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Running
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New Year, new parenting goals? You're not alone. This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, our host John Shep kicks off the episode by sharing his own resolution to become a more self-aware parent—setting the stage for a deep dive with renowned expert Jennifer Kolari, founder of Connected Parenting.
Jennifer starts by swapping her therapist chair for running shoes, revealing how she uses running as a solitary, meditative form of self-care to recharge in nature. The conversation then shifts to the specific challenges faced by runner-parents, answering listener questions on:
- The "Substitute Frontal Lobe": Understanding your vital role in helping children regulate their emotions.
- Commitment vs. Quitting: Strategies for when your child wants to drop a sport or activity.
- The Digital Battleground: Managing screen time, video games, and parenting in the digital age.
We wrap up with practical, permission-giving advice for busy parents on how to prioritize their own training without the guilt. Whether you are logging miles or managing meltdowns, this episode is your toolkit for a more connected family life.
Learn more about Connected Parenting at: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkolari/
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership
Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/
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EP 244: Duan Asemota, Canadian Olympian Sprinter - Running the Pocket Run 5K for Something Real
Listen guide
"EP 205: Jennifer Kolari, Connected Parenting - The Runner-Parent's Guide to Connection, Emotional Regulation and Finding Balance" is an episode of Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. Runtime 36 min. Published January 1, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.