RUNVAN Rundown

Ep 57 - Santiago Gaitan

Episode 57 - This week on the RUNVAN Podcast, we sit down with Canadian distance runner fresh off his second place finish at the 2026. We talk about training in Utah, representing Canada at World Cross Country Championships, the highs and lows of NCAA racing at, and the mindset behind becoming one of Canada’s rising distance talents. Plus, Santiago exposes his questionable Strava habits and admits he still hasn’t figured out how to stay on his feet for a full 10K.

Ep 56 - Max Turek

Episode 56 - Fresh off winning the 2026 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon in 1:03:29, the fastest time ever by a Canadian on the course, Max Turek joins the podcast to break down his race, why he chose Vancouver, and what it meant to celebrate the win with family on course. We also talk about balancing elite running with a full-time career, plus how becoming a father earlier this year has changed his perspective on training, racing, and life.

Ep 55 - Russell Pennock

Episode 55 - A marathon debut to remember. Russell Pennock places 2nd at the Vancouver Marathon in 2:22:32, just 29 seconds off the win, and finishes as the top Canadian. We get into his background, the decision to step up to the marathon, how the race unfolded, and what this result means moving forward.

Ep 54 - Teresa Tomchak

Episode 54 - This week, we sit down with Teresa Tomchak; marathoner, Team Canada age-group triathlete, lawyer, and Chair of the RUNVAN Board. We talk training longevity, competing while managing a busy professional life, lessons from sport, and her perspective on the evolution and future of RUNVAN.

Ep 53 - Melissa Paauwe

Episode 53 - Julia sits down Mel Paauwe, 2025 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon champion, to talk about her journey in running, her growth as a Masters athlete, and her work coaching with We Run the World. Mel shares how her relationship with the sport has evolved, what’s driven her consistency, and how she approaches training and longevity. With Vancouver race weekend approaching, Mel reflects on the event from a different perspective this year and what she’s looking forward to watching unfold on the course.