What happens when a casual 10K bet among friends turns into a complete lifestyle overhaul? On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, host John Shep sits down with Andrew Kim from Runners' Choice Waterloo to trace his incredible journey.
From his first strides in 2020 to shedding weight and shifting careers, Andrew shares how running became the catalyst for a new life. We dive into how he utilized social media for accountability, leading to partnerships with major brands like Lululemon and Strava, and how he tackled numerous marathons and ultras along the way.
Plus, just in time for the season, Andrew opens up his playbook for the ultimate runner's holiday gift guide. Whether you are looking for inspiration to start your own journey or looking for the perfect gear, this episode has it all.

Learn more about Andrew at: https://www.instagram.com/andrewkim47/

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/

What does it take to turn a lifetime of running into a thriving business?
This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we are joined by the dynamic duo, Kim and Michelle Krezonoski. From their roots in Northern Ontario to the streets of the 2024 Boston Marathon, the sisters share how they've evolved from competitive athletes to business owners.
In this episode, we cover:
- The Boston Experience: Reflections on running one of the world's most prestigious marathons.
- The Balancing Act: Strategies for juggling full-time jobs, coaching, and elite training without burning out.
- Introducing Pairr Socks: How a gap in the market led to the creation of a new Canadian, woman-owned sock brand.
- Athlete to Entrepreneur: How the discipline of sport translates directly to business resilience.
- Future Plans: What's next for the Krezonoski sisters and their product line.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to level up your training mindset, this episode is packed with value!

Learn more about Pairr Socks at: https://www.instagram.com/pairrsocks/

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/

"I stopped trying to prove them wrong, and started trying to prove myself right."
Lanni Marchant's athletic evolution is nothing short of inspiring. In this 200th episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, the Rio 2016 Olympian and one of Canada's fastest women gets vulnerable about the reality of professional running and opens up candidly about the hurdles she faced off the track. We dive deep into Lanni's unconventional start, her candid and ongoing recovery from an eating disorder, and the resilience required to bounce back from injury.
Now in her forties, Lanni explains why strength training is the key to longevity and how she redefined success on her own terms with a massive shift in mindset.
Don't miss this powerful conversation on resilience, self-awareness, and the holistic health of the modern runner.

Hammer Nutrition Canada Contest ALERT!: Like and Comment on our Episode 200 Podcast Post (check out https://www.instagram.com/athleticsont/ OR https://www.instagram.com/athletics_ontario_running/) for a chance to win a Hammer Nutrition Canada prize pack (open to Ontario residents only)

Learn more about Lanni at: https://www.instagram.com/lannimarchant/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Join us for an inspiring conversation on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast with Tara Logue, leader of the Run905 crew in Newmarket!
Tara recounts her unexpected running start, which began with a half marathon challenge. Hear how her husband's unwavering support helped her navigate the journey despite their different speeds.
The core of this episode is Run905's pace-inclusive philosophy. Tara explains how welcoming all paces has been key to the club's success. She shares her experience running the Chicago Marathon over seven hours, advocating powerfully for greater inclusion in major races for all runners.
Finally, Tara discusses Run905's vital annual Movember fundraiser, "Run for Your Mo Bros," supporting men's health and mental wellness—a deeply personal cause for her family.
If you believe all paces belong, tune in for this dose of inspiration!

Learn more about Tara (and register for the Run for your Mo Bros Run!) at: https://www.instagram.com/run905crew/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

In this powerful episode, we interview Jessica Nguyen, founder of the Girls Just Wanna Run Club in Newmarket, about building community and protecting your peace.
Jessica shares her game-changing philosophy: "Don't Spiral, Evolve." Hear how she pulled herself out of a "dark time" by prioritizing service and giving herself grace for her evolving passions. For her, running is spiritual meditation—a crucial time to "let go" of stress and be present. As a dedicated leader, Jessica stresses that you cannot pour from an empty cup. She lives by the mantra: "If you are going to push really hard, you better recover even harder." Learn her practical boundary tools to avoid burnout.
The Girls Just Wanna Run Club provides a vital, inclusive, women-only safe space for "all paces." Jessica explains its significance: members feel empowered to show up as they are, free from the harassment and judgment that often plagues women running alone.
Tune in for the inspiration you need to run your way, set your boundaries, and find your community.

Learn more about Jessica at: https://www.instagram.com/thisisreallyjessica/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Lace up for an inspiring episode with Samir Mourani, the first Canadian Ambassador for Movember!
Samir shares his journey from a sporadic gym-goer to an upcoming 50K ultramarathoner this Movember. He's tackling this immense physical challenge to raise crucial awareness and funds for Movember's mental health initiatives.
Discover the profound mental and emotional benefits Samir unlocked through consistent running. He discusses how exercise has dramatically improved his productivity, sleep, and overall well-being.
We dive into themes of modern masculinity, the strength in emotional vulnerability, and the life-changing power of community and conversation for men's mental health.
If you need a reminder of the link between physical health and a resilient mind, this is a must-listen.
Hit play to hear about running, vulnerability, and the long road to better mental health.

Learn more about Samir at: https://www.instagram.com/samirmourani/

Register for the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships Community Run: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/series/cross-country-championships

Anyone that uses AthleticsReg to register for an event will need to create an AthleticsReg account. Once they go through the prompts to make an account, they'll automatically be brought to the registration for the AOXC Champs with the community run being one of the options on Saturday.

The promo code is aoxc-community-2km or aoxc-community-5km depending on which race the person wants to do (also, you will need to add a day membership). After the promo code is entered, the total cost for the event and the day membership will come to exactly $10 including taxes and processing fees.

Meet Sean Sharp and Kathy Webber, the heart behind N89 Trail Running!
Hear Kathy's powerful journey: creating N89, born out of COVID-19 race cancellations. Sean then shares how running helped him overcome a difficult period and why he partnered with Kathy, driven by his love for N89's supportive community focus (especially the Great Mansfield Outdoors).
They detail their diverse events: from the beginner-friendly Chill Session 5K & 10K (REGISTER TODAY!!) to intense ultras like the Vertical Challenge and the Utopia Backyard Ultra. Discover how N89 builds a welcoming trail family, offering coaching and workshops for all skill levels.
The trail is for everyone. Listen now!

Learn more about N89 at: https://www.instagram.com/n89trailrunning/

Register for the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships Community Run: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/series/cross-country-championships

Anyone that uses AthleticsReg to register for an event will need to create an AthleticsReg account. Once they go through the prompts to make an account, they'll automatically be brought to the registration for the AOXC Champs with the community run being one of the options on Saturday.

The promo code is aoxc-community-2km or aoxc-community-5km depending on which race the person wants to do (also, you will need to add a day membership). After the promo code is entered, the total cost for the event and the day membership will come to exactly $10 including taxes and processing fees.

Get ready for an episode that's all heart, hustle, and pavement!
Host John Shep on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast interviews the insightful Alejandro De La Cruz, co-founder of Running Waters in Durham Region.
Alejandro shares his journey from a running novice in San Jose—learning the conversational pace—to becoming a community pillar. Hear how moving to Whitby, Ontario, in March 2020 turned the waterfront trail into his mental health lifeline and forged his runner identity.
Dive into the Running Waters founding story and get an exclusive look at his gritty preparation for the New York City Marathon. He reveals the pain and sheer stubborn determination (and lessons learned) of training through a recent injury, fueled by co-organizer Marvin Mendoza's unwavering support.
This is more than a running story; it's a testament to community, resilience, and finding your flow.

Learn more about Ale at: https://www.instagram.com/brownbeardrunning/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership