Edema, and What 30 Hours in the Mountains Taught Her
Careth Arnold's Hardrock 100 debut was anything but ordinary. After finishing second in one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, Careth joins Katie to share what really happened during her 30-hour journey through the San Juan Mountains. From months spent acclimating in Silverton to battling pulmonary edema, wildfire smoke, and the mental challenge of racing when everything starts to unravel, this is an honest conversation about resilience, perspective, and learning from one of the biggest tests of her career. Careth also reflects on balancing elite racing with motherhood, self-coaching, and why she's already looking ahead to UTMB. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
July 9 · 1 hr 16 min
Episode 114: What Western States Taught Tommie Runz
Tommie Runz joins Hilary Yang just days after finishing his first Western States Endurance Run to reflect on one of the biggest experiences of his running career. They talk about the path that brought him from road marathons to trail ultras, how his journey through sobriety continues to shape the way he approaches racing, and what it was like to adapt when race day didn't go according to plan. Beyond the race itself, Tommie shares why representation matters in trail running, the responsibility he feels as a storyteller in the sport, and how staying present has become the foundation for both his running and his life. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. Goodr makes fun, affordable sunglasses designed for movement. Their lightweight, grip-coated frames won't slip or bounce, making them a favorite for running, hiking, travel, and everyday wear. Use the link goodr.com/trailnetwork to get $10 off your first order. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
July 2 · 49 min
Episode 113: Western States 100 Takeaways
Western States delivered one of the most memorable weekends in the race's history, and Katie Asmuth and Leah Yingling are still processing everything they witnessed. From Jenn Lichter's remarkable course record in her 100-mile debut to the incredible depth of both the women's and men's fields, they reflect on the performances that stood out, the lessons learned from pacing and crewing, and why this year's race may have changed how they think about racing 100 milers. They also share behind-the-scenes stories from the course, discuss what surprised them most, and look ahead to the rest of the mountain racing season. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. Goodr makes fun, affordable sunglasses designed for movement. Their lightweight, grip-coated frames won't slip or bounce, making them a favorite for running, hiking, travel, and everyday wear. Use the link goodr.com/trailnetwork to get $10 off your first order.
June 27 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 112: Western States Preview + Katie Gets a Live Sweat Test
Western States weekend is finally here. Hilary Yang, Katie Asmuth, and Leah Yingling catch up from Olympic Valley after one of the busiest weeks of the year, sharing everything from Broken Arrow and TrailCon to Here for the Women's Race events and the excitement building ahead of race day. They also break down the storylines they're most excited to follow at this year's Western States, make a few predictions, and talk through what makes this race unlike any other. Plus, Katie sits down with Precision Fuel & Hydration's Emily Arrell for a live sweat test, learning how sodium concentration, sweat rate, and hydration strategy can impact race day performance. Whether you're racing Western States, your local 50K, or just trying to dial in your fueling, it's a fascinating look at the science behind hydration. In this episode: A behind-the-scenes look at Western States week The women and men to watch on race day Why this year's conditions could change the race Katie's live sweat test with Emily Arrell from Precision Fuel & Hydration How to think about sodium, sweat rate, and race-day hydration What each of the hosts will be doing on Western States weekend This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. Goodr makes fun, affordable sunglasses designed for movement. Their lightweight, grip-coated frames won't slip or bounce, making them a favorite for running, hiking, travel, and everyday wear. Use the link goodr.com/trailnetwork to get $10 off your first order. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
June 18 · 47 min
Episode 111: The Road to Western States: Broken Arrow, TrailCon, and Life Beyond Racing
Western States season has arrived. This week, Hilary Yang and Leah Yingling sit down for a candid catch-up ahead of one of the biggest stretches on the trail running calendar. They talk about Hilary's pregnancy journey, Leah's life balancing training and motherhood, and the realities of staying connected to the sport through changing seasons of life. The conversation also dives into Broken Arrow, TrailCon, Western States, and the athletes they're most excited to watch over the coming weeks. Along the way, they share stories from recent races, discuss parenting while pursuing big goals, and reflect on the community that makes trail running special. In this episode: Hilary's experience navigating pregnancy while remaining deeply involved in the sport Leah's recent racing, pacing, and crewing adventures with the Utah trail community What makes the Broken Arrow Triple Crown such a unique challenge The stacked fields and growing prize money at Broken Arrow Behind the scenes of TrailCon and Western States week Why community remains at the heart of trail running Athletes and storylines to watch heading into Western States This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. Goodr makes fun, affordable sunglasses designed for movement. Their lightweight, grip-coated frames won't slip or bounce, making them a favorite for running, hiking, travel, and everyday wear. Use the link goodr.com/trailnetwork to get $10 off your first order.
June 11 · 45 min
Episode 110: The Gap Year That Led Ellaney Matarese to Western States
Ellaney Matarese thought she was taking a gap year before medical school. Instead, she found herself falling in love with trail running and earning a Golden Ticket to the 2026 Western States 100 less than a year after running her first ultra. In this conversation, Ellaney shares her journey from Harvard track athlete and neuroscience graduate to one of the sport's most intriguing new talents. She reflects on embracing uncertainty, chasing new challenges, and why staying open to unexpected opportunities has shaped both her running and her life. We also talk about Black Canyon, Canyons, preparing for her first 100-miler, and the mindset that has helped her navigate a whirlwind first year in the sport. Topics Discussed Earning a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100 Transitioning from collegiate track to trail ultras Racing Black Canyon and Canyons 100K Training with David Roche Medical school, neuroscience, and life beyond running Learning through first-time experiences Preparing for a Western States debut Girls on the Run and her marathon fundraiser Finding confidence through curiosity and adventure This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. Goodr makes fun, affordable sunglasses designed for movement. Their lightweight, grip-coated frames won't slip or bounce, making them a favorite for running, hiking, travel, and everyday wear. Use the link goodr.com/trailnetwork to get $10 off your first order. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
June 5 · 41 min
Episode 109: Inside the Fueling Strategy Behind Cocodona’s Record-Breaking Run
Precision Fuel & Hydration sports scientist Emily Arrell joins Rachel Drake for a deep dive into the world of endurance fueling. Emily shares what it was like to crew Rachel Entwistle during her record-breaking run at Cocodona 250, the nutrition strategies that helped make it possible, and why preparation starts long before race day. They also unpack Rachel’s recent race at Madeira, discuss sweat testing, sodium intake, carb loading, gut training, and common mistakes athletes make when preparing for long races. Whether you're training for your first ultra or dreaming about a 100-miler, this conversation offers practical insights into how fueling can help you perform at your best. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our new sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. Goodr makes fun, affordable sunglasses designed for movement. Their lightweight, grip-coated frames won't slip or bounce, making them a favorite for running, hiking, travel, and everyday wear. Use the link goodr.com/trailnetwork to get $10 off your first order.
May 29 · 51 min
Episode 108: Film Premiere & Feral CR
Episode 108 brings all four hosts back together for a rare catch-up episode, and the conversation covers everything from ambitious running goals to the realities of trying to fit training into already full lives. Hilary shares the experience of premiering Raise the Bar, her feature-length film celebrating the women of Western States and the athletes who continue to push the sport forward. Rachel reflects on her standout FKT effort on West Grandeur and the challenge of balancing big athletic goals with motherhood, medical training, and everyday life. Leah talks about building toward UTMB, finding motivation in a busy season of life, and the growing sense of community she’s found in Salt Lake City. Katie opens up about navigating family health challenges, illness, interrupted training, and the mental battle of holding onto goals when life keeps throwing curveballs. It’s a conversation about ambition, friendship, perspective, and why showing up imperfectly is often the most important part of the process. Whether you're training for your biggest race of the year or simply trying to squeeze a run into a busy week, this episode is a reminder that progress rarely looks perfect, and that’s okay. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our new sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!
May 21 · 43 min
Episode 107: The Messy Middle of Training and Real Life with Leah and Katie
After a few chaotic weeks away from the mic, Katie is back and catching up with Leah on everything that’s unfolded lately, from her son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis to the emotional whiplash of balancing family crisis with training, racing, and everyday life. It’s an honest conversation about what happens when running suddenly takes a backseat, and how both of them are navigating UTMB build-up while life keeps throwing curveballs. They also get into local race wins, steep Salt Lake climbs, late-night mountain runs, Western States pacing plans, Broken Arrow prep, and the momentum women’s trail running is carrying right now after huge performances from Rachel Entrekin, Tove Alexandersson, and more. Through all of it, this episode comes back to the same idea: running can be part of your life without being your entire identity. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our new sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout.
May 14 · 48 min
Episode 106: Pregnancy, Cocodona, and the Chaos of Trying to Do It All
After a couple missed recording attempts and a very full few weeks, Leah and Hilary finally sit down to catch up. Hilary shares her pregnancy news and what the last few months have looked like balancing training, work, commentary, and just trying to survive the first trimester. The conversation also dives into Cocodona, Rachel Entrekin’s massive performance, the growing momentum behind women’s ultrarunning, and the different ways athletes navigate motherhood, racing, and identity within the sport. They also touch on Western States training camp season, postpartum running, Hilary’s upcoming film premiere, and why this era of trail running feels especially exciting right now. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A big shout out to our new sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

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