Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

In this episode of the AO Running Podcast, we sit down with Lawrence Colsell, co-founder of Montreal-based XACT Nutrition. Lawrence shares how a search for better-tasting trail fuel led his family to launch a sports nutrition brand inspired by a 450-year-old French pâte de fruit recipe - turning endurance nutrition into dessert-worthy, 100-calorie energy bars. From product design and grassroots race-day activations to building a vibrant running community, Lawrence reflects on a decade of entrepreneurship, brand building, and his personal journey from casual runner to ultramarathoner. Learn more about XACT at: https://www.instagram.com/xactnutrition Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Register for the XACT Launch at the Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/xact-nutritions-hamilton-road2hope-marathon-launch-party-at-the-zoetic-tickets-2002069661251?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join John Shep of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as he explores the vibrant running community of Hamilton with guests Dan Pauls and Michelle Greenspoon as they share the 30-year family story behind Runner's Den, tracing its origins from a small storefront opened in 1996 to its recent expansion into downtown Burlington. The conversation dives into the history of the Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope, starting from its beginnings in 1999 as a 5K/10K charity run for Haiti to becoming one of Canada's premier, fast Boston-qualifying marathons. Dan and Michelle reflect on their recent 30th-anniversary waterfront celebration that brought out 300 runners, share takeaways from their fact-finding trip shadowing race directors at the Montreal Marathon, and reveal a major announcement: Hamilton hosting the 2027 Canadian 5K National Championships! Learn more about Michelle and Dan at: https://www.instagram.com/runners_den Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

What does running 100 miles teach you about driving real-world change? In this episode, Soles4Souls CEO Buddy Teaster reveals how the grit of ultramarathon running helped him revive a struggling non-profit and build a global force for good. Buddy shares his inspiring journey from a late-blooming runner to an endurance athlete, detailing how Soles4Souls evolved from basic shoe donations to fostering economic independence and social belonging for children. From navigating injuries by pivoting to high-mileage walking to leaning on family support, his story proves how relentless persistence and adaptability power both physical endurance and impactful leadership. Learn more about Soles4Souls at: https://www.instagram.com/soles4souls Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Paris 2024 Olympian, Canadian 100m champion, and Ajax native Duan Asemota to talk about his latest initiative: The Pocket Run 5K. While Duan is best known for his blistering speed on the track, his newest project proves that running is about far more than just medals and titles. Inspired by his transformational journey to Ruhango, Rwanda as a Right To Play Ambassador, Duan created The Pocket Run to bridge his home community of Ajax with life-changing opportunities for youth across the globe. Duan breaks down the vision behind this Athletics Ontario–sanctioned event, the deep story rooted in giving back, and why he's bringing a unique "Fastest 40" 40-yard dash challenge to the 5K finish line. 🗓️ Race Day: Saturday, October 3, 2026 📍 Location: Rotary Park / Waterfront Trail, Ajax, ON (Athletics Ontario Sanctioned Race #2981) Learn more about The Pocket Run at: https://www.instagram.com/thepocketrun Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

Can the global sports industry race toward a greener future? Two-sport Olympian Oluseyi "Shay" Smith transitioned from track and field and bobsleigh to leading athletics' environmental movement. After navigating the heartbreaking lows of the 2012 London Olympics, Shay redirected his relentless drive toward ecological responsibility. Through his initiative, Racing to Zero, he helps sports organizations measure and slash their carbon footprints by transforming event logistics and greening transportation. Tune in as Shay discusses shifting from podium dreams to climate solutions, advocating for a sustainable sports ecosystem where high-level competition operates in harmony with the planet. Learn more about Shay Smith at: https://www.instagram.com/seyi.smith/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/kosukemedia Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/giiwedinanang_kwe/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/bushtukah Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/lessliehuffman Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/san_auger Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/xcrossinglinesx Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/dirty.soles.trail.running/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/adamsaltarelli Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/pirx.app/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/finishtherun_to Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/tarrantcrosschild/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/treyetseyatse Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.tillsonburgrunningwiththebulls.com/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/waad_heroes/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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: https://www.instagram.com/small.onee Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/