TRIGGER WARNING: Today's conversation includes a discussion of substance abuse and a suicide attempt. I feel that it is important to share this story, but I also recognize that these topics can be heavy. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you, and don't hesitate to step away or join me for the next episode if you need to.

If this episode brings up difficult feelings, support is available. In Canada, you can reach Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 by phone or text, or contact 911 if you're in immediate danger. If you're a young person looking for support, Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868. Help is there, and you don't have to go through this alone.

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Today, Tarrant Cross Child is an ultrarunner and the inspiring founder of Prairie Run Crew—an organization that brings start lines, running clinics, pep rallies, shoes, and hope to children in underserved communities.

But the path to who Tarrant is today was shaped by powerful life experiences. Growing up, his grandfather nurtured his love of running—first by encouraging him to run on the land, and eventually by lining up for his very first race. When Tarrant ran his first marathon, he won. And trust me, the story of how that happened is wild.

What followed were incredibly difficult years. Tarrant struggled with alcohol addiction and survived a suicide attempt. Through connection—with the right people and programs—along with the love of his family and his relationship with running, he found his way through a year-long rehab program and, ultimately, back to the start line of that same marathon.

Today, Tarrant and his entire family are helping bring Prairie Run Crew to kids who need the same encouragement, support, and belief—to learn how to set goals, dream big, and see what's possible.

Follow Tarrant's journey @tarrantcrosschild

Follow Prairie Run Crew @prairieruncrew

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Theme Music: Joseph McDade

Kelsey Hogan started running outside as a kid in her hometown of Steady Brook, NL. That early love for being outside and exploring has grown into a passion for elite ultra trail racing.

After talking with Kelsey, it became clear that connection sits at the heart of everything she does: connection to the natural world and the way it feels to move through it on the trails, connection rooted in gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped her journey, and connection to community through her work as a mental performance coach.

Kelsey pours herself into pursuing big goals in the sport, but she's equally committed to giving back, whether as a youth ambassador or a role model for the next generation of female runners. Her energy and positivity are always top of mind, but we also dig into the harder moments - DNFs, goal dissapointments, and the importance of allowing space for grief in both sport and life.

Follow Kelsey @kelseypamela or find her on her website www.kelseyhogan.com

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EPISODE SPONSOR: ALTITUDE SPORTS

Find the best gear for all of your winter fun with next-day delivery everywhere in Canada and same-day delivery available in Montreal.

Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code "runcanada"

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Conditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer.

@altitudesports

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Theme Music by Joseph McDade

At the Banff Film Festival in November 2025, a short film titled Becky Bates, Not a Running Story, premiered. The documentary followed Becky Bates, a 62-year-old BC ultrarunner, as she prepared for her third startline at the legendary Hardrock 100. This title perfectly captures Becky's humble take on her place in the sport: she doesn't see what she is doing as remarkable, even though many (read: me) would disagree.

Becky started ultrarunning later in life, lining up for her first race at 50 after decades of biking, climbing and mountaineering. Twelve years on, she's racing in the front of her field, thriving on vert-heavy courses and proving that success in ultrarunning is built on resilience, smart training, and a deep love for the land she runs on. Her passion for the trail community and commitment to giving back to the sport that has shaped this chapter of her life make her a true role model.

Follow Becky @beckybbates

Find out how you can see Becky Bates, Not a Running Story @lukasnemethfilms @scotproudfoot

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EPISODE SPONSOR: ALTITUDE SPORTS

Find the best gear for all of your winter fun with next-day delivery everywhere in Canada and same-day delivery available in Montreal.

Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code "runcanada"

Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-runcanada

Conditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer.

@altitudesports

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Theme Music by Joseph McDade

Becky Bates photo: Cary Johnson Images @caryjohnsonimages

Today we're hanging out with Quebec trail phenom Maïka Lamoureaux. Maïka somehow makes balancing life as a PhD candidate at HEC Montréal and a fiercely competitive trail running career look easy.

In 2022, she was selected to represent Canada at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Thailand—and at just 24, she was the youngest athlete in the 80K. That experience lit a fire, building confidence and a hunger to explore just how far her limits can go (spoiler alert: she's still finding them).

These days, Maïka's sweet spot is a vert-heavy 50K, though she still carves out time for her third passion: gravel biking. She also talks about how recovering from a broken ankle brought unexpected clarity, showing her that chasing both academic and athletic goals at the same time makes her more balanced and happy.

Follow Maïka @maikalamoureaux

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EPISODE SPONSOR: CANADA RUNNING SERIES

Registration is open for all Canada Running Series 2026 events, and here are a few highlights that you don't want to miss!

Beneva Spring Run-Off — April 4, 2026 Kick off your racing season with a Toronto classic. Run the 5K, 8K, or Kids Race and enjoy High Park in full spring bloom.

UA Toronto 10K — April 18, 2026 Now on a new date for 2026! Experience Toronto's waterfront like never before with this fast, scenic 10K, plus a fun Kids Race for future runners.

Beneva Vancouver Half — June 28, 2026 Soak in ocean views and mountain backdrops at the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon or 5K — one of Canada's most beautiful races.

Visit www.canadarunningseries.com for more details and to register

Theme Music: Joseph McDade

Giddy up—because today, Michelle and Kim Krezonoski are back! Kim and Michelle have been crushing their own running goals—most notably finishing as the top two Canadian women at the 2024 Boston Marathon—yet they stay grounded and remind us that life is full of different pursuits that fuel us.

Beyond their own training, they've spent the past few years inspiring athletes through their coaching company, Startline Strength. And now, they've added a brand-new venture to their roster: Pairr Socks. Pairr is the result of nearly two years of passion, testing, research, and fine-tuning—and the result is pretty incredible. So gear up for a spicy workout and pair it with this a chat with Kim and Michelle Krezonoski.

Follow Kim @kimkrezonoski

Follow Michelle @michellekrezonoski

Follow Pairr @Pairrsocks

Find Startline Strength at www.startlinestrength.com

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EPISODE SPONSOR: CANADA RUNNING SERIES

As we wrap another incredible race season, it's time to look ahead: registration is open for all Canada Running Series 2026 events, including:

Beneva Spring Run-Off — April 4, 2026: Kick off your racing season with a Toronto classic. Run the 5K, 8K, or Kids Race and enjoy High Park in full spring bloom.

UA Toronto 10K — April 18, 2026: Now on a new date for 2026! Experience Toronto's waterfront like never before with this fast, scenic 10K, plus a fun Kids Race for future runners.

Beneva Vancouver Half — June 28, 2026: Soak in ocean views and mountain backdrops at the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon or 5K — one of Canada's most beautiful races.

Visit www.canadarunningseries.com for more details and to register

Theme Music: Joseph McDade

Sarah Deeb, along with her sister Maysoun, launched Womensfitsauga in 2020 to get more women moving together in a social, supportive space - and to become the role models they wished they had had growing up in sport. The journey hasn't been without bumps (looking at you, COVID), but every pivot they had to make and new activity they had to try helped shape the dynamic, welcoming run space they have today. Sarah's outlook on showing up as you are and moving together reminds me of my favourite run quote from the amazing Alexi Pappas: "Running is a team sport masked as an individual sport". When we chase our own goals side by side, the work feels lighter, the joy gets bigger, and you just never know who might join you along the way.

Follow WFS @womensfitsauga

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Under Armour Toronto 10K

On April 18, 2026, it will be the same race. Same community. New streets. All gas.

Start and finish at Nathan Phillips Square and feel the city move with you. Registration includes your race bib, UA tech shirt, medal, and a 40% Under Armour discount. Choose an Impact Bib to donate $10 to KidSport instead of receiving a shirt.

Registration is open — sign up now at www.canadarunningseries.com

Regular listeners of the show might already know, but I have had something on my running bucket list for a very long time: crewing at a trail ultramarathon. My amazing friend Jenn Walton granted my wish like a fairy when she ran the 48-hour race at the Beaudry Fall Classic. And of course, I brought my microphones so you could come along for the ride.

I can now proudly attest that I know firsthand that trail races and the trail race community are MAGIC. The volunteers, the vibes, the snacks, the setting. It's all so wonderful. I hope you lock into it when listening to these interviews and clips from Jenn's unbelievable 100 mile achievement. Grab some of that second-hand runner high with this special on location episode.

Follow Jenn @jennrunsontheprairie

Find out more about the Beaudry Fall Classic & a few other awesome Manitoba trail races @ontheedgerunning

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Under Armour Toronto 10K

On April 18, 2026, it will be the same race. Same community. New streets. All gas.

Start and finish at Nathan Phillips Square and feel the city move with you. Registration includes your race bib, UA tech shirt, medal, and a 40% Under Armour discount. Choose an Impact Bib to donate $10 to KidSport instead of receiving a shirt.

Registration is open — sign up now at www.canadarunningseries.com

This episode makes a three-peat for one of my all-time favourite guests, Gabriela DeBues Stafford. Gabriela has had an extremely challenging few years, focused on injuries that were so consistently unresolved that she actually contemplated retirement. However, the resilience that defines this remarkably unstoppable athlete, paired with the support of healthcare professionals and the boundless love of her partner and coach Rowan, has helped her rediscover her fire, and she is back chasing big goals on the track all over again.

Follow Gabriela on instagram @gabrielastafford

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EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Before you join 30,000 of your closest friends at the start line or get ready to cheer on your lungs out, join us at the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo Speaker Series!

On October 17th and 18th at the Enercare Centre, we're bringing together the voices that keep our running community moving: from elite athletes and beloved run-crew leaders to experts in training, recovery, and nutrition. Come and share stories, ask questions, and feel that sense of community that makes running in Toronto so special. Check out the full lineup at torontowaterfrontmarathon.com — and join us at the Speaker Stage. Your best race weekend starts there.

Theme music: Joseph McDade

Alex and Vince Huynh have a bit of a competitive streak. They are constantly seeing how far and how fast they can go. But their drive goes beyond personal goals: they're passionate about welcoming new runners and helping people challenge themselves. They also saw a need for more Asian role models in the sport, which led them to create the Asian Toronto Running Club just over a year ago. Vince, Alex and their dedicated team of volunteers embody leadership and inclusion: everyone is welcome at ATRC, Asian or not. The club hosts a social run on Saturdays and a more focused workout on Wednesdays, offering something for every type of runner. And in just a short time, their impact is already being recognized: ATRC recently received the Community Leaders Award for the Spadina–Fort York region. It's inspiring to see how quickly this community has grown, bringing people together and celebrating Asian culture at the start line.

Follow ATRC @asiantorontorunclub

Follow Vince @vincehuynh_

Follow Alex @alex.huynh_

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EPISODE SPONSOR: UNDER ARMOUR EASTSIDE 10K

Chase your PB, and tour Vancouver at the same time! Run the Under Armour Eastside 10K on Sunday, September 21 and fly through Gastown, Chinatown, and East Van on a fast, scenic course. Enjoy big race-day energy, a premium UA technical shirt, and a standout medal. Don't miss this unforgettable run!

Register today at www.canadarunningseries.com

Theme Music: Joseph McDade

I'm excited to bring it to you today's chat from the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon's Women's Training Group. After the pandemic, Canada Running Series and ASICS Canada set out to address, and work to find solutions to, the considerable gap between the number of women and the number of men running marathons. In 2024, they launched the Women's Training Group to support and empower more women to chase big goals on race day.

Last year, Heather Garner and I followed Mandy and Joan on their inspiring journey to the finish line. This year, we're back with two new runners—our "Positive Patties"— Candice Combdon and Bianca Magdangal, who are pushing toward their own start lines.

Whether you're training for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, another fall race, or just love the grit and grind of big mileage, this conversation is packed with honesty, smart strategies, and all the feels of marathon training.

Follow the journey to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon start line @towaterfront42k

Follow our Positive Patties, Candice @candice_combdon and Bianca @bianca.runs

Follow our marathon guru Heather @catchingheather and @kardiaathletica

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EPISODE SPONSOR: UNDER ARMOUR EASTSIDE 10K

Chase your PB, and tour Vancouver at the same time! Run the Under Armour Eastside 10K on Sunday, September 21 and fly through Gastown, Chinatown, and East Van on a fast, scenic course. Enjoy big race-day energy, a premium UA technical shirt, and a standout medal. Don't miss this unforgettable run!

Register today at www.canadarunningseries.com

Theme Music: Joseph McDade