“When we don’t behave how we are expected to, based on stereotypes, it’s jarring for people!” - @irunfortheglory

“I definitely did not see many athletes that looked like me, so that’s been on the forefront of my mind now in my own professional running career.” - @stefanieannflippin

This was an incredibly meaningful and candid conversation between Mirna Valerio, Stefanie Flippin, and Carolyn Su. We covered topics ranging from our own, personal journeys in the sport; to how we push back against the negative stereotypes and status quo of who belongs in the outdoors; to what motivates us to keep showing up!  Thank you to everyone who chose to come to our first, live recording in the midst of a very packed marathon weekend! Your presence meant the WORLD, and the Q&As could’ve easily made for a whole other episode — y’all kept us on our toes!

And of course, a BIG, BIG THANK YOU to the entire lululemon team, particularly the Boston team, for not only making this show happen, but for how you make each of us feel fully seen, valued, and empowered to strive after our goals and to not be deterred by those who don’t yet understand. We hope this episode does the same for everyone who listens!

Please leave a rating and review, and let us know your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you. May we continue to listen, learn, and work together in making strides towards a more equitable and inclusive sport!

“The more we continue to show up in these outdoor spaces, the more we are disrupting the narratives and common perceptions that people have about who we are, who we are ‘supposed’ to be, and what we can or cannot do.” - @themirnavator

Show Breakdown:

06:15 - Stef's time running in 26.True Marathon

07:30 - Mirna's time at Culture Shifters for People of Color in snowsports. "It's often my experience that when POCs are doing things outdoors, it's met with the response, 'I didn't know Black people did that!'

10:50 - Mirna's background and the role of movement in the outdoors in shaping her life

14:50 - Stef's background and the role of sports in her life

16:35 - Carolyn's background and the impact of representation in her running journey

19:40 - Carolyn's first marathon experience

26:00 - Mirna, on the familial and cultural expectations of women, surrounding a family Thanksgiving

30:15 - Carolyn's experience at the Boston Marathon expo

37:00 - Mirna's experiences at races and expos

39:00 - when Mirna had the police called on her during a run

45:00 - when Stef was policed while on a run in her own neighborhood

50:00 - Q: how does Mirna cultivate the ability to respond to policing in ways that are productive for herself while not taking on the burden of educating others?

55:20 - Stef discusses learning how to practice assertiveness and pushing back against racial stereotypes

1:00:15 - Mirna discusses the origins of 'Karens'

1:06:00 - start of Q&A