EP 162: Ray Zahab - Giving Meaning to Adventure
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Release Date: 03/06/2025
EP 189: Meher Pavri - An Artist in Motion: From Stage Lights to Running Finishes
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Meher Pavri, London, Ontario native and the Parsi-Canadian soprano who's conquering both the stage and the road. From starring in West Side Story to her award-winning work in Canadian theatre, film, and TV, Meher's passion for performance is unmatched. But what's her secret? We're diving into how she uses running as a "mind-calming practice" and a way to stay grounded. Join us as we uncover how this talented soprano and Miss India-Canada winner is bringing the same dedication and fire to her miles as she does to her melodies....
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EP 188: Ben Preisner - Tokyo-Bound: An Elite Runner's Path to 2025 World Marathon Championships
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
You'll want to lace up for this one! In this episode of the Athletics Ontario podcast, we sit down with elite marathoner Ben Preisner to unpack his remarkable journey from an athlete in Milton, Ontario, to a national and international competitor. Ben shares candid insights on his transition from a team sport to running and his time as a collegiate athlete at the University of Tulsa, where he balanced a demanding chemical engineering degree with grueling training. Ben also dives deep into his mental approach to high-level competition and reveals his intense preparations for the ultimate test:...
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EP 187: Riley van der Linden, RunTOBooks - Running and Reading for 1000+ Days
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
From accidental runner to ultrarunner and literary maven, Riley van der Linden is a force of nature. Find out how a move to a new city sparked a passion that led to a jaw-dropping 1000-day run streak and a new perspective on life. We dive into the world of Toronto's vibrant running communities, the secrets behind her popular @runtobooks Instagram account, and the one piece of advice they have for anyone starting their running journey. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that will make you want to lace up your shoes and grab a book. Learn more about Riley at: Register to be an...
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EP 186: Harvey Steinhoff - The Renegade's Secret: Building a Running Empire on the Shores of Erie
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
This week, we're joined by local running legend, Harvey Steinhoff, and he's not holding anything back! We're celebrating a milestone as we go inside the incredible second-anniversary story of the Shores of Erie run club—from a simple idea to a thriving community. But that's just the start. Harvey, an official ambassador for the Windsor Waterfront Half Marathon, takes you behind the scenes of the city's premier running event. He'll share his top secrets for preparing for the big day on September 14th, and reveal the untold story of what it really takes to lead a community of athletes. Don't...
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EP 185: Ryan Gallagher - 21 Half-Marathons, 21 Days: The Healing Power of Running
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Burlington firefighter, mental health advocate, and runner Ryan Gallagher. Ryan shares the deeply personal story behind his mission to run 21 half-marathons in 21 days to raise funds for Pathstone Mental Health in September 2025. He opens up about how he's navigated his own mental health and sobriety journeys following the loss of his father and a decade of firefighting, and how he found healing through therapy and running. Join us as Ryan inspires listeners to prioritize their mental health and seek the help they need....
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EP 184: John Shep's SOO 200 Recap with iRun Magazine's Ben Kaplan
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
From July 21st to 25th, 2025, the inaugural SOO 200 made its mark on the ultra running world, bringing a gritty, breathtaking 200-mile challenge to Sault Ste. Marie, thanks to the team at Sinister Sports. Among the brave twenty runners to take it on? AO Running Podcast host and 2025-2026 AO Running Ambassador John Shep, who didn’t just run the race, but lived the full experience of it. Join us on this week's episode to find out all about his adventure, with guest host Ben Kaplan of iRun Magazine! Learn more about iRun Magazine at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member:
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EP 183: Dekel Chui, Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador - Running for Joy (and RUNTOBEER)
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we dive into the world of running with Dekel Chui, one of the 2025-2026 AO Running Ambassadors! Based in Toronto, Dekel embodies the spirit of "running for joy," sharing his journey of rediscovering the sport and finding profound happiness in every stride. We'll explore his incredible feats, including being part of a team that holds two Guinness World Records for the Fastest Marathon and Fastest Half-marathon in a Five-Person Costume (dressed as a Streetcar!). Beyond the records, Dekel is deeply involved with RunTOBeer (@runtobeer) as a Board...
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EP 182: Danni Dickinson, Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador - Trail Adventures and Community Impact"
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Get ready to hit the trails and be inspired! This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features the incredible Danni Dickinson, a dynamic runner who's not just hitting the pavement but making a real community impact! Join us as Danni shares her exhilarating journey, a path that truly took off in 2022 when she laced up for her very first race to honour her late father. But Danni's passion extends far beyond personal bests; she's an Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador and a tireless volunteer with Green New Adventures and 5 Peaks (Ontario East), pouring her energy into building...
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EP 181: Eniola Busari, Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador - Running is a Spiritual Journey
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we chat with Eniola 'Eni' Busari, an inspiring Athletics Ontario Running ambassador who discovered his passion for the sport during the pandemic five years ago. For Eni, running is more than just exercise; it's a spiritual journey that has brought him immense joy and deep camaraderie. Eni shares his remarkable journey from staying active to embracing competitive races, highlighting how each step on the road or trail has deepened his connection to himself and his community. As a captain with ME VERSUS ME and a member of Team Ultra Black's...
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EP 180: Keri Wong, Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador - "Running Means So Much"
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we chat with Keri Wong, an incredible Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador! For Keri, running means so much more than just miles – it's a journey that transformed her into the social and consistent athlete she is today. Discover how Keri's passion for the sport drives her to support others, creating a friendly and welcoming presence whether she's racing or pacing. As a 2025 Canada Running Series (CRS) Community Team member and co-lead for Learn to Run programs and weekly community runs at Kardia in Toronto, Keri embodies how running can...
info_outlineAdventure personified! Ray Zahab's story is one of pure inspiration. On this week's Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, he opens up about his incredible journey from unhealthy habits to conquering some of the planet's most challenging landscapes. Ray also shares his passion for empowering youth through free outdoor expeditions with impossible2possible, fostering resilience and a love for the planet. From battling cancer to running ultra-marathons across deserts, Ray's passion and determination are truly remarkable. Join us for a conversation you won't forget.
We also get a visit from Happy Trails Racing to share their newest races for 2025.
Find out all about Ray at: https://www.instagram.com/rayzahab
Sign up for Happy Trails Racing's new races: https://www.instagram.com/happytrailsracing
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership