Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

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/

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/

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/

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/

What does it take to run across the second-largest country on earth? This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're joined by Ryan Keeping, the former construction worker who completed a staggering 98-day journey across Canada. Ryan opens up about the reality of averaging 75km daily and why he's dedicated his life to a mission much bigger than himself. Inside the episode: - The "Stubborn" Mindset: From physical labor to elite endurance—how Ryan developed the mental grit to survive 99 days on the road. - The Heart of the Run: Honoring the legacy of Terry Fox and raising vital funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. - The Ultimate Pit Crew: Why family support was the secret weapon for his expeditions in Canada and Iceland. - Going Pro: A look at his shift toward professional ultra-marathons, starting with a 300-mile race in Arizona. - The Unfiltered Truth: Ryan gets transparent about the financial struggles and the physical dedication needed to chase a career in extreme sports. Join us for an inspiring look at what happens when an ordinary person decides to do something extraordinary to inspire a new generation. Learn more about Ryan at: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.keeping/ 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 happens when the universe rewards a leap of faith? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Devenport, whose journey from quitting smoking to conquering 200-mile peaks is a testament to the transformative power of the trails. Scott doesn't just run; he lives it—maintaining a legendary "run streak" of at least 5km every single day. Episode Highlights: - The Evolution: How Scott traded cigarettes for sneakers, evolving from road racing to becoming an elite ultra-marathon champion. - The Mental Game: Discovering the profound "mental peace" found only in the wild, rugged backcountry. - The SOO 200 Magic: A raw look at a grueling 200-mile odyssey. Scott and our host John Shep recount navigating hallucinations and brutal terrain—an experience where Scott's character and community spirit shone brightest. - The Universal Shift: How being a "good human" in the depths of a race invited the universe to open new doors, leading to a total life reset: a new home, a new path, and a dream career with Sinister Sports. Whether you're an everyday runner or a mountain veteran, Scott's story proves that when you give your best to the trails, the universe has a way of giving it all back. Listen now and witness how one race can change a life forever. Learn more about Scott at: https://www.instagram.com/thegumprunner/ 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 it actually mean to be "unstoppable"? According to elite runner and coach Dr. Sasha Gollish, it isn't about never failing—it's about having the mental toolkit to keep moving forward. In this episode, Sasha joins us to dive into her innovative new project, Unstoppable. Part mental performance journal, part training companion, this isn't your typical "how-to" book. It is a hands-on resource designed to help the next generation of athletes bridge the gap between physical talent and psychological resilience. In This Episode, We Explore: - The "Unstoppable" Mindset: Why Sasha view's mental performance as a practice, not a destination. - Tools for Youth Athletes: How mood tracking and self-contained activities help young performers build confidence and focus. - Identity Beyond the Finish Line: Sasha opens up about her personal journey with injury and how mental skills help navigate the difficult shifts in identity that every athlete eventually faces. Whether you are a young athlete looking to level up, a coach searching for better ways to support your team, or a runner navigating your own comeback, this conversation offers a masterclass in resilience and grit. Learn more about Dr. Sasha Gollish at: https://www.instagram.com/sgollishruns/ 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/