In this episode, I’m joined by online strength and female health coach Ellen Johnston. We explore her mission to help women let go of food guilt, lift heavy and build confidence that actually lasts. Ellen shares how societal pressure and diet culture shape women’s relationships with food, exercise and their bodies, and why strength training can be such a powerful tool for changing that.

We talk about what Ellen has learned from studying sports and exercise science, how her coaching philosophy has evolved over time, and the realities of working in the online fitness space. Ellen also opens up about her own journey through injuries and surgeries, the physical and emotional challenges of rehab, and how those experiences reshaped her relationship with training and the way she now supports her clients.

This conversation also touches on self-care, navigating setbacks, building resilience and what sustainable progress really looks like in the long term. It’s an honest discussion about strength, recovery, body image and the ongoing process of learning to trust your body again.

You'll find Ellen @ellenjohnstonpt (Instagram)

You'll find Dee @dee_dchealthfitness (Instagram)

Follow @dchealthfitness_(Instagram)

www.dchealthandfitness.com

In this episode of the DC Podcast, Dee Cronin is joined by Claire Dunn, running coach, personal trainer, and nutritionist who works primarily with endurance runners. Claire shares her experience of going from finding running difficult to competing in ultra-marathons, and how consistency, realistic expectations, and good coaching shaped that progression.

They discuss the realities of starting running, common misconceptions, and how social media often distorts what running looks like by focusing on highlight reels rather than the early stages, setbacks, and unglamorous work. Claire offers practical insight into what actually matters when beginning or returning to running, including appropriate training, fuelling, and reframing progress beyond pace or distance.

This episode is an honest conversation about running for real people, building confidence over time, and separating what’s useful from what’s just noise.

You'll find Claire @outmilers (Instagram)

You'll find Dee @dee_dchealthfitness (Instagram)

Follow @dchealthfitness_ (Instagram)

www.dchealthandfitness.com

In this conversation Dee & Maria delve into personal experiences, comforts outside of food, creatine, preworkout and emotional eating. They also make a not so fun announcement that'll you'll definitely want to hear. 👀

If you're ready for support with our coaching ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠

Follow for more 👇🏻😊

⁠⁠dee_dchealthfitness⁠⁠

⁠maria_dchealthfitness⁠

⁠⁠dchealthfitness_⁠⁠

dee@dchealthandfitness.com

⁠⁠www.dchealthandfitness.com

Chapters

00:00 Farewell and Reflections

01:27 Understanding Creatine: Benefits and Usage

07:42 Pre-Workout Essentials: What to Look For

11:03 Sciatica: Understanding and Seeking Help

13:06 Post-Workout Hunger: Why It Happens

21:01 Finding Your Ideal Workout Time

24:22 Comfort Beyond Food: Exploring Alternatives

33:25 The Comfort of Home and Fire

37:39 Morning Routines and Coffee Culture

41:43 Advocating Healthy Relationships with Food

52:36 Reflections on Change and Farewell