Claim OwnershipGoing Off Course
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© Michelle Knafla and Carolyn Carter
Description
Hi, we're Carolyn and Michelle! But you might know us as la_triathlete and fuelmyrun on Instagram. We're just two athletic gal pals who like train for races (Carolyn for triathlons and Michelle for marathons), create fun content on social media and most importantly, love to yap.
While this podcast has a loose fitness/training focus, we keep things light and fun over here. We share funny stories, talk about our training and races, answer questions, get a little personal and have a lot of fun!
Whether you're a seasoned runner, a beginner triathlete or you despise all forms of cardio, there is a little something for everyone. So throw on a pair of headphones during your run and enjoy!
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51 Episodes
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This week we are all over the place in the best way. We start with microphone struggles, coughing fits where Carolyn essentially broke all her ribs, and some very real updates on visas and moving plans. We talk about running in cold weather, recent half marathon experiences (including accidentally taking them out way too fast), and why preparation and mindset matter even when things do not go according to plan.We also get into motion sickness while traveling, trying to pick up new hobbies with already packed schedules, and turning old race shirts into something actually wearable. There is house hunting in Los Angeles, standing desk opinions, chiropractor chat, and plenty of side commentary along the way. A little running, a little life admin, and a lot of relatable chaos.
Carolyn and Michelle tackle the chaos of moving locally, internationally, and emotionally, and how it manages to derail routines, training, and mental health all at once. They swap stories about packing, decluttering, and the stress no one warns you about, then shift into running talk with local legends, race pressure, half and full marathon feelings, and redefining what a “good” race actually means.Naturally, things go off the rails with tangents about parents and streaming services, the horror of unexpected phone calls, dentist visits, and general social awkwardness. A little running, a lot of life, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Season Two is officially here, and your favorite hosts are back together catching up on all things life and running. From workouts and weather woes to marathon training challenges, we dive into what it’s been like getting back into a routine—and what still hurts (and why). We talk training plans, long runs, and the logistics of moving while trying to stay consistent, plus the very real question of how sore is too sore?The conversation wanders, as it always does, into gift-giving expectations, fitness aches, and the little things that keep training interesting. The episode wraps with some laughs, a look ahead at what’s coming next, and a promise to stay connected with listeners as Season Two gets rolling.
It’s one of those episodes — the kind where technical difficulties become part of the plot. Between apartment issues, recording chaos, and way too much chafing talk, we somehow manage to cover triathlon training, Halloween plans, and what our perfect race would look like (spoiler: flat course, good snacks, zero blisters).We also get into finding joy in training vs. the pressure of racing, how to plan race goals without losing your sanity, and the winter gear that keeps us from freezing our butts off. Basically: it’s equal parts running chat, life chaos, and unhinged race dreaming.
A lot of random chat today! Carolyn has only ever eaten 1 oyster in her life. And it was in Ohio. Do we put her in jail? We talk about a new 5k “PR” (aka a Strava PR), random race era, time commitments for a full vs half marathon, a $22k race, and taking off random days in the middle of the week.Also, you’ll never regret a run unless it’s with Napa and she’s being annoying. Do you also need validation about skipping a run? Also, does the end of Daylight Saving Time ruin your running life? Also, MILLENIALS ARE ALLOWED TO BE CRINGE.
Questions continue in today’s episode! We start with some irrational fears after Michelle mentions her Achilles tendon popped (but didn’t pop?) during her morning workout (she’s better than everyone else - but only this day because of said morning workout). We chat about not warming up properly and then not being able to hit your workout goals, people who run 100-mile weeks, and Carolyn mentions a 4-miler coming up in Ohio (race strategy TBD because how does one mentally prepare?!) We talk diet, motivation, drinking alcohol, running ultra marathons, and crewing ultras. Remember the Nike Women’s race drama? We get into some tangents, of course.Follow us on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/goingoffcoursepod/
Strava & Garmin are fighting?! We dive into the drama and then break into Michelle’s current gripe with cyclists - and she also gets a helmet makeover - you don’t want to miss this. (Check Spotify and/or YouTube for video.) We laugh at the fact that cyclists always have to do the most (always wearing the full fit), clipping in for the first time, and how eating Nerd Gummy Clusters while running takes the fun out of eating candy. 30k is not 30k it’s 10k x 3. We talk about all things cycling fit and touch on running and swimming. Everything you need to know is here. Also, Speedo sluts stand up!
Carolyn’s back from Europe and she’s got stories—think Prague cobblestones, Vienna coffee, Munich beer tents (yes, Oktoberfest happened), and Switzerland being… well, Switzerland. She dives into the highs, the not-so-glamorous travel moments, and what it feels like to come back to normal life after pretending you’re an international woman of mystery. Also on deck: running challenges, why she’s pressing pause on the NYC Marathon this year, and the reminder that sometimes enjoying life means saying no. Prost to that. 🍻
Last week Michelle is solo in the house while Carolyn frolics in Munich! Today she’s touching on race spectating, running fashion, and what it’s like to be a racer in a half marathon. Napa says hello too and is casually possessed by a demon, but it’s fine. She talks about remembering races, getting emotional while spectating (more than when racing?), fashion tips that she thinks will come back (aka visors coming back with vengeance), and singing in the shower… is this talking to yourself? Crust is a key personality trait for her - listen to find out what that means and if you’re a crustacean yourself, you might relate. Don’t forget to leave your questions at goingoffcoursepodcast@gmail.com or the @goingoffcoursepod IG! Questions will be answered next week. GOD SPEED.
A lil solo intro today brought to you by Michelle while Carolyn frolics in Prague (because I think that’s what you do when in Prague, probably). After a lil intro we pick back up where we left off with 10k time trials, pacing strategies, Garmin watch screens, mental game, and feeling lucky to feel the pain of pushing it. We end today with some TikTok drama!
Today we’re diving into some difficult topics surrounding grief all while Carolyn experiences her first DNF. Saying that, we keep today’s episode light hearted and send our love to Carolyn! We also recap the prep, swim and bike at Santa Cruz! <3
Michelle finds money on the ground, Carolyn’s high school boyfriend throws money away, and somehow that sets the tone for the rest of this episode. We’re talking race schedules (including the three races Michelle impulsively signed up for after a glass, or three, of wine), trail race revelations (Carolyn literally found the meaning of life in 4 miles), and why pacing math is not for the emotionally unstable.Carolyn gets absolutely wrecked at PT, and we answer listener questions about fueling during a marathon. Also: the LA seasons, men vs. the sun (why won’t they wear sunscreen??), and a strong anti-contrarian stance from Carolyn. As always, it’s a little unhinged and a lot of fun.
The pool boy is between Carolyn’s legs as she has a great upper body workout with the masters swim. Michelle says Peter’s symbolism instead of Murphy’s Law and promises she’ll try the pool challenge before the next episode (aka seeing how long it takes her to swim 1 mile).The 3-mile swim went great, and Carolyn is currently gearing up for Santa Cruz in a couple of weeks! But the hip is hipping… hopefully a PT appointment goes her way. Michelle has an idea for her next race and will share more on the next episode…Long shower people - what are you doing in there?? The cops are back in action, and Carolyn has another ticket to pay… guess what it’s for!We discuss speed workouts and how to structure speed work from a running coach perspective (aka Michelle) using Amby Burfoot’s methodology. Not all running coaches use this, though, and Michelle mentions the popular Track Club Babe as an example.Transition glasses are crazzzzzzzzzy. Listen in for a lot of other random topics of the week!
This episode has a trigger warning as we discuss weight loss and disordered eating. We dive into calorie & macro counting (some would say you have to have a PhD in history to do the latter effectively), running for weight loss, and other taboo topics around weight and running. We also understand why Gen X and Boomers love Michelle Obama’s arms (now that we’re in our 30s).We start the chat with a discussion on sweating - why is it impossible to shower post-endurance sport??? We touch on Carolyn’s upcoming swim race (3 miles), which she’s doing after her long run on Sunday (Michelle thinks this is insane). We then circle back (for the 10th time) to why morning runners are superior, the stress (or lack thereof) of an evening workout, filming while running (race vs. easy pace), why men in their 30s with grey hair are cute, and what we feel the most “us” wearing.We love this episode and hope you can either relate or feel a part of the discussion!! <3
Michelle’s rocking a Neapolitan tan line, Carolyn’s getting the ick, and we’re back with another episode full of chaotic energy and running chat.We cover: acid reflux, Gushers (with less gush), silent beach discos, fruit roll-up tattoos, and Carolyn nearly eating the mic. Michelle braves a Garmin speed workout without pausing her watch (!!), and Carolyn suffers through hers under the high noon sun.Other topics: sun vs. moon run vibes, Mercury not being in Gatorade, Carolyn winning entry to the NYC Marathon, failing to name all the boroughs, and spiraling over Instagram growth, niches, and risqué follower strategies.Also: sibling cell phone plans and one deeply scarring Hawaiian restaurant moment. It’s a ride.
At the 10-minute mark, drama unfolds when Carolyn gets a random emergency alert on her phone. Chaos ensues! Before that, Michelle begins a mystery Trader Joe’s unboxing (what did Dav bring back from his travels? You’ll have to watch to find out)...This episode dives into a style/fashion challenge Michelle is attempting. We then dive back into trail running (is this a trail running podcast?! Hello??) and discuss top running questions. We challenge you to ask yourself these questions as well and reflect on your time as a runner! This brought up some questionable running choices we used to make… Did you wear a running knee band, too? That means you’re at least a millennial or probably a 60-year-old man.
This episode is a petition for everyone to start liking their own IG posts. Today’s episode covers everything from drones in nature, trail running tips, getting lost with AllTrails, and breaking garbage disposals. Carolyn joins the masters swim team at the Rose Bowl and shares what being a master is all about.We talk first cars (both equally epic), going to church, eating before runs, listening to Usher on a run, and break into confessions.The Hoka pipeline is unpreventable! Listen to hear more about how we got there...
For all tents & purposes - it’s a birthday episode! Luckily, Carolyn and Michelle have an appropriate age gap now, so they can continue to be friends. We talk about peaking (in regards to aging and training), the cliché-ness of not feeling older in your 30s, running faster as you age, and how Carolyn decided bingo at a wine bar was the right birthday move (watch out, she’s taking on elders in the church next).We cover traveling drama (trauma, perhaps?), being sore, gas station mishaps, and WHO IS DANIEL ADLER??? Show yourself?! Also, why do 5k races end a tad early sometimes? Straight Strava jail, unless you run through the finish at top speed to hit 3.11 (IYKYK).Chili’s influencing strategy is locked in, and we may be opening a restaurant called the Bear & the Boar (maybe). Watch to see who Carolyn randomly gets a present from mid-episode!
Today we start with learning about cogs (well Carolyn talks about them and also other bike-related things), influencing, and we get the anticipated paragliding recap. And then, with a lot of random pivots, including adult spelling bees, ef/marry/kill The Office edition, narcissistic snakes on a run, and running at threshold pace, we dive into the 'What the Helly' questions you gave us!!These include what we do with old running shoes, the pool bandaid community (jail), using the bathroom during a race, social vs. solo workouts, see-through bibs, and running in the heat.Shout out to being all in on something when someone matches your exact enthusiasm level.
Every podcast should start with a wholesome electric scooter wave moment w/ the retirement home community, in our humble opinions. We’re talking about everything from the UV index to low iron struggles.Michelle’s hamstring (or is it a tendon?) is still whispering in her ear (same level as a whisper of marshmallow), and yes, we’re still blaming Botox. Carolyn does more cardio than Michelle’s brain can contemplate. We chat about miles ran per week, professionally sleeping, and somehow everything goes back to someone having a PhD.Carolyn shares insights from her latest blood panel (ferritin, estrogen, inflammation…), and we talk openly about birth control and fainting in a Harley-Davidson.Plus:SD Tri race recap: third out of the water!Thoughts on race starts, Olympic tri fueling, and peeing logisticsPost-race In-N-Out fries (are they superior?)Upcoming summer vacations, small pepperonis being elite, and surprise parties are difficult when you can’t lie very well
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