Strong Runner Chick Radio

Episode 140: Kathleen Ralls, PhD, on Empowering Girls and Women Through Girls Gotta Run Foundation


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Kathleen Ralls is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (BA), American University (MAT), and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (PhD). She is an award-winning public educator with 15 years experience in multiple states and countries including Norway, where she was a Fulbright Foundation Roving Scholar of American Studies. Prior to teaching, Kathleen was a sports writer for a local newspaper. She has coached a variety of sports including field hockey, basketball, softball, and track & field. Kathleen lives in Massachusetts with her husband and cat, where she is the slowest runner in her household.

How did you get your start in running?

  • Foundation for everything that she did
  • Soccer, as well
  • Running and keeping herself in shape was the key to her success
  • 20s-30s - about herself and clearing her head
  • SRC Run Series

    • Set some goals for the summer
    • Running with family
    • Amazing
      • That people are just getting out and running
      • -How did you get involved in GGR and what has this experience been like for you?

        • Reached out to former director
        • Through her doctoral program
        • Passion project
        • -Tell us more about your unique career path! What inspired you to pursue your many degrees and a career in education?

          • Doctorate - limitless in education
          • What will set her apart?
          • UMass Lowell - had a program
          • Very involved in voting
          • Civics education
          • Gender equity issues in international countries
            • Sports, girls, women’s equity
            • -I see the world through gender

              • Personal and research level
              • Men have the advantage in sports...this angered her
              • Publicity and attention of male athletes
                • What about the females?
                • -Her work with GGR and research

                  • Wilder Retreat
                  • Wanted to continue running
                  • Academic writing...not sure what she wanted to do
                    • Had to sit with it for about 6 months
                    • Kept field notes and
                    • Applied to over 100 jobs
                      • Instead, what could she do with this research?
                      • Novel about Ethiopian girl runners
                      • “How could we ever forget?” - minute 23 - quote for Instagram
                      • New theory on creating voice and empowerment
                        • Creating a curriculum to have girls reflect on their voice
                          • What are the skills that they are developing as athletes
                          • Sport - ticket to having a voice and confidence

                            -When did you get involved in coaching and what has been your favorite sport to coach?

                            • High school sports
                            • Spent time writing at the local paper
                            • -What advice would you give to your younger self?

                              • Do not take yourself so seriously
                              • Value in learning
                              • Avoiding perfectionism
                              • What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?

                                • “I think for me it means walking out my backdoor every morning to go for a run.”
                                • Get back, get moving consistently - for mental and physical health
                                • ...more
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