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

Today we’re getting optimized with Nicole Sifuentes. We might keep things casual in our chat, but don’t let that fool you—Nicole was an absolute force on the track. She’s a twelve-time NCAA All-American, a five-time Canadian Championship medalist in the 1500 and 5000, and she repped Team Canada at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. She also still holds the women's record for the BAA Invitational Mile, just for fun. These days, Nicole pours her energy into Sifuentes Coaching, where she helps athletes dream big and go bigger.

Follow Nicole on insta @sifuentescoaching

Find out more about Sifuentes Coaching at www.sifuentescoaching.com

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

Crossing Lines founders Kortnee Borden and Matt Geofroy had spent many years running with Parkdale Roadrunners: they had always been able to find ways to push for their own goals while helping others feel the magic of getting out in equal measure. But when they entered the ultra endurance trail space, they noticed something missing: people of colour. So they decided to take action and create change.

Crossing Lines is a movement that is making the ultra endurance space more welcoming for BIPOC runners: they teach people the skills they need to be set up for success and do everything they can to support their journey to the start line. Now deep in their second season, they are getting ready for another huge race and making amazing memories along the way.

To broaden the conversation even further, they also host the Crossing Lines Podcast, with their friends Meddy, James and Adam. They talk trails, gear, culture, current events (Harry Styles and MothTech, anyone?) and hang out with interesting guests.

Follow them on Instagram @xcrossinglinesx or visit their website

https://xcrossinglinesx.weebly.com/

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EPISODE SPONSOR: CANADA RUNNING SERIES

Whether you're racing for a personal best or just soaking up the run vibes, you have the chance to make every step count by supporting an incredible cause through the TCS Charity Challenge and Oasis ZooRun fundraising program. At the Oasis Zoo Run, Your donation helps bring the Toronto Zoo’s new Community Conservation Centre to life; a state-of-the-art, hands-on education hub that will inspire the next generation to take action for wildlife. The TCS Charity Challenge supports a wide range of local organizations tackling food insecurity, supporting children with disabilities, and creating stronger, healthier communities. Whether you're running or cheering, your donation can help these organizations keep up the pace. For more information on how you can help raise funds through either of these amazing events, visit www.canadarunningseries.com

THEME MUSIC: Joseph McDade

After graduating from the University of Tulsa, Ben Preisner took his years of track and cross-country training and started testing them out on the roads. Following a couple of progressively faster half marathons, he set his sights on the full.

When COVID derailed his original plan to debut at the London Marathon, Ben applied for and ran The Marathon Project in 2020, where he ran a remarkable 2:10:17.

In this episode, we discuss qualifying for and racing at the Tokyo Olympics, his rise from being the fifth fastest Canadian marathoner to now being the second fastest, and his gutsy run at scoring a spot on the Paris Olympic team.

Ben is ridiculously smart and I think you will really enjoy hearing how his logical mindset and calm, steady approach to life shows up in both his training and racing.

Follow Ben @ben.preisner

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EPISODE SPONSOR: UNDER ARMOUR EASTSIDE 10K

The Under Armour Eastside 10K is quickly approaching on September 21 in Vancouver. The CRS West team has just revealed the race shirt, and it's amazing: with sizes ranging from women's XS to men's XXL and a fantastic technical fabric, this will be your new go-to training shirt. You also have the option to choose the Impact Bib program, where $10 from your race registration will be donated to charity instead of receiving a shirt!

To find out more about the Under Armour Eastside 10K or to register now, visit www.canadarunningseries.com

Theme music: Joseph McDade

Creating a Culture of Safety for Runners was put together by three passionate leaders in the running community—people who not only love the sport but are deeply committed to building connections within their groups. Their passion for people naturally extends to a shared commitment to safety. After all, you can’t create an inclusive and joyful space if people are showing up in fear.

Our speakers are:

• Sarah Rose Black from Chix Run the 6ix

• Alejandro De La Cruz from Running Waters

• Erin Doucette from Toronto Trail Runners and The Trail Collective

Whether you’re looking for ways to feel safer on roads or trails—or want to help others feel included and protected—this episode is for you.

Mark October 17 & 18, 2025 on your calendar and plan to join this year's speaker stage for more lively discussion, important information, and fun friends from the run community!

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EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 18 & 19, 2025

While the Marathon and Half Marathon are already sold out, the fun’s not over yet! You can still be part of the action by signing up for the 5K on Saturday. This high-energy race takes you on a scenic tour through some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Trust us—this is a weekend you won’t want to miss! Since 2017, this event has been home to the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships and even served as the Olympic Trials.

So lace up for the 5K on Saturday, and then stick around to cheer on thousands of runners taking on the marathon course Sunday. The energy is electric, the crowds are buzzing, and the memories? Totally worth it.

Head to canadarunningseries.com to register now. Let’s make it a weekend to remember!

Intro Music: Joseph McDade

I use the word resilient often on this show, but today's guest Samantha Powderhorn truly redefines it. Raised in the remote Sayisi Dene First Nation in Northern Manitoba, Samantha faced an incredibly tough childhood marked by addiction, neglect, and becoming a mother at just 15 years old. Later, after a cancer diagnosis and the devastating loss of her brother, she found herself battling addiction, trapped in an unhappy marriage, and trying to find a way forward.

But Samantha's story doesn't end there. She has transformed her life by learning to love and care for herself and discovering strength through running. She became the first Sayisi Dene woman to complete the Churchill Marathon and is setting her sights on even more incredible goals.

Samantha is brave, compassionate, and deeply inspiring. She shares her story hoping it will help others find their own path through hardship.

Follow Samantha @sayisitaurus

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Under Armour Toronto 10K

The Under Armour Toronto 10K is all about community: join us for a day of active excitement. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-timer, this event is about more than just a run: it's an opportunity to rally your crew and create lasting memories in your community. At over 90% sold out, this is your final call to join the fun. visit https://canadarunningseries.com/toronto-10k/ for more info and to get registered.

Intro Music: Joseph McDade