The Trail Network Podcast

Today, Hilary Yang sits down with Katie Asmuth to talk about all things Black Canyon race weekend. Katie ran the 100K, and while she was going for a golden ticket and trying to shoot her shot, the day did not go according to plan. However, they were able to dissect the race and understand where it went wrong and pull out a lot of things that hopefully you all will find applicable to your own races! They got into the weeds with talking about nutrition strategy, gear, fueling, and all of the things that can go wrong and how we can reframe our race days when they don't go according to plan. Katie also talks about staying curious during your race to troubleshoot when things to go to plan.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!

⁠Take on Barilla’s Protein Pasta Winter Energy Challenge on the Strava Fitness App⁠Complete 10 days of movement for your Barilla Pasta reward! Go to ⁠https://strava.app.link/barilla⁠And a big thanks to our newest sponsor,⁠⁠⁠Janji⁠⁠⁠, use the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.

In honor of the Black Canyon 100K race weekend, the Trail Network podcast hosts revisits a heartfelt conversation with Trueheart Brown, the 2022 race champion. Trueheart’s victory at Black Canyon was a breakout performance, winning as an underdog at the age of 41 and fully embracing the spirit of the sport. In this conversation, Trueheart shares insights into his journey as a trail runner, the lessons he’s learned through competition, and how he balances training with life’s many demands. His reflections go beyond racing, offering wisdom about resilience, passion, and staying present in the sport. Whether you're gearing up for a race or simply love the community and adventure of trail running, this episode is full of inspiration. This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. Take on Barilla’s Protein Pasta Winter Energy Challenge on the Strava Fitness App Complete 10 days of movement for your Barilla Pasta reward! Go to https://strava.app.link/barilla And a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠⁠Janji⁠⁠, use the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.

We're so happy you're here with us this week. On this week's episode, we dive into some listener questions and chat about the season ahead. We talk about how we balance being competitive in the sport while holding space for planning for families and motherhood. Another topic is balancing and sharing the sport with a partner. We also cover some world championship qualifiers like Gorge Waterfalls and Broken Arrow. And we dive into our favorite winter running hacks. We hope you enjoy this episode! 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!

 Take on Barilla’s Protein Pasta Winter Energy Challenge on the Strava Fitness App Complete 10 days of movement for your Barilla Pasta reward! Go to https://strava.app.link/barilla And a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠⁠Janji⁠⁠, use the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.

In this episode, Rachel, Leah, Hilary, and Katie reconnect to chat about what’s been happening so far in 2025, sharing hot takes and fun stories about life, training, and adventures. The conversation covers Katie’s upcoming race at the Black Canyon 100k, the inspiring work of The Futurist Project, and a spotlight on incredible female athletes and creatives. They also dive into their favorite gear, the value of storytelling in sports and life, and the little things that are keeping them motivated this year. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just a good laugh, this episode has something for everyone!!This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.Take on Barilla’s Protein Pasta Winter Energy Challenge on the Strava Fitness AppComplete 10 days of movement for your Barilla Pasta reward! Go to https://strava.app.link/barillaAnd a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠Janji⁠, use the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.

In this episode of the Trail Network podcast, hosts Leah Yingling and Rachel Drake are joined by the incredible Courtney Olsen who had an unforgettable 2024 racing season. Courtney placed third at Comrades, set a world record at the Tunnel Hill 50-Miler, secured a top-10 finish at the World’s 100K Race, and was recently voted number six in the Ultra Runner of the Year rankings. In this conversation, they dive into Courtney’s standout performances on the global stage, where she has represented Team USA in the 50K and 100K World Championships four times, leading many of those teams to podium finishes. Courtney also discusses the importance of strong sponsorships, what it means to build meaningful brand partnerships, and the mindset it takes to achieve success in ultrarunning. Courtney’s authenticity and insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about running and the ultra community. Talking Points: Highlights of Courtney’s incredible 2024 racing season Placing third at Comrades Marathon Setting a world record at the Tunnel Hill 50-Miler Top-10 finish at the World’s 100K Race Representing Team USA in the 50K and 100K World Championships Leading USA teams to podium finishes Insights on meaningful sponsorships and brand partnerships Reflections on her journey in ultrarunning 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, use the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.

In this episode of the Trail Network podcast, hosts Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth are joined by elite runner and content creator Allie Ostrander. Allie shares insights into her new sponsorship with Oiselle, her experiences balancing a professional running career with content creation, and how she navigates both trail and track worlds. The conversation delves into the lessons she’s learned on the trails, her passion for mental health advocacy, and the hobbies that help her find balance outside of running. It’s a fun and thoughtful discussion that highlights Allie’s journey, her reflections on 2024, and her aspirations for the future. Talking Points: -What shoes Allie is currently using for her runs -Her new sponsorship with Oiselle and why she chose them -Transitioning from NNormal and Brooks Beasts to Oiselle -Navigating contract negotiations with sponsors -How she initially reached out to brands -The many roles Allie juggles as an athlete and creator -Starting her podcast, Every Step of the Way -How her relationship with Spencer Brown has influenced her content creation -Finding hobbies and interests outside of running -Lessons learned on the trail in 2024 -Being coached by David Roche -Prioritizing mental health while striving for peak performance 
 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!

 Follow Allie:
 Allie on Instagram: @allie_ostrander
 Allie on YouTube: @allie_ostrander
 Allie’s Podcast: Every Step of The Way

In this special New Year’s episode, hosts Hilary Yang, Leah Yingling, Rachel Drake, and Katie Asmuth come together on New Year’s Eve to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of the past year. From creative endeavors and unexpected turns to balancing race calendars with life outside the sport, the hosts share personal insights and what they’re carrying forward into 2025. It’s a heartfelt, honest conversation about growth, adaptability, and big plans on the horizon. Talking Points: A pulse check: how everyone is feeling as the year wraps up What was planned for 2024 versus what actually happened Hilary’s creative pursuits within the sport Balancing individual race calendars with outdoor adventures beyond competition Key lessons learned in 2024 and intentions for the year ahead A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to check out their amazing products! This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. Happy New Year from the whole team!

In this episode, hosts Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth sit down with Tim Tollefson, elite trail runner, race director, and advocate for public lands. Tim shares insights into his life as an athlete, entrepreneur, and partner, while reflecting on the impact of Mammoth Trailfest and the broader trail running community. Plus, Hilary and Tim drop a big announcement toward the end of the podcast that you won’t want to miss! Talking Points: What’s coming up for Tim in 2025 Changes Tim will be making in his training for 2025 Balancing life and training with his partner, Lindsay, and prioritizing both of their careers Tim’s involvement with Runners for Public Lands How trail runners can become better stewards of our surroundings Required trail maintenance as a component of race participation Tim’s journey as a race director and business owner His work as a physical therapist and the leap to leave a traditional job Embracing uncertainty and diving headfirst into new challenges The Mammoth 200 and its vision for the future A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to check out their amazing products! This podcast is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.

In today’s episode, Leah Yingling and Hilary Yang share their reactions to being selected for the 2025 Hardrock 100, reflecting on the years of effort it took to secure their spots in the iconic race. They discuss what the event means to them, their thoughts on the course and culture, and how ultrarunning continues to evolve. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Go to Osprey.com to check out their products! This podcast is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.

Dani Moreno, a trail runner and co-host of The Sub Hub Podcast, joins Katie Asmuth for a reflective journey through 2024. They share their favorite trail running highlights, discussing emotional challenges, injury recoveries, and the thrill of events like UTMB and Black Canyon. The duo emphasizes the importance of women's recognition in the sport, alongside celebrating record-setting performances. With personal anecdotes and a focus on community spirit, this conversation inspires listeners to cherish their own trail memories.