This episode is made possible by Arc’teryx.

Today, Katie Asmuth chats with Eszter Csillag. Eszter is a professional ultrarunner for Hoka and the mom of two girls, and just defended her PhD in art history this year.

We recorded in person at our Airbnb in Old Town Auburn at Western States Training camp which really kicks of Western States season! Today, we learn about Eszter’s background with running, how we worked together for 3rd at 4th at Western States last year. She spoke about the attempt at Western States and UTMB in the same year, what she thinks about failure, and the races she has dominated since then. Eszter shares about what she calls “the machine” - the community of help that it takes to make this all happen.

We hope that you enjoy this episode and that you’ve caught Western States fever like both of us!

Arc’teryx took their obsessive design approach and applied it to the most important point of contact with the mountains: your feet. Because when you’re out there, every step matters. Introducing the Sylan Shoe, which features a propulsive rocker, grippy Vibram outsole, and a cushy midsole to help you cover those mountain miles.

What we talked about:

2:45- Racing Western States

3:30- Her intro into the sport

6:55- How her family has shifted to allow her to chase her dreams in the sport

15:00- Western States 2023

22:05- What’s different for Eszter heading into Western States this year

25:35- How she made a comeback after a tough race at UTMB last year

27:30- Receiving a PhD in art history

29:55- Fighting for equality for women in sport

Show notes:

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