Longest taper ever - With Mark Hemmings #198

 We sit down with runner, filmmaker, and world traveller Mark Hemmings, whose running story is anything but ordinary. Mark only started taking trail running seriously in April 2023, and instead of easing in, he immediately set his sights on getting listed on the Fastest Known Time (FKT) website. His target? The legendary Fundy Footpath — a brutally challenging 64.3 km trail along the rugged New Brunswick coastline. Along with good friends Colin Swift and Markus, Mark completed the full route in 17.5 hours, mixing endurance with laughter and the occasional moment of chaos. The entire journey was documented and turned into an 18-minute film, which premiered at the Outdoor Outdoor Film Festival (OOFF) starting October 16th. But Mark’s adventures don’t stop there. When he’s not tearing up trails, he’s leading groups of runners up Mount Fuji in Japan — a country he’s visited 18 times. He shares the wild story of climbing through lava rock, razor-sharp volcanic sand, and even a typhoon, with sideways wind, sideways rain, and moments where crawling was the only safe option. We also get into Mark’s humbling moments — like leaving Loonie Loops feeling discouraged after pushing too hard, too early. Instead of quitting, he’s reframing pride, reworking strategy, and planning smarter. Another 100-miler attempt is definitely coming. Oh, and did we mention he qualified for Boston — again — but never got to race it? Legs for Literacy will be his fourth attempt at redemption. From FKTs to films to typhoons on volcanoes — this one delivers inspiration, adventure, and real talk on resilience.Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

In this episode, it’s just your favourite duo — John and Diane — catching up on everything life, running, and a little bit of lawn bowling! We kick things off with Diane, who says she’s too busy to go to work — and she’s not kidding. Between lawn bowling in multiple leagues, playing with her grandson (and winning, of course), being president of the Centennial Lawn Bowling Club, running, and co-hosting this podcast, her days are jam-packed. Then John shares his experience at this year’s Loonie Loops — a 24-hour trail running event around a beautiful 3.1 km lake loop. Armed with determination (and hiking poles to protect a torn meniscus), John pushed through 33 laps for a total of 102 km, earning himself a spot on the event’s Wall of Fame. He talks about his strategy, mindset, the challenges through the night, and why this was one of the best-run events he’s ever attended. It’s an episode full of motivation, planning, perseverance — and the reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you keep moving forward, one lap at a time. 🎧 Tune in to hear the stories, laughs, and inspiration from the Motivate to Move crew!Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please consider giving the gift of life by donating blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

Episode #195 – The New Pickleball of Winter Sports: Stick Curling with Harry McDougall This week on Motivate to Move, we welcome Harry McDougall, who’s bringing fresh energy back to Saint John’s curling scene. After returning home, Harry found the old curling club nearly shut down and lifeless. Instead of letting it fade away, he helped breathe new life into the rink by launching a stick curling league. Now, Friday nights are buzzing with action, and the club proudly hosts the largest stick curling league in Canada. Harry shares how this version of curling makes the game more accessible, fun, and social — and why he believes stick curling is quickly becoming the “Pickleball of Winter sports.” We dive into how the league came together, why participation is growing so fast, and what makes stick curling the perfect fit for all ages. Whether you’re a longtime curler or just looking for a new way to stay active in the colder months, this episode is sure to inspire. 👉 If today’s conversation got you curious, check out your local curling club — you may be surprised to find stick curling happening right in your own community. Give it a try, meet new people, and keep moving all winter long!Motivate to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveMotivate to Move email:[email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

In this episode of Motivate to Move, we welcome Denis LeBlanc, a runner with an extraordinary story. Denis is legally blind, with only about 5% of his vision, yet he is determined to take on his very first full marathon this year at Moncton’s Legs for Literacy event. Denis shares the unique challenges of training and racing with limited vision, and how running with guides helps him safely navigate obstacles on the course. His story is one of perseverance, courage, and refusing to let barriers stand in the way of big goals. Join us as Denis talks about his journey, his determination, and the drive that keeps him moving forward toward 42.2 km. And of course, we wrap things up with a round of The Irrelevant Game — always a fun way to get to know our guests just a little bit better!Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

In this episode of Motivate to Move, we head to Riverview, N.B., for the Greater Moncton Run Club’s annual Ice Cream Run. With both 5 km and 10 km distances on the menu and a Dairy Queen treat waiting at the finish line, it’s no wonder this event sold out with over 200 runners. We brought our mic to Claude D. Taylor School to catch the excitement, chatting with participants about their runs, the atmosphere, and of course — the ice cream. It was the perfect August morning: clear skies, cool air, and plenty of smiles all around. Tune in for a fun, community-focused episode that celebrates running, friendship, and a little reward at the finish line.Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041607699495As always, please consider giving the gift of life by donating blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

In this episode of Motivate to Move, we welcome back four familiar faces: Drew Wallace, Dawson Mossman, Chester Dana, and Tim McDonough. These New Brunswick trail runners took on one of the most unique and challenging events out there — the Vermont 100.Chester and Dawson tackled the 100 km course, while Drew and Tim pushed through the full 100 miles. Along the way, they faced changing weather, tough terrain, and the mental battles that come with ultra distances. What makes this event truly one of a kind? It’s not just runners on the trails — horses are racing too. Imagine rolling into an aid station and seeing buckets of water set out for the horses beside you!We dive into what went right, what went wrong, how they managed the long hours, and the lessons they’ll carry forward. It’s a conversation about grit, strategy, and the pure joy (and suffering) that comes with finishing such a legendary race.Tune in for an inspiring look at the Vermont 100 through the eyes of four determined New Brunswick athletes.Motivate to Move email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041607699495As always, give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

Episode 192 – N.B. Women's Trail RunnersIn this inspiring and heartfelt episode, we welcome nine incredible women from across New Brunswick’s trail running scene. Representing Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton Women’s Trail Running groups, these passionate runners share what the trails mean to them—why they started, what keeps them going, and how showing up, no matter what kind of day they’ve had, has changed their lives. From boosting mental well-being to fostering strong community connections, this episode delves into the empowering world of women’s trail running. Whether you're an experienced runner or just getting started, you’ll find something uplifting and motivating in these stories. 💬 Featuring voices from:Fredericton Women’s Trail RunningSaint John Women’s Trail RunningMoncton Women’s Trail Runners📌 Connect with the groups on Facebook:   Fredericton Women’s Trail Running   https://www.facebook.com/groups/303179978924880/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBTSaint John Women’s Trail Running   https://www.facebook.com/groups/385597348226886Moncton Women’s Trail Runners   https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Moncton%20trail%20running%20ladies🌞 Please note: Motivate to Move will be taking a short summer break—we’ll be back with new episodes in four weeks. Until then, keep moving and stay inspired!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

Episode 191 – GMRC Ice Cream Run with Lindsay Laltoo & Colin McQuadeIn this episode of Motivate to Move, we welcome back two familiar faces in the Greater Moncton running scene: Lindsay Laltoo and Colin McQuade. Both are passionate members of the Greater Moncton Running Club (GMRC) and never shy away from a good challenge—or a good cone. We dive into Colin’s experiences at the Boston Marathon, and his unexpected turn at the unofficial “Marathon Pour Tous” in Paris. Lindsay shares her adventures at San Francisco’s wild and wonderful Bay to Breakers, and reflects on running the Cabot Trail Relay for six years, while also being the GMRC’s go-to organizer for that event’s planning and logistics for many more. They also talk about their weekly meetups with the Shediac Run Club, where the post-run ice cream is just as important as the miles. And of course, we talk about the upcoming GMRC Ice Cream Run, happening August 16, 2025, in Moncton!🍦 Sign up here: https://events.runnb.ca/event/gmrc-ice-cream-run/494542/A fun, inspiring conversation about community, commitment, and the sweet rewards that come from putting one foot in front of the other.Motivate to Move Email:[email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

What happens when a passionate trail runner decides to give back to his community? You get a brand new race—and a whole lot of heart. In this episode, we chat with Chester Dana, the creator of the Mastodon Rumbler, a brand-new trail running event held for the first time this year at White Rock in Hillsborough. Chester takes us through his journey from 5Ks to marathons and how his love for trail running inspired him to create something special for others to enjoy. Over 40 runners participated, and there was plenty of great food at the finish line. Best of all, the event raised $3,600 to help renovate a local park for the kids in Hillsborough. With plans already forming for next year, the Mastodon Rumbler is off to a strong start, and this is just the beginning.Motivate to Move [email protected] to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041607699495As always, please consider giving the gift of life by donating blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.

This is #4 in our traveling podcaster series. I enjoy this type of format, and we hope to create more content like this. This time, I'm with my mic at the Tartan 5k Race in Moncton, speaking with some local runners who have just completed a Couch to 5k run. This is the end of the program, and we chat with Julie Stokes about the Couch to 5k program and some of the runners with her, as well as a few who joined in the fun. Motivate to Move [email protected] to Move Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.