EP 173: Meet the Minds Behind The Good Games - Unleashing the Power of Inclusive Sport
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Release Date: 05/22/2025
EP 198: Jessica Nguyen, Girls Just Wanna Run Club - Don't Spiral, Evolve: The Power of Running, Self-Care, and Community
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
In this powerful episode, we interview Jessica Nguyen, founder of the Girls Just Wanna Run Club in Newmarket, about building community and protecting your peace. Jessica shares her game-changing philosophy: "Don't Spiral, Evolve." Hear how she pulled herself out of a "dark time" by prioritizing service and giving herself grace for her evolving passions. For her, running is spiritual meditation—a crucial time to "let go" of stress and be present. As a dedicated leader, Jessica stresses that you cannot pour from an empty cup. She lives by the mantra: "If you are going to push really hard, you...
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EP 197: Samir Mourani, Movember - It's Okay Not To Be Okay: The Movement
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Lace up for an inspiring episode with Samir Mourani, the first Canadian Ambassador for Movember! Samir shares his journey from a sporadic gym-goer to an upcoming 50K ultramarathoner this Movember. He's tackling this immense physical challenge to raise crucial awareness and funds for Movember's mental health initiatives. Discover the profound mental and emotional benefits Samir unlocked through consistent running. He discusses how exercise has dramatically improved his productivity, sleep, and overall well-being. We dive into themes of modern masculinity, the strength in emotional...
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EP 196: Kathy Webber and Sean Sharp, N89 - Challenged on the Trail, United by the Community
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Meet Sean Sharp and Kathy Webber, the heart behind N89 Trail Running! Hear Kathy's powerful journey: creating N89, born out of COVID-19 race cancellations. Sean then shares how running helped him overcome a difficult period and why he partnered with Kathy, driven by his love for N89's supportive community focus (especially the Great Mansfield Outdoors). They detail their diverse events: from the beginner-friendly Chill Session 5K & 10K (REGISTER TODAY!!) to intense ultras like the Vertical Challenge and the Utopia Backyard Ultra. Discover how N89 builds a welcoming trail family, offering...
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EP 195: Alejandro De La Cruz, Running Waters - In a New York (Marathon) State of Mind
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Get ready for an episode that's all heart, hustle, and pavement! Host John Shep on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast interviews the insightful Alejandro De La Cruz, co-founder of Running Waters in Durham Region. Alejandro shares his journey from a running novice in San Jose—learning the conversational pace—to becoming a community pillar. Hear how moving to Whitby, Ontario, in March 2020 turned the waterfront trail into his mental health lifeline and forged his runner identity. Dive into the Running Waters founding story and get an exclusive look at his gritty preparation for the New...
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EP 194: Migz Pink - ME Versus ME Mentality
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Ready to hear about Migz Pink's journey to becoming a running icon? In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Migz Pink, an absolute force in the Toronto running scene and the founder of the electrifying "Me Versus Me" Mentality run crew. But here's the twist: Migs used to hate running! We trace his incredible path from a competitive basketball background to how the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a focus on health and wellness. Migz opens up about trading intense competition for a radically inclusive, non-competitive community that prioritizes connection. You'll...
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EP 193: Mike Greer - TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon's Adaptive Athletes Program
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, meet adaptive athlete Mike Greer! Mike shares his powerful journey in wheelchair racing, from his first 5K to conquering marathons like the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He gives a candid look at the unique challenges adaptive athletes face, highlighting the need for truly accessible race configurations and the specialized gear—especially his racing chair. Mike also discusses living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and the rigorous training required to prevent injuries. Ultimately, Mike’s story is an advocacy for inclusion. He...
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EP 192: Lauren Mantha, A Running List: Ready to Find Your Run Crew? - TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
The world of running isn't just about PRs and miles—it's about connection. Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast for an electrifying conversation with Lauren Mantha, the former nurse who traded her scrubs for running shoes and ignited a movement with "A Running List." What started in 2023 as a single charity challenge didn't just transform her body; it reshaped her life. Lauren dives into the unexpected social power she found in local run clubs, calling the experience nothing short of transformative. Inspired by this sense of belonging, Lauren built a resource every runner needs:...
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EP 191: Joe Francisco - TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon: A Homecoming Story
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features a special guest from the heart of the city of Toronto: Joe Francisco (@joooe.francisco). Joe sits down with us to share his incredible journey toward a 3:10 marathon at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, an endeavor that is teaching him the true meaning of strength and self-confidence. He also reflects on his homecoming to the Toronto running scene, a community he describes as having "pure Toronto energy." Tune in to hear how being a part of this community team has allowed him to share his personal journey and connect with other...
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EP 190: Christine Marinho - The Healing Power of Running: An Incredible Journey to the World Marathon Majors
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Join us for a powerful conversation with Christine Marinho, an endurance athlete whose journey proves that running can be more than just a workout—it can be a path to healing. Christine opens up about how she used running as therapy after her divorce and how it ignited a passion that led her to become a multi-sport athlete and a marathoner. She shares the story of conquering her fear of swimming to complete a triathlon and her ongoing quest to complete the World Marathon Majors, including the upcoming 2025 Berlin Marathon! You'll hear her candid insights on the importance of mental strength,...
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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....
info_outlineWhat happens when passion meets inclusivity in the world of fitness? We find out in this captivating interview with Helen Stoumbos and Mike F. Jean, the passionate individuals dedicated to The Good Games (June 27-29 in Guelph, Ontario). Learn about their unique approach to athletic competition, which includes exciting events like adaptive CrossFit, wheelchair strongman, seated volleyball, and of course, 5k and 10k Trail Runs. Hear about the incredible athletes they champion and the powerful sense of community they've built. Ready to be moved and motivated by the stories behind these inclusive sporting events? Tune in to hear Helen and Mike's story and explore the festival of sport that is The Good Games on this week's episode.
Find out all about the Good Games at: https://thegood.games/ (and use the promo code TGG15 for 15% off until the end of May!)
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership