Good evening everyone.
If today’s newsletter feels a bit sleepy it’s because I ran 21 kilometres as fast as I could with Flair Airlines yesterday. I took the responsibility of being the only sponsored newsletter writer in the race very seriously, and I think my result was decent for someone who spends 12 hours a day hunched over a laptop.
In today’s edition: A conversation with the guy who races TTC streetcars, VICE is throwing its first party since filing for bankruptcy, and a LeBron James-backed pizza chain has shut down all but one Canadian location.
As race weekend drew to a close, I caught up with Mac Bauer, who you might know as @514runner, to find out how he spent the day. Mac has raced several TTC routes on foot — and has so far beat our city’s transit system every time.
Where could someone find you on race day?
The cheer station at Bay and Wellington. This year they put up fences, which kind of killed the vibe, but my ears are still ringing from everyone screaming.
And after that?
I went to Sugo to celebrate with friends who ran PBs (editor’s note: personal bests) then the Parkdale Roadrunners after party.
I noticed a lot of events happening around race weekend this year. Have you notice more brand presence?
I wouldn’t say there’s more presence, but there’s more variety. Historically, Nike and Adidas have dominated the space, but now we’re seeing brands like ASICS, HOKA, and On making big moves. There’s also been a surge of independent brands like Balmoral and Bandit putting out incredible gear and bringing fresh energy to the scene.
Is that a good thing?
Competition is healthy in any market. It keeps the bigger players on their toes and drives everyone to keep innovating and pushing the sport forward.
What brand throws the best event?
I always make it out to the Culture Athletics events. They might not have global reach, but they’re unmatched when it comes to building an inclusive and welcoming space for local runners and getting all skill levels involved.
Why do you run?
I started running to improve my health and feel better about myself, but it’s given me so much more than that. I’ve met some of my closest friends, travelled around the world to race, and even met my wife at a run club.
What are the worst parts about being a runner?
Dealing with constant soreness and finding the motivation to train when the weather’s miserable. But it always feels worth it in the end.
Are there any misconceptions about running culture you’d like to clear up?
Definitely. People often think it’s just about taking over the sidewalks on Sunday mornings, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about community, connection, and pushing yourself, together, to become better on and off the course.
NEWS:
With two weeks until the federal budget is released, the government has confirmed a focus on fighting money laundering and online crime. Both have been on the rise in recent years, but this feels especially relevant as the coverage around the Louvre jewelry heist unpacks how sophisticated money laundering networks will ensure the stolen items are never found.
VICE is throwing its first party since filing for bankruptcy. Subscribers are invited to a magazine launch party at The Standard hotel in London.
Gucci-owner Kering is selling its beauty business to L’Oréal to focus on luxury fashion. The $4.8 billion deal includes rights to develop fragrances and beauty products for brands including Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga.
Can Halloween be chic? I asked myself this after seeing Maggie Sellers post a photo of her seasonal decor yesterday, which is the antithesis of Home Depot skeletons and yard inflatables. That make me think about a neighbour of mine, who has hung a gigantic moon sculpture from their front yard tree that looks more like an art instillation than spooky decor, and another who has covered their windows with bat-shaped matte black cutouts. Like many things, a shift towards “spooky-chic” is likely driven by the Instagram-ification of everything, and I think can we can trace it back to recent decisions by retailers like Anthropologie, Williams Sonoma, and West Elm to expand their Halloween collections to feel more ‘refined.’
Molson Coors is restructuring its Canadian business after an 11% drop in revenue in the first quarter of the year. The Jays’ run could help this?
David Schwartz says every day Kensington Market is edging “closer to being unrecognizable.” The chef behind Linny’s and Mimi Chinese has lived and owned a restaurant (Sunnys) in the neighbourhood for years. In a guest piece in the Globe and Mail, he says “resistance and bureaucracy” is keeping out the businesses that could preserve the market’s character.
A LeBron James-backed pizza chain is shutting down across Canada. I’ve never actually heard of Blaze Pizza, which has closed all but one location.
The best signs I saw at the marathon… were a nod to viral trends (“Do you ever wish you were athletic??”), Severance quotes (“Try to enjoy each kilometre equally”), and album releases (“The life of a marathon girl”).