Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

"It's not about how fast you're going; it's about who you're moving with."

In a world where running is often measured by PBs, carbon plates, and brand deals, Colin Strickland is doing something radically different. This week, we sit down with the founder of the Corners Run Crew in St. Catharines to talk about the power of the "Third Space" and why inclusivity must come before the stopwatch.

Since founding the crew in 2019, Colin has pivoted away from the traditional competitive model to build a movement centered on social connection and mentorship. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just lace up for the fresh air, this episode is a deep dive into what it means to truly belong in the Ontario running scene.

Whether you're looking to start your own crew or just need a dose of inspiration for your next mid-week run, Colin's insights on mentorship and inclusivity are a must-listen.

Learn more about Corners Run Crew at: https://www.instagram.com/thecornersruncrew/
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership
Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

What does it actually mean to be "unstoppable"? According to elite runner and coach Dr. Sasha Gollish, it isn't about never failing—it's about having the mental toolkit to keep moving forward.

In this episode, Sasha joins us to dive into her innovative new project, Unstoppable. Part mental performance journal, part training companion, this isn't your typical "how-to" book. It is a hands-on resource designed to help the next generation of athletes bridge the gap between physical talent and psychological resilience.

In This Episode, We Explore:
- The "Unstoppable" Mindset: Why Sasha view's mental performance as a practice, not a destination.
- Tools for Youth Athletes: How mood tracking and self-contained activities help young performers build confidence and focus.
- Identity Beyond the Finish Line: Sasha opens up about her personal journey with injury and how mental skills help navigate the difficult shifts in identity that every athlete eventually faces.

Whether you are a young athlete looking to level up, a coach searching for better ways to support your team, or a runner navigating your own comeback, this conversation offers a masterclass in resilience and grit.

Learn more about Dr. Sasha Gollish at: https://www.instagram.com/sgollishruns/
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership
Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

New Year, new parenting goals? You're not alone. This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, our host John Shep kicks off the episode by sharing his own resolution to become a more self-aware parent—setting the stage for a deep dive with renowned expert Jennifer Kolari, founder of Connected Parenting.

Jennifer starts by swapping her therapist chair for running shoes, revealing how she uses running as a solitary, meditative form of self-care to recharge in nature. The conversation then shifts to the specific challenges faced by runner-parents, answering listener questions on:
- The "Substitute Frontal Lobe": Understanding your vital role in helping children regulate their emotions.
- Commitment vs. Quitting: Strategies for when your child wants to drop a sport or activity.
- The Digital Battleground: Managing screen time, video games, and parenting in the digital age.

We wrap up with practical, permission-giving advice for busy parents on how to prioritize their own training without the guilt. Whether you are logging miles or managing meltdowns, this episode is your toolkit for a more connected family life.

Learn more about Connected Parenting at: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkolari/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership
Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

Are you ready to test your limits right here in Ontario? Prepare for the ultimate test of endurance! We are joined by Race Director Eric D'Arcy of Crazy Cat Adventures to unveil The Ribbon 200—a grueling new ultra-challenge launching in June 2026. This isn't just a race; it is a wilderness odyssey featuring Ontario's only point-to-point 100-miler and a massive 200-mile out-and-back beast.

Eric breaks down the punishing 24,000 feet of elevation gain and the raw beauty of the Bruce Trail from the Blue Mountains to the Caledon Hills. We dive into the event's unique "White Blaze" rule—requiring pure navigation with no extra course markings—and exactly what it takes to survive up to 100 hours on the trail.

In this episode, we cover:
- The Logistics of an Ultra: How a 5-day event comes together and the unique challenges of the out-and-back format.
- The Price Tag Debate: Eric provides a transparent look at the costs behind a 200-mile race—from extensive staffing and sleep stations to park fees—and why it differs from your standard looped ultra.
- Running for a Cause: How the event champions community spirit and raises vital funds for Bruce Trail conservation.

Whether you are an aspiring ultramarathoner or just curious about what goes into organizing a massive endurance event, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Learn more about the Ribbon 200 at: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112833/the-ribbon-200
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership
Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

"Gratitude is what drives me."
This week, we are joined by Jovica Savic (Yatzi) to discuss his incredible journey from fleeing war in the former Yugoslavia to becoming a pillar of the Kitchener-Waterloo running community.
What makes you lace up your shoes? For Yatzi, the answer went far beyond fitness—it became about survival for his neighbors.
On this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we explore how one runner's deep sense of gratitude for his life in Canada sparked a movement in Kitchener-Waterloo. Disturbed by the sight of individuals suffering through severe winter cold, Yatzi rallied the local running community to tackle the rising issue of homelessness head-on.
Join us as we break down his incredible 51.9km fundraising run for Ray of Hope KW and discover why the most powerful fuel for any runner isn't carbohydrates—it's a purpose. Whether you are an ultra-marathoner or a 5K fun-runner, Yatzi's story will challenge you to find your own "strong charitable why."
Learn more about Yatzi at: https://www.instagram.com/yatziruns/
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership
Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/