Hema Lochan (Heemz) is an environmental justice attorney and ultramarathon runner who joins us on the pod to share their journey of connecting running with environmental advocacy. They discuss their personal experiences that shaped their understanding of environmental justice, the importance of community in both running and activism, and their work in promoting both clean energy and inclusivity in outdoor spaces. 

We talk about:

• The need for collective action and the significance of listening to marginalized voices in addressing climate issues

• The unique challenges and experiences of being a person of color in predominantly white spaces, both in trail running and environmental law

• The importance of representation for non-binary athletes in running

• The shift from individualism to collectivism in the sport (and how that mirrors climate)

• Stand-up comedy! 

Links:

Heemz on Instagram

Heemz in Runners World! 

Coal Plant Retirement 

Transrockies 

We Run Long

The Speed Project 

TSP Instagram 

Native Lands Map

⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

environmental justice, running, ultramarathon, community, inclusivity, clean energy, climate change, trail running, advocacy, non-binary, collectivism, climate solutions, stand-up comedy, community, representation, environmentalism, passion