To say that getting to interview Alexi Pappas in person at the Servus Calgary Marathon this last weekend was a dream come true is an understatement. I have been a massive fan of this Greek-American Olympian for a long time: she is also an artist, an actor/filmmaker, a podcaster and a truly generous soul. Alexi and I talked about her two books, Bravey and the adaptation she wrote for younger readers, and the new book and film projects she is currently working on. We also dive into the ways she has found joy in the sport in every form: from dancing through the streets during the New York Marathon, to working with her vision-impaired running partner Lisa as she targets the Paralympics, to being an example of what a beautiful continued run life can be after a professional career.

Alexi constantly centres other people's experiences by listening and learning from everyone she encounters (as proved by her podcast Mentor Buffet) and gives incredible advice from a place of experience. I hope you find this magical episode as glittery and bubble-gun filled as we all did. IYKYK

Follow Alexi @alexipappas

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Did you have an awesome time at the Servus Calgary Marathon? Or experiencing FOMO for a fantastic race weekend? Join the Run Calgary team to celebrate the 45th running of the Calgary Police Classic (formerly the Calgary Police Half Marathon) on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cowboys Park. The Calgary Police Classic is a fall road race that boasts a fast and flat half-marathon course, a new 8 km event (not the traditional 5 km and 10 km races), as well as a brand new kids race. Register now at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/100913/2025-calgary-police-classic

J Solle is an active member and former board member of Front Runners New York and now the Race Director of the iconic Front Runners New York City LGBT Pride Run: the largest pride run in the world, which welcomed over 10,000 runners to its start line last year. J’s spirit and actions mirror the aims of Front Runners and the Pride Run. They celebrate showing up authentically, creating inclusivity for everyone, and amplifying the powerful intersection of sport and community. In addition to bringing the joy of an inclusive start line to others, J is a highly talented runner, having made two appearances at the Boston Marathon.

From speaking at a United Nations event to being recognized as a 2025 Emerging Leader by Running USA to working as a coach helping others reach big goals, J is a light in our running community.

Follow J @jcsolle

Follow Front Runners New York @frontrunnersny

Follow the Front Runners New York City LGBT Pride Run @frnypriderun

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Episode Sponsor: Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K

Vancouver's premier half marathon experience, taking place June 22, 2025. This year, featuring a finisher medal made from recycled chopsticks created just for Canada Running Series by their partner Chop Value. Register with their Impact Bib program, and a portion of your registration fee will be donated in lieu of a race shirt! Join Western Canada's ONLY zero-waste designated race: choose from the half marathon, 5K or kids' race.

For more info and to register, visit www.canadarunningseries.com

After her first appearance on the show five years ago, Daryl Lang is back! Daryl is a vision-impaired runner who races with a guide and completes her training miles with her guide dog. Daryl and I love furry friends, so this episode ended up almost an ode to her two guide dogs, Jenny and Yasha.

Daryl takes us through Jenny's retirement, what it was like to change their relationship from working to companionship, and learning the ins and outs of her new coworker, Yasha (whom she trained with at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York).

Daryl also became published as a contributing author to the book Run for Your Life: Lessons Learned from Going the Distance, and she shares a bit about that process as well.

Yasha and Daryl may still be fine-tuning running together, but in the meantime, Daryl has entered a new space in her running era: nothing to prove to anyone (maybe the best journey yet). She may not be worried about how much she races or what her splits are anymore, but she still has some big goals on the horizon. I have my fingers crossed that I might get to greet her at the finish line sometime soon.

Find Daryl's blog at www.blindbeader.ca

Buy a copy of Run For Your Life: Lessons Learned from Going the Distance https://bit.ly/buyrunforyourlife

Donate to Guiding Eyes for the Blind: https://donate.guidingeyes.org/

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Episode Sponsor: Canada Running Series

The Beneva Spring Run Off may have already sprung, but Canada Running Series still has a ton of exciting races to help you find your next start line. Next up: The Under Armour Toronto 10K. With a medal inspired by the city itself, this year’s finish line prize features the iconic Toronto skyline—CN Tower and all—hung on waves of blue, a nod to the scenic waterfront route. Register to earn yours on June 15th: visit www.canadarunningseries.com

Theme music: Joseph McDade