The Trail Network Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 70: Kaytlyn Gerbin: From Hip Surgery and Motherhood to Cascade Crest Victory Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

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!

Episode 69: Chasing Joy & Crushing Miles: Rachel Entrekin on Running Her Own Way Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

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!

Episode 68: Leah Yingling’s Birth Story Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

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!

Episode 67: Rediscovering the Fire: Recovery, Racing, and the Joy of Doing Hard Things Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

Episode 66: Hilary Yang’s Hardrock 100: A Journey Through the Lowest Lows and Strongest Finish Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

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 miles
Struggling through severe nausea, multiple vomiting episodes, and long stretches without crew support
Mentally navigating the lowest points on course while running almost 12 hours without pacers
A dramatic late-race comeback after mile 75 with the help of an incredible crew and pacers
Racing the clock to avoid cutoffs, summiting iconic Grant Swamp Pass at sunset, and passing over a dozen runners in the final miles
A terrifying fall four miles from the finish and pushing through hallucinations to kiss the rock

Hilary and Katie also discuss key takeaways, including:

Lessons learned about fueling at altitude and adapting when things go wrong
The crucial role of her crew and pacing team in turning the race around
Hilary’s thoughts on going back to Hardrock in the future
A sneak peek into the upcoming documentary Billy Yang is producing about Hilary’s Hardrock journey

This 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.

Episode 65: Hot Takes and High Altitude: Summer Training, Aid Station Equity, and the Future of Trail Running Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

Episode 64: Western States: Media Mayhem and Why It Was the Best Year Yet Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In this post-Western States 100 episode of the Trail Network Podcast, Leah Yingling, Hilary Yang, and Rachel Drake unpack the whirlwind of race week—both on the ground and from afar. They reflect on what made this year’s race feel so dynamic, unpredictable, and inspiring.

They dive into everything from media chaos, crewing logistics, and coverage parity to the breakout performances from Abby Hall and Caleb Olson. Hilary shares behind-the-scenes insight from her documentary and social media work and Leah talks about the surprising spark that made her want to return to the race more than ever.

Other highlights include:

The explosion of media at Western States and how it’s reshaping race day
Why this year’s women’s race coverage felt different—in a good way
Stories of resilience, including the Golden Hour Runner and race-day improvisations
Pregnant adventuring, postpartum plans, and what’s next for Hilary as she heads to Hardrock

Whether you were on the escarpment or watching from home, this episode captures the electric energy of Western States and why 2024 may have been the most memorable year yet.

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.

Episode 63: Time to Talk States: Geeking Out on the Women of Western States 100 Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

In this special in-person episode recorded live from Olympic Valley, co-hosts Katie Asmuth, Leah Yingling, and Hilary Yang dive deep into the 2025 Western States 100 women’s field. With race day tomorrow, the trio goes full trail nerd mode on everything from top contenders and international shake-ups to training blocks, Strava sleuthing, and personal insights.

They break down race favorites, explore exciting dark horses, and spotlight powerful storylines. They also talk age group potential, debut 100-milers, and who might break the masters record this year.

You'll also hear behind-the-scenes training tidbits, pacer prep, what makes this year’s field so uniquely deep and international, and even some spicy pre-race speculation: Who might top the escarpment first? Who’s secretly training in heat suits? And who’s a quiet killer ready to make a big move?

It's a celebration of fierce women, racing guts, and the wild beauty of Western States 100. Let’s go.

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.

Episode 62: Trail Wisdom & First Steps: Advice for New Runners, Community Roots, and Gear Essentials Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Trail Network, Leah Yingling, Katie Asmuth, and Rachel Drake tackle listener-submitted questions — from the most essential pieces of gear to the do’s and don’ts of early trail running. They reflect on their own first races, share stories from their original local trail crews, and discuss the learning curve that shaped their ultra journeys.

The trio dives into topics like:

The gear they wish they had when they started (spoiler: good socks and GPX watches go a long way)
Why finding your local trail community might be the best investment of all
Navigating the overwhelming flood of information in today's media-heavy running scene
Training structure for long ultras — whether double runs or extended sessions work best
The beauty of learning through mistakes (hello, 5-hour “easy” runs with one snack)

Plus, they explore the value of coaching, celebrate female-led races pushing for parity in the sport, and close with a few words of wisdom for anyone just starting out.

A perfect listen for new runners, seasoned trail vets, and anyone chasing joy out on the dirt.

Teaser for next time: How would the crew race Western States if they were toeing the line this year? Tune in next week for that deep dive.

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.

Episode 61: Ebb & Flow: Racing, Nutrition, and Rediscovering Joy in the Run Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Trail Network Podcast, hosts Leah, Hilary, and Katie reconnect for a heartfelt roundtable about where running fits in different seasons of life—physically, emotionally, and logistically.

Hilary kicks things off with a recap of her recent Malibu Canyon 50 miler, which she ran just days after a root canal. She shares what it was like to race while experimenting with new nutrition strategies from her work with Meredith Terranova, and how dialing in her fueling gave her the confidence boost she needed ahead of Hardrock.

Katie follows with a recap of the Silver State 50K, a sweltering grassroots race in Reno that surprised her with community, connection, and a fierce competitor who shattered the course record. She reflects on how racing has changed now that her kids are older—and why she's committed to showing up, even when her fitness isn’t at its peak.

Leah shares what it’s been like to not be in training mode right now and how that distance from competition has reshaped her perspective. The trio opens up about the complexities of returning from injury, growing families, shifting priorities, and the challenge of chasing performance while honoring longevity in the sport.

They also dig into:
– Nutrition lessons from both Hilary’s personal breakthroughs and Leah’s involvement in Lululemon’s Further research
– What makes “training races” valuable (and fun!)
– The unique pressure of trying to hit PRs as life evolves
– The deep emotional tug of being a parent and an athlete
– Upcoming Western States roles, Broken Arrow excitement, and what’s next for Here for the Women’s Race

This conversation is an honest, thoughtful reflection on staying in love with the sport, even when the shape of that love changes.

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.

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