RVM Virtual Speaker Series

2025 RVM Speaker Series

ABOUT THE SESSION

This session will help kick off your training as you prepare for RVM this October. Bruce will provide you with valuable insights into the importance of all aspects of training, including effective training plans, periodization, and pacing strategies. He will also present the importance of mental preparation, goal setting, realistic expectations, and visualization.  

Whether you’re aiming to achieve a personal best time, complete your first race, or simply improve your overall fitness, this webinar series will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to achieve your goals. Join us and take the first step towards mastering the miles! Bring your questions as the session will include a time for Q&As.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Bruce Deacon is a two-time Olympic marathoner and winner of a silver medal at the 2003 Pan Am Games. With a personal best of 2:13:18, he has represented Canada at 4 World Championships, with a best finish of 11th place. When he last ran the Victoria Marathon, he had a run-away win in 2004 in a time of 2:21.  Bruce currently coaches adults and teens in the Victoria area as well as being our RunVictoria Marathon Online Training Coach.

ABOUT THE SESSION

This session will delve into the human side of training and racing, exploring the real-world experiences that ChatGPT and AI algorithms may not be able to provide. Rob Hasegawa will share his insights and practical advice, gained from his professional and personal journey, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that come with preparing for such a great event, and life beyond! His goal is simple: help you run strong, stay healthy, and enjoy the journey—every step of the way. A must see session to help you get to the finish line in 2025.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Since 1992, Dr. Rob Hasegawa has been helping runners move better, feel better, and perform at their best. With successful practices in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood, Whistler, and now Victoria, Rob brings over 33 years of experience treating everyone from recreational joggers to Olympic champions.

Rob has provided chiropractic care at two Olympic Games and eight Triathlon World Championships as part of the Canadian National Triathlon Team’s medical staff. As a lifelong endurance athlete himself, he understands firsthand the demands of training and racing. He has competed in two Triathlon World Championships and earned multiple national and provincial titles in the sport. He ran his first marathon in 1989 New York City, 2:41) and just last year crossed the Grand Canyon (North Rim to South Rim, 43 km, 14:00).

ABOUT THIS SESSION

This session focuses on speed ladder drills and dribble-style running to develop quick feet, coordination, and efficient movement patterns. These drills enhance neuromuscular connection, stride frequency, and ground contact time—all key elements for improving running economy.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Whether you're racing a 5K, 8K, half marathon, or marathon, improved running economy means using less energy at any pace. For shorter races, this translates into quicker turnover and sharper responsiveness. For longer distances, it helps maintain form and efficiency deeper into the race when fatigue sets in. These drills build the foundation for smoother, faster, and more sustainable running at any distance.

From competing as a 2-time NCAA All-American athlete for Baylor University to serving as the Canadian 1500m Olympic Alternate, Mariah Kelly lives and breathes the sport of running. Aside from her Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Mariah is also a personal trainer and track/road running coach. She is currently the Technical Director for the Royal Victoria Marathon as well as Director of Operations for the TC10K. Along with Geoff Harris, she founded The Track Club to foster a supportive environment for fellow athletes and community members.

ABOUT THE SESSION

Are you wondering if you’re on track with your training?  Is your training plan working for you (or maybe you still need one!)? Or maybe you’ve hit that training slump and wondering if you can actually do this. Do you have questions around your gear, your shoes and what you should be preparing for race day (like when should you swap out those shoes?)?  This session will give you the motivation to keep training and provide you with an opportunity to ask all the questions you currently have. 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Nick Walker is a former UVic Vike, and competitive provincial, national, and international athlete. He is co-owner of Frontrunners Footwear. Nick is also the manager of several race events that take place in Greater Victoria including the Oak Bay Half Marathon and the Vancouver Island Trail Running Series. Nick Walker began as a sponsored athlete of Frontrunners in 1997. After completing his degree at  the University of Victoria he opened Frontrunners Westshore with friend Mark Nelson in August of 2005 and is now co-owner of all three Frontrunners Victoria stores. As one of Victoria’s top elite runners he participates (and wins) many local races. He has run the New York Marathon in 2:43:06 and has a PB of 2:38:03 in the 2019 Sacramento Marathon. His 10K and Half-Marathon PBs are 31:15 and 1:11:07. Nick supports many of the local races, either as a participant, a sponsor or an organizer.

ABOUT THE SESSION

In this session , performance dietitians Tiffany Rusch and Stephen Gurr will review key fundamentals of performance nutrition. Learn how to fuel, hydrate, and recover effectively to get the most out of your training plan, as well as how to optimize your race day nutrition. Fueling and nutrition was our most requested session for 2025, so here is your opportunity to learn and ask your burning questions!

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

While attending Brock University as an undergrad, Tiffany Rusch was competing on the varsity lightweight rowing team and witnessed firsthand the effects a good nutrition strategy (or lack thereof) could have on performance as well as physical and mental health. After finishing her masters, she eventually moved to Victoria in 2020 and currently works as a performance dietitian with the Canadian women’s rugby sevens team, cycling Canada, and NextGen rowing, but has worked with a wide variety of athletes through previous private practice experience. 

Stephen is Registered Dietitian with over 15-years experience providing sports nutrition services to elite and recreational athletes across a broad range sports, including athletes that have competed at the World Championship and Olympic level.  Prior to starting at CSI Pacific in 2024, he worked at the Australian Institute of Sport and Aspire Academy of Sports Excellence in Doha, Qatar. He has special interest and expertise in helping athletes involved in intermittent team-based sports, as well as endurance and ultra-endurance events. Over the last 20 years he has competed in multiple marathons and ultra-marathons, so is acutely aware of the challenges faced by athletes in implementing best-practice sports nutrition during training and races, and strategies that can be used to overcome these.

ABOUT THE SESSION

In this session, we’ll explore how breathwork and meditation can be powerful tools for both preparing the body and mind before and optimizing recovery after your race. You'll learn how intentional breathing techniques can enhance focus, regulate nerves, and prime your system for peak performance, while post-race practices will support faster recovery, reduce inflammation, and promote drawing lessons from the experience. By integrating these simple yet effective tools, you’ll not only improve your race-day experience but also cultivate a mindset that enhances endurance, resilience, and overall well-being.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

John Coleman (PhD) is a wellness and high-performance coach specializing in opening pathways to personal evolution. With a doctorate in performance psychology, a designation as a registered therapeutic counsellor, and connections with various spiritual traditions, he has cultivated a unique skill-set. With over 15 years of experience his progressive and relevant contributions to the field of human performance are intentionally sought after.

ABOUT THE SESSION

Join us for an insightful pre-race panel discussion led by seasoned runners and experts in marathon preparation. Whether you're gearing up for a 5K, 8K, half marathon, or full marathon, this session will provide invaluable insights on what to expect, key things to remember, and essential strategies for optimal race-day preparation. From pacing advice to mental readiness tips, our panelists will cover it all, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to tackle your upcoming event. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insider knowledge and set yourself up for success on race day!

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Bruce Deacon is a two-time Olympic marathoner and winner of a silver medal at the 2003 Pan Am Games. With a personal best of 2:13:18, he has represented Canada at 4 World Championships, with a best finish of 11th place. When he last ran the Victoria Marathon, he had a run-away win in 2004 in a time of 2:21.  Bruce currently coaches adults and teens in the Victoria area as well as being our RunVictoria Marathon Online Training Coach. He still races and does well at the master’s ranks (40+). 

Cathy Noel has been the General Manager/Race Director for the Royal Victoria Marathon for 25 years and counting! An avid sport enthusiast with a passion for building community within sport, Cathy moved to Victoria to work on the 1994 Commonwealth Games and stayed on to organize many charity events, running events and more. In 2012 she launched the Goddess Run, an event focussed on women and girls. In her “spare” time, Cathy is a realtor with DFH Real Estate.

Lawrence and Marianne Colsell started XACT NUTRITION in 2012 as a way to bring their passions for an active outdoor lifestyle and  great tasting food to their professional lives. The vision of XACT is to make the tastiest sport nutrition possible without compromising on quality and performance. From humble but dedicated beginnings, XACT is getting known and loved by runners from coast to coast.

2024 Speaker Series Recordings

2023 Speaker Series Recordings

2022 Speaker Series Recordings

2021 Speaker Series Recordings