Inspired Soles

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Justin Kent joins Inspired Soles fresh off a huge PB and win at the McKirdy Micro Marathon (2:09:29) to talk about the race, the growing depth of Canadian men’s marathoning, and how he and wife/Olympian Lindsey Butterworth juggle elite training with life as new parents.

Connect with Justin:

• Instagram: @jkent_ 
• Mile2Marathon: https://mile2marathon.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

Today I’m joined by Jason Fitzgerald—fellow podcaster, run coach, and the founder of Strength Running, one of the most trusted names in the running world. Based in Denver, Colorado, Jason brings a deep well of experience to the sport. He ran cross country and track at Connecticut College, dabbled in the steeplechase, and has posted impressive lifetime PRs including a 2:39 marathon and 4:33 mile.

In this episode, we dig into the fundamentals of running—and why Jason believes 99% of our time, effort, and resources should be focused right there. We also explore the remaining 1%—those little extras runners love to obsess over—and whether they’re worth it.

We even tackle his dislike for the term “full marathon,” answer some crowd-sourced listener questions, and uncover the deeper meaning behind Strength Running. If you like smart, practical advice delivered with a side of fun, you’re going to love this conversation.

Connect with Jason:

• Instagram: @jasonfitz1 
• Website: strengthrunning.com 
• The Strength Running Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-strength-running-podcast/id1170932252

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’ve been around the world of distance running for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the name Ben Rosario. He’s done just about everything in the running industry—from professional runner and run specialty store owner to race director and Olympic-level coach.

Ben spent nearly a decade as the head coach and executive director of NAZ Elite in Flagstaff, AZ, where he guided professional athletes to national titles, World Championship appearances, and an Olympic Trials Marathon victory. Now, as the Co-Founder & CEO of The Marathon Project, he’s creating a world-class racing opportunity for athletes who are fast—but not necessarily pro. And if you’re an everyday runner, you might also know him as the co-author of Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow), where he shares training principles anyone can apply to improve their running.

In this conversation, we discuss why Ben felt the need to bring The Marathon Project back, what sets it apart from other races, and where he sees it going in the future. 

An entrepreneur at heart, Ben has been the mastermind behind some of running’s most exciting projects, and we dive into the lessons he’s learned from each venture.

Connect with Ben:

• Instagram: @marathonproj
• Website: themarathonproject.com
• Book: Run Like a Pro (Even If You're Slow)
  • Matt Fitzgerald's book about training with Ben/NAZ Elite: Running the Dream

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

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the world of professional race announcing with none other than Steve Fleck – one of the leading endurance sports announcers and commentators in North America. If you've ever crossed the finish line at a major race, chances are you've heard his energetic and insightful voice bringing the moment to life.

Beyond calling the action at running, triathlon, and cycling events, Steve is also a sought-after corporate emcee and a key figure in the race and event industry. In this episode, we dive into what makes a great announcer, the evolving race experience, and some of Steve’s most memorable finish-line moments. We also get a little nerdy about the future of Canadian distance running – are we in a boom? Who’s coming up through the ranks? And what will it take for Canada to be even more competitive on the world stage?

Whether you're a runner, a race director, or just someone who loves the energy of live events, this episode is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories. 

Connect with Steve:

• Instagram: @steve.fleck

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

Today’s format is a little bit different — and hopefully a whole lot of fun.

I recently put out the call for your burning questions, and you did not disappoint! Welcome to our very first Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, where I’ll be answering questions directly from you, the amazing listeners. And by popular demand and to make things even more interesting, I’ve invited back a special guest host — my husband, Johnny Coffin. Johnny will be adding his signature “colour commentary” as we dive into everything from the strangest job I ever had and favourite distance to coach, to my dream podcast guest and why I don’t listen to music when I race. We’ll even tackle some spicy takes on pork burritos and the great bicarb debate.

Your questions, my answers, and Johnny’s unfiltered takes.

Connect with Johnny:

• Previous Inspired Soles episodes:
  • EP224: Do You Control Strava, or Does It Control You?
  • EP 211: Coffin's Chicago Marathon Recap: The Bodily Fluids Episode
  • EP 202: Paris Olympic Track & Marathon Recap 
  • EP 55: Road to the 2021 Boston Marathon
  • EP 12: Slow the BLEEP Down
• 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

Today, we’re breaking down the topic of competition amongst athletes – and exploring the differences between healthy and unhealthy rivalries.

My guest is Brandy Adolphe, a fierce competitor and good friend, who recently won the 1500m national indoor title in the 45-49 age group with a blazing time of 5:32.19. Carolyn & Brandy have raced head-to-head many times—mostly Brandy wins, sometimes Carolyn does—but one thing remains constant: their respect for each other.

Over the years, they’ve noticed a tendency for people to frame their competition as a rivalry filled with tension or drama. But is that really the case? In this episode, they discuss:

• What it really means to compete 
• The pressure of outside narratives, and 
• Why they believe rivalries—when rooted in mutual respect—can make us all better athletes.

Connect with Brandy: 

• Instagram: @brandyadolphe3
• Brandy's 1st Inspired Soles interview: Running by Feel with 3:19 Marathoner
• Brandy's 2nd Inspired Soles interview: Sinister 7 Race Recap

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

The Canadian Masters Athletics Indoor Championships were held in Winnipeg March 1-2, 2025. In a rare solo episode, host Carolyn Coffin recaps her 1500 and 3000-meter races, including why she’s more proud of her silver medal than her gold one!

• 1500: 5:39.81, 🥈45-49
• 3000: 12:02.13, 🥇45-49

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

Today I’m joined by five incredible fellow female running coaches to pull back the curtain on what it really means to coach runners—not just the workouts, but the philosophy, the passion, and the little things that make a big difference.

Three of these amazing ladies—Lynsey, Sarah, and Janelle—have been on Inspired Soles before, while Andrea and Alison are making their first appearances today. Together, we’ll dive into how we got into coaching, the mentors who shaped us, and what separates a good coach from a great one. We’ll also explore who benefits most from coaching, our unique styles, and what it’s really like to work with us.

Of course, we won’t shy away from the fun stuff—running trends that make us cringe, things that personally trigger us, and the best running books and podcasts we swear by.

Whether you’re a coach yourself, considering hiring one, or just love geeking out about the sport, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and maybe even a few hot takes! 

Connect with Alison McPherson:

• Website: https://www.rhythmruncoaching.com/
• Instagram: @rhythmruncoaching

Connect with Andrea Rice:

• Website: https://www.startlinecoaching.ca/
• Instagram: @startline.coaching

Connect with Janelle Brade:

• Inspired Soles Interview: 
  • Ep 148: Level Up Your Mental Game
• Website: https://www.motivatedinmotion.com/
• Instagram: @motivated.in.motion

Connect with Lynsey Romano:

• Inspired Soles Interviews: 
  • Ep 31: Why Runners Can't Afford to NOT Strength Train 
  • Ep 206: The Science of Marathon Tapering
  • Ep 221: Navigating Changes in the Coach-Athlete Relationship
• Website: https://www.runcoach.org/ 
• Instagram: @lynseyeromano

Connect with Sarah Carroll:

• • Inspired Soles Interview: 
    • Ep 218: How to Get Started (or Re-Started) With Running
  • Website: https://www.underdogscoaching.com/
  • Instagram: @underdogs_coaching

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

Imagine running seven marathons… on seven continents… in just seven days. Sounds impossible, right? Well, Charlie Tétrault did just that—alongside his brother, Rob—pushing themselves to the limit in one of the most grueling endurance challenges on the planet: the World Marathon Challenge.

Charlie joins us fresh off this once-in-a lifetime experience to share what it was really like—how the friendly competition with his brother kept him going, the fascinating people they met along the way, and the brutal realities of running on little sleep  in extreme weather conditions. Spoiler alert: Day 2 in Cape Town nearly broke him. And while Rob took the overall time victory, the brothers went head-to-head each day, earning the title of fastest siblings to finish 777.

Resources we discussed in this episode::

• Charlie's Podcast: The Running Journey
• World Marathon Challenge: https://www.worldmarathonchallenge.com/ 
• Dave Proctor's episode
• Charlie's brother Rob's episode

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

Leanne Klassen is back on the show, along with her coach, the legendary Malindi Elmore, to break down Leanne’s outstanding marathon performance last month in Houston.

Malindi is a three-time Olympian and a true icon of Canadian distance running. A Stanford graduate, she first competed in the 1500 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and then made a remarkable transition to the marathon—placing 9th at the 2021 Tokyo Games and representing Canada again in Paris last summer, a full 20 years after her Olympic debut! At nearly 45 years of age and living in Kelowna, BC, with her husband, Graham, and their two young boys, Malindi continues to train and compete at the highest level while coaching athletes and winning national titles.

Leanne was first on the show in the fall of 2023, where we talked about navigating injuries with grace. As a sub-elite distance runner, she’s faced her fair share of setbacks, which led her and Malindi to take a fresh approach to her Houston Marathon buildup. Instead of prioritizing high mileage and grueling long runs, they focused on a less-is-more strategy—emphasizing smart training, recovery, and strength work. The results were nothing short of incredible. Leanne not only felt stronger than ever in training, but she also took a massive two minutes off her personal best, running 2:40:52 in tough weather conditions. 

As endurance athletes, we often fall into the trap of thinking more is always better—but what if real breakthroughs happen by training smarter, not harder? Whether you’re a recreational runner or competing at an elite level, this is the kind of story that deserves more attention.

Connect with Leanne:

• Inspired Soles Interview: Navigating Injuries With Grace
• Website: leanneklassen.ca
• Instagram: @leanneklassen7

Connect with Malindi:

• Website: malindielmore.com
• Instagram: @malindielmore

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].