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What happens when a violinist with zero athletic experience decides to see if she can run a single mile? For Ashley Raines, it sparked a transformation that defied all expectations—including her own.

Ashley joins us to share her captivating journey from complete non-athlete to endurance sports competitor. Just a few years ago, she was the person who joked, "If you see me running, someone's chasing me." Today, she's completed multiple marathons across the country, tackled half and full Ironman competitions, and even finished ultraruns—all starting in her late thirties.

Her story isn't just inspiring; it's packed with hard-earned wisdom. Ashley candidly shares her early swimming struggles (she couldn't make it across a 25-yard pool without gasping for air), her first triathlon experience (swimming from safety kayak to safety kayak while volunteers cheered her on), and the brutal 97-degree Ironman where she made the cutoff by just 56 seconds.

We dive deep into the lessons she's learned along the way: the importance of proper nutrition and hydration (after severe dehydration nearly ended races), how strength training helped her shave 40 minutes off her marathon time in a single year, and why the limiting phrase "I could never" needs to be banished from our vocabulary.

As co-host of the Everyday Ironman podcast, Ashley brings a refreshing perspective on endurance sports for regular people balancing training with careers and family responsibilities. Her message resonates whether you're contemplating your first 5K or your fiftieth marathon: we often place arbitrary limits on our capabilities that deserve to be questioned and tested.

Ready to challenge what you think is possible? Listen now, and perhaps you'll find yourself asking the same question that changed everything for Ashley: "I wonder if I could?"

Listen to Ashley's podcast here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SIXh4SuCUGmzPjVrE6DCD?si=CnjrPHGfTMWAgjolgJAZ0w

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You can reach out to us at:

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email: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com
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What happens when you decide to take up running at 50 years old? Patricia Gonzalez never thought she'd live long enough to see her half-century birthday, but when she did, she made a remarkable decision that would transform her relationship with her body and herself.

Against the backdrop of a divorce and having recently quit smoking, Patricia laced up her running shoes for the first time. "I wanted to be able to test my body and make it my friend," she shares with refreshing candor. What began with tentative miles along San Francisco's Embarcadero blossomed into a passionate pursuit that would eventually lead her to marathon finish lines.

The conversation explores how finding a supportive running community accelerated Patricia's growth as a runner. "Who else are you going to talk to endlessly about running shoes or running belts and hydration?" she laughs, capturing the unique camaraderie that develops among runners. Her methodical approach to training—posting plans and checking off completed runs—showcases how structure can build confidence in new runners.

Patricia's story resonates particularly with late-starters and those using physical activity in recovery. As someone in long-term recovery from alcoholism and addiction, she describes how running helped transform her perception of her body from "something that was shameful" to a trusted ally. This profound shift illustrates how movement can heal more than muscles.

From the nervous energy of race morning corrals to the thrill of seeing elite runners on out-and-back courses, Patricia captures the small joys that keep runners coming back. Her honesty about the mental challenges—"I used to tell myself I'm only going to run if I feel good"—provides wisdom for runners at any level.

Whether you're contemplating your first 5K or training for your tenth marathon, Patricia's parting advice rings true: "Sometimes it's not always going to be great, but it's doable. Just get up and go out there and let yourself run."

Ready to start your own running journey? Follow the podcast on social media @CoffeeCrewCoaching or email Carla directly to share your story!

Hydrapatch.com code OTNH10

You can reach out to us at:

https://coffeycrewcoaching.com
email: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com
FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness Group
IG @coffeycrewcoaching.com

and Buy Me a Coffee
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlau

https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20

https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE

https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15

https://jambar.com code: CARLA20

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What does it take to run 189 marathons across all seven continents and every U.S. state? Meet Sheilagh Galinsky, who at 80 years young, shares her extraordinary athletic journey that began at age 45 when a friend's marathon medal sparked her curiosity.

Sheila takes us through her remarkable running adventures—from navigating glaciers and battling katabatic winds in Antarctica to running past alligators in South Carolina and experiencing the historic route from Marathon to Athens. Her story isn't just about endurance; it's about discovering passion later in life and refusing to let age dictate limitations. Despite being a physical therapist until age 73, Sheilagh maintained her training regimen throughout her career and beyond.

The conversation travels beyond marathons into her triathlon experiences, including completing two Ironman competitions and the notorious Alcatraz Triathlon where participants jump from boats into frigid waters and face 400 sand stairs after swimming and cycling. Sheilagh's matter-of-fact recounting of these extreme physical challenges reveals her extraordinary mental fortitude and love for athletic pursuits.

What resonates most powerfully is Sheilagh's simple yet profound wisdom: "Exercise is the best medicine you can do." She emphasizes finding physical activities you genuinely enjoy to ensure lifelong commitment. As she approaches her 190th marathon, she's adjusting her approach—running a bit slower to increase endurance and extend her running career.

Ready for inspiration to fuel your fitness journey? Listen now and discover how age truly is just a number when pursuing your passions. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or contemplating your first 5K, Sheilagh's story proves it's never too late to lace up those running shoes and chase your dreams.

Hydrapatch.com code OTNH10

You can reach out to us at:

https://coffeycrewcoaching.com
email: Carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com
FB @ Over the Next Hill Fitness Group
IG @coffeycrewcoaching.com

and Buy Me a Coffee
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Carlau

https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNH20

https://hydra-patch.com/discount/OTNHBOGO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fhydrapatch%C2%AE

https://rnwy.life code: OTNH15

https://jambar.com code: CARLA20