Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

With fall marathon season on the horizon, there’s no better time to revisit this essential conversation with Winnipeg-based Registered Dietitian Jessica Wylychenko, founder of Speed & Savoury. Originally released in August 2024, this episode is packed with practical and actionable advice to help runners dial in their fueling and hydration strategies for training, racing, and recovery.

Jessica specializes in performance nutrition for runners and shares how even small tweaks can make a big difference—helping you avoid injury, boost training adaptations, and feel stronger on race day. As a competitive runner herself, she knows firsthand how nutrition can impact performance. After a string of injuries in 2019 related to unintentional underfueling, Jessica rebuilt her approach with intention—and it’s paid off. Since this episode first aired, she ran a new marathon PR of 2:52:09 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, finishing 9th Canadian female overall.

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of fueling for all types of training runs
• How to approach carbohydrate loading without overcomplicating it
• Hydration strategies that go beyond just drinking water
• How to identify signs of underfueling
• Tips for balancing performance goals with long-term health

Whether you’re training for your first marathon or chasing a PB, this episode will leave you with clear, science-backed strategies you can implement right away.

Connect with Jessica:

• Instagram: @speed_and_savoury

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

When Shirley Ramos showed up to Tracktastic 2023 in Winnipeg, she thought she was just going to watch. Little did she know, by the end of the day, she’d be standing on the podium after an impromptu 4x400m relay — and officially hooked on track.

In this episode, Shirley shares her journey from recreational road runner and marathon mom to becoming a proud track athlete. Since that fateful day, she’s joined the Manitoba Runners’ Association track club, competed at the Canadian Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, and discovered how much joy, strength, and community the track can offer runners of all ages and abilities.

We also talk about her quest to become a 6-star World Major Marathon finisher, her deep love for the process of training, and how track has surprisingly become her favourite running discipline — helping her feel stronger, faster, and more connected to the sport.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of track, Shirley’s story will inspire you to see it in a whole new light.

Join Us at Tracktastic 2025 (Aug 28th at Victor Mager track in Winnipeg):

• https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/

Events include:

• Prediction Mile (no watches allowed!)
• Kid’s 100m Dash
• All-Out 400m
• World’s Slowest 60m
• Age-Graded 800m
• Co-ed 4x400m Relay
• Field events like Standing Long Jump and Longest Ball Throw

Connect with Shirley:

• Instagram: @thisisshirlz

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Ben Rosario is back! The Co-Founder & CEO of The Marathon Project returns to Inspired Soles just four months after his first appearance to share exciting updates about the race’s 2025 edition—and so much more.

Since our last conversation, TMP has announced partnerships with Blanks Sports Nutrition (yes, everyone gets bottle service!) and FloTrack, revealed a new start time, detailed the prize purse, and continued registration for the Gold Wave—the competitive amateur field for runners chasing their best performances.

In this episode, Ben and I also dive into recent industry headlines, including the doping suspension of marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng'etich, as well as Faith Kipyegon’s Breaking4 attempt.

Plus, Ben opens up about his surprising new chapter—becoming a middle school teacher—and the introspection that led to this next step. We talk about what fuels recreational runners, how we’re all more competitive than we let on, and how running is a lot like golf (which might explain a few things about my family!).

Whether you’re a serious amateur, a fan of the sport, or just curious about what’s next for The Marathon Project, this episode delivers.

Join Carolyn & Johnny at TMP

• Register with our unique link: https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Chandler/TheMarathonProject?raceRefCode=rrDDNwh0

Connect with Ben & Learn More About TMP:

• Instagram: @marathonproj
• Website: themarathonproject.com
• Ben's 1st interview on Inspired Soles: The Marathon Project Returns in 2025

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

If you're just tuning in for the first time and wondering, what exactly is the Mic Check Relay? — allow us to catch you up!

On July 16th, Inspired Soles went head-to-head against our friends Rob & Charlie Tétrault at The Running Journey podcast in a 2-person, 5K-per-runner track relay at Victor Mager track in Winnipeg. The stakes? $5000 donated by the losing team to the charity of the winner’s choice — and, of course, serious podcast bragging rights.

In this recap episode, Johnny and I relive the magic of that evening — from the electric atmosphere and perfect summer weather to the 100+ amazing people who showed up to cheer and race in our open 1500m heats.

We share how the race unfolded compared to our predictions, the key strategy Reid Coolsaet gave me the day before, and shout out the incredible people who helped make the night a true community celebration — including the cake (yes, thatcake), the volunteers, and our dynamo of a photographer, Jin-Lee.

Final results:
🏆 Inspired Soles – 37:37 (Carolyn 20:34 | Johnny 17:03)
💥 The Running Journey – 38:12 (Charlie 20:24 | Rob 17:48 – a 1:21 PB!)

And most importantly, FortWhyte Alive received a $5000 donation as our chosen charity.

We left the track with full hearts and immense gratitude. Tune in to hear our full recap of a truly unforgettable night.

Charities:

• Fort Whyte Alive (Carolyn & Johnny's charity): https://www.fortwhyte.org/
• CMV Canada (Rob & Charlie's charity): https://cmvcanada.com/

Previous episodes about the Mic Check Relay:

• Ep 244 with Rob & Charlie: 5K for $5K | Inspired Soles vs The Running Journey Mic Check Relay Showdown
• Ep 247 with Johnny Coffin: Mic Check Relay Preview & Race Day Predictions
• Rob & Charlie's Recap on The Running Journey

Rob & Charlie's Podcast:

• The Running Journey 

Connect with Johnny:

• Instagram: @bestjohnnyever

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

🎙️ With just days to go until the Mic Check Relay, my husband Johnny and I sat down for a quick and candid preview of what’s shaping up to be the ultimate podcast showdown between Inspired Soles and The Running Journey.

On Wednesday, July 16th — also Johnny’s 44th birthday — we’ll go head-to-head against Rob & Charlie Tetrault in a 2-person 5K relay, where the losing team donates $5000 to the winning team’s charity of choice. But this event is about more than just bragging rights…

We’re inviting local runners to join us for 1500m time trials, stay for pizza and birthday cake, and cheer on the main event at Victor Mager track. In this episode, we cover how the event came to be, how training has gone (bear encounters and all), and what times we hope to run on race day.

Register for the Mic Check Relay (only $5):

• https://mraweb.ca/event/the-mic-check-relay/

Charities:

• CMV Canada (Rob & Charlie's charity): https://cmvcanada.com/
• Fort Whyte Alive (Carolyn & Johnny's charity): https://www.fortwhyte.org/

Previous episode introducing Mic Check with Rob & Charlie:

• Ep 244: 5K for $5K | Inspired Soles vs The Running Journey Mic Check Relay Showdown

Connect with Johnny:

• Instagram: @bestjohnnyever

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

This episode features Andrea Amiot, a 42-year-old runner, coach, business owner, and mom from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, who recently returned to the marathon after a 6-year break—and did so in style.

Andrea ran a beautifully executed 3:18:13 at Grandma’s Marathon on June 21st, pacing herself with remarkable consistency despite rising temperatures. But as you’ll hear, this race was about so much more than just the finish time.

For Andrea, Grandma’s became a powerful metaphor for life: an invitation to slow down, stay present, say yes to the things that light her up, and trust that everything else would still get done.

We talk about:
✅ What led her back to the marathon after 6 years away
✅ How she trained for and executed such an evenly paced race
✅ The mindset shifts that helped her release stress and fully enjoy the moment
✅ The significance of her post-race tattoo and what it represents
✅ How she juggles multiple businesses, coaching, family life, and her own athletic goals

Andrea’s joy, wisdom, and grounded approach to life and running are truly contagious. We think you’ll walk away from this episode feeling inspired to not only run stronger but live more fully.

Connect with Andrea:

• Instagram: @andreaamiot

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

This episode of Inspired Soles features 28-year-old Daniel Heschuk — a highly accomplished and versatile runner who thrives across road, trail, and mountain terrain. Born and raised in Neepawa, Manitoba, Daniel competed for five years at the University of Manitoba in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He now works at the U of M’s Science Innovation Hub and gives back to the running community by co-leading a weekly track group for recreational adult runners.

From a 1:06:01 half marathon and a 30:13 Sun Run 10K in 2023 to a double bronze at the 2024 Canadian Mountain Running Championships and multiple trail wins — Daniel has done it all. In this conversation, we talk about his wide-ranging racing experience, training philosophy, and how he approaches competition with curiosity and excitement. We also discuss his DNF at the 2024 Squamish 50K, dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and that time he ran with zebras and gazelles on a South African game reserve.

Daniel is not only an incredibly talented athlete, but also a humble, encouraging, and generous member of the Winnipeg running community. You’re going to love getting to know him.

Connect with Daniel:

• Instagram: @therealrookiedan 
• Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/56033934

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

My husband Johnny is back in the co-host seat, and we're thrilled to be joined by our favourite running brothers, Rob & Charlie Tetrault from The Running Journey podcast, for a fun and feisty crossover episode.

On July 16th, the four of us will go head-to-head in a team 5K relay at Victor Mager track, with podcast bragging rights—and $5000 to the charity of the winning team’s choice—on the line. It’s also a community event with 1500m races, pizza, birthday cake, and lots of laughs.

In this episode, Johnny & I recap our half marathon performances at Grandma's in Duluth, Rob & Charlie talk about their charity event in La Broquerie, and we all weigh in on the new BQ rule from the B.A.A. that has runners talking.

Local? Come cheer or race. Everyone else—tune in for the banter, bold predictions, and behind-the-scenes prep.

Learn More & Register for the Mic Check Relay:

• https://mraweb.ca/event/the-mic-check-relay/

Connect with Rob & Charlie:

• Charlie's Inspired Soles episode: 7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days
• Rob's Inspired Soles episode: Running Towards Sobriety
• Instagram: @runwithrobcmv
• Podcast: The Running Journey 

Connect with Johnny:

• Instagram: @bestjohnnyever

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Glynis Sim is a 27-year-old elite distance runner based in Vancouver, BC, where she trains with the Vancouver Thunderbirds under coach Steve Weiler. She’s the 2022 U Sports Cross Country Champion, recently won the Vancouver Sun Run in 32:54, and holds a 5000m PB of 15:35.

But Glynis’ story is about much more than podiums and times.

After a difficult chapter at Arizona State University, where she faced a long and stubborn tibial stress fracture, Glynis was medically retired from the NCAA system. It wasn’t until she returned to Canada and let go of rigid expectations that her relationship with running began to shift—and ultimately thrive.

In this conversation, Glynis opens up about:

• Her transition away from the steeplechase and back to racing for joy
• The importance of fueling well and avoiding low energy availability
• Her decision to work 60% as a nurse to create balance in life
• How cross-training and lower mileage help her stay healthy
• Why having fun and filling your life with good things matters so much

Wise beyond her years, Glynis is a grounded and joyful athlete whose perspective will resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled with injury in sport.

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Erin Mawhinney is a 28-year-old elite runner, full-time nurse, and proud Hamiltonian who recently ran her way onto the podium at the 2025 Canadian 10K Championships with a personal best of 33:09.

In this fun and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:

• Erin’s race-day patience and strong finishing kick
• How working with coach Reid Coolsaet since late 2021 has kept her injury-free
• Her marathon debut at Toronto Waterfront in 2024
• Her McMaster Marauder roots
• Her “hideous” running form (her words!)
• Why she believes running should always stay fun and social
• Her karaoke skills, beer preferences, and dream sponsorship from Big Bee — Hamilton’s most legendary convenience store

Erin is the kind of athlete who reminds us why we love this sport. She’s fast, funny, and refreshingly real.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @erinmawhinney_
• Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/48592387 

Connect with Carolyn:

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

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].