Making Strides

We’re back! In this episode, we catch up on our summer activities and personal lives, including family trips abroad and ultra races. We also discuss our evolving perspectives on training, as well as the rapidly-changing running culture. Carolyn talks about a food-run-tour she led through Boston’s Chinatown, and the ancestral connection she discovered through that experience, and Stef shares about an exciting upcoming project in the works that is also tied to their Asian American ancestry.

As always, we are so grateful that all of you are here in this space, in the sport, and in this world! #Keepshowingup 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.

Don't forget to grab your ⁠Pen & Paces⁠ Custom Bib Kit for any of your upcoming races and get 20% off when you use code MAKINGSTRIDES at checkout!

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 would appreciate you subscribing and leaving a rating and review.

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun

“I think the experience I had is what EVERY straight, white male has at EVERY race.” 

Consider this convo as a part-two follow up to our most listened-to episode, "Allyship, Intention, and Impact" (episode 12), as we parse out what exactly made the ‘We Out Here’ Trail Fest so incredibly special. 

In a time when there’s constant pushback and criticism of what DEI actually means or looks like, we hope this conversation gives practical examples of how create events and spaces that move beyond tokenizing to celebrating the diversity of excellence that already exists in our sport! 

“It doesn’t have to be: we choose representation and inclusivity OR we choose excellence and competitiveness. There can be overlap!”

Have you ever been to a race or running event where you felt fully seen, celebrated, and free to be your authentic self? What factors do you think helped make that happen? Drop a comment here or send a message to let us know! 

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

The Making Strides Podcast is about building representation and 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:

05:50 - Stef’s upcoming racing plans

12:00 - takeaways from the We Out Here Trail Fest: the excellence displayed and the power of representation!

33:15 - the role representation plays in helping others understand different lived-experiences

38:10 - what led Carolyn to create a trail event with her local lululemon team, in the Boston area

56:25 - Stef’s athletes who ran Western States 100 this year

1:09:20 - shoutout to our ongoing sponsor, Pen & Paces!

Links:

David Jaewon Oh Photography

OtterPawz Native, family-owned design company who made the custom medals for the We Out Here Trail Fest

Rubato HK Cafe

Gyee O’Malley, Train Ambassador for Boston lululemon

Don't forget to 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 Stef ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

“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

Fresh off the Boston Marathon weekend, we talk about EVERYTHING that happened from Thursday to Marathon Monday, including seeing Kara Goucher and Alysia Montaño, fawning over senior penguins, and getting to bring in the final finishers at the 26.True Marathon!

We are also excited to share our FIRST SPONSOR, Pen & Paces! A local, AAPI-woman-owned small business, Pen & Paces is all about supporting every runner in their own, unique running journey.  Check out the bestselling, Custom Bib Kit, which Stef and I wore at the 2024 New York City Marathon! 

We saw hundreds of runners sporting them out on the course at both the Boston Marathon and the 26.True Marathon this year! The bib kits make it super easy for loved ones and spectators to call out your name and cheer for you!

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

We hope you enjoy our Boston Marathon weekend recap, and, as always, we are so grateful that all of you are here! #Keepshowingup 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:

01:00 - how Carolyn has been since marathon weekend

03:40 - how Stef has been

05:50 - Stef’s upcoming Spring race plans

09:25 - significance of how the marathon weekend overlapped with the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War

10:35 - Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony!

20:00 - Boston Marathon Expo!

24:50 - Stef getting to see the burial site of her 12th-great-ancestor, who was one of the original settlers of the United States

42:00 - BAA 5K and the 26.True Marathon

58:10 - lululemon Shakeout Run

1:02:40 - why we visited the New England Aquarium

1:07:50 - Carolyn’s morbid pre-marathon tradition

1:15:50 - Marathon Monday!

1:33:30 - our first SPONSOR announcement!

Links:

Pen & Paces code MAKINGSTRIDES for 20% off

Find Stef ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

“We are teaching and showing the next generation that our democracy is important and that it is worth fighting for.”

In this episode, we wrestle with how to continue carrying on in running and racing, while also staying informed and taking action amidst the uncertain and scary times. We are still asking,  “where do we go from here?”

Carolyn shares about what it was like for her to bring her family to a local protest-rally and how it gave her hope. She and Stef also talk about how change will require all of us to take on risk.

As we prepped for the whirlwind of the Boston Marathon weekend, we did so in recognition of how it is truly a privilege to get to run and to race with the freedoms we have. 

We are so grateful for your presence here in this sport! Remember that you are not alone, and thanks for being here. #Keepshowingup 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! Of course, we always appreciate you subscribing and leaving a positive rating and review.

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun

Show Notes:

01:05 - plans for the Boston Marathon weekend!

02:40 - this year’s plans with the 26.True Marathon

07:00 - Carolyn’s current perspective and routine in running and exercise

08:30 - Stef’s recent trip to Arizona with GU Energy Labs and what she gained from her time with the people there

24:40 - the ‘Hand’s Off’ Rally in Boston, and Carolyn’s experience bringing her family to participate

45:30 - “We all have to risk something, in order to make meaningful change.”

46:30 - where are we finding hope

Additional Links:

support the Denver Gay Men's Chorus

“This is bigger than democrat or republican; we’re all connected. This is about taking care of each other and about the promises we’ve made to each other.”

This was an emotionally heavy episode, though we spend the first half talking about our new hobbies (aka, our coping mechanisms). As policies and politics continue to impact our lives, we have been asking the questions, “where do we go from here? How do we move forward?”

If you’re also feeling the weight of current events in our nation right now, we hope you know you are not alone. We hope that you are taking actions to take care of yourself, as well as to care for your community. As Stef says in this episode, “we agreed to take care of each other and to have and preserve freedoms here," and for as long as it takes, we will keep doing so, however we can.

We are grateful for you all! #Keepshowingup 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! Of course, we always your subscribing and leaving a positive rating and review.

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun

Show Notes:

01:15 - Carolyn’s new hobby

14:20 - Stef’s current relationship with running

33:50 - the current state of the nation and its impact on our mental health and wellness

49:20 - Stef’s reflections on the Bernie & AOC rally in Denver

Find Stef ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

“As someone who grew up in a time when girls were pitted against each other and seen as competition, I love that we’re in this era where, just being in each other’s corners is celebrated!”

This is the GIVE HER FLOWERS episode! We talk about the women who inspire us, the women who have moved us to action, and the young women we are raising. In light of Women’s History Month (March) and in recognition of International Women’s Day (March 8th), we want to specifically thank every female here for all the ways you show up in your spheres of influence, everyday. We know that you do so while juggling the needs of those who depend on you and while navigating the various biases and stereotypes that others places upon you; and yet you continue to show up, day after day, with strength, courage, grace, and wisdom.

We see you, and we celebrate you!

As always, we are so grateful that all of you are here in this space, in the sport, and in this world! #Keepshowingup 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 would appreciate you subscribing and leaving a rating and review.

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun

Show Notes:

00:45 - Happy International Women’s Day! What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

02:50 - flowers for everyone

06:15 - Joy and Jo Banner, sisters who are reclaiming American history through the Descendants Project

13:40 - the legacy of Connie Chung, who broke barriers for women and Asian Americans in journalism and news broadcasting 

17:20 - the advocacy and representation led by NCAA runner, Ali Upshaw, of Northern Arizona University

27:35 - the realities of safety that we still deal with in running

42:15 - looking to build up the next generation of young women

Links:

The Descendants Project (IG)

Connie: A Memoir, by Connie Chung

Ali Upshaw (IG)

Raising Worry-Free Girls, by Sissy Goff

Liz Rock (IG), co-founder of the TrailBlazHers

Ashley Mitchell (IG), founder of The Courage Campaign

Find Stef ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

“We want to believe that, when seeing harm being done, we will rise to the level of our expectations, but the reality is, most of us will fall to the level of our training.” - Stefanie

In this episode, Carolyn and Stef talk about Stef’s newest addition to the family (spoiler: she has four paws and gives lots of kisses!), Carolyn’s new fitness endeavors, and the intersection of race, politics, and running. 

“As women who are also People of Color, there is no way we can separate politics from running or from life. All of our lives are affected by policy.” - Carolyn

It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss!

We are so grateful you’re here in this space, in the sport, and in this world! #Keepshowingup 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. We hope you enjoy this convo (take us with you on your next run!), and if you do, please subscribe and leave a rating and review!

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun

Show Notes:

00:15 - Stef’s new family addition!

11:00 - Carolyn’s foray into OrangeTheory Fitness!

21:45 - thoughts on the current running boom

28:10 - the audiobook, James, by Percival Everett

31:15 - connection to Ra’Shaude Kenney, the co-founder of the Space City Elite Running Team, and his experience as a Black runner

33:00 - the stigma of running

39:30 - the book, Defy: the Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, by Sunita Sat

47:30 - the consequences and cost of defiance that Carolyn experienced, speaking up with Tracksmith Running

55:20 - Stef’s example of struggling with defiance, while practicing medicine

Links:

James, by Percival Everett (also available here)

Audiobook version (which Carolyn highly recommends!)

Ra’Shaude Kenney’s story on the 26.2 Foundation

Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, by Sunita Sah (also available here)

Find Stef ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Staying true to our commitment to record more episodes this year, we hop back on after the Lunar New Year to discuss a variety of topics, ranging from 2025 being Stef’s lucky year, to how Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut embodies the representation we didn’t know we needed!

We also dive into the significance of identifying your Core Values and allowing those to guide decisions, what to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to, instead of operating either out of the fear of missing out or the fear of losing relevance and impact. 

As always, 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. We hope you enjoy this convo (take us with you on your next run!), and if you do, please subscribe and leave a rating and review!

We are so grateful you’re here — in this space, in the sport, and in this world! #keepshowingup, keep taking up space, and keep on being the change we wish to see.

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

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun

Show Notes:

1:00 - Is the name “Lunar New Year” actually accurate?!

7:01 - The Year of the Snake and The Year of Stef!

13:10 - Time management and multi-tasking

20:10 - How meditation practice is going

23:15 - Identifying core values 

43:05 - “A Real Pain” movie

55:45 - What’s ahead

56:40 - Coaching athletes for WSER for GU and Rising Hearts, building representation and giving access to overlooked communities

1:02:35 - Upcoming travels

Links:

Free trial to Op-e-n Meditation App

Live Your Values Card Deck

Armchair Expert Podcast with Jesse Eisenberg

Western State athletes being sponsored by GU Energy Labs and Rising Hearts:

Miki Sawada

Faith Akioyamen

Scott Flatlip

Find Stef ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Hello, 2025! In this episode, we catch up with each other after the holiday season, and we also discover how we are both in a similar season, in regards to our relationship with running social media. We talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder, meditation, laying on the ground at races, and toilet paper ornaments!

We also spend time talking about the immediate impact that the new, presidential administration has already made on people in the running community and in our personal lives.

This conversation is about everything, everywhere, all in 90-ish minutes! We hope you find it relatable and encouraging. As always, we are so grateful you’re here: in this space, in the sport, and in this world! #keepshowingup, keep running, and keep on being the change you wish to see.

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

Show Notes:

00:25 - welcome to the new year!

01:30 - Stef gets back into the practice of meditation

09:50 - the drive towards constant productivity and how that translates into how we run and train

21:10 - Carolyn's break from all the social media running hype

22:50 - going back to the WHY's of running

30:00 - Seasonal Affective Disorder, and how it's shown up

39:10 - what running looks like for Stef right now

49:15 - the realities that many in the running community face now, following the newly signed Executive Orders

57:15 - it's okay to change your mind after getting new information; it's okay to say, "I used to think one way, and I was wrong."

1:10:00 - we're all impacted by policy, and trying to keep running insulated from politics is a privilege

1:12:50 - looking ahead

Links:

Op-e-n Meditation App

Help those affected by the Eaton Fire

Donate to Community Resources in Altadena

Support Displaced Black Families in Altadena & Pasadena

Find Stef ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

#MakingStridesPod

#letsFlippindothis

#diversewerun