This week, we travel back to the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Speaker Stage to hear from Frontrunners Toronto. An institution of Toronto's Gay Village, this run crew's goal is to welcome every runner regardless of who they are or how fast they run. Trevor McGrath moderates this panel of members who share their experiences with this beautiful community of runners and what it means to them to have this family they choose. You can join Frontrunners Toronto and experience the community for yourself: visit their Instagram @frontrunnerstoronto for their run schedule and special events.

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EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The TCS Toronto Waterfront full and half marathons may be sold out, but you can still register for the 5K on Saturday, October 19. Join the FREE expo on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19, for all the excitement and to watch some amazing speakers at the Speaker Stage. Watch @towaterfront42K for speaker details (coming soon) and visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com to register for the 5K.

Theme Music by Joseph McDade

Briana Scott started her athletic career playing volleyball at McGill University. After that, she continued her schooling, stayed fit and flirted a bit with running half marathons and other fun races. However, her true love was found when she joined Mile2Marathon in her home province of British Columbia. She found out she was fast. And then she found out that the track was a really good time. A lot of passion and a dedicated postpartum comeback saw Briana making two national teams in 2023 and landing herself a spot on the start line of the 5000 metres in Paris. But it takes a village to make an Olympic dream possible, and Briana shares some of what it took to make hers happen.

Follow Briana @_briana_scott

Connect with Coach Briana at Mile2Marathon @mile2marathon

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Under Armour Eastside 10K

The Under Armour Eastside 10K is almost upon us, taking place September 22, 2024 in Vancouver, BC. BUT there are still a small number of bibs available! Don't miss this iconic west coast event: participate in person or virtually from wherever you are. Visit www.canadarunningseries.com for information and to register.

Theme Song: Joseph McDade

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon wants more women to run the marathon. Last year, they spent some time identifying challenges women face and having honest conversations with female runners about what can hold us back. This year, they launched the Women's Training Program: a free group for women planning to take on the full or half marathon on race day, October 20th. This group has been sharing their journey together online, in person on supported runs, and accessing resources, including a training program.

This training group is half way to their goal, so I caught up with a couple of them for a chat. Mandy Mundell is tackling training for the full for the third time after being sidelined in the past by injury and illness. Joan Broto, a mother of two teenagers, is working to prioritize her training time, and show her kids how amazing it can be to work towards a big goal. Kardia founder Heather Gardner joins us to bring her veteran perspective and provide some insight. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll definitely relate. Thanks to the participants and to TWM for letting me share this piece of the journey with everyone.

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon AND Half Marathon are officially sold out, but you can still catch the vibes by registering for the 5K on Saturday, October 19

www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com

Follow TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon @torontowaterfront42k

Follow Mandy @tri_ingfitnesslife

Follow Heather @catchingheather @kardiaathletica

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Theme by Joseph McDade

It's time to wrap up our training journey with the wonderful Emelyn Jade. Emelyn has put in all the work and survived the taper crazies to arrive at the big day. She completed the Half Ironman in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia at the end of May. Emelyn takes us through the good, the challenging and the amazing moments of her big day. We also talk a bit about her next adventure and what her future athletic experiences might look like from what she learned.

Follow Emelyn on Instagram @emelynjade

EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is 95% sold out! If you were waiting for your sign to register for this epic race, this is it. Secure your spot now before it's too late. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or just looking to enjoy a run through the beautiful streets of Toronto, this is your moment. Green bibs are still available as well. Register now and join thousands of other runners at the start line. Let's make this race unforgettable together. Go to www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com to register now!

If you are deep in Olympic fever like I am, this episode is for you. I have had the incredible privilege of interviewing a variety of Olympians, and the one I've been thinking a lot about over the past week is Michelle Harrison. As she is about to step onto the Olympic stage for the first time, I know you will love hearing about the journey that brought her there. Michelle is the epitome of getting back up and trying again: she has made a lot of moves over her running career, from locations to coaches and more, and it has all built her into the powerhouse she is today. All the best, Michelle, we are so proud of you.

You can catch Michelle running in round one of the women's 100-metre hurdles on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 2:15 AM CST.

Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellerharrison

In this episode, we talk about Michelle's cake company - this has now pivoted to custom cookie company in Saskatoon @prairiewhisk

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EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon's Women's Training Program

If you are looking for a support system to get you from now to the start line of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 20, consider this your sign. The Women's Training Program is FREE to join. It will provide you with both a training program created by The Running Physio Lauren Roberts and a different guest speaker each week that will provide insight on topics specifically relevant to women who are in the throws of marathon training. From nutrition to injury prevention to mental resilience and race day strategies, this is the ultimate hack to help you achieve your goals. Visit @towaterfront42K on Instagram and use the link in bio to register.

Theme Music: Joseph McDade

There are a lot of people in the world who see the change that is needed, but not a lot who become the change they need to see. Anita Cardinal is that change. Anita is a Nêhiyaw (Cree) runner who became a young mother, worked hard to support her family as a paralegal, and then attended school as a mature student to obtain her law degree. She is the founder of both the run group Indigenous Runner in Edmonton and the Orange Shirt Day Run, now on its fourth year and run in both Edmonton and Saskatoon. She is also an incredibly brave and dedicated ultra trail runner with a story or two to tell on the long winding roads that both take us to the finish line and change us as people.

Follow Anita on Instagram @runswiththewind

Follow Indigenous Runner and Orange Shirt Day Run @indigenousrunner

Follow Native Women Running @native_women_running

Register for the 2024 Orange Shirt Day Run: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/88301/orange-shirt-day-runwalk

Can't attend? Support the event charity The Orange Shirt Society: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/88301/orange-shirt-day-runwalk/fundraising-organization/56178#event-description

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EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon's Women's Training Program

If you are looking for a support system to get you from now to the start line of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 20, consider this your sign. The Women's Training Program is FREE to join, and will provide you with both a training program created by The Running Physio Lauren Roberts, but also a different guest speaker each week that will provide insight on topics specifically relevant to women who are in the throws of marathon training. From nutrition to injury prevention to mental resilience and race day strategies, this is the ultimate hack to help you achieve your race day goals. Visit @towaterfront42K on Instagram and use the link in bio to register.

Theme Music: Joseph McDade

This panel discussion on Adaptive Racing was recorded live on the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Speaker Stage. The session was moderated by Fannie Smith, Manager of Para Development for Athletics Canada. The panel included three para-athletes from a variety of backgrounds. Mike Greer has been participating in road races as an adaptive athlete for more than a decade and works with races to help make them more accessible to all participants. Josh Cassidy is a three-time Paralympian, Boston Marathon Champion and former world record holder. Cindi Davis is an American recreational hand cycler who has competed in a variety of events in North America. This panel of speakers will make you think about how you can help make the events you attend more inclusive for all participants, and give you some new athletes to cheer for on race day.

Follow Athletics Canada @athleticscanada

Follow Mike Greer @bloddsweatandwheels

Follow Josh Cassidy @joshcassidy84

EPISODE SPONSOR: We may be nearing the end of our recordings from the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, but now is the time to get yourself registered for the 2024 event! As you may remember, the full and half marathon sold out quickly and this year is on pace to do the same. Learn more about how you can register and get involved in race weekend at www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

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Theme music: Joseph McDade

It's time to hang out with three-time Olympian, coach, and all around cool human Malindi Elmore! Malindi is our female representative in the marathon for the upcoming Paris Olympics and she is ready to fly. We catch up on the races and the training over the past two years that have not only let her best the Paris standard, but gave her two shiny new PBs in both the half and full marathon. Malindi is working extremely hard, but she is also still loving the process and is so incredibly passionate about our sport. She also talks about her fundraising campaign for KidSport BC - find out how you can support the goal and help give all kids in Canada a chance to play.

Follow Malindi on Instagram @malindielmore

Find out how you can support Malindi's fundraising goal for KidSport at www.malindielmore.com

EPISODE SPONSOR: The in-person Oasis Zoo Run may be sold out, but there's still time to join as a virtual participant. And you aren't going to want to miss out on this super cute medal: it features two of the Toronto Zoo's southern white rhinos, mama Sabi and her little one, Kifaru. Don't wait and chance missing out - register now at www.canadarunningseries.com

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Theme Music: Joseph McDade