BackRoads' 2K Tuesdays with Forest City Road Races

SHANNEN MURRAY

Shannen first laced up her running shoes for elementary school cross-country, and has never looked back. While competing on the Queen’s University varsity cross-country team, Shannen embraced running as a team sport, a mentality she now carries into road racing. Despite facing challenges over her many years of competitive running, Shannen’s commitment to consistency has led to her fastest and happiest season yet—breaking personal records and rediscovering her love for racing.

Shannen credits running and training at BackRoads with bringing her a sense of peace and introducing her to some of the best people she knows. In her professional life as a physiotherapist, she understands the vital role movement plays in overall health and is inspired by seeing people of all ages participate in community events. In both running and life, Shannen believes in celebrating the small victories while relentlessly pursuing the big ones.

CHARLOTTE PROUSE

Charlotte is a two-time NCAA runner-up in the steeplechase and a seven-time Division I All-American. She was part of the 2017 NCAA Cross Country Championship team and holds the U20 Western Hemisphere record in the steeplechase. A four-time Team Canada member, she holds a Master of Science in Public Health & Community Health Education. Currently, Charlotte works as a Behaviour Specialist at Nshwaasnangong CCFC. Her ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games.

ASHLEY MAGUIRE

From the first time I laced up my shoes to compete in cross country and track, I knew running had a unique way of shaping people. But I didn’t expect how it would shape me, especially in the face of adversity.

During my time as an NCAA athlete and now as a member of Western University’s varsity team, I’ve faced more setbacks than I can count—injuries, self-doubt, and even moments where I felt like I’d never be able to return to the start line. Each injury tested my patience and my will to keep going. Sometimes, the most challenging part wasn’t just the physical pain but the mental challenge of watching my teammates race while I was sidelined, logging hours of cross-training and pretending it didn’t hurt to be on the outside looking in.

Yet, every time I was forced to step back, I found a way to step forward! I became the teammate who cheered the loudest, the person who led with resilience rather than results. When I finally returned to racing after my stress fracture, I ran a personal best in the 5k—proof that setbacks don’t define you, but how you respond to them does.

Beyond the competition, running has taught me the value of health and wellness. It’s not just about racing fast; it’s about longevity, balance, and taking care of both your body and mind. I’ve learned firsthand that pushing too hard without prioritizing recovery can break you, and that true strength comes from knowing when to rest and when to push forward. Running has also given me a deep appreciation for movement as a form of self-care, and I love sharing that with others—whether it’s helping young athletes in the junior development program back home in Windsor or simply encouraging a friend to go for a run to clear their mind.

I’m inspired by the people who show up every day, whether they’re elite athletes or just starting out in the sport. I’m inspired by those who run not for the accolades, but for the joy of it, the sense of accomplishment, and the community it builds. I hope to continue using my experiences to inspire others—whether through sport, mentorship, or simply leading by example while continuing to learn from those around me in the sport.

At the end of the day, running isn’t just about the races we win, but the resilience we build along the way. And if my journey can inspire even one person to keep going when things get tough, then every mile—every injury, every comeback—has been worth it.

JENNA SCHULZ

My story begins similar to a lot physiotherapists – an injury. Growing up, I played hockey and rugby competitively (I wanted nothing to do with running or track). In my last year of high school, I broke my leg in 3 spots playing rugby, spent 6 days in the hospital and left with a permanent metal rod. At that time, sport was a huge part of my life and identity, and it came to an abrupt stop. Not only that, but I had surgeons, doctors and physios tell me that I would never run, let alone play competitive sports again.

Flash forward a few years, and every time I tried to get into some consistent routine with exercise, I kept getting stress fractures. I had also developed a not-so-great relationship with food and cardio exercises, because I had lost what, in my mind, had “allowed” me to eat to fuel my body. But I was not receiving any sort of assistance throughout this process, despite multiple doctor’s visits.

Three years into my PhD in 2019, I tried to turn to running more to cope with the stress. I started getting faster and set a goal for myself to break 20 minutes in the 5k. The coach of the Western team was also my boss at the time, so I asked him to write me a program, and he said he would only give it to me if I tried out for the Western team. Being much older than everyone else and so new to running, I was hesitant. But, I showed up to tryout week and to the cross-country race in my every day trainers, made the team, and I have never looked back.

This decision completely changed the trajectory of my career and research, in addition to introducing me to some of the best people and supportive communities I am lucky to be a part of. After being in the space, and trying to navigate my own health, I realized a huge gap in care for female athletes.

My goals as a researcher and physiotherapist stem from my experiences; to improve advocacy for female athletes. I want to be a champion in this space, inspiring females across the lifespan to stay healthy and active in sport, through increased education, injury prevention and clinical care. While my story has shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t change that, I strive to make sure other females don’t have to go through the same experiences I have. We have made strides in improved support for female athletes, but we have a long way to go. And I want to be a part of that story that is making a change – whether it’s with an athlete I see in clinic or changing education and care on a large scale with increased research.

To the surgeon who told me that I would never run again, look at me now!

CONNOR BLACK

Connor turned to running when his ambitions to play pro hockey slowly sizzled out in high school and needed a new outlet to channel his endless energy and love for competition. He followed this passion to the University of Guelph, where he helped the Gryphs capture both Team and Individual USports titles.

Growing up running down the side-roads surrounding his hometown of Forest, Ontario, has bred a love and natural instinct for racing cross-country. He has represented Canada at the last four international competitions, and earned an individual Canadian cross-country crown.

Outside of logging endless miles, Connor is a secondary school Teacher in London and cross-country and track coach. He enjoys strong espresso, new england IPA’s, podcast walks, his orthopedic pillow and unfiltered conversation.

Currently, Connor is focused on translating his success on the grass to the 5,000m and 10,000m on the track. Of more importance, Connor is enjoying training and everything that follows.

PHIL PARROT-MIGAS

Phil is a seasoned Canadian distance runner with over 20 years of competitive experience, originally on the track but now focused primarily on road racing. A five-time national team member, Phil has had the honour of representing Team Canada in both the half marathon and cross-country disciplines. Outside of training and racing, he works full-time at Race Roster, an ASICS-owned online registration platform, where his deep industry knowledge and passion for the sport shine through.

Phil’s dedication to running is matched by his love of plant-based cooking and a good cup of coffee. Having fuelled his body with plants for over eight years, he finds joy in preparing homemade meals from scratch, combining his passion for nutrition and culinary creativity. For Phil, running isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life.

JEREMY COUGHLER

Jeremy has been running since a young age, competing across a range of events and distances throughout high school. He went on to race at the NCAA level for Indiana University and has continued to excel in his post-collegiate career. In 2017, he represented Canada at the Francophone Games in Ivory Coast.

In 2023, Jeremy won the Canadian 10,000m Track Championship and earned third place in both the 2023 and 2024 Canadian 10K Road Championships. Now focused on road 10Ks and the half marathon, he balances his training with his career as a chiropractor.

Jeremy currently resides in London with his wife, Emma, and their one-year-old son, Otto.

CAM PROCEVIAT

Cam is a self-proclaimed late bloomer who made his mark in the world of track and field as a walk-on athlete at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. Having been a multi-sport competitor in high school, he often relied on his speed to out run his opponents, compensating for any lack of technical skill. But once he found his stride in running, there was no turning back.

Today, Cam is the current Indoor Mile Canadian Record Holder and qualified for a spot in the semi-finals at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, competing in the 1500m. With his eyes set on new challenges, he’s eager to explore the world of road and trail running while continuing to compete at the highest level on the track.

Previously living in Vancouver, Cam recently relocated to London, Ontario, and is sure to remind everyone of his west coast roots. Outside of athletics, he’s pursuing his medical residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Western Ontario, balancing the demands of his career and his passion for running.

MARCEL SCHEELE

Marcel's passion for running began at a young age, influenced by his mother, an avid road racer who would bring him and his six siblings along to races. While he wasn’t initially enamored with the sport, Marcel enjoyed the competitive thrill of seeing if he could win his age category. Growing up in a family where activity was a priority, he spent his winters playing hockey, embracing his Canadian roots, and his summers playing soccer, a true reflection of his Dutch heritage. This well-rounded athleticism laid the foundation for his success in cross-country and track, sports he continued to excel in throughout his school years.

Though he kept playing hockey and soccer up until Grade 11, Marcel eventually decided to pursue his true passion—running. He is now in his final year of eligibility with the cross-country and track teams at the University of Western Ontario, where he’s been a dedicated member throughout his time there. Marcel holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and is currently attending teacher’s college, with a focus on shaping his future both in education and athletics.