Anishinaabe runner from Woodstock, Ont., prepares for her 6th world marathon

A marathon is the ultimate test of endurance, and 52-year-old Robyn Michaud is doing it with a disorder that impacts her spinal cord.

The Anishinaabe mom of five from Woodstock, Ont., is aiming for her sixth world major. The competition, in Tokyo in March, could earn her a prestigious medal in the running world. 

The Abbott Six Star Finisher is awarded to runners who complete all six of the world's major marathons: Boston, London, New York City, Chicago, Tokyo and Berlin. Ahead of the Tokyo Marathon, Michaud spoke with CBC London host Allison Devereaux. 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Allison Devereaux: How are you preparing for Tokyo 2024?

Robyn Michaud: I'm doing a lot of races right now. We always do long runs on weekends to get ready for a big race like that. I'm filling my dance card right now with races on weekends, and it's just nice to get the good energy from people around you at at events.

After doing five of the world's major marathons, how would you compare them?

I just did London, England's marathon in April, and it was so amazing. It's so fun to run in a city where they love their marathon. Everybody comes out and lines the streets, and you feel just like the energy from everybody in the city. London is like nonstop dopamine hits because you're running 42 kilometres and there's always something to see.

I love the city of Berlin, but I don't remember anything about the course. I really loved visiting Berlin and going through the Brandenburg Gate at the end was really spectacular.

Boston is Boston. Like Boston's not the most exciting course visually, but because it's Boston — it's surreal. Having seen the bombings in 2013 on TV, to actually run that route was pretty amazing.

Chic