In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Judith Kasiama, the visionary founder of Colour the Trails. Based in British Columbia, Judith uses her background in gender studies to bridge the representation gap for BIPOC individuals in adventure media, becoming one of the most influential voices in the outdoor industry.

Highlights:
- Building Community: How Colour the Trails creates safe spaces for trail running, mountain biking, and skiing.
- True Allyship: Moving beyond performative gestures toward active listening and genuine trust.
- Enriching Nature: Why diversity isn't a zero-sum game, but a way to add new perspectives and shared joy to the trails.

Judith reminds us that representation provides "permission" to explore. It's time to move toward genuine inclusion and a more vibrant, collective outdoor experience.

Learn more about Judith at: https://www.instagram.com/jujumil/

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 happens when you trade a destructive chase for a 100-mile journey?

This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Kofi Ayinde to discuss the transformative power of the trail. Kofi opens up about his journey to sobriety and how the grueling demands of ultra-running provided a healthy outlet for the dopamine hits he once sought elsewhere.

Highlights:
- The Dopamine Shift: How Kofi redirected his brain's reward system toward endurance and resilience.
- Wabi Sabi on the Trail: Embracing life's imperfections to overcome the mental hurdles of long-distance running.
- Community & Inclusion: A look at the inclusive culture at Sulphur Springs and the importance of diversity in the sport.
- The Road to Canyons 100: Kofi reflects on the emotional strategies required to tackle his first 100-mile finish line.

And make sure to check out https://www.instagram.com/outrunthedarkness/

Kofi's story is a powerful reminder that running isn't just about the miles—it's about discovering who you are when everything else is stripped away.

Learn more about Kofi at: https://www.instagram.com/run.kofi.run/

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 take to run across the second-largest country on earth?

This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're joined by Ryan Keeping, the former construction worker who completed a staggering 98-day journey across Canada. Ryan opens up about the reality of averaging 75km daily and why he's dedicated his life to a mission much bigger than himself.

Inside the episode:
- The "Stubborn" Mindset: From physical labor to elite endurance—how Ryan developed the mental grit to survive 99 days on the road.
- The Heart of the Run: Honoring the legacy of Terry Fox and raising vital funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
- The Ultimate Pit Crew: Why family support was the secret weapon for his expeditions in Canada and Iceland.
- Going Pro: A look at his shift toward professional ultra-marathons, starting with a 300-mile race in Arizona.
- The Unfiltered Truth: Ryan gets transparent about the financial struggles and the physical dedication needed to chase a career in extreme sports.

Join us for an inspiring look at what happens when an ordinary person decides to do something extraordinary to inspire a new generation.

Learn more about Ryan at: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.keeping/

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/