This episode makes a three-peat for one of my all-time favourite guests, Gabriela DeBues Stafford. Gabriela has had an extremely challenging few years, focused on injuries that were so consistently unresolved that she actually contemplated retirement. However, the resilience that defines this remarkably unstoppable athlete, paired with the support of healthcare professionals and the boundless love of her partner and coach Rowan, has helped her rediscover her fire, and she is back chasing big goals on the track all over again.

Follow Gabriela on instagram @gabrielastafford

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EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Before you join 30,000 of your closest friends at the start line or get ready to cheer on your lungs out, join us at the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo Speaker Series!

On October 17th and 18th at the Enercare Centre, we’re bringing together the voices that keep our running community moving: from elite athletes and beloved run-crew leaders to experts in training, recovery, and nutrition. Come and share stories, ask questions, and feel that sense of community that makes running in Toronto so special. Check out the full lineup at torontowaterfrontmarathon.com — and join us at the Speaker Stage. Your best race weekend starts there.

Theme music: Joseph McDade

Alex and Vince Huynh have a bit of a competitive streak. They are constantly seeing how far and how fast they can go. But their drive goes beyond personal goals: they’re passionate about welcoming new runners and helping people challenge themselves. They also saw a need for more Asian role models in the sport, which led them to create the Asian Toronto Running Club just over a year ago. Vince, Alex and their dedicated team of volunteers embody leadership and inclusion: everyone is welcome at ATRC, Asian or not. The club hosts a social run on Saturdays and a more focused workout on Wednesdays, offering something for every type of runner. And in just a short time, their impact is already being recognized: ATRC recently received the Community Leaders Award for the Spadina–Fort York region. It’s inspiring to see how quickly this community has grown, bringing people together and celebrating Asian culture at the start line.

Follow ATRC @asiantorontorunclub

Follow Vince @vincehuynh_

Follow Alex @alex.huynh_

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EPISODE SPONSOR: UNDER ARMOUR EASTSIDE 10K

Chase your PB, and tour Vancouver at the same time! Run the Under Armour Eastside 10K on Sunday, September 21 and fly through Gastown, Chinatown, and East Van on a fast, scenic course. Enjoy big race-day energy, a premium UA technical shirt, and a standout medal. Don’t miss this unforgettable run!

Register today at www.canadarunningseries.com

Theme Music: Joseph McDade

I’m excited to bring it to you today's chat from the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s Women’s Training Group. After the pandemic, Canada Running Series and ASICS Canada set out to address, and work to find solutions to, the considerable gap between the number of women and the number of men running marathons. In 2024, they launched the Women’s Training Group to support and empower more women to chase big goals on race day.

Last year, Heather Garner and I followed Mandy and Joan on their inspiring journey to the finish line. This year, we’re back with two new runners—our “Positive Patties”— Candice Combdon and Bianca Magdangal, who are pushing toward their own start lines.

Whether you’re training for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, another fall race, or just love the grit and grind of big mileage, this conversation is packed with honesty, smart strategies, and all the feels of marathon training.

Follow the journey to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon start line @towaterfront42k

Follow our Positive Patties, Candice @candice_combdon and Bianca @bianca.runs

Follow our marathon guru Heather @catchingheather and @kardiaathletica

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EPISODE SPONSOR: UNDER ARMOUR EASTSIDE 10K

Chase your PB, and tour Vancouver at the same time! Run the Under Armour Eastside 10K on Sunday, September 21 and fly through Gastown, Chinatown, and East Van on a fast, scenic course. Enjoy big race-day energy, a premium UA technical shirt, and a standout medal. Don’t miss this unforgettable run!

Register today at www.canadarunningseries.com

Theme Music: Joseph McDade