In this first episode of Season 2 of Plucky Not Perfect, we get real about what it means to show up in the messy middle of life, especially when things don’t go as planned. After a year marked by cancer treatments, complications, and unexpected setbacks, Carrie shares three practices that carried her through hard days: Accepting help and letting others in — why strength isn’t about going it alone Gaining perspective with reflection — how journaling turns hardship into growth Taking it one day at a time — simple tools to stay present when life feels overwhelming If you’ve ever felt stuck in a storm, this short episode will remind you that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, one imperfect step at a time. Let us know your thoughts and ideas for Season 2!  Connect with your host, Coach Carrie @carriejobradley. 

Let’s embrace the gift of winter—slowing down, reflecting, and preparing for what’s next. In This Episode: The value of honoring the season you’re in. How to rethink limitations as opportunities for growth. Four reflection questions to guide your year-end review or seasonal reset. A tip for turning your resolutions into actionable, motivating questions. Reflection Questions Mentioned: What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn about yourself? What do you want more or less of? Links and Resources: Book Mentioned: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss Season 2 coming this spring! Let's connect: find me on Instagram @‌carriejobradley or email thecarriejobradley@gmail.com. Next Steps: If you’re setting resolutions this year, try turning them into questions: Example: Instead of “I will eat more vegetables,” ask, “What would help me eat more vegetables?” Journal prompts– How did last year compare to what I originally expected? How would I describe the past year in one word? What challenges did I face? How did I grow? What were my proudest accomplishments?  What brought me the most joy and meaning in the last year? What do I want to focus on most next year?  What resources and support do I need to reach my goals? If I had to give a name to this season I’m in, what would it be?    Join Me in Season 2:I’ll be back in the spring with more interviews and solo episodes exploring how limitations can shape who we’re meant to become. Until then, stay plucky and thank you for listening to Season 1!  

Change is inevitable, but that doesn't make it easy! Here is my advice for navigating change.  I also give an update about life after surgery, including some exciting news.    Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley.  

I didn't know if I would be able to complete the 100-kilometer Tour De Cure bike ride and raise funds for research during cancer treatment. But I'm happy to report that goal is completed! Many thanks for my supporters.  Tune in to hear why self-compassion is more helpful than self-pity and how you can use this powerful mindset to propel you to do hard things softly.  Links mentioned:  Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email thecarriejobradley@gmail.com.  Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you!              

In the midst of chemotherapy, I haven't forgotten about this podcast and don't want to neglect it for too long. I'm sharing a short little story about my cat and how it relates to my athletic goals during this time. If you're ill or injured, you might relate.  Links mentioned:  Fundraiser for BC Cancer, Tour de Cure 100k bike ride: https://tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/carriejobradley   Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email me at thecarriejobradley@gmail.com.   

It’s hard to keep going without knowing where the finish line is.  But you can persevere more easily with some techniques like segmentation (“Two miles to the top.”)  Simon Marshall, my former mentor and coach, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on June 1, 2024, taught me this on a fateful day in 2017. Hear a touching story of how he impacted my life and inspired me to attempt to ride 100k in the upcoming Tour De Cure 2024 in his memory.  He and his wife Lesley Paterson offer many other valuable lessons in enduring suffering in their book, The Brave Athlete.  Resources and Links: Rich Roll’s Podcast Interview with Lesley Paterson: World Champion Athlete & Oscar-Nominated Writer Lesley Paterson On Mindset, Performance & Persistence  The Brave Athlete Book: The Brave Athlete, Book by Simon Marshall, PhD, Lesley Paterson  Fundraiser for BC Cancer Foundation: https://tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/carriejobradley

First doctors told her she would go blind because of a brain tumor, but she didn't. Twenty years later they discovered a massive liver tumor and diagnosed her with a non-treatable cancer, Primary Hepatic Angio Sarcoma. Later, she found two breast tumors. Most people with this condition are given 2-6 months to live. But Monica Rosenke is living an active and thriving life as a mom of three, Personal Trainer, coach and adventurist. Tune in to hear what healing shifts she’s made to thrive and be courageous when facing death and authentically living life.    Favorite quotes:    “Movement is a tool to work with your body, not on your body.”   “I’m acutely aware of every breath anyone takes is one breath closer to death. That makes you just want to live your life and grab it by the pelotas and like, really, really live it. And you start to shed layers of appeasing to others..who other people want you to be and you start to realize that this is my one and only life I get to live.”    “Thriving with cancer is living in the moment because I’m not guaranteed tomorrow. But nobody is.”    “Moving into acceptance quickly for me has been key.”    “It [cancer] doesn’t define what I can do. This is my F-U to cancer, not letting cancer steal my joy, my peace, my calm….That applies even to people who are afraid to do that thing…If you’re living in fear of death, you’ll never live.”    “I’m enough in whatever circumstance in this very moment. When I came to that place of deeply knowing in my gut that I’m sacred and that I’m a gift…the other things became more pleasurable.”    “Strong, capable, able…Hold hands with fear and step into courage.”    “I’ve been brave for a very long time in my life. I just did not know that about myself.”    Connect with Monica:  @monicarosenke.wellness www.monicarosenke.com     Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email carrie@carriejobradley.com.  

There is no courage without vulnerability as Brene Brown says. Vulnerability involves uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. It feels very vulnerable to share my diagnosis with you, but I want you to be a part of the journey.  Being plucky is about enduring the messy middle and going through the valleys to get to the finish line, the medal, the mountain top.  While cancer is not what I expected, nor is it what I wanted at this stage of my life, I can see it as a gift.  If you want to hear more about my story, take 20 minutes and listen. May you be encouraged to see your own challenges as opportunities as well.  In this episode I refer to 5 levels of gratitude I learned from James Wedmore, in which he talks about on his podcast, Mind Your Business.  Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email me at carrie@carriejobradley.com.      

We're starting something new! It's called Coaching Corner. It’s a real coaching session recorded live and shared with you. This is an insider’s look at what it’s like to work with Coach Carrie.  In my session with Alex, you might relate if you… * lack community and would like to find more runner friends * are in a phase of life where running isn’t as much of a priority as it used to be * would like to get back into running but not quite as intensely as before * have associated running with being obsessive about body image and food.  If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast so you’ll be the first to know when more are released.  Connect with Alex on Instagram @mindfulwithmedia and check out her podcast.  If you want to be coached for free and are willing to share your session on the podcast (you can remain anonymous if you'd like), click here to apply.  I would love to help you work through whatever issues you're facing in your running journey.  We hope you find these sessions relatable and helpful. Sometimes it’s nice just knowing you’re not alone.  I respond to every message and would love to hear your takeaways and aha moments. Email me at carrie@carriejobradley.com or send me a DM on Instagram @carriejobradley. If you’re doing something that requires determined courage, use the hashtag #pluckynotperfect and tag me. I always love to reshare and cheer you on.

In this episode we dive more into the definition of “plucky” –what it is and isn’t. I give examples of plucky people including my friend, Mandy, and Susan Atkey, who writes about her stroke recovery on Medium. She is swimming 100k and raising awareness and funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  Learn to be plucky like a baby duck learns to fly–by winging it. Watch baby ducks courageously jumping from their nest here.  Connect with me, Coach Carrie, @carriejobradley. If you’re doing something that requires determined courage, use the hashtag #pluckynotperfect and tag me. I always love to reshare and cheer you on.   

If you’ve lost a bit of who you are, this conversation with Miranda Bush is for you. She’s a triathlete, mom, coach, and author of a new book, “Far Better: Self-Discovery through the Power of Endurance Sports.”  Miranda encourages others to find their authentic selves, live out of love rather than fear, and embrace the transformative power of endurance sports for personal growth.    We talk about Early Athletic Background:Miranda grew up playing sports, but her upbringing instilled a perfectionist mindset — if she couldn't do something perfectly, she tended to move on or disconnect. Entry into Triathlon:Inspired by watching an Ironman race in 2006, Miranda decided to pursue triathlons. Despite having no background in swimming, biking, or running, she committed to the challenge. Learning and Overcoming Challenges:Miranda faced difficulties, especially in mastering swimming, but she persisted and gradually improved. She received support from mentors and friends, learning valuable lessons about perseverance. Shift in Perspective:Over the years, Miranda achieved success in terms of race placements but felt an emptiness after completing races. She realized her fear of failure and a desire for control were hindering her growth. Book Writing Journey:Miranda decided to write a book to share her experiences and lessons learned. Overcoming fears of judgment and perfectionism, she embraced vulnerability and authenticity in her writing. Living Authentically:The importance of living authentically, being true to oneself, and embracing vulnerability is a central theme in Miranda's story. Goal Setting and Values:Miranda emphasizes aligning goals with core values. Reflecting on personal values helps make decisions that honor one's true self. Honesty and Integrity:Miranda shares her personal experience of prioritizing honesty and integrity, especially in her training for Ironman Wisconsin. Reflection and Journaling:The significance of daily journaling, setting intentions for the day, and reflecting on emotions and experiences. And more…   Connect with Miranda on her website: MB Coaching or on Instagram: Miranda Bush (@zonecoachm)   Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email carrie@carriejobradley.com.

Discouragement: it's real, and it happens to everyone.We all "fall off the wagon." The trick is getting back on. In this solo episode I share three ways you can defeat discouragement so you can keep going.    Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email carrie@carriejobradley.com.

Molly Hurford is plucky in many multifaceted ways. As a self-described unathletic bookworm/punk kid, she developed a new identity as an Ironman athlete in her 20s after realizing that donuts and Mountain Dew didn’t make her feel good. She’s now an ultrarunner who hosts The Business of Fitness podcast and co-hosts the Consummate Athlete podcast. She created Shred Girls, a middle-grade fiction series focused on getting girls excited about bikes and founded Strong Girl Publishing. In our conversation we talk about:  -Her school didn't have a newspaper and she wanted to be a writer, so at 11 years old she started the school newspaper and her high school didn't have a literary magazine, so she started that. -She couldn't run a mile until she was 20. -In college her Resident Assistant (RA) did Ironman. She didn’t know what that was, but decided to do one. Here’s what NOT to wear.  -Molly started Strong Girl Publishing after traditional publishers told her the girls in sport don't sell. -How we can have multiple facets of our identity, and that’s a good thing.  - Why her word of the year is Strong Word of the Year: Strong - Consummate Athlete -Why Jessie Zapo (@jessiezapo) is her athletic inspiration. - We got the scoop: you’re hearing it here first folks, a funny story about how a low-altitude-living athlete has a secret training tool to prepare for the uber-high altitude 100-mile race in Leadville.  Favorite quote: “That's probably the easiest way to be plucky is just like what you're doing.”  Connect with Molly: stronggirlpublishing.com consummateathlete.com @mollyjhurford @stronggirlpublishing Connect with your host, Coach Carrie, @carriejobradley. 

How do you know if you’ve picked the right goal?  Whether you’re an avid goal-setter or a skeptic, this episode will help you look in all the right places when considering your plans for the coming year.  In this solo episode I guide you through a process of looking backward, forward, within, around, and up to discover a “goldilocks” goal that’s just right for you.  Kickstart a fulfilling and intentional year ahead with these valuable insights and actionable steps.  Let me know what your goals are for 2024, and reach out if you want help setting your next goal. Book a free 30-minute appointment here:  https://calendly.com/coachcarriebradley/30min Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @carriejobradley or email carrie@carriejobradley.com.

My fun, fierce and fabulous friend from Colorado Springs, Lauren Puretz, recently completed Javelina Jundred 2023, placing fourth. She’s an amazing all-around human who works full-time as OB/GYN, is a mom of two, and an ultra runner who also placed first overall at the Sawatch Ascent 50k this summer, a race she entered on a whim as a training run.  In this conversation, we talk about: How she manages her time to get it all done  How her medical training and being “sleep deprived and miserable” prepared her to run ultras  What she does when the “I can’t do this” thoughts enter her brain Breaking down training into one checkbox at a time Why you don’t have to be perfect  Why she does not cycle sync, and what she does instead The strength training every woman should be doing The mantra that gets her out of tough places  How working with coach, Megan Roche, has helped  Words of wisdom for those who struggle with self-doubt Connect with Lauren @lauren1642 Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @carriejobradley

Have you ever been held back by fear?  The episode explores the idea of befriending fear rather than resisting or ignoring it.  We talk about the five types of fear and why labeling can be effective.  The show concludes with a five-step guide for moving forward in the face of fear.  Journaling ideas:  If I wasn’t afraid, I would…. If I couldn’t fail, I would…. Write about your why or your purpose.  Write a letter to yourself from someone who loves you unconditionally. What would they want to tell you?    Read more about Dr. Karl Albrecht's "Feararchy": The (Only) 5 Fears We All Share | Psychology Today Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @carriejobradley Don’t forget to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you!

Megan Williams is CEO of the Forbes-featured publishing house The Self Publishing Agency. She’s also an award-winning author, occasional elite runner, and a former Div 1 all-American collegiate athlete. Whether in athletics or in the realm of words, it’s all about the climb and putting in the work, she says. Runners and writers alike will draw inspiration from Megan’s perspective on excellence over perfection.    Discussion Highlights: Megan's background in becoming determined and persistent  Contemplation on returning to competitive racing after a break What it means to be an occasional elite Confidence in accomplishments and feeling comfortable on stages Accepting success and the responsibility that comes with it The moving target of goals Megan's perspective on aging and performance in sports What NOT to do before running a marathon   Favorite quotes:  * The people who enjoy their experience the most, whether it be in running or in writing, are the ones who just know that they're putting in the work and that they're earning a goal. * If you're racing or if you're going to put written words out into the world for public consumption, you're doing something that is ultimately very brave and not very many people are doing so. Connect with Megan @theselfpublishingagency | @megandubs Her book: Our Interrupted Fairytale  Connect with your host: Coach Carrie@carriejobradley

Sandra Mikulic has completed five marathons and two 50Ks. She works full-time, is a mom of four, and self-publishes her magazine, Run Your Life. Sandra shares her journey of running a 5K EVERY day since January 2019, highlighting the transformative power of running and the importance of showing up for oneself. You’ll also hear about: Insights into Sandra's struggles with self-worth, societal expectations, and changing her self-perception through running. The concept of every action being a vote for the person you want to become, inspired by James Clear's Atomic Habits. How to maintain a consistent running streak no matter what. Handling trolls on social media and not letting others' opinions dictate self-worth. Sandra's ongoing challenges of self-doubt (new level, new devil).  Encouragement for listeners to create their own rules, trust themselves, and embrace individual journeys. Favorite quotes:    If you create your own boundaries to be limitless, that’s exactly what you’ll follow.   The more I showed up, the softer the naysayer’s voice got.   Every 5k was a contradiction of who I was and how I felt.    There needs to be one thing that you can stick to every day.   What other people think of us is none of our business.    We don’t need to wait for a better body to do anything.   Connect with Sandra @bigfit_i_run Run Your Life | Magazine and Blog by Sandra Mikulic   Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @carriejobradley Book a 30-minute connection call with Carrie.   

If you've ever doubted your body or your ability to be athletic... If you've ever enjoyed running and then had to take a break or reimagine what it might look like to return to it in a different capacity... If you've ever experienced an obstacle such as a chronic health condition... If you've ever faced feelings of being an imposter... This conversation is for you. Gillian Macgregor-Spurr started running with zero experience or running friends but continued showing up for herself and a 5k goal. Now she's run several marathons and is a certified coach. She continues to passionately enjoy running though it looks different as she continues to be plucky with endometriosis.  Connect with Gillian on her website: www.gmacspurr.com or IG and FB: @GMacSpurr_Coaching.  Connect with your host:  Coach Carrie @carriejobradley

You’ll be inspired by Zarah Hofer’s story of transformation from non-runner to ultra runner who now helps other athletes nail their nutrition. Even appendicitis couldn’t keep her from finishing the Boston Marathon two weeks after hospitalization.  In her 20s and 30s Zarah was never a runner. She cried if anyone tried to take her on a run. When she decided to run a marathon her goal was to be faster than Oprah. The race is the icing on top of all the hard work and training that we do.  “Doing things I never thought that I would be able to do…that feeling has kept me going.”  “I don’t always love it and it is never easy. I’m not fast. I’m not doing it to win it. I'm just doing it to be out there and have fun.”  Fuel early, fuel often.  Run your own race. You do you. Advice for new runners: “Find a community, find your people ..put yourself out there and don’t get discouraged because you’re probably not going to be great and that’s okay. If you stick with it you do  get better. Also you don’t need to go out and run the whole way. You can walk.”  Links:  Plucky Party waitlist: https://mailchi.mp/fcda0b80e1a7/plucky-party Podcast Guest application: https://forms.gle/Bq3B1mZ5TJBW6pw67   Zarah’s website: Grounded Rootz Zarah on IG:@groundedrootznutrition   Product mentions:  OOFOS Recovery Footwear Biltong snack   Girl In The Wild   Connect with your host:  Coach Carrie @carriejobradley