C Tolle Run

454: Jessica Kain - Anything Can Happen

Jessica Kain is a professional 1500-meter runner, fitness model, and coach from Santa Cruz, California, who is quickly making a name for herself in the running world. After competing for San Diego State, Jessica has continued chasing big goals on the track while balancing modeling, coaching, and sharing her journey on social media. This season, everything started to click. Jessica entered her first USATF Outdoor Championships seeded 21st in the 1500m and finished sixth, while dropping her personal best to 4:06.21 (more than six seconds faster than her college PR). But Jessica's breakthrough didn't come overnight. She once considered walking away from professional running before deciding to give herself one more chance and go all in. Now, she's headed to Europe for her next stretch of racing. Carrie catches up with Jessica to talk about her breakthrough season, balancing life and running, growing up in an athletic family, and why she believes the 2028 LA Olympics could be within reach.

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453: Emily Mackay - I Feel So Free This Season

Emily Mackay is one of those athletes you can't help but cheer for. Steady, consistent, and incredibly talented, 2026 has been the biggest year of her career! The Olympian, two-time global medalist, and New Balance professional with Union Athletics has already won two USATF titles this season, including the USATF Outdoor 5,000m Championship. She also earned her second global indoor medal at the World Indoor Championships this past spring. Emily last joined C Tolle Run in 2023 and three years later, there's plenty to catch up on. In this episode, Emily joins Carrie to talk about her incredible season, transitioning to a new team and coaches, what she's learned competing on the world stage, and what's next as she prepares for her fall wedding. From championship performances to major life milestones, this is a fun conversation with one of the brightest stars in American distance running.

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452 - Elise Cranny - Listening To My Body

Elise Cranny is one of the most versatile runners in American history. A two-time Olympian, Nike professional athlete, American record holder, and four-time USATF champion, Elise has found success at every distance. Most recently, Elise finished runner-up to Emily Venters at the USATF 6K Championships, marking her first competitive road race in a decade. Elise joins Carrie to catch up on everything that's happened since her last appearance on the podcast. They talk about where she's living, how training is going, her transition to racing on the roads, and what's next as she continues chasing big goals. They also dive into one of the most important topics in endurance sports: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Elise has become a leading advocate for athlete health, sharing her own experiences in hopes of helping others prioritize both performance and long-term well-being. From Olympic dreams and championship racing to honest conversations about health, growth, and the future, this is an inspiring and insightful catch-up with one of the best athletes in the sport. Visit tailwindnutrition.com and use code TOLLE20 for 20% off your order.

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451: David Roche - Coaching is the Ultimate Honor

David Roche is one of the most recognizable names in the ultramarathon world. While he continues to run and compete himself, David has recently expanded his coaching beyond the trails and into track and road racing, where he now works with some of the fastest women in the sport. In this wide-ranging conversation nothing is off limits. David shares how he found running, the injuries he has navigated throughout his own career, how he balances coaching with his own training, and the philosophy that guides his work with elite athletes. David and his wife, Megan, also host a podcast called “Some Work, All Play” where they talk about everything from their love story to the health challenges and injuries that have ultimately strengthened their bond. David opens up about all of it here, along with a few of his coaching secrets and some hot takes on recent happenings in the running world. This episode is packed with coaching insight, personal stories, and plenty of opinions from one of the most known coaches in the sport.

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450: Emily Abbate - I Love This Chapter of My Life

Emily Abbate is someone who truly does it all. She's the host of the Hurdle podcast, a sought-after speaker, storyteller, world traveler, and fitness enthusiast who continues to make movement a priority no matter where life takes her. Now, as she enters a new chapter filled with big personal and professional decisions, it felt like the perfect time to welcome her back to C Tolle Run. In this episode, Emily opens up about intentionally building a life and career on her own terms. She shares her passion for elevating women's sports and how she's learned to make space for the people, opportunities, and goals that matter most. This conversation is about vision, growth, courage, and trusting yourself enough to dream bigger. Whether you're navigating a major life decision, chasing an ambitious goal, or simply looking for inspiration to bet on yourself, Emily's story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you choose to go all in.

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449: Elyse Kopecky - I Felt Stronger, Happier, and Healthier

You may know Elyse Kopecky as the three-time New York Times bestselling author of the Run Fast. Eat Slow. cookbook series, but her impact extends far beyond the kitchen. Elyse is also the founder of Superhero Muffin Mixes, a line of wholesome, time-saving baking mixes created to help busy people choose freshly baked, nutrient-dense fuel over ultra-processed convenience foods. In this episode, Elyse joins Carrie to share her own running journey, her longtime friendship and collaboration with four-time Olympian and New York City Marathon champion Shalane Flanagan, and how her own nutrition journey inspired a culinary career. She also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and wellness while helping others build healthier relationships with the food that fuels their lives. From favorite recipes and cooking tips to retreats, business, and life beyond running, this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to eat well, live well, and perform at their best. Elyse has generously provided C Tolle Run listeners with an exclusive 15% off a one-time order of Superhero Muffin Mixes! Use promo code SUPERTOLLE15 at checkout to receive your discount. The offer is valid on one-time purchases only (not subscriptions), can be used once per customer, has no expiration date, and is available to both new and returning customers. https://superheromuffins.com/ This episode is brought to you by Tailwind Nutrition. Please Visit tailwindnutrition.com and use code TOLLE20 for 20% off your order.

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448: Gloria Jansen - Goals Keep Me Going

Gloria Jansen has been a fixture in the Minnesota running community for decades, building a remarkable resume that continues to grow. A 27-time USATF Minnesota Age Group Runner of the Year, Gloria was also named the 2025 USATF Minnesota 75–79 Age Group Runner of the Year. Most recently, she won her age group at Grandma's Marathon while celebrating another incredible milestone completing her 50th marathon at the 50th running of the iconic race. In this episode, Gloria joins Carrie to reflect on discovering running as an adult, the evolution of women's running, and why supporting female athletes at every level remains so important. She shares some of her favorite racing memories, the lessons she's learned over a lifetime in the sport, and the mindset that has kept her motivated decade after decade. Gloria's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase big goals and that passion, perseverance, and joy in the sport only grow stronger with age. If anyone proves that age is just a number, it's Gloria Jansen.

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447: Acer Iverson - I’m Having Fun Competing

Fresh off an impressive victory at the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon in Minnesota Acer Iverson is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young names in running. In his debut year as a professional athlete with Union Athletics Club, Acer has already proven he can compete across a wide range of distances, from the 5K to the half marathon. While he's new to the professional scene, success has followed him throughout his running career as a state champion in high school and an All-American at both Harvard and the University of Washington. But there's more to Acer than fast times and finish-line victories, he's also a software engineer balancing elite athletics with a career in tech. In this episode, Acer joins Carrie to discuss his journey through the sport, his transition to professional running, and what comes next. You may just be learning his name now, but if his recent performances are any indication, Acer Iverson is an athlete you won't want to forget.

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446: Kassie Parker - Giving It My All

Crown Running professional athlete Kassie Parker is having a breakthrough season. Fresh off her victory at the USATF 4-Mile Championships and her first USATF National Road Championship title, Kassie currently sits at No. 2 in the USATF Road Running Circuit standings. But there's much more to Kassie than championship performances. In this episode, Kassie shares her running journey, from her early days in the sport to her remarkable collegiate career at Division III Loras College, where she became a seven-time NCAA champion and set multiple school and conference records. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her as both an athlete and a person, and how her approach to training and racing has evolved over the years. Kassie also opens up about preparing for her first marathon, balancing the demands of professional running with work and everyday life, and what goals she has her sights set on next. This episode is the perfect opportunity to get to know one of America's rising distance stars before she toes the starting line.

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445 - Emily Venters: I Just Feel Happy

Emily Venters hasn't always had it easy. A childhood cancer survivor who has navigated the highs and lows of elite competition while managing race anxiety, she has met every challenge with positivity and that resilience has carried her far. Emily is now a professional runner for Nike, backed by a standout collegiate career that earned her five All-American honors. Based in Utah and training under coach David Roche, everything is clicking for Emily. Fresh off the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, where she was the top American finisher and fourth overall in a deep, competitive field, she joins Carrie for a wide-ranging conversation about running and life. Together they reflect on Emily's early career, what keeps her passionate about the sport, and how she channels her own experiences into meaningful lessons for the athletes she coaches. Emily is proof that a positive mindset can take you further than you think.

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444: Klara Lukan - I Love Challenges

If you don't know the name Klara Lukan yet, now is the time to learn it. The Slovenian standout is a professional runner for Puma, a two-time Olympian in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and the first European woman to break 30 minutes for the road 10K. Off the track, she holds a Master's degree in International Business and a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology. In this episode, Klara joins Carrie to share her journey into running, life growing up in Slovenia, and the important role her family has played throughout her career. They discuss her collegiate experience, how she's putting her two degrees to use, and what she enjoys besides running. As she prepares for the upcoming New York Road Runners Mini 10K, Klara also shares insights into training and racing at the highest level with plenty of stories along the way.

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443: Mercy Chelangat: I’m So Fired Up

Mercy Chelangat may be relatively new to the marathon, but she’s already making a major impact on the world stage. In just her latest breakthrough performance, Mercy ran an incredible 2:20 marathon to finish 4th at the Boston Marathon, firmly establishing herself among the sport’s elite. A professional runner for HOKA Northern Arizona Elite, Mercy built an outstanding collegiate career at University of Alabama, where she became a 2-time NCAA Champion, earned 9 All-American honors, and captured 8 SEC titles. In this episode, Mercy reflects on her journey from dominant collegiate athlete to rising marathon star, sharing the lessons she’s learned along the way and what continues to drive her forward. She also opens up about balancing training with the demands of family life, including raising her seven-year-old daughter while pursuing excellence on the global stage.

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442: Drew Hunter: I Wake Up Excited Every Day

Drew Hunter is no stranger to C Tolle Run, but this time he joins the show with some new hardware. Fresh off winning the USATF Road 5K Championship and qualifying for the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Drew is riding a wave of success both on and off the course. Beyond racing, Drew wears many hats: CEO of Hammer and Axe Training, entrepreneur, podcaster, husband, and proud father of two, with a third daughter on the way. Despite a packed schedule, he shares why this season of life has never felt more fulfilling. In this episode, Drew opens up about staying motivated at the highest level, balancing elite training with work and family life, and how fatherhood continues to shape his perspective and success. He also reflects on lessons he’d share with his younger self and the goals that still lie ahead.

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441: Eden Rainbow-Cooper - This Is My Chance

Eden Rainbow-Cooper has built a career defined by resilience, speed, and ambition. Introduced to Wheelchair Racing in 2012, Eden quickly found her success progressing through distances before making a bold move to the marathon. The leap to the marathon distance paid off in a major way, earning her a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and launching a streak of standout performances on the global stage. Eden has established herself as one of the sport’s most dominant competitors. She is a 2x Boston Marathon winner and British Record Holder in the 5k and marathon cementing her place among the elite in Wheelchair Racing. In this episode, Eden joins Carrie to reflect on the journey that shaped her, from early challenges to international success. They dig into her current training and racing schedule, as well as the goals driving her forward, not just for herself, but for the future of the sport.

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440: Gracie Hyde - I Belong Here

You may not know Gracie Hyde yet, but that’s about to change. A rising star in professional distance running, Gracie competes for Puma and trains with Team Meridia in Boulder, Colorado. Her résumé is already turning heads: a standout collegiate career where she set six Division II records, followed by a breakout pro season that includes a win in the steeplechase at the Drake Relays and her first selection to Team USA for the World Road Championships. In this episode, Gracie shares how she found her way into the sport, the key decisions that shaped her path, and what it’s like stepping onto the global stage as a new professional. She and Carrie reflect on the highs and lessons of 2025, and look ahead to the goals, challenges, and opportunities waiting in 2026 and beyond!

439: Addy Wiley - I'm Living My Dream

Addy Wiley is a fighter in every sense of the word. After overcoming childhood cancer, she found her strength in running, turning it into a superpower that’s propelled her onto the world stage. Now, she’s not just competing; she’s rewriting the record books as a World Indoor bronze medalist, National Champion, and American record holder. In this episode, Addy breaks down her electrifying indoor season, her dominant Road Mile Championship win that earned her a spot on Team USA, and the performances that have made her one of track and field’s most exciting names. She also opens up about her past, the realities of chasing greatness, and the hunger to win more!

438: Emma Grace Hurley - Not Afraid to Go to the Front

Fresh off her first national title at the USATF Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Championship, Emma Grace Hurley joins Carrie Tollefson to break down a career-defining moment. Emma Grace shares the mindset behind her win, how she approaches racing the best in the world, and why she’s not afraid to push the pace. She also reflects on a rollercoaster stretch that included a heartbreaking half marathon, a pending American record in the 8K, and finally, a breakthrough victory. Beyond racing, Emma Grace opens up about her journey back into the sport, staying healthy, and balancing professional running with a job outside of it. Plus, she talks Boston Marathon takeaways, her future marathon debut, and what’s ahead.

437: Ashley Paulson - Do Something That Scares You Every Day

Ashley Paulson is a professional triathlete, marathoner, and ultrarunner known for taking on some of the toughest races in the world including becoming a two-time champion of the legendary Badwater 135 (often called the world's toughest foot race), 25-time IRONMAN, ultramarathon veteran and an iFIT trainer. Beyond her impressive results, Ashley is also mother and a grandmother who rocks hot pink hair. In this episode, she shares how she got started in endurance sports, what drives her to push past extreme limits, and how she stays healthy through it all. We also talk about her journey into coaching, balancing family life with elite competition, and the story behind her signature pink hair. Ashley’s energy is contagious, and her story will leave you inspired to take on your own next adventure, whether that’s an ultramarathon or simply a new challenge in your everyday life.

436: Dom Scott - Your 1% Is Your 100%

Dom Scott is one of South Africa’s all-time great distance runners: an Olympian, National Champion, professional athlete, coach, one of the kindest people you’ll meet. With an incredible career behind her and plenty still ahead, Dom returns to C Tolle Run to reflect on her running milestones, life beyond the track and what’s next! Dom opens up about how recent experiences have shaped her current trajectory and how her support system has been in her corner through thick and thin. This honest and powerful conversation will leave you motivated and inspired, with practical and real-life advice that every runner (and person) can take to heart.

435: Randi Zuckerberg - There Is Beauty In Doing Hard Things

Randi Zuckerberg may have a recognizable last name, but her story is entirely her own. A wife, mother, entrepreneur, radio host, and ultramarathoner, Randi has built a life that blends high performance with genuine heart. In this episode, she shares her incredible achievement of setting the fastest known time (male or female) at Mexico’s grueling Baja Sur 135km Trail Run, completing the rugged course in just under 25 hours as a powerful comeback from injury. Randi breaks down the mental and physical strategies that helped her endure one of the toughest races out there, offering practical tips for ultrarunning and how those same lessons can be applied to everyday life. She also reflects on her journey into running, sharing how it became a space she could claim for herself and build a strong sense of identity, while also speaking about her passion for supporting the running community both locally and around the world. Randi will leave you motivated to go out and conquer the world (or your next run)!