Trail Society

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.

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!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

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!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail  

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!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

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!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail  

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!    FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail  

In Episode 97 of Trail Society, hosts Corrine Malcolm, Keely Henninger, and Hillary Allen dive into a wide range of topics, including the latest news in the world of sports and personal updates from their busy lives. They cover the historic election of Kirsty Coventry as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, along with the growing momentum of women’s basketball, highlighted by record-breaking viewership during March Madness. The episode also touches on the latest developments in sports science, including intriguing research about the impact of marathons on brain health and myelin levels, and a rundown of exciting recent races like Chianti by UTMB, where thrilling battles for golden tickets played out. The hosts also recap their experiences at Big Alta, sharing race results, insights on pacing, and lessons learned from competing in challenging events. The episode also features a deep dive into Keely Henninger's journey as a medical student and competitive athlete. Keely reflects on the challenges of balancing her rigorous medical school schedule with her running goals, admitting that the elusive "perfect balance" is difficult to achieve. Training has become more flexible as she adapts to the stress of school and life, with racing now secondary to her academic commitments. She shares her experience at Big Alta, where she had to adjust her expectations and race strategy, understanding that her priorities have shifted, but her love for running remains strong. Keely’s reflections offer a candid look at the complexities of pursuing big goals in both medicine and athletics, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and realistic expectations when juggling demanding careers and athletic pursuits. NEW SPONSOR ALERT:   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!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

 In this exciting episode of Trail Society, hosts Corrine Malcolm, Keely Henninger, and Hillary Allen dive into a diverse mix of topics ranging from science news to runner safety. The episode kicks off with a reflection on Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, followed by a discussion on recent sports science advancements, including a groundbreaking study on the possibility of female athletes breaking the 4-minute mile barrier. The trio explores a new study modeling how drafting could potentially help elite female runners like Faith Kipyegon achieve that incredible feat, revealing some surprising mathematical insights. The conversation then takes a more personal and urgent turn as the hosts dive into runner safety in response to disturbing statistics on harassment and assault experienced by runners, particularly women. Highlighting a new app called "Running Mate" designed to provide safe running companions, they discuss the growing concerns in the running community and explore how various safety measures can help runners feel more secure. With personal anecdotes and insights from recent high-profile cases, the episode sheds light on the realities of feeling unsafe while running outdoors. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how the running community can foster safer, more inclusive spaces for all athletes. NEW SPONSOR ALERT: 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 TRAILMARCH for 10% OFF! -UPF Deflector: sun hoodie with a UPF 50 rating; lightweight, breathable, quick drying; new cute pink color -Leggy Smashems: 5" compression shorts w/ storage waistband so you can ditch the fuel belt.    Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail  

In episode 95 of Trail Society, hosts Corrine Malcolm, Keely Henninger, and Hillary Allen sit down with two standout researchers from Stanford University—Dr. Morgan Smith and Naiomi Hunter—for an insightful conversation about the intersection of women's health, athletic performance, and wearable technology. Dr. Smith, a sport scientist, coach, and postdoctoral fellow with the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance at Stanford, is passionate about how physiology and metabolism influence performance, especially for women in sport. Her research is grounded in the real world, as she also coaches high school athletes, lifts weights, and enjoys time outdoors with her dog, Reggie. Naiomi Hunter, a PhD candidate in Stanford's School of Medicine, focuses on the menstrual cycle and its impact on female athlete performance through wearable tech and biometric data. With a strong commitment to reproductive justice and healthcare equity, Naiomi’s work seeks to create more inclusive and personalized approaches to reproductive care for marginalized communities. In this episode, they explore the potential of wearables in tracking menstrual cycle data, the challenges in the current research, and why individualized training plans are key to optimizing performance. They also discuss the importance of mentorship for women of color in science, their passion for combining sport and research, and the exciting future of wearable technology in improving athletic health. Follow them here: @Goldenmo_ and @Nnahunter  SPONSORS 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 TRAILMARCH for 10% OFF! -UPF Deflector: sun hoodie with a UPF 50 rating; lightweight, breathable, quick drying; new cute pink color -Leggy Smashems: 5" compression shorts w/ storage waistband so you can ditch the fuel belt.    Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

Join hosts Corrine Malcolm and Hillary Allen as they recap their experience at the Tarawera Ultramarathon in New Zealand. They discuss the challenges of balancing different training demands, listening to their bodies, and not letting one race result define them. The conversation includes reflections on training blocks, race outcomes, and personal experiences, highlighting the importance of goal alignment and processing setbacks. They also dive into the importance of teamwork in addressing mistakes, as well as the highs and lows of race day, from the weather to the wildlife. They share insights into their respective journeys, with Hillary reflecting on the lessons learned and Corrine discussing her 50k race experience. The episode also touches on various topics in the ultra-running world, such as gender disparities in professional sports earnings and a study on the psychology of ultrarunners by Marisa Romeo. The hosts discuss the results of recent races like the Black Canyon and Tarawera, including the golden ticket runs, and offer their thoughts on what's next for them. Listener questions on nutrition, body changes, and the importance of iron levels in endurance athletes add a personal touch to the episode. Throughout, Corrine, Hillary, and the team encourage listeners to invest in themselves and embrace the unpredictable nature of training and racing. SURVEY/STUDY ALERT: A study by listener Marisa Romeo, M.S. who is a Doctoral Candidate in Sport & Performance Psychology @ the University of Western States.  She is aiming to contribute to the broader conversation on mental performance in our sport. She is looking into the psychology and the flow state in ultrarunners.   The study is open to any ultrarunner 18 or older with a race scheduled between now and June 1, 2025. It involves completing two brief surveys—one before and one after their race—each taking about 10 minutes. After the race, participants will receive an email with a link to complete the follow-up survey. LINK TO SURVEY HERE: https://westernstates.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9WTXpYONpjOQwJM.    NEW SPONSOR ALERT: 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!   Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us!  FOLLOW US on Instagram: @trail.society And go follow our NEW youtube channel @trailsociety_podcast   This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail