Thats a wrap! For the Season 2 finale, we think back over the past interviews we've been fortunate to host, and discuss some major trends as well as unique perspectives that we learned from these talks with high level athletes and coaches. We identify what we believe are major keys to success that we look forward to adopting to our own training, competitions, and ultimately, our lives in the upcoming year!

Ryan Jackson is a Canadian Cross-Country Skier, training and racing all over the world. Coming from a competitive sport background outside of running, he offers a very unique perspective on the elite athlete life. He shares his valuable experiences moving to Norway to learn from the World's best, going from peak fitness to spending months in a wheelchair and on crutches, learning who you are outside of sport, and betting on yourself to aim for a spot in the 2022 Olympic Games. 

UTTC middle-distance and cross-country coach Terry Radchenko joins us on the podcast today. Over the past 2 decades of his career, Terry has coached numerous athletes to national teams, pro teams, and international competitions including the Olympic Games. He has helped his athletes achieve many individual and team OFSAA, OUA, USPORT, and National medals. During our discussion, we cover how growth occurs over a coaching career, coaching at the development versus the elite level, and of course workouts on workouts on workouts!

Cross training is an essential component for a long and healthy competitive season, as well as a helpful tool for dealing with injury. In today's episode, we discuss how cross training early in the season can help develop well-rounded fitness, as well as maintain motivation and energy and stave off burnout during the competitive season. We also discuss how to get the most out of cross training so that accumulated fitness will transfer well to benefit race performance.

A great follow-up to last week's episode featuring Gabriela Debues-Stafford, this week we are honoured to interview her sister Lucia Stafford! Lucia is Canada's top up-and-coming female  Middle-Distance phenom, with numerous OUA and USPORT victories. Earlier this year she held the World Lead in the 1500m indoors. Check out our awesome discussion with Lucia on her training, how she faces competing, and believe it or not, some great baking tips.

To be able to sustain participation in sport in the long run, and continue to see improvements season after season, time off from training and competition is absolutely essential. This episode discusses the importance of taking breaks from the sport in between seasons and how it will facilitate long-term success, and a successful way to structure time off.

Joined by Gabriela and her husband Rowan, we are honoured to share a long conversation with one of Canada's top runners, and one of the fastest middle-distance runners in the world. A Nike-sponsored, Bowerman TC athlete, Gabriela holding numerous Canadian Records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m, and placed 6th internationally in what as known as one of the fastest women's races in history. Gabriela shares her experiences of training and racing from a varsity athlete growing into a professional runner.

Meditation is growing in North America, with an increasing number of athletes implementing a daily meditation practice to improve their daily training and performance. Meditation-enthusiast and University of McGill Masters student and researcher, Austin Cooper, joins us to discuss the benefits of a daily meditation practice, how it can impact athletics, and how to get started.

Today's episode features a guest interview with Ethan Davenport, a teacher by day and a competitive track and field athlete and coach by night. Ethan has trained and competed as a Varsity Blue, earning a top 5 finish at Outdoor Canadian Nationals. Sporting personal bests of 3:46 in the 1500m and 1:50 in the 800m, Ethan is also an excellent coach with the UTTC. Listen as we discuss training, life after sport, and the challenges of being a young coach.

Following a workout, there are certain practices that can be implemented to jumpstart the recovery process and maximize the positive adaptations facilitated by the stress of the workout. By implementing this post-workout routine, you can enhance your ability to recovery in between sessions (especially for double-days) and ultimately maximize your gains!