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Jeff Cunningham returns for a deeper conversation about the parts of coaching that go far beyond workouts and race plans.

We explore what happens when the real obstacle isn’t fitness, but confidence. When athletes are running 90+ miles per week but not fueling enough. When self-worth gets tangled up in race results. When comparison — amplified by social media — chips away at belief.

Jeff shares how he navigates these challenges as a coach, especially when the issue isn’t physical but emotional — or when it falls outside of his own expertise. We talk about the danger of the success-or-failure mindset, what it really means to “stay on the path,” and how to rebuild trust in yourself after a disappointing performance.

This episode is about caring for the whole runner — not just the one chasing a PR.

If you’ve ever felt like your biggest hurdle wasn’t the training plan but your own self-doubt, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Jeff:

• Instagram: @jdcunningham97
• Bat City Track Club
• Cunningham Running
  
  

Jeff's Past Episodes on Inspired Soles:

• Episode 256 on Marathon Pacing 
• Episode 217 with Polly (Jeff’s Canadian sub-elite athlete)

Connect with Carolyn:

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

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