Inspired Soles

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Nancy Gajdosik has been volunteering with the Manitoba Marathon for the past 41 years, nearly as long as the event’s 45 year existence! At this year’s Manitoba Runners’ Association Hall of Fame Banquet, she was honoured as the very first recipient of the Excellence in Volunteering Award, where she brought many in the crowd to tears with her heartfelt acceptance speech. 

Large scale events like the Manitoba Marathon require an army of dedicated volunteers and nobody takes their role more seriously than Nancy. A former runner herself, Nancy intimately understands everything that goes into training and racing, but as a person in her eighties she also has the life experience to know what is truly important. Nancy and her finish line team, many of whom are high school students, make every athlete feel special as they present them with their medals. Hugging is also in Nancy’s DNA as a friendly Manitoban, and she has enthusiastically wrapped her arms around countless sweaty bodies over the years!

Runners in Manitoba owe a huge debt of gratitude to Nancy for all she has done for them over the past 4+ decades. The next time you’re at a race, remember to thank the volunteers because our favourite events are only possible with their continued support.

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Angela Maciocia is a soon-to-be 48-year-old masters runner from just outside of Montreal, QC. On May 27th she competed in the elite field of the Ottawa 10K, which also served as our Canadian Championships. Alongside Olympians and international level athletes, Angela was proud to be the oldest runner in the field and one of only eight women over the age of 40. Not only did she win her 45-49 age group and finish 6th master, she also ran a really smart race in the 30-degree heat to finish only ~30-seconds off her personal best in a time of 39:19.

Last October during the Chicago Marathon, Angela ruptured her plantar fascia and was forced to drop out around the 29K mark. Devastated, she left the Windy City on crutches and in a boot just two weeks before her wedding to her best friend & coach, Bruce Raymer. She maintained her aerobic fitness in the pool and on the elliptical (a wedding present from Bruce!), but it took working with a psychologist to come to a place of forgiveness within herself for even toeing that start line in the first place. We had a fascinating discussion on the mental side of the sport, including self-compassion and self-love.

Angela is a mom of two teenage boys, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. She is also undergoing a career change that’s had her studying five hours a day over the past five months to become a real estate agent.

Connect with Angela:

• Instagram: @angelamaciocia

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• Ponya Bands
  • Angela's discount code for 15% off: AngelaRun15

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Jamie Nott is a 48 year old mountain trail ultra-runner and father-of-three from Calgary, Alberta.  He is a Senior Safety Codes Officer in Rocky View County and Race Director for Iron Legs Mountain Races and Racing Dusk.  He was inspired to host these races as a way to showcase the amazing trails in and around the Elbow Valley and Bragg Creek and provide world class racing opportunities in the beautiful mountains close to his home.

Jamie is a UESCA certified running and ultra-running coach with 22 years of trail running experience.  He has raced distances from 5km on the road all the way up to 100 miles on the trails and has completed races including Black Canyons 100K, Iron Horse 100 and Hurt 100.  Jamie will be returning to run the Western States Endurance Run for the second time in just a few days!

Connect with Jamie or sign up for one of his races:

• Website: http://jamienott.blogspot.com/
• Iron Legs: https://www.ironlegs.ca/ 

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• Favourite Mantra: I’m here for a reason. You paid for this.
• Favourite Place to Run: The San Francisco Bay area
• Bucket list Race: Black Hills100 
• Favourite Movie: Prefontaine
• Favourite Post Run Indulgence: Burger

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Robyn Penner is a 42 year old runner and Mom of two young children ages 4 and 1. She took a much longer and more thoughtful approach with her return to postpartum running after baby #2 and it really seems to be paying off. She is coming off one of the most brilliantly executed half marathons in Fargo and is now gearing up to run the Chicago Marathon this fall, where she is raising funds for Girls on the Run. Carolyn has an extra special investment in Robyn’s Project 42 @ 42 not only because she’s Robyn’s coach, but also because her own plans to run the Chicago Marathon when she was 42 didn’t happen because of COVID. Not only will Robyn be carrying this torch to the finish line for Carolyn, she will also be bringing one of Kim’s dreams to fruition in June of 2024 … a women’s running retreat in beautiful Hecla Island! Robyn is a store manager at Lululemon in Winnipeg, a leader of people, and a true force to be reckoned with. 

Connect with Robyn:

• Instagram: @robynpenner

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Today we are pleased to welcome Laura Sherrer-Townsend to the show. Laura is a 48 year old #motherrunner of 5 children ages 10-18.  She has a history in social work, currently operates her own business and is the founder and race director of Survivorfest, a 24 hour running event in Sherwood Park, Alberta where she also resides. Always a woman on the move, Laura is also on a mission to run 50 ultramarathons before she turns 50 years old and is on a run streak that has lasted over 3.5 years!  

In honour of Sexual Violence Awareness month in May, we were privileged to provide Laura a platform to share her story about surviving childhood sexual violence and why she started Survivorfest, a 6-hour, 12-hour & 24-hour timed race. In her words, “the race exists to give people an opportunity to see what they are made of and support my local sexual assault centre, Saffron Centre.”  Her goal is to raise awareness & funds for Saffron Centre’s education program on sexual violence. Education is power and has the potential to positively change the world for the next generation. 

Laura courageously and openly shares her story of abuse and survival during this show.  Some of the things she shares may be triggering to some listeners. For others, her story may give you the courage to reach out for help yourself or for someone you know.  Please check the show notes for supportive resources.

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• www.reescommunity.com (Respect - Educate - Empower - Survivors)
• Saffron Centre, or reach out to your local sexual assault centre

Connect with Laura or sign up for Survivorfest:

• Facebook: survivorfest24
• Instagram: @survivorfest24
• Survivorfest: www.survivorfest24.com
• Laura's Facebook: laurasherrertownsend
• Laura's Instagram: @80klj 

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Jenny Quilty is a 34 year old running coach and ultra runner from Abbotsford, BC where she lives with her partner Matt and their 2 dogs.  Jenny and her friend & business partner Katrina started their coaching company Pacific Pine Running Co. in 2018.  At this time she was practicing as an occupational therapist, but left her OT job in 2021 to coach and run full time.

While in university, Jenny ran a few half marathons and a road marathon and discovered shorter trail runs in the 5 Peaks race series.  After finishing her graduate degree in Occupational Therapy she needed a new goal, so Jenny started running ultras. Over the last 4 years she has made quite the name for herself in trail and ultra running.  Most recently she won the UTMB Doi Inthanon 100 miler.  Being both a golden ticket race for Western States and a world series qualifier for UTMB, this win gives Jenny interesting options for 2023. Keep listening if you’re curious to find out more about Jenny and what she has planned for 2023!

Connect with Jenny:

• Instagram: @adventuresofjenthar
• Website: pacificpinerunningco.com

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• Favourite Mantra: I love me some me!
• Favourite Place to Run: Ledgeview in Abbotsford, BC
• Bucket List Race: Transvulcania by UTMB; Madeira Island Ultra Trail; Tarawea
• Favourite Books: Out and Back (Hillary Allen); Endure (Alex Hutchinson); Solo (Jenny Tough)
• Post-Run Indulgence: Latte, smoothie, & croissant

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Meet our Couple of the Quarter, Bo Huang & Mingdi Zhao, who recently celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary at the 2023 Boston Marathon where they both finished with personal bests. Bo crossed the line in 3:13 and Mingdi ran 3:34, which requalifies them by over 21 and 30 minutes, respectively, for their upcoming 55 age category should they wish to return.

Mingdi excelled at running straight out of the gates and eventually inspired Bo to take it up more seriously when the pandemic took away his favourite sport of volleyball. Over the past several years, Bo tells us how deliberate he was in dropping his marathon time from 4:03 to 3:13. Equally hardworking, Mingdi is more easy-going in her approach and thoroughly enjoys having Bo as her live-in secretary, travel agent and chef!

A mechanical engineer and school teacher by trade, Bo & Mingdi immigrated to Canada from China 22 years ago with their young daughter, Christina, who is now studying to be a dermatologist. They are known to many in the Winnipeg area by their Instagram handle, @bostonbound_duo, and can be found not only tearing it up on the roads, but on the trails and track as well! This is one heck of a diverse running couple, so let’s get right into it with Bo & Mingdi.

Connect with Bo & Mingdi:

• Instagram: @bostonbound_duo

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Jen Segger is a FORCE. She has spent the last 20+ years travelling the globe competing as a world class adventure racing athlete and ultra runner. For decades she has pushed her body and mind to the extremes, exploring her true potential and going beyond what she thought was previously possible. Jen shares her experiences and knowledge with those that she works with. As a full time endurance coach to athletes of all levels from around the world and through guiding backcountry running adventures, she enjoys helping people achieve their own individual potential.

In this episode we dive into:

• How Jen got into adventure and endurance sports
• Her experience at Eco Challenge, Fiji
• Some of her race highlights including Marathon des Sables
• Her coaching business and passion project, RunBC
• What’s coming up on her competitive roster including Expedition Canada in BC and the Divide 200 in AB!

Jen has recently relocated back to Vancouver Island where she enjoys exploring her new playground with her partner and 9 year old son.

Connect with Jen:

• Instagram: @jensegger
• Website: jensegger.com
• Run BC: runbcadventures.com

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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

Arli Cruikshank is a 40 year old runner from Manitoba and a mother of two preteens. She is also currently halfway through her second pregnancy as a surrogate mother. 

Her first journey with surrogacy began in 2016 and after three long years of emotional highs and lows, she gave birth to surrobabe Noah in October of 2019 for a woman named Aleah. Getting pregnant the second time around was much more seamless, and at the time of this recording she was 20 weeks pregnant with a baby girl for another couple.

Throughout all of this, Arli has continued to run. She takes it easier when she’s pregnant, and pursues it quite seriously when she’s not. In between pregnancies in 2020-2022, she ran several virtual and in-person races, qualified for and ran the Boston marathon, and set a personal best of 3:23:11 in Chicago. Arli plans to run the Manitoba Marathon this year at 29 weeks pregnant!

While we spent the majority of this episode learning about Arli’s personal experiences with surrogacy and running, she educated us a lot throughout our preparation for the show. We learned that surrogate mothers are in very high demand, and often have the tough job of personally selecting who to have a baby for. In Canada surrogacy is altruistic, meaning that mothers cannot profit financially, but all of their expenses related to the pregnancy are covered by the parents. In both cases Arli was a “gestational carrier,” referring to the common practice of not using her own eggs. There is also a standard psychological screening process that Arli’s husband, Tyler, had to take part in to ensure she would be fully supported at home.

We loved every minute of this fascinating conversation and hope you do, too.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Makenna Myler: Ran a 5:17 mile at 9 months pregnant 
  • https://youtu.be/SloGOxicgx8
  • https://runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/american-woman-runs-517-mile-at-9-months-pregnant/
• Episode #14 of Running Rogue on Boston Marathon Course Strategy

Connect with Arli:

• Instagram: @arlzbgangly 

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website

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 we welcome Sarah Seads back to the show.  She is one of Kim’s closest friends and was one of our first guests in episode 4. In that 2020 episode she talked about tackling her “Year of Fears” and in this one she shares the experiences and wisdom she has gained from her “Year of Following My Heart.”

Sarah has completely redefined herself over the last few years and it is hard to put a label on her.  Once a tree planter, forest fire fighter, kinesiologist and personal trainer, she is also now a clinical hypnotherapist,  yoga and meditation teacher, and mind-body coach.  An accomplished endurance athlete at all distances who has coached athletes for over 20 years, she is also a creative entrepreneur with a vision to help everyone excel at the game of life.  

Resources we discuss in the episode:

• Episode 4 with Sarah Seads: Facing Your Fears to Unlock Your Running Potential

Connect with Sarah:

• Instagram: @wildseads
• Website: wildseads.com

Connect with Carolyn & Kim:

• Email us with guest ideas: [email protected]
• Inspired Soles Instagram
• Kim's Instagram
• Kim's Facebook
• Carolyn's Instagram
• Carolyn's Facebook
• Carolyn's website (sign up for her free weekly newsletter on the homepage)

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].