439: Addy Wiley - I'm Living My Dream

Crown Running professional athlete Kassie Parker is having a breakthrough season. Fresh off her victory at the USATF 4-Mile Championships and her first USATF National Road Championship title, Kassie currently sits at No. 2 in the USATF Road Running Circuit standings. But there's much more to Kassie than championship performances. In this episode, Kassie shares her running journey, from her early days in the sport to her remarkable collegiate career at Division III Loras College, where she became a seven-time NCAA champion and set multiple school and conference records. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her as both an athlete and a person, and how her approach to training and racing has evolved over the years. Kassie also opens up about preparing for her first marathon, balancing the demands of professional running with work and everyday life, and what goals she has her sights set on next. This episode is the perfect opportunity to get to know one of America's rising distance stars before she toes the starting line.

Emily Venters hasn't always had it easy. A childhood cancer survivor who has navigated the highs and lows of elite competition while managing race anxiety, she has met every challenge with positivity and that resilience has carried her far. Emily is now a professional runner for Nike, backed by a standout collegiate career that earned her five All-American honors. Based in Utah and training under coach David Roche, everything is clicking for Emily. Fresh off the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, where she was the top American finisher and fourth overall in a deep, competitive field, she joins Carrie for a wide-ranging conversation about running and life. Together they reflect on Emily's early career, what keeps her passionate about the sport, and how she channels her own experiences into meaningful lessons for the athletes she coaches. Emily is proof that a positive mindset can take you further than you think.

If you don't know the name Klara Lukan yet, now is the time to learn it. The Slovenian standout is a professional runner for Puma, a two-time Olympian in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and the first European woman to break 30 minutes for the road 10K. Off the track, she holds a Master's degree in International Business and a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology. In this episode, Klara joins Carrie to share her journey into running, life growing up in Slovenia, and the important role her family has played throughout her career. They discuss her collegiate experience, how she's putting her two degrees to use, and what she enjoys besides running. As she prepares for the upcoming New York Road Runners Mini 10K, Klara also shares insights into training and racing at the highest level with plenty of stories along the way.

Mercy Chelangat may be relatively new to the marathon, but she’s already making a major impact on the world stage. In just her latest breakthrough performance, Mercy ran an incredible 2:20 marathon to finish 4th at the Boston Marathon, firmly establishing herself among the sport’s elite. A professional runner for HOKA Northern Arizona Elite, Mercy built an outstanding collegiate career at University of Alabama, where she became a 2-time NCAA Champion, earned 9 All-American honors, and captured 8 SEC titles. In this episode, Mercy reflects on her journey from dominant collegiate athlete to rising marathon star, sharing the lessons she’s learned along the way and what continues to drive her forward. She also opens up about balancing training with the demands of family life, including raising her seven-year-old daughter while pursuing excellence on the global stage.

Drew Hunter is no stranger to C Tolle Run, but this time he joins the show with some new hardware. Fresh off winning the USATF Road 5K Championship and qualifying for the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Drew is riding a wave of success both on and off the course. Beyond racing, Drew wears many hats: CEO of Hammer and Axe Training, entrepreneur, podcaster, husband, and proud father of two, with a third daughter on the way. Despite a packed schedule, he shares why this season of life has never felt more fulfilling. In this episode, Drew opens up about staying motivated at the highest level, balancing elite training with work and family life, and how fatherhood continues to shape his perspective and success. He also reflects on lessons he’d share with his younger self and the goals that still lie ahead.

Eden Rainbow-Cooper has built a career defined by resilience, speed, and ambition. Introduced to Wheelchair Racing in 2012, Eden quickly found her success progressing through distances before making a bold move to the marathon. The leap to the marathon distance paid off in a major way, earning her a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and launching a streak of standout performances on the global stage. Eden has established herself as one of the sport’s most dominant competitors. She is a 2x Boston Marathon winner and British Record Holder in the 5k and marathon cementing her place among the elite in Wheelchair Racing. In this episode, Eden joins Carrie to reflect on the journey that shaped her, from early challenges to international success. They dig into her current training and racing schedule, as well as the goals driving her forward, not just for herself, but for the future of the sport.

You may not know Gracie Hyde yet, but that’s about to change. A rising star in professional distance running, Gracie competes for Puma and trains with Team Meridia in Boulder, Colorado. Her résumé is already turning heads: a standout collegiate career where she set six Division II records, followed by a breakout pro season that includes a win in the steeplechase at the Drake Relays and her first selection to Team USA for the World Road Championships. In this episode, Gracie shares how she found her way into the sport, the key decisions that shaped her path, and what it’s like stepping onto the global stage as a new professional. She and Carrie reflect on the highs and lessons of 2025, and look ahead to the goals, challenges, and opportunities waiting in 2026 and beyond!

Addy Wiley is a fighter in every sense of the word. After overcoming childhood cancer, she found her strength in running, turning it into a superpower that’s propelled her onto the world stage. Now, she’s not just competing; she’s rewriting the record books as a World Indoor bronze medalist, National Champion, and American record holder. In this episode, Addy breaks down her electrifying indoor season, her dominant Road Mile Championship win that earned her a spot on Team USA, and the performances that have made her one of track and field’s most exciting names. She also opens up about her past, the realities of chasing greatness, and the hunger to win more!

Fresh off her first national title at the USATF Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Championship, Emma Grace Hurley joins Carrie Tollefson to break down a career-defining moment. Emma Grace shares the mindset behind her win, how she approaches racing the best in the world, and why she’s not afraid to push the pace. She also reflects on a rollercoaster stretch that included a heartbreaking half marathon, a pending American record in the 8K, and finally, a breakthrough victory. Beyond racing, Emma Grace opens up about her journey back into the sport, staying healthy, and balancing professional running with a job outside of it. Plus, she talks Boston Marathon takeaways, her future marathon debut, and what’s ahead.

Ashley Paulson is a professional triathlete, marathoner, and ultrarunner known for taking on some of the toughest races in the world including becoming a two-time champion of the legendary Badwater 135 (often called the world's toughest foot race), 25-time IRONMAN, ultramarathon veteran and an iFIT trainer. Beyond her impressive results, Ashley is also mother and a grandmother who rocks hot pink hair. In this episode, she shares how she got started in endurance sports, what drives her to push past extreme limits, and how she stays healthy through it all. We also talk about her journey into coaching, balancing family life with elite competition, and the story behind her signature pink hair. Ashley’s energy is contagious, and her story will leave you inspired to take on your own next adventure, whether that’s an ultramarathon or simply a new challenge in your everyday life.