Meet our RLAG Ambassador Social Team!
Adriana - Calgary, AB
Adriana Klassen lives in Calgary, Alberta with her husband Jody and their dogs Bubba and Rusty. She is a Vice Principal of an elementary schoool, and loves to run in her spare time, whether it's on the road or on the trails.She loves sharing her passion for running with her colleagues and students, and has led various Girls Run For It programs and run clubs at schools. Her running accomplishments include winning the 2018 Calgary Marathon 50Km, becoming the 2018 ACU National 50k Female Champion, and winning the 2018 Banff Marathon, setting a new women’s course record that year. In addition, she holds two Guiness Book of World Records in conjunction with Calgary Marathon events: Fastest Marathon by a linked team (female) in 2017, and the furthest distance ran on a treadmill in 24 hours (female team) in 2016. She lives by her favourite motto, “Carpe Diem” and is a prime example of pursuing a passion, exploring the world, and living life to the fullest.
Angie - sherwood park, ab
Hello everyone. It is a honor and privilege to be part of the Run Like a Girl community and a social ambassador.
I have been a runner and athlete all my life. I ran track since I was very young and all through high school as well, I played volleyball and hockey. I competed in five athletic events in the 2005 World Masters where I earned a silver medal in the 800m. I started transitioning to trail running in 2010 when I ran the Canadian Death Race for the first time and fell in love with it. Since then, I have ran the death race as a soloist, on a team, and the near death 13 times. I have ran sinister 7 5 times and countless others that would take all day to write. More that that, I am a mom of an athletic 15 year old and a wife. I worked for close to 30 years as a personal trainer, instructor, run coach, strength and conditioning coach and program director. I am currently the clinic manager for The Bridge Sports Therapy and Training in South Edmonton. Last week, I turned 50 and I am so excited for my future. I am taking a huge leap into an area of my life that I left behind in my early 20s, but still hold on to the passion for - acting and screenwriting.
I am very honored to be part of the RLAG community and do my best to inspire women of all ages and community. It is truly an exciting place to be.
Catherine - calgary, AB
So excited to be back for year two as a social ambassador in Calgary, Alberta!I am a happy back of the pack runner (you can follow my adventures on Instagram - user name accountantscanrun ).2022 brought my first small triathlon with a few more in the books for 2023 and a couple half marathons hopefully for good measure! Love this community 💗
Claire - cookshire-eaton, QC
Hi everyone! I'm Claire and I'm super excited to be back as a RLAG Social Ambassador for the 3rd year. I live on a dairy farm in Quebec's Eastern Townships and am blessed to have trails and fields to explore just outside my door. As a mom of two boys (Age 9 and 12) and a demanding career, my focus is on getting outside as much as possible, pushing my limits and not being afraid to try new things (still a work in progress!).
I love to go hiking, gravel biking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, trail running - basically anything that gets me outside in nature. I have the best partner in crime joining me, my 2-yr old Bernese Mountain Dog Rosie Ellie (named after Canadian Olympic gymnast superstars Rosie MacLennan and Ellie Black).
I'm also all about keeping it real - I am not an ultra-runner; I'm not fast; running is hard! What our bodies can do continues to amaze me, and how I feel after a run, a working, a hike - that's what makes it all worth it.
See you on the trails!
Dana - Winnipeg, MB
Deanna - williams lake, BC
Denoja - Scarborough, ON
Hello everyone. My name is Denoja Uthayakumar. Sorry for the late introduction. Back for my 2nd year with amazing community. I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada but reside in Scarborough, Ontario for many years now.
I am an Plant Based, South Asian Eelam Tamil Canadian runner/ athlete. I am also a Cancer/Mental health survivor/advocate. I play various of sports such as basketball, volleyball, flag football, netball, swimming, cycling, love bodybuilding but Running is a huge part of my identity and saved my life over the years during my hardships and struggles I currently face today as well. I also love to spread messages around body positivity as I have been through many pathways in this journey where I was judged for my size and weight. Running is for everyBODY no matter your size, weight, ethnic background and pace. Never let anyone bring you down and keep doing what makes you happy.
I have ran many distances and training for some big goals this year. I'm training for an ultramarathon and triathlon atm. I use my story to inspire others through my pathways by spreading true, positive, authentic vibes and also spread diversity and representation is number #1. I am an all season runner and love to give back and support my community always as its a big part of who I am .
Very thankful to be surrounded by inspiring,strong and hardworking souls like you all. Cant wait to get to know you all as the year goes on while you crush and chase your goals and dreams. I will always here to spread positivity and cheer you all on. I can't wait to see what this year holds and can't wait to create memories with you all whether in person or virtually. 😊♥️🙏🏾
Felicia - Winnipeg, MB
Hi everyone! I’m Felicia and am based in Winnipeg, MB! I’ve been running fairly regularly since 2015, but really embraced it during the pandemic and haven’t looked back. I love both road races and trail races, and have explored all kinds of distances including completing my first 100K trail race in October 2021.
This past fall I completed the Chicago Marathon (my first world major) and I’m now into training for London Marathon at the end of April. I’m also registered for New York Marathon in November - so this year will be dominated by marathon distance.
I am so excited to be part of this team, and love sharing my running journey on social media. Feel free to connect with me on Instagram @fe_wilt! Sending lots of love and support to each of you! ❤️
Heidi - Gorham, ME
Jaimie - Williams Lake, BC
My name is Jaimie and I’m from a small northern BC town. I like to run but my true love is hiking mountains! I may not be fast but I always enjoy the view. Here I am on our sunrise hike on Ha Ling on the Run like a Girl Canmore trip. It was a life changing trip that I’ll never forget.
Jennifer - Orleans, ON
My name is Jennifer, but my friends call me Jenn. Living in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, I am surrounded by green space to explore! I love hitting the trails with my friends or venturing out solo for some quiet time. I was an avid runner for a number of years, but due to some back issues I have scaled back quite a bit. Short and slow runs are where I am at now, and that’s perfectly okay! I also love paddle boarding, strength training and yoga. When I am not being active you can find me curled up on the couch reading or watching reruns of Friends!
I am looking forward to new adventures in 2023!
Jenny - Presque Isle, WI
I am Jenny Nelsen. I am from Presque Isle, WI. I have been running since 2016. I have been a pound pro since November 2017. I started to run for the color run in 2016. I feel in love with it. Running is me time and my stress Reliever. I love taking adventures like hiking and snowshoe. In the north woods WI there are a lot of trails around to explore. This winter I’ll be doing a lot of snow shoe. Coming this spring I’ll be hiking and running to explore the area. I will even tour the area and The Upper Peninsula, MI waterfalls and trails. Hopefully we can get back to running local events this year. I am looking forward to the Door County Half marathon May 1st. I can’t wait to see what 2021 adventures are going to be.
Karen - New Liskeard, ON
Kristen - Newmarket, ON
Kristina - Penetanguishene, ON
Hi everyone, My name is Kristina and it my first year as a social ambassador! I am very excited to be apart of this amazing group.I live in Penetanguishene, Ontario with my husband, daughter, son and our rescue dog and rescue cat. I love the outdoors and camping with my family and pets. I work for a land trust that protects land in perpetuity, it feels amazing to be apart of!
I love being active and have tried lots of things over the years from running to biking to triathlons to hiking. Running has always been in my life and this year I really want to focus on running but not sure the distance I want to go for.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. I hit a rough patch recently with my rheumatoid arthritis but I am looking forward to moving not matter what the pace.
I look forward to a great year with all these other amazing ladies!
Laurie - Fort St. John, BC
Hello ladies! My name is Laurie Cardinal. I am a 45 year old driven fierce female. I have a non running ( but supportive) amazing husband, 3 grown adopted children, one cat, one beagle, one lab massative, and one chihuahua.
I am a Personal Trainer and a non for profit race director. I have a passion for mountains, trails and Ultra running.
My passions in life are to make changes in others lives. I want to motivate others to be healthy and happy. I motivate inside the gym and out. I want to show others that peace and happiness is found with in. That life perspective is everything, and that you hold your own key.
I believe that as humans, we are connected with the outdoors and nature. That is where I feel most at home. I aim to show others that nature is healing and wonderful. That ALL can find peace in the outdoors. Once you open your eyes and heart, the world is a beautiful place and you don't have to travel far to find its peace and serenity.
I have experienced many ups and downs in life. I have gotten back up many many times. But I have learned that the energy you put out into the world, I what you get back. So let's spread love and kindness.
I look forward to supporting anyone in any way possible. There is nothing I haven't heard ( trust me ...as a Personal trainer of 15 years, I have heard a LOT). I hope I can share my passion for the outdoors and open some more eyes to the glory of life in its natural habitat.
Li-An - Marion, OH
Megan - Errington, BC
Melissa - Edmonton, AB
Hi everyone, my name is Melissa and I am from Edmonton Alberta. For as long as I can remember I have loved to run. Growing up everyone would be riding their bikes and I'd be running alongside them.I stopped running for years after high school. I started again a couple years before I had my daughter. I again stopped, and started up when my daughter was 2. I've been running for 8 years straight now. My husband and daughter are my biggest supporters and my husband has always helped me see that my goals were/are possible.
I enjoy all forms of physical activity and love the outdoors. I've been married to my best friend for 10 years. I have an 11-year-old daughter, who I know is always watching me. I strive to be a role model for her. I have 2 dogs, one who is my running partner. She has loved to run since the day we rescued her.
I am a long-distance runner. I've ran 5 full marathons and multiple half marathons. The half marathon is my favorite distance. I plan to run a 50 km after I complete my goal of 10 marathons before my 40th birthday. I've worked in the medical field for 14 years and I absolutely love it. I love helping people.
Running, physical activity and the outdoors are my therapy. I look forward to being a part of this team and getting to know you all.
Nicole - Surrey, BC
Nicole, North Vancouver, BC
Nicole - Chestermere, AB
Hi! My name is Nicole and I'm beyond excited to be a RLAG Social Ambassador again this year! I love running, hiking, backcountry camping...basically any type of fun adventure! I've completed countless races in the past 10+ years, but this year I'll be training to complete my first 50K trail race.Running has brought me so many amazing friends that have been by my side for so many accomplishments. I look forward to being apart of this amazing group as we evolve, grow, push our limits and live our lives to the fullest. Can't wait to see what 2023 has in store!
Patricia - Calgary, AB
My name is Patricia and I am excited to take on the role of Social Ambassador for RLAG! I am a mom, wife, & educator who has taken up running recreationally in my adult life. It has become a true passion of mine over the past 3-4years. I try to set yearly personal “run goals” that include running faster; farther; and in new destinations. In the process of setting and reaching for goals, I find cherished moments of peace and calm among a noisy world. I believe that it is in the process of getting to the start lines that we become better versions of ourselves. The finish lines are simply the icing on the cake :)) If you’d like to follow my running escapades, you can find me at @_projectrun50
Renee - delta, bc
Samantha - Castlegar, BC
Sarah - Trail, BC
Hi five RLAG crew! My name is Sarah and I’m from Trail, a small town in the Kootenays. My journey from road to trail running started in 2017with a double loop 10km turkey trot and although finishing last, I was hooked. Shortly after my BFF had me signed up for a trail race with her and the experience was epic. Years of adventures, races, meeting amazing friends, breathtaking views and having my dog along the way is pure joy. I’m not afraid to be a back of the packer so I ran my first ultra in 2022 and recognized that journey paved the way to removing so many limitations I had in myself. I want to empower women in my community to run at their happy pace. I’m so grateful to be a part of the RLAG community and cheer you all on!Teresa - calgary, AB
Val - Vegreville, AB
My name is Val, I recently relocated about an hour east of Edmonton in Vegreville, AB after living most of my life in Edson, AB.
My husband and I married right out of high school and are still making a life together. I am a mom to 3 wonderful humans, mom-in-law to two more and Nana to my precious granddaughter! My family is my whole heart.
I have been a road runner for years, and am looking to transition to the trail. I enjoy hiking (still gaining experience), swimming and have started SUP.
I’ve had a couple of tough years on my emotions and mental health, leading to my physical health slacking. I have had MS for more than 20 years and know that it’s time for me to put my health, fitness and well-being at the top of my priority list again!!
Victoria - Keswick, ON
Hi all, I'm Victoria from Ontario, a mom of a few kids, grandma of a whole bunch more kids, and I love running.
I began running in 2012, have ran a few half marathons, a few 15ks, 1 full marathon, half being my favourite distance. I also love walking long distances.
I've struggled with a few injuries, as I'm sure many of you have, but this is changing this year. I've got my eye on 2 half marathons this year, 1 in June and 1 in October and see what else happens in between.
I'm excited to be an ambassador and see what this new adventure brings and hope to meet new fellow runners!