Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textI’m joined by Calgary-based sub-elite runner and coach Leanne Klassen, who is heading to Chandler, Arizona to race in the professional field of The Marathon Project. A two-time past guest and friend of the pod, Leanne returns with an inside look at what it’s like preparing for one of the fastest marathon stages in North America.We talk about her 8-week build under coach Malindi Elmore (fresh off her 2:24:53 Canadian 45-49 record!), how she navigated a lingering calf niggle, and what it’s like balancing elite-level training while parenting two busy young girls. Leanne also opens up about imposter syndrome, seizing big opportunities, and her bold goal of running sub-2:40 — maybe even hanging onto Jess McClain’s OTQ pace group.She also shares her experience training with the Lever Movement system, which helped her stay healthy during this condensed build.If you love stories of courage, belief, and chasing the edge of possibility, this episode will fire you up for race week at The Project.Partner:Visit levermovement.com and use Inspired20 for 20% off OR use this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/Inspired20Connect with Leanne:Instagram: @leanneklassen7Website: leanneklassen.caPast appearances on Inspired SolesEp 225 with Coach Malindi Elmore | Project 2:40: How a Sub-Elite Marathoner Ran Faster by Training SmarterEp 155: Navigating Injuries With GraceConnect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends,

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textIn this episode, Carolyn chats with Collingwood, ON entrepreneur and endurance athlete Sarah Beairsto, founder and CEO of Send It Cards — greeting cards for those who sweat. Sarah shares the origin story behind her brand, how movement and creativity intertwine in her life, and the joy she finds in helping people connect in meaningful, authentic ways. We explore the parallels between training for endurance sport and building a business, her mission to support girls in sport, the emotional journey of entrepreneurship, and how she’s now fostering community through beginner run clinics.Partner:Visit levermovement.com and use Inspired20 for 20% off OR use this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/Inspired20Connect with Sarah:Instagram: @senditgreetingcards Website: senditcards.comConnect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textThis episode is brought to you by Lever Movement, the bodyweight-support treadmill system that has been key in keeping Carolyn injury-free this build.With just a few weeks to go, Johnny and I sit down to talk about how our training is really going heading into The Marathon Project — aka “The Project.” We break down the latest race updates (celebrity pacers, HOKA as presenting sponsor, free Rocket X 3s for the Gold Wave, and the Privateer program), plus:our race goals (Sub-2:39 for Johnny + sub-3:20 for me)what’s working in our trainingstaying healthy (Lever!)the Puma Fast R3 shoe fiasco 😂why committed amateurs care so much about performanceLanguage warning! There’s some swearing (thanks Johnny), so headphones might be a good call if little ears are around.Partner:Visit levermovement.com and use Inspired20 for 20% off OR use this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/Inspired20Connect with Johnny:Previous Inspired Soles episodes:EP 240: Sub-35 10K & Ottawa Race Weekend RecapEP 230: Ask Carolyn Anything + Colour Commentary from JohnnyEP224: Do You Control Strava, or Does It Control You?EP 211: Coffin's Chicago Marathon Recap: The Bodily Fluids EpisodeEP 202: Paris Olympic Track & Marathon Recap EP 55: Road to the 2021 Boston MarathonEP 12:

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textIn this episode, Carolyn sits down with Kristian Warwick — host of The Marathon Podcast, filmmaker, and 2:47 marathoner living in Oslo. Kristian shares how a lifetime in competitive speed skating shaped his rapid rise in the marathon, why he’s dreaming boldly about running 2:25, and what it’s like being coached by Jon Green. He also opens up about his unique approach to supporting emerging professional runners through direct athlete sponsorship, backed by his creative work at Wiild Studios. Kristian’s zest for life, belief in giving back, and passion for storytelling make this a truly inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.Connect with Kristian:Podcast: The Marathon PodcastInstagram: @the.marathon.podcast & @warwick.runsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WarwickrunsConnect with Inspired Soles & Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinBrowse 260+ episodes in the archivesSubscribe, rate & review to support the showYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textToday’s guest is 39-year-old Rachel Hannah, the newly crowned 2025 Canadian Marathon Champion from the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Rachel is a six-time national champion, PanAm Games bronze medallist, Registered Dietitian, and Sports Nutrition Consultant for Maurten. In this episode, we talk about how she’s running some of her best performances nearly a decade after setting most of her PBs, the role proper fueling has played in staying healthy after past bone stress injuries, and how she’s trained her gut to handle 80+ grams of carbs per hour on race day. Rachel also shares common nutrition mistakes she sees in runners, practical guidelines for everyday athletes, and mindset strategies she leans on when racing gets tough.Rachel is now preparing to chase a new personal best at The Marathon Project on December 21st in Arizona.Topics We Cover:Winning the 2025 Canadian Marathon ChampionshipsGut training & carb targets for marathonersAvoiding under-fueling and RED-SMindset and self-talk under pressureConnect with Rachel:Instagram: @rachelhannahrdWebsite: https://rachelhannahrd.com/Connect with Inspired Soles & Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinBrowse 260+ episodes in the archivesSubscribe, rate & review to support the showYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textToday I sit down with I’ll Have Another creator and Sandyboy Productions founder Lindsey Hein to announce that Inspired Soles is officially joining the Sandyboy Productions podcast network. Lindsey interviews me about:·      The mission behind Inspired Soles·      What’s happening in Canadian distance running·      Why runner storytelling matters·      My background in coaching, physiotherapy & kinesiology·      The importance of chasing your dreams (no matter your age)What Sandyboy x Inspired Soles collaboration means moving forwardIf you love conversations about performance, coaching, and community, this episode is for you.Connect with LindseyInstagram: @lindseyhein626 Sandyboy Productions: @sandyboyproductions Website: https://sandyboyproductions.comConnect with Inspired Soles & Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinBrowse 260+ episodes in the archivesSubscribe, rate & review to support the showYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textKevin Smith is a 56-year-old masters runner and multiple Canadian record holder from Mississauga, Ontario. When he turned 55, Kevin set out on an audacious mission: to chase 12 Canadian road running records in 12 months. He achieved 6 of them — and “failed” at 6 — but Kevin doesn’t see that as a setback. For him, failure is simply the toll we pay for chasing big dreams. And nobody, he claims, has failed more than he has!Kevin discovered his potential as a high school athlete under the guidance of a coach who helped him fall in love with the sport. But his journey has been far from linear. Kevin has battled more than his fair share of injuries over the years — any one of which could have ended his running career. A physiotherapist once told him he should have never taken up the sport in the first place! Instead, Kevin doubled down on understanding his body, created what he calls "exercise snacks," and learned the importance of the other 23 hours a day when he’s not running.Those decades of perseverance have paid off. Kevin is now one of the top masters runners in North America… and even the world. Along the way he built a business — Marathon Dynamics Inc.— to help others train smarter, stay healthy, and keep chasing their own finish lines.If you're an injury-prone runner or someone who feels like you’ve had more setbacks than successes, this episode will inspire you to keep going. Because with enough patience, curiosity, and grit, you too can become a “pretty old runner who runs pretty fast.”In This Episode, We Talk About:How Kevin reignited his passion for running later in lifeThe mindset behind his “12 records at 55” questWhy failure is a critical ingredient of successHow he gamified Strava and embraced “exercise snacks”The key lifestyle habits that matter more than mileageHis role as coach and founder of Marathon DynamicsWhy it’s never too late to get fasterKevin’s Canadian M55-59 Records5 Mile - 27:51 - Waterloo Runway 5 Miler - Aug 202515K - 53:19 - (within the) Cherry Blossom 10 Mile (Wash/US) - Apr 202510 Mile - 57:29 - Cherry Blossom 10 Mile - Apr 2025 (had broken/set the record previously in Dec 2024 at the Boxing Day 10 Miler in H

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textWhen Ben Flanagan announced he’d be making his marathon debut at the 2025 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, the Canadian running community took notice — and he didn’t disappoint. On an unseasonably warm and windy day, Ben captured the Canadian Marathon Championship title, adding another major milestone to his already impressive career.I sat down with Ben just 11 days before race day to talk about his hopes and dreams for the marathon distance, why he chose Toronto for his debut, and what it’s been like working remotely with his new coach, Jon Green. We also discussed his stressful Olympic experience in Paris 2024, how life has changed since becoming a dad to baby Nora, and whether he pays attention to what other top Canadian marathoners are doing.It’s a thoughtful and entertaining conversation with one of Canada’s brightest distance running stars.Connect with Ben:Instagram: @ben_flanaganAlex Cyr's Instagram reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNQl1FXB_Hd/Ben’s Past Appearances on Inspired Soles:Episode 193: With Rory Linkletter Breaking Down the Canadian 10K ChampsEpisode 151 - Deep Dive on World ChampionshipsEpisode 95 - Canadian 10k ChampionConnect with Inspired Soles & Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinBrowse 250+ episodes in the archivesSubscribe, rate & review to support the showYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Ins

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textMy guest today is Kristin Paterson, a 39-year-old runner from Ottawa, Ontario, who’s been married to her husband and coach for 18 years. Together they’re raising four kids, all of whom Kristin also homeschools!Kristin started running shortly before the pandemic, and has steadily chipped away at her goals ever since. On October 6, 2025, she lined up at the P'tit Train du Nord Marathon in Quebec chasing a Boston Qualifying time — but Mother Nature had other plans. With temperatures soaring to 28℃, Kristin’s race began to unravel before the halfway mark.In this episode, she opens up about what it felt like to watch her goal slip away, how she found the strength to keep going when it would’ve been easy to quit, and what it means to process disappointment in real time. Kristin shares the role of sheer stubbornness, the example she wants to set for her kids, the energy of the spectators, and the power of connection with fellow runner and social media friend Bronwyn in getting her across that finish line.She also reflects on the wisdom of her mentor and friend of the pod, Ana Laura Fray, who reminded her that running journeys aren’t linear.If you’ve ever had a marathon go sideways in the second half, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone — and that sometimes the hardest days teach us the most.Connect with Kristin:Instagram: @mamakris_Connect with Inspired Soles & Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinBrowse 250+ episodes in the archivesSubscribe, rate & review to support the showYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textLandon Hildebrand is an Edmonton-based Registered Psychologist, trail runner, and co-owner of Approach Psychology. When Landon first joined me on the podcast, he introduced the idea of joy as a motivator. This time, he takes that concept further — reframing joy as a litmus test for psychological health in both running and life.What makes this conversation especially powerful is the perspective Landon brings. Last time, he spoke mainly as a psychologist who happens to be an athlete. This time, he shows up first as an athlete — one who also happens to be a psychologist. With honesty and vulnerability, Landon shares the personal health challenges and stresses he’s faced over the past year, and how they’ve forced him to re-examine his relationship with sport, self, and well-being.Together, we explore:Why being psychologically healthy doesn’t always look like PRs or “successful” racesHow big, unplanned life events can be catalysts for deeper healing and growthHow therapy buzzwords — safety, trust, peace, freedom, vulnerability, curiosity — play out in real lifeWhy applying these principles often takes much longer than simply learning themHow joy can serve as a compass when we feel stuck or lostLandon’s blend of humour, insight, and personal reflection makes this a deeply relatable episode for anyone navigating the ups and downs of running and life beyond the pursuit of PRs.Connect with Landon:Register for his Endurance Mind online workshop Nov 19th: https://tinyurl.com/53bub6ekInstagram: @approachpsychology and @landon_ approachpsychWebsite: approachpsych.caLandon's first episode on Inspired Soles: Elevating Your Mental GameConnect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou ca

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textWhen runners talk about “bucket-list marathons,” the conversation almost always begins — and ends — with the Abbott World Marathon Majors: Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, Tokyo, and Sydney. But here’s the truth: some of the fastest, most historic, and most enjoyable marathons in the world aren’t Majors at all.In this episode, I’m joined by my older brother, Kevin Beatty — a 2:21 marathoner & cross country coach at Loyalist College — to shine a light on excellent marathons beyond the Majors that deserve your attention.Kevin brings both historical perspective and recent experience, having run between 2:35–2:40 at races like Houston, CIM, and Grandma’s in his late 40s. Together we cover:✨ How the World Marathon Majors came to be — and why “Major” doesn’t always mean fastest or most prestigious✨ The hidden challenges of racing the Majors (logistics, late start times, athlete area waits)✨ International marathons worth traveling for — from historic courses like Athens and Fukuoka to PR factories like Valencia and Seville✨ U.S. “shadow majors” such as CIM, Grandma’s, Houston, and Honolulu✨ Canadian favorites region by region, plus hidden gems like Petit Train and Georgina✨ Why boutique marathons like Erie, PA or Queen City can give runners double BQ opportunities✨ New models like The Marathon Project and McKirdy Micro MarathonIf you’ve ever felt like the World Majors were the only marathons that mattered, this conversation might just expand your horizons — and your race calendar.Kevin's previous episodes on Inspired Soles:Ep 3 | Treating Running Like a Sport Ep 78 | Pacer for Carolyn’s Las Vegas 10k Win Ep 176 | US Olympic Marathon Trials RecapConnect with Carolyn & Inspired Soles:Instagram:

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textMatt Fitzgerald is the bestselling author of more than 30 endurance-sport books, including 80/20 Running, How Bad Do You Want It?, and his captivating memoir Running the Dream. In this episode, we dive into what it means to go all-in on a bold running goal, why goal setting is such a deeply human instinct, and how the ability to “compete against ourselves” is a surprisingly recent development in the history of sport.Matt also opens up about his own journey as a masters athlete, including training for the Javelina 100 miler just seven weeks before lining up at The Marathon Project, where he’s chasing a sub-3 marathon at age 54. We talk about his battle with long COVID, the book he’s currently writing on masters running, and his Dream Run Camps in Flagstaff, Arizona, which give everyday runners the chance to experience life as a “fake pro runner.”If you’ve ever wondered why your running goals matter so much — even when no one’s paying you to chase them — you won’t want to miss this conversation.Connect with Matt:Website: mattfitzgerald.orgDream Run Camp: dreamrun.comInstagram: @endurance_masteryResources & Related Episodes:Ben Rosario on Inspired Soles: The Marathon Project Returns in 2025

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textPacing a marathon is simple in theory but brutally hard in practice. Go out too fast, and the fire-breathing dragons will find you in the final 10K. Go out too cautiously, and you’ll spend the last miles wondering if you left time on the table.In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Cunningham — a lifelong runner, NCAA Academic All-American, and coach of countless Boston Marathon qualifiers and multiple U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers. Jeff has a gift for blending humor with hard truths, and today he breaks down why pacing is the most important (and most misunderstood) part of the marathon.We discuss:Why you can undo 16 weeks of training in the first 45 minutes of the raceHow to build trust in your fitness so you don’t panic earlyThe psychology of pacing and emotional momentumWhy finishing strong is far better than blowing upJeff’s signature advice on patience, perspective, and keeping the long viewIf you’re running a fall marathon, this conversation will fire you up and give you the tools to run your smartest race yet.Connect with Jeff:Instagram: @jdcunningham97Bat City Track ClubCunningham RunningResources & Related Episodes:Jeff on Relay with Peter Bromka: Beware of the DragonsInspired Soles Episode with Polly (Jeff’s Canadian elite athlete)Connect with Carolyn & Inspired Soles:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinBrowse 250+ episodes in the archivesSubscribe, rate & review to support the showYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and rev

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textWe're back for an Ask Us Anything episode, and this one might be our most entertaining yet. My husband Johnny joined me behind the mic, and let’s just say—we aired a little bit of dirty laundry along the way.You all sent in fantastic questions covering everything from running to parenthood to guilty-pleasure TV shows, and we had so much fun answering them. Here’s a taste of what came up:Were you angry when Johnny registered you as a 45–49 year old male for a 10-mile race?How is training going for The Marathon Project?What was our very first race, and how did we get into running?How did we juggle training when our kids were little?What’s the most annoying race-day habit we each have?Do we actually like running together?Which “famous person” would we love to go for a run with, and what would we ask them?Rookie stats, running vacations, pacing animals, favourite date nights…we covered it all.This episode is equal parts running talk, marriage banter, and plenty of laughs. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in the Coffin household, this is your chance to find out.If you enjoyed this format, let us know—we’re happy to bring back more AMA episodes in the future!Resources we discussed in the episode:Johnny's running origin story: Slow the BLEEP DownCarolyn's running origin story: Meet Co-host Carolyn CoffinJakob Ingebrigtsen's songMondo Duplantis' songKim Sankey's running vacation episode: Patagonia, Chile with RunBCConnect with Johnny:Instagram: @bestjohnnyeverConnect with Carolyn:Instagram:

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textWith fall marathon season quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to revisit one of our most popular episodes on a topic that can truly make or break your race: the taper.My guest is Lynsey Romano, founder of Skyline Run Coaching in Airdrie, Alberta. Since 2017, Lynsey has been coaching athletes through personalized, evidence-based running and strength training programs, helping them reach their goals while enjoying the process of long-term development in the sport. She’s also an accomplished runner herself, having recently broken the 3-hour barrier in the marathon.In this conversation, Lynsey shares her expertise on tapering—an often misunderstood but absolutely essential part of marathon success. We discuss:What tapering is and why it mattersWhen to start and how to structure itAdjustments to nutrition, hydration, and strength trainingThe role of rest and recoveryManaging pre-race nervesCommon mistakes to avoidHow to individualize your taper based on experienceWhether you’re racing your first marathon or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you show up on race day feeling fresh, confident, and ready to perform your best.Connect with Skyline Run Coaching:Instagram: @skylineruncoaching Website: runcoach.orgLynsey's other appearances on Inspired Soles:Ep 31: Why Runners Can't Afford to NOT Strength Train Ep 221: Navigating Changes in the Coach-Athlete RelationshipEp 227: Insights From Five Expert Run CoachesConnect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textThis week I'm re-airing one of my most popular episodes from about this time last year—a powerful conversation with Landon Hildebrand, an Edmonton-based Registered Psychologist and trail runner who works extensively with athletes.As co-owner of Approach Psychology, Landon helps his clients develop the mental tools they need to perform under pressure and enjoy their sport more fully. He’s also a familiar face in the local running community, often volunteering at ultramarathon aid stations alongside his wife, where their support extends well beyond physical needs.In this episode, we cover:What mental resilience really is (and why it’s not just “positive thinking”)The importance of knowing your whyHow attachment style and self-talk influence our stress responseHow to tap into joy as a motivatorWhy the phrase “running is my therapy” makes Landon uneasyPractical ways to navigate taper tantrums, pre-race nerves, and tough race momentsLandon brings humour, clarity, and refreshing honesty to the often-intimidating topic of sports psychology. Whether you’re training for your first marathon or chasing a PB, this conversation will leave you with actionable strategies to elevate your mental game.🎧 Tune in and let Landon’s advice guide you toward becoming a more resilient, joyful runner.Connect with Landon:Instagram: @approachpsychology and @landon_ approachpsychWebsite: approachpsych.caConnect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspi

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textSasha Gollish is a Team Canada athlete, engineer, researcher, gender equity advocate, empowering coach, and community leader. She’s also the Director of Knowledge Mobilization for Youth Sport at the University of Toronto, where she makes sport research practical and usable.In this episode, Sasha returns to Inspired Soles to reflect on the 10 years since her “Cinderella story” bronze medal performance in the 1500m at the 2015 Pan Am Games, and how that moment shaped her then — and now.Following a knee injury in December 2023 and surgery in March 2025, Sasha hasn’t run in over four months. We talk about navigating the grief and identity shifts that come with stepping away from elite competition, what “balance” really means, and why asking ourselves and others better questions can lead to more honest, meaningful conversations.Sasha continues to inspire with her honesty, courage, and willingness to try on new identities — proving she’s the role model we all need.Resources we talked about in the episode:Inspired Soles episode: Do You Control Strava or Does It Control You? Atlas of the Heart by Brené BrownThe Real Science of Sport episode: What Your Strava Fitness Score Really MeansConnect with Sasha:Instagram: @sgollishrunsStrong Girl Talk Podcast with Molly HurfordPrevious Inspired Soles episodes3rd at Canadian Marathon ChampionshipsPerimenopause & the Competitive AthleteConnect with Carolyn:

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textWith fall marathon season on the horizon, there’s no better time to revisit this essential conversation with Winnipeg-based Registered Dietitian Jessica Wylychenko, founder of Speed & Savoury. Originally released in August 2024, this episode is packed with practical and actionable advice to help runners dial in their fueling and hydration strategies for training, racing, and recovery.Jessica specializes in performance nutrition for runners and shares how even small tweaks can make a big difference—helping you avoid injury, boost training adaptations, and feel stronger on race day. As a competitive runner herself, she knows firsthand how nutrition can impact performance. After a string of injuries in 2019 related to unintentional underfueling, Jessica rebuilt her approach with intention—and it’s paid off. Since this episode first aired, she ran a new marathon PR of 2:52:09 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, finishing 9th Canadian female overall.In this episode, we cover:The importance of fueling for all types of training runsHow to approach carbohydrate loading without overcomplicating itHydration strategies that go beyond just drinking waterHow to identify signs of underfuelingTips for balancing performance goals with long-term healthWhether you’re training for your first marathon or chasing a PB, this episode will leave you with clear, science-backed strategies you can implement right away.Connect with Jessica:Instagram: @speed_and_savouryConnect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textWhen Shirley Ramos showed up to Tracktastic 2023 in Winnipeg, she thought she was just going to watch. Little did she know, by the end of the day, she’d be standing on the podium after an impromptu 4x400m relay — and officially hooked on track.In this episode, Shirley shares her journey from recreational road runner and marathon mom to becoming a proud track athlete. Since that fateful day, she’s joined the Manitoba Runners’ Association track club, competed at the Canadian Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, and discovered how much joy, strength, and community the track can offer runners of all ages and abilities.We also talk about her quest to become a 6-star World Major Marathon finisher, her deep love for the process of training, and how track has surprisingly become her favourite running discipline — helping her feel stronger, faster, and more connected to the sport.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of track, Shirley’s story will inspire you to see it in a whole new light.Join Us at Tracktastic 2025 (Aug 28th at Victor Mager track in Winnipeg):https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/Events include:Prediction Mile (no watches allowed!)Kid’s 100m DashAll-Out 400mWorld’s Slowest 60mAge-Graded 800mCo-ed 4x400m RelayField events like Standing Long Jump and Longest Ball ThrowConnect with Shirley:Instagram: @thisisshirlzConnect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a textBen Rosario is back! The Co-Founder & CEO of The Marathon Project returns to Inspired Soles just four months after his first appearance to share exciting updates about the race’s 2025 edition—and so much more.Since our last conversation, TMP has announced partnerships with Blanks Sports Nutrition (yes, everyone gets bottle service!) and FloTrack, revealed a new start time, detailed the prize purse, and continued registration for the Gold Wave—the competitive amateur field for runners chasing their best performances.In this episode, Ben and I also dive into recent industry headlines, including the doping suspension of marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng'etich, as well as Faith Kipyegon’s Breaking4 attempt.Plus, Ben opens up about his surprising new chapter—becoming a middle school teacher—and the introspection that led to this next step. We talk about what fuels recreational runners, how we’re all more competitive than we let on, and how running is a lot like golf (which might explain a few things about my family!).Whether you’re a serious amateur, a fan of the sport, or just curious about what’s next for The Marathon Project, this episode delivers.Join Carolyn & Johnny at TMPRegister with our unique link: https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Chandler/TheMarathonProject?raceRefCode=rrDDNwh0Connect with Ben & Learn More About TMP:Instagram: @marathonprojWebsite: themarathonproject.comBen's 1st interview on Inspired Soles: The Marathon Project Returns in 2025Connect with Carolyn:Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite e