Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text
Landon Hildebrand is an Edmonton-based Registered Psychologist, trail runner, and co-owner of Approach Psychology.
When Landon first joined me on the podcast, he introduced the idea of joy as a motivator. This time, he takes that concept further — reframing joy as a litmus test for psychological health in both running and life.
What makes this conversation especially powerful is the perspective Landon brings. Last time, he spoke mainly as a psychologist who happens to be an athlete. This time, he shows up first as an athlete — one who also happens to be a psychologist. With honesty and vulnerability, Landon shares the personal health challenges and stresses he’s faced over the past year, and how they’ve forced him to re-examine his relationship with sport, self, and well-being.
Together, we explore:
- Why being psychologically healthy doesn’t always look like PRs or “successful” races
- How big, unplanned life events can be catalysts for deeper healing and growth
- How therapy buzzwords — safety, trust, peace, freedom, vulnerability, curiosity — play out in real life
- Why applying these principles often takes much longer than simply learning them
- How joy can serve as a compass when we feel stuck or lost
Landon’s blend of humour, insight, and personal reflection makes this a deeply relatable episode for anyone navigating the ups and downs of running and life beyond the pursuit of PRs.
Connect with Landon:
- Register for his Endurance Mind online workshop Nov 19th: https://tinyurl.com/53bub6ek
- Instagram: @approachpsychology and @landon_ approachpsych
- Website: approachpsych.ca
- Landon's first episode on Inspired Soles: Elevating Your Mental Game
Connect with Carolyn:
- Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffin
You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.