Run Canada Podcast Kirsten Parker

Sawyer Nicholson is a pretty special human being. This twelve-year-old runs fast. Crazy fast. Like world-record-in-her-age-category fast. But her real superpower is the amazingly balanced perspective and joy she brings to her sports (she is also an amazing soccer player). Sawyer has big goals and wants to continue improving her skills as she grows, but she also recognizes that if it isn't fun, it's not worth doing. Friendships within her teams and on the start line are a big part of the equation, and the run community keeps her coming back for more. But after you listen to this episode, if you want her to sign your copy of Canadian Running Magazine, you will have to get in line behind me.

Samantha Jory is ridiculously humble for a runner who started running during COVID, started racing in 2022, and is now one of Athletics Canada's top-ranking women in the half marathon for 2024. Sam has always loved team sports and had active parents who were role models for her growing up in British Columbia; now she delights in trail running with friends and road racing in this beautiful province. Sam's running is deeply rooted in gratitude for the healthy body that keeps letting her test and find new limits and for the running community that has encouraged and supported her the whole way. I hope you take some of her joy and gratitude from this episode and find your own on your next run. 
 
The book Samantha mentions during the show is called The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday The run clubs she mentions are @eastvanruncrew and @fraserstreetrunclub Follow Sam on Instagram @swjory  
EPISODE SPONSOR: Vancouver Half Marathon
The swag has dropped, and excitement is high for this year's Vancouver Half Marathon, taking place in person on June 23, 2024, or virtually from June 1-30, 2024. Secure your spot and run a gorgeous 21 km or 5 km, or bring your favourite little one to the kids' race. Your prize? A beautiful medal, souvenir ASICS participant shirt, access to the Runkeeper Go premium experience and more! Register today at www.canadarunningseries.com 
 
THEME MUSIC: Joseph McDade

Chix Run the 6ix may have been born when the world was telling us to stay apart, but the heart of what they do is all about community. From the speaker stage at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, moderator and co-founder Amanda Richardson and her panel talk about how (as genuinely busy people) they find time and space to prioritize their own goals and how being part of the Chix helps to make it all happen. Chix are a super special crew: they focus on spreading the message that running is for everybody (say it again for the folks in the back!). They also highlight how you can have your own goals and make them important while at the same time supporting and cheerleading your fellow crew. Watch for them in the hot pink gear at a race near you and say hello!
Follow Chix Run @chixrunthe6ix
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EPISODE SPONSOR: Oasis ZooRun
Get ready to run on the wild side: registration for the Oasis ZooRun is now open! Taking place at the Toronto Zoo on September 14, this unique race brings together runners of all ages and abilities in support of wildlife conservation. Make this your next great adventure: register today at www.canadarunningseries.com 
 
THEME MUSIC: Joseph McDade
 
 

Cheryl Zealand is smart, funny, kind, and one of the biggest boss ladies I know. If you live in Manitoba and are active, you probably already know her as the owner of Cranked Energy, producers of freshly made high protein energy bars that she spent years perfecting the recipe of. Since Cranked is celebrating its tenth anniversary this week, we talk all about business, fitness, and running and how they are so deeply connected in her life that you can't separate them. We also talk about how her running has evolved over the years. She may still run marathons on the reg, but her goals for what constitutes success for the training and execution have changed over the years. Cheryl is all about community: she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for all her generosity and caring. Manitoba is a better place because this warm-hearted lady is part of it. 
Follow Cheryl on Instagram @cherylzealand
Follow Cranked Energy @crankedenergy
 
EPISODE SPONSOR: Oasis ZooRun
Get ready to run on the wild side: registration for the Oasis ZooRun is now open! Taking place at the Toronto Zoo on September 14, this unique race brings together runners of all ages and abilities in support of wildlife conservation. Make this your next great adventure: register today at www.canadarunningseries.com 
 
THEME MUSIC: Joseph McDade
 

We have reached the third installment of our chat with Emelyn Jade and we find her ten weeks out from her race. Things are heating up: she's swimming three days a week, getting in some brick sessions and long runs, and learning how to fuel herself properly through all of it to have successful outcomes. We also discuss what she's eating. Are eggs a good pairing with honey and/or peanut butter? What exactly makes the perfect banana? The journey continues...
 
EPISODE SPONSOR: Spring Run-Off, April 6, 2024 in person, April 1-30, 2024 virtually
Do you want to see your name cheering you on from your race bib? The deadline for personalized bibs for the Spring Run-Off is rapidly approaching: register by Tuesday, March 26 at 11:59 PM to lock it in. Don't miss out on this special touch to make your race day even more memorable. Register now at www.canadarunningseries.com 
 
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Theme song: Joseph McDade

If you don't already know Gaby Estrada, get ready to meet your new favourite boss. Gaby and I last spoke a year and a half ago when she had just officially taken on her new role as Executive Director of one of my favourite not-for-profit organizations, Fast & Female. Gaby and I caught up on what it's been like taking on this challenging role and all of the work she and her team have been busy doing to ensure that the charity is moving in the best direction possible. We also discussed Fast & Female's March initiative: Play Today, Lead Tomorrow. This campaign aims to raise $15,000 to support their REAL Role Models and grow their National Youth Advisory program. These programs help build girls up to become tomorrow's leaders, in sports and life. In-person and virtual events are happening all through the month. 
Follow Fast & Female @fastandfemale
Read more about Play Today, Lead Tomorrow: https://fastandfemale.com/playtodayleadtomorrow2024/ 
Register for the March 22 International Women's Day event at Sweat Society TO:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-womens-day-workout-fast-and-female-x-sweat-society-tickets-840717898867?aff=oddtdtcreator 
Get your tickets for Fast & Female Women in Sports Night with Toronto FC:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fast-and-female-x-tfc-women-and-girls-in-sports-night-tickets-852308516717?aff=oddtdtcreator
Get your Hillberg & Berk Always On Sparkle Hoops (20% of proceeds go to Fast & Female) https://hillbergandberk.com/products/always-on-sparkle-hoops
 
EPISODE SPONSOR: Oasis ZooRun
Get ready to run on the wild side: registration for the Oasis ZooRun is now open! Taking place at the Toronto Zoo on September 14, this unique race brings together runners of all ages and abilities in support of wildlife conservation. Make this your next great adventure: register today at www.canadarunningseries.com 
 
THEME MUSIC: Joseph McDade