My interview with Team 1200 Sports Radio

On May 11th,  I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Mark Sutcliffe, the founder of iRun magazine. Mark is the host of the Running Show which airs Saturdays 8-9 am on Ottawa’s Team 1200 Sports Radio.

It was such an honour to be a part of this episode with other guests who are doing some incredible races and creative initiatives in the running community. Thank you to Laura from Team Diabetes for sharing my story with Mark.  Most of all, thanks to Mark for this amazing opportunity.

Here is the description of the episode from irun.ca:

Ray Zahab joins Mark to discuss his training and preparation for crossing the Gobi Desert next month. Joe Rios, a runner who went from inactive, overweight and asthmatic to a mission to run on every continent to raise money for charity in just three years, is launching the Run 4 a Cause Project. Brent Smyth is selling the “Boston, We Run With You” t-shirts for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend to raise money for The One Fund Boston. Rick Dearden and Wendy Wagner, who talked to Mark just after returning from Boston, ran the Big Sur International Marathon in California; Wendy, having done both races, talks about the Boston-to-Big Sur Challenge.

You can listen here:  iRun Podcast from May 11 2013

Luau fundraiser raises 1200 dollars to support the fight against kid’s cancer

Saturday night I organized a fundraiser as part of my efforts to raise funds for my upcoming Sears Great Canadian Run.  As part of a team of 25 solo runners I will be running 100km to raise awareness and funds for the battle against kid’s cancer.

Organizing a successful fundraiser is not possible without the support of your friends, family and the community. And lucky for me, I am surrounded by an amazing network of supporters which is why the event went off without a hitch.

My friends Debra and Tyrone opened their beautiful home and hosted the party. Thank you to the both of you for your amazing hospitality!

FRESHII provided the delicious and healthy catering. An enormous amount of tasty wraps, salads and rice bowls.They certainly live up to their motto: Eat. Energize. They aim to provide fresh and nutritious meal choices that energize people on the go. With a group of fitness instructors, runners and yogis it was the perfect combination. I am grateful to my friend Jag, who manages both locations in Ottawa. One on Laurier near UOttawa, and the other on Sparks St. If you have not tried Freshii, go check it out.  I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. My favourite pick is the Buffalo Green Wrap: Brown rice, chicken, avocado, blue cheese, ranch sauce, buffalo sauce.

The visionaries behind the whole concept of  assembling a team of solo runners to embark on this 100k run are 2 “good guys”: Steven Thomas and Mike Herzog. Two endurance runners living life intentionally to simply “do good” and the founders of  Good Guys Tri.  I’m inspired everyday by Steve and Mike’s leadership and determination to engage in great causes and leverage their expertise in endurance sports to make a difference. THANK YOU !!

Finally, thank you to all my friends and family for joining the Luau and to those who could not join but still generously made a donation. Without your energy, generosity and support this would not have been possible. YOU all ROCK and i’m so grateful to have friends like you !