Episode 58: Juggling Hardrock Training, Race Directing & Big Dreams — A Catch-Up with Hilary Yang
On this week’s episode of the Trail Network Podcast, Katie sits down with fellow co-host Hilary Yang for a much-needed catch-up. Hilary may have been MIA from the mic, but she’s been everywhere else—juggling training for the Hardrock 100, directing the new Mammoth 200-miler, producing storytelling projects, and traveling the globe.They talk about:Behind the scenes of Hilary’s media role at Cocodona 250 (yes, including ramen brands and eucalyptus towels)The wild Korean hill repeats and air blastersTraining on the go—through jetlag, film shoots, and family timeThe emotional relief of finally getting Mammoth 200 permits clearedHow storytelling and racing go hand-in-handWhat she’s learned from Cocodona that she’ll bring to the Mammoth 200And why gratitude is fueling this high-energy, high-output seasonWhether you’re racing, volunteering, storytelling, or just trying to train through the chaos of life—this one’s for you.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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Episode 57: EmKay Sullivan and Abby Hall – The Golden Ticket Gift
In this heartwarming episode of the Trail Network podcast, host Katie Asmuth sits down with two incredible athletes and friends, EmKay Sullivan and Abby Hall, for what just might be the feel-good story of 2025. The trio dives into big life updates—most notably, EmKay’s exciting pregnancy—and the ripple effect it had on her racing season.When EmKay earns a coveted golden ticket to Western States but is unable to use it, she has the opportunity to pass it on to Abby. Together, they reflect on what this moment has meant for them personally and professionally, and how friendship, timing, and mutual respect played a role in this opportunity.Please note: This episode was recorded prior to the Canyons race, so any mentions of race plans reflect that timing.It’s a conversation about gratitude, change, and the power of community in the trail running world. 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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Episode 56: Reflections from Canyons 100k and Mt. Fuji
Leah, Katie, and Rachel catch up to talk all things Canyons 100K, Mt. Fuji, and what’s next. Katie shares an honest look at her experience at Canyons—how the race didn’t unfold as she’d hoped, what she learned through the struggle, and why she’s still proud of what her body accomplished. She also gives a peek into what’s coming up in her training.Rachel reflects on a big life update—her pregnancy announcement—and how crewing for Tyler at Mt. Fuji didn’t quite go as planned. She opens up about the challenges, unexpected emotions, and how she’s processing it all.A conversation about race day lessons, shifting perspectives, and the reality of showing up when things don’t go perfectly.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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Episode 55: 50K at Five Months Pregnant – A Recap with Leah & Mike
Leah Yingling and Mike McMonagle (@shitinthewoods) return to the podcast to recap the Gorge Waterfalls race weekend and what it was like running the 50k together. They cover the record-shattering performances at the 100k and debrief the ups and downs of running a 50k with your partner while 5 months pregnant. The good, the bad, and the ugly. We hope you enjoy!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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Episode 54: Chasing Joy, Ultra Trail Mt. Fuji on the Horizon, and Getting Strategic with Sodium Bicarb
In this week’s episode, Katie and Rachel take the mic to talk about what’s new in their lives and the trail world. Rachel shares what’s ahead for both her and Tyler as they gear up for their trip to Japan and the Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji—where she’ll be racing the 40k. They dive into how having a big adventure on the calendar can shift your mindset, and how race day conditions play a big role in conversations around course records. Katie gives a training update and reflects on the confidence and joy she’s found lately, and how she’s learning to balance focus with fun. The two also dig into performance strategies, including nutrition, hydration, and the science behind sodium bicarbonate. It’s a thoughtful, fun, and refreshingly honest conversation about racing, training, and finding meaning in the process.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.
The Trail Network Podcast brings the untold stories of magical moments amongst trail runners to life. These stories of runners on and off the trail capture the spirit of trailrunning and the power of friendship and connection.
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