Advertise on podcast: Inspired Soles

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text Ally Brettnacher is an everyday runner, the host of Finish Lines & Milestones, the owner of Athlete Bouquets, and—if you ask me—one heck of a community-builder. Based in Carmel, Indiana, Ally has completed 70 half marathons (many alongside her dad), nine marathons, and more than 175 podcast episodes celebrating the stories of everyday runners.  In this conversation, we talk about how her relationship with running has evolved, why she started her podcast, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and our upcoming Indy Monumental weekend together. Ally also gets refreshingly honest about anxiety, ADHD, and how hard it can be to let people see that things aren’t always fine behind the scenes. It’s a fun, honest and very human conversation—and I’m even more excited to finally meet this fellow SandyBoy Productions podcaster in person! SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required.  Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles Resources we talked about in the interview: Ally interviews Carolyn on Finish Lines and Milestones Buy tickets to the Nov 7th 3-6 PM Indy Post Race Celebration (use code FLAMS at checkout for $10 off)Reserve your FREE spot for the Nov 6th Indy Shakeout RunSandyBoy Productions network: https://sandyboyproductions.com/Connect with Ally: Athlete Bouquets: https://athletebouquets.com/Podcast: Finish Lines & MilestonesInstagram: @allytbrett_runs, @athletebouquetsWebsite: https://www.finishlinesandmilestones.com/Connect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text In this very special episode, Carolyn and Big Sky Run Co’s Caroline Fisher reflect on the journey of Project-99 as 13 women prepare to chase their goal of breaking 1:40 in the half marathon. Then, the spotlight shifts to the people who know and love these women best. From friends and partners to siblings, parents and kids, hear heartfelt messages of pride, encouragement and support for the women who have put so much into this audacious little goal. With race day just five days away, it’s a reminder that no matter what happens on September 27th at the Fort Garry Rotary Half Marathon, these women have already accomplished something pretty incredible—and they have a whole lot of people cheering them on. ❤️ SPONSOR: Cure Hydration. Staying hydrated isn't just about water — you also need electrolytes.  Visit curehydration.com/INSPIREDSOLES for 20% off. Real ingredients. Real hydration. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 300: Chasing 99 Minutes: Celebrating the Women of Project-99Connect with Caroline Fisher of Big Sky Run Co: Instagram: @bigskyruncoWebsite: bigskyrun.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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text In this episode, I’m chatting with Lindsey Hein, host of I’ll Have Another Podcast and founder of SandyBoy Productions, about the wonderfully chaotic reality of balancing running, motherhood, work, and all the other things that fill a life. We talk about how Lindsey manages four kids, three podcasts, coaching, race announcing and more, including her approach to “free-range parenting” and the question of when kids are ready for a phone. She recaps her recent Around the Crown 10K with her two oldest boys, opens up about a tough “no” from the Indy Monumental Marathon, and shares the very random story behind her connection to the Holderness Family. We also talk about injury, identity, rejection, and the importance of being willing to show up as your real, imperfect, wonderfully human self. SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required.  Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles Resources we talked about in the interview: The Holderness Family Weighted Vest videoRoad to the Trials interview with JaQuavious HarrisConnect with Lindsey: Instagram: @lindseyhein626Podcasts: I'll Have Another, Relay, Road to the TrialsSandyBoy Productions NetworkConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text Pacing 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 (originally aired September 16, 2025, episode 256), 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. SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Smarter fuel. Lighter impact. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com. Connect with Jeff: Instagram: @jdcunningham97 @theconsistentlygoodpodcast @cunninghamrunningThe Consistently Good PodcastCunningham 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: 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text At just 23 years old. Jadyn Keeler is quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting young distance runners in Canada. Fresh off her graduation from the University of North Dakota, Jadyn has moved to Flagstaff, joined Golden Peaks Track Club under coaches Terrence Mahon and Jen Rhines, signed a professional contract with Adidas, and earned a spot on Team Canada for the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen. In this episode, we talk about her remarkable half marathon debut in Edmonton, where a course-measuring error added roughly 700 metres to the race just as she was on pace to challenge the Canadian record; what it’s like to receive the backing of Canadian running stars like Natasha Wodak and Rory Linkletter; her transition from NCAA athlete to professional runner; and what she believes she can accomplish in Copenhagen. Plus, we dig into the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve put in the work—and why there may be some very exciting things ahead for this rising Canadian star. SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required.  Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles Connect with Jadyn: Instagram: @jadynkeelerYouTube Channel: @jadynkeelerConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text In this episode, I’m joined by naturopathic doctor, metabolic health expert, and seriously fast masters runner Dr. Shawna Darou for a conversation that takes us from the marathon to the 800m—and then gets surprisingly personal. At 54, Shawna has traded long-distance racing for the track and recently ran an incredible 2:30 for 800m, with a potential Canadian 55–59 age-group record on the horizon. We also dive deep into my own experience with perimenopausal symptoms, bloodwork and changes in my running and body, as Shawna helps me explore whether everything I’ve been experiencing really can be chalked up to changing hormones. We talk about metabolic health, insulin resistance, continuous glucose monitors, DEXA scans, hormone replacement therapy, protein, fibre, carbohydrates and carbohydrate timing, strength and cardiovascular exercise, and why “normal” isn’t necessarily optimal—for women in midlife or for any athlete looking to stay healthy, strong and competitive as they age. SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com. Register for TRACKTASTIC 🌈: https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/ Connect with Dr. Shawna Darou: Instagram: @drshawnadarouWebsite: drshawnadarou.comPodcast: Unstoppable At Any AgeAppleSpotifyCarolyn's Episode: Why Running Is Never Just About RunningConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text What if getting on the track could make you a better–and happier–road or trail runner? In this episode, I sit down with physiotherapist, runner, dad, and owner of Up & Running Physiotherapy, Elliott Cooke, to talk about the many benefits of incorporating track running and speed work into your training, why track doesn’t have to be intimidating, and how stepping outside your usual running routine can make you stronger and more confident. We also talk about Tracktastic, Winnipeg’s fun and slightly silly introductory track meet, which Elliott has participated in and supported as a sponsor for several years. Whether you’re a seasoned speedster, a road runner who hasn’t touched a track in years, or someone who’s never stepped foot on one, there’s plenty here to inspire you to give it a try! SPONSOR: goodr sunglasses. Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable?  Head to goodr.com/INSPIRED to claim $10 off your first order. Register for TRACKTASTIC 🌈: https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/ Connect with Elliott: Website: https://upwpg.com/Instagram: @upandrunningphysioConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text How did Johnny Coffin get so fast? That’s the question my husband—and unofficial Inspired Soles co-host—gets asked all the time, so in this episode, we’re finally digging into the story behind the speed. Johnny recently celebrated his 45th birthday and is currently in the best shape of his life, having run PRs at the 5K, 10K, 10-mile, half marathon, and marathon (2:36:39!) over the past year. But his journey to becoming a 2:36 marathoner was anything but overnight. We talk about his injury-plagued early years, the decade he spent focused primarily on getting faster at the 5K, his gradual transition to the marathon, and the training, fueling, recovery, strength, and patience that have allowed him to continue improving without major injury. Along the way, we weave in five principles of effective run training—and unpack why sometimes the best way to get faster is to slow down. SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com. Register for TRACKTASTIC 🌈: https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/ Connect with Johnny: Instagram: @bestjohnnyeverConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text If you love running beyond just the act of putting one foot in front of the other, this episode is for you. Peter Bromka joins me for a deep dive into the running nerd weeds as we talk about the current state of the sport, from the Boston Marathon's evolving qualifying process and Josh Kerr's mile world record, to two men breaking the two-hour marathon barrier, the future of track & field, and why the 1500m deserves its own Netflix documentary. We also talk about Peter's own journey—from running 2:19 marathons and narrowly missing an Olympic Trials qualifier, to finding his competitive fire again as a masters runner returning from injury. Expect big-picture conversations, plenty of running rabbit holes, and a whole lot of appreciation for this sport we love. SPONSOR: goodr sunglasses. Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable?  Head to goodr.com/INSPIRED to claim $10 off your first order. Connect with Peter: Instagram: @bromkaPodcast: Road to the Trials & RelayEssays The Bubble of a DreamBurn the BoatThe Marathon Doesn't Owe You AnythingConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text Episode 300 is unlike any other in the history of Inspired Soles. Instead of interviewing an Olympian or reflecting on six years of podcasting, Carolyn hands the microphone to the 15 women of Project-99—a group of everyday runners training together to break 1:40 in the half marathon at the Fort Garry Rotary Half Marathon this September. Through their own voices, they share why this goal matters, the doubts they're overcoming, and what they hope to discover along the way. This isn't the story of how Project-99 ends—it's the story of how it begins. Whether you're chasing a personal best, returning to running, or simply wondering what's still possible, this episode is a reminder that some of life's biggest breakthroughs happen when we dare to dream big... together. SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com, or purchase in store at bigskyrun.com. Connect with Caroline Fisher of Big Sky Run Co: Instagram: @bigskyruncoWebsite: bigskyrun.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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text I'm joined by one of Manitoba's fastest runners and one of its biggest champions, Matt Van Schepdael. Just weeks away from defending his PhD in Microbiology and preparing for his marathon debut at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Matt shares his journey from university track standout to elite road racer. We talk about balancing high-performance sport with academics, the lessons he's learned from his best and toughest races, why giving back to the running community is so important to him, and what excites him most about tackling 42.2K for the very first time. Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply looking to find your place in the running community, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation. SPONSOR: goodr sunglasses. Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable?  Head to goodr.com/INSPIRED to claim $10 off your first order. Connect with Matt: Instagram: @mattvanschepConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text Runner, coach, and content creator Michelle Baxter (@therunnersplate) has inspired thousands by sharing her journey to a sub-3 marathon and proving that some of our best running can come after 40. But this season has brought unexpected challenges—including a prolonged recovery after Boston and a race that fell well short of her expectations. In this conversation, Michelle and Carolyn explore the emotional complexity of running, the realities of chasing ambitious goals in your 40s, navigating changing bodies, people-pleasing, social media honesty, and why disappointment and gratitude can coexist. Because sometimes the most honest answer isn't either/or. It's both. SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com. Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @therunnersplateWebsite: www.therunnersplate.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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text One year after wondering if she'd ever race again, Sasha Gollish returned to the Manitoba Half Marathon and ran away with the win. But this episode is about so much more than the race. After spending an unforgettable weekend together in Winnipeg, Sasha and Carolyn relive the laughs, the adventures, the friendships, the race-day excitement, and the many little moments that made the weekend so special. It's a joyful conversation about community, gratitude, and the simple pleasure of getting to do what you love with people you love. SPONSOR: goodr sunglasses. Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable?  Head to goodr.com/INSPIRED to claim $10 off your first order. Connect with Sasha: Instagram: @sgollishrunsStrong Girl Talk Podcast with Molly HurfordUnstoppable, Sasha's Strong Girl Publishing Mental Performance Journal  If you want your copy signed, drop Sasha a DM on Instagram!Previous Inspired Soles episodesEp 108: 3rd at Canadian Marathon ChampionshipsEp 165: Perimenopause & the Competitive AthleteEp 252: Navigating Running Transitions & the Power of Better QuestionsConnect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text What if there was a better way to fuel endurance athletes? Alison McPherson is an accomplished marathoner, trail runner, running coach, and co-founder of Dig Deep Endurance Fuel. Just weeks after running 2:47 at the Ottawa Marathon and days removed from a 5th-place finish at the Manitoba Marathon, Ali joins me to share the story behind the world's first dissolvable carbohydrate stick. Alongside her dad, Russell, Ali set out to solve some of the biggest challenges in endurance nutrition: sticky gels, single-use packaging, high costs, and the lack of flexibility for individual athletes. The result is a customizable, convenient, sustainable, and affordable fueling option designed by endurance athletes, for endurance athletes. We dive into the origin story of Dig Deep, the science behind its unique fueling approach, and why Ali believes endurance athletes deserve smarter fuel with a lighter impact. SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com. Connect with Ali & Dig Deep: Instagram: @digdeepef, @rhythmruncoaching, @ali.mcpher Website: digdeepef.com, rhythmruncoaching.comPrevious Inspired Soles episode:EP 236: From Winning a Trail 50K to Running Sub-3 at the Boston Marathon (All in One Month)Connect 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 [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text Johnny Coffin returns to Inspired Soles for what has to be his tenth appearance on the podcast, making him an unofficial co-host—and fan favourite. In this episode, Johnny and Carolyn share a training update since the Boston Marathon, including their recoveries, their experiences racing the Ottawa 10K Canadian Championships and Canadian Masters Championships (where both earned bronze medals), and their plans for the upcoming Manitoba Half Marathon. But while Johnny's fitness continues to soar and he chases what could be the fastest half marathon of his life, Carolyn finds herself in unfamiliar territory after months of disappointing performances and ongoing medical investigations. Together, they discuss what it's like when one runner in a relationship is thriving while the other is struggling, how they support each other through the highs and lows, and the lessons they're learning along the way. SPONSOR: goodr sunglasses. Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable?  Head to goodr.com/INSPIRED to claim $10 off your first order. Connect with Johnny: Instagram: @bestjohnnyeverPrevious Inspired Soles episodes:EP 287: Boston Marathon Recap EP 271: The Marathon Project: PBs, DNFs & Perspective EP 266: Chasing Big Goals at The Marathon ProjectEP 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: Slow the BLEEP DownConnect 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 [email protected].