RUNVAN Rundown

Episode 51 - In this episode, we chat with Nick Kleban, Head of Product & Scientific Projects at XACT Nutrition, the official on-course nutrition partner of the BMO Vancouver Marathon.A competitive cyclist and former coach, Nick shares his approach to fuelling for endurance performance, common mistakes runners make, and practical tips for race day.If you’re gearing up for BMO Vancouver Marathon or looking to simplify your nutrition, this one’s for you.

Episode 50 - Race weekend is almost here, so we’re breaking down the marathon and half marathon courses.Julia sits down with Operations Manager Andrew to walk through the route, key sections to look out for, and what runners can expect from start to finish. They also get into aid stations, course flow, and a few insider details from the operations side.A practical listen to help you feel more prepared on the start line.

Episode 49 - This week on the RUNVAN Podcast, we’re joined by Canadian Olympian Thomas Fafard.Thomas reflects on his Olympic debut in Paris, where he advanced to the 5,000m final, and shares what the post-Olympic year really looked like, from injury setbacks to chasing performance after a breakthrough season.We also dive into his marathon debut in Phoenix, where he ran 2:10:29 to break a long-standing Quebec provincial record, and discuss his unique range as an athlete, having raced everything from the mile to the marathon.Plus, we look ahead to his upcoming race at The TEN this weekend.

Episode 48 - Julia sits down with Canadian race walker Olivia Lundman, national record holder and a rising force in the sport. From picking up race walking in 2013 to qualifying for the inaugural Olympic mixed relay alongside Evan Dunfee, Olivia shares how she developed into one of Canada’s top athletes in a highly technical and often misunderstood event.They dive into the realities of race walking - the rules, the training, and her recent performance at First Half.Olivia also talks about her work in mental health advocacy, and the unexpected path that led her from soccer to events like pole vault and race walking.

Episode 46 - This week on the podcast, Julia sits down with Kevin O’Connor - Non-Stadia Program Manager for BC Athletics, Elite Coordinator for the Vancouver Sun Run and Royal Victoria Marathon, and Head Coach of VFAC.Kevin shares his unique path from working as a crime scene investigator in the UK to becoming a staple of the Vancouver running community. They talk about his approach to coaching, what goes into supporting athletes behind the scenes at major races, and why he’s still chasing fast 5Ks and 10Ks well into his 50s.

Episode 46 - Emily Andrews opened her marathon journey with a 3:18 at BMO in 2019, and five years later returned to the same course to finish third overall, first Canadian, in 2:45. We also dive into how she balances high-level training with her role as a senior software developer, why curiosity has been central to her growth, and what’s next as she continues chasing new levels in the sport.A conversation about patience, resilience, and building something long-term.

Episode 45 - Rachel Hannah joins the podcast fresh off a fourth-place finish at the First Half in 1:13:53.We talk about longevity, racing often, staying injury-free for over five years, improving bone density, and what it means to be calmer than ever on a championship start line.As a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutrition Consultant Rachel shares detailed insight into fueling, and why practicing your race nutrition now matters for spring racing.

Episode 44 - Sevanne Ghazarian joins the podcast after a massive breakout performance at the First Half, where she ran 1:13:27 in her half marathon debut to finish third in a stacked field.A former OFSAA standout and NCAA athlete at Yale University, Sevanne earned a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Now self-coached and working full-time, she’s navigating elite-level training alongside a demanding career. We talk about her return to competitive running, her experience racing on the roads, and whats next for her.

Episode 43 - Fresh off her fourth First Half victory, Natasha Wodak joins us for a post-race conversation following her 1:11:51 performance on a sunny day that saw 2,061 finishers cross the line.Natasha reflects on racing at home, how her relationship with competition has evolved over the years, and what it means to continue performing at the highest level as a Canadian Olympian and national marathon record holder (2:23:12). We also talk about her role as a coach, her impact on the Vancouver running community, and what’s next for her this season.A conversation about longevity, leadership, and winning on your own terms.

Episode 42 - In this race-week episode, Julia previews everything you need to know ahead of First Half.Part One features a full elite field breakdown, highlighting some of the top athletes lining up on Sunday.In Part Two, Julia is joined by Andrew Mack from RUNVAN to discuss the updated course route, why changes were made, and what runners can expect on race day.This episode sets the stage for an exciting weekend of competition at First Half.Good luck to everyone toeing the line on Sunday!

Episode 41 - Alex and Bronwyn join the show to talk about building a relationship alongside competitive sport. From racing internationally and training as a couple to navigating injuries, expectations, and support, they share what it really looks like to chase big goals together. We also hear the story behind their engagement, including how Alex managed to plan a proposal for someone who plans everything.

Episode 40 - Kyle Gieni is a wheelchair athlete, adaptive sport advocate, and a familiar face on Vancouver start lines. In this episode, Kyle shares his journey into endurance racing and setting a Guinness World Record at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. We talk about accessibility at races, building inclusive sport communities, and what organizers and athletes alike can do better. An honest conversation about showing up, pushing limits, and making space for everyone in sport.

Episode 39 - We’re joined by Maguie Quintero, a competitive marathon runner from Mexico and longtime BMO Vancouver Marathon participant. Maguie talks about why she keeps returning to Vancouver, how she manages training and travel across borders, and how running helps her navigate both racing and real life.

Episode 38 - This episode features two conversations with Amir Nikravan, one ahead of the Valencia Marathon and one post-race. In the first chat, we talk about his journey through run clubs, his work as a pacer, and creative projects like the Costco Hot Dog Marathon. After Valencia, we reconnect to reflect on the race, lessons learned, and what the experience meant for him.

In this year-end solo episode, I reflect on a full season of conversations, races, and community moments at RUNVAN.This episode looks back at the common themes that emerged across the podcast; non-linear paths into running, to the quiet nature of progress, to the roles that exist beyond racing itself. I revisit standout ideas from conversations with athletes, volunteers, organizers, and coaches, and how those perspectives shaped the way I thought about athlete experience and opportunity this year.A reflective close to the year, and a look ahead at what matters moving forward.

Episode 36 - In this episode, we sit down with Vancouver runner Darren Kerr to talk about discovering running later in life and chasing big goals while living with Cystic Fibrosis. Darren shares how a casual run around Stanley Park changed everything, why running has actually improved his lung function, and what it’s been like returning to training after hospitalizations and IV tune-ups.We also talk about sobriety, community, and the role fitness plays in his everyday life. Darren opens up about running 65km for Cystic Fibrosis, his goal of qualifying for Boston, and his long-term dream of running across Canada.

Episode 35 - Dan Levitt is proving that performance doesn’t have an age limit. In this episode, the B.C. Seniors Advocate and dedicated age-group marathoner shares how running shapes his work, his outlook on aging, and his place in the Vancouver running scene. We talk consistency, community, big adventures, and what it means to keep getting better at any age.

Episode 34 - Sports dietitian and Team Canada trail runner Carol-Ann Rolle joins us to talk about making nutrition simple, practical, and powerful for performance. We dive into her experience racing on the world stage, how she helps athletes ditch gut issues and fuel with confidence, and what she’s learned balancing her own training with coaching others

Daniel Simpson is a Vancouver runner, marathoner, and community builder best known for founding Kamino Running. A three-time BMO Vancouver Marathon finisher, Daniel blends his love of running with a drive to bring people together. He leads weekly social runs, coaches athletes, and organizes local races that now draw hundreds. Known for his energy, consistency, and recent head-shave fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Canada, Daniel is shaping the next wave of Vancouver’s running culture.

Episode 32 - Masters miler, marathoner, and community leader Ken Okondo joins Julia to talk racing, representation, and building inclusive spaces through Surrey Big 5 and Rauka Racing. Ken reflects on how he manages his personal ambitions while continuing to build and support community-driven running spaces.