409: Jenny & Jason Simpson - Blissfully Happy Going Into the Unknown

Olympian Jenny Simpson returns to the C Tolle Run Podcast! This time she is joined by her husband, Jason Simpson, a fellow competitive runner. Following Jenny’s remarkable professional running career, the couple hit the road with their two dogs in an RV to embark on a cross-country adventure they call The Run U.S.A. Tour. Their mission? To connect with and celebrate the American running community that has supported Jenny throughout her career. In this episode, Jenny and Jason share candid stories from their journey: the highs, the lows, the surprises, and the unforgettable moments they’ve experienced along the way. 

C Tolle Run is back and what better way to kick things off than with the people who know Carrie Tollefson best: her parents, John and Ginger Tollefson. In this heartwarming and candid episode, they share how they met, what it was like raising three very different daughters, and the unique journey of parenting a young athlete all the way through the Olympic Games. As Carrie progressed from record setting Minnesota State Champion, to collegiate athlete, professional runner, and olympian; John and Ginger experienced it all right alongside her. Come get an inside look at the life and love that shaped Carrie through the voices of her biggest supporters.

Carrie chats with the legendary Jenny Simpson! The Olympian, World Championship medalist, and 11-time US champion reflects on her incredible journey through the Great World Race and a possible farewell at the TCS New York City Marathon. Jenny also shares stories from her upcoming year-long adventure, "Jenny and Jason Run USA," traveling across the country with her husband and their two dogs.

Carrie chats with Rhonda Vetere, a global executive, STEM ambassador, speaker, mentor, 2x author, triathlete, and 6-star World Major Marathon finisher! Rhonda shares how she balances a high-powered career with intense training, her journey into sports and STEM, and how she continues to inspire others to get after it every day.

Carrie shares a live podcast with Minnesota Distance Elite! Join Carrie as she connects with Coach Chris Lundstrom and 21 team members from this Minneapolis-based distance training powerhouse. They discuss the team’s history of producing Olympians and national champions, what it takes to stay competitive, and how fans can support their journey to make U.S. teams.

Carrie takes us through an action-packed weekend at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, which doubled as the USATF 5K National Championships, and shares a lively recap of the TCS NYC Marathon! Tune in to hear about her whirlwind four days leading up to the marathon, complete with fun and insightful interviews with the newly crowned 5K champions (Annie Rodenfels, Ahmed Mohammed, and Zariel Macchia).

Carrie chats with the unstoppable Sara Vaughn—mother of four, realtor, and elite runner for Puma. Sara shares her journey of navigating second chances, including a quick pivot to run the NYC Marathon after getting sidelined by illness in Chicago. They dive into her family life, a coaching change, and how her kids are finding their own passion for running. Sara also talks about her latest ventures in real estate, working alongside her husband, and a new YouTube channel documenting her life. Plus, she dishes on her favorite meals, go-to workouts, and ways she balances her many passions.

Carrie chats with 3-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury, one of the most decorated middle-distance runners in U.S. history! They discuss Shannon’s recent upgrade to the 2012 Olympic Bronze medal, the highs and lows of the sport, and her current goals as she trains for the NYC Marathon. Shannon shares her mindset as she approaches this new distance, how running now feeds her heart and spirit, and life after competitive racing. They also swap fun broadcast stories, offering a peek behind the scenes of sports commentary.

Carrie chats with Tommie Runz! Tommie returns to the show to share his incredible journey of running all 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors in a single year. He discusses his experience running the New York City Marathon to raise funds for Release Recovery, how he balances training, staying healthy, managing jetlag, and his goals for the future.

Carrie chats with Anthony D’Amato and Danny Docherty! They dive into Anthony’s many roles, from husband of elite runner Keira D’Amato to Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force, and his training for Project Breaking Forty at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Danny, a two-time Olympic Trials qualifier and accomplished coach, shares his insights on their athlete-coach relationship, grading Anthony’s progress, and balancing life as a coach and runner. Plus, they explore both of their journeys into the sport, their sporty families, and what keeps them motivated.