Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

Step into an inspiring story of resilience and redemption! In this powerful episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, guest Samantha Powderhorn opens up about overcoming alcoholism and discovering true sobriety. What began as a rigid substitute for addiction transformed into a deeply holistic journey. Grounded in her First Nations heritage and guided by ancestral wisdom, Samantha evolved from taking short jogs to tackling grueling marathons in Churchill, Manitoba. Now a co-creator of the H.O.P.E. Movement, she uses her platform to champion indigenous healing and mental health advocacy. Tune in to discover how running, community, and radical vulnerability can rebuild a life from the ground up! Learn more about Samantha at: https://www.instagram.com/sayisitaurus 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 the most powerful episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast yet, we sit down with runner Joe Vinluan to explore his incredible 35-year journey through the ups and downs of the sport. From discovering a powerful sense of belonging with post-pandemic running crews in Stouffville to overcoming profound loss, weight struggles, and mental health battles, Joe's story is a triumphant testament to human resilience. Discover how an explosive summer training turnaround sparked back-to-back Personal Bests at the world-renowned Berlin Marathon and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon—all while restoring his sense of self-worth. Plus, Joe reveals his inspiring mission for the future: using running and walking as a bridge to kickstart open, supportive conversations about mental health. Learn more about Joe at: https://www.instagram.com/mauiprinze 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 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/