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My guest today is Kristin Paterson, a 39-year-old runner from Ottawa, Ontario, who’s been married to her husband and coach for 18 years. Together they’re raising four kids, all of whom Kristin also homeschools!

Kristin started running shortly before the pandemic, and has steadily chipped away at her goals ever since. On October 6, 2025, she lined up at the P'tit Train du Nord Marathon in Quebec chasing a Boston Qualifying time — but Mother Nature had other plans. With temperatures soaring to 28℃, Kristin’s race began to unravel before the halfway mark.

In this episode, she opens up about what it felt like to watch her goal slip away, how she found the strength to keep going when it would’ve been easy to quit, and what it means to process disappointment in real time. Kristin shares the role of sheer stubbornness, the example she wants to set for her kids, the energy of the spectators, and the power of connection with fellow runner and social media friend Bronwyn in getting her across that finish line.

She also reflects on the wisdom of her mentor and friend of the pod, Ana Laura Fray, who reminded her that running journeys aren’t linear.

If you’ve ever had a marathon go sideways in the second half, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone — and that sometimes the hardest days teach us the most.

Connect with Kristin:

• Instagram: @mamakris_

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• Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffin
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