The Trail Network Podcast

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.

Katie and Hilary catch up at the start of February as the year suddenly feels like it’s moving fast. The conversation touches on creative momentum, making space for meaningful work, and the mix of excitement and nerves that comes with big plans falling into place. They reflect on racing as both a personal challenge and a mirror for life, especially in seasons where energy, priorities, and perspective are shifting.The episode centers on Katie heading to Tarawera 100K on her 40th birthday, sharing an honest look at preparation, mindset, and what it means to show up fully without knowing how the day will unfold. From trusting training to staying flexible and present, it’s a reminder that sometimes the goal is simply to be in it and let the experience shape what comes next.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.

This week is a trio catch-up with Hilary Yang, Leah Yingling, and Rachel Drake on what life looks like right now in a season that feels maxed out. Rachel shares the reality of balancing anesthesia training, motherhood, and breastfeeding on the job, plus how being a mom has shaped the way she shows up for patients and families.They also dig into training when time and energy are limited, including run commuting, postpartum patience, and why consistency matters more than big mileage. Hilary reflects on burnout after a packed year and the decision to step back from RDing The Mammoth so she can focus on the creative work that truly lights her up. The episode closes with a bigger conversation about defining success in trail running beyond visibility, choosing races and brands that align with your values, and keeping the sport rooted in joy and community.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!

Ryan Montgomery joins Katie Asmuth for an in person conversation from Mammoth Lakes during a training week as he returns from ankle surgery. Ryan shares his long arc in the sport from early hundred milers and adventure driven running to a breakout competitive chapter that included a Golden Ticket and a top 10 at Western States. They talk about what it looks like to address a long term injury, how he is approaching 2026 with a renewed pull toward big adventure and FKTs, and why curiosity and relationships have shaped his path. Ryan also opens up about identity, community, and the mission behind OutTrails, plus how business school and a growing interest in representing athletes fits into the bigger picture of building a sustainable life in and beyond sport.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.

In this episode, Katie Asmuth and Leah Yingling reflect on a full year of The Trail Network Podcast and a year that reshaped the trail running landscape. They look back on standout moments from the sport and the show, from pregnancies and comebacks to breakthrough performances, surprise podiums, and the rise of longer distances like 200-mile races. The conversation touches on storytelling in trail running, why live coverage and long-form narratives are changing how fans connect to athletes, and how rankings, sponsorships, and community support influence the modern professional runner. They also explore accessibility in trail running, from sub-ultra distances to grassroots races, and share thoughts on training races, recovery, fueling, and setting the tone for the year ahead. It’s a reflective, wide-angle look at where the sport has been and where it’s headed.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!