Obsess.ca: the runners’ radio

“A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which to look ahead.” ― Graham Greene

It is a cliche by now, but is true that the Internet is the radio, the newspaper and the television of the 21st century. One of the most exciting and unexpected byproducts of the Internet is the plethora of high quality user-generated content that has emerged in the last few years. Blogs, YouTube channels and podcasts have enriched all of our lives and provided so many runners with information that a generation ago was only privy to the rare few and spread slowly by word of mouth.

As you all know, I love to tell the stories of others with this blog. I now have the chance to profile another storyteller and runner.

Alex Flint

Alex Flint is a 27-year-old, red-haired runner with a skull tattoo on his forearm and a smile that counteracts any reaction you might have to his ink. Working for an Internet start-up, Alex lives in downtown Toronto. He admits that he basically sits at a desk answering emails all day. He’s counteracted this all-too-common workplace lifestyle with running.

Alex only discovered running in 2010 after participating in a 10K fun run. He’s been obsessed ever since. Alex is modest and when asked about PBs: a 60-minute 15K and a 1:26 half-marathon. But Flint is most comfortable going long – really long. He conquered a 100K this past fall at the Sears Great Canadian Run, where he ran with the Ottawa team Good Guys Tri who each ran 100K.

Runner’s Radio

Obsess.ca, a blog and podcast dedicated to running, was started in January 2013 by Alex and his friend (and cousin) Corey Turnbull. Their site covers Canadian distance sports, including running, triathlon, duathlon and even snowshoe racing. Their podcast catches up with interesting runners from across Canada. Alex records a new interview every Tuesday evening, using Google Hangouts, similar to what I’ve been doing here with my blog. Reading Alex’s blog and getting to know him, I think I found a kindred spirit, runner and storyteller.

I was introduced to Alex through the online world and then by a friend and fellow runner Ali Alexander. I spoke with Alex about some of the exciting Canadian runners that he’s interviewed.

Who is one of the most interesting or memorable people you have talked to?

Rob Watson was definitely one of the most interesting chats. Ray Zahab is always a favourite as well, because he’s so passionate about what he does.

Is there anyone you really love to interview and have not had the chance?

I’d love to have Reid Coolsaet on the show, because he’s a personal hero of mine. I also hope to get Jamie McDonald on. He’s running across Canada, raising money for SickKids. He’s an amazing man, and I had the pleasure of spending a couple days with him when he was in Toronto.

What do you hope people get from your site and podcasts?

At the very basic level, I hope they’re motivated and inspired by our guests to start running, continue running or to strive for new challenges. It also helps if they get a bit of information and a laugh or two.

What are your running goals for the rest of 2013 and into 2014?

I’m done for 2013, thankfully! I’ve started with a new coach this month and we’ll be working towards a 100-mile ultra at Haliburton in September 2014.

Alex’s answers are short and to the point. I highly suggest you take a look at his website and listen to his podcasts to get inspired about your next run.

Good day, goodnight and good running all. Run on, Alex.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.

Follow Alex on Twitter @alexflint

As a side note: Alex asked me to grace his podcast with my story. For those looking for more on me, feel free to check out Alex’s talk with yours truly.

Do you have a running story to tell?

runningwriter@hotmail.com