EP 234. Alex & Vince Huynh, Asian Toronto Run Club
Run Canada Podcast
Alex and Vince Huynh have a bit of a competitive streak. They are constantly seeing how far and how fast they can go. But their drive goes beyond personal goals: they’re passionate about welcoming new runners and helping people challenge themselves. They also saw a need for more Asian role models in the sport, which led them to create the Asian Toronto Running Club just over a year ago. Vince, Alex and their dedicated team of volunteers embody leadership and inclusion: everyone is welcome at ATRC, Asian or not. The club hosts a social run on Saturdays and a more focused workout on...
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EP 233. TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Women's Training Group Check In
Run Canada Podcast
I’m excited to bring it to you today's chat from the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s Women’s Training Group. After the pandemic, Canada Running Series and ASICS Canada set out to address, and work to find solutions to, the considerable gap between the number of women and the number of men running marathons. In 2024, they launched the Women’s Training Group to support and empower more women to chase big goals on race day. Last year, Heather Garner and I followed Mandy and Joan on their inspiring journey to the finish line. This year, we’re back with two new runners—our...
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EP 232. Nicole Sifuentes
Run Canada Podcast
Today we’re getting optimized with Nicole Sifuentes. We might keep things casual in our chat, but don’t let that fool you—Nicole was an absolute force on the track. She’s a twelve-time NCAA All-American, a five-time Canadian Championship medalist in the 1500 and 5000, and she repped Team Canada at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. She also still holds the women's record for the BAA Invitational Mile, just for fun. These days, Nicole pours her energy into Sifuentes Coaching, where she helps athletes dream big and go bigger. Follow Nicole on insta @sifuentescoaching Find out...
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EP 231. Crossing Lines with Kortnee Borden & Matt Geofroy
Run Canada Podcast
Crossing Lines founders Kortnee Borden and Matt Geofroy had spent many years running with Parkdale Roadrunners: they had always been able to find ways to push for their own goals while helping others feel the magic of getting out in equal measure. But when they entered the ultra endurance trail space, they noticed something missing: people of colour. So they decided to take action and create change. Crossing Lines is a movement that is making the ultra endurance space more welcoming for BIPOC runners: they teach people the skills they need to be set up for success and do everything they...
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EP 230. Ben Preisner
Run Canada Podcast
After graduating from the University of Tulsa, Ben Preisner took his years of track and cross-country training and started testing them out on the roads. Following a couple of progressively faster half marathons, he set his sights on the full. When COVID derailed his original plan to debut at the London Marathon, Ben applied for and ran The Marathon Project in 2020, where he ran a remarkable 2:10:17. In this episode, we discuss qualifying for and racing at the Tokyo Olympics, his rise from being the fifth fastest Canadian marathoner to now being the second fastest, and his gutsy run at...
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EP 229. LIVE from TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon: Creating a Culture of Safety for Runners
Run Canada Podcast
Creating a Culture of Safety for Runners was put together by three passionate leaders in the running community—people who not only love the sport but are deeply committed to building connections within their groups. Their passion for people naturally extends to a shared commitment to safety. After all, you can’t create an inclusive and joyful space if people are showing up in fear. Our speakers are: Sarah Rose Black from Chix Run the 6ix Alejandro De La Cruz from Running Waters Erin Doucette from Toronto Trail Runners and The Trail Collective Whether you’re looking for ways...
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EP 227. Samantha Powderhorn
Run Canada Podcast
I use the word resilient often on this show, but today's guest Samantha Powderhorn truly redefines it. Raised in the remote Sayisi Dene First Nation in Northern Manitoba, Samantha faced an incredibly tough childhood marked by addiction, neglect, and becoming a mother at just 15 years old. Later, after a cancer diagnosis and the devastating loss of her brother, she found herself battling addiction, trapped in an unhappy marriage, and trying to find a way forward. But Samantha's story doesn't end there. She has transformed her life by learning to love and care for herself and discovering...
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EP 226. Live from Servus Calgary Marathon: Alexi Pappas
Run Canada Podcast
To say that getting to interview Alexi Pappas in person at the Servus Calgary Marathon this last weekend was a dream come true is an understatement. I have been a massive fan of this Greek-American Olympian for a long time: she is also an artist, an actor/filmmaker, a podcaster and a truly generous soul. Alexi and I talked about her two books, Bravey and the adaptation she wrote for younger readers, and the new book and film projects she is currently working on. We also dive into the ways she has found joy in the sport in every form: from dancing through the streets during the New York...
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EP 225. J Solle
Run Canada Podcast
J Solle is an active member and former board member of Front Runners New York and now the Race Director of the iconic Front Runners New York City LGBT Pride Run: the largest pride run in the world, which welcomed over 10,000 runners to its start line last year. J’s spirit and actions mirror the aims of Front Runners and the Pride Run. They celebrate showing up authentically, creating inclusivity for everyone, and amplifying the powerful intersection of sport and community. In addition to bringing the joy of an inclusive start line to others, J is a highly talented runner, having made two...
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EP 224. Daryl Lang
Run Canada Podcast
After her first appearance on the show five years ago, Daryl Lang is back! Daryl is a vision-impaired runner who races with a guide and completes her training miles with her guide dog. Daryl and I love furry friends, so this episode ended up almost an ode to her two guide dogs, Jenny and Yasha. Daryl takes us through Jenny's retirement, what it was like to change their relationship from working to companionship, and learning the ins and outs of her new coworker, Yasha (whom she trained with at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York). Daryl also became published as a...
info_outlineAfter graduating from the University of Tulsa, Ben Preisner took his years of track and cross-country training and started testing them out on the roads. Following a couple of progressively faster half marathons, he set his sights on the full.
When COVID derailed his original plan to debut at the London Marathon, Ben applied for and ran The Marathon Project in 2020, where he ran a remarkable 2:10:17.
In this episode, we discuss qualifying for and racing at the Tokyo Olympics, his rise from being the fifth fastest Canadian marathoner to now being the second fastest, and his gutsy run at scoring a spot on the Paris Olympic team.
Ben is ridiculously smart and I think you will really enjoy hearing how his logical mindset and calm, steady approach to life shows up in both his training and racing.
Follow Ben @ben.preisner
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EPISODE SPONSOR: UNDER ARMOUR EASTSIDE 10K
The Under Armour Eastside 10K is quickly approaching on September 21 in Vancouver. The CRS West team has just revealed the race shirt, and it's amazing: with sizes ranging from women's XS to men's XXL and a fantastic technical fabric, this will be your new go-to training shirt. You also have the option to choose the Impact Bib program, where $10 from your race registration will be donated to charity instead of receiving a shirt!
To find out more about the Under Armour Eastside 10K or to register now, visit www.canadarunningseries.com
Theme music: Joseph McDade