415: Biya Simbassa - When Things Get Hard… Believe

Just ahead of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, elite runner Biya Simbassa returns to C Tolle Run to catch up on life, training, and racing. Biya is coming off a strong 2nd-place finish at the Twin Cities Ten Mile and is deep into preparations for one of the most competitive marathon fields Carrie has ever seen. In this episode, we talk about the power of patience: in training, in racing, and in life. Biya had an incredible 2024, finishing as the fastest American marathoner of the year. He’s now the 5th-fastest American marathoner of all time, and in 2025, he broke a 40-year-old American road 10K record. He’s also a 5-time US Champion, quiet yet fiercely driven, currently living and training in Flagstaff, AZ. We chat about what it’s like to be mentioned alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, his mindset heading into NYC, and how life off the track is shaping who he is today. If you missed his first appearance on C Tolle Run, this is the perfect time to get to know one of the kindest and most inspiring runners I know. By the end of the episode, we're sure you’ll agree!

Kelly McLay is a mom, wife, marathoner, author, keynote speaker, traveler, and founder of Fitness International Travel. Carrie met Kelly just after she finished her 100th marathon(!!) which also happened to be her wedding anniversary weekend at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. In this episode, they explore Kelly’s journey as a runner and entrepreneur, from life on the road while parenting to overcoming health challenges and building a business that plans full-service race travel experiences, including guaranteed entries, lodging, meals, transportation, and even costumes. Kelly’s story is inspiring, energetic, and purpose-driven, and she just might have Carrie’s dream job for the next phase of her career.

Kelly McLay is a mom, wife, marathoner, author, keynote speaker, traveler, and founder of Fitness International Travel. Carrie met Kelly just after she finished her 100th marathon(!!) which also happened to be her wedding anniversary weekend at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. In this episode, they explore Kelly’s journey as a runner and entrepreneur, from life on the road while parenting to overcoming health challenges and building a business that plans full-service race travel experiences, including guaranteed entries, lodging, meals, transportation, and even costumes. Kelly’s story is inspiring, energetic, and purpose-driven, and she just might have Carrie’s dream job for the next phase of her career.

Fresh off the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Carrie sits down with two standout American runners who turned heads with their incredible performances. Conner Mantz finished fourth overall, smashing a 23-year-old American record with a time of 2:04:43. Natosha Rogers was sixth overall and claimed top American honors on the women’s side, setting a personal best of 2:23:38. In this episode, Conner and Natosha take us inside their unforgettable performances, and, of course, share how they celebrated after crossing the finish line.

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.