The Trail Network Podcast

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!