For as long as he can remember, running has been a fundamental component of Kevin Smith’s life. Even during recurring bouts of injury, Smith held onto the identity and community that the sport provided, trusting that someday, he’d have the chance to find out just how much he was capable of.

Through the years of setbacks and time relegated to the status of what he calls a “non-practising runner,” Smith turned his attention to helping other runners reach their goals, holding fast to the belief that one day he’d string together enough healthy years to realize his own racing goals, as well.

While the goals changed over time, the relentless pursuit of achieving his best–whatever that might be–remained the same, finally resulting in the breakthrough he had waited decades to experience.

Following a Canadian 55+ record in the half-marathon at last year’s TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Smith set out in pursuit of an audacious goal: notching a dozen records in the same number of months. A year on, he can now count himself a six-time Canadian record breaker at distances from five miles up to 30 km.

Despite falling short of his 12-record target, the quest brought a renewed passion for the sport and brought home the importance of chasing big goals, no matter your age or ability. Today, Smith joins the show to talk about his breakthrough year, continuing to find joy in the sport as he got older, and how settingh bold goals is its own reward.

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