410: Pete & Zika Rea - The Impact of ZAP Endurance

This special episode was recorded live in front of an amazing audience during the 2025 Twin Cities Marathon weekend, and our guest needs no introduction! The one and only Courtney Dauwalter, ultra running’s GOAT, joins us for a candid and fun conversation just ahead of her first competitive road marathon. Courtney opens up about her epic ultra running career, how she stays motivated mile after mile (after mile), and what it means to return to her Minnesota roots for this unforgettable event. With her trademark smile, infectious energy, and down-to-earth spirit, Courtney reminds us why she’s not just a legend on the trails, she’s a fan favorite everywhere she goes. Whether you’re a runner, a fan, or just love a good story, this episode is a must-listen.This episode is supported by Tailwind Nutrition. Tailwind has been a staple for endurance athletes because it’s easy on the stomach, gives you steady energy without the crash, and has all the electrolytes and fuel you need for long runs and big training days.It keeps you hydrated on easy days, fueled during your long efforts, and recovered, recharged, and ready for what’s next; so you can get back out there and do more of what you love.Make sure to use the code TOLLE20 at tailwindnutrition.com for 20% off your order. That’s TOLLE20 for 20% off at tailwindnutrition.com.

Exciting news! I’m partnering with RunDot to launch the brand-new RunDot Podcast! In this launch episode, I sit down with my producer, Andrew Harley to talk about the mission behind the RunDot Podcast and what our listeners can expect from this new show. Don’t worry, C Tolle Run isn’t going anywhere! We’re just adding more. While C Tolle Run will keep sharing inspiring stories from the running world, the RunDot Podcast will dive deeper into training tips, expert insights, and tools to level up your running. So come learn more about RunDot and hear some exciting stories from Carrie with this RunDot + C Tolle Run crossover episode!

Founded in 2001 as a non-profit training center, ZAP Endurance became a cornerstone in the running community, helping everyone from recreational runners rediscover the sport to coaching elite athletes chasing World Championship and Olympic dreams. Now, as ZAP closes its doors, Carrie sits down with co-founders Pete and Zika Rea to reflect on over two decades of impact. In this heartfelt conversation, the Rea's share their proudest moments, toughest challenges, favorite memories, and hopes for the future of running. From shaping individual journeys to influencing the broader sport, Pete and Zika’s legacy runs deep, and today, we celebrate everything they've built.

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.