Trail Society

Latest Episodes:

Episode 107: Anne Flower on Flexibility, Self-Belief, and Using Her Leadville 100 Victory to Elevate Mountain Communities Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Episode 107 of Trail Society kicks off with life updates from Keely and Hillary, before diving into listener-submitted news and research. They discuss a BBC story where undercover officers highlighted the prevalence of street harassment, with 94% of local women reporting experiences of catcalling. This transitions into a conversation around exercise during pregnancy, sparked by a listener question about heart rate guidelines. The hosts review current research showing that, for athletes already active, higher intensity exercise can be safe and even beneficial during pregnancy, lowering risks like gestational diabetes and improving newborn Apgar scores. They emphasize that heart rate is an imprecise measure, and individualized approaches are important.

The main feature of the episode is an interview with Anne Flower, an ER physician and elite trail runner who recently won and set a new course record at the Leadville 100, her debut 100-mile race. Anne shares how she balances training at a world-class level with her demanding medical career, and how lessons from the ER and ultrarunning inform each other. She reflects on her road-to-trail transition, the highs and lows of Leadville, and her mindset of tackling hard things as practice for resilience. Anne also discusses her role as Chief Medical Officer for Mountains to Mountains, her future racing goals, and offers advice for women entering the sport. The episode closes with listener shoutouts, stories of recovery after long races, training adaptations for different terrains, and heartfelt community support, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to uplifting women in endurance sports.

SPONSORSHIP:

We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space! So snag some of the new Trail Society x rabbit line before it's gone!

New Code through the end of August—> HOPPER10

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

Pregnancy and Exercise Research Citations:

Dalhaug EM, Sanda B, Bø K, Brown WJ, Sundgot-Borgen J, Haakstad LAH. Exceeding the guidelines: A descriptive study of exercise, pregnancy, maternal and neonatal health outcomes in elite and recreational athletes. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Apr 23;25(1):475. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-07572-6. PMID: 40269794; PMCID: PMC12020307.

Worska A, Laudańska-Krzemińska I, Ciążyńska J, Jóźwiak B, Maciaszek J. New Public Health and Sport Medicine Institutions Guidelines of Physical Activity Intensity for Pregnancy-A Scoping Review. J Clin Med. 2024 Mar 18;13(6):1738. doi: 10.3390/jcm13061738. PMID: 38541963; PMCID: PMC10971148.

Episode 106: Tour de France Femmes, Body Standards in Female Athletes, and the Psychology of Fatigue Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Episode 106 of Trail Society opens with the hosts catching up after a busy stretch of travel, training, and transitions, sharing experiences from Alaska fast-packing, Wyoming family visits, and runs on hometown singletrack. The conversation then shifts to the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, highlighting Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's long-awaited victory and the breadth of her multi-discipline cycling career. While her win came after a calculated, team-guided performance plan that included a 4 kg weight reduction, the hosts discuss how such strategies can raise health concerns, especially in a sport with a history of under-fueling and the belief that "lighter is always better." They explore the risk that focusing on weight, both in training and in media coverage, can perpetuate unhealthy body standards, particularly for young women who may try to emulate elite athletes without the same medical oversight or resources. The discussion considers how to balance performance optimization with athlete well-being and how coverage could better reflect the complexity of such decisions.

The episode also examines new research on self-efficacy and fatigue, showing how endurance limits are influenced by the brain's ability to predict and sustain effort. Studies on subliminal cues suggest that positive mental inputs can extend performance, reframing fatigue as partly a perception-driven process. Listener "Society Slams" bring forward concerns about limited access to women's race coverage, suggestions for scenic, low-altitude trail races ideal for groups, and lighthearted reflections on dream race snacks that don't sit well mid-run. Through these segments, the episode blends athlete health, sports science, and community conversation.

SPONSORSHIP:

New Code through the end of August—> HOPPER10

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

Articles:

Sweat Science: Why exercise makes us tired: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/why-exercise-makes-us-tired

Cycling Weekly: Double Standards in Cycling :https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/4kg-the-weight-of-a-double-standard-pauline-ferrand-prevot-climbed-into-history-and-all-we-talked-about-was-her-body

Ep 105: Science Corner: Energy Demands of 100 Milers & RED-S and Reproductive Health in Athlete Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 105, the Trail Society crew recaps big performances at recent races, including Katie Schide's record-setting win at Hardrock 100 and fast times from Cascade Crest and HiLo. They highlight events pushing for gender parity on start lines and discuss the return of athletes post-injury and pregnancy. There's also a quick rabbit x Trail Society product update and a listener Q&A about traveling with poles and gear for multi-day run ventures.

The second half of the episode shifts to research: Keely breaks down new studies exploring the effects of RED-S, amenorrhea, and chronic low energy availability on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The team discusses IVF timing, egg freezing, and whether current training loads may impact reproductive health in elite athletes. They also review a study on total energy expenditure during and after a 100-mile race, highlighting the prolonged physiological stress of ultrarunning and its implications for recovery.

SPONSORSHIP:

USE CODE through the end of JULY—> STATES10!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

Episode 104: Coaching Girls Beyond the Finish Line: Mentorship with Coaches Rachel Sanford & Jen Anderson-Ehrlich Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

This week on Trail Society, the team celebrates Hillary's selection to Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships before diving into a timely and thought-provoking conversation on coaching young athletes. Guests Rachel Sanford and Jennifer Anderson-Ehrlich—leaders from Sportswomen of Colorado—share insights into mentoring girls through sport, navigating puberty in athletics, and creating cultures of confidence, leadership, and joy. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers a playbook for supporting the next generation. Don't miss the post-interview Society Slam, where the crew reacts to a new women's sports bar, listener questions about trail bathroom etiquette, and the call for more visibility of historic women in trail running.

SPONSORSHIP:

We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space!

USE CODE through the end of JULY—> STATES10!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

Episode 103: Western States Debrief with Corrine Malcolm and Top-10 Finisher Keely Henninger Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In this electric post-race episode of Trail Society, Corrine Malcolm sits down with co-host and freshly minted Western States Top Ten finisher Keely Henninger to relive the highs, lows, and hard-earned triumphs of this year's race. Keely reflects on her fourth go at WSER, this time arriving with a deeply personal approach, hard-won confidence, and zero obligations to perform for a brand—just herself. From a ferocious women's field to a historic showing by international athletes, Corrine and Keely break down everything that made this year's race unforgettable, including the dramatic chase to crack the top ten.

They dive into Keely's evolving mindset, her take on the lead women going out hot, how it felt to go "on the hunt" post-Foresthill, and how finally nailing her fueling strategy played a pivotal role. The episode touches on gear freedom, team dynamics, and what it's like to finish with joy instead of just survival. With questions from listeners and big-picture reflections, this conversation is a celebration of grit, growth, and the power of running on your own terms.

Episode 102: Caring for Female Athletes with Dr. Lauren Puretz: PCOS, Endometriosis, and Pregnancy Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, ultrarunner, OB/GYN board certified physician, and mom of two Lauren Puretz, DO, returns to the podcast to dive deep into women's health with a focus on athletes navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Lauren discusses complex reproductive health conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, especially how they present uniquely in athletic populations. She emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis, individualization of treatment, and how these conditions can affect energy levels and performance. She offers practical advice for athletes with insulin resistance and stresses the importance of advocacy when pain is being overlooked in clinical settings.

The conversation then shifts into training during pregnancy and the often-overlooked postpartum period, where Lauren draws from both medical expertise and personal experience. She breaks down trimester-specific considerations for athletes, safe return-to-sport strategies, and how tools like belly bands can help. The hosts and Lauren tackle common but under-discussed challenges such as postpartum hormone shifts, fatigue, and breastfeeding demands on athletes. The episode closes with a powerful question on what changes Lauren would make in the medical system to better support female athletes across their reproductive lifespan, highlighting the need for more inclusive, evidence-based care and research for all stages—from puberty to perimenopause.

SPONSORSHIP:

We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space!

USE CODE JUNEBUNNY for 10% OFF in JUNE!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

Episode 101: Caring for Female Athletes with Dr. Lauren Puretz: Hormones, Birth Control & Fertility Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 101 of Trail Society, OB/GYN, ultrarunner, and mom of two Dr. Lauren Puretz joins Corrine, Keely, and Hillary for a candid and insightful conversation about puberty, birth control, and fertility in female athletes. Drawing from both her medical practice and personal experience as an elite endurance athlete, Dr. Puretz breaks down complex topics like energy availability, menstrual health, and hormonal birth control, offering practical advice for athletes navigating these issues. The discussion highlights how puberty and menstruation are affected by training load, the importance of not masking menstrual irregularities with birth control, and how coaches and caregivers can support young athletes during this pivotal time.

The conversation also explores fertility concerns in current and retired athletes, including whether period loss during early athletic years may impact long-term reproductive health. Dr. Puretz discusses proactive steps athletes can take, such as hormone testing and fertility planning, and the growing trend of egg freezing among those delaying parenthood. Her honest and empowering perspective sheds light on the lifelong health journey female athletes face, from adolescence to adulthood, and sets the stage for a deeper dive into pregnancy and postpartum care in the next episode.

SPONSORSHIP:

We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space!

USE CODE JUNEBUNNY for 10% OFF in JUNE!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

100th Episode: What We've Learned, Loved, and Laughed About May 20, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 100 of Trail Society! We could not have made it to 100 episodes without all of your support! In this special AMA-style celebration, Corrine Malcolm, Keely Henninger, and Hillary Allen are back at it—fielding your most thoughtful, hilarious, and heartfelt questions. From Tiger Claw race recaps (hello Big Cat challenge!) to recovery updates and favorite gear drops (psst... the new rabbit Venture shorts are awesome), this episode is packed with stories, reflections, and realness.

We're diving deep into what we've learned from each other—and from you—over 100 episodes, touching on everything from body image and surgery recovery to sponsorship journeys, base training on hills, and what it really means to be an endurance athlete. We're also celebrating the impact of this community, including shoutouts from listeners whose lives have been changed by the conversations here. It's been a wild, joyful ride—and we're just getting started.

SPONSORSHIP:

We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space!

USE CODE TRAILBUNNY10 for 10% OFF in MAY!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

Episode 99: Keely's Journey Back to Western States: From Medical School to the Canyons 100k Podium May 06, 2025

Show notes

In this milestone 99th episode of Trail Society, we go all-in on Keely Henninger's third-place finish at the Canyons 100K, earning her a coveted Golden Ticket to Western States. Keely walks us through her decision to return to Western States, how she managed training on reduced mileage while in med school, and the strategies she used to stay consistent under immense pressure. We dig into the physiology, planning, and mindset shifts that made this comeback possible—including how stepping away from sponsorship has reshaped her relationship with competition.

Listeners will get detailed answers to real questions from the trail community: what does tapering for a 100K really look like? How do you fuel during a freezing wet race? Can long hours on your feet at work substitute for running volume? Keely shares what went right, what she learned from what didn't, and how she's preparing to level up for Western States. Plus, we cover gear (including the story behind those glasses), race-week nutrition tweaks, and how elite women are balancing ambition with authenticity in sport. If you're navigating time constraints, training stress, or racing with less-than-ideal prep—this conversation offers both practical takeaways and serious inspiration.

SPONSORSHIP:

We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space!

USE CODE TRAILBUNNY10 for 10% OFF in MAY!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

Episode 98: Carbs, Creatine & Protein: A Nutrition Deep Dive with Sports Dietician Claire Shorenstein Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 98 of Trail Society, Corrine, Keely, and Hillary recap a big weekend at the Gorge Waterfalls races, touching on standout performances, course records, and the ongoing shift toward spring in the Pacific Northwest. Hillary shares a candid update about choosing to skip a race for safety reasons, tying back to last week's episode on trail harassment. The team also celebrates Abby Hall's last-minute golden ticket to Western States, and they highlight key results from Desert Rats, Mad City, and Lake Sonoma.

The main interview features Sports Dietitian Claire Shorenstein, who breaks down essential nutrition topics for endurance athletes. She covers the basics on supplements, protein needs, creatine use (especially for women), and how to approach high-carb fueling in a realistic, sustainable way. Claire shares what she sees most often in her practice and offers actionable advice for staying consistent, eating enough, and letting go of perfection. It's a practical, no-nonsense conversation for anyone looking to better fuel their training and everyday life.

Follow Claire: @eatforendurance

SPONSORSHIP:

We are so excited to be partnering with rabbit as our primary apparel sponsor this year! Send us some DMS about your favorite apparel and what you would like to see built for the trail running space!

USE CODE RABBITTS10 for 10% OFF!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!

And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

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