Going Off Course

A lot of race talk today!

We’re recapping recent race days and all the things you can’t control once the gun goes off — mindset swings, fueling mishaps, questionable swim starts, and bike mechanics deciding to act up at the worst possible time. We get into the emotional highs and lows of race prep, what actually matters on race day, and the lessons you only learn by doing.

We also talk race etiquette, the underrated power of support from fellow athletes, and why every race (good or bad) still moves you forward. If you’ve ever finished a race proud, frustrated, emotional, or all three — this one’s for you.

It’s one of those episodes — the kind where technical difficulties become part of the plot. Between apartment issues, recording chaos, and way too much chafing talk, we somehow manage to cover triathlon training, Halloween plans, and what our perfect race would look like (spoiler: flat course, good snacks, zero blisters).

We also get into finding joy in training vs. the pressure of racing, how to plan race goals without losing your sanity, and the winter gear that keeps us from freezing our butts off. Basically: it’s equal parts running chat, life chaos, and unhinged race dreaming.

A lot of random chat today! 

Carolyn has only ever eaten 1 oyster in her life. And it was in Ohio. Do we put her in jail? We talk about a new 5k “PR” (aka a Strava PR), random race era, time commitments for a full vs half marathon, a $22k race, and taking off random days in the middle of the week.

Also, you’ll never regret a run unless it’s with Napa and she’s being annoying. Do you also need validation about skipping a run? Also, does the end of Daylight Saving Time ruin your running life? Also, MILLENIALS ARE ALLOWED TO BE CRINGE.

Questions continue in today’s episode! We start with some irrational fears after Michelle mentions her Achilles tendon popped (but didn’t pop?) during her morning workout (she’s better than everyone else - but only this day because of said morning workout).  We chat about not warming up properly and then not being able to hit your workout goals, people who run 100-mile weeks, and Carolyn mentions a 4-miler coming up in Ohio (race strategy TBD because how does one mentally prepare?!) 

We talk diet, motivation, drinking alcohol, running ultra marathons, and crewing ultras. Remember the Nike Women’s race drama? We get into some tangents, of course.

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Strava & Garmin are fighting?! We dive into the drama and then break into Michelle’s current gripe with cyclists - and she also gets a helmet makeover - you don’t want to miss this. (Check Spotify and/or YouTube for video.) We laugh at the fact that cyclists always have to do the most (always wearing the full fit), clipping in for the first time, and how eating Nerd Gummy Clusters while running takes the fun out of eating candy. 30k is not 30k it’s 10k x 3. We talk about all things cycling fit and touch on running and swimming. Everything you need to know is here. Also, Speedo sluts stand up!

Carolyn’s back from Europe and she’s got stories—think Prague cobblestones, Vienna coffee, Munich beer tents (yes, Oktoberfest happened), and Switzerland being… well, Switzerland. She dives into the highs, the not-so-glamorous travel moments, and what it feels like to come back to normal life after pretending you’re an international woman of mystery. Also on deck: running challenges, why she’s pressing pause on the NYC Marathon this year, and the reminder that sometimes enjoying life means saying no. Prost to that. 🍻

Last week Michelle is solo in the house while Carolyn frolics in Munich!

Today she’s touching on race spectating, running fashion, and what it’s like to be a racer in a half marathon. Napa says hello too and is casually possessed by a demon, but it’s fine. She talks about remembering races, getting emotional while spectating (more than when racing?), fashion tips that she thinks will come back (aka visors coming back with vengeance), and singing in the shower… is this talking to yourself? Crust is a key personality trait for her - listen to find out what that means and if you’re a crustacean yourself, you might relate.

Don’t forget to leave your questions at [email protected] or the @goingoffcoursepod IG! Questions will be answered next week. GOD SPEED.

A lil solo intro today brought to you by Michelle while Carolyn frolics in Prague (because I think that’s what you do when in Prague, probably). After a lil intro we pick back up where we left off with 10k time trials, pacing strategies, Garmin watch screens, mental game, and feeling lucky to feel the pain of pushing it. We end today with some TikTok drama!

Today we’re diving into some difficult topics surrounding grief all while Carolyn experiences her first DNF. Saying that, we keep today’s episode light hearted and send our love to Carolyn! We also recap the prep, swim and bike at Santa Cruz! <3

Michelle finds money on the ground, Carolyn’s high school boyfriend throws money away, and somehow that sets the tone for the rest of this episode. We’re talking race schedules (including the three races Michelle impulsively signed up for after a glass, or three, of wine), trail race revelations (Carolyn literally found the meaning of life in 4 miles), and why pacing math is not for the emotionally unstable.

Carolyn gets absolutely wrecked at PT, and we answer listener questions about fueling during a marathon. Also: the LA seasons, men vs. the sun (why won’t they wear sunscreen??), and a strong anti-contrarian stance from Carolyn. As always, it’s a little unhinged and a lot of fun.