Inspired Soles

Carolyn Coffin
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Running
  • Updated Weekly

Inspired Soles is a podcast that fuels your passion for running and helps you achieve peak performance with every stride. Host Carolyn Coffin talks with industry experts, coaches, Olympians and everyday runners to educate and inspire you to take your running to the next level. 

  1. 1d ago

    311. Erin Mawhinney, Author | “If I’m Ever in a Coma, Braid My Hair”

    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 HairInstagram: @erinmawhinney_ (DM for a signed copy)Ep 242 with Erin on Inspired Soles: Ottawa 10K Podium Finisher, Powered by Energy Drinks, Karaoke & Good VibesConnect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    311. Erin Mawhinney, Author | “If I’m Ever in a Coma, Braid My Hair”

  2. Oct 6

    310. Lynsey Romano | Good Coach vs. Nice Coach: When to Push Back

    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 RelationshipEp 254: The Science of Marathon TaperingConnect with Lynsey: Instagram: @skylineruncoaching @lynseyeromanoWebsite: https://www.runcoach.org/Connect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    310. Lynsey Romano | Good Coach vs. Nice Coach: When to Push Back

  3. Sep 29

    309. Ally Brettnacher | Finish Lines & Milestones Host on Community, Entrepreneurship & Mental Health

    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 RunSandyBoy Productions network: https://sandyboyproductions.com/Connect with Ally: Athlete Bouquets: https://athletebouquets.com/Podcast: Finish Lines & MilestonesInstagram: @allytbrett_runs, @athletebouquetsWebsite: https://www.finishlinesandmilestones.com/Connect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    309. Ally Brettnacher | Finish Lines & Milestones Host on Community, Entrepreneurship & Mental Health

  4. Sep 22

    308. Good Luck Messages for the Women of Project-99

    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-99Connect with Caroline Fisher of Big Sky Run Co: Instagram: @bigskyruncoWebsite: bigskyrun.comConnect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    308. Good Luck Messages for the Women of Project-99

  5. Sep 15

    307. Lindsey Hein | On Running, Motherhood, Rejection & “Doing It All”

    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 videoRoad to the Trials interview with JaQuavious HarrisConnect with Lindsey: Instagram: @lindseyhein626Podcasts: I'll Have Another, Relay, Road to the TrialsSandyBoy Productions NetworkConnect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    307. Lindsey Hein | On Running, Motherhood, Rejection & “Doing It All”

  6. Sep 8

    306. Jeff Cunningham | Slay the Dragons & Run Strong in the Final 10K of Your Marathon (re-run)

    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 raceHow to build trust in your fitness so you don’t panic earlyThe psychology of pacing and emotional momentumWhy finishing strong is far better than blowing upJeff’s signature advice on patience, perspective, and keeping the long viewIf 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 @cunninghamrunningThe Consistently Good PodcastCunningham RunningResources & Related Episodes: Jeff on Relay with Peter Bromka: Beware of the DragonsInspired Soles Episode with Polly (Jeff’s Canadian elite athlete)Connect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    306. Jeff Cunningham | Slay the Dragons & Run Strong in the Final 10K of Your Marathon (re-run)

  7. Sep 1

    305. Jadyn Keeler | Canadian Half Marathon Champ Chases National Record in Copenhagen

    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: @jadynkeelerYouTube Channel: @jadynkeelerConnect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    305. Jadyn Keeler | Canadian Half Marathon Champ Chases National Record in Copenhagen

  8. Aug 25

    304. Dr. Shawna Darou, ND | Is It Really Perimenopause? A Deep Dive Into Carolyn’s Symptoms & Bloodwork

    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: @drshawnadarouWebsite: drshawnadarou.comPodcast: Unstoppable At Any AgeAppleSpotifyCarolyn's Episode: Why Running Is Never Just About RunningConnect with Carolyn: Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffinYou 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

    304. Dr. Shawna Darou, ND | Is It Really Perimenopause? A Deep Dive Into Carolyn’s Symptoms & Bloodwork
See All (312)

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Inspired Soles is a podcast that fuels your passion for running and helps you achieve peak performance with every stride. Host Carolyn Coffin talks with industry experts, coaches, Olympians and everyday runners to educate and inspire you to take your running to the next level. 

Information

  • Creator
    Carolyn Coffin
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    312
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inspired Soles
  • Show Website
    Inspired Soles

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