Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

Join the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast for an inspiring episode with Benet Avery, where we explore running, eating disorder recovery, and female empowerment. Benet shares her powerful journey, discussing healthy relationships with food, body image in athletics, and the importance of female representation in the running community. Discover how her adventures (including The Speed Project and Run2Montreal) are a tool for physical and mental well-being, and learn her about fostering supportive clothing for women in sport with Road Rocket Athletics. Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience and strength, perfect for runners and anyone seeking motivation.

Find out all about Benet at: https://www.instagram.com/benfrancisss

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Join us for a truly inspiring conversation with Gunjan Marwah Nichani, Canada Running Series Ambassador, as she shares her incredible journey through #momlife, post-partum running, and the joys and challenges of running during pregnancy. We'll delve into how she balances the demands of having a new baby with her passion for running and We Run the North run club, and how she's redefining what it means to be a strong, resilient mother and athlete. Get ready for an honest and uplifting discussion that will motivate you to embrace your own personal journey, wherever it may lead.

Find out all about Gunjan at: https://www.instagram.com/gunjan_marwah

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Adventure personified! Ray Zahab's story is one of pure inspiration. On this week's Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, he opens up about his incredible journey from unhealthy habits to conquering some of the planet's most challenging landscapes. Ray also shares his passion for empowering youth through free outdoor expeditions with impossible2possible, fostering resilience and a love for the planet. From battling cancer to running ultra-marathons across deserts, Ray's passion and determination are truly remarkable. Join us for a conversation you won't forget.
We also get a visit from Happy Trails Racing to share their newest races for 2025.

Find out all about Ray at: https://www.instagram.com/rayzahab

Sign up for Happy Trails Racing's new races: https://www.instagram.com/happytrailsracing

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Get ready to have your perspective on running completely flipped! The Athletics Ontario Running Podcast welcomes the one and only Quinton Jacobs to the show. Quinton isn't just a runner; he's a visionary, pushing the boundaries of what running can be. He's challenging us to rethink the sport, to see it as more than just exercise, but as a powerful tool for community, connection, and change. Join us for a conversation that will inspire you to lace up your shoes and see running in a whole new light.
We also get a visit from Happy Trails Racing to share their newest races for 2025.

Find out all about Quinton at: https://www.instagram.com/quinton_jacobs

Sign up for Happy Trails Racing's new races: https://www.instagram.com/happytrailsracing

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Denoja Uthayakumar's story is one of resilience and inspiration. After overcoming significant challenges in her youth, she's found strength and purpose in running, creating a safe space for herself and others. Running is for everybody, and Denoja is dedicated to amplifying the voices of her community and promoting inclusivity in the sport. This podcast explores her journey of using running as a platform for representation and inclusivity. Tune in to hear Uthayakumar share her story, her commitment to making running accessible to everyone, and her message of self-acceptance!

Find out all about Denoja at: https://www.instagram.com/denoja224

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Got nutrition questions? Get answers! Join Registered Dietitian and elite marathoner Rachel Hannah as she tackles the most frequently asked questions about fueling for running performance. This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast covers everything from optimizing your diet for speed and endurance to navigating popular trends like the keto diet, intermittent fasting, and using fats as fuel. Learn practical nutrition tips and tricks specifically designed for runners, including advice for women and aging athletes, to help you stay healthy, happy, and fast throughout your running journey. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, this podcast has the nutrition guidance you need to reach your goals.

Find out all about Rachel at: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhannahrd

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Juggling #momlife, running, coaching, and a chiropractic practice?  Dr. Brittany Moran shares her secrets to returning to running and sport after pregnancy on this week's Athletics Ontario Running Podcast with host John Shep.  Learn about her postpartum recovery journey, the therapy and strengthening exercises she uses to stay healthy and injury-free, and how she balances it all.  A must-listen for new moms, runners, and anyone interested in women's health and athletic performance.

Find out all about Brittany at: https://www.instagram.com/torunningchiro

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

We told you he would be back! Recapping his running journey in Part One (check out last week's episode), this week, Leo Vitelli puts his personal trainer and run coach hats on to answer pressing questions for anyone engaging in running and fitness goals in 2025. From 5k to the ultramararthon distance (he and host John Shep are both training for Sinister Sports' SOO 200-mile ultramarathon in 2025!), this conversation is for you. Struggling to stay motivated in January? John and Leo will laugh with you back to your "why" in this episode.

Find out all about Leo at: https://www.instagram.com/leo_vitelli/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Every runner has a unique journey to lacing up their shoes - Leo Vitelli certainly fits that bill. From living out of his car and suffering from severe mental health challenges to embracing life, adventure, fitness and running, leading him to successfully complete the 2024 Divide 200-mile race, the former professional gamer (we said he was unique!) shares the insights and learnings from his journey along the way. Host John Shep had so much fun, they are going to do a Part Two next week, all about Leo Vitelli coaching happy and healthy runners - stay tuned!

Find out all about Leo at: https://www.instagram.com/leo_vitelli/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Coaches change lives. Allison Forsyth of Generation Safe joins John Shep on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast to discuss how coaches can positively influence change and build community in their athletes and teams, from the everyday to high performance. Her passion and charisma for coaching speak volumes as we dive into how to keep coaches and athletes safe in sport.

Find out all about Allison at: https://www.instagram.com/allisonforsyth/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership