Fifteen years ago, Brian Beckstead and his co-founders ignited a footwear revolution by proving that standard shoes were working against the human body. By engineering the game-changing zero-drop platform and signature wide toe box, they returned running to its natural roots and launched the global powerhouse known as Altra.

In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, host John Shep and Brian break down the brand's relentless entrepreneurial spirit and its deep commitment to the trails, highlighted by Altra's massive new lead sponsorship of Ontario's own Sulphur Springs Trail Race. Brian shares the strategy behind their intentional growth across Canada and their mission to keep the sport accessible for the next generation of athletes.

From hacking shoes at a kitchen table to dominating the road and trail markets, Beckstead's journey is a masterclass in community-first leadership. This is a high-energy look at a brand that refuses to settle, proving that when you prioritize solving problems over chasing profits, you change the industry forever.

And don't forget to check out John's current project Outrun the Darkness

Learn more about ALTRA at: https://www.instagram.com/altrarunning/

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/

In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're joined by Sasha Wolff, the powerhouse founder of the non-profit Still I Run. Sasha's journey didn't start at a starting line; it started in a hospital bed in 2011 during a battle with clinical depression. It was there she discovered that while therapy and medication were vital, movement was the missing piece of her recovery puzzle. This realization eventually transformed from a personal lifeline into Still I Run, a non-profit organization dedicated to the intersection of mental health and distance running.

The organization now serves as a digital sanctuary that dismantles the "elite athlete" archetype, welcoming participants of all backgrounds and abilities. Through initiatives like the May mental health run streak—a 31-mile challenge at any pace—Wolff prioritizes consistency over intensity. By shifting the focus away from performance metrics, she reframes running as a practice of grace and healing where every mile is a victory for mental clarity.

So much to gain from this episode! And make sure to check out John's current project, Outrun the Darkness

Learn more about Still I Run at: https://www.stillirun.org/

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 fuels the miles when the finish line is only half the story? This week on the AO Running Podcast, we're joined by Jessica Halsall - mom of two, Badass Lady Gang lead, and member of Otto's Ottawa Power Crew - to discuss her Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon journey. A runner and fitness instructor, she is turning her strides at Ottawa Race Weekend into support for the CHEO Neonatal Intensive Care Unit via the Desjardins Charity Challenge.

Jessica gets real about the journey from her son's birth to reclaiming her athleticism. We dive into the non-negotiables of postpartum training - including the vital role of pelvic floor physical therapy - and how she's building a more inclusive running culture through her leadership with the Badass Lady Gang.

From tactical tips for conquering the Ottawa Marathon course to her favorite local haunts for a post-race celebration, Jessica offers a masterclass in running with heart and purpose.

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

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/