Inspired Soles

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.

SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Smarter fuel. Lighter impact.

Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com.

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]. 

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

In this episode, I’m joined by naturopathic doctor, metabolic health expert, and seriously fast masters runner Dr. Shawna Darou for a conversation that takes us from the marathon to the 800m—and then gets surprisingly personal. At 54, Shawna has traded long-distance racing for the track and recently ran an incredible 2:30 for 800m, with a potential Canadian 55–59 age-group record on the horizon. We also dive deep into my own experience with perimenopausal symptoms, bloodwork and changes in my running and body, as Shawna helps me explore whether everything I’ve been experiencing really can be chalked up to changing hormones. We talk about metabolic health, insulin resistance, continuous glucose monitors, DEXA scans, hormone replacement therapy, protein, fibre, carbohydrates and carbohydrate timing, strength and cardiovascular exercise, and why “normal” isn’t necessarily optimal—for women in midlife or for any athlete looking to stay healthy, strong and competitive as they age.

SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com.

Register for TRACKTASTIC 🌈: https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/

Connect with Dr. Shawna Darou:

• Instagram: @drshawnadarou
• Website: drshawnadarou.com
• Podcast: Unstoppable At Any Age
  • Apple
  • Spotify
  • Carolyn's Episode: Why Running Is Never Just About Running

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 if getting on the track could make you a better–and happier–road or trail runner? In this episode, I sit down with physiotherapist, runner, dad, and owner of Up & Running Physiotherapy, Elliott Cooke, to talk about the many benefits of incorporating track running and speed work into your training, why track doesn’t have to be intimidating, and how stepping outside your usual running routine can make you stronger and more confident. We also talk about Tracktastic, Winnipeg’s fun and slightly silly introductory track meet, which Elliott has participated in and supported as a sponsor for several years. Whether you’re a seasoned speedster, a road runner who hasn’t touched a track in years, or someone who’s never stepped foot on one, there’s plenty here to inspire you to give it a try!

SPONSOR: goodr sunglasses. Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? 

Head to goodr.com/INSPIRED to claim $10 off your first order.

Register for TRACKTASTIC 🌈: https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/

Connect with Elliott:

• Website: https://upwpg.com/
• Instagram: @upandrunningphysio

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

How did Johnny Coffin get so fast? That’s the question my husband—and unofficial Inspired Soles co-host—gets asked all the time, so in this episode, we’re finally digging into the story behind the speed. Johnny recently celebrated his 45th birthday and is currently in the best shape of his life, having run PRs at the 5K, 10K, 10-mile, half marathon, and marathon (2:36:39!) over the past year. But his journey to becoming a 2:36 marathoner was anything but overnight. We talk about his injury-plagued early years, the decade he spent focused primarily on getting faster at the 5K, his gradual transition to the marathon, and the training, fueling, recovery, strength, and patience that have allowed him to continue improving without major injury. Along the way, we weave in five principles of effective run training—and unpack why sometimes the best way to get faster is to slow down.

SPONSOR: DIG DEEP ENDURANCE FUEL. Use code INSPIRED10 at checkout to save 10% on your online order at digdeepef.com.

Register for TRACKTASTIC 🌈: https://mraweb.ca/event/tracktastic/

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

If you love running beyond just the act of putting one foot in front of the other, this episode is for you. Peter Bromka joins me for a deep dive into the running nerd weeds as we talk about the current state of the sport, from the Boston Marathon's evolving qualifying process and Josh Kerr's mile world record, to two men breaking the two-hour marathon barrier, the future of track & field, and why the 1500m deserves its own Netflix documentary. We also talk about Peter's own journey—from running 2:19 marathons and narrowly missing an Olympic Trials qualifier, to finding his competitive fire again as a masters runner returning from injury. Expect big-picture conversations, plenty of running rabbit holes, and a whole lot of appreciation for this sport we love.

SPONSOR: goodr sunglasses. Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? 

Head to goodr.com/INSPIRED to claim $10 off your first order.

Connect with Peter:

• Instagram: @bromka
• Podcast: Road to the Trials & Relay
• Essays 
  • The Bubble of a Dream
  • Burn the Boat
  • The Marathon Doesn't Owe You Anything

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].