Athletics Ontario Running Podcast
The Athletics Ontario Running Podcast explores the stories behind trail and road running in Ontario. A main goal of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast will be to reach those that we are not already reaching, to give voice to the underrepresented members of our community and bring these stories to the masses. All people, all speeds, all terrains, all abilities are welcome. For you, for all, for life.
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EP 242: Kosuke Maeda - Capturing the Spirit of Running
09/17/2026
EP 242: Kosuke Maeda - Capturing the Spirit of Running
On this in-person episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast (make sure to check out the video on iRun Magazine's YouTube!), photographer and videographer Kosuke Maeda shares his transition from high school athlete to dedicated runner and self-taught visual storyteller. Kosuke dives into how his psychology background sharpens his film editing and takes us behind the scenes of his documentary, Outrun the Darkness, which highlights mental health and recovery in endurance sport of host John Shep. From local track meets to grueling ultramarathons, learn how Kosuke captures the raw spirit of the running community and turns movement into art. Learn more about Kosuke at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 241: Robyn Michaud - Running a Masterclass in Resilience
09/10/2026
EP 241: Robyn Michaud - Running a Masterclass in Resilience
From a child who dreaded athletics to a 49-time marathoner, Robyn Michaud's transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Facing a spinal cord injury and a rare diagnosis, Robyn turned every grueling stride into pure resilience. In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, she reveals how long-distance running became her ultimate sanctuary, deeply connecting her to her Indigenous roots and ancestral lands. She shares powerful stories of international race communities standing by her side and how she uses her journey to model strength for her students and children. Tune in to discover what it truly means to run with purpose. Learn more about Robyn Michaud at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 240: Darius Arjang - Bushtukah: Ottawa’s Endurance Heartbeat
09/03/2026
EP 240: Darius Arjang - Bushtukah: Ottawa’s Endurance Heartbeat
In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Darius Arjang to unpack the story behind Bushtukah, Ottawa’s go-to hub for runners, cyclists, and hikers since 1999. Darius shares how putting service first and championing local events—from regional bike rides to grassroots run clubs—built an inclusive home for endurance athletes across the region. Plus, he takes us through his personal athletic evolution, from high school cross-country courses to taking on a grueling 50-mile ultramarathon in England. Hit play to discover how shared miles build lasting connections! Learn more about Bushtukah at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 239: Leslie Huffman - Adventuring for the Greatest Good
08/27/2026
EP 239: Leslie Huffman - Adventuring for the Greatest Good
Join the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we sit down with Leslie Huffman, an inspiring ultra-runner who constantly redefines her own physical limits. Discover how her grueling years planting trees in Northern Canada forged her relentless trail grit and how she conquered a severely broken foot to finish a highly technical QMT 2024 race, and why she is cycling 500 kilometers this August to fundraise for childhood cancer causes. Preparing now for BC's steep, challenging multi-day Golden Ultra, Leslie shares her heartwarming journey from childhood gymnastics to scaling beautiful mountain peaks. Tune in today to discover what it truly takes to endure! Learn more about Leslie at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 238: Sandra Auger - Chasing Team Canada by Winning the 2026 Persistence Backyard Ultra
08/20/2026
EP 238: Sandra Auger - Chasing Team Canada by Winning the 2026 Persistence Backyard Ultra
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sandra Auger—former competitive gymnast turned elite distance runner—fresh off her incredible victory at the 2026 Persistence Backyard Ultra in London, Ontario. Sandra opens up about how running became her sanctuary for processing grief, propelling her from traditional road marathons into the mind-bending world of backyard ultras. She takes us behind the scenes of balancing an intense elite training and recovery plan in Brooklyn shortly after giving birth, proving that motherhood and ultra-endurance can coexist. Joined by her trusted "assist" and fellow runner Joe Dubois, Sandra shares the gritty realities of outlasting the field through a relentless 30-hour deluge—a grueling effort that earned her a "silver ticket" for Team Canada and a spot at the upcoming World Championship team event in British Columbia. Learn more about Sandra Auger at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 237: Crossing Lines Playbook - Redesigning the Start Line with Crossing Lines
08/13/2026
EP 237: Crossing Lines Playbook - Redesigning the Start Line with Crossing Lines
In this in-person episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, the Crossing Lines gentlemen return to dive into their game-changing new resource designed specifically for race directors, event organizers, and industry leaders looking to build a more equitable running community. Developed in partnership with Bloom, the Crossing Lines Playbook provides a highly practical, actionable framework to address long-standing gaps in safety, representation, and accessibility for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) runners. We explore how you can take simple, achievable steps to completely refresh your start line and design events where every runner feels they belong. Whether you manage a local 5K or a major marathon, this conversation offers the tools you need to shift from standard planning to intentional inclusion. Plus, learn how you can get your hands on this free guide and partner directly with the Crossing Lines team to transform your next event. Learn more about Crossing Lines and their great work at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 236: Erin McDougall of Dirty Soles Trail Running - Trail Running Without the Price Tag
08/06/2026
EP 236: Erin McDougall of Dirty Soles Trail Running - Trail Running Without the Price Tag
In this episode, we sit down with Erin McDougall of Dirty Soles Trail Running, to talk about the evolution and heart behind one of Ontario’s most community-focused race organizations. Erin shares his journey from taking over the legendary Fat Ass Trail Run in 2018 to teaming up with Naomi Coker to build a series of races that prioritize people over profit, keeping trail running accessible, affordable, and authentically grassroots. We dive into how Dirty Souls keeps registration costs low enough for whole families to participate—from using manual timing to championing awesome local venues like the Batawa Ski Hill. Plus, Erin breaks down the inspiration behind their most unique event formats, including the high-energy Happy Hour Friday Night Runs and the gritty Sugar Bush Shenanigans endurance challenges. Learn more about Dirty Soles Trail Running and their great work at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 235: Adam Saltarelli - The 550-Mile Summer: Running Around Lake Ontario for Jumpstart
07/30/2026
EP 235: Adam Saltarelli - The 550-Mile Summer: Running Around Lake Ontario for Jumpstart
Fresh out of high school in Port Colborne, Adam is gearing up for LO550—an astonishing 550-mile journey entirely around Lake Ontario to raise funds for Canadian Tire Jumpstart, helping kids overcome financial barriers to sports. Inspired by Canadian running icons like Terry Fox, he is averaging a marathon a day for 21 days starting this August. In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Adam to talk about the physical and mental prep behind this massive multi-week trek, how a Grade 8 "Couch to 5K" program with his dad started it all, and how the community can get involved by sponsoring individual miles. Tune in to hear from a young athlete proving that you're never too young to chase an impossible goal and make a massive impact. Want to sponsor a mile or track Adam's progress? Check out his LO550 campaign and find out how you can cheer him on! Learn more about Adam and LO550 at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 234: Dr. Danny Grossi - From Patient to Pioneer of PIRX
07/23/2026
EP 234: Dr. Danny Grossi - From Patient to Pioneer of PIRX
In this deeply moving episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with physician and competitive runner Danny Grossi to hear a story of unimaginable resilience and innovation. After a stellar collegiate career at Princeton, a sudden medical condition sidelined Danny for decades. His triumphant return to the sport in his 50s was abruptly halted by a life-threatening blood clot and severe compartment syndrome. Facing multiple intense surgeries, doctors delivered a grim warning that he might never walk again, let alone race. Refusing to accept this fate, Danny leveraged his extensive medical expertise and a rigorously data-driven mindset to engineer a grueling but successful rehabilitation process. This harrowing journey sparked a powerful new mission, leading him to develop PIRX, a cutting-edge, AI-powered training app designed to predict race performance and optimize physiological outcomes. Tune in to discover how one athlete transformed the terrifying threat of limb loss into a technological breakthrough dedicated to helping runners everywhere reach their ultimate potential. Learn more about Danny and PIRX at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 233: SarahRose Black, Finish the Run - Making Footsteps Matter to End Gender-Based Violence
07/16/2026
EP 233: SarahRose Black, Finish the Run - Making Footsteps Matter to End Gender-Based Violence
Two years ago, SarahRose Black was violently assaulted in broad daylight while training for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Instead of letting fear rewrite her story, she teamed up with her run crew, ChixRunthe6ix, to reclaim her safety and joy - we explore that story on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast She founded Finish the Run, an annual community movement raising funds for METRAC to end gender-based violence. After drawing over 100 runners in its first year, the event is back in 2026. Tune in to hear SarahRose’s journey from trauma to advocacy, and how Toronto's running community is turning a site of violence into a symbol of solidarity. Because every pace deserves a safe space. Your footsteps matter. Learn more about Finish the Run at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 232: Tarrant Cross Child, Prairie Run Crew - Running the Land with Saskatchewan Runners
07/09/2026
EP 232: Tarrant Cross Child, Prairie Run Crew - Running the Land with Saskatchewan Runners
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tarrant Cross Child, the visionary founder of Prairie Run Crew, to explore the vibrant and rapidly growing running culture across Saskatchewan. Tarrant opens up about his powerful personal journey of recovery from addiction, sharing how the simple act of running became a vital lifeline for his mental and spiritual well-being. He takes us inside Prairie Run Crew’s mission of bringing hope and restoration to others through active lifestyles and strong community partnerships. We also dive into a crucial conversation about Indigenous representation in the trail running community. Tarrant sheds light on his efforts to lower barriers for Indigenous athletes at major events like Sinister 7. Along the way, he introduces his beautiful philosophy of "running the land" - a mindful practice centered on honoring the deep history and ancestral stories embedded in the natural landscape. Join us to hear an incredible story of endurance, culture, and the healing power of the great outdoors. Learn more about Tarrant at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 231: Trey Etseyatse - The Powerful Daily Acts of a Hybrid Athlete
07/02/2026
EP 231: Trey Etseyatse - The Powerful Daily Acts of a Hybrid Athlete
Going from a self-proclaimed high school "gym rat" to crushing five marathons in a single year is no small feat! In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with hybrid athlete and entrepreneur Trey Etseyatse to chart his incredible fitness evolution. After picking up running during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trey faced the classic beginner's trap of early injuries. Instead of throwing in the towel, he adapted, pivoted, and decoded what it takes to survive - and thrive - in the endurance world. Trey shares the secrets behind his core philosophy of "moving every day," explaining how he balances the seemingly conflicting worlds of heavy lifting and intense endurance training by prioritizing one discipline at a time. Trey is also taking his passion for performance from the roads to the grocery shelves. We dive into his transition into the fitness industry with the launch of Daily Acta, a sparkling electrolyte beverage featuring a unique triple magnesium blend. Trey breaks down his refreshing approach to sports nutrition, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and fueling specifically for your daily physical output rather than blindly following rigid, cookie-cutter plans. Trey’s journey offers a fantastic blueprint for the modern hybrid athlete. Hit subscribe (in our Linktree) to listen to Trey's full story and learn how to optimize your daily movement! Learn more about Trey at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 230: Tamara Bull, Tillsonburg Running With the Bulls - Taking the Bull by the Horns Against Cancer
06/25/2026
EP 230: Tamara Bull, Tillsonburg Running With the Bulls - Taking the Bull by the Horns Against Cancer
In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we travel to Tillsonburg to meet Tamara Bull, the force behind one of the best-named races in the province: the Tillsonburg Run with the Bulls. Tamara shares her late-blooming journey into athletics, having started running at age 51 to connect with her husband and combat "empty nest syndrome," despite managing asthma, which requires her to run with a "Batman utility belt" for her inhaler. She transformed from a non-athlete into someone who eventually completed a 50k solo ultra-marathon on her favorite local trails. The heart of this episode explores how a family crisis - in late 2023, Tamara’s son was diagnosed with a very rare cancer, leading her to experience the overwhelming financial and emotional strain of seeking specialized treatment - led to the creation of the Tillsonburg Running with the Bulls 5k and 10k race, which rallies the community for an amazing cause. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or someone who, like Tamara, started by walking 800 meters on a local track, this episode is a testament to gratitude, resilience, and the power of the Ontario running community. Learn more about Tamara at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 229: Adam McEachern, Autism Heroes - An Ultra-Road Trip for Neurodiversity
06/18/2026
EP 229: Adam McEachern, Autism Heroes - An Ultra-Road Trip for Neurodiversity
In this powerful episode of the AO Running Podcast, we sit down with York Regional Police Constable Adam McEachern fresh off his grueling, Autism Heroes Road Trip 2026 - an endurance journey that took him all the way from Windsor Police Headquarters to the Terry Fox statue in Ottawa. Covering 50 to 70 kilometres a day by running and biking, Adam was testing his physical limits and helpnig build a more inclusive world for neurodiverse individuals. Adam shares the deeply personal story behind his advocacy, inspired by his two neurodiverse sons, Caleb and Jensen. We dive into the grit required to transition from extreme 24-hour fitness challenges (like a 34-mile "Murph" challenge) to a massive province-wide cross-country trek. Learn more about Adam at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 228: Selene Mallone, Undisputed Canadian Queen of the Ultras
06/11/2026
EP 228: Selene Mallone, Undisputed Canadian Queen of the Ultras
Meet Selene Mallone, the record-breaking ultra runner taking the Canadian scene by storm. Fresh off a course record at the Arizona Monster 300 and a win at the 2025 Divide 200, Selene discusses her ambitious "Project Double Double": tackling the Ribbon 200 and SOO 200 on this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. She opens up about her evolution from powerlifting to elite trail running, detailing how she overcame disordered eating by fueling with high-density "real food" like pizza! Selene shares raw insights on mental grit, managing imposter syndrome, and her exciting new partnerships in the running community. Learn more about Selene at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 227: Sarah Hubbell, River Rats Run Club - No Person Left Behind
06/04/2026
EP 227: Sarah Hubbell, River Rats Run Club - No Person Left Behind
In this high-energy episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we dive into Ontario’s best-named crew: The River Rats Run Club! Founder Sarah Hubbell joins us to reveal how Cambridge flipped a cheeky reputation into a thriving, unstoppable community. Inside the Episode: - The "Cheeky" Origin: How the Grand and Speed Rivers birthed a legendary name. - Motherhood & Mileage: Stroller-running hacks (snacks are magic!) and running as a mental health savior. - Aggressively Inclusive: From walkers to sub-4-minute speedsters, no person is ever left behind. - Local Love & Trails: Epic brewery partnerships and the ultimate guide to Cambridge dirt. Discover a running family where community always beats pace. Learn more about River Rats at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 226: Ryan Garcia, North Bay Running Club - Movement is Medicine
05/28/2026
EP 226: Ryan Garcia, North Bay Running Club - Movement is Medicine
Step into the shoes of Ryan Garcia, a North Bay chiropractor who turned a childhood battle with leukemia into a relentless drive for the marathon finish line. This is a deep dive into the raw grit required to overcome the ultimate stakes and the community spirit fueling the Northern Ontario running scene. Ryan provides insights into the North Bay Movement, his leadership in the North Bay Running Club and his mission to build elite, inclusive athletic hubs outside of Canada's major metros. His new mission for 2026? Ryan reveals why he’s stepping away from chasing personal bests to serve as the ultimate pacer, guiding his father toward a career-defining sub-five-hour marathon. This episode captures the heart of the Canadian running community, where personal triumph meets collective growth. Ryan Garcia proves that while speed is earned, the true value of the sport lies in the strength of the bonds we build along the way. Learn more about Ryan at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 225: Lily Wu, Dino Run - Creating Joyous Memories of Running
05/21/2026
EP 225: Lily Wu, Dino Run - Creating Joyous Memories of Running
Ever wonder what happens when a runner decides to make fitness fun for the whole family? Meet Lily Wu, the visionary behind Dino Run, an Ontario racing series where kids trade boring laps for immersive dinosaur chases and interactive medals. In this high-energy episode, Lily reveals how she scaled a simple family idea into a province-wide movement while sharing her in-the-trenches secrets for balancing elite training with the beautiful chaos of parenthood. Dino Run is a mission to foster lifelong health by creating joyful athletic memories that last a lifetime. Grab your sneakers—it’s time to roar! Learn more about Dino Run at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 224: Stephen Bierbrier, Arboretum Hill Club Fitness 4 Everyone Forever
05/14/2026
EP 224: Stephen Bierbrier, Arboretum Hill Club Fitness 4 Everyone Forever
Running is often pictured as a solitary pursuit—just one person, their shoes, and the open road. But Steven Bierbrier is here to flip that narrative on its head. In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we explore Steven’s evolution from a solo athlete to a central figure in the Ottawa fitness scene as the founder of the Arboretum Hill Club. Since 2018, Steven has been rallying a community built on the pillars of radical accessibility and a start time so specific it’s impossible to forget. Steven peels back the curtain on why he believes fitness belongs to everyone, offering a roadmap for newcomers to find a local crew that matches their unique pace, geography, and social vibe. We also get an inside look at the electric energy of Ottawa Race Weekend, a premier event that transforms the capital into a global hub for the running community. Beyond the logistics of pace and distance, this conversation is a deep dive into the vital mental health benefits of getting outside and the undeniable power of simple consistency. Whether he’s advocating for inclusive movement or sharing his latest passion for the unpredictable magic of trail running, Steven’s insights are a powerful reminder that the best view is often found when you stop running alone. If you've been looking for a reason to lace up and find your tribe, this is the episode for you. Learn more about Stephen at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 223: Brian Beckstead, ALTRA Co-Founder - Bringing their Soul to Sulphur Springs
05/07/2026
EP 223: Brian Beckstead, ALTRA Co-Founder - Bringing their Soul to Sulphur Springs
Fifteen years ago, Brian Beckstead and his co-founders ignited a footwear revolution by proving that standard shoes were working against the human body. By engineering the game-changing zero-drop platform and signature wide toe box, they returned running to its natural roots and launched the global powerhouse known as Altra. In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, host John Shep and Brian break down the brand’s relentless entrepreneurial spirit and its deep commitment to the trails, highlighted by Altra’s massive new lead sponsorship of Ontario's own Sulphur Springs Trail Race. Brian shares the strategy behind their intentional growth across Canada and their mission to keep the sport accessible for the next generation of athletes. From hacking shoes at a kitchen table to dominating the road and trail markets, Beckstead’s journey is a masterclass in community-first leadership. This is a high-energy look at a brand that refuses to settle, proving that when you prioritize solving problems over chasing profits, you change the industry forever. And don't forget to check out John's current project Learn more about ALTRA at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 222: Sasha Wolff, Still I Run - Redefining Running for Mental Health
04/30/2026
EP 222: Sasha Wolff, Still I Run - Redefining Running for Mental Health
In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we’re joined by Sasha Wolff, the powerhouse founder of the non-profit Still I Run. Sasha’s journey didn’t start at a starting line; it started in a hospital bed in 2011 during a battle with clinical depression. It was there she discovered that while therapy and medication were vital, movement was the missing piece of her recovery puzzle. This realization eventually transformed from a personal lifeline into Still I Run, a non-profit organization dedicated to the intersection of mental health and distance running. The organization now serves as a digital sanctuary that dismantles the "elite athlete" archetype, welcoming participants of all backgrounds and abilities. Through initiatives like the May mental health run streak—a 31-mile challenge at any pace—Wolff prioritizes consistency over intensity. By shifting the focus away from performance metrics, she reframes running as a practice of grace and healing where every mile is a victory for mental clarity. So much to gain from this episode! And make sure to check out John's current project, Learn more about Still I Run at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 221: Jessica Halsall, Ottawa's Power Mom - Running for CHEO with the Desjardins Charity Challenge
04/23/2026
EP 221: Jessica Halsall, Ottawa's Power Mom - Running for CHEO with the Desjardins Charity Challenge
What fuels the miles when the finish line is only half the story? This week on the AO Running Podcast, we’re joined by Jessica Halsall - mom of two, Badass Lady Gang lead, and member of Otto’s Ottawa Power Crew - to discuss her Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon journey. A runner and fitness instructor, she is turning her strides at Ottawa Race Weekend into support for the CHEO Neonatal Intensive Care Unit via the Desjardins Charity Challenge. Jessica gets real about the journey from her son's birth to reclaiming her athleticism. We dive into the non-negotiables of postpartum training - including the vital role of pelvic floor physical therapy - and how she’s building a more inclusive running culture through her leadership with the Badass Lady Gang. From tactical tips for conquering the Ottawa Marathon course to her favorite local haunts for a post-race celebration, Jessica offers a masterclass in running with heart and purpose. Learn more about Jessica at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 220: Andrew Tsang - Running for Campfire Circle
04/16/2026
EP 220: Andrew Tsang - Running for Campfire Circle
In this episode, we dive into Andrew Tsang's massive undertaking: a 260+ KM relay journey from Toronto to Muskoka in support of Campfire Circle. This incredible organization provides life-changing camp experiences for children impacted by cancer, offering them a chance to heal through play and joy—even while receiving treatment on-site. As someone who has personally felt the impact of cancer within his own family, having lost his dad after a very short battle with CNS Lymphoma, this mission is deeply personal for Andrew. We explore the logistics and "why" behind the 260km trek to Muskoka, along with his pivotal place in the running community through Stouffville Run Crew, Markville Run Crew and Lululemon, which is why he has a team (including your humble host John Shep!) running with him. Give Back and Win: every donation made between now and the Sporting Life 10K enters you into a draw for amazing prizes from Lululemon and other event partners! Donate at: Learn more about Andrew at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 219: Julian Compton, Move for Change - Turning Every Step into Real Change
04/09/2026
EP 219: Julian Compton, Move for Change - Turning Every Step into Real Change
In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Julian Compton, endurance athlete and founder of Move for Change. Julian explains how he uses physical fitness as a powerful vehicle for social advocacy and youth empowerment. We hear how Julian launched Move for Change in 2020 to support BIPOC youth and dismantle systemic barriers in the GTA. Through his organization, Julian has raised significant funds for youth-focused charities and community infrastructure projects, such as rebuilding a high school track, over the last six years. The conversation also highlights the deep connection between endurance sports and personal growth, emphasizing how running serves as a tool for community building and positive parenting. How can the running community drive real-world progress and create more inclusive spaces for the next generation? Find out in this episode: it’s about collective progress. Learn how moving with purpose can change lives, one kilometer at a time. Learn more about Julian at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 218: Sergio Raez Villanueva - Crushing 50k for Canada at 2026 World Championships
04/02/2026
EP 218: Sergio Raez Villanueva - Crushing 50k for Canada at 2026 World Championships
What happens when you trade a tennis racket in Peru for the grueling Canadian ultramarathon circuit? In this episode, we sit down with Sergio Raez Villanueva, an elite long-distance runner whose "gutsy" racing style recently took him all the way to India to represent Canada at the 50K World Championships. Sergio opens up about his profound transition from a Peruvian immigrant to a national-level athlete, revealing how he used running as a meditative lifeline to navigate the hurdles of a new life. We trace his evolution from the fast-paced world of collegiate cross country to the grit of high-level ultras, exploring how he manages to balance a demanding full-time career with an intensity that sees him tackling the Ottawa 10K and marathon in a single weekend. Sergio shares the mindset behind his upcoming "go big or go home" season—which includes his daunting first attempt at a 100-mile trail race at Sulphur Springs 2026—while reminding us that even in a solitary sport, it is the pulse of the community and a deep sense of cultural pride that truly fuels his fire. Learn more about Sergio at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 217: Neil McKay, London Children’s Hospital - Finding Purpose Through Persistence
03/26/2026
EP 217: Neil McKay, London Children’s Hospital - Finding Purpose Through Persistence
How do you turn grief into a movement? This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features Neil McKay, founder of Persistence Racing, marking five years of resilience in London, Ontario. We explore the launch of Fox Stride, a unique "double dash" track event, and the deeply personal motivation behind Neil's mission. After navigating family tragedy and recovery, Neil’s experiences with the London Children’s Hospital inspired his London 100—a 100km solo challenge to raise $5,000 for pediatric care. It’s a powerful look at finding purpose through pain and the profound impact of running for something bigger than yourself. Learn more about Neil at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 216: Jadyn Keeler, CTFL Athlete - Scientific Precision + Athletic Grit = A Formula for Success
03/19/2026
EP 216: Jadyn Keeler, CTFL Athlete - Scientific Precision + Athletic Grit = A Formula for Success
Find out about one of Canada’s most promising distance runners! This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we’re joined by Jadyn Keeler, the University of North Dakota standout and Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) athlete currently shattering records in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Jadyn joins us to discuss her unconventional path to the NCAA, her independent recruitment hustle, and the reality of being an international student navigating NIL endorsements. But it’s not all track—Jadyn also dives into her demanding double major in Molecular Biology and Geography, explaining how she balances high-level scientific research with an elite training schedule. Highlights include: - The Pivot: Transitioning from the rink to elite track and field. - Technical Talk: A deep dive into the "double threshold" training method. - Olympic Dreams: Her roadmap to representing Team Canada at LA 2028. - Longevity: Essential advice for young athletes on consistency and health. Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, or a fan of the sport, Jadyn's story of scientific precision and athletic grit is a must-listen. Learn more about CTFL at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 215: Canadian Track and Field League Panel - A New Era for Canadian Track
03/12/2026
EP 215: Canadian Track and Field League Panel - A New Era for Canadian Track
What is the future of Canadian athletics? The Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) is rewriting the script. In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Teschuk, Sam Kenahan, Matthew Lozano, and Saed Griffith to discuss how a unique team-based structure is building a sustainable home for track and field talent in Canada. Episode Highlights: - From Roots to Results: The guys share stories of early inspirations—from childhood soccer to being coached by their fathers—and how those roots fuel their current Olympic and marathon aspirations. - The CTFL Blueprint: Why a team-centric format is the "secret sauce" for keeping the competitive fire alive after graduation. - The Mental Grind: A candid look at the resilience needed to bounce back from long-term injuries and the importance of a solid coach-athlete bond. - Community First: Discover the professional opportunities and community-driven culture defining this emerging era of Canadian track. Whether you're chasing a personal best or curious about the domestic circuit, this conversation offers a front-row seat to the future of the sport. Learn more about CTFL at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 214: Lindsay Housman, Founder and CEO of Hettas - Engineering the Female Stride
03/05/2026
EP 214: Lindsay Housman, Founder and CEO of Hettas - Engineering the Female Stride
For International Women’s Day, we’re burning the "shrink it and pink it" playbook. This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, Lindsay Housman, Founder and CEO of Hettas, joins us to explain why your running shoes have a gender problem. A woman’s foot isn’t just a smaller version of a man’s—so why is the industry still treating it like one? We’re diving deep into the biological grit: how hormones impact your ligaments, why your stride mechanics are unique, and how Hettas is using independent research to prevent the injuries the big brands ignore. From funding biomechanical studies to championing the women’s decathlon movement, Lindsay is proving that gender-specific data isn't just a ""nice to have""—it’s the key to performance and equity. Stop squeezing into a design that wasn't made for you and start running in a brand that actually knows your name. Learn more about Hettas at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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EP 213: Selina & Helga of ScarboroRuns - Scarborough's Heartbeat: Celebrating Two Years of ScarboroRuns
02/26/2026
EP 213: Selina & Helga of ScarboroRuns - Scarborough's Heartbeat: Celebrating Two Years of ScarboroRuns
"We didn't just want a run club; we wanted a support system for Scarborough." What happens when two runners realize their neighborhood is missing a heartbeat? They build one themselves. In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Selina and Helga, the visionary co-founders of Scarbororuns, to celebrate a major milestone: their second anniversary. What started as a chance meeting while training at Thompson Park has evolved into a movement. Selina and Helga share the "origin story" of Scarbororuns, detailing how they identified a gap in the Scarborough fitness scene and decided to fill it—one stride at a time. What’s Inside the Episode: - From Solo to Social: How a cold winter meetup transformed into a thriving community hub. - The "Sunday Service": A look inside their weekly schedule and why these sessions are about more than just mileage. - Inclusivity & Leadership: Why social health and local representation are at the core of everything they do. - The Road Ahead: A sneak peek into their future goals, from charitable initiatives to expanding their footprint across the community. Whether you’re a marathoner or someone looking to take your first step, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how a shared passion for fitness can foster deep resilience and lasting connection. Learn more about Helga and Selina at: Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout):
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