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What if your training plan wasn’t just about miles, but the mindset that keeps you steady when life tilts? Jamee joins us to share how running became the backbone of nine years of sobriety, a pressure valve for anxiety, and the bridge back to endurance after three kids. From a fearless first half marathon run too fast and unfueled to a deliberate, coached build for Chicago, her story shows how structure, community, and small daily choices add up to big change.

We dig into the nuts and bolts of marathon prep: rebuilding a base after pregnancies, time-boxing workouts around a full-time job, and discovering that speed work can coexist with long, easy days that train patience. Jamee breaks down the fueling strategy that saved her late in the race—timed gels, simple carbs, and a no-drama approach that kept her head clear. She also talks candidly about the mental side: missing family at mile 19, walking the inclines to reset heart rate, and the roar of Chicago’s neighborhoods that makes headphones optional.

Beyond the splits, there’s the power of a run crew. Saturday long runs turned into a lifeline, replacing late nights with early laughs, stories, and accountability. We talk post-race blues, processing grief, and the simple truth that movement is medicine. Jamee’s eyeing a sprint tri and a 70.3, weighing another Chicago start with the wisdom of experience, and proving that goals can be both a compass and a comfort. If you’re chasing your first 5K, rebuilding after a break, or aiming for a marathon PR, you’ll find practical, compassionate guidance here—plus a reminder that the best plan is the one you can live with.

If this conversation sparked something, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a nudge. Want to tell your story? Email [email protected] and let’s get you on the mic.

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What if one friend’s “we could train” turned into a new life, a new community, and a marathon that needs a passport? Kathy joins us to share how a reluctant walker became a purpose-led runner who lost over 100 pounds, found her pace in the back-of-the-pack party, and discovered a mission bigger than finish times: raising funds so people with cancer can pay their bills through Gardner’s House.

We trace Kathy’s health reboot after thyroid and parathyroid surgery, the Facebook challenges that built real strength one squat and push-up at a time, and the moment a local half marathon connected her miles to a cause. She breaks down the practical wins that changed everything—proper shoe fittings, toe-sock fixes for stubborn blisters, consistent rehab with dry needling and e-stim, and the fueling tweaks that turned a bonk-prone runner into someone who finishes strong and smiles through mile 20.

Then we dive into the Detroit International Marathon route: sunrise over the Ambassador Bridge, a tour of Windsor, and the loud, humid “underwater mile” back through the tunnel. Kathy’s training is laced with community—sponsor-a-mile fundraising, names on her shirt for loved ones, and the Run 169 Society’s quirky joy with elusive towns, pop-up races, and multi-generational inspiration. Her core message is simple and sticky: aim for 1% better every day, and let small, consistent actions compound into something you’re proud of.

If you need a nudge to start, a reminder to keep going, or a reason bigger than yourself to lace up, this conversation is for you. Listen, share it with someone who needs the push, and tell us: what’s your next bold mile? Subscribe, leave a review, and pass this episode to a friend who could use a hand at their back.

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What happens when a violinist with zero athletic experience decides to see if she can run a single mile? For Ashley Raines, it sparked a transformation that defied all expectations—including her own.

Ashley joins us to share her captivating journey from complete non-athlete to endurance sports competitor. Just a few years ago, she was the person who joked, "If you see me running, someone's chasing me." Today, she's completed multiple marathons across the country, tackled half and full Ironman competitions, and even finished ultraruns—all starting in her late thirties.

Her story isn't just inspiring; it's packed with hard-earned wisdom. Ashley candidly shares her early swimming struggles (she couldn't make it across a 25-yard pool without gasping for air), her first triathlon experience (swimming from safety kayak to safety kayak while volunteers cheered her on), and the brutal 97-degree Ironman where she made the cutoff by just 56 seconds.

We dive deep into the lessons she's learned along the way: the importance of proper nutrition and hydration (after severe dehydration nearly ended races), how strength training helped her shave 40 minutes off her marathon time in a single year, and why the limiting phrase "I could never" needs to be banished from our vocabulary.

As co-host of the Everyday Ironman podcast, Ashley brings a refreshing perspective on endurance sports for regular people balancing training with careers and family responsibilities. Her message resonates whether you're contemplating your first 5K or your fiftieth marathon: we often place arbitrary limits on our capabilities that deserve to be questioned and tested.

Ready to challenge what you think is possible? Listen now, and perhaps you'll find yourself asking the same question that changed everything for Ashley: "I wonder if I could?"

Listen to Ashley's podcast here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SIXh4SuCUGmzPjVrE6DCD?si=CnjrPHGfTMWAgjolgJAZ0w

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What happens when you decide to take up running at 50 years old? Patricia Gonzalez never thought she'd live long enough to see her half-century birthday, but when she did, she made a remarkable decision that would transform her relationship with her body and herself.

Against the backdrop of a divorce and having recently quit smoking, Patricia laced up her running shoes for the first time. "I wanted to be able to test my body and make it my friend," she shares with refreshing candor. What began with tentative miles along San Francisco's Embarcadero blossomed into a passionate pursuit that would eventually lead her to marathon finish lines.

The conversation explores how finding a supportive running community accelerated Patricia's growth as a runner. "Who else are you going to talk to endlessly about running shoes or running belts and hydration?" she laughs, capturing the unique camaraderie that develops among runners. Her methodical approach to training—posting plans and checking off completed runs—showcases how structure can build confidence in new runners.

Patricia's story resonates particularly with late-starters and those using physical activity in recovery. As someone in long-term recovery from alcoholism and addiction, she describes how running helped transform her perception of her body from "something that was shameful" to a trusted ally. This profound shift illustrates how movement can heal more than muscles.

From the nervous energy of race morning corrals to the thrill of seeing elite runners on out-and-back courses, Patricia captures the small joys that keep runners coming back. Her honesty about the mental challenges—"I used to tell myself I'm only going to run if I feel good"—provides wisdom for runners at any level.

Whether you're contemplating your first 5K or training for your tenth marathon, Patricia's parting advice rings true: "Sometimes it's not always going to be great, but it's doable. Just get up and go out there and let yourself run."

Ready to start your own running journey? Follow the podcast on social media @CoffeeCrewCoaching or email Carla directly to share your story!

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What does it take to run 189 marathons across all seven continents and every U.S. state? Meet Sheilagh Galinsky, who at 80 years young, shares her extraordinary athletic journey that began at age 45 when a friend's marathon medal sparked her curiosity.

Sheila takes us through her remarkable running adventures—from navigating glaciers and battling katabatic winds in Antarctica to running past alligators in South Carolina and experiencing the historic route from Marathon to Athens. Her story isn't just about endurance; it's about discovering passion later in life and refusing to let age dictate limitations. Despite being a physical therapist until age 73, Sheilagh maintained her training regimen throughout her career and beyond.

The conversation travels beyond marathons into her triathlon experiences, including completing two Ironman competitions and the notorious Alcatraz Triathlon where participants jump from boats into frigid waters and face 400 sand stairs after swimming and cycling. Sheilagh's matter-of-fact recounting of these extreme physical challenges reveals her extraordinary mental fortitude and love for athletic pursuits.

What resonates most powerfully is Sheilagh's simple yet profound wisdom: "Exercise is the best medicine you can do." She emphasizes finding physical activities you genuinely enjoy to ensure lifelong commitment. As she approaches her 190th marathon, she's adjusting her approach—running a bit slower to increase endurance and extend her running career.

Ready for inspiration to fuel your fitness journey? Listen now and discover how age truly is just a number when pursuing your passions. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or contemplating your first 5K, Sheilagh's story proves it's never too late to lace up those running shoes and chase your dreams.

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At 58 years old and 250 pounds, Deb Bahr faced a pivotal moment. Concerned about her future health and longevity, she made a decision that would transform her life: she would become a triathlete despite not having run since her 20s, biked since childhood, or properly swam before.

Deb's remarkable journey unfolds as she shares how she taught herself three disciplines from scratch through books, YouTube videos, and community support. With refreshing honesty, she recounts the inevitable rookie mistakes, including overtraining injuries, but emphasizes how perseverance led to completing her first sprint triathlon at age 60. What started as a health intervention evolved into a passion that saw her qualify for age group nationals in triathlon and discover a profound love for trail running.

The conversation takes us through Deb's most memorable race experiences, including her favorite triathlon where she overcame being kicked in the face during the swim, navigating steep hills in blistering heat, and using her signature "boob ice" cooling technique to finish with a smile while others dropped out. With equal parts humor and inspiration, she recounts completing a 50K ultramarathon at 64 and how her fitness journey influenced her son to tackle two full Ironman triathlons.

Now at 72, Deb continues to adapt her fitness routine through walking, biking, and Pilates, which has dramatically improved her functional mobility. Her doctor recently told her, "You're the healthiest 72-year-old I have ever known," validating years of consistent effort. For listeners contemplating their own fitness journey, Deb offers this wisdom: don't wait until your 50s, find activities you enjoy, and remember it's never too late to start prioritizing your health.

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Imagine standing at the starting line of your first marathon, rain pouring down, wondering if your months of training will pay off. Now imagine sharing that journey with your family across three generations.

In this deeply personal episode, I bring you into the heart of my family's running journey. From my grandsons' joyful recounting of their first one-mile race in the pouring rain to my son Charles' and daughter-in-law Sarah's transformative marathon experiences, you'll witness how running creates bonds and builds character.

Charles reveals the mental fortitude required for marathon training while juggling work and family responsibilities, explaining how "95% of it's between your ears." His remarkable recovery story—completing 500 air squats the day after his marathon—demonstrates the power of cross-training. Meanwhile, Sarah takes us through her grueling trail marathon experience at Devil's Lake, where she conquered over 3,000 feet of elevation gain and pushed through unexpected additional mileage.

What makes this conversation special isn't just the physical accomplishments, but the shared wisdom about life beyond running. The family discusses practical race strategies like the surprisingly effective hat-cooling technique, but more importantly, they dismantle the "I could never do that" mindset that prevents so many from pursuing challenging goals.

This episode captures why running communities are so special—supportive, encouraging, and accessible to everyone regardless of pace or appearance. Whether you're an experienced runner or someone contemplating their first 5K, you'll find inspiration in my family's journey and perhaps discover that you're capable of more than you've ever imagined.

Follow the podcast, leave a 5-star review, and reach out if you'd like to share your own running story at [email protected].

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What happens when a marathoner faces cancer? For Liz Krznarich, running had been her constant companion for 27 years before a breast cancer diagnosis at age 40 threatened to take away this core piece of her identity.

The parallels between marathon training and enduring cancer treatment emerged in unexpected ways throughout Liz's journey. "Having that marathon training perspective and being really familiar with discomfort was extremely helpful," she explains, "because there's a whole lot of discomfort during chemo." Yet the experience also humbled her, revealing the limitations of the "mind over matter" approach that had served her through countless long runs. As her treatment reduced her red blood cell count and compromised her digestive system's ability to absorb water, Liz discovered that some physiological challenges couldn't be overcome through mental fortitude alone.

Rather than abandoning physical activity entirely, Liz adapted. She replaced runs with long walks, discovered yoga to combat muscle tightness, and used stationary biking to maintain cardiovascular fitness when running wasn't possible. When treatment left her feeling disconnected from her runner identity, she creatively scheduled half marathons to coincide with her final treatments – giving herself something to look forward to beyond the medical appointments that dominated her calendar.

Perhaps most profound is how this journey transformed Liz's relationship with her body. The runner who once "had a history of driving my body into the ground" now approaches training with newfound respect for the complex physiological processes that make running possible. "Our bodies are amazing and they deserve to be treated nicely," she reflects. "All the tiny cellular processes going on are pretty miraculous." This wisdom extends to her approach to nutrition, hydration, and recovery – aspects she previously neglected but now embraces as essential components of running longevity.

Whether you're facing health challenges or simply seeking to become a more balanced athlete, Liz's story offers powerful perspective on resilience, adaptation, and gratitude for what our bodies can do. Share your thoughts about this episode and subscribe to hear more inspiring stories from runners overcoming obstacles on their journey over the next hill.

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What happens when someone who once hated running decides to lace up their shoes at age 32? Ben Bloedorn's transformation from self-proclaimed non-athlete to ultramarathon finisher reveals the profound parallel between running and life's broader challenges.

Beginning with his first painful 5K in 2019, Ben shares how completing that initial race ignited something unexpected - the question "what's next?" That curiosity propelled him from suffering through shin splints to conquering a 50-mile ultramarathon at the Ice Age 50, despite significant setbacks including knee injuries and failed race attempts along the way.

Ben's evolution mirrors what many reluctant runners experience - that moment of looking in the mirror, not liking what they see, and deciding something must change. His candid insights about training mishaps (like the snow-covered 20-hour Arctos race he abandoned) offer valuable perspective for new and experienced runners alike. The conversation explores the psychological aspects of progress, including the counterintuitive value of rest periods and how training data can sometimes become an unhealthy obsession.

What makes this episode special is Ben's authentic reflection on how running becomes more than exercise - it transforms into a practice that builds discipline, resilience, and self-knowledge applicable to every area of life. As he beautifully notes, "I have never come back from a run and felt worse than before I left." It's this simple truth that keeps runners returning to the roads and trails despite the inevitable suffering that comes with pushing physical limits.

Whether you're contemplating your first 5K or training for an ultramarathon, Ben's journey offers both practical advice and philosophical perspective on embracing discomfort as the pathway to growth. Ready to lace up your shoes and discover what you're capable of?

https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Oconomowoc/ZachariahsAcresRunWalkRoll

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What would you do if you came face-to-face with a mountain lion in the darkness of a pre-dawn hike? For Kayla Girard, this heart-stopping encounter was just one chapter in her remarkable outdoor journey that's taken her from struggling to run a single mile to summiting some of Colorado's most challenging peaks.

In this captivating conversation, Kayla reveals how she discovered her love for running later in life when she realized the secret was simply slowing down. This breakthrough has led her to complete races in 37 states so far on her quest to run a half or full marathon in all 50 states. Surprisingly, during back-to-back race weekends, she consistently performs better on day two—defying conventional wisdom about recovery and endurance.

But it's Kayla's mountaineering adventures that truly showcase her resilience and determination. After moving to Colorado to become a ski instructor (where she unexpectedly met her husband), she fell in love with climbing the state's famous "14ers"—58 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation. These climbs require 4am starts, careful navigation, and constant vigilance against rapidly changing mountain weather and wildlife encounters.

The podcast delivers two unforgettable survival stories: Kayla's terrifying standoff with a stalking mountain lion during her bachelorette celebration hike, and a harrowing night spent taking shelter in a mountainside cave after a snowstorm trapped her group in 12-degree temperatures. Her most valuable lesson? When you're in trouble in the backcountry, help doesn't arrive immediately—her rescue took over seven hours despite having cell service.

Whether you're a runner looking for inspiration or simply someone who appreciates tales of adventure and human endurance, Kayla's journey shows how pushing beyond your comfort zone creates not just accomplishments but also profound connections with fellow adventurers who share these life-changing experiences. Ready to lace up your shoes or pack your hiking boots?

https://www.instagram.com/alyakg/

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