C Tolle Run
Get After It with Olympian Carrie Tollefson! Each week, Carrie and a different celebrity guest discuss running, fitness, and how to live a healthy, balanced life as a runner.
462: Adrian Wildschutt - A Change of Pace
Over the last few years, HOKA NAZ Elite athlete Adrian Wildschutt has established himself as one of the best distance runners in the world. The South African record holder across multiple distances finished 10th in the 10,000m at both the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 World Championships, and most recently won the United Airlines NYC Half. Now, Adrian is taking on a new challenge: the marathon at the Chicago Marathon. Adrian joins Carrie to talk about why he chose Chicago for his marathon debut, how his training has gone, and what he's hoping to accomplish on race day. They also...
461: Elena Hayday - I Am Ready
It’s been a fantastic year for newly signed Puma runner Elena Hayday and with the Chicago Marathon on the horizon, she’s hitting her stride at exactly the right time! Elena had a breakthrough performance at the Boston Marathon this spring, running 2:24:45 to finish 13th overall, and recently added another impressive result with a second-place finish at the USATF 20K Championships. But Elena is so much more than a professional runner. She’s also pursuing a PhD in neuroscience while training at an elite level. In this episode, Elena breaks down her research, how it influences the way she ap...
460: Rachael Rudel - I'm Proud of My Journey
Rachael Rudel is having one heck of a season! Fresh off her first national title at the USATF 20K Championships, Rachael has earned the opportunity to represent Team USA in the half marathon at the 2027 World Road Running Championships in China. But getting to this point wasn't always easy. Along the way, Rachael has navigated a medical misdiagnosis, an eating disorder, injuries, and discovering that she carries the BRCA1 gene. Through it all, she's continued to push forward, balancing a full-time job with training and always finding the fun in the sport she loves. In this episode, Rachael recaps...
459: Jemma Reekie and Marco Langon - New Balance 5th Avenue Mile Champions
Fresh off the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, Carrie and her friend Ali Feller of the Ali on the Run Podcast take over a special edition of the Set the Pace podcast! Together, they recap all the action from the iconic New York City race, then sit down with this year’s champions, Marco Langon and Jemma Reekie. Marco and Jemma share their running journeys, break down their winning performances, talk about what it took to come out on top, and look ahead to what’s next. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at race day, straight from the athletes who wo...
458: Dimity McDowell - The 27th Mile
Dimity McDowell has done it all. She's been a sports journalist, co-authored three books including her newest release "The 27th Mile", and co-founded Another Mother Runner, an inclusive community that has inspired and supported countless female runners. She's also a personal trainer and coach who has taken on major endurance events, including IRONMAN Coeur d'Alene and the Pikes Peak Ascent. But perhaps Dimity's greatest passion is helping women stay strong and keep moving forward on the roads, trails, and through life. In this live episode, recorded at Summit Brewing in Minnesota, nothing is off limits as Dimity and Carrie...
457: Stephen Biebelhausen - It's Been Wild
You've probably seen the viral video of a father pushing his daughter to a world-record mile. That father is Stephen Biebelhausen, and this week, he's joining C Tolle Run! Last month at the Guardian Mile in Cleveland, Ohio, Stephen pushed his adorable daughter, Blake, in the mile race with the goal of setting a course record. What happened next was even bigger! He not only smashed the course record but set a new world record by an incredible nine seconds! But there's so much more to Stephen than one unforgettable race. In this episode, he shares his own running...
457: Steven Biebelhausen - It's Been Wild
You've probably seen the viral video of a father pushing his daughter to a world-record mile. That father is Steven Biebelhausen, and this week, he's joining C Tolle Run! Last month at the Guardian Mile in Cleveland, Ohio, Steven pushed his adorable daughter, Blake, in the mile race with the goal of setting a course record. What happened next was even bigger! He not only smashed the course record but set a new world record by an incredible nine seconds! But there's so much more to Steven than one unforgettable race. In this episode, he shares his own running...
456: Craig Engels - Go Your Own Way
Craig Engels is no stranger to the C Tolle Run podcast, and if you've listened before, you already know he's never short on stories. Last time Craig joined Carrie, they talked about his accomplishments in the 800m and 1500m. This time, fresh off USATF Nationals in New York City, Craig shares what happened when he decided to explore the city a little more than planned. And if that wasn't enough excitement, he packed up his dog, Roo, and embarked on a bike adventure across North Carolina. But there's much more to Craig than his epic adventures. Now training and...
455 - Sydney Vaught: This is Everything We Worked For
Sydney Vaught is one of the newest names on the professional running scene, but after winning the 2026 USATF 10,000m Championship, she's quickly becoming an athlete you’ll want to know. Before turning pro, Sydney was a standout at the University of Arkansas, where she became an All-American, SEC Champion, and one of the top distance runners in the NCAA. But her journey to the professional ranks wasn't always a straight line. In this episode, Sydney shares what it was like growing up in a small Wyoming town, how she connected with her college coach Mike Burns (who continues to co...
455: Sydney Vaught: This is Everything We Worked For
Sydney Vaught is one of the newest names on the professional running scene, but after winning the 2026 USATF 10,000m Championship, she's quickly becoming an athlete you’ll want to know. Before turning pro, Sydney was a standout at the University of Arkansas, where she became an All-American, SEC Champion, and one of the top distance runners in the NCAA. But her journey to the professional ranks wasn't always a straight line. In this episode, Sydney shares what it was like growing up in a small Wyoming town, how she connected with her college coach Mike Burns (who continues to co...
454: Jessica Kain - Anything Can Happen
Jessica Kain is a professional 1500-meter runner, fitness model, and coach from Santa Cruz, California, who is quickly making a name for herself in the running world. After competing for San Diego State, Jessica has continued chasing big goals on the track while balancing modeling, coaching, and sharing her journey on social media. This season, everything started to click. Jessica entered her first USATF Outdoor Championships seeded 21st in the 1500m and finished sixth, while dropping her personal best to 4:06.21 (more than six seconds faster than her college PR). But Jessica's breakthrough didn't come overnight. She once considered walking...
453: Emily Mackay - I Feel So Free This Season
Emily Mackay is one of those athletes you can't help but cheer for. Steady, consistent, and incredibly talented, 2026 has been the biggest year of her career! The Olympian, two-time global medalist, and New Balance professional with Union Athletics has already won two USATF titles this season, including the USATF Outdoor 5,000m Championship. She also earned her second global indoor medal at the World Indoor Championships this past spring. Emily last joined C Tolle Run in 2023 and three years later, there's plenty to catch up on. In this episode, Emily joins Carrie to talk about her incredible season, transitioning to...
452 - Elise Cranny - Listening To My Body
Elise Cranny is one of the most versatile runners in American history. A two-time Olympian, Nike professional athlete, American record holder, and four-time USATF champion, Elise has found success at every distance. Most recently, Elise finished runner-up to Emily Venters at the USATF 6K Championships, marking her first competitive road race in a decade. Elise joins Carrie to catch up on everything that's happened since her last appearance on the podcast. They talk about where she's living, how training is going, her transition to racing on the roads, and what's next as she continues chasing big goals. They also...
451: David Roche - Coaching is the Ultimate Honor
David Roche is one of the most recognizable names in the ultramarathon world. While he continues to run and compete himself, David has recently expanded his coaching beyond the trails and into track and road racing, where he now works with some of the fastest women in the sport. In this wide-ranging conversation nothing is off limits. David shares how he found running, the injuries he has navigated throughout his own career, how he balances coaching with his own training, and the philosophy that guides his work with elite athletes. David and his wife, Megan, also host a podcast...
450: Emily Abbate - I Love This Chapter of My Life
Emily Abbate is someone who truly does it all. She's the host of the Hurdle podcast, a sought-after speaker, storyteller, world traveler, and fitness enthusiast who continues to make movement a priority no matter where life takes her. Now, as she enters a new chapter filled with big personal and professional decisions, it felt like the perfect time to welcome her back to C Tolle Run. In this episode, Emily opens up about intentionally building a life and career on her own terms. She shares her passion for elevating women's sports and how she's learned to make space for...
449: Elyse Kopecky - I Felt Stronger, Happier, and Healthier
You may know Elyse Kopecky as the three-time New York Times bestselling author of the Run Fast. Eat Slow. cookbook series, but her impact extends far beyond the kitchen. Elyse is also the founder of Superhero Muffin Mixes, a line of wholesome, time-saving baking mixes created to help busy people choose freshly baked, nutrient-dense fuel over ultra-processed convenience foods. In this episode, Elyse joins Carrie to share her own running journey, her longtime friendship and collaboration with four-time Olympian and New York City Marathon champion Shalane Flanagan, and how her own nutrition journey inspired a culinary career. She also...
448: Gloria Jansen - Goals Keep Me Going
Gloria Jansen has been a fixture in the Minnesota running community for decades, building a remarkable resume that continues to grow. A 27-time USATF Minnesota Age Group Runner of the Year, Gloria was also named the 2025 USATF Minnesota 75–79 Age Group Runner of the Year. Most recently, she won her age group at Grandma's Marathon while celebrating another incredible milestone completing her 50th marathon at the 50th running of the iconic race. In this episode, Gloria joins Carrie to reflect on discovering running as an adult, the evolution of women's running, and why supporting female athletes at every level remains so...
447: Acer Iverson - I’m Having Fun Competing
Fresh off an impressive victory at the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon in Minnesota Acer Iverson is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young names in running. In his debut year as a professional athlete with Union Athletics Club, Acer has already proven he can compete across a wide range of distances, from the 5K to the half marathon. While he's new to the professional scene, success has followed him throughout his running career as a state champion in high school and an All-American at both Harvard and the University of Washington. But there's more to Acer than fast...
446: Kassie Parker - Giving It My All
Crown Running professional athlete Kassie Parker is having a breakthrough season. Fresh off her victory at the USATF 4-Mile Championships and her first USATF National Road Championship title, Kassie currently sits at No. 2 in the USATF Road Running Circuit standings. But there's much more to Kassie than championship performances. In this episode, Kassie shares her running journey, from her early days in the sport to her remarkable collegiate career at Division III Loras College, where she became a seven-time NCAA champion and set multiple school and conference records. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her as both an...
445 - Emily Venters: I Just Feel Happy
Emily Venters hasn't always had it easy. A childhood cancer survivor who has navigated the highs and lows of elite competition while managing race anxiety, she has met every challenge with positivity and that resilience has carried her far. Emily is now a professional runner for Nike, backed by a standout collegiate career that earned her five All-American honors. Based in Utah and training under coach David Roche, everything is clicking for Emily. Fresh off the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, where she was the top American finisher and fourth overall in a deep, competitive field, she joins Carrie...
444: Klara Lukan - I Love Challenges
If you don't know the name Klara Lukan yet, now is the time to learn it. The Slovenian standout is a professional runner for Puma, a two-time Olympian in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and the first European woman to break 30 minutes for the road 10K. Off the track, she holds a Master's degree in International Business and a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology. In this episode, Klara joins Carrie to share her journey into running, life growing up in Slovenia, and the important role her family has played throughout her career. They discuss her collegiate experience, how she's putting her...
443: Mercy Chelangat: I’m So Fired Up
Mercy Chelangat may be relatively new to the marathon, but she’s already making a major impact on the world stage. In just her latest breakthrough performance, Mercy ran an incredible 2:20 marathon to finish 4th at the Boston Marathon, firmly establishing herself among the sport’s elite. A professional runner for HOKA Northern Arizona Elite, Mercy built an outstanding collegiate career at University of Alabama, where she became a 2-time NCAA Champion, earned 9 All-American honors, and captured 8 SEC titles. In this episode, Mercy reflects on her journey from dominant collegiate athlete to rising marathon star, sharing the lessons she’s lear...
442: Drew Hunter: I Wake Up Excited Every Day
Drew Hunter is no stranger to C Tolle Run, but this time he joins the show with some new hardware. Fresh off winning the USATF Road 5K Championship and qualifying for the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Drew is riding a wave of success both on and off the course. Beyond racing, Drew wears many hats: CEO of Hammer and Axe Training, entrepreneur, podcaster, husband, and proud father of two, with a third daughter on the way. Despite a packed schedule, he shares why this season of life has never felt more fulfilling. In this episode, Drew opens...
441: Eden Rainbow-Cooper - This Is My Chance
Eden Rainbow-Cooper has built a career defined by resilience, speed, and ambition. Introduced to Wheelchair Racing in 2012, Eden quickly found her success progressing through distances before making a bold move to the marathon. The leap to the marathon distance paid off in a major way, earning her a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and launching a streak of standout performances on the global stage. Eden has established herself as one of the sport’s most dominant competitors. She is a 2x Boston Marathon winner and British Record Holder in the 5k and marathon cementing her place among the el...
440: Gracie Hyde - I Belong Here
You may not know Gracie Hyde yet, but that’s about to change. A rising star in professional distance running, Gracie competes for Puma and trains with Team Meridia in Boulder, Colorado. Her résumé is already turning heads: a standout collegiate career where she set six Division II records, followed by a breakout pro season that includes a win in the steeplechase at the Drake Relays and her first selection to Team USA for the World Road Championships. In this episode, Gracie shares how she found her way into the sport, the key decisions that shaped her path, and...
439: Addy Wiley - I'm Living My Dream
Addy Wiley is a fighter in every sense of the word. After overcoming childhood cancer, she found her strength in running, turning it into a superpower that’s propelled her onto the world stage. Now, she’s not just competing; she’s rewriting the record books as a World Indoor bronze medalist, National Champion, and American record holder. In this episode, Addy breaks down her electrifying indoor season, her dominant Road Mile Championship win that earned her a spot on Team USA, and the performances that have made her one of track and field’s most exciting names. She also ope...
438: Emma Grace Hurley - Not Afraid to Go to the Front
Fresh off her first national title at the USATF Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Championship, Emma Grace Hurley joins Carrie Tollefson to break down a career-defining moment. Emma Grace shares the mindset behind her win, how she approaches racing the best in the world, and why she’s not afraid to push the pace. She also reflects on a rollercoaster stretch that included a heartbreaking half marathon, a pending American record in the 8K, and finally, a breakthrough victory. Beyond racing, Emma Grace opens up about her journey back into the sport, staying healthy, and balancing professional running with a job ou...
437: Ashley Paulson - Do Something That Scares You Every Day
Ashley Paulson is a professional triathlete, marathoner, and ultrarunner known for taking on some of the toughest races in the world including becoming a two-time champion of the legendary Badwater 135 (often called the world's toughest foot race), 25-time IRONMAN, ultramarathon veteran and an iFIT trainer. Beyond her impressive results, Ashley is also mother and a grandmother who rocks hot pink hair. In this episode, she shares how she got started in endurance sports, what drives her to push past extreme limits, and how she stays healthy through it all. We also talk about her journey into coaching, balancing family...
436: Dom Scott - Your 1% Is Your 100%
Dom Scott is one of South Africa’s all-time great distance runners: an Olympian, National Champion, professional athlete, coach, one of the kindest people you’ll meet. With an incredible career behind her and plenty still ahead, Dom returns to C Tolle Run to reflect on her running milestones, life beyond the track and what’s next! Dom opens up about how recent experiences have shaped her current trajectory and how her support system has been in her corner through thick and thin. This honest and powerful conversation will leave you motivated and inspired, with practical and real-life advice that eve...
436: Dom Scott - Your 1% is your 100%
Dom Scott is one of South Africa’s all-time great distance runners: an Olympian, National Champion, professional athlete, coach, one of the kindest people you’ll meet. With an incredible career behind her and plenty still ahead, Dom returns to C Tolle Run to reflect on her running milestones, life beyond the track and what’s next! Dom opens up about how recent experiences have shaped her current trajectory and how her support system has been in her corner through thick and thin. This honest and powerful conversation will leave you motivated and inspired, with practical and real-life advice that e...
435: Randi Zuckerberg - There Is Beauty In Doing Hard Things
Randi Zuckerberg may have a recognizable last name, but her story is entirely her own. A wife, mother, entrepreneur, radio host, and ultramarathoner, Randi has built a life that blends high performance with genuine heart. In this episode, she shares her incredible achievement of setting the fastest known time (male or female) at Mexico’s grueling Baja Sur 135km Trail Run, completing the rugged course in just under 25 hours as a powerful comeback from injury. Randi breaks down the mental and physical strategies that helped her endure one of the toughest races out there, offering practical tips for ultrarunning an...
434: Zouhair Talbi - I'm 100% Focused
Moroccan-born Zouhair Talbi is a father, husband, and one of the fastest marathoners in the United States. Now an American citizen, Zouhair currently ranks as the third-fastest American in the men’s marathon. Fresh off a win at the Chevron Houston Marathon and a runner-up finish at the United Airlines NYC Half, he’s now setting his sights on the Boston Marathon next month. In this episode, Zouhair shares his journey into running, what’s fueled his longevity in the sport, and how he’s competed and excelled at short and long distances (from 3000m all the way to marathon...
433: The 2026 United Airlines NYC Half Winners
Every March, New York City buzzes with energy for both St. Patrick's Day and the iconic United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. With more than 30,000 runners racing through Times Square and Central Park, unforgettable moments are guaranteed, and this year delivered in a big way! After providing the race-day commentary Carrie joined the Set The Pace Podcast team for exclusive, post-race interviews with the day’s champions. This week on C Tolle Run, we’re bringing you those finish-line conversations. Hear from champions Hellen Obiri, who set a blazing course record of 1:06:33, Adriaan Wildschutt, and wheelchair race winners Daniel Romanchuk and...
432: Jordan (Hasay) Hogan - I Still Like Pushing Myself
Jordan (Hasay) Hogan has been a household name in the running world since she burst onto the scene as a teenage phenom, winning at nearly every level and representing Team USA both in high school and as a professional. With a marathon personal best (2:20:57) that ranks among the ten fastest ever by an American woman, Jordan has firmly secured her place among the greatest runners in U.S. history. Last summer, Jordan welcomed her son, Micah, and stepped into a brand new chapter: motherhood. In this episode, Carrie catches up with Jordan to talk about training during pregnancy, how...
431: Julia Paternain - Putting Uruguay on the Map
Born in Mexico to Uruguayan parents and raised in the UK, Julia Paternain’s journey to the international stage is anything but ordinary. With deep family roots in Uruguay, she chose to represent the country and made history doing so. Julia captured Uruguay’s first-ever medal in distance running, earning bronze at the World Championships in Tokyo, and set a national record in her marathon debut at the McKirdy Micro Marathon with an impressive 2:27:09. Now based in Flagstaff, she’s competing professionally and gearing up for the NYC Half and the London Marathon this spring. Carrie sits down with Julia...
430: Charles Hicks - Go For What You Love Most
At just 24 years old, Charles Hicks is already building an impressive résumé. The professional Nike athlete recently placed 7th at the TCS New York City Marathon, clocking a blazing 2:09 (finishing as the second American in his debut marathon), and captured his first USATF Championship title at the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. In this episode, Charles shares what’s fueled his breakthrough at longer distances, what it was like running alongside Eliud Kipchoge in New York, and the key lessons he’s learned throughout his rise in the sport. We also look back at his standout collegiate career at Stanford, previe...
429: Jillian Tholen & Alex Larson - Have Fun with Your Food
We hope you're hungry for a conversation about nutrients! Today we’re joined by experts Jillian Tholen and Alex Larson to break down what athletes actually need to know about fueling their bodies. We cover building a balanced plate for best performance (protein, carbs, fats, yes, all of them) and we get tips for how to keep it simple in the kitchen. Carrie tackles the hot-button topics head-on, including when to fuel, adapting as we age, and athletes using GLP-1s, what they are, why they matter, and how to approach them safely and responsibly. As endurance athletes, Jillian an...
428: Cole Hocker - I Can Win The Biggest Race On the Biggest Day
You may recognize Cole Hocker from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where he captured gold in the men’s 1500 meters and set a new Olympic record. He is also the 2025 World Champion in the 5000 meters. He’s stayed on top ever since, most recently taking the win at the prestigious Millrose Games. With a lighter summer season ahead, Cole sits down with Carrie to catch up on life, covering everything from training and racing to making music and how even the best handle their nerves. As THE best in the world over the past two years, Cole opens up about his...
427: Roisin Willis - It’s Just You and the Track
Newly crowned American indoor record holder in the 800m, and the first woman ever to break 1:58 indoors, Roisin Willis joins C Tolle Run this week! Roisin is coming off an incredible stretch, racing three times in just ten days: she won the New Balance Indoor Games, shattered the American 800m record, and capped it off with a victory in the Millrose 600m. We dive into her journey into the sport, how she balances life as a New Balance professional while competing collegiately at Stanford, and the highs, lows, and everything in between. Roisin also reflects on her rapid rise...
426: Dot McMahan - Longevity Makes Me Different
Dot McMahan returns to C Tolle Run after hitting a huge milestone! At 49 years old, Dot has just qualified for her sixth Olympic Marathon Trials. In a sport where standards keep tightening and competition grows fiercer every year, she continues to rise to the challenge. Carrie and Dot dive into her long, remarkable career, how the sport has evolved, her daughter El’s rise in the running world, and how Dot balances life beyond the miles. After more than two decades as a professional runner, Dot brings a wealth of wisdom, hard-earned lessons, and inspiration you won’t want to m...