What It Takes

What it Takes reveals the strength of spirit and personal commitment it takes for an endurance sports athlete to develop and succeed in the competitive world of endurance sport. Each episode goes deep into the minds of the athlete to uncover the mental and emotional fortitude it takes: the obsession, the rivalries, the setbacks, the physical and mental sacrifice required to be top in the world in endurance sport. Whether the athlete is making a come back or just climbing the ranks, "What it Takes" reveals their private thoughts and emotions, the ambition that drives them and how they are affected when encountering defeat or facing triumphs.

Caelin White is an Clinical & Sports Psychologist and OCR Racer. This life long athlete participates in OCR events to push himself to see what he can do and to gain knowledge as to what athletes endure.

Josh Stryde is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer. See how he incorporates the two to become competitive a OCR athlete.

Ryan Draper is experience sport cyclist with 15 years experience who focuses on the fundamentals to get to the finish.

Being a certified exercise physiologist is alway benificial when you are pushing your body to the limits as Calvin Zaryski does to be the best.

Carsen Campbell started biathlon training for the Canada Winter Games at 15, he curently competes for Canada Internationally. Young, engergetic and competetive drives Carsen to be the best.

A late comer to the sport of Biathlon, Ryan Tew thought he would give it a try when his son joined. He is now hooked thanks to the comradery with in the community.

Biathlete Sasha Eccleston was inspired by a poster, 12 years later he is still going strong with the support of his family. He credits his success to all of his coaches.

Biathlete Nate Gerwing describes himself as an energetic and outgoing person who enjoys the physical & mental aspects of the sport.

Falco Filatto is a Bouldering competitor. He says that the pressure of competition is great for mental growth but looks forward to climbing outdoors; being relaxed and enjoy nature.

Elise Sethnia has been competing in Bouldering competitions since she was 9 years old. Just when she thinks she is ready to stop competing something keeps bringing her back; the people and the community.

Allanah Yip started climbing at a young age with a family friend. She loves all accepts of the sport including how focused you need to be to make the next move.

Mark Gay has big goals for himself. A year ago he cold not run a km, after training with a running group he is ready to tackle his first marathon before his birthday. Support from the running group and family is what helps keep him motivated.

Jennifer MacPherson using running as away to balance life and her hectic work schedule. Once she laces up those shoes she feels the stress fade away.

Valerie Norrish has been part of a the same running group for 15 years. These ladies known as the "Band Of Broads" not only run together they support each other on and off the course.

Austin Azar is always trying to beat his personal best in every Obstacle Course Race he competes in. This X Warrior Challenge is no different.

Ben ORourke went from playing soccer to competing in OCR events. This athlete has set big goals for himself not only in OCR but in other outdoor trail races.

Paul Binette is a Strongman competitor who in incredibly thankful to have support of his boss and his coach. After overcoming some struggles he is happy to be back competing and reconnecting with the Strongman community.

Declan Patton is a Research Doctor who recently moved to Calgary, AB. Even though he is competitive by nature, Strongman competitions are more of a hobby and a way to meet people than stepping stones to bigger events.

Travis Krushelnicki is a Strongman Competitor who not only wants to better his physical skill but his mental ones as well as he prepares for future competitions.

Dr. Gerry Miller is an 80 year old marathon runner who has raced in Boston 11 times. He was there competing during the bombing in 2013 and could see the smoke from the second bomb; he was only a minute and a half from the finish line. Now he's trying to break a world record for largest group to run a marathon tied together.

What it Takes reveals the strength of spirit and personal commitment it takes for an endurance sports athlete to develop and succeed in the competitive world of endurance sport. Each episode goes deep into the minds of the athlete to uncover the mental and emotional fortitude it takes: the obsession, the rivalries, the setbacks, the physical and mental sacrifice required to be top in the world in endurance sport. Whether the athlete is making a come back or just climbing the ranks, "What it Takes" reveals their private thoughts and emotions, the ambition that drives them and how they are affected when encountering defeat or facing triumphs.Featuring Thomas Rivers Puzey

Jacob Puzey is runner who's career includes World Records and multiple 1st place finishes in marathons and trail races. Jacob is not only a runner, he is a coach and race director.