Carlene Van Tongeren is an accomplished middle distance athlete. She discovered her natural talent for cross country and track in grade school in Victoria, BC, which eventually took her to Simon Fraser University. There she competed in everything from 800m to 3000m, with her specialty being the 1500m and DMRs. Carlene was fortunate to compete with and against several women who have gone on to represent Canada at the Olympics and other international competitions, but she credits her many outstanding coaches for helping to foster a love of the sport and inspiring her to actively give back to the next generation. Now 40, Carlene is running as strong as ever as a masters athlete, despite a very full life as a registered clinical counsellor in the Comox Valley, a wife, and a mother of two young children. Warning: This episode might just make you want to break out your track spikes and see how fast you can actually go!Resources we discussed in the episode:Favourite Mantra: Take what the body gives; Stick it in; Steady and strong; You've got thisFavourite Place to Run: Trails (Cumberland, Seal Bay); any oceanside runBucket List Run: World Masters Games 1500m; sub-5 mins in 5th Street Mile; attempt to break Canadian Master's Record for 4x800m relayFavourite Book/Movie: Let Your Mind Run, Without Limits  Post-Run Indulgence: Replaying the race