Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

I’m joined once again by my husband, Johnny Coffin, for a lively discussion on the pros and cons of the popular running app, Strava.

Johnny is an avid Strava user—he loves leading by example, engaging with his running community, and tracking his data all in one place. I, on the other hand, am more of a Strava minimalist. My account exists solely to share training logs with my remote coach, Reid Coolsaet. With just two followers (Reid and Johnny) and only three people on my follow list, I’m technically on Strava—but I don’t take advantage of most of its features.

This episode is a somewhat public apology for not accepting friend requests. I know myself well enough to recognize that I’d likely get caught up in comparison, make questionable training decisions, and waste more time than I’d like. So, as a form of self-protection, I choose to stay disengaged.

Our goal today isn’t to persuade anyone to use—or abandon—Strava. Instead, we hope to spark a thoughtful conversation about an app that has captivated both elite athletes and recreational runners alike.

Connect with Johnny:

• Previous Inspired Soles episodes:
  • 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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Meet Rob Tétrault —a man whose passion, perseverance, and purpose redefine what it means to make a difference.

Rob’s story begins in the spring of 2021, when a pivotal moment changed his life. Following his father’s Leukemia diagnosis, Rob made a life-altering decision to prioritize his health, trading unhealthy habits for a pair of running shoes. Starting at 250 pounds and a problematic relationship with alcohol, he transformed himself one step at a time and took his final drink on July 2nd, 2022.

Rob ran his first marathon less than six months into his running journey – and he didn’t stop there. Over the past few years, he has competed in the Ironman World Championships, run the Boston Marathon, represented Canada at the Triathlon World Championships in Spain, and achieved a marathon personal best of 2:58.

When he’s not running, Rob wears many hats. He’s cohost of The Running Journey podcast with his brother Charlie, an entrepreneur and award-winning portfolio manager as the founder of Tétrault Wealth Advisory Group, a Canadian TV personality and YouTube content creator dedicated to financial literacy, founder of the Canadian CMV Foundation & CMV Canada, and a soon-to-be PhD graduate. He balances all of this while living in St. Boniface, Manitoba, with his wife Michelle and their four children.

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• Jessica Drakul's Inspired Soles's interview: From Booze to Boston
• Carolyn's interview on The Running Journey: Marathons, Coaching, and Running's Popularity
• Johnny's interview on The Running Journey: From the Air Force to Marathons

Connect with Rob:

• Instagram: @runwithrobcmv
• Podcast: The Running Journey

Connect with Carolyn:

• Instagram: @inspiredsolescast

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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to the extraordinary, Alyse Gilliver.

At 36 years old, Alyse is living proof that it’s never too late to discover your potential. A dedicated oncology nurse and mother of three young children – ages 2, 4, and 6 – she balances her demanding career and family life with a newfound passion for running. With the unwavering support of her husband and guidance of her coach, Paula Wiltse – a local legend in Brockville, Ontario and friend of Inspired Soles! – Alyse has made incredible strides in the marathon world.

It’s hard to believe that she only started taking running seriously in 2023 where she busted out a jaw-dropping 3:04 and 2nd place finish at the Georgina Marathon in September. Fast forward to today, and her marathon resume includes a 3:01 finish in Boston, an impressive 2:48 and 2nd place female at Petit Train du Nord, and since recording this episode last week, a blazing 2:44:38 at the Houston Marathon, where she placed 2nd in her competitive 35-39 age group.

Beyond her racing success, Alyse has built a thriving online community through Instagram. She’s transparent about how she balances training and racing with her family & career, but she also gives so much support to other athletes and moms who are getting after their own big running goals. This conversation is a great reminder of the many upsides to social media, how it can connect us with like-minded people, and propel our running to new heights.

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• Alyse's episode on the Miles With Moms podcast
• Episodes with Alyse's coach, Paula Wiltse:
  • Redefining Success in your 50s
  • Run Canada Podcast: Meet Your Sheroes

Connect with Alyse:

• Instagram: @aleebreegee.run

Connect with Carolyn:

• Instagram: @inspiredsolescast

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 inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.