The Elevate Your Running Podcast

EP. 210 - When the Marathon Ends Early: Carolyn Coffin on DNFs, Belief Shifts, and Trusting Yourself Again

In this episode, marathoner Carolyn Coffin joins the podcast to talk about trusting yourself when the plan breaks down. We dive into her Marathon Project experience, the DNF that followed, and what it taught her about self-trust, coaching yourself, and redefining success.Whether you’re in the middle of a build that feels off or reflecting on a goal that didn’t pan out, this episode will help you rethink what “trusting the process” actually means — and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.Carolyn Coffin is a certified running coach (NCCP, RRCA, UESCA) with an educational background in physiotherapy (Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen's University, 2003) and kinesiology (Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University, 2000). Through her online coaching business, she helps everyday athletes pursue their road running goals with confidence and joy. A lifelong runner and curious storyteller, Carolyn believes every runner has a story worth sharing, which she brings to life each week on Inspired Soles. She loves competing in events from 1500m to the marathon, and is on a mission to prove that her fastest marathon is still ahead of her at age 48. Carolyn lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with her military spouse and their two teenage children.Resources and Links: Link to her podcast, the Inspired Soles PodcastWork with Sara – Coaching and Programselevateyourrunning.comInstagram – Join the CommunityElevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappyWhere to Listen:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscriptionSenitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attachedCheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% offRNWY: Use Code Elevate15 for 15% off your orderSkratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!KETONE-IQ: Your post-run recovery ketones can be found hereCozy Zero:  merino wool running clothes! Save 20% with code SARAM20LEVELLE GELS - Save 10% on all natural gels using code HAPPYRUNNING10 

EP. 209 - How To Tell If A Workout Was a Success

Have you ever finished a workout wondering, “Did that even do anything?” Or maybe you nailed every interval and still questioned whether it counted as progress. In this episode, we break down how to measure the true success of your workouts — beyond pace, distance, or how hard you pushed.YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO:Define a successful workout based on your goalsUse both objective metrics and subjective feedback to track progressRecognize when recovery signals successFocus on patterns over perfection to build long-term resultsWhether you’re chasing a PR, training for your first race, or just looking to stay consistent, this episode will help you train smarter, not harder.KEY TAKEAWAYS Mindset matters first – Success is about meeting the goal of the workout, not comparing yourself to others or yesterday.Use objective metrics – Pace, heart rate, completed intervals, or RPE all help you know if you executed the plan.Listen to subjective signs – Energy, focus, and mental clarity during a session are strong indicators of progress.Recovery is part of success – How you feel 24–48 hours later often tells you more than the watch.Look at the big picture – Patterns over weeks and months matter far more than any single session.WHY THIS MATTERS Many runners overvalue speed and intensity and undervalue smart execution and adaptation. By learning how to measure workout success correctly, you’ll reduce burnout, prevent injury, and stay consistent in your training for longer-term results.RESOURCES AND LINKS Work with Sara – Coaching and Programselevateyourrunning.comInstagram – Join the CommunityElevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappyWHERE TO LISTENApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscriptionSenitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attachedCheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% offRNWY: Use Code Elevate15 for 15% off your orderSkratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!KETONE-IQ: Your post-run recovery ketones can be found hereCozy Zero:  merino wool running clothes! Save 20% with code SARAM20LEVELLE GELS - Save 10% on all natural gels using code HAPPYRUNNING10 

EP. 208 - 8 Lessons I Learned From Racing 8 Marathons

Training hard doesn’t always lead to faster marathon times. In fact, for many runners chasing a new PR or Boston Qualifying time, effort is rarely the missing piece.In this episode, I’m breaking down eight key lessons I’ve learned from running eight marathons. These are the mindset shifts, execution skills, and training principles that helped me move past marathon plateaus and finally unlock better performances.If you’ve ever felt stuck despite doing “everything right,” this episode will help you rethink how you train, race, and measure progress.In this episode, we cover:Why marathon fitness doesn’t show up linearly and how to spot real progressThe critical role easy running plays in breaking through performance plateausHow long runs should train execution, not just enduranceWhy restraint early in the marathon leads to stronger finishes and faster timesHow to interpret fatigue without panicking or overcorrectingFueling as a performance skill, not an afterthoughtWhere real race-day confidence actually comes fromWhy breakthroughs often happen when you stop forcing the outcomeThis episode is especially helpful for runners who:Have run multiple marathons but feel stuck at the same finish timeAre chasing a PR or Boston Qualifying standardWant to train smarter without burning outAre ready to shift from “working harder” to “executing better”🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn consistency, patience, and execution into your next marathon breakthrough.The Fueled Runner Club: https://www.marathonnutritionist.com/thefueledrunnerclub Where to Listen:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel Connect with us:elevateyourrunning.comElevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappyThe Elevate Coaching Team has 1:1 coaching spots available for the spring and fall race seasons! If you love running and want to break through that plateau, run stronger + faster than ever before, we’d love to have you join our team! You can find more information about our coaching packages at https://elevateyourrunning.com/virtual-coaching or email Sara at sara@elevateyourrunning.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform! PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscriptionCheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% offRNWY: Use Code Elevate15 for 15% off your orderKETONE-IQ: Your post-run recovery ketones can be found hereCozy Zero:  merino wool running clothes! Save 20% with code SARAM20LEVELLE GELS - Save 10% on all natural gels using code HAPPYRUNNING10 

EP. 207 - 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Run and How These Mindset Shifts Can Lead to Your Next Breakthrough

Most runners don’t hit a plateau because they aren’t working hard enough. They plateau because they don’t know when to stop running.In a running culture that celebrates grit, streaks, and pushing through pain, it’s easy to believe that more miles are always the answer. But for many runners, especially those chasing a breakthrough or coming up just short of their goals, constantly pushing harder is exactly what keeps them stuck.In this episode, we break down the key signs you shouldn’t run, how training plateaus show up before injury or burnout, and the mindset shift that helps runners finally move forward.You’ll Learn:Common signs runners ignore that signal the need for restHow plateaus often feel before they show up in race resultsWhy pushing through fatigue can stall progress and increase injury riskHow learning when not to run can lead to stronger, faster breakthroughsWhat to do when rest feels uncomfortable or like you’re losing fitnessThis episode isn’t about running less.It’s about training smarter, staying healthy, and creating long-term progress.If you’re a runner who feels stuck, flat, or frustrated despite consistent training, this conversation will help you rethink rest, redefine strength, and reconnect with sustainable performance.Sometimes the breakthrough isn’t another hard run.It’s knowing when not to run.Where to Listen:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube MusicConnect with us:elevateyourrunning.comElevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappyThe Elevate Coaching Team has  1:1 coaching spots open for spring and fall race season! If you love running and want to get better + faster at this sport, we’d love to have you join our team! You can find more information about our coaching packages at https://elevateyourrunning.com/virtual-coaching or email Sara at sara@elevateyourrunning.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, coaching advice, and more through this platform! PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscriptionCheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% offRNWY: Use Code Elevate15 for 15% off your orderKETONE-IQ: Your post-run recovery ketones can be found hereCozy Zero:  merino wool running clothes! Save 20% with code SARAM20LEVELLE GELS - Save 10% on all natural gels using code HAPPYRUNNING10 

Ep 206 - The Products and Training Concepts I’m Taking with Me into 2026 as an 8 x Boston Qualifying Runner (and the things I’m leaving behind)

2025 was the year of the snake, and Coach Sara shares everything she is sheding and leaving behind, and the training concepts, products, and mindset shifts she’s taking with her into 2026! Let’s make this the year that we DREAM BIG, CHASE GOALS, and finally break through that running plateau! If you are a running struggling with running a PR, running a Boston Qualifying Time or breathing through a plateau, this podcast episode is for you! Where to Listen:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube MusicConnect with us:elevateyourrunning.comElevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappyThe Elevate Coaching Team has  1:1 coaching spots open for spring and fall race season! If you love running and want to get better + faster at this sport, we’d love to have you join our team! You can find more information about our coaching packages at https://elevateyourrunning.com/virtual-coaching or email Sara at sara@elevateyourrunning.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning. Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, coaching advice, and more through this platform! PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscriptionCheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% offRNWY: Use Code Elevate15 for 15% off your orderKETONE-IQ: Your post-run recovery ketones can be found hereCozy Zero:  merino wool running clothes! Save 20% with code SARAM20LEVELLE GELS - Save 10% on all natural gels using code HAPPYRUNNING10