In Episode 87 of Trail Society, the gang is back together for a deep dive into the intersection of ultra running and cognitive performance. Corrine, Hillary, and Keely unpack recent research from the world of Backyard Ultras, where a group of Belgian scientists explored the effects of extreme endurance on the brain. The study, conducted during an April 2023 event, found that while sleep deprivation and fatigue did slow reaction times, for the athletes that lasted the longest, physical performance remained stable. This episode explores how mental fortitude — the ability to push through the struggle to continue — might be just as critical as physical endurance in ultra running and beyond. Can the mental endurance required for these extreme races teach us how to better manage our effort and focus in other areas of life?

We also shift gears into the world of self-esteem and positive self-talk, exploring how these mental strategies can enhance athletic performance and improve overall well-being. With insights from psychological research, Hillary guides us through the latest findings on how positive self-talk can boost motivation and confidence in athletes. Whether you're running a race or tackling a big challenge in life, the ability to stay focused, motivated, and positive can make all the difference. Tune in for a conversation on how ultra runners and everyday athletes alike can leverage their mental game to go further, faster, and stronger.

We are launching our own YOUTUBE channel! Subscribe and watch us live every week and stay tuned for other drops in the future! <3

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

www.freetrail.com - subscribe and JOIN US IN SLACK

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Our Title Sponsor is The Feed!!! Follow the link to get $20 to spend every quarter ($80 every year!): https://thefeed.com/trailsociety + a cool Trail Society water bottle!

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Articles:

Outside: How Often Should You Replace Your Sports Bra? https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/how-often-should-you-replace-sports-bra/

Outside Debrief on Backyard Ultra Article by Alex Hutchinson: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/effects-of-backyard-ultras/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11451558/

Self Esteem and Self-talk Articles:

Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2022). Is high self-esteem beneficial? Revisiting a classic question.American Psychologist, 77(1), 5–17.

https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2022-48842-002.html

Park SH, Lim BS, Lim ST. The Effects of Self-Talk on Shooting Athletes' Motivation. J Sports Sci Med. 2020 Aug 13;19(3):517-521. PMID: 32874104; PMCID: PMC7429435.

Join hosts Corrine Malcolm and Keely Henninger as they delve deep into the art of fueling for success, with a special focus on Corrine’s upcoming race at the Javelina Jundred.

In this episode, they talk about some of the latest research on carbohydrates, emphasizing individualization of carbohydrate ingestion and how body size and gender can impact glucose oxidation rates. With Javelina around the corner, Corrine reveals how she plans to implement her carbohydrate-rich fueling plan to ensure peak performance on race day.

Plus, they touch on the race results and the latest developments in women’s sports, including contract changes in the NWSL and the launch of Allyson Felix's new sports management firm designed to empower female athletes.

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

www.freetrail.com - subscribe and JOIN US IN SLACK

&

Our Title Sponsor is The Feed!!! Follow the link to get $20 to spend every quarter ($80 every year!): https://thefeed.com/trailsociety + a cool Trail Society water bottle!

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

Articles:

Alyson Felix Launches Female Focused SM

NSWL announces disciplinary action to Angel City FC

Women's Marathon Record Goes Down - NPR

Exogenous Glucose Intake and Body Size

In Episode 84 of Trail Society, hosts Corrine Malcolm and Keely Henninger take a critical look at the contentious topic of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), diving deep into a recent article that questions the syndrome's validity and its implications for athlete health. They engage in a lively debate about how RED-S is diagnosed and whether it risks becoming a catch-all term, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to athlete care. The episode also touches on the broader issues surrounding the wellness industry, prompted by findings from Lulu Lemon's Global Wellbeing Report, which highlight the societal pressures that can lead to “wellbeing burnout.” Additionally, the hosts celebrate the Athlos track meet as a pivotal moment in elevating women’s running, sharing updates on significant race results, including Tara Dower's remarkable FKT on the Appalachian Trail and Careth Arnold's course record at The Bear. With listener questions and personal anecdotes, this episode challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of health and performance in the athletic realm

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

www.freetrail.com - subscribe and JOIN US IN SLACK

&

Our Title Sponsor is The Feed!!! Follow the link to get $20 to spend every quarter ($80 every year!): https://thefeed.com/trailsociety + a cool Trail Society water bottle!

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

Sources/Links:

Athlos Track Meet by Christine Yu https://christinemyu.substack.com/p/a-night-at-the-track?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ6HOiHhRZjKv4GqQIqNUw-BT7ByRjhVDH2vva5vCHzBnOpHAPSWUXM6vo_aem_5iYrgqcOkEqp70qYE6_tsw

Lululemon Wellness Industry Report: https://sportswirewomen.com/lululemons-global-wellbeing-report-shows-the-pressure-to-keep-up-with-wellbeing-is-making-people-feel-unwell/

Does Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Syndrome Exist? https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-024-02108-y

McKenndre Hickory House Fire fundraiser: https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/hickory-house-fire