RUNVAN Rundown

Episode 25 - Nicole has been competing every season since grade 6 — and still shows up with the same spark. We bond over our shared love of track, swap stories from chaotic call tents, and even debate who’s funnier: sprinters or distance runners. Come for the laughs, stay for Nicole’s attitude that’s kept her in the sport for 20+ years.

Episode 24 - Adam Buzinsky is a local athlete who was diagnosed with MS in 2022. We talk about his running journey, balancing sport with MS, and his new IG SickBoyTrackClub. Plus, we catch up after Berlin Marathon to hear how it went and what’s next.

Episode 23 - This week on the RUNVAN Podcast we chat with Lara Penno—coach, athlete, and former RUNVAN Manager of Runner Services. From her days as a sponsored Asics athlete to leading run clinics at Racquets and Runners, Lara shares stories of racing, coaching, and building community in Vancouver.

Episode 22 - Jim and Mary are a married couple who have become fixtures in Vancouver’s running scene. From volunteering at nearly every road race, to officiating track meets all summer long, to biking alongside Olympian Natasha Wodak on her long runs, they’ve seen it all. In this episode, they share how they first got involved, the joy (and chaos) of volunteering together, and the community connections that keep them coming back year after year.

Episode 21 - This week, we sit down with Canadian trail runner Josh Potvin. From his 800m track roots to winning the Gorge Waterfalls 50k in course record fashion, Josh has been making his mark across roads and trails. He shares how he balances a full-time career in architecture with training at an elite level, what it means to represent Canada at the upcoming World Mountain and Trail Championships in Spain, and how he handles setbacks like injury and DNFs.

Episode 20 - This week we’re joined by North Shore trail runner Taylor Quinn, who has taken on everything from 50Ks to 100-mile ultras while also traveling the world for work. Taylor shares how running has shaped his life, the stories he’s collected from training and racing at home and abroad, and what the sport means to him today. From volunteering at local races to exploring new countries on the run, Taylor’s journey shows how running can open doors to both community and adventure.

Episode 19 - Julia sits down with Canadian Paralympian Michael Barber to talk about chasing national records in the T20 800m and 1500m, setting new personal bests, and earning his spot on Team Canada for the upcoming World Championships in India. They share stories of crossing paths at races across North America, his experiences at the Jerome Classic, and how he balances training with his work as a teaching aide in Victoria.

Episode 18 - From the dirt tracks of Olympic BMX racing to the open roads of running and cycling, Drew Mechielsen knows what it means to reinvent yourself in sport. The BC-based Tokyo 2020 Olympian and BMO Vancouver Marathon ambassador shares her journey of transitioning from BMX to endurance sports, the challenges of injury, and how she’s redefining her athletic identity after retiring from elite competition.

Episode 17 - Vancouver just made it official — we’ve got a sister marathon!In this episode, Julia sits down with Nikolai Muth to talk about the newly minted partnership between the Yokohama and Vancouver Marathons. From what it’s like to race through Japan to why Yokohama should be your next destination marathon, this one’s for the travel lovers, racecation planners, and anyone dreaming of post-run ramen.

Episode 16 - Nicole started as a varsity track athlete at UBC, dabbled in the road racing world, and is now making serious waves in the trail scene. After a breakout 5th place finish at the Canyons UTMB 50K, she earned her spot on Team Canada for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. In this episode, we chat about her race-day mindset, the transition from track to trails, and training while working full-time as a lawyer at Lululemon.

Episode 15 - This week we’re joined by physio, triathlete, runner, and mom-to-be Tracy Murray. We dive into how pregnancy is shifting her relationship with movement, how she supports her patients through both physical and mental challenges, and what athletes often get wrong about recovery. Plus: identity, expectations, and an unapologetic love for corn puffs.

Episode 14 - Olympian and Canadian record holder Regan Yee joins the show to talk about her evolution from steeplechase specialist to 5000m contender. We dive into her athletic journey, her goals for this year’s Jerome Classic, and what it’s like training full-time in Flagstaff. Regan also shares what life looks like outside of running and what she’s chasing next—on and off the track.

Episode 13 - Olympic bronze medallist and Canadian running legend Lynn Kanuka joins the show to reflect on her iconic 1984 Olympic race, the rise of women’s distance running, and her journey from elite athlete to coach and community leader. We talk legacy, why track still matters, and how running continues to shape her life today.

Episode 12 - Today’s guest brings the rare combo of elite athlete and industry insider. A former NCAA champion and All-American middle-distance runner, she’s now a trend forecaster and product strategist in the sportswear and outdoor apparel space. We talk about her journey through high-performance sport, her current work translating cultural shifts into design strategy, and of course—we geek out on all things track and field.

Episode 11 - This week, Julia sits down with Andrei Mandzuk, a mental performance consultant, climbing coach, and runner who works with athletes ranging from high school to Olympic level. They talk about his recent transition into track and field, how he approaches mental performance across different sports, and what athletes can do to build mental skills that actually stick. Plus: practical advice for staying focused—on the track, the wall, or the trail.

Episode 10 - In this special episode, the roles are reversed. Taylor steps in as host and puts me in the hot seat for a deep dive into my running journey. From early beginnings to personal milestones, moments of doubt, and everything in between—we explore how my relationship with running has evolved over the years, and what continues to drive me forward.

Episode 9 - Julia chats with Sach Latti, a former Border Services Agent turned endurance runner, who’s about to run across Canada to raise awareness for mental health — despite the fact that he actually hates running. Ahead of his June 16 start, Sach shares what inspired the journey, how he’s preparing, and why pushing the limits of human endurance is worth it if it means breaking the silence around mental health.Follow along at sachinmotion.ca for updates on his coast-to-coast run.

Episode 8 (pt.2) - In Part Two of our conversation with Paralympic champion Richard Whitehead, we shift focus to his incredible journey as an athlete. He shares the mindset behind his record-breaking performances, what keeps him motivated, and what’s next as he hits the halfway point of his ambitious goal: running 20 marathons in 2025—10 down, 10 to go. If you missed Part One, be sure to check it out for our discussion on inclusion in sport and the power of representation.

Episode 8 - Paralympic gold medallist, marathon world record holder, and global advocate for inclusion in sport—Richard Whitehead joins us fresh off finishing the 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon. We talk about what drives him, the power of representation, his transition from the track to the roads, and the mindset that’s helped him redefine limits time and again.

Episode 7 - Sandra, a Registered Dietitian and former track athlete turned trail runner, joins Julia to chat fueling strategies, common nutrition myths, and starting No Sweat Nutrition, her athlete-focused, inclusive nutrition practice.