RUNVAN Rundown

Episode 19 - Julia sits down with Canadian Paralympian Michael Barber to talk about chasing national records in the T20 800m and 1500m, setting new personal bests, and earning his spot on Team Canada for the upcoming World Championships in India. They share stories of crossing paths at races across North America, his experiences at the Jerome Classic, and how he balances training with his work as a teaching aide in Victoria.

Episode 18 - From the dirt tracks of Olympic BMX racing to the open roads of running and cycling, Drew Mechielsen knows what it means to reinvent yourself in sport. The BC-based Tokyo 2020 Olympian and BMO Vancouver Marathon ambassador shares her journey of transitioning from BMX to endurance sports, the challenges of injury, and how she’s redefining her athletic identity after retiring from elite competition.

Episode 17 - Vancouver just made it official — we’ve got a sister marathon!

In this episode, Julia sits down with Nikolai Muth to talk about the newly minted partnership between the Yokohama and Vancouver Marathons. From what it’s like to race through Japan to why Yokohama should be your next destination marathon, this one’s for the travel lovers, racecation planners, and anyone dreaming of post-run ramen.

Episode 16 - Nicole started as a varsity track athlete at UBC, dabbled in the road racing world, and is now making serious waves in the trail scene. After a breakout 5th place finish at the Canyons UTMB 50K, she earned her spot on Team Canada for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. In this episode, we chat about her race-day mindset, the transition from track to trails, and training while working full-time as a lawyer at Lululemon.

Episode 15 - This week we’re joined by physio, triathlete, runner, and mom-to-be Tracy Murray. We dive into how pregnancy is shifting her relationship with movement, how she supports her patients through both physical and mental challenges, and what athletes often get wrong about recovery. Plus: identity, expectations, and an unapologetic love for corn puffs.

Episode 14 - Olympian and Canadian record holder Regan Yee joins the show to talk about her evolution from steeplechase specialist to 5000m contender. We dive into her athletic journey, her goals for this year’s Jerome Classic, and what it’s like training full-time in Flagstaff. Regan also shares what life looks like outside of running and what she’s chasing next—on and off the track.

Episode 13 - Olympic bronze medallist and Canadian running legend Lynn Kanuka joins the show to reflect on her iconic 1984 Olympic race, the rise of women’s distance running, and her journey from elite athlete to coach and community leader. We talk legacy, why track still matters, and how running continues to shape her life today.

Episode 12 - Today’s guest brings the rare combo of elite athlete and industry insider. A former NCAA champion and All-American middle-distance runner, she’s now a trend forecaster and product strategist in the sportswear and outdoor apparel space. We talk about her journey through high-performance sport, her current work translating cultural shifts into design strategy, and of course—we geek out on all things track and field.

Episode 11 - This week, Julia sits down with Andrei Mandzuk, a mental performance consultant, climbing coach, and runner who works with athletes ranging from high school to Olympic level. They talk about his recent transition into track and field, how he approaches mental performance across different sports, and what athletes can do to build mental skills that actually stick. Plus: practical advice for staying focused—on the track, the wall, or the trail.

Episode 10 - In this special episode, the roles are reversed. Taylor steps in as host and puts me in the hot seat for a deep dive into my running journey. From early beginnings to personal milestones, moments of doubt, and everything in between—we explore how my relationship with running has evolved over the years, and what continues to drive me forward.