Send us a text

What would you do if you came face-to-face with a mountain lion in the darkness of a pre-dawn hike? For Kayla Girard, this heart-stopping encounter was just one chapter in her remarkable outdoor journey that's taken her from struggling to run a single mile to summiting some of Colorado's most challenging peaks.

In this captivating conversation, Kayla reveals how she discovered her love for running later in life when she realized the secret was simply slowing down. This breakthrough has led her to complete races in 37 states so far on her quest to run a half or full marathon in all 50 states. Surprisingly, during back-to-back race weekends, she consistently performs better on day two—defying conventional wisdom about recovery and endurance.

But it's Kayla's mountaineering adventures that truly showcase her resilience and determination. After moving to Colorado to become a ski instructor (where she unexpectedly met her husband), she fell in love with climbing the state's famous "14ers"—58 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation. These climbs require 4am starts, careful navigation, and constant vigilance against rapidly changing mountain weather and wildlife encounters.

The podcast delivers two unforgettable survival stories: Kayla's terrifying standoff with a stalking mountain lion during her bachelorette celebration hike, and a harrowing night spent taking shelter in a mountainside cave after a snowstorm trapped her group in 12-degree temperatures. Her most valuable lesson? When you're in trouble in the backcountry, help doesn't arrive immediately—her rescue took over seven hours despite having cell service.

Whether you're a runner looking for inspiration or simply someone who appreciates tales of adventure and human endurance, Kayla's journey shows how pushing beyond your comfort zone creates not just accomplishments but also profound connections with fellow adventurers who share these life-changing experiences. Ready to lace up your shoes or pack your hiking boots?

https://www.instagram.com/alyakg/

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

Send us a text

What if the greatest obstacle you faced became your greatest opportunity? For Lisa Herron, a devastating farming accident at age 40 that required her fifth knee surgery didn't end her athletic journey—it transformed it. Trading running shoes for walking ones, Lisa discovered an unexpected path forward that would lead to extraordinary achievements and a reimagined relationship with movement.

Lisa's power walking prowess shatters preconceptions about what walking can accomplish. Maintaining a consistent 10-minute mile pace, she often overtakes runners during races, playfully noting she might be "on my second or third beer" by the time they cross the finish line. Her athletic feats include walking 100 miles in under 27 hours as the only woman and only walker to complete an ultramarathon, and accumulating over 19,000 miles between 2021-2024—equaling more than 38 million steps.

The physical challenges Lisa has overcome would sideline most athletes permanently. Beyond her knee surgeries, she's endured two cervical spine surgeries requiring seven screws, two plates, and cadaver bones; endured nine foot surgeries; manages diabetes; and has undergone two heart catheterizations. Yet these obstacles have only strengthened her resolve. Her approach to health blends realism with optimism: "I'm just a well-fueled machine with some expensive drugs set in a pillbox."

Lisa's commitment to movement has dramatically transformed her health markers, with triglycerides dropping from a dangerous 500 to a healthy 88. Her daily routine typically begins with 8-10 morning miles, followed by additional walking throughout the day. Her current goal—6,000 miles in 2025—requires consistent daily effort that she embraces regardless of weather or circumstances, "embracing the suck" on difficult days.

Beyond personal achievements, Lisa channels her passion for movement into community service as a mini-marathon ambassador advocating for walkers' inclusion, volunteering at Wheeler Mission's Drumstick Dash, and training her dog for children's reading therapy. Her message resonates clearly: there are no valid excuses for immobility, only opportunities to adapt and overcome.

Ready to redefine your own relationship with movement? Follow Lisa's example by starting where you are, adapting to your circumstances, and building consistency that can transform your health. Subscribe now and join our community of movers and believers who refuse to let limitations define their potential.

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

Send us a text

What happens when a devastating diagnosis becomes the catalyst for a complete life transformation?

Meet Irene Pasternak, whose journey from an early Alzheimer's diagnosis to becoming a marathon runner reveals the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when we refuse to accept limitation. At 65, Irene received news that would stop most people in their tracks: test results showing an 86% chance of full dementia within three years. Instead of retreating, she embarked on a running journey that would transform both her brain health and her entire approach to living.

Irene shares how she discovered "tourist running" – an approach that combines exploration with exercise as she runs as far as possible in new directions before taking public transport home. This creative method helped her progress from barely managing a mile to completing half marathons in less than a year. Most remarkably, her brain scans now show amyloid plaque levels dropping from 76 to below 12 – under the clinical significance threshold – suggesting her treatment and lifestyle changes have dramatically altered her prognosis.

Beyond running, Irene reveals her work as a Feldenkrais practitioner helping people overcome movement limitations, and how she leads summer backpacking trips with llamas for people with Parkinson's disease. Her approach to movement as playful exploration rather than rigid exercise offers valuable insights for runners of any age. The conversation weaves through topics of neuroplasticity, resilience, and finding purpose after diagnosis – including how she now treasures time with her young granddaughter, creating memories she once feared would be impossible.

Whether you're a runner seeking fresh perspective, someone facing health challenges, or simply in need of inspiration, Irene's story reminds us that sometimes our greatest adventures begin precisely when we think our stories are ending. Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who might need to hear that their diagnosis doesn't have to be their destiny.

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

Send us a text

What happens when anxiety meets opportunity? For Beth Giles, the pandemic's uncertainty sparked an unexpected journey into running that transformed both her physical and mental landscapes. This episode reveals how simple daily walks evolved into something profound when Beth asked herself, "What if I just ran?"

Beth shares the raw, honest story of how running became her sanctuary during pandemic isolation, daily work stress, and even through her mother's hospice care. The physical act of running created space for mental processing, allowing Beth to navigate life's challenges with newfound resilience. "Running is something that, when you invest in it, the return on investment for your body and your mind is amazing and tenfold," she explains.

We explore the evolution from casual pandemic running to organized races, discussing the unique courage required to take starting lines and the pride that comes with finishing. Beth's candid insights about hydration struggles during longer distances, the joy of sharing race medals with her late mother, and her refreshing perspective on body types and movement will resonate with runners at every level.

Most powerfully, Beth's philosophy encapsulates what movement can mean for anyone willing to try: "Don't let dreams be endangered species." Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone who's never considered lacing up, this conversation invites you to explore your own "what ifs" without dismissing them before giving them a chance.

Ready to find your own running sanctuary or reconnect with the joy of movement? Listen now, and discover how putting your feet on the street before your "butt hits the seat" might just change your life too. Share, follow, and rate this podcast to help others find their path to movement and mental clarity.

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

Send us a text

Jamie Elliott's journey from smoker to marathon runner begins at age 38 during her daughter's cancer treatment at St. Jude. What started as a way to quit cigarettes evolved into a powerful mission of philanthropy and personal achievement that spans over two decades.

With remarkable candor, Jamie shares how she began running without technical gear, training plans, or even proper knowledge of running mechanics - simply buying "pretty shoes" and hitting country roads near her Kentucky home. Her progression defies conventional wisdom: skipping 5Ks and 10Ks entirely, Jamie jumped straight to walking a half marathon before tackling a full marathon the following year.

The heart of Jamie's story lies in her fundraising work as a St. Jude Hero, raising over $200,000 for the hospital that treated her daughter's osteosarcoma. "I'm not really a runner, I'm a fundraiser who happens to run," she explains, revealing how purpose drives her participation in events from local 5Ks to major marathons like New York and Marine Corps.

Jamie's perspective on aging and adaptation resonates deeply throughout our conversation. After being diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, an autoimmune condition affecting her large joints, she embraced the Galloway run-walk method, discovering she could maintain performance while reducing pain and recovery time. At 58, with plans to run Chicago Marathon when she turns 60, Jamie embodies the spirit that running has no expiration date.

Perhaps most powerful is the wisdom Jamie shares for all runners: "Someday I won't be able to do this, but today is not that day." Her story reminds us to cherish our ability to move, to use our running for greater purposes, and to never let age or circumstance define what's possible when passion meets perseverance.

Want coaching that helps you find your purpose in running? Email carla@coffeycrewcoaching.com or follow the links in our show notes to support Jamie's ongoing fundraising efforts for St. Jude.

https://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/samster20

https://youtu.be/4gEVvTjNGYo

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

Send us a text

Julie Marshall Wyngaert's transformation from a middle school gym class dropout to an accomplished marathon runner will make you rethink what's possible in your own fitness journey. Once weighing over 200 pounds and armed with a doctor's note exempting her from running, Julie's perspective changed dramatically as her 50th birthday approached. Motivated by the memory of her mother who passed away at just 50 years old, Julie set an audacious goal that seemed almost laughable at the time: complete a marathon.

What follows is a decade-long journey that's equal parts inspiring and practical. Julie shares her methodical progression from 5Ks to marathons, including her hilarious misinterpretation of a "running ninja" during her first race and the valuable lesson that walking during races is perfectly acceptable. Her story illuminates how breaking seemingly impossible goals into manageable steps can lead to extraordinary achievements.

The conversation takes us through Julie's impressive accomplishments: 75 half marathons across 41 states in her quest to run all 50, the demanding Dopey Challenge at Disney (running a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon on consecutive days), and her triumphant experience at the New York City Marathon amid 2 million spectators. Throughout these adventures, Julie battled chronic migraines, back issues requiring medical interventions, and the universal self-doubt that plagues every runner.

Most valuable are Julie's insights into the mental game of running. Her technique of immediately countering negative thoughts with positive affirmations—"I can do hills," "I feel strong"—offers a powerful framework applicable beyond running. For those seeking to start their own fitness journey, her "10-minute rule" provides a practical way to overcome initial resistance: just commit to 10 minutes, with permission to turn around if needed (though she admits she never does).

Ready to lace up your running shoes or tackle your own seemingly impossible challenge? Julie's journey proves that sometimes the hardest step is simply the first one out the door.

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

Send us a text

What happens when winter threatens to derail your running routine? For Angela Ryan, the answer isn't retreating to a treadmill—it's strapping on skis and embracing the season head-on.

In this captivating conversation, Angela shares her journey from casual childhood runner to adventure-seeking athlete who finds joy in movement across all seasons and terrains. Currently training for an 18-mile ski race called the Cortolope at the Birkebeiner, Angela explains how she's adapted her fitness routine to Wisconsin winters by learning skate skiing—a diagonal, skating-like motion that provides excellent cross-training for running by strengthening glutes, hips, and hamstrings.

The discussion ventures into creative winter activities that combine fitness with wonder, like Book Across the Bay—a 10K nighttime event where participants run, ski, or skate across frozen Lake Superior guided by ice luminaria, warming at bonfires along the route, and even passing a fire-breathing snow dragon at the 8K mark. For those determined to maintain winter running, Angela reveals her solution for icy conditions: specially designed screws from snow tires that provide traction without damaging shoes.

Angela's adventures extend far beyond Wisconsin, from running tours of Florence to exploring Dublin's coastal paths and Yosemite's panoramic trails. She's planning an upcoming running trip along Ireland's Wicklow Way, demonstrating how running becomes not just exercise but a lens through which to experience the world. Most poignantly, she shares a life-threatening experience with pulmonary emboli that went undiagnosed because her fitness masked the symptoms—a powerful reminder for athletes to trust when something feels wrong.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, Angela's philosophy resonates: "There are no rules—just get out there." Her story reminds us that movement should bring joy, connection, and exploration, regardless of pace or distance. Ready to find your own path? Lace up and join the journey.

Here's the link to donate to Angela's

event.https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/AR64293521

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

Send us a text

Karen's journey from a casual runner into the world of ultramarathons showcases resilience, determination, and the power of community. Her candid reflections on personal challenges, nutrition strategies, and future goals inspire everyone to embrace their own running adventures.

• Karen began running reluctantly in high school but later embraced it for mental relief
• Accountability from her students helped her achieve running goals
• Transitioned from casual running to her first race experience
• Encountered physical injuries that shaped her approach to running
• The supportive nature of the ultrarunning community played a significant role
• Discussed essential nutrition strategies for ultramarathons
• Expressed excitement for upcoming races and the joy of setting new goals
• Emphasized the life lessons learned from endurance running and overcoming challenges
• Encouraged everyone to take their first step towards running

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