Inspired Soles

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

With 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 th...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

This 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 exte...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Sasha 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 surg...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

With 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...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

When 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 disc...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Ben 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 chasin...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

If you're just tuning in for the first time and wondering, what exactly is the Mic Check Relay? — allow us to catch you up!

On July 16th, Inspired Soles went head-to-head against our friends Rob & Charlie Tétrault at The Running Journey podcast in a 2-person, 5K-per-runner track relay at Victor Mager track in Winnipeg. The stakes? $5000 donated by the losing team to the charity of the winner’s choice — and, of course, serious podcast bragging rights.

In this re...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

🎙️ With just days to go until the Mic Check Relay, my husband Johnny and I sat down for a quick and candid preview of what’s shaping up to be the ultimate podcast showdown between Inspired Soles and The Running Journey.

On Wednesday, July 16th — also Johnny’s 44th birthday — we’ll go head-to-head against Rob & Charlie Tetrault in a 2-person 5K relay, where the losing team donates $5000 to the winning team’s charity of choice. But this event is about more than j...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

This episode features Andrea Amiot, a 42-year-old runner, coach, business owner, and mom from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, who recently returned to the marathon after a 6-year break—and did so in style.

Andrea ran a beautifully executed 3:18:13 at Grandma’s Marathon on June 21st, pacing herself with remarkable consistency despite rising temperatures. But as you’ll hear, this race was about so much more than just the finish time.

For Andrea, Grandma’s became a powerful metaphor for life: an invitation to slow down, stay pre...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

This episode of Inspired Soles features 28-year-old Daniel Heschuk — a highly accomplished and versatile runner who thrives across road, trail, and mountain terrain. Born and raised in Neepawa, Manitoba, Daniel competed for five years at the University of Manitoba in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He now works at the U of M’s Science Innovation Hub and gives back to the running community by co-leading a weekly track group for recreational adult runners.

From a 1:06:01 half marathon and a 30:13 Sun Run 10K in 2023 to a do...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

My husband Johnny is back in the co-host seat, and we're thrilled to be joined by our favourite running brothers, Rob & Charlie Tetrault from The Running Journey podcast, for a fun and feisty crossover episode.

On July 16th, the four of us will go head-to-head in a team 5K relay at Victor Mager track, with podcast bragging rights—and $5000 to the charity of the winning team’s choice—on the line. It’s also a community event with 1500m races, pizza, birthday cake, and lots of laughs.<...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Glynis Sim is a 27-year-old elite distance runner based in Vancouver, BC, where she trains with the Vancouver Thunderbirds under coach Steve Weiler. She’s the 2022 U Sports Cross Country Champion, recently won the Vancouver Sun Run in 32:54, and holds a 5000m PB of 15:35.

But Glynis’ story is about much more than podiums and times.

After a difficult chapter at Arizona State University, where she faced a long and stubborn tibial stress fracture, Glynis was medically retired from the NCAA system. It wasn’t until...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Erin Mawhinney is a 28-year-old elite runner, full-time nurse, and proud Hamiltonian who recently ran her way onto the podium at the 2025 Canadian 10K Championships with a personal best of 33:09.

In this fun and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Rory & Jill Linkletter are the ultimate marathoner + mom duo — and this conversation is everything you’d hope for: real, funny, insightful, and inspiring.

Just 34 days after running a 2:07:02 PB at the Boston Marathon, Rory followed it up with a 2:08:31 in Ottawa to firmly secure his spot as the second fastest Canadian marathoner of all time 🥈🇨🇦

But what goes into a decision like that? How does Jill hold it all down on the homefront with two toddlers in tow? And how did both of these race...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today I’m joined by my favourite repeat guest — and husband — Johnny Coffin, who just smashed through the 35-minute barrier with a 34:49 at the Canadian 10K Championships in Ottawa! 🇨🇦🔥

We recap our whirlwind weekend at the Ottawa Race Weekend, which came together very last-minute after a chaotic week of travel, a blown tire, and minimal sleep. Despite it all, we both rallied — Johnny with his biggest 10K breakthrough to date, and me with a 42:49 finish I’m genuinely proud of.

We dive into:

🟢 Johnny’s Projec...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Ashley Wiles is a mental performance coach & Founder of Sole Girls, which is dedicated to helping young athletes build confidence, resilience, and the mental tools they need to thrive—not just in sport, but in life.

She’s also a 3-time Ironman athlete and 70.3 World Championship competitor, so she walks the talk when it comes to pushing limits and staying mentally tough.

Inspired by Amanda Todd’s story back in 2012, Ashley created Sole Girls to help teenage girls find their voice, fall in love with m...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

What happens when you go all in on a bold goal — and let the whole world watch?

In this episode, writer, runner, and content creator Alex Cyr reflects on his journey to run sub-30 for 10K before turning 30. It took six tries, a chaotic travel schedule, and a whole lot of humility — but on April 27th, he finally did it in 29:41 at the Vancouver Sun Run.

We talk about the pressure of public accountability, imposter syndrome, how sharing a goal can shift your...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Caroline Fisher is a lifelong runner, passionate community builder, and the woman behind Big Sky Run Co. in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Caroline started running long distances as a teenager, inspired by her mother—a strong and enduring runner in her own right—and that family legacy continues to shape how Caroline approaches both life and business. Now the sole owner of Big Sky, she’s created far more than a retail space—it’s a true gathering place for runners of all backgrounds, where post-run treats are homemade and community...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Alison McPherson, a 31 year old lifelong runner, coach, and all-around powerhouse who lives in Canmore, Alberta. In March, Ali won a hilly 50K trail ultramarathon, and just one month later, ran a personal best of 2:58:13 at the Boston Marathon. If that wasn’t special enough, her 64-year-old mom – whom she coached – also crossed the Boston finish line in an incredible 4:09! 

In this episode, we dive into Ali’s remarkable back-to-back performances, how she balanced recovery and racing, and what it meant to return to Boston with her mom o...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today’s guest is Andrea Wilson — a 49-year-old runner and occupational therapist from Comox, BC who has gotten faster throughout her 40s, culminating in a 2:58 marathon at CIM in December 2024. But her story is about so much more than running.

Roughly a decade ago, Andrea’s world got turned upside down, and she found herself asking some big questions: Who am I? What do I believe in? Through that journey, she found her voice, learned to set boundaries, and began to live with more confidence and clarit...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Justin Kent joins Inspired Soles fresh off a huge PB and win at the McKirdy Micro Marathon (2:09:29) to talk about the race, the growing depth of Canadian men’s marathoning, and how he and wife/Olympian Lindsey Butterworth juggle elite training with life as new parents.

Connect with Justin:

Connect with Carolyn:

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Ins...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today I’m joined by Jason Fitzgerald—fellow podcaster, run coach, and the founder of Strength Running, one of the most trusted names in the running world. Based in Denver, Colorado, Jason brings a deep well of experience to the sport. He ran cross country and track at Connecticut College, dabbled in the steeplechase, and has posted impressive lifetime PRs including a 2:39 marathon and 4:33 mile.

In this episode, we dig into the fundamentals of running—and why Jason believes 99% of our time, effort, and resources should be foc...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

If you’ve been around the world of distance running for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the name Ben Rosario. He’s done just about everything in the running industry—from professional runner and run specialty store owner to race director and Olympic-level coach.

Ben spent nearly a decade as the head coach and executive director of NAZ Elite in Flagstaff, AZ, where he guided professional athletes to national titles, World Championship appearances, and an Olympic Trials Marathon victory. Now, as the Co-Founder & CEO of T...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the world of professional race announcing with none other than Steve Fleck – one of the leading endurance sports announcers and commentators in North America. If you've ever crossed the finish line at a major race, chances are you've heard his energetic and insightful voice bringing the moment to life.

Beyond calling the action at running, triathlon, and cycling events, Steve is also a sought-after corporate emcee and a key figure in the race and event industry. In this epis...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today’s format is a little bit different — and hopefully a whole lot of fun.

I recently put out the call for your burning questions, and you did not disappoint! Welcome to our very first Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, where I’ll be answering questions directly from you, the amazing listeners. And by popular demand and to make things even more interesting, I’ve invited back a special guest host — my husband, Johnny Coffin. Johnny will be adding his signature “colour commentary” as we dive into e...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today, we’re breaking down the topic of competition amongst athletes – and exploring the differences between healthy and unhealthy rivalries.

My guest is Brandy Adolphe, a fierce competitor and good friend, who recently won the 1500m national indoor title in the 45-49 age group with a blazing time of 5:32.19. Carolyn & Brandy have raced head-to-head many times—mostly Brandy wins, sometimes Carolyn does—but one thing remains constant: their respect for each other.

Over the years, they’ve noticed a tendency for people to frame their comp...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

The Canadian Masters Athletics Indoor Championships were held in Winnipeg March 1-2, 2025. In a rare solo episode, host Carolyn Coffin recaps her 1500 and 3000-meter races, including why she’s more proud of her silver medal than her gold one!

Connect with Carolyn:

You 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...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today I’m joined by five incredible fellow female running coaches to pull back the curtain on what it really means to coach runners—not just the workouts, but the philosophy, the passion, and the little things that make a big difference.

Three of these amazing ladies—Lynsey, Sarah, and Janelle—have been on Inspired Soles before, while Andrea and Alison are making their first appearances today. Together, we’ll dive into how we got into coaching, the mentors who shaped us, and what separates a good coach...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Imagine running seven marathons… on seven continents… in just seven days. Sounds impossible, right? Well, Charlie Tétrault did just that—alongside his brother, Rob—pushing themselves to the limit in one of the most grueling endurance challenges on the planet: the World Marathon Challenge.

Charlie joins us fresh off this once-in-a lifetime experience to share what it was really like—how the friendly competition with his brother kept him going, the fascinating people they met along the way, and the brutal realities of running on little slee...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Leanne Klassen is back on the show, along with her coach, the legendary Malindi Elmore, to break down Leanne’s outstanding marathon performance last month in Houston.

Malindi is a three-time Olympian and a true icon of Canadian distance running. A Stanford graduate, she first competed in the 1500 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and then made a remarkable transition to the marathon—placing 9th at the 2021 Tokyo Games and representing Canada again in Paris last summer, a full 20 years after her Olympic debut! At nearly 45 years of a...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

I’m joined once again by my husband, Johnny Coffin, for a lively discussion on the pros and cons of the popular running app, Strava.

Johnny is an avid Strava user—he loves leading by example, engaging with his running community, and tracking his data all in one place. I, on the other hand, am more of a Strava minimalist. My account exists solely to share training logs with my remote coach, Reid Coolsaet. With just two followers (Reid and Johnny) and only three people on my f...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Meet Rob Tétrault —a man whose passion, perseverance, and purpose redefine what it means to make a difference. 

Rob’s story begins in the spring of 2021, when a pivotal moment changed his life. Following his father’s Leukemia diagnosis, Rob made a life-altering decision to prioritize his health, trading unhealthy habits for a pair of running shoes. Starting at 250 pounds and a problematic relationship with alcohol, he transformed himself one step at a time and took his final drink on July 2nd, 2022.

Rob ran his...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to the extraordinary, Alyse Gilliver.

At 36 years old, Alyse is living proof that it’s never too late to discover your potential. A dedicated oncology nurse and mother of three young children – ages 2, 4, and 6 – she balances her demanding career and family life with a newfound passion for running. With the unwavering support of her husband and guidance of her coach, Paula Wiltse – a local legend in Brockville, Ontario and friend of Inspired Soles! – Alyse has made incredible strides in the marathon...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today I’m excited to welcome Lynsey Romano – Founder & Head Coach of Skyline Run Coaching – back to the show. 

We decided to tackle a topic that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough but is often pivotal in a runner and coach’s journey…changing running coaches.

For many runners, the bond with their coach is deeply personal. It’s built on trust, shared goals, and sometimes years of hard work. But what happens when that relationship no longer serves one or both parties? Changing coaches can fee...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Dr. Duane Scotti is back on the show to discuss the importance of year-round consistent training for marathon success. 

Many runners lose motivation after completing their goal race in the fall or struggle to get back on track over the holiday season or colder months. And while this is completely understandable, it sets you up to leave time on the table in your next goal race -- even if that race seems really far away. In this episode we talk about the importance of mindset, strength t...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

As the year comes to an end, I thought it would be fun to highlight excerpts from some of the most downloaded episodes from the previous 12 months. 2024 was packed with amazing guests, from dietitians, coaches and authors to everyday and elite level road and trail runners. You’ll even hear the voice of my former co-host Kim Sankey in many of the clips from the first half of the year and I want to take this time to give her a shoutout for helping me guide many of th...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Sarah Carroll is a former social worker turned personal trainer, run coach and nutritionist who specializes in helping others move and fuel their bodies through her Winnipeg-based business, Underdogs Coaching. As a former competitive bodybuilder, Sarah struggled with body dysmorphia and disordered eating patterns that negatively impacted her health, and today she’s passionate about helping athletes celebrate everything their bodies CAN do by building healthy and sustainable habits.

In this episode we cover everything related to getting started (or re-started) with running, including:

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

41-year-old Polly Moody is back – along with her new coach, Jeff Cunningham – to break down her brilliant run at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. 

Polly was on the show just after she and Jeff began working together in the summer, and despite having to hit the ground running and overcome a few significant challenges in training, their teamwork prevailed. Polly managed to shave close to two minutes off her personal best from 2023 and run a blazing time of 2:44:38, which was good enough for 4th Canadian and 6th in her a...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Ana Laura Fray is an outstanding 47 year old masters runner who grew up in Mexico but now lives north of Toronto. She took up running in her mid-thirties but her marathoning career really started to take off after turning 40. She broke 3 hours for the first time at age 41 and by 44, she’d improved to her current personal best of 2:46. Over the past three years she’s been chasing 2:45 and despite getting into shape several times, she keeps coming up a bit short. This prompted her to reflect on the...

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Stéphanie Tétreault is a 38-year-old runner, lawyer, wife and mom-of-two children ages 9 & 6. With six weeks until the Twin Cities Marathon – an early October race she’d had her eye on for the better part of 18-months! – Stéphanie’s family received the devastating news that her vibrant & energetic 67 year old father had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. As disorienting as this period of time was, Stéphanie chose to keep on training with full awareness that she might not get to toe the start line in Minneapol...