Lauren Mantha is deep in the midst of figuring out her path in life and trying a bunch of new things along the way. This is how running came to her: she likes to be active and fit and is open to new experiences. You will notice we talk a lot more about her career than usual on the show: she is shifting gears from working as a Registered Nurse to completing a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations. This seemed to be the common thread in her story: whatever Lauren does, she wants to feel passionately inspired by it. So when running became part of her lifestyle, she was motivated to try attending run clubs. This sparked a new passion and she created A Running List: a website that breaks down barriers to participation in run clubs and crews and is working to bring the running community closer together. Her website currently lists as many run clubs and crews as she could find in the GTA, but thanks to a feature in Canadian Running, she has connected with all kinds of new friends and has expanded to include cities all across Canada. Her interest in getting active feedback from the run community drives her to always look to do more and make the resource even more inclusive. Lauren is incredibly driven and giving: she does all of this work in her spare time and the site is free to anyone who wants the information. And that's pretty awesome if you ask me.

Follow Lauren on Instagram @laurenmantha

A Running List can be found at @arunninglist and www.arunninglist.com

Photo Credit: @johnwithlenses

Things we talk about in this episode:

Puppy yoga!!! https://doggos.ca/products/puppy-yoga-toronto

Run Clubs and sidewalk sharing in the GTA https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/running-club-toronto-sidewalks-1.7076506

EPISODE SPONSOR: Spring Run-Off

Wish winter a fond farewell by participating in the Spring Run-Off in person on April 6, 2024, at High Park or virtually wherever you are. With an 8K, 5K, and Kids Race, there's a distance for everyone. Participants receive a super cute participant shirt and medal or learn more about CRS' Green Bib program. Whether you are aiming for a personal best on this hilly course or just looking to enjoy the beauty of spring with fellow runners, this is your next start line. Register at www.canadarunningseries.com

Theme Music: Joseph McDade