The Trail Network Podcast

The Trail Network crew — Rachel Drake, Leah Yingling, Hilary Yang, and Katie Asmuth — reunites to unpack standout moments from UTMB week and to celebrate Rachel’s newest arrival, Chloe Gloria Green. They discuss women’s race coverage and why CCC stole the show, the chaos and beauty of mountain weather management, and how surprising results opened the door for breakout performances. The conversation shifts to a thoughtful debate about finishing versus DNF from an athlete’s point of view, A, B, and C goals that evolve mid-race, and why context matters. Rachel shares a powerful, joyful birth story, Leah gives a peek into newborn life as an ultra-fan, and the team previews upcoming guests and projects.Topics coveredUTMB takeaways: women’s coverage strides, CCC drama, Ruth’s Triple Crown, weather as the main characterBreakout results and shoutouts across CCC and UTMBFinish vs DNF: athlete autonomy, changing goals, and seasons of sportA, B, and C goals explained and how they shift mid-raceRachel’s birth story and meeting ChloeNewborn life updates, community support, and kid-friendly adventuresGear notes: soft carriers and being outdoors with babiesThis episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

In this episode of the Trail Network Podcast, Katie Asmuth, Rachel Drake, and Hilary Yang sit down for a “UTMB 101” conversation. They break down what UTMB is, how it started, and why it has become such a defining event in the trail running world. From its grassroots beginnings in 2003 to today’s week-long festival of eight races across three countries, UTMB represents both the beauty and challenges of the sport. The hosts share personal stories, memories from racing and crewing, and the unique atmosphere in Chamonix that brings together thousands of runners, brands, and fans from around the globe. They also discuss the growth of UTMB under Ironman, the push for equality and inclusion in the sport, and the balance between grassroots values and professionalization. If you’ve ever wondered what makes UTMB the “Super Bowl” of trail running, this episode is your guide.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

ER doctor and trail runner Anne Flower joins host Katie Asmuth on The Trail Network to share the story of her remarkable victory at the 2025 Leadville 100. In her debut 100-miler, Anne broke the 31-year-old course record previously held by ultrarunning legend Ann Trason, finishing in 17:58. She reflects on her path from growing up playing soccer and exploring the outdoors, to discovering running during medical school as a tool for balance, to qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Trials, and eventually stepping into trail ultras. Anne and Katie dive into how she balances a demanding career in emergency medicine with training, her fueling and mindset at Leadville, and how approaching the race with a beginner’s perspective became her biggest strength. Anne also shares about her nonprofit work with Mountains to Mountains and what she hopes for in the next chapter of her running journey.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

In this episode of the Trail Network Podcast Hilary Yang, Leah Yingling and Katie Asmuth catch up on Katie's Leadville experience! Thank you Osprey for supporting this episode of the Trail Network Podcast!

In this episode of the Trail Network Podcast, host Katie Asmuth sits down with elite ultrarunner Kaytlyn Gerbin for an in-depth conversation about her remarkable comeback to racing. From a podium at UTMB and top finishes at Western States to an unexpected hip dysplasia diagnosis, major surgery, pregnancy, and more than two years away from competition, Kaytlyn’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and redefining success.She opens up about stepping away from her career in bioengineering, the mental and physical challenges of recovery, and the acceptance that came with an uncertain athletic future. Katie and Kaytlyn discuss the slow and intentional build back to running, the role hiking played in her rehab, and how she balances motherhood, competitive racing, and ambitious mountain projects. Kaytlyn reflects on her recent win and fourth-place overall finish at Cascade Crest 100—her first ultra back—despite pre-race challenges and a week-earlier mountaineering expedition.The conversation also dives into her Emmy-winning North Cascades High Route project, the process of pitching and executing major adventures for sponsors, and her passion for balancing competitive goals with exploratory expeditions. Kaytlyn offers thoughtful advice for athletes navigating comebacks, emphasizing patience, flexibility, and focusing on what you can do rather than what you can’t.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

In this episode of the Trail Network Podcast, Hilary Yang sits down with one of the most exciting names in ultrarunning right now, Rachel Entrekin. With a 16-race win streak and a course record at both Cocodona 250 and High Lonesome, Rachel has quickly risen through the ranks — but it's her grounded perspective, hilarious stories, and genuine love for the sport that make this conversation shine.Rachel opens up about her conservative upbringing, how running helped her rewrite her own narrative, and why community and joy are at the center of her racing decisions. She and Hilary talk about the power of representation in sport, the mental game behind 200s, and the underrated beauty of staying curious and not taking yourself too seriously.From ditch naps and carrying a literal rock in a race, to strategic course breakdowns and professional crossroads, this is a refreshing, candid conversation about what it means to keep showing up — for the love of it.Listen on Spotify and follow @trailnetworkpod on Instagram for guest updates, behind-the-scenes, and more inspiring stories from the trail.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

On this special episode of the Trail Network podcast, hosts Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth sit down with Leah Yingling to hear her birth story. Leah shares how her life shifted unexpectedly when she had to be induced, opening up about the challenges, emotions, and joys of becoming a new mom. This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of vulnerability, community, and support in navigating life’s biggest transitions.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

In this episode of the Trail Network Podcast, Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth reconnect for a conversation about what comes after the finish line—specifically Hilary’s recovery from the Hardrock 100 and Katie’s win at the Tahoe Trail 50K. Hilary shares the mental and physical roller coaster of post-race recovery, from breathing freely again to jogging in Canada with a renewed sense of freedom. She and Katie reflect on the importance of giving space for rest, honoring the magnitude of what the body has just accomplished, and resisting the urge to jump to the next goal too quickly.Katie opens up about what it meant to feel her racing fire return at Tahoe after a long injury comeback. She describes the mental breakthrough of trusting her body again and feeling genuinely competitive, even after a frustrating mid-race navigation issue. With Leadville on the horizon, Katie dives into what excites her most: the opportunity to problem-solve at high altitude and test herself in a whole new way.The conversation widens to the broader themes of identity, resilience, and how trail running becomes a mirror for who we are and how we grow. They explore how transformation can happen through hard things—whether that’s a hundred-mile race, an injury comeback, or simply getting out the door when life is pulling in a million directions. They honor the unique strength of trail running’s varied bodies and stories, and answer listener questions about body image, race gear, and how to find your first 100-miler.This episode is both grounding and uplifting—reminding us that there’s power in the process, beauty in the imperfection, and growth in simply showing up.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!And a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠Janji with the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.

This week on the Trail Network Podcast, Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth sit down for a full race recap of Hilary’s experience at the 2025 Hardrock 100. Katie was on the ground at Hardrock crewing and pacing, and in this episode she interviews Hilary about every stage of her race — from the difficult lead-up to the finish line in Silverton.Hilary breaks down the most challenging moments of the race, including:Battling altitude, cold temperatures, and wildfire smoke within the first 10 milesStruggling through severe nausea, multiple vomiting episodes, and long stretches without crew supportMentally navigating the lowest points on course while running almost 12 hours without pacersA dramatic late-race comeback after mile 75 with the help of an incredible crew and pacersRacing the clock to avoid cutoffs, summiting iconic Grant Swamp Pass at sunset, and passing over a dozen runners in the final milesA terrifying fall four miles from the finish and pushing through hallucinations to kiss the rockHilary and Katie also discuss key takeaways, including:Lessons learned about fueling at altitude and adapting when things go wrongThe crucial role of her crew and pacing team in turning the race aroundHilary’s thoughts on going back to Hardrock in the futureA sneak peek into the upcoming documentary Billy Yang is producing about Hilary’s Hardrock journeyThis is a raw and honest episode about what it takes to finish one of the hardest mountain ultras in the world. Hilary reflects on the months and years of preparation that led to this moment, how she stayed mentally engaged despite major setbacks, and why finishing Hardrock was about much more than a finish time.Listen in for a true behind-the-scenes look at Hardrock 100 through the eyes of a first-time finisher.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!And a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠Janji with the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.

Katie Asmuth hosts this lively and thoughtful episode from Leadville, Colorado, alongside Riley Brady and Ellie Pell. Fresh off a 28-mile run above 10,000 feet, the trio dives into a wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, hot takes, and real questions about the future of the sport.Topics covered include:Leadville ambitions – Katie reveals her goal to race Leadville and shares what makes qualifying so unique.The GPS watch dilemma – Why do navigation tools still miss the mark on trail accuracy?Western States reflections – Riley shares insights after a tough day at States and what it was like running through a packed, high-energy escarpment.Should top contenders get different treatment? – A deep dive into whether elites deserve streamlined aid station support, and how the sport might better serve athletes at every level.Standardizing rules in ultras – From pacer regulations to course-cutting consequences, the group debates how much should be uniform across races.Gear gripes and wish lists – The trio wants lighter gels, faster hydration packs, better laces, and athlete-only zones for ravenous post-run athletes.Sponsorship honesty – They call out the all-too-common trend of athletes endorsing gear they don’t actually use.Coach talk – From Corinne Malcolm to Tyler Green and Rick Floyd, they shout out great coaches and emphasize the importance of honest communication and coach-athlete fit.Favorite sports moments – From crossword gold stars to Angel Reese’s iconic NCAA gesture, they share moments that inspired or cracked them up.This episode blends trail talk with bigger conversations about competition, fairness, and how the sport is evolving. Whether you're racing at the front, pacing a friend, or dreaming of your first ultra, there's something here for every trail runner.Listen in for: laughs, spicy takes, and a few ideas the trail world still isn’t talking about.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!And a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠Janji with the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.