
Hosted by Carla Coffey · EN
Welcome! We all know, as we age, it’s harder to put ourselves first and get in enough fitness, flexibility, and nutrition. Maybe you’re new to formatted exercise, maybe we need to push to the next level or set some goals. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to run a 5K, a marathon, or even an ULTRA marathon. This podcast is designed to get you moving and headed towards those goals. You’ll have opportunities for general coaching during each episode or you may contact me for personal coaching afterward. Are you ready to get over this next hill in life? Let’s get started.

Send us Fan MailKids are surrounded by sports, fitness content, and devices yet many still do not learn the basic skills to run, jump, balance, throw, and play with confidence. That gap is bigger than it looks, and it is fueling what my guest Jim Baugh calls the “inactivity pandemic” a quiet crisis affecting kids’ physical health, mental health, and long-term habits.Jim has spent years building Fit America and partnering with schools, and he shares what changed from when we were growing up: daily physical education fades to a few days a week, recess gets cut, PE class sizes balloon, and outdoor neighborhood play nearly disappears. Meanwhile, youth sports often reward the already-skilled and leave the average kid behind. We dig into the hard statistic that about 70% of kids drop out of sports by age 13, and why “not good enough” and “not having fun” are usually symptoms of the same thing: kids never got a fair chance to learn the fundamentals.We also get practical about solutions. Jim walks me through Fit Kids Academy, a new video-based program where kids teach kids through short demos and repeats, using music and visuals that match how children actually learn today. It is built to work in schools, homes, homeschools, camps, clubs, and community groups, with quick “brain breaks,” exercise sessions, and learn-to-play sport skills designed to build confidence, not create superstars. If you care about child fitness, physical literacy, PE support, and the link between movement and mental health, you will leave with clear next steps and helpful links to explore.Check the show notes for all resources, then subscribe, share this with a parent or teacher, and leave a review so more people can find it.PHITKIDSAcademy.orgPHITAmerica.orgPHITAmerica.org/benefitsInactivityPandemic.org coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailYour strongest running might not happen in your 20s. It might show up after kids, after career pivots, after moving towns, and after you have learned what your body actually needs. That is why I loved talking with Mary Ellen Lemieux, a lifelong recreational runner who says her running is better now at 64 than it has ever been, even if the pace is slower.We get into the details runners actually wrestle with: why the half marathon hits the perfect balance of challenge and doable, how treadmill running can feel like time slows down, and why run walk can be a great tool and a tricky habit if walking makes you want to keep walking. Mary Ellen also shares her favorite races, from the Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati to the Steamboat Springs Half Marathon, and what makes great crowd energy and scenery matter when the miles get long.The biggest turning point is fueling and hydration. Mary Ellen tells the story of running the San Francisco half without a plan, bonking hard, and finishing miserable, then coming back the next year with electrolytes and consistent fueling that actually worked for her. We also talk mindset, mental health, and longevity: using running to manage ADHD, letting “a mile is a mile” be enough, and staying in motion so you can keep doing what you love, including skiing. And you will hear the wild, inspiring pandemic challenge that jumpstarted everything: 100 miles in 30 days, completed through heat, wildfire smoke, and pure commitment.If you care about half marathon training, race day strategy, running after 50, and staying active for life, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more runners can find the show. coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailA lot of people think runners are born, not made. Carmela DiCostanzo-Corkel proves the opposite with a story that starts with a best friend in grade school, turns into half marathon training that felt impossible, and grows into a life built around movement, laughter, and showing up anyway. We talk about why running with someone you trust can be more powerful than any perfect plan, and how a finish line full of strangers cheering your name can change what you believe you’re capable of. We also get real about what most of us learn late: hydration and fueling matter. Carmela shares the early days of long, hot runs with basically no water and no nutrition, then the major mindset shift that happened while training for Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim. We dig into practical endurance basics like salt, electrolytes, carb timing, and why heat and humidity can wreck you if you ignore them. Then we jump into the most fun twist: the Run For Fun Cruise. Imagine traveling the world and running an organized 5K at every port, with bibs, a final medal, and a built in community of runners, walkers, and fast movers. We also cover strength training for runners, knee friendly habits after soccer injuries, and how signing up for events can keep you consistent when motivation fades. If you enjoy running, trail running, half marathons, 5Ks, and fitness over 50, hit subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more people can find the show.www.runforfuncruise.com coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailHeat doesn’t wait for you to finish the workout. One minute you feel a little “off,” the next you’re cramping, dizzy, confused, or watching your heart rate climb and refuse to come down. That’s why we brought back this conversation with Chris Tolan, a firefighter, paramedic, and search and rescue instructor, to give you a clear, real world guide to heat illness before summer training ramps up. We walk through what heat injury actually is: your body losing the ability to cool itself, especially when heat and humidity trap sweat on the skin. Chris explains what first responders look for in the field, why dehydration is only part of the story, and how electrolyte balance powers everything from muscle function to the heart’s electrical system. We also talk hyponatremia (yes, “water drunk” is a thing) and why pounding plain water can backfire without sodium and other electrolytes. You’ll learn the four stages of heat-related illness and what separates a manageable problem from a medical emergency: heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. We cover practical warning signs like leg cramps, mouth breathing earlier than normal, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and trouble answering simple questions. Chris also shares how medics cool patients on marathon courses, when IV fluids like normal saline come into play, and why heat stroke can spiral into dangerous rhythms and cardiac arrest without rapid cooling and urgent care. If you train outdoors, mow the lawn, work in heavy gear, or simply want a smarter hydration strategy, this will sharpen your instincts and your plan. Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes, share this with a training partner, and leave a review with the heat warning sign you want to get better at noticing. coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailA seven-year-old finishing her very first triathlon is already a big deal, but what grabbed me most was how clearly you can hear confidence being built in real time. Evelyn joins me right after race day to share what felt exciting, what felt scary, and why she signed up in the first place. Her answers are simple, honest, and surprisingly wise: swimming is pure fun, biking hills are intimidating, and trying something new is the whole point.Then I sit down with her mom, Jamie, to talk about the bigger story behind this “special edition.” Jamie is currently in the 2026 Super Mom contest, and if she wins the $20,000 prize, she’s committed to donating the full amount to the Release Recovery Foundation, which helps fund treatment scholarships for people who otherwise couldn’t afford recovery support. We also clarify how voting works, including that you can vote for free every day, and that donations for votes support the Children’s Miracle Network.We also get real about what it means to lead by example. Jamie shares her sobriety journey, what it means to be closing in on 10 years, and why the mindset of “do as I say and as I do” matters when kids are watching. If you care about parenting, fitness motivation, triathlon training, sobriety, or building a healthier family culture, this one is short but packed with heart.If this moved you, subscribe, share it with a friend, leave a five-star review, and check the show notes to vote for Jamie. What’s one habit you’re trying to model for the people who look up to you?https://www.releaserecovery.com/womensprogramJamee Jenen | Super MomJamee Jenen (@jameejenen) • Instagram photos and videosHow Running Streamlined my Sobriety Journey: Jamee Jenen's Story - YouTube You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailYour running plan might be missing the one thing that makes everything else work: strength. I’m joined by strength coach and entrepreneur Chris Ryan, and we get honest about what actually helps runners stay healthy, improve form, and keep chasing goals without getting stuck in the injury cycle.Chris shares his path from competitive sports and Division I track to the real-world turning point many athletes face: recurring injuries, shifting priorities, and the need to build a life beyond competition. From corporate finance to entrepreneurship to coaching in New York, he explains how discipline and consistency transfer across every arena. We also talk about what he loves most as a coach: helping people build self-respect through small, repeatable wins that compound over time.Then we get practical for endurance athletes. We break down why many runners struggle when they only “pound the pavement,” why surface choice matters, and how adding controlled intensity can improve running economy and posture. Chris makes a strong case for strength training for runners, including why the trap bar deadlift is such a powerful tool for building force and resilience without chasing muscle size. We also cover mobility and prehab staples like tibialis raises, ankle and calf work, and hip mobility patterns that support better mechanics.We even zoom in on nutrition with a simple lens: the “liquid diet” problem, from alcohol to sugar-loaded coffee drinks, and how cleaning that up can change energy, recovery, and body composition fast. If you want smarter training, fewer aches, and a plan you can actually stick to, press play, subscribe, and share this with a runner who refuses to lift. After you listen, what’s one small change you’re committing to this week?Website: chrisryanfitness.comBlog: https://thefitlifewithchrisryan.com/Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/chrisryanfitIG: @chrisryanfitnessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisryanfitness?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_iosYouTube: https://youtube.com/@chrisryanfitness?si=zMKb7TJDFkY1bXn6<5_ coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailJeff Galloway didn’t just coach runners, he quietly rewired what many of us believe “real running” is supposed to look like. We’re replaying a conversation recorded in 2023 to honor his impact and to put his most useful ideas back in your ears: run walk run, smarter pacing, fewer injuries, and a better finish when everyone else is falling apart.Jeff shares how he found running as an overweight kid, how community pulled him in, and how goal-by-goal progress carried him all the way to the U.S. Olympic team. From there, he builds the bridge to his most famous contribution, the Galloway method. You’ll hear the true origin story of run-walk intervals, why it worked so well that an entire group trained without injuries, and how he later used large-scale runner data to recommend run-walk ratios based on pace.We also get practical: why the walk break is often 30 seconds, how shorter run segments can leave your legs stronger in the late miles of a marathon or ultra, and why “you can’t run too slow” can be the key to better race times. Jeff closes with mental training tools, including mantras and simple attention tricks that help override the negative “monkey brain” when stress and fatigue spike.If you want marathon training advice that actually protects your body, plus mindset strategies you can use on your next long run, hit play. Then subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a quick review so more runners can find it.JeffGalloway.com coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailA surgeon once told Lionel Pailloncy to give up running after back surgery. Years later, he’s not only running again, he’s finished the original six World Marathon Majors and just took 20 minutes off his marathon PR in Tokyo. From Paris to Boston and beyond, Lionel’s story isn’t about being the fastest, it’s about refusing to let one diagnosis or one hard year define what’s possible. We talk about the real mechanics of a comeback: physiotherapy, respecting your body in everyday movements, and rebuilding confidence one small step at a time. Lionel shares how he went from park runs to a 10K, then a half marathon, then his first Paris Marathon and why each race feels like its own emotional “cathedral.” We also get into the mental side of endurance, including the pressure of Strava metrics, the unpredictability of race day, and the moment he pivots away from chasing numbers toward gratitude and meaning. If you love practical running conversations, you’ll enjoy the details too: vegan fueling while traveling, A-B testing gels, hydration habits, gear choices down to socks and seams, and the packing ritual that calms the mind before the gun goes off. Lionel also shares what might be the wildest week ever, defending his PhD viva in Paris and immediately flying to Boston to run again. If this story gives you a spark, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a five-star review. What part of your own journey needs a little more courage right now? coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailNineteen marathons sounds glamorous until you hear what it really takes: 5 a.m. runs before work, hard conversations with yourself at mile 20, and the patience to chase a goal for years. Nicole Gray joins us fresh off Tokyo Marathon to unpack how she went from a struggling first full marathon to earning her Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star medal and lining up for Boston again. We get specific about what actually moves the needle for marathon training and long-term running health: committing to strength training, learning to pace the first 10K, using simple mantras to shut down spirals of self-doubt, and trusting a coach who sees more potential than you feel in the moment. Nicole also shares the less-glamorous craft that separates a good day from a disaster, including running tangents, handling race travel, and building a pre-race routine that makes the start line feel normal. Fueling and gear get the honest treatment too. We talk gels, timing, sensitive stomach troubleshooting, when sports drink becomes essential, and why the “pasta dinner” tradition doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re chasing a Boston qualifying time, exploring the World Marathon Majors, or simply trying to run stronger for longer, you’ll leave with practical strategy and a mindset you can use on your very next run. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a running friend, and leave a review so more runners can find the show. coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

Send us Fan MailRunning can feel like a club you’re not invited to unless you’re fast, thin, or fearless. That’s why this conversation with coach Lisa Pozzoni landed so hard for me. Lisa started running as an adult, built confidence through personal training and better nutrition, and eventually fell in love with trail running and ultrarunning. Her perspective is refreshingly practical: most of us are not chasing podiums, we’re chasing a life that stays adventurous and healthy for decades.We get into the races and formats that make that possible. Lisa explains how stage races like TransRockies can feel like “summer camp for big kids,” and she breaks down her Dawn Patrol role: starting about an hour early to help back-of-the-pack runners stay safe and make daily cutoffs, then handing off to sweepers once the main field catches up. We also talk about why she loves race companies that create space for slower runners, plus how community changes everything when you see the same faces day after day.Then we go honest on sustainability, injury prevention, and training after 50. Lisa teaches chi running and chi walking technique, yet she’s navigating Achilles tendinitis and the hard lesson many coaches learn too: doing “easy miles” forever still requires rest, strength training for hips and glutes, and real recovery. We also connect walk-run methods like Jeff Galloway with technique work, and why both can help you keep running for life.If you’re curious about trail running, ultramarathons, timed loop races like Across the Years, or simply finding your people, hit play. Subscribe, share the show with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more runners and walkers can find us.Lisa can be followed at:Therunninguniversity.com on YouTube and Facebook@True coach Lisa on IG coaching highlights You can reach out to us at:https://coffeycrewcoaching.comemail: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness GroupIG @coffeycrewcoaching.comand Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlauhttps://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15 https://jambar.com code: CARLA20