Inspired Soles

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Canadian marathoner Thomas Nobbs is back on Inspired Soles after running a massive 2:08:35 at the Chicago Marathon, finishing 17th overall and moving into third on Canada's all-time marathon list! We unpack his meteoric progression from 2:19 to 2:08 in less than three years, the training behind his latest breakthrough (including 140–145 miles per week!), and how he's managed to produce incredible results through both treadmill-heavy Ottawa winters and outdoor summer training. We also discuss the importance of balancing ambition with gratitude, the eight process improvements he's identified for continued growth, and what it might take to earn a spot on Canada's Olympic marathon team for LA 2028. Thomas's story is a great reminder that there's always room to keep improving while learning to enjoy the process along the way.

SPONSOR: Mauril - A completely free language-learning app developed by CBC and Radio-Canada. 

Links to the Mauril app & website : Download on iOS | Download on Android | mauril.ca

This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Mauril, developed by CBC/Radio-Canada.

JOIN US FOR INDY MONUMENTAL MARATHON WEEKEND!

Register for the free Shakeout Run, Friday Nov 6 @ 8:30 AM

Get $10 off the after-party + live podcast recording with Lindsey Hein, Saturday Nov 7 @ 3-6 PM using code ANOTHER

Connect with Thomas:

• Instagram: @nobbs.not.knobs @coach.nobbs
• Coaching: Team Run Run, @teamrunrun

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

Johnny Coffin is back on Inspired Soles to recap his incredible performance at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, where he ran a massive personal best of 2:35:21 at age 45! We talk about the training, the lessons learned, and the little things that came together on race day to produce a result that would have seemed pretty far-fetched just a few years ago. Johnny shares what it takes to keep getting faster through patience, consistency, and trusting the process—and, of course, we get into the unexpected post-race drama that may have earned him more attention than the marathon itself. 😂

SPONSOR: Mauril - A completely free language-learning app developed by CBC and Radio-Canada. 

Links to the Mauril app & website : Download on iOS | Download on Android | mauril.ca

This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Mauril, developed by CBC/Radio-Canada.

SPONSOR: Blizzard Canvas

If you're one of those runners who trades the roads for the slopes once the snow hits, head to blizzard-tecnica.com and check out the Canvas collection at: https://bit.ly/blizzard-inpiredsoles.

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This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Blizzard. 

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

Alyse Gilliver ran a 2:43:31 PB at the Chicago Marathon, finishing as the third Canadian woman — but the road to that result was anything but straightforward. After a spring of setbacks and some lost running joy, Alyse and her coach, Jeff Cunningham, found their way back to a breakthrough performance. We chat about the coach-athlete relationship, trusting the process, navigating tough patches, and what it takes to show up on race day with confidence (and a little bit of fun!).

SPONSOR: Mauril - A completely free language-learning app developed by CBC and Radio-Canada. 

Links to the Mauril app & website : Download on iOS | Download on Android | mauril.ca

This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Mauril, developed by CBC/Radio-Canada.

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This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Nordica.

Connect with Alyse & Jeff:

• Instagram: @aleebreegee.run @jdcunningham97
• The Consistently Good Podcast
• Cunningham Running
• Past interviews on Inspired Soles:
  • Ep 242 with Alyse
  • Episode 278 with Jeff on Confidence, Comparison and Caring for the Whole Athlete
  • Episode 256 on Marathon Pacing 
  • Episode 217 with Polly (Jeff’s Canadian sub-elite athlete)

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 30-year-old elite Canadian distance runner, 2:29 marathoner, former ICU nurse, and now author of If I’m Ever in a Coma, Braid My Hair. In her mid-20s, Erin found herself caring for critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating grief, burnout, and the emotional toll of helping people through some of the darkest moments of their lives. In this conversation, we talk about what inspired her to write the book, the patient stories and small acts of humanity that have stayed with her, finding humour even in the hardest circumstances, and learning to care for others without losing yourself in the process. We also explore the surprising absence of running in much of her book, the role it played during those years, and her remarkable journey to a 2:29 marathon in Houston in 2026. It’s a conversation about nursing, running, resilience, and what it means to remain human when life gets hard.

SPONSOR: Mauril - A completely free language-learning app developed by CBC and Radio-Canada. 

Links to the Mauril app & website : Download on iOS | Download on Android | mauril.ca

This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Mauril, developed by CBC/Radio-Canada.

SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat

Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required. 

Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards

Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles

Connect with Erin & buy the Book:

• Buy the Book on Amazon: If I'm Ever in a Come, Braid My Hair
• Instagram: @erinmawhinney_ (DM for a signed copy)
• Ep 242 with Erin on Inspired Soles: Ottawa 10K Podium Finisher, Powered by Energy Drinks, Karaoke & Good Vibes

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

What does it really mean to be a good coach? Is it the same thing as being a nice coach? In this episode, Lynsey Romano and I dig into the sometimes uncomfortable reality of coaching: that doing what’s best for an athlete doesn’t always mean telling them what they want to hear. We talk about pushing back, setting boundaries, navigating disagreement, and knowing when a difficult conversation is actually an act of kindness—all while maintaining trust, respect, and a strong coach-athlete relationship.

SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat

Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required. 

Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards

Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles

Lynsey's other appearances on Inspired Soles:

• Ep 31: Why Runners Can't Afford to NOT Strength Train 
• Ep 221: Navigating Changes in the Coach-Athlete Relationship
• Ep 254: The Science of Marathon Tapering

Connect with Lynsey:

• Instagram: @skylineruncoaching @lynseyeromano
• Website: https://www.runcoach.org/

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

Ally Brettnacher is an everyday runner, the host of Finish Lines & Milestones, the owner of Athlete Bouquets, and—if you ask me—one heck of a community-builder. Based in Carmel, Indiana, Ally has completed 70 half marathons (many alongside her dad), nine marathons, and more than 175 podcast episodes celebrating the stories of everyday runners. 

In this conversation, we talk about how her relationship with running has evolved, why she started her podcast, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and our upcoming Indy Monumental weekend together. Ally also gets refreshingly honest about anxiety, ADHD, and how hard it can be to let people see that things aren’t always fine behind the scenes. It’s a fun, honest and very human conversation—and I’m even more excited to finally meet this fellow SandyBoy Productions podcaster in person!

SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat

Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required. 

Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards

Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles

Resources we talked about in the interview:

• Ally interviews Carolyn on Finish Lines and Milestones 
• Buy tickets to the Nov 7th 3-6 PM Indy Post Race Celebration (use code FLAMS at checkout for $10 off)
• Reserve your FREE spot for the Nov 6th Indy Shakeout Run
• SandyBoy Productions network: https://sandyboyproductions.com/

Connect with Ally:

• Athlete Bouquets: https://athletebouquets.com/
• Podcast: Finish Lines & Milestones
• Instagram: @allytbrett_runs, @athletebouquets
• Website: https://www.finishlinesandmilestones.com/

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

In this very special episode, Carolyn and Big Sky Run Co’s Caroline Fisher reflect on the journey of Project-99 as 13 women prepare to chase their goal of breaking 1:40 in the half marathon. Then, the spotlight shifts to the people who know and love these women best. From friends and partners to siblings, parents and kids, hear heartfelt messages of pride, encouragement and support for the women who have put so much into this audacious little goal. With race day just five days away, it’s a reminder that no matter what happens on September 27th at the Fort Garry Rotary Half Marathon, these women have already accomplished something pretty incredible—and they have a whole lot of people cheering them on. ❤️

SPONSOR: Cure Hydration. Staying hydrated isn't just about water — you also need electrolytes. 

Visit curehydration.com/INSPIREDSOLES for 20% off. Real ingredients. Real hydration.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 300: Chasing 99 Minutes: Celebrating the Women of Project-99

Connect with Caroline Fisher of Big Sky Run Co:

• Instagram: @bigskyrunco
• Website: bigskyrun.com

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

In this episode, I’m chatting with Lindsey Hein, host of I’ll Have Another Podcast and founder of SandyBoy Productions, about the wonderfully chaotic reality of balancing running, motherhood, work, and all the other things that fill a life. We talk about how Lindsey manages four kids, three podcasts, coaching, race announcing and more, including her approach to “free-range parenting” and the question of when kids are ready for a phone. She recaps her recent Around the Crown 10K with her two oldest boys, opens up about a tough “no” from the Indy Monumental Marathon, and shares the very random story behind her connection to the Holderness Family. We also talk about injury, identity, rejection, and the importance of being willing to show up as your real, imperfect, wonderfully human self.

SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat

Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required. 

Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards

Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles

Resources we talked about in the interview:

• The Holderness Family Weighted Vest video
• Road to the Trials interview with JaQuavious Harris

Connect with Lindsey:

• Instagram: @lindseyhein626
• Podcasts: I'll Have Another, Relay, Road to the Trials
• SandyBoy Productions Network

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

Pacing a marathon is simple in theory but brutally hard in practice. Go out too fast, and the fire-breathing dragons will find you in the final 10K. Go out too cautiously, and you’ll spend the last miles wondering if you left time on the table.

In this episode (originally aired September 16, 2025, episode 256), I’m joined by Jeff Cunningham — a lifelong runner, NCAA Academic All-American, and coach of countless Boston Marathon qualifiers and multiple U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers. Jeff has a gift for blending humor with hard truths, and today he breaks down why pacing is the most important (and most misunderstood) part of the marathon.

We discuss:

• Why you can undo 16 weeks of training in the first 45 minutes of the race
• How to build trust in your fitness so you don’t panic early
• The psychology of pacing and emotional momentum
• Why finishing strong is far better than blowing up
• Jeff’s signature advice on patience, perspective, and keeping the long view

If you’re running a fall marathon, this conversation will fire you up and give you the tools to run your smartest race yet.

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Connect with Jeff:

• • Instagram: @jdcunningham97 @theconsistentlygoodpodcast @cunninghamrunning
  • The Consistently Good Podcast
  • Cunningham Running

Resources & Related Episodes:

• • Jeff on Relay with Peter Bromka: Beware of the Dragons
  • Inspired Soles Episode with Polly
    (Jeff’s Canadian elite athlete)

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

At just 23 years old. Jadyn Keeler is quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting young distance runners in Canada. Fresh off her graduation from the University of North Dakota, Jadyn has moved to Flagstaff, joined Golden Peaks Track Club under coaches Terrence Mahon and Jen Rhines, signed a professional contract with Adidas, and earned a spot on Team Canada for the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen. In this episode, we talk about her remarkable half marathon debut in Edmonton, where a course-measuring error added roughly 700 metres to the race just as she was on pace to challenge the Canadian record; what it’s like to receive the backing of Canadian running stars like Natasha Wodak and Rory Linkletter; her transition from NCAA athlete to professional runner; and what she believes she can accomplish in Copenhagen. Plus, we dig into the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve put in the work—and why there may be some very exciting things ahead for this rising Canadian star.

SPONSOR: SEND IT - Greeting cards designed for those who sweat

Use code INSPIREDSOLES at senditcards.com to claim 15% off your purchase - no minimum required. 

Follow Send It on Instagram: @senditgreetingcards

Listen to Send It founder, Sarah Beairsto, on episode 267 of Inspired Soles

Connect with Jadyn:

• Instagram: @jadynkeeler
• YouTube Channel: @jadynkeeler

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].