Run Canada Podcast

When I saw that the fantastic Robyn Mildren had won the Squamish 50K, I immediately wanted to have her back on the show. But I also know how swamped she is with work and training. So I asked her if she would do a half-hour, rapid-fire episode and she graciously offered to squish it into her day. But I should have known better: Robyn is extremely smart and thoughtful, and our rapid fire was not so rapid. We couldn’t stop ourselves from digging into all of the good stuff. Robyn's continuing journey as a runner and as a person really illustrates that big things are possible when you surround yourself with the proper support and show up for yourself in the right way.

Follow Robyn on Instagram @robyn.mildren

Photo Credit: Scott Robarts Photography @srobarts

Theme Credit: Joseph McDade

Keri Wong is a dedicated member of her run community in Toronto, particularly with her home crew Kardia. While this girl always looks like she’s having a good time (that’s because she is), she also has a lot of big goals in mind for her running. Amongst her accomplishments, she can list completing five marathons and two triathlons with more for both on the horizon. As part of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon panel discussion about barriers for women in the marathon, Keri shared some thoughts and she shared a few more great nuggets here. If you have goals for yourself in running but are also here for the party, this one’s for you.

Follow Keri on Instagram @bitesandstrides

Theme music: Joseph McDade

Last week, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon held a run and panel discussion to talk about the fact that last year only 28% of their marathon registrants were women. These conversations, along with some survey data they had collected ahead of the event were the beginning of a fire lit in panellist Sasha Gollish: elite runner and community superhero. I chatted with Sasha about the panel discussion, the research she is continuing to do to look at races around the world, and how we collect more data to move to action.

Maggie Dunlop came to the marathon a bit later in life, but she is making up for lost time with a major drive to succeed. Maggie has worked as an Athletic Therapist with various sports disciplines and then added Doctor of Chiropractic to her tool belt. She now works with athletes and patients in Burlington, ON. Maggie has had a quick succession of great races, thanks in part to her training with coach and longtime friend Leanne Klassen, including BQing in her first marathon and making the podium at the Toronto Half Marathon this year. Her most recent marathon didn’t go as well as she had hoped, and we talked about why it’s just as valuable to have a bad day as it is to have an amazing one.

Theme music: Joseph McDade

As we are nearing our fifth anniversary episode, I love looking back to some of the past episodes we have had that longtime listeners may have forgotten about or that new listeners haven't heard. This episode is a real gem: I got to spend time with my best bud Melanie Murzeau AND meet the legendary Valerie Jerome.

Recorded in 2021, Valerie shares stories from her life in running. From the incredible things that she and her brother Harry achieved on the track to all of the adversity and racism they encountered off it, her candid answers and willingness to share the good and the bad was truly moving.

Valerie talks a lot in the episode about how she had been working since the 90s to get her manuscript published, and as you know, that book FINALLY became a reality in 2023. You can buy a copy for yourself through this Canadian retailer: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/races-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-canadas-fastest-family/9781773102900.html

I am also giving away a copy with the prize package for our fifth anniversary episode: check out @runcanadapodcast for more information.

---

EPISODE SPONSOR: Canada Running Series

Canada may be locked in the deep freeze right now, but you can keep your running on target by registering for the Beneva Spring Run-Off, either in person at Toronto's stunning High Park on April 5, 2025, or virtually wherever you are.

Participants can choose from the 8K, 5K, or Kids Race distances. All in-person runners will receive a souvenir apparel item and a finisher medal featuring designs inspired by High Park's beauty.

Don’t wait to register – this season's kickoff always goes fast. Go to www.canadarunningseries.com for more info and to register.

Theme Music: Joseph McDade