Island Miles Podcast: for runners, by runners, celebrating running on Vancouver Island

Episode 17 - Myke Labelle and Coastline Endurance

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

There are SO many great trail races on Vancouver Island, and many of them are organized by the team at Coastline Endurance. Whether it’s the brutally tough Finlayson Arm races, extremely fun Island Trail Series, or the unique and challenging Kusam Klimb, they’ve got a great race roster, which they added to with the Hornby Island Ultra last month. The person at the helm of Coastline Endurance is Myke Labelle, and we got a chance to get to know him and what it takes to put on great races. Plus, he gave us a couple entries to Kusam to giveaway!

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

April 26 – TC10K – April 26 - https://www.runsport.ca/tc10k

May 2 – The Cumby 25K/16K/8.5K/4.5K distances https://thecumby.ca/

The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: islandmilespodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast

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Episode 16 - Joe 'Crazy Leg's Camilleri

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:56:20 GMT

Most people are in running retirement by the time they hit 70, but Joe ‘Crazy Legs’ Camilleri is still going strong at 76! Joe was a late bloomer with his running career, so was probably saving his legs for later life glory. Joe has completed a number of marathons with his first in Vancouver back in 2017 at the age of 67, when qualified for Boston, and he’s now closing in on completing the Abbot World Marathon Majors. We get to know Joe, which Canadian legend inspired him to start running, how he got his nickname, and hopefully get some tips for running longevity!

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

March 29 – McLean Mill 10K – Port Alberni - https://www.islandseries.org/product/mclean-mill-10k/

April 12 – Saanich Physio Bazin Bay 5K – https://www.islandseries.org/product/saanich-physio-bazan-bay-5k/

April 11 – Royal Roads 6K/11K – https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/races/victoria-royal-roads/

Canadian Cancer Society Run 80K in April Challenge: https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/events/680

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Episode 15 - CVRR and the Comox Valley Half Marathon

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:38:05 GMT

The Comox Valley RV Half Marathon is coming up on March 22. It’s the longest race in the Vancouver Island Race Series, and clearly one of the most popular as it sold out in January! It’s one of many races put on by the Comox Valley Road Runners, and in this episode, we caught up with their club President Brad Crowe and Comox Half Race Director Rob Kelly to talk about the race and their awesome, and VERY accomplished club which has been around since 1980. You can find them here: https://cvrr.ca/

We also got an update on the Wounded Warriors from Simon Brown and Nathalie Butler. This year’s campaign has raised more than $280,000 this year! You can still donate until the end of March. https://woundedwarriors.ca/run-bc/.

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

March 29 – McLean Mill 10K – Port Alberni - https://www.islandseries.org/product/mclean-mill-10k/

April 12 – Saanich Physio Bazin Bay 5K – https://www.islandseries.org/product/saanich-physio-bazan-bay-5k/

April 26 – TC10K – April 26 - https://www.runsport.ca/tc10k

April 2 – Trail Running Film Festival – Vic Theatre - https://bit.ly/4qWmNMN

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Episode 14 - Wounded Warriors

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:32:32 GMT

Every year, a group of eight runners and their amazing support team relay the 800 kilometres from Port Hardy to Victoria in just eight days, raising awareness for the importance of supporting trauma exposed Vancouver Island military personnel, first responders and their families. The 2026 campaign started on February 22, and the team is working their way down the island. The guys had a chance to talk to Simon Brown, one of this year’s runners before the team headed out. He shared some of their history, inspiring stories, and details on how people can support their mission. Every dollar raised by this tremendous group stays on the island, and you can find out more or donate here: https://woundedwarriors.ca/run-bc/.

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

March 8 – Westcoast Sooke 10K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/westcoast-sooke-10k-2/

March 29 – McLean Mill 10K – Port Alberni - https://www.islandseries.org/product/mclean-mill-10k/

April 2 – Trail Running Film Festival – Vic Theatre - https://bit.ly/4qWmNMN

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Episode 13 - Super shoes

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:43:11 GMT

It’s time to nerd out on shoe technology! Super shoes have continued to dominate the conversation in most running circles, including the elites. Records continue to fall, qualifying times continue to get harder, and footwear is a main reason. Darren takes us to “shoe school” with a good history lesson and technical explanation of what the latest and great technology does. But are these shoes right…for you? We also catch up with local Burrito League legend Arianna Rumenovich to talk about her tremendous accomplishment while questioning her sanity.

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

Feb 22 - Bastion 12K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/bastion-12k/

March 8 – Westcoast Sooke 10K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/westcoast-sooke-10k-2/

March 14 – Hornby Island 25K & 50K - https://www.coastlineendurancerunning.com/hornbyisland/ (sold out)

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Episode 12 - Running with chronic illness

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:24:32 GMT

Everyone has considerations in their running - from footwear, to mileage, to hydration and nutrition…but what if you have a chronic health challenge? How do you manage that additional, sometimes debilitating hurdle in your training? On this episode host Dan Deane talks about living and running with Type 1 Diabetes, and his running Coach Jim Finlayson (elite Victoria runner, coach, and former Beer Mile world record holder!) shares his journey with Multiple Sclerosis. We also recap the Cobble Hill 10K and talk about the awesome weirdness of Burrito League!

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

Feb 8 - Hatley Castle 8K – https://www.islandseries.org/

Feb 22 - Bastion 12K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/bastion-12k/

Feb 28 – Seymour Bloom Trail Race - https://bit.ly/3ZjESc7 (waitlist)

April 26 – TC10K - https://www.runsport.ca/tc10k

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Episode 11 - Training considerations

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:07:28 GMT

Have you registered for a big race in 2026? Maybe it’s a new distance for you, and you’re wondering how best to attack it so you’re ready to be your best on race day and hit that goal? With a Physiotherapist and run leader as hosts, we’ve got you covered! We talk everything from load management to injury management to strength training and shoes. Plus a recap of the Pioneer 8K, Rory Linkletter and…a Costco ultra marathoner?

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

Jan 25 - Cobble Hill 10K – https://www.islandseries.org/

Jan 26 – registration opens – Lululemon Seawheeze Half – https://www.seawheeze.com/

Feb 1 registration opens – The Cumby (25K/16K/8.5K/4.5K) - thecumby.ca

Feb 8 - Hatley Castle 8K – https://www.islandseries.org/

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Episode 10 - Season 1 reflections, mapping 2026 races and holiday gift ideas

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:00:00 GMT

In the season finale, we share our thoughts on the first 10 episodes, reflecting on our favourite moments and guests. It was really hard to choose! We talked about planning out your 2026 race calendar and what kind of things to consider, and talk about some of the best holiday gifts runners can get. And just wait until you hear the way our South African host says the word “toque”!

Books referenced:

Born To Run – Christopher McDougall

Once A Runner – John L. Parker, Jr.

Outsider – Brett Popplewell

The Rise of the Ultra Runners - Adharanand Finn

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Episode 9 - Badass Chicks Run Trails

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:03:03 GMT

If you’ve been to any races on the Vancouver Island in recent years, you’ve probably seen a really fun, energized run club called Badass Chicks Run Trails. It was founded by a group of first responders who discovered a shared love of trail running to help manage the personal strains caused by challenging work lives. From humble and almost accidental beginnings, the group has grown into a strong and positive running community. Founder Nikki Jomha joined the show to share the club’s philosophy and her own incredible story!

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

Dec 7 – 22nd annual Prairie Inn Harriers Stewart Mountain Challenge - https://pih.bc.ca/race/12-stewart-mountain-10-mile-5-mile-cross-country-challenge

Devil’s Ladder - registration opens Dec 5 - https://devilsladderultra.com/

Island Trail Series – full series registration opens Dec 5 - https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/

Island Race series registration - https://www.islandseries.org/

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Episode 8 - Chris Sundby RETURNS!

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:35:29 GMT

On our third episode, we talked to Chris Sundby just before he set out in mid-September to run the length of Vancouver Island in 14 days, with his mom acting as his lone support crew. More than 700 kilometres and three pairs of shoes later, Chris completed his epic journey right on schedule, and now that he’s back from the wilderness and (mostly) recovered, he rejoined the show to tell us all about it. And he brought his mom Sylvia to talk about her experience too!

His epic adventure raised more than $24,000 for Jacob’s Well on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and you can still donate here: https://www.jacobswell.ca/chrisruns

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

Nov 11 – 29th annual Prairie Inn Harriers Thetis Lake Cross Country 20K relay - https://pih.bc.ca/race

Nov 22 – 41st annual Gunner Shaw Classic - https://pih.bc.ca/race/3-gunner-shaw-memorial-10k-cross-country-classic

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Episode 7 – How running helped changed Julia Loglisci’s life

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:23:53 GMT

Two years ago, Julia Loglisci decided to make some major lifestyle changes. Along with a new dietary approach, she started weight training, practicing yoga, and walking. Those walks started to include some light jogging, and eventually the walking intervals disappeared as she found a love of running. Julia recently completed her first half marathon and joined the show to talk about her health journey, what running has meant to both her physical and mental health, and how it has positively impacted many facets of her busy life as a small business owner. You can find her photography work at www.julialoglisci.com/.

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

Nov 9 – Partridge Fall Classic 8K - raceroster.com/events/2025/111240/partridge-fall-classic

Nov 11 – 29th annual Prairie Inn Harriers Thetis Lake Cross Country 20K relay - https://pih.bc.ca/race

Nov 22 – 41st annual Gunner Shaw Classic - https://pih.bc.ca/race/3-gunner-shaw-memorial-10k-cross-country-classic

The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us at islandmilespodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram at @islandmilespodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6 – The Crazy Cookie Lady and her continental challenge

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:11:40 GMT

Helen McArthur is the owner/operator of The Crazy Cookie House in Metchosin. It’s a small shack with a roof shaped like the sorting hat from Harry Potter and surrounded by mythical creatures including a wooden dragon named “Doug H”. Her cookies have drawn local media and social media attention! Helen is also a passionate long-distance runner and decided that she wanted to run a marathon on each continent, and she’s close! She ran the Sydney (AUS) Marathon in late August, leaving just Africa.

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

October 25 – Qualicum Bay 11K/26K - https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/

Nov 2 – Boundary Bay – 5k/10k/half/full - https://www.tryevents.ca/boundary-bay-race

Nov 11 – 29th annual Prairie Inn Harriers Thetis Lake Cross Country 20K relay - https://pih.bc.ca/race

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Episode 5 - Let's get race day ready!

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:00:58 GMT

With RVM week finally here, we know many will be experiencing some race anxiety. And if you've never strapped on a bib before, or you’re racing at a new distance, then you're swimming (running?) in unchartered waters. But fear not! The Island Miles gang is here to talk race preparation and execution to help get you race day ready.

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

October 19 – CEEVACS Cowichan Autumn Classic - https://www.ceevacs.com/cowichan-autumn-classic/

October 19 – Edge to Edge half/10K in Ucluelet - https://www.edgetoedgemarathon.com

October 25 – Qualicum Bay 11K/26K - https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/

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Episode 4 - Cathy Noel and the Royal Victoria Marathon

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:28:10 GMT

What's new for RVM's 45th anniversary? Let's find out!

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Episode 3 – Running Vancouver Island end-to-end? In TWO weeks?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Chris Sundby grew up on Vancouver Island and now lives and works in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, working with Jacob’s Well, an organization that provides support to the most vulnerable members of that community. Chris is back on the island, and beginning September 15, is taking on the insane challenge of running from the southern tip of the island all the way up to Cape Scott at the northern end to raise money and awareness for Jacob’s Well. It’s roughly 800 kilometres, and he’s giving himself just 15 days to accomplish it! This was an unplanned bonus episode, because we just had to talk to him before he headed out. Good luck, Chris!!!!

You can follow Chris’ journey on Instagram: jacobswellyvr/ or chrissundbyruns

Track him on Garmin! https://share.garmin.com/sundbyruns

Donate here: https://www.jacobswell.ca/chrisruns

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Episode 2 - ParkRun

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

A free Clover Point 5K every Saturday at 9am? Sign us up! It's called ParkRun, and it actually happens at roughly the same time, every Saturday, all over the world (including Shawnigan Lake and Courtenay). Sean Mitchell and Natalia Seal join the show from the ParkRun team to share the ins and outs of this cool event and the inclusive community of runners it has created. You only have to register once to get your unique barcode and can then take part in ParkRuns wherever your travels take you! Find them online at https://www.parkrun.ca/cloverpoint/ and on Instagram at @cloverpointparkrun.

The Rundown - upcoming races and events:

September 14 – Terry Fox Run – several island communities (https://terryfox.org)

September 27 – Perseverance Trail Race – 3K/6K/12K (https://www.perseverancetrailrun.com/)

October 5 – CIBC Run for the Cure – Victoria and Nanaimo (https://tinyurl.com/4rpk5e7m)

October 11-12 – Royal Victoria Marathon – Kids Run/5K/8K/Half/Full - https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/)

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Episode 1 - Introducing the Island Miles Podcast

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:30:00 GMT

Welcome to the first episode of the Island Miles Podcast! Dan, Darren and Jamie discuss what the show is all about, share a little bit about themselves and talk about the type of topics they'll cover. And just how many pairs of shoes Dan owns!

The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? A race you're hoping to get the word out on?

Email: islandmilespodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @islandmilespodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.