Over the Next Hill Fitness

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At 58 years old and 250 pounds, Deb Bahr faced a pivotal moment. Concerned about her future health and longevity, she made a decision that would transform her life: she would become a triathlete despite not having run since her 20s, biked since childhood, or properly swam before.

Deb's remarkable journey unfolds as she shares how she taught herself three disciplines from scratch through books, YouTube videos, and community support. With refreshing honesty, she recounts the inevitable rookie mistakes, including overtraining injuries, but emphasizes how perseverance led to completing her first sprint triathlon...

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Imagine standing at the starting line of your first marathon, rain pouring down, wondering if your months of training will pay off. Now imagine sharing that journey with your family across three generations.

In this deeply personal episode, I bring you into the heart of my family's running journey. From my grandsons' joyful recounting of their first one-mile race in the pouring rain to my son Charles' and daughter-in-law Sarah's transformative marathon experiences, you'll witness how running creates bonds and builds character.

Charles reveals the mental fortitude required for...

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What happens when a marathoner faces cancer? For Liz Krznarich, running had been her constant companion for 27 years before a breast cancer diagnosis at age 40 threatened to take away this core piece of her identity.

The parallels between marathon training and enduring cancer treatment emerged in unexpected ways throughout Liz's journey. "Having that marathon training perspective and being really familiar with discomfort was extremely helpful," she explains, "because there's a whole lot of discomfort during chemo." Yet the experience also humbled her, revealing the limitations of the "mind over matter" approach...

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What happens when someone who once hated running decides to lace up their shoes at age 32? Ben Bloedorn's transformation from self-proclaimed non-athlete to ultramarathon finisher reveals the profound parallel between running and life's broader challenges.

Beginning with his first painful 5K in 2019, Ben shares how completing that initial race ignited something unexpected - the question "what's next?" That curiosity propelled him from suffering through shin splints to conquering a 50-mile ultramarathon at the Ice Age 50, despite significant setbacks including knee injuries and failed race attempts along the way.

Ben's...

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What would you do if you came face-to-face with a mountain lion in the darkness of a pre-dawn hike? For Kayla Girard, this heart-stopping encounter was just one chapter in her remarkable outdoor journey that's taken her from struggling to run a single mile to summiting some of Colorado's most challenging peaks.

In this captivating conversation, Kayla reveals how she discovered her love for running later in life when she realized the secret was simply slowing down. This breakthrough has led her to complete races in 37 states so far on her...

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What if the greatest obstacle you faced became your greatest opportunity? For Lisa Herron, a devastating farming accident at age 40 that required her fifth knee surgery didn't end her athletic journey—it transformed it. Trading running shoes for walking ones, Lisa discovered an unexpected path forward that would lead to extraordinary achievements and a reimagined relationship with movement.

Lisa's power walking prowess shatters preconceptions about what walking can accomplish. Maintaining a consistent 10-minute mile pace, she often overtakes runners during races, playfully noting she might be "on my second or third be...

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What happens when a devastating diagnosis becomes the catalyst for a complete life transformation? 

Meet Irene Pasternak, whose journey from an early Alzheimer's diagnosis to becoming a marathon runner reveals the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when we refuse to accept limitation. At 65, Irene received news that would stop most people in their tracks: test results showing an 86% chance of full dementia within three years. Instead of retreating, she embarked on a running journey that would transform both her brain health and her entire approach to living.

Irene shares how s...

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What happens when anxiety meets opportunity? For Beth Giles, the pandemic's uncertainty sparked an unexpected journey into running that transformed both her physical and mental landscapes. This episode reveals how simple daily walks evolved into something profound when Beth asked herself, "What if I just ran?"

Beth shares the raw, honest story of how running became her sanctuary during pandemic isolation, daily work stress, and even through her mother's hospice care. The physical act of running created space for mental processing, allowing Beth to navigate life's challenges with newfound resilience. "Running...

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Jamie Elliott's journey from smoker to marathon runner begins at age 38 during her daughter's cancer treatment at St. Jude. What started as a way to quit cigarettes evolved into a powerful mission of philanthropy and personal achievement that spans over two decades.

With remarkable candor, Jamie shares how she began running without technical gear, training plans, or even proper knowledge of running mechanics - simply buying "pretty shoes" and hitting country roads near her Kentucky home. Her progression defies conventional wisdom: skipping 5Ks and 10Ks entirely, Jamie jumped straight to walking...

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Julie Marshall Wyngaert's transformation from a middle school gym class dropout to an accomplished marathon runner will make you rethink what's possible in your own fitness journey. Once weighing over 200 pounds and armed with a doctor's note exempting her from running, Julie's perspective changed dramatically as her 50th birthday approached. Motivated by the memory of her mother who passed away at just 50 years old, Julie set an audacious goal that seemed almost laughable at the time: complete a marathon.

What follows is a decade-long journey that's equal parts inspiring and practical...

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What happens when winter threatens to derail your running routine? For Angela Ryan, the answer isn't retreating to a treadmill—it's strapping on skis and embracing the season head-on.

In this captivating conversation, Angela shares her journey from casual childhood runner to adventure-seeking athlete who finds joy in movement across all seasons and terrains. Currently training for an 18-mile ski race called the Cortolope at the Birkebeiner, Angela explains how she's adapted her fitness routine to Wisconsin winters by learning skate skiing—a diagonal, skating-like motion that provides excellent cross-training for runn...

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Karen's journey from a casual runner into the world of ultramarathons showcases resilience, determination, and the power of community. Her candid reflections on personal challenges, nutrition strategies, and future goals inspire everyone to embrace their own running adventures. 

• Karen began running reluctantly in high school but later embraced it for mental relief 
• Accountability from her students helped her achieve running goals 
• Transitioned from casual running to her first race experience 
• Encountered physical injuries that shaped her approach to running 
• The supportive nature of the ultrarunning community played a significant r...

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Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards has transformed her passion for running into a career that helps others excel in the sport she loves. Join us as we uncover her unique journey from studying communications and art to becoming a leading expert in running medicine. Kate's story is a testament to the power of resilience, as she shares her experience with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and how it has shaped her approach to running and recovery. Her insights offer inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to turn personal passion into a meaningful career.

Want...

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Jen Rudin embarked on her remarkable marathon journey at the age of 50, and she's here to share her story with us. From her early days of sports and acting in New York City to rediscovering her passion for running during the COVID pandemic, Jen's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Her transition from using the Couch to 5K program to participating in major marathons like New York and Chicago highlights her resilience and determination. Alongside her running achievements, we explore her fascinating career shift from acting to become an award-winning casting director and...

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What happens when a casual runner decides to tackle the marathon challenge? Join me, Carla Coffey, as I chat with the inspiring Lisa Cochrane. Her journey began with friendly jogs and charity runs, but it soon transformed into a quest to conquer marathons. Lisa shares the struggles of a misdiagnosed hip issue and the resilience it took to overcome it, revealing how strength and mobility training became her allies on this path. Her story is one of tenacity and passion, with delightful detours, like running with her dogs and the warmth of the...

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Imagine facing life with a heart-lung transplant and then running marathons. That's the incredible journey of our guest, Mark Black, who overcame a congenital heart defect and found a new lease on life through running. From his first steps in rehab to the triumphant completion of marathons, Mark's story is one of grit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of personal limits. Join us as Mark shares how he reignited his passion for running and offers a masterclass in perseverance that’s sure to inspire.

Discover the transformative power of run-walk training te...

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Ever wondered what it takes to run a marathon in all 50 states? Marathon enthusiast Bob Batzer joins us to share his inspiring story of perseverance and humor, as he recounts his transformation from a casual high school runner to a determined athlete with an ambitious goal. Bob's initial marathon in Kansas City back in 2002 was a tough one, leaving him to swear off the sport for a while. But, with renewed motivation and insights, he returned to marathon running and hasn't looked back since. By 2020, he had already conquered 15 marathons across 10 states, and...

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What happens when a determined spirit meets the open road? Join us as Sarah Modlin, a runner with an incredible journey, shares how she transformed from barely being able to run for 30 seconds in 2018 to conquering marathons across 23 states and even Berlin. Her story of resilience takes us through the pandemic era, where she found strength in her newfound passion and the camaraderie of the running community. From her first half marathon in 2021 to prestigious races in Chicago and Berlin, Sarah reveals the grit and joy that have defined her path.

...

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Discover the inspiring journey of physiotherapist Will Harlow in this episode, where he shares how he transitioned from the high-stakes world of professional football to finding his true passion in supporting individuals over 50. Will's experiences reveal the unique challenges older adults face in maintaining muscle and bone health, offering insights from his book, "Thriving After 50." Through engaging discussions, we uncover strategies to counteract age-related physical decline and explore the importance of patience in healing, while proposing alternatives to surgery for greater mobility and independence.

Will brings an empowering message that it's...

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What ignites a relentless passion for running, especially when it starts with reluctance? Join us as Skylar Watson unveils his extraordinary transition from a hesitant participant in a friend's virtual challenge to a fervent charity runner with ambitious goals. Skylar humorously walks us through his initial struggles and the unexpected joy of racing against his dad, reflecting how these experiences fueled an unquenchable competitive spirit. His story is a testament to how a simple challenge can lead to transformative personal growth and the pursuit of grand marathon dreams.

From the icy...

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What happens when a 71-year-old discovers a passion for running? Join us on Over the Next Hill Fitness Podcast as we welcome Toni Johnston, a spirited runner who embraced the world of running later in life. From her early days as an Air Force brat with no athletic background to participating in her first 5K in 2007, Toni's journey is a testament to the power of determination and joy in the running community. Discover how she overcame personal challenges like surgeries and endometriosis-induced weight gain, and how a 5K with her grandchild sparked a...

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Experience the extraordinary journey of Jeff Hardaway and Trina Nation, as they redefine the limits of running against all odds. Jeff, navigating life with Usher Syndrome, has transformed from a sedentary lifestyle to an inspiring marathon runner. His incredible story reveals how support from his wife, Amy,  and learning to run with a guide opened new doors, leading him to tackle the iconic Habanero 100 in Texas. Meanwhile, Trina, a passionate trail runner turned guide from Wyoming, stepped up to help Jeff conquer his first marathon at the Alaska Prince of Wales Marathon. Their s...

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Ken Skrien's journey into running is nothing short of transformative. From his early days of reluctantly lacing up his shoes in high school to his passionate pursuit of marathons and ultra-marathons, Ken's story is filled with resilience, creativity, and an unyielding spirit. Discover how running became Ken's sanctuary through a series of life-altering events, including battling depression, witnessing the Boston Marathon bombing, and enduring a brain injury that changed everything.

In this episode, Ken opens up about the profound challenges he faced after his accident, losing his business and home, and...

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What if a simple commitment to running could transform your life and strengthen your family bonds? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Cassandra and Elijah Beach, a dynamic mother-son duo who have maintained an incredible 1,897-day running streak. Elijah began running to counterbalance his love for gaming and to combat weight gain, while Cassandra started to support her son's health after he faced bullying at school. Together, they share the heartwarming and challenging journey that not only improved their physical health but also brought them closer than ever.

Imagine turning...

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What happens when a high school runner, inspired by the 1976 Montreal Olympics, transforms into a marathon maniac? Join us as Glen takes us through his exhilarating and humorous journey from his early running days to becoming a marathon legend. Glen's story is filled with reflections on his initial training challenges, the significant impact of his military career on his running, and the revitalization of his passion through a local running group in Hawaii. You'll be captivated by his experiences with the Honolulu Marathon and his adventures in rekindling his love for the sport...

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What if witnessing a marathon could change your life? Julia's journey from being bedridden and in a wheelchair due to a brain tumor to becoming an ultra marathoner is nothing short of miraculous. Her story of resilience begins with the inspiration she drew from the New York City Marathon runners. We discuss Julia's incredible transformation, her first 5K where she raised funds for the National Brain Tumor Society, and her message about the power of determination and passion.

Discover the story of a determined runner who set out to give back...

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Unlock the secrets to optimal running performance with our special guest, registered dietitian Amy Goblirsch, famously known as Applesauce Amy. This episode of Over the Next Hill Fitness Podcast unpacks the critical topic of fueling for runners. We'll challenge the common misconception that running on an empty stomach can boost performance. Amy delves into why pre-run carbohydrates are non-negotiable for stabilizing blood sugar and ensuring you maximize your energy reserves. This isn't just about avoiding hunger; it's about fine-tuning your nutrition to either support weight loss or peak performance—because, as Amy explains, yo...

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How does a food scientist transform her love for running and music into a thriving business? Discover the answer as Jennifer Maxwell, co-founder of Power Bar and creator of Jam Bar, takes us through her fascinating journey. From her origins in the energy bar industry with her late husband to the innovative creation of Jam Bar, Jennifer shares her expertise in food science and nutrition. Learn about the natural ingredients that make Jam Bar stand out, like maple syrup, grape sugar, honey, and dates, and why organic matters for both personal health and...

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Ever wondered what it takes to transition from casual running to completing some of the most prestigious marathons in the world? Join us as we sit down with seasoned marathoner Beth Zerilli, who has turned her post-college hobby into an impressive running career. Beth shares her journey of running 20 marathons, including six Boston Marathons and two Chicagos, and how a serendipitous coaching opportunity led her to the Boston Marathon. Hear her inspiring recount of how personal events like the Boston Marathon bombings reignited her passion and the ambitious goal she has set to...

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At 45, Tracee Beebe laced up her running shoes for the first time, defying age and past injuries to embark on an extraordinary trail running journey. Hear her recount the initial struggles and breakthroughs that led her to not just participate, but excel in rigorous Ragnar relay races across Texas. Tracee’s transformation—marked by weight loss, proper fueling, and a renewed fitness regimen—serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.

You’ll gain incredible insights as Tracee shares the mental and physical resilience required for ultrarunning, especially for olde...

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Discover the hydration revolution with HydraPatch! Join us as we sit down with Clifford Rowley, CEO, and Joe Compagni, Senior Director of Olympic Sports, to uncover the secrets behind their groundbreaking transdermal patch. From Clifford's early days at Monmouth University crafting a personalized sports drink to the innovative product that HydraPatch has become, this episode promises to change the way you think about hydration forever.

Get inspired by real-life success stories that highlight HydraPatch's versatility and effectiveness. Whether it's someone kicking a 25-year coffee habit pain-free, a cancer patient feeling better...

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When Margaret Hollister first raced across the sandy shores of South Florida, little did she know her barefoot sprints would evolve into a lifetime of competitive running. Join us as Margaret opens up about her journey from family road races to high school track triumphs and beyond. Listen closely to tales of her mental well-being and heartfelt reflections on the changing landscape of women's running. Though she's never taken her talents to triathlons, her passion is a beacon for those laced up and ready to race.

As your host, Carla Coffey...

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Embarking on a marathon journey isn't just about the miles—it's about the metamorphosis within. Catra Corbett, affectionately known as the Dirt Diva, joins us to recount her astonishing pivot from a haze of post-sobriety uncertainty to the clarity and vitality found on ultramarathon trails. Her tale isn't just about endurance, but about the sheer tenacity of the human spirit and the profound connections formed when we push our limits. From the pavement of the San Francisco Marathon to the ruggedness of 200-mile races, Catra's experiences weave a story of personal triumph and th...

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Unlock the secrets of your internal clock with circadian neuroscientist Dr. Russell Foster, who joins us to reveal how our biological rhythms dictate our physical and mental health. From the discovery of a game-changing photoreceptor in the eye to strategies for managing the challenges of shift work, this episode is a treasure trove of insights that will transform your understanding of sleep's role in your life. Dr. Foster's expertise unveils the intricate dance between our internal clocks and the external world, illuminating the paths to synchronization and well-being.

Shift work can...

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Have you ever wondered what new passions await you in the golden years of retirement? Judie Zaves Shyman is a beacon of inspiration, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to embracing new challenges. She joins us to share her journey from biking to running in the picturesque setting of Tucson, Arizona, all in pursuit of improved bone density and a revitalized spirit. Her transition from the dull drone of the treadmill to the camaraderie of the local 520 Running club is not just a tale of personal triumph but a...

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When Tamara Milliken stepped onto the scales at her doctor's office, the verdict was clear: Change was crucial for her health. Now, she joins us to recount the remarkable transformation from a stark doctor's warning to crossing the finish line at the Marine Corps Marathon. Her journey defies the age barrier, showcasing how starting a fitness regimen in your mid to late 50s isn't just possible—it's a gateway to rewriting your life's story. Through arthritis, knee surgeries, and the complexities of training on medication, Tamara exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit, un...

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Embark on an enlightening journey as Dr. Melissa Sundermann  joins us to recount her dynamic evolution from the disciplined world of ballet to the exhilarating challenges of marathon running. Her tale isn't just about physical endurance; it's a story of transformation, where the adoption of a plant-powered lifestyle became the cornerstone of her athletic success. Through her unique lens as a physician, Melissa illuminates the powerful connection between nutrition and performance, advocating for veganism as an accessible and life-enhancing choice.

In the tapestry of lifestyle medicine, we weave together the six p...

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Get ready to break new ground in the fitness supplement world with Dan Caron, the innovative mind behind Runway Hydration. In an enthralling discussion, we trace his path from personal training to pioneering a new trend in pre-workout solutions. Dan opens up about the mentorship that propelled him from concept to creation and how he's shaking up the industry with Runway's caffeine-free Foundation, tailor-made for runners who are serious about sustainable health.

Strap on your headphones and join us as we dissect the launch success of Runway's groundbreaking product. Dan and...

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When the pavement calls, Sherry Peck answers with the vivacity of a runner half her age—her story isn't just about conquering miles, it's about fostering a sisterhood that defies the bounds of age. Today's episode introduces you to the remarkable Sherry, the dynamo behind the 'Old Ladies Running' Facebook group, a haven where women runners, from fresh-faced forty-somethings to tenacious octogenarians, unite in shared determination and support. Our discussion dances from the group's heartfelt inception to the personal tales of triumph and companionship that thread through its membership, painting a vivid portrait of...