Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

I’m joined once again by Canadian marathon record holder Natasha Wodak for a timely and important conversation. We begin by recapping Natasha’s 2025 season and wrap up by looking ahead to what’s lighting her up in 2026, but the heart of this episode focuses on start line safety in a rapidly growing sport.

Just days before this recording, Natasha was taken down at the start of a local 8K race after being barged through by another runner. Although she got up and finished strongly, the injuries she sustained ultimately disrupted her training and prevented her from racing again days later. Together, we reflect on her experience and use it as a starting point to explore how crowded, chaotic start lines affect runners of all abilities—and how we can collectively do better.

This is a thoughtful, solutions-oriented discussion about shared responsibility, race design, and the small changes that could make a big difference in keeping all runners safe.

Visit levermovement.com and use Inspired20 for 20% off OR use this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/Inspired20

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• iRun Magazine article

Connect with Natasha:

• Instagram: @tashawodak
• Previous episodes on Inspired Soles
  • Ep 209: All Set to Race the Toronto Waterfront Marathon
  • Ep 190: On Missing the Olympic Marathon Standard
  • Ep 124: Canadian Marathon Record Holder

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

Connor Winter is a professional marathoner with Tinman Elite who delivered a breakthrough performance at The Marathon Project, running 2:11:43 for 10th place after starting the race in 16th at halfway. In this episode, Connor walks us through the calm, patient decision-making that defined his race—choosing to back off an early pace that felt too hot, trusting the process, and steadily reeling competitors in over the second half.

We talk about the mental game of the marathon, what it’s like to finish a race feeling both proud and hungry for more, and the very real load marathon training places not just on the athlete, but on the entire family—especially as Connor navigates life as a new dad.

Connor also shares how he used Lever Movement during his marathon build to safely increase mileage, manage fatigue, and stay healthy through heavy training, along with practical ways runners of all levels can incorporate it into their own routines.

A thoughtful conversation about patience, longevity, and showing up—day after day.

Connect with Connor & Lever:

• Website: levermovement.com
  • Use code Inspired20 for 20% off OR https://levermovement.com/discount/Inspired20
• Instagram: @levermovement, @tinmanelite & @connorwinter1

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

Before we get too far into 2026, I’m taking a moment to reflect on some of the most powerful conversations from Inspired Soles in 2025.

This “Best Of” episode features seven standout clips from elite athletes, coaches, and everyday runners—each chosen not just for performance, but for the insight, humour, vulnerability, and perspective they brought to the conversation. You’ll hear reflections on goal setting, pacing, fueling, injury prevention, mindset, and what it really means to chase big dreams, even when things don’t go to plan.

Featured guests:

• Ep 242 Erin Mawhinney
• Ep 261 Ben Flanagan
• Ep 238 Alex Cyr
• Ep 260 Kristin Paterson
• Ep 262 Kevin Smith
• Ep 264 Rachel Hannah
• Ep 256 Jeff Cunningham

Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the show, this episode offers a snapshot of the values at the core of Inspired Soles—and hopefully inspires you to explore the archives and keep showing up for your own goals.

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.