The Trail Network Podcast

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. 

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 weekThe women and men to watch on race dayWhy this year's conditions could change the raceKatie's live sweat test with Emily Arrell from Precision Fuel & HydrationHow to think about sodium, sweat rate, and race-day hydrationWhat each of the hosts will be doing on Western States weekendThis 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!

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 sportLeah's recent racing, pacing, and crewing adventures with the Utah trail communityWhat makes the Broken Arrow Triple Crown such a unique challengeThe stacked fields and growing prize money at Broken ArrowBehind the scenes of TrailCon and Western States weekWhy community remains at the heart of trail runningAthletes and storylines to watch heading into Western StatesThis 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. 

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 DiscussedEarning a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100Transitioning from collegiate track to trail ultrasRacing Black Canyon and Canyons 100KTraining with David RocheMedical school, neuroscience, and life beyond runningLearning through first-time experiencesPreparing for a Western States debutGirls on the Run and her marathon fundraiserFinding confidence through curiosity and adventureThis 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!

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.