Starting Over: Sage Canaday's Return to Racing | Presented by HOKA

Starting Over follows mountain-ultra-trail runner Sage Canaday over the course of a year as he grapples with a life-threatening illness, personal tragedy, and an uncertain future for his running career. Motivated by a love of trail running, the ultrarunning community, and the support of his partner, Sandi, Sage works to overcome these setbacks and make it to the starting line of a competitive ultramarathon, the Canyons 100K.
Presented by HOKA, with support from Spring Energy, Camelbak, Compressport, and Coros.
Directed by ‪@TheSeriousRunner‬
Featuring ‪@Vo2maxProductions‬ and ‪@RunningWildSandi‬
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#trailrunning #trailultra #ultratrail #ultramarathon #timetofly

[@ryanevius]

"Afraid to go to the ER"...I sure hope the USA can get its health insurance problem under control. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Sage.

[@alisonwoodrow6424]

So true. We all pay in the UK so it's free at the point of use when you need it.

[@marlinweekley51]

@@alisonwoodrow6424 makes too much sense. We in the US would rather have much of our health dollars go to the insurance industry and allow them to impoverish people seeking basic care or dying when they are a flicked catastrophically like Sage was because they simply can’t afford it. Ironically universal healthcare is voted against by the same people who claim to be pro-life. Makes no sense whatever. So glad Sage is recovering. 😀🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@Cuca138]

Being a non american myself, I have to say this was, for me, the saddest part. Health care should be a human right.

[@marlinweekley51]

@@Cuca138 agree

[@wesleydachtler145]

Yeh this got me as well! I find it so hard to be believe that a professional athlete that has some pretty big sponsors behind him is worried to go to ER because of the bills. It seems like a pretty broken system.

[@murphpawz]

Sage’s KZbin channel is what got me into running over 10 years ago. He inspired me to sign up for my first marathon in September of 2012, but my father in law passed away from suicide 2 weeks before our race, so my brother in law and I pulled out. Now 10 years later I am back in running form and using Sage’s videos again for inspiration. I hadn’t realized the adversity he’s had to face. Now I am even more pumped to stay consistent and get some metals.

[@kofuzi]

Great work on this film!

[@user-pr1cw6kd8r]

yo

[@Vo2maxProductions]

thanks for sharing it man! All this great work was due to @StephenGnoza 's excellent editing and filming!

[@alanali]

This guy is REAL. I am an avid runner. I wear Hoka Sneakers as well. 👍🏿But this video is basically about LIFE. The ups and downs and back up!💪🏿 Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us Sage.

[@hersheytate8304]

Man, Sage is one of my favorite personalities in running and even just generally speaking. Hell of an outlook for someone who has been through so much in such a short time.

[@1519Spring]

There is a place in the industry for Sage after racing for podiums is done. Goals shift and new challenges rise before us. Indeed, "Not done yet."

[@paulhoulden]

Such a great film, I really really needed this in my life right now. Love Sage and Sandi, such inspirations and big fair play to HOKA and his sponsors for sticking with him. Converting to HOKA now, well once im back able again

[@TimShieff]

I got a lot of love for Sage. Followed his KZbin for years. Happy he was able to run again but I wonder if it is a lesson for him to let go of competition itself and just focus on the joy of running and the creativity he has to share with the world that we love him for. Competition by nature breeds aggression and other unloving traits which we are better off not feeding, saying this as someone who is just coming to terms with it myself. Great video thanks for your hard work ✌🏼

[@BOSSMETAL90]

Sage, I'm so sorry for what they did to you, and how they hurt you, they hurt so many of us. Your story and grit is inspiring. I wish you continued health improvements, and thank you so much for telling your story.

[@richardhislop-harvestthena4882]

So well done! Stand up Hoka move supporting awesome Sage and Sandi! I just bought my first HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8's! They have so proven themselves and one the right thing sticking with their athletes. These shoes are the best things I have ever run in!

[@shawnat8799]

So happy Sage is healthy and still with us, him and Sandi are truly wonderful personalities. Embrace entering the Master's stage, it's a big market to lend your help in and we Master's need good help too!

[@matthockman]

Inspiring story. It's not about how fast or successful you are, it's about appreciating what you have. The ability to run at all is a gift in itself.

[@Nono-de3zi]

Sage, you were the first runner I followed on KZbin when my daughter got me running at 40. I did not even kAnow there was something called trail running or ultramarathon. It is absolutely no exaggeration that you actually changed my life. And you are still inspiring us. What you went through (and Sandy) is tougher than most. And the way you came out on top is amazing. Your health problems were recent. Give it time. And yes, there are other formats out there. Antoine Guillon was world champion at 42, and even recently kept winning races. In the Backyard ultra, the top places are often occupied by 40/50 yo. And a message to #hoka Sage is no stranger to the fact that I just bought my 7th pair of #hoka (although of course, the main reason is the comfort and cushioning), and he is so much more inspiring than some uber-egos currently put forward under the Hoka TM (no name, but quite obvious init?). We are the mid and back packers. I know that in the US, everyone dreams of being Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk (hence voting to decrease taxes and healthcare), but the rest of the world is different.

[@jicalzad]

Yeah, not gonna lie, it was watching Sage on KZbin that sold me on running mostly in Hokas, and not any of the other Hoka athletes

[@marciomvp9458]

I love how Hoka truly supports the running community and its athletes.

[@LuisBecerra79]

Hearing about the visit to the ER, just blows my mind, that people are more afraid of the cost than getting the attention that they need. Hope that this changes one day to a country that has everything in the world. Amazing video, amazing journey back in to racing. I wish you nothing but the best from here on out, please never give up. Age is nothing but a number. Like a Masters elite racer here in Tijuana says “ I don’t plan on carrying all of them on every run” so please keep going at it, and we will see you back at the podium. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Great video @Stephen Gnoza 👏🏼👏🏼. @Sandy take good care of Sage and yourself, after all that you 2 have been thru, you deserve nothing but huge success.

[@jeremyncrm2012]

America has a lot of problems, no doubt, it’s not perfect and things like healthcare, education costs, etc., are a problem, but it’s also an amazing country with beautiful people. It’s not all bad.

[@mingbihhsu1735]

Your life and experiences are so inspirational.! You will have our support to see you transform. Wish Sage and Sandi the best.

[@StreamCrossingRunner]

Such a great film. I am so glad his sponsors stuck with him.

[@ralphhancock7449]

When covid lung damage was being talked about a lot, early on, the takeaway was that it would take up to 2 years for fully overcoming lung damage. So maybe, with a few more month's time, you'll have your lung capacity back. It's not something you can speed up, but you can certainly delay the healing with any future lung issues, so be safe.

[@markgunther2502]

Except it's blood clots and happened right after the second dose of the vax. Wake up dummy!

[@uras1]

Sage is a treasure to the sport of running. Long time follower of his and seen the highs and the lows of both his and Sandy's life. Looking forward to many more years of what he has to offer us! Thanks for capturing this time in his life1

[@kathygnoza1494]

Great job Stephen! This is a beautiful film. I’m very proud of you ❤️ Sage & Sandi are truly an inspirational and special couple. My love & best wishes to all of you! And of course I loved seeing my Eva girl!

[@TheSeriousRunner]

Thanks Mom!

[@Shevock]

What an inspiring documentary, expertly crafted by Stephen for his dear friends. You guys are so courageous.

[@jowebber7487]

You are an inspiration to runners, Sage. Well done and keep going as far as you can.

[@andreafennessey7975]

“Of course he will come back.” He is back! Keep going forward. Your positive attitude is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@markray7133]

Great film Stephen and everyone involved. Great chronicle of adversity and overcoming the challenges while having an attitude of gratitude for being able to participate in the journey. Sage you’ve always been authentic and an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

[@paulhopwood5592]

Sorry to hear of your health issues Sage , Very honest and humbling doco. Thanks for putting that out there ,big respect. Used to live on Maui ,and spent an insane amount of time running in Haleakala just love that mountain and erosion Valley . Awesome effort up the Kaupo gap ,Paliku ,sliding sands and return . Hope you get back to full health and just go from strength to strength.

[@philipking3010]

Despite knowing all the individual events, I sat mesmerized watching that. Wonderful storytelling.

[@toddparker3077]

Loved the documentary! Sage, the doubts and questions are normal after the break in training and racing. No need to surrender to the health event, however, or the doubts. Believe in yourself and your body's ability to come back. You know the body has an amazing ability to heal, recover and adapt - it must to have gotten you to the podium in the first place. If you want the podium bad enough, and if you put in the work, trust your body to do the rest. Your body has two million years worth of secrets up its sleeve. Train like the champion you are. When you get back to the podium, you won't have done it just for yourself, but for all of us who need your inspiration to believe that we too can come back. Get creative. Get inspired. Believe in yourself. We're rooting for you! Best to you and Sandi! (Here's an opportunity for you to develop a niche in your coaching - making the come back.)

[@marctruyols297]

Sage,you have been an inspiration to me since I started trail running/ultra trails 10 years ago, thanks very much and keep up the good work 🙏🏽

[@twalton]

Such a beautiful story. The most important thing about running is that it's about so much more than running.

[@giovannitertulli4962]

Sage and Sandy have been such an inspiration for me, especially after what happened to them. I am so happy to see that their journey continues, and that the "bad" of life has only strengthen them.

[@nickb6138]

Sage = LEGEND! Such a nice guy in the already great world of trail running. Keep going champ 💪💪

[@TheLongHaulCoach]

This was so beautifully done! The struggles, back to your roots, and then the build up from the illness and life struggles ❤️ Thanks Coach Sage and Sandi for all you do and huge kudos to Stephen for some stellar filming. So glad fans and sponsors have continued to believe in you!

[@pablocastilloGr]

Thanks so much for share your story with us. You are an inspiration and this film show us the humble person you are. All the best for the upcoming races and for the life. You couple has a friend in the south of Spain for anything you need.

[@svenja5596]

Sage, what an amazing human being you are! All the best for your future 💜

[@jimoconnor8597]

Great job @Hoka standing behind Sage during these trying times. Very inspirational story and well done by our medical professionals! "And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rises above its own ashes." - Khalil Gibran

[@PoetWithPace]

So good to see Sage back and great work everyone putting this together 👍🏼👍🏼

[@adramalech707]

Thanks to Stephen for such a wonderful video! Top notch. Sage, as someone who also has dealt with their athletic abilities limited by illness, coming to terms with those limitations and still pressing on and hitting lofty goals is truly inspiring. Perhaps you might gain back more performance you lost. Who knows. One thing I do know is the running community will always be there for all of us in some form. Be it running races, participating through volunteering or mentoring/coaching others who run. Our community is vibrant, supportive and strong. "Be what you want to see in the community!" One day I won't be able to run, but I can still help others who do.

[@ThePlantPoweredRunner]

Thank you for making this film. I've been following sage for the last 6 years and I've learned so much from him over that time. Seeing him back racing and on the trails inspires me to do the same after a crappy 2021 I've been starting over after my 50miler. Sage @Vo2maxProductions I don't know if you will see or even read this but I just want to say thank you for not quitting and moving forward. You inspire so so so many people.

[@iPondR]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I took up the sport at 49 and now at 59 still love being out on the trail with no plans to quit. I wish you both many more years of running - at any pace - and feeling at home on the trails... the gift of life is too precious!

[@jonfrederickson3269]

What an incredible inspiration you are to the rest of us!

[@gfrm456]

Sage you are an inspiration. You are still an elite runner and have heaps of potential! And you are such a great ambassador for runner and your sponsors. They will be stupid to drop you just because your not number one. Keep following your dreams and going strength to strength!

[@1972njm]

What a fantastic video….inspirational !! Thank you 👏

[@Mikeandthedyslexicunicorns]

First up, well done to Stephen, love your work 👍🏼. You can see that you all have something more going on that’s bigger than KZbin channels, bigger than sponsorships, bigger than coaching and much bigger than running in general. It’s what the world needs more of, that being love ❤️ love for each other love for the world around you. Your love for your sport is only the tip of the iceberg Sage, this is why your life will be and is full of blessings, yes you and Sandi have endured some very challenging and emotional times, this is why you are both solid as a rock! I love the film, well done to you all, may the great guiding creator continue to enrich your lives ❤️👍🏼.

[@wenlongdu241]

I'm not crying, you are crying! Love you Sage!

[@4444mok]

Awesome little film. Thanks for sharing your journey with us Sage! You're a great role model for the sport 👊🏽

[@beachalldayguy3997]

Absolutely keep at it Sage! Amazing finish granted what you and Sandi had been through! Use that wisdom you have to keep pushing..cheers to you and Sandi❤️🍻👍🏽✌🏽.. film was awesome!

[@chunchunli5181]

Subscribed. I’ll watch this film later today. The trailer is really intriguing and beautifully made!

[@billys100aolcom]

love this.....you are an inspiration Sage. You are good for the sport......

[@nbellisa1]

Awesome video! Started watching Sage´s channel regularly at the beginning of the pandemic, and this was a great recap of all the adversity that he´s had to deal with. What a rough two years... Loved his outlook and humility. I hope things just get better for you, Sage!

[@mohdirwansophan78]

All the best to my best ever online coach. Learn a lot from your youtube videos. Thank you.

[@teetertotter5787]

So inspiring to see you prevail over everything that has challenged you, and I love your humble honest approach to your compromised lung function. It would be awesome to see how you adapt to that and excel in new ways. Hoka and Spring Energy please keep sponsoring this quality inspirational human!

[@haebolduc5625]

Great Documentary!! Good job Stephen Gnoza. All the best to you, Sage, and Sandy!!

[@albertomontano1225]

So happy for and proud of you, Bro! You're an inspiration to us who love to run. We do it for so many different reasons, but we all have one thing in common...we have to do it to feel alive. Keep at it, Brother! Great things are coming your way. God bless you!

[@RunThePlanet]

Really enjoyed this film Sage, Stephen, Sandy, you did a great job. Great to see Sage return to racing. Wish you the best of luck with future running competitions, I believe there is more success in your career.

[@granadatrails653]

Best of luck Sage, wished from the 'back of the pack'. Had same diagnose last year, 2 infarcts, lost 30%, same close call. But also same need to get back. Need to be out there and hit the trails. Thanks for sharing.

[@sherwinmoscow9455]

This was a great video. I appreciate how you and Sandi have dealt with the last two years of chaos and challenge. It may be time, as you mentioned at the end of the film, to re-think your running strategy, and compete in races that are the best fit for your age and your health. Good luck and best wishes in that journey!

[@steveilg6134]

Solid chi/dharma film…thank you Sage for choosing to be who you are. Kudos to your crew! Head bowed…

[@RO-qh3xz]

Sage, it is so awesome to see you persevere thru tougher times and come back stronger. wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors and to finish at the podiums.

[@Ford363Stroker]

Great video Sage. Very human.

[@Qiaozhi]

Sage, you are amazing. Your resilience is such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing this with the world.

[@davidwagner3344]

Thanks for sharing some of your life with us mere mortals! You rock Sage and Sandy!

[@thedolenorway]

I've been looking forward to this, and I was not disappointed. Love every second of it, even though some of it was tough to see as well. I really loved the interviews with Sandi that gave us the perspective of someone close to Sage. I wish you all the best, and hope you will find that lung capacity improving day by day.

[@Ghimlioak]

Great work and happy to see Sage running again on official races.

[@runfrankfurt]

Good to see you trying to come back Sage. You inspire a lot of people. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻💪🏼 Looking at the possible reason for your Pulmonary Embolism: did you get the Covid vaccine before that happened? Blood clotting is a know sideeffect and can affect the lungs as well. Just something to think about.

[@19Kamau79]

It's 🐘 in the room, but according his channel he had have 2nd round just two weeks before being hospitalized.

[@carolineeastburn9355]

So much Love To you and Sandi! ❤️🙏🏼

[@ultrarunneradam]

I’ve followed you from the start and you will always be the most inspiring runner out there. Thanks for sharing. Tough people get tough times 💪💪🥹

[@jconcoffee]

Such a touching story. Really wishing you all the best Sage.

[@TheMoonSeesMe]

That was awesome Sage. Keep it up! Whatever you do your fans are behind you.

[@xorina123]

Love this film Sage!!!! Wooohooo! You continue to inspire me!

[@Damo_GingerMarmot]

Well done Sage and Sandy, resilience is what comes to mind, your role and contribution to the running community makes us all stronger. Looking forward to seeing ye out on the trails and mayve Sage butchering a few more music covers on youtube 😜

[@ianwarner1429]

Fantastic! All the best to you both!

[@robwood7175]

Great production! You two have overcome such a lot of adversity and Sage, you are so realistic and optimistic about your running direction in the future.

[@DoItNutrition]

Awesome video! Great coverage of their story, Stephen. Love you guys!🏃🏻🏃🏻

[@aoorun7895]

So touched and inspiring ! Thanks😀

[@JEKYLLHYDE123]

Thank you for sharing, can't wait to see you race again

[@charleskennedy4969]

Hey man I appreciate all you do for the people who love to run. God bless you guys

[@groupsimon6501]

Thanks for sharing this with us. Life makes us humble

[@trailrunner919]

Inspirational, emotional and wonderfully done film Sage & Sandy!

[@today-nl]

What a great movie!!!

[@walterwally983]

Saving this for later but already LIKED and SUBSCRIBED! Hope Sage is OK.

[@tonyfennell7827]

Brilliant film, great story, but most of all wonderful to see you back in races and out the trails Sage.

[@nhorky1]

Amazing documentary, so inspiring! And Sage, you inspire many of us with your strength and willingness to overcome challenges with such a positive attitude!

[@off2horizon863]

Just watched the film... That was great! And you both are just amazing! Keep being so inspiring!

[@roustabout4fun]

A fine ambassador of the sport! His passion and continued interest in the dynamics and challenges that the sport offers have helped many and will continue to do so. Hoka thumbs up~

[@ianrussell2035]

A great watch Sage wishing you all the best buddy been watching your channel for years and got me in ultra running

[@davidbaker5725]

What an awesome film! A very honest reflection of your last few years and what you’ve been through. Your positive attitude and sense of realism inspires me!

[@henrywoo2247]

I will be very supportive on you @sagecanaday back in 2013 , you are one of the athlete that motivated me run, keep moving!

[@billsanders8526]

Absolutely great film.

[@zielonebieganie]

I am glued to the computer watching this. Absolutely inspiring!!!

[@TheSafetysheep]

I love this so much. You guys are the sweetest people. You deserve so much. Sage you inspire me daily!!

[@ginnylin]

Amazing to get an update on Sage. I watched allll of his videos when I first started running a bit more seriously in 2016, 2017. So glad to see that he is making a recovery and finding the joy in running again.

[@Diegozijnyoutube]

Great philosophy and mindset !

[@hectormoraga3780]

Inspiring🙏😇, I follow Sage since 5 years ago and be able to run at My 50's is part of his videos and Training Programs. Have a good recovery Sage and Sandy is a great partner in life😚😁. Regards from 🇨🇱

[@petraalma29]

Brilliant film, and inspirational. As you say Sage, being grateful to be alive and to be able to run on the trails is the most important thing.

[@SeeChadRun]

LOVED this film!!! Great job Stephen!

[@TheSeriousRunner]

Thanks!

[@jeffreythomas815]

Loved every second 👍👍 Fantastic film.

[@dropthumb2]

Really well put together film and story. Thank you to those involved in this production, and thank you Sage and Sandi for so, so much inspiration telling your story. I'll be watching for more as your futures unfold.

[@indral8598]

You are a person to be admired, not just for your running history and capability but for your positive outlook on life. Being a runner myself and working in Anticoagulation with embolism patients for over 10 years, yes, it is a miracle you still run like you do! Bravo!

[@pauljones1980]

@vo2maxProductions it’s great to see you fit and healthy Sage, congrats on the FKT and on getting back to your happy place on the trails. Kudos also to the sponsors who kept supporting you through all the trials and tribulations of the last couple of years, you are a great ambassador for them and the sport as a whole.

[@antoniocasablancasvilanova2207]

Sage is such a great motivator....showing the path to overcome the tough blows in life...GO SAGE!!!