Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

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/

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: https://www.instagram.com/riverrats_runclub/ 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/

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: https://www.instagram.com/nayr______ryan/ 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/

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: https://www.instagram.com/dinorun.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/

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: https://www.instagram.com/arboretumhillclub/ 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/

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 Outrun the Darkness Learn more about ALTRA at: https://www.instagram.com/altrarunning/ 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'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, Outrun the Darkness Learn more about Still I Run at: https://www.stillirun.org/ 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/