Episode 103: Robyn Lesh’s Path From Sailing to Competing at the Front

Robyn Lesh is one of the most interesting athletes in trail running right now because of how quickly she’s figuring things out and the results that are coming with it.

A former competitive sailor and MIT-trained engineer, Robyn came into trail running without a traditional background in the sport. In just a few years, she’s gone from learning how to pace her first ultras to racing at the front of some of the most competitive fields in the world.

This conversation digs into that progression. What it actually feels like to step up in distance. How you learn to push deeper when you don’t know where the limit is. And what happens when you stop racing cautiously and start racing to compete.

There’s also a lot here beyond results. Robyn shares how her background in sailing shaped her mindset, why she initially stepped away from being an athlete, and what brought her back. The conversation touches on sponsorship, learning in real time, and the moments in races where things start to go sideways — and you have to decide whether to back off or keep going.

It’s an honest look at what it means to still be learning while showing up at a high level, and why that might actually be the advantage.

This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.

A big shout out to our new sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout.

A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!