“We hope that this trail race shows that it is possible to welcome new people to the sport, that trail running doesn't have to be rooted in white culture, that we can show up as our authentic selves.” - Alison Desir

This is a special episode that is near and dear to our hearts, as we got to not only record a live show with our friends, but also be a part of the inaugural trail festival, We Out Here, that was specifically centered on and powered by the BIPOC community!

Our conversation is on the topic of DEFIANCE, as defined by professor and author, Dr. Sunita Sah: to defy is to act in accordance to one's values when there's pressure to do otherwise. 

With this definition, a trail event specifically designed for BIPOC athletes is in itself an act of defiance against the status quo, expectations, and gate-keeping around the sport, and of course, the ways that each of us show up in our various spheres each day are also daily acts of defiance in a world that expects (and often demands) our compliance. 

We truly hope this conversation resonates and speaks to you in many ways. #Keepshowingup in your various spheres of influence, and keep making strides in being the change we wish to see!

Special thanks to our Audio Engineer, ⁠⁠Mark Kalagayan⁠⁠, from the non-profit, ⁠⁠SPARC Worldwide⁠⁠.

The Making Strides Podcast is about building representation and about changing the ways we expect ourselves and others to show up in the running world. If you enjoy this convo please share about us with your friends! And of course, we appreciate your subscribing and leaving a rating and review.

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun

Show Notes:

01:30 - intro: Aaliyah Earvin

02:10 - intro: Alison Desir

03:45 - intro: Kayla Jeter

04:25 - intro: Mirna Valerio

05:55 - topic and definition of DEFIANCE

07:30 - what inspired Aaliyah to create the ‘We Out Here’ Trail Festival weekend

13:15 - what Alison’s goals are for the future of this race event

15:40 - what practicing defiance looked like for Mirna, growing up, and how it shapes the way she lives in the day to day

19:35 - who inspired Kayla to prioritize self care and wellness for herself, and what drives her to bring this message to her community

25:10 - how can all of us practice acts of defiance on a daily basis?

32:20 - Q&A

Links:

Grab your Pen & Paces Custom Bib Kit for any of your upcoming races and get 20% off when you use code MAKINGSTRIDES at checkout!

Find Aaliyah here

Find Alison here

Find Kayla here

Find Mirna here

Find Stef ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠