Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

With Pride month coming to a close, we have Run Beyond the Binary founder Jake Fedorowski on this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast. They share their running story along with what races, run crews and federations can do to support non-binary and 2SLGBTQ+ runners throughout the year. Connect with Jake on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jakefedorowski Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/

We run with PRIDE at Athletics Ontario and this week on the Trillium Running Podcast, we celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies with Gabriel Jarquin, co-president of the Pride and Remembrance Association. His story and path to running is inspirational and we dive deep into his devotion to the sport and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Connect with Gabriel on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/gabrieljarquin/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/

We have Chris Johnston, TSN Hockey Insider to talk about... running? Yes!!! The Stanley Cup Playoffs are all wrapped up and Chris Johnston is joining us on the Trillium Running Podcast to chat about his relationship to running and an over 1300 day running streak. Connect with Chris on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/reporterchris/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/ Thank you to WealthSense https://wealthsense.ca/ and Marsquest https://www.marsquest.com/ for their support of Athletics Ontario.

Time to sit under Krista Duchene's learning tree! The 2016 Olympian, podium finisher at the Boston Marathon and former Canadian champion in both the half and full marathon distances brings her lessons from an elite career to the Trillium Running Podcast. Connect with Krista on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kristaduchene/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/ Thank you to WealthSense https://wealthsense.ca/ and Marsquest https://www.marsquest.com/ for their support of Athletics Ontario.

Food, glorious food! On this episode of the Trillium Running Podcast, we treat ourselves to an appetizing conversation with Chuck Ortiz, founder of Food Runners Toronto. Listen to find out how the Food Runners infuse running to support the physical and mental well-being of those in the hospitality industry. Connect with the Food Runners on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodrunners_/?hl=en Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/

The second-ever World Mountain and Trail Running Championships will be held in Innsbruck-Stubai, Austria from June 6-10, 2023 and on this episode of the Trillium Running Podcast, we have one of the representatives from Team Canada, Kerri Labrecque. Kerri is a runner, mother of 2 daughters, nature lover and dietitian, who shares her thoughtful and elegant approach to running and the trails. Connect with Kerri on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/runningtrailsbykerri/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/

Brian Bondy wanted to know what running for over 48 hours felt like! So the ultrarunner, who also represented Team Canada at the 2022 Big Dog's Backyard Ultra National Championships, tested himself at the 2023 Cocodona 250 mile run in Arizona. He's here on the Trillium Running Podcast to tell us his tale! Connect with Brian online at: https://brianbondy.com/ Check out FAwR (First Annual weUltra Run): https://www.facebook.com/groups/654060825099521/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/

All around the world, Kevin MacKinnon is the voice of endurance sports, in digital media, in coaches' corner and in the announcer's booth. What makes the man behind the microphone, whose 30 year career has included being the Editor in Chief of Ironman, the founding editor of Triathlon Magazine Canada and the VOICE of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon? We find out this week on the Trillium Running Podcast. Find out all about Kevin on his website: http://www.mackatak.net/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/

What can we learn from one of the most impressive first years in the world of 100 milers? We find out from Marianne Hogan, ultrarunner and coach, who made the podium at both the 2022 Western States Endurance Run and Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc. She smiled, she learned, she grew, and she is gearing up for an impassioned future in the sport. Find out what Marianne is up to on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannehogan_/?hl=en Register to be an Athletics Ontario member (for amazing race discounts!): https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/ Register for the Sulphur Springs Trail Race: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/60629/sulphur-springs-trail-race-2023

His full title is Event Supervisor for Happy Trails Racing, but informally, Byron Guptill is THE supporter of the sport of running and the people in it. On this episode of the Trillium Running Podcast, he shares his over ten year ultrarunning journey, crewing and pacing experiences (including for 200 milers) and quite a few laughs. Connect with Byron on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/byronguptill/?hl=en Volunteer for Happy Trails Racing at: https://www.happytrailsracing.com/volunteers Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsontario.ca/2022-ao-membership-registration/

Bart Yasso, the Mayor of Running, the retired Runner's World Chief Running Officer and the creator of the "Yasso 800's," was an absolute treasure to have on the Trillium Running Podcast. He joins us this week to chat about the runs he's taken and the paths he's crossed, reflecting on the people and places he loves in the world of running. Find Bart Yasso online at: https://www.bartyasso.com/ Connect with Bart on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/bartyasso/?hl=en

From racing in the legendary streets of Boston to the frozen and chilly Antarctic, Matt West of DMSE Sports has given runners all over the globe the opportunity to fulfill their running dreams. On this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast, we learn from his experiences, his passions and his desire to see the running industry thrive. Find out more about Matt West and DMSE Sports at: https://www.dmsesports.com/

In Part Two of our discussion with Sabrina Pace-Humphries, co-founder of UK's Black Trail Runners, we learn about the reasons behind the Black Trail Runners movement, the positive impact they are having on the UK trail racing scene, and what we in Ontario can learn about championing diversity and inclusion in our wonderful sport. Find Sabrina on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sabrunsmiles/?hl=en Find out more about Black Trail Runners: https://www.instagram.com/blacktrailrunners/?hl=en Link to her book, Black Sheep: A Story of Rural Racism, Identity and Hope: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1529418569/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1

Get ready for a great one. Sabrina Pace-Humphries is an ultrarunner, a force for diversity and inclusion, author, and co-founder of UK's Black Trail Runners. Listen to her inspiring story of life, recovery and running in some of the world's toughest ultramarathons in part one of our interview on this week's edition of the Trillium Running Podcast. Find Sabrina on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sabrunsmiles/?hl=en Find out more about Black Trail Runners: https://www.instagram.com/blacktrailrunners/?hl=en Link to her book, Black Sheep: A Story of Rural Racism, Identity and Hope: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1529418569/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1

Kevin Coffey is inspiration and perseverence personified. This week on the Trillium Running Podcast, host John Shep speaks with professional coach and runner, survivor of a brutal Traumatic Brain Injury, who became 2022 Male Winner of the Around the Bay 30k. Find out all about Kevin on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/coffeyrunner/

Rising costs, construction, post-pandemic recovery - all of these are impacting the landscape of local marathons in Ontario. Kerry Gillespie is a sports reporter for the Toronto Star, who wrote an extremely insightful article on this exact topic and she is here on this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast to discuss! Link to the article: https://www.thestar.com/sports/2023/01/14/how-the-landscape-of-local-marathons-is-changing-as-organizers-run-out-of-options.html

We made it! Host John Shep and the Tailgate Night Runners (Byron, Louis, Ken, Chris and Jeff) stumbled to the finish line of the Chilly Half Marathon to cap off their 2023 Goggins Challenge (run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours) in support of the Maddie Project. Hear about our adventures and the power of community to raise awareness for mental health and support the North York General Hospital. To donate to the Maddie Project: https://fundraisefornygh.ca/ui/PushYourLimits/p/jshep To find out more about the Tailgate Night Runners: https://www.instagram.com/tailgatenightrunners/

The Around the Bay Road Race is a unique distance, a unique race and has a unique history. 129 years and going strong, host John Shep speaks with Race Director Anna Lewis about her passion for this iconic Ontario race and how it is all about relationships and community. Register for the race and find out more at: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/62896/around-the-bay-road-race-2023 Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayracerun/

Hear about us gearing up for the 2023 Push Your Limits Goggins Challenge with The Maddie Project on the Trillium Running Podcast. We chat with founder Nicole German, Emma Dolphin of Aethos and runner Chris Albion about the power of running to raise (and raise awareness for) mental health and to support the North York General Hospital. Donate to NYGH Push Your Limits for host John Shep: https://fundraisefornygh.ca/ui/PushYourLimits/p/jshep Find out more about the Maddie Project: https://www.instagram.com/maddie_project/ Find out more about Team Aethos: https://www.aethos.ca/

Dr. Heather Wheeler, Ph.D., C.Psych. is the Mental Health Practitioner at the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario where she is leading the Mental Health Strategy. She is the Mental Health Lead for Athletics Canada and the Mental Health Practitioner for Swimming Canada in the Ontario High Performance Centre. On the Trillium Running Podcast, we learn about how elite runners prioritize their mental health and what we everyday runners can learn from that wisdom. Find out more on Dr. Wheeler's website: http://www.drheatherwheeler.com/

Ontario Ultrarunner Reid Burrows is ready to tackle Black Canyon 100k (February 18 in Arizona), just as he has tackled mental health challenges throughout his athletic career. This week on the Trillium Running Podcast, he and host John Shep speak candidly about the dark times and everything that brings us light, from the running community to sleep to speaking out about mental health and well-being. Find out more about Reid on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidburrows/

Our passion for running extends beyond what it gives our physical health, so we are taking the month of February to talk about its importance for mental health. This week on the Trillium Running Podcast, we speak with Robert Stewart, author of "The Running-Shaped Hole," about how running saved his life and how it makes all of our lives and our relationships better. Find Robert Earl Stewart on IG: https://www.instagram.com/robertearlstewart/?hl=en

It's our one year anniversary! We celebrate by wrapping up our Race Director 101 series on the Trillium Running Podcast an amazing panel from the 2023 Athletics Ontario Race Director Summit. Listen as RunOttawa's Ian Fraser, Canada Running Series' Charlotte Brookes and DMSE CEO Matt West share their years of experience with the attendees at our January conference, moderated by the incomparable Steve Fleck and Trillium Running Podcast host John Shep. For more information about the Race Director Summit, check out: https://athleticsontario.ca/road-trail-running/2023-race-director-summit/ Find Canada Running Series on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runcrs/ Find DMSE and Matt West on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmsesports/ Find RunOttawa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runottawa/

We continue our Race Director 101 series on the Trillium Running Podcast with the ever gracious and knowledgable Kevin Jones of Odyssey Medical (who donated their services to last Fall's Trillium Running Festival - thank you!). We learn that they are not just first aid, but provide a whole host of services to race directors including production safety and planning that ensure the running community continues... running! And keep an ear out for a special appearance by our friend Joanne Richter from The Second Wedge Brewing Co., sponsors of the Athletics Ontario Race Director Summit and the Trillium Running Festival. Connect with Odyssey Medical at: https://www.instagram.com/odysseymedical/?hl=en Check out The Second Wedge Brewing Co. online: https://thesecondwedge.ca/ Check out The Second Wedge Brewing Co. on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesecondwedge/?hl=en

Following last Fall's Trillium Running Festival (our very own trail run in Uxbridge, ON!), we realized there are 101 things that we would love to know more about putting on our own run! We start our Race Director 101 series with Dana Bee from Chiptime Results to continue our learning and chat about embracing the running community. Find Chiptime Results online at: https://chiptimeresults.com/ Check Athletics Ontario on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/athleticsont/

The older we get, the more immersed in the nitty gritty of running, the more we forget the joy. We sometimes forget the connection that running gives us to community and to the ones we love. 11-year-old Sawyer Nicholson (joined by her father Levi), winner of the 5K at the 2022 Niagara Falls International Marathon and 2022 Oasis Zoo Run, shows us that joy on this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast. We could all serve to make as a new year's resolution, to seek out and remind ourselves about the joy of our sport of running. Check out Sawyer Nicholson online: https://www.instagram.com/sawyer_nicholson_2011/?hl=en

Hope, love, joy and resilience. The story of George Biondic, author of the SEARCH: Adventures of a Restless Soul, is a story of these and more. Host John Shep speaks with the author about immigrating to Canada, falling in love, and taking his running to Canadian national 24 hour team and ultrarunning age-group records. Reach out to the author by email: [email protected]

We came across an amazing pairing for our holidays: the Trillium Running Podcast and the Running Book Reviews Podcast! We have Alan and Liz join our host John Shep to continue our December talks about the books we love. What should you read next? We will give you tons of ideas, including Matt Fitzgerald, Kim's Convenience, Alex Hutchinson, Adharanand Finn and Hilary Allen. Check out their podcast at: https://runningbookreviews.buzzsprout.com/ And Running Book Reviews on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningbookreviews/

Bruce Kidd is a Canadian athletics legend: a two-time British Empire and Commonwealth Games medalist and Olympian at the 1964 Tokyo games, along with being a 2x member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame. On the Trillium Running Podcast, we speak with him about his book, A Runner's Journey, and importantly, the drive for equity and inclusivity that made him an Officer of the Order of Canada for having "devoted his life to eradicating sexism and racism in sporting communities around the world". Dive deep on this Canadian legend online: https://olympic.ca/team-canada/bruce-kidd/

Let's talk about books! All December we are talking about books on the Trillium Running Podcast and we start with a double dose. First, Dr. Sasha Gollish and iRun's Ben Kaplan introduce us to the "Sasha's Stories" book club and we nerd out about the books we love. Then, we bring back RD and Race Consultant Michael Brennan to talk about his book, RUN? I Can't Even Jog My Memory. Link to Sasha's Stories: https://www.irun.ca/index.php/welcome-to-sashas-story-the-sasha-gollish-book-club-for-irun/ Link to Michael Brennan's book: https://www.amazon.ca/Cant-Even-Memory-how-run/dp/1777737508/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FA28UPRAZZME&keywords=run+michael+brennan&qid=1670427311&sprefix=run+michael+brennan%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

Ultrarunner = check. Coach = double check. Wealth of running wisdom and passion = triple check! On this week's episode, Michelle Leduc and host John Shep speak about the passions of the running community, the importance of fun in coaching and how to be a lifelong, injury-free runner. Michelle Leduc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.duker/ Michelle Leduc Website: https://michelleleducrmt.ca/

#RunTOMTL is an annual Fall epic ultra-relay from Toronto to Montreal, raising charitable funds and helping runners learn more about pushing their limits. On this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast, we speak with the run's brainchild, Darren Weldrick, a strength, conditioning and running coach, about the inspiriation behind the run and the inspiring stories that emerge every year. Find Darren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weldrickdarren/ Find out more about #RunTOMTL: https://runtomtl.com/

Coaches change lives. Coaches save lives. Eric McLoughlin of Coaches Association of Ontario and SafeSport joins John Shep on the Trillium Running Podcast to discuss how coaches can positively influence change and build community in their athletes and teams, from the everyday to high performance. His passion and charisma for coaching speak volumes as we dive into how to reach those athletes we are not already reaching. Find out more about the Coaches Association of Ontario on their website: https://www.coachesontario.ca/

We never cease to be amazed at the accomplishments of amazing female runners in Ontario. This week on the Trillium Running Podcast, we have Amanda Nelson, Canadian record holder in both the 12 hour and 100 mile distance, who just represented the Canadian National Team at the 2022 World Backyard Ultra Championships. What is her superpower? We find out how she was able to outrun all other female competitors by completing 55 loops (one loop per hour = 55 hours!) and running 375.76 km. Check her out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_nelson/

Benny Ralston has a story and shoe for every run, including how running saved his life. Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation on the Trillium Running Podcast about paying this love of running forward through his coaching and operating of the Runners' Edge in St. Catharines, Ontario. Check out Runners' Edge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runners_edgestc For more information about Athletics Ontario's CLUBS: https://athleticsontario.ca/clubs/ STAFF: https://athleticsontario.ca/about/staff/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/athleticsont/

Meet Olympian and Boston New Balance athlete Julie-Anne Staehli on this week's edition of the Trillium Running Podcast. With host John Shep, Julie-Anne speaks about her growth as an athlete, overcoming injuries and athletic struggles and how her journey brought her to win the 2022 5K Canadian Championships. Check her out on Instagram and her website: https://www.jastaehli.com/

Dr. Trent Stellingwerff is the Director of Performance Solutions / Applied Sport Research at the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. Most importantly, he is a great guest bringing his sport nutrition and running physiology expertise to this week's Trillium Running Podcast! He speaks with host John Shep about his research, the running experiences of those at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). Find out more about Trent Stellingwerff on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TStellingwerff Register NOW for the Trillium Running Festival on October 29: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/64520/trillium-running-festival

Cory Freedman developed the Toronto Women's Run Series to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for female runners. We celebrate her and that ideal on this week's edition of the Trillium Running Podcast and dive deep into what the future of diversity and inclusion in the run space could look like. Check out Cory on her website: https://www.maxvo2inc.com/ Learn more about Toronto Women's Run Series on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towomens_runs/?hl=en Register NOW for the Trillium Running Festival: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/64520/trillium-running-festival

Harvey Mitro is synonymous with Ontario running, so much so that he wrote a book about it! This week on the Trillium Running Podcast, Harvey and host John Shep speak about Taking Life in Stride, his book of stories about relationships, athletics, training, dogs and the lives he has touched as a lifelong runner. Find out more about Harvey Mitro on his website: https://takinglifeinstride.ca/ Register NOW for the Trillium Running Festival: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/64520/trillium-running-festival

"I run, but I am not a runner" - Kristen Chalmers, running coach and owner of Soul Runners, and our host John Shep dissect this concept and how runners of all abiliites can embrace their identity as a RUNNER. It also is a chance to meet a wonderful, community-focused coach who embraces her identity as a business owner, coach and RUNNER. Find her online and on Instagram. Register NOW for the Trillium Running Festival: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/64520/trillium-running-festival

Trent University lent the Trillium Running Podcast one of their up-and-coming graduate students, Eric Samtleben, to discuss the power of emotional intelligence and resilience in running performance. Eric and host John Shep discuss his personal running story (it's a doozy!) and how it led him into his current research areas. There is tons to learn from his personal stories and his research, along with him being a runner with Autism. Samtleben, E. (2022). Ultra-Running, the Upcoming Sport of the Endurance World. Journal of Multidisciplinary Research at Trent, 3(1), 138-154. Register NOW for the Trillium Running Festival. We invite you to the Trail Hub in Uxbridge, Ontario, for a running event on October 29. We have set out a 4-ish km course for our members (it is a trail run after all!) and come join us for one loop or see how many loops you can do in 2 hours or 4 hours. This is not a chip-timed event, so bring your shoes and your smiles. This will be an inclusive, fun, non-competitive, and low-cost event!

Enjoy our Q&A with Sierra and Kyle from JM Nutrition on this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast. We explore nutrition for 5k, 10k, marathon and ultrarunners, along with specific considerations for salty runners, masters athletes and vegans like host John Shep! Check them out on Instagram or their website. Register NOW for the Trillium Running Festival. We invite you to the Trail Hub in Uxbridge, Ontario, for a running event on October 29. We have set out a 4-ish km course for our members (it is a trail run after all!) and come join us for one loop or see how many loops you can do in 2 hours or 4 hours. This is not a chip-timed event, so bring your shoes and your smiles. This will be an inclusive, fun, non-competitive, and low-cost event!

Chris Balenstrini is one of the best up and coming trail and mountain athletes that London, Ontario and Canada has to offer. His life is full with love, medical school, running and coaching. Find out what makes him tick on this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast. Find Chris Balenstrini on Instagram. Register NOW for the Trillium Running Festival. We invite you to the Trail Hub in Uxbridge, Ontario, for a running event on October 29. We have set out a 4-ish km course for our members (it is a trail run after all!) and come join us for one loop or see how many loops you can do in 2 hours or 4 hours. This is not a chip-timed event, so bring your shoes and your smiles. This will be an inclusive, fun, non-competitive, and low-cost event!

We are overjoyed to highlight the wonderful Andrea Haefale, who is promoting the running community for those of all abilities through her efforts as an educator, advocate and most of all, parent, as the Mom Behind the Label. We discuss her work with the Canada Running Series, OPHEA and Holland Bloorview Hospital, along with what we all can do to live healthy and active lives. Find Andrea on her website Mom Behind the Label or her Instagram.

Living a thoughtful life as a high performance coach, engineer and athlete - that is Dr. Sasha Gollish, world masters record holder. On the Trillium Running Podcast with host John Shep, we learn about the head, heart and body elements that keep her passionate and achieving on the road and track. Find her on Instagram or her website.

What do you do when the pandemic got you down? Start a race company of course! This week on the Trillium Running Podcast, host John Shep speaks with Persistence Racing Race Director Neil McKay about just that(!), and about what inspires him to run and race direct. We recap his second race, London's Persistence Backyard Ultra, which saw a running battle between Canadian 100 Mile Record holder Amanda Nelson, ultrarunner Brian Bondy and former podcast guest Viktoria Brown. Find Persistence Racing on Facebook and Instagram.

We did a thing! Our host John Shep is an official 100 Mile Finisher! Join him and Happy Trails Racing Race Director Jeff Rowthorn as they recap the Tally in the Valley races, appreciate the people that made this all possible and share in learnings that can be applied to any race distance. Happy Trails Racing: https://www.happytrailsracing.com/

Kelly Foss is the Race Director and Director of Events for the Constantine Yorkville Run, which over 12 years has raised over $3.8 million for 30+ local Toronto charities. On the Trillium Running Podcast, we speak to her about the September 11, 2022 event, the wonderful charities that it supports and what it takes to run a life with intention. Register for the Constantine Yorkville Run 5K: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/55043/2022-constantine-yorkville-run Get 15% off your registration by using the promo code: TRP2022 Contact Kelly directly at [email protected] or on Instagram @cwkellyfoss @millennialminimalists Follow the Constantine Yorkville Run on Instagram @yorkvillerun

The 2022 Commonwealth Games are upon us and to celebrate, we invite flagbearer Josh Cassidy to the Trillium Running Podcast. The 3x Paralympian and 31-time Canadian Champion speaks about the importance of resilience and lifelong learning to be successful in sport for 20 years. We also riff on the sport of wheelchair athletics and how we can promote the sport in an inclusive and destigmatizing way.

The Runners Shop is Canada's oldest running specialty store and on the Trillium Running Podcast, we interview owner Lynn Bourque who proves why they are your friendly neighbourhood shoe experts. Our wide-ranging conversation runs past shoe trends and carbon shoes, inclusive running for all abilities, genders and ages, and why serving with empathy and compassion extend beyond the jobs we do.