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Jess McClain joins Inspired Soles ahead of The Marathon Project, where she’ll serve as the celebrity pacer for women chasing the sub-2:37 Olympic Trials qualifying (OTQ) standard. We talk about what that responsibility means, how she prepares for a pacing role, and how she plans to support the group both physically and mentally on race day.

Jess also shares her philosophy on abundance, joy, and belonging in the sport, reflects on her own rise in U.S. distance running, and offers a powerful pep talk for anyone lining up to chase a big goal — whether you’re in the OTQ pack or the Gold Wave.

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

Connect with Jess:

• Instagram: @jesstonn

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

I’m joined by Calgary-based sub-elite runner and coach Leanne Klassen, who is heading to Chandler, Arizona to race in the professional field of The Marathon Project. A two-time past guest and friend of the pod, Leanne returns with an inside look at what it’s like preparing for one of the fastest marathon stages in North America.

We talk about her 8-week build under coach Malindi Elmore (fresh off her 2:24:53 Canadian 45-49 record!), how she navigated a lingering calf niggle, and what it’s like balancing elite-level training while parenting two busy young girls. Leanne also opens up about imposter syndrome, seizing big opportunities, and her bold goal of running sub-2:40 — maybe even hanging onto Jess McClain’s OTQ pace group.

She also shares her experience training with the Lever Movement system, which helped her stay healthy during this condensed build.

If you love stories of courage, belief, and chasing the edge of possibility, this episode will fire you up for race week at The Project.

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

Connect with Leanne:

• Instagram: @leanneklassen7
• Website: leanneklassen.ca
• Past appearances on Inspired Soles
  • Ep 225 with Coach Malindi Elmore | Project 2:40: How a Sub-Elite Marathoner Ran Faster by Training Smarter
  • Ep 155: Navigating Injuries With Grace

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

In this episode, Carolyn chats with Collingwood, ON entrepreneur and endurance athlete Sarah Beairsto, founder and CEO of Send It Cards — greeting cards for those who sweat.

Sarah shares the origin story behind her brand, how movement and creativity intertwine in her life, and the joy she finds in helping people connect in meaningful, authentic ways. We explore the parallels between training for endurance sport and building a business, her mission to support girls in sport, the emotional journey of entrepreneurship, and how she’s now fostering community through beginner run clinics.

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

Connect with Sarah:

• Instagram: @senditgreetingcards
• Website: senditcards.com

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.