Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

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/

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/

Are you ready to test your limits right here in Ontario? Prepare for the ultimate test of endurance! We are joined by Race Director Eric D'Arcy of Crazy Cat Adventures to unveil The Ribbon 200—a grueling new ultra-challenge launching in June 2026. This isn't just a race; it is a wilderness odyssey featuring Ontario's only point-to-point 100-miler and a massive 200-mile out-and-back beast. Eric breaks down the punishing 24,000 feet of elevation gain and the raw beauty of the Bruce Trail from the Blue Mountains to the Caledon Hills. We dive into the event's unique "White Blaze" rule—requiring pure navigation with no extra course markings—and exactly what it takes to survive up to 100 hours on the trail. In this episode, we cover: - The Logistics of an Ultra: How a 5-day event comes together and the unique challenges of the out-and-back format. - The Price Tag Debate: Eric provides a transparent look at the costs behind a 200-mile race—from extensive staffing and sleep stations to park fees—and why it differs from your standard looped ultra. - Running for a Cause: How the event champions community spirit and raises vital funds for Bruce Trail conservation. Whether you are an aspiring ultramarathoner or just curious about what goes into organizing a massive endurance event, this is a conversation you won't want to miss! Learn more about the Ribbon 200 at: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112833/the-ribbon-200 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 a casual 10K bet among friends turns into a complete lifestyle overhaul? On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, host John Shep sits down with Andrew Kim from Runners' Choice Waterloo to trace his incredible journey. From his first strides in 2020 to shedding weight and shifting careers, Andrew shares how running became the catalyst for a new life. We dive into how he utilized social media for accountability, leading to partnerships with major brands like Lululemon and Strava, and how he tackled numerous marathons and ultras along the way. Plus, just in time for the season, Andrew opens up his playbook for the ultimate runner's holiday gift guide. Whether you are looking for inspiration to start your own journey or looking for the perfect gear, this episode has it all. Learn more about Andrew at: https://www.instagram.com/andrewkim47/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

"I stopped trying to prove them wrong, and started trying to prove myself right." Lanni Marchant's athletic evolution is nothing short of inspiring. In this 200th episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, the Rio 2016 Olympian and one of Canada's fastest women gets vulnerable about the reality of professional running and opens up candidly about the hurdles she faced off the track. We dive deep into Lanni's unconventional start, her candid and ongoing recovery from an eating disorder, and the resilience required to bounce back from injury. Now in her forties, Lanni explains why strength training is the key to longevity and how she redefined success on her own terms with a massive shift in mindset. Don't miss this powerful conversation on resilience, self-awareness, and the holistic health of the modern runner. Hammer Nutrition Canada Contest ALERT!: Like and Comment on our Episode 200 Podcast Post (check out https://www.instagram.com/athleticsont/ OR https://www.instagram.com/athletics_ontario_running/) for a chance to win a Hammer Nutrition Canada prize pack (open to Ontario residents only) Learn more about Lanni at: https://www.instagram.com/lannimarchant/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

In this powerful episode, we interview Jessica Nguyen, founder of the Girls Just Wanna Run Club in Newmarket, about building community and protecting your peace. Jessica shares her game-changing philosophy: "Don't Spiral, Evolve." Hear how she pulled herself out of a "dark time" by prioritizing service and giving herself grace for her evolving passions. For her, running is spiritual meditation—a crucial time to "let go" of stress and be present. As a dedicated leader, Jessica stresses that you cannot pour from an empty cup. She lives by the mantra: "If you are going to push really hard, you better recover even harder." Learn her practical boundary tools to avoid burnout. The Girls Just Wanna Run Club provides a vital, inclusive, women-only safe space for "all paces." Jessica explains its significance: members feel empowered to show up as they are, free from the harassment and judgment that often plagues women running alone. Tune in for the inspiration you need to run your way, set your boundaries, and find your community. Learn more about Jessica at: https://www.instagram.com/thisisreallyjessica/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership