EP 196: Kathy Webber and Sean Sharp, N89 - Challenged on the Trail, United by the Community
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
Release Date: 10/30/2025
Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
How do you transition from a casual runner to a professional powerhouse? This week, we sit down with elite Canadian ultrarunner Jazmine Lowther to discuss her rapid ascent in the trail world and the philosophy that keeps her moving. Jazmine dives into the "art" of training, explaining why structured data must coexist with creative exploration to prevent burnout. She also speaks candidly about her recovery from REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and bone stress injuries, offering a vital look at why proper fueling is the ultimate tool for longevity. Key highlights from this episode: -...
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What happens when the universe rewards a leap of faith? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Devenport, whose journey from quitting smoking to conquering 200-mile peaks is a testament to the transformative power of the trails. Scott doesn’t just run; he lives it—maintaining a legendary "run streak" of at least 5km every single day. Episode Highlights: - The Evolution: How Scott traded cigarettes for sneakers, evolving from road racing to becoming an elite ultra-marathon champion. - The Mental Game: Discovering the profound "mental peace" found only in the wild, rugged backcountry. -...
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"It’s not about how fast you’re going; it’s about who you’re moving with." In a world where running is often measured by PBs, carbon plates, and brand deals, Colin Strickland is doing something radically different. This week, we sit down with the founder of the Corners Run Crew in St. Catharines to talk about the power of the "Third Space" and why inclusivity must come before the stopwatch. Since founding the crew in 2019, Colin has pivoted away from the traditional competitive model to build a movement centered on social connection and mentorship. Whether you're a seasoned...
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What does it actually mean to be "unstoppable"? According to elite runner and coach Dr. Sasha Gollish, it isn't about never failing—it’s about having the mental toolkit to keep moving forward. In this episode, Sasha joins us to dive into her innovative new project, Unstoppable. Part mental performance journal, part training companion, this isn't your typical "how-to" book. It is a hands-on resource designed to help the next generation of athletes bridge the gap between physical talent and psychological resilience. In This Episode, We Explore: - The "Unstoppable" Mindset: Why Sasha...
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New Year, new parenting goals? You’re not alone. This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, our host John Shep kicks off the episode by sharing his own resolution to become a more self-aware parent—setting the stage for a deep dive with renowned expert Jennifer Kolari, founder of Connected Parenting. Jennifer starts by swapping her therapist chair for running shoes, revealing how she uses running as a solitary, meditative form of self-care to recharge in nature. The conversation then shifts to the specific challenges faced by runner-parents, answering listener questions on: - The...
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Are you ready to test your limits right here in Ontario? Prepare for the ultimate test of endurance! We are joined by Race Director Eric D'Arcy of Crazy Cat Adventures to unveil The Ribbon 200—a grueling new ultra-challenge launching in June 2026. This isn't just a race; it is a wilderness odyssey featuring Ontario’s only point-to-point 100-miler and a massive 200-mile out-and-back beast. Eric breaks down the punishing 24,000 feet of elevation gain and the raw beauty of the Bruce Trail from the Blue Mountains to the Caledon Hills. We dive into the event's unique "White Blaze"...
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"Gratitude is what drives me." This week, we are joined by Jovica Savic (Yatzi) to discuss his incredible journey from fleeing war in the former Yugoslavia to becoming a pillar of the Kitchener-Waterloo running community. What makes you lace up your shoes? For Yatzi, the answer went far beyond fitness—it became about survival for his neighbors. On this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we explore how one runner’s deep sense of gratitude for his life in Canada sparked a movement in Kitchener-Waterloo. Disturbed by the sight of individuals suffering through severe...
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What happens when a casual 10K bet among friends turns into a complete lifestyle overhaul? On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, host John Shep sits down with Andrew Kim from Runners' Choice Waterloo to trace his incredible journey. From his first strides in 2020 to shedding weight and shifting careers, Andrew shares how running became the catalyst for a new life. We dive into how he utilized social media for accountability, leading to partnerships with major brands like Lululemon and Strava, and how he tackled numerous marathons and ultras along the way. Plus, just in time...
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What does it take to turn a lifetime of running into a thriving business? This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we are joined by the dynamic duo, Kim and Michelle Krezonoski. From their roots in Northern Ontario to the streets of the 2024 Boston Marathon, the sisters share how they’ve evolved from competitive athletes to business owners. In this episode, we cover: - The Boston Experience: Reflections on running one of the world's most prestigious marathons. - The Balancing Act: Strategies for juggling full-time jobs, coaching, and elite training without burning out. -...
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"I stopped trying to prove them wrong, and started trying to prove myself right." Lanni Marchant’s athletic evolution is nothing short of inspiring. In this 200th episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, the Rio 2016 Olympian and one of Canada's fastest women gets vulnerable about the reality of professional running and opens up candidly about the hurdles she faced off the track. We dive deep into Lanni's unconventional start, her candid and ongoing recovery from an eating disorder, and the resilience required to bounce back from injury. Now in her forties, Lanni explains why...
info_outlineMeet 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 coaching and workshops for all skill levels.
The trail is for everyone. Listen now!
Learn more about N89 at: https://www.instagram.com/n89trailrunning/
Register for the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships Community Run: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/series/cross-country-championships
Anyone that uses AthleticsReg to register for an event will need to create an AthleticsReg account. Once they go through the prompts to make an account, they’ll automatically be brought to the registration for the AOXC Champs with the community run being one of the options on Saturday.
The promo code is aoxc-community-2km or aoxc-community-5km depending on which race the person wants to do (also, you will need to add a day membership). After the promo code is entered, the total cost for the event and the day membership will come to exactly $10 including taxes and processing fees.