At Muse of My Own, our Muse series celebrates women who inspire us through the lives they’ve built, the communities they’ve shaped, and the passions they’ve turned into purpose.
This week, we’re sitting down with Lauren Mantha - a Toronto-based runner, coach, and founder of A Running List, a global directory connecting people to run clubs around the world.
Lauren’s path hasn’t been linear - from studying communications and working as a nurse in a fertility clinic, to becoming a certified personal trainer, yoga teacher, and now full-time creator and running coach. What ties it all together is her belief in movement as both a lifestyle and a way to connect: with ourselves, with others, and with our communities.
In our conversation, she opens up about what Toronto means to her, why running became her anchor, the inspiration behind A Running List, and how jewelry like the Muse bracelet fits seamlessly into her active, always-on-the-go lifestyle.
Toronto & Roots
You’re based in Toronto, a city that’s known for its energy, diversity, and beautiful mix of cultures. Could you tell us a little about your early life - were you born in Toronto, or did you move there later on?
I wasn’t born in Toronto, but it’s the city I’ve really grown into and where I’ve built my community. What I love most about Toronto is the energy - there’s always something happening, and it’s infectious.
For someone who has never been, how would you describe Toronto and what makes it special to you? What do you love most about living there - and are there favorite spots you always return to, whether it’s a running route, a place to relax, or somewhere you go out to enjoy the city?
For me, running has been the best way to experience Toronto. The waterfront trails are my reset button; I always feel at home running by the lake. I also love popping into little coffee shops after a run, or spending time in parks where the city feels just a little quieter.
Path to Movement
You studied communications but also worked as a nurse in a fertility clinic - two very different worlds. How did those paths come together in your life, and how did they shape the way you think about wellness, helping others, and ultimately what you do today?
My path hasn’t been linear - and that’s okay! I worked as a registered nurse in both the hospital and a fertility clinic, and I also studied public relations. Later, I became a certified personal trainer. On paper, they’re very different worlds, but for me, they share a common thread: helping people. Nursing taught me compassion and the importance of supporting people through life-changing moments, while communications gave me the tools to share stories and connect with others. Altogether, they shaped how I see and promote wellness - not just as workouts, but as a lifestyle and a form of preventative health care.
You’ve always been active - from dancing to strength training, to running and even earning your yoga teacher certification. Were you always this connected to movement, or was there a specific moment when you realized that fitness and movement weren’t just passions, but the life you wanted to dedicate yourself to full-time?
I danced competitively growing up, then discovered strength training, yoga, and eventually running. The shift happened when I realized movement wasn’t just something I loved, but something that kept me grounded, confident, and connected to myself. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just a hobby - it was a pillar I wanted to build my life around.
Running & A Running List
Out of all the forms of movement you’ve explored, running seems to have become your anchor. What is it about running that makes it your favorite, and what does it give you that dance, strength training, or yoga never quite did?
Running became my anchor because it’s simple and freeing. It’s just you, your body, and the road. It gives me clarity in a way nothing else does. Running with others is a whole other level of feeling connected.
You didn’t stop at being a runner yourself - you also founded A Running List, which started in Toronto and quickly grew across Canada, and now reaches runners worldwide.
A Running List was born out of that love for community. I remember searching for run clubs and realizing there wasn’t one simple place to find them all. So I thought: this needs to exist.
What inspired you to create it? And what’s the bigger vision behind the project?
What started in Toronto quickly grew across Canada, and now it’s connecting runners worldwide. The bigger vision is to make running more accessible - whether you’re new or seasoned, I want people to feel like there’s a space for them and that they don’t have to run alone.
Life Now as Coach & Creator
Today you’re coaching clients, leading group runs, hosting events, and creating content - truly living in the world of movement. What does a typical day look like for you?
These days, no two days are exactly alike, but they usually blend coaching, movement, and community. My day often starts with client training sessions or my own training, then I might be leading a group run, planning an event, or creating content.
What’s been the most rewarding part of this chapter so far, and what’s been the biggest challenge in turning your passion into a career?
The most rewarding part is seeing people surprise themselves - whether it’s running their first 5K or simply building confidence through movement. The biggest challenge has been balancing everything. When your passion becomes your work, it’s easy to pour all your energy into it. I’ve had to learn how to create space for rest and life outside of work, too.
Style & Jewelry
Even with such an active lifestyle, you bring a chic, personal touch to your style. How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is pretty minimal, but with a feminine edge. I love pieces that feel effortless and that I can wear from a run club to a meeting.
We loved seeing you wearing your Muse mirror link bracelet daily. For someone always on the move, what do you look for in jewelry, and what does a piece like this mean to you?
With jewelry, I look for pieces that are simple, versatile, and meaningful. The Muse bracelet has become part of my daily stack. It feels like a little reminder of strength and beauty that I can carry with me, whether I’m in running shoes or dressed up. I haven’t taken my bracelet off yet - sweat-proof confirmed!
Reflections & Looking Ahead
For someone who feels intimidated to join a run club or start running, what advice would you give?
For anyone intimidated to join a run club, my advice is this: the feeling after pushing past the discomfort is so worth it. The hardest part is showing up. Everyone starts somewhere, and the running community is so welcoming and encouraging.
Where do you see yourself in a few years - what’s next for you, both personally and with the community you’re building?
Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to grow this community - expanding A Running List globally, building more resources for runners, and hosting experiences that bring people together. Personally, I want to keep evolving as a coach and creator, while carving out balance and joy outside of work, too.
And finally - what’s one fun or surprising thing people might not know about you?
One fun fact? I only started running seriously two years ago!
All images courtesy of Lauren Mantha.