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 ...
Episode 41: Courtney Olsen - Reflections on Her Record Breaking Year in 2024 and Professional Changes and Brand Challenges She’s Navigating Heading into 2025
In this episode of the Trail Network podcast, hosts Leah Yingling and Rachel Drake are joined by the incredible Courtney Olsen who had an unforgettable 2024 racing season. Courtney placed third at Comrades, set a world record at the Tunnel Hill 50-Miler, secured a top-10 finish at the World’s 100K Race, and was recently voted number six in the Ultra Runner of the Year rankings.
In this conversation, they dive into Courtney’s standout performances on the global stage, where she has represented Team USA in the 50K and 100K World Championships four times, leading many of those teams to podium finishes. Courtney also discusses the importance of strong sponsorships, what it means to build meaningful brand partnerships, and the mindset it takes to achieve success in ultrarunning.
Courtney’s authenticity and insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about running and the ultra community.
Talking Points:
Highlights of Courtney’s incredible 2024 racing season
Placing third at Comrades Marathon
Setting a world record at the Tunnel Hill 50-Miler
Top-10 finish at the World’s 100K Race
Representing Team USA in the 50K and 100K World Championships
Leading USA teams to podium finishes
Insights on meaningful sponsorships and brand partnerships
Reflections on her journey in ultrarunning
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, use the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.
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Episode 40: Allie Ostrander - New Sponsorships, Balancing Roles, and Prioritizing Mental Health
In this episode of the Trail Network podcast, hosts Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth are joined by elite runner and content creator Allie Ostrander. Allie shares insights into her new sponsorship with Oiselle, her experiences balancing a professional running career with content creation, and how she navigates both trail and track worlds. The conversation delves into the lessons she’s learned on the trails, her passion for mental health advocacy, and the hobbies that help her find balance outside of running. It’s a fun and thoughtful discussion that highlights Allie’s journey, her reflections on 2024, and her aspirations for the future.
Talking Points:
-What shoes Allie is currently using for her runs
-Her new sponsorship with Oiselle and why she chose them
-Transitioning from NNormal and Brooks Beasts to Oiselle
-Navigating contract negotiations with sponsors
-How she initially reached out to brands
-The many roles Allie juggles as an athlete and creator
-Starting her podcast, Every Step of the Way
-How her relationship with Spencer Brown has influenced her content creation
-Finding hobbies and interests outside of running
-Lessons learned on the trail in 2024
-Being coached by David Roche
-Prioritizing mental health while striving for peak performance


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!


Follow Allie:

Allie on Instagram: @allie_ostrander

Allie on YouTube: @allie_ostrander

Allie’s Podcast: Every Step of The Way
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Episode 39: Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to Big Things in the New Year
In this special New Year’s episode, hosts Hilary Yang, Leah Yingling, Rachel Drake, and Katie Asmuth come together on New Year’s Eve to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of the past year. From creative endeavors and unexpected turns to balancing race calendars with life outside the sport, the hosts share personal insights and what they’re carrying forward into 2025. It’s a heartfelt, honest conversation about growth, adaptability, and big plans on the horizon.
Talking Points:
A pulse check: how everyone is feeling as the year wraps up
What was planned for 2024 versus what actually happened
Hilary’s creative pursuits within the sport
Balancing individual race calendars with outdoor adventures beyond competition
Key lessons learned in 2024 and intentions for the year ahead
A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to check out their amazing products!
This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. Happy New Year from the whole team!
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Episode 38: Tim Tollefson - The Mammoth Trailfest, Training Changes, and a BIG Announcement About The Mammoth
In this episode, hosts Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth sit down with Tim Tollefson, elite trail runner, race director, and advocate for public lands. Tim shares insights into his life as an athlete, entrepreneur, and partner, while reflecting on the impact of Mammoth Trailfest and the broader trail running community. Plus, Hilary and Tim drop a big announcement toward the end of the podcast that you won’t want to miss!
Talking Points:
What’s coming up for Tim in 2025
Changes Tim will be making in his training for 2025
Balancing life and training with his partner, Lindsay, and prioritizing both of their careers
Tim’s involvement with Runners for Public Lands
How trail runners can become better stewards of our surroundings
Required trail maintenance as a component of race participation
Tim’s journey as a race director and business owner
His work as a physical therapist and the leap to leave a traditional job
Embracing uncertainty and diving headfirst into new challenges
The Mammoth 200 and its vision for the future
A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to check out their amazing products!
This podcast is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.
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Episode 37: Leah and Hilary React to the News That They Both Got Selected to Run Hardrock 100 in 2025
In today’s episode, Leah Yingling and Hilary Yang share their reactions to being selected for the 2025 Hardrock 100, reflecting on the years of effort it took to secure their spots in the iconic race. They discuss what the event means to them, their thoughts on the course and culture, and how ultrarunning continues to evolve.
A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Go to Osprey.com to check out their products!
This podcast is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.
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.
South Africa