s6/e2 Who Gets to Run Freely? with Alison Mariella Désir

In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava welcome Alison Mariella Désir, author of 'Running While Black'. They discuss the importance of freedom of movement, the challenges faced by Black and Brown runners, and the significance of creating inclusive running communities. Alison shares her journey into running, the founding of Harlem Run, and her experiences as a mental health therapist. Alison also chats about her PBS TV Show: Out and Back. The conversation also touches on accountability and allyship within the running industry, emphasizing the need for empathy and curiosity in understanding diverse experiences.

(00:00) Introduction to Alison Mariella Désir

(03:31) Freedom of Movement and Safety in Running

(06:26) Allison's Journey to Running and Community Building

(10:27) The Impact of Harlem Run and Inclusivity in Running

(16:08) Understanding Surveillance and Safety in Running While Black

(19:12) Empathy, Curiosity, and Conversations about Race

(23:00) Allison's PBS Show: Out and Back

(29:45) Climbing Kilimanjaro and Community Empowerment

(34:07) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

(36:45) The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals

(38:33) The Therapeutic Journey: Insights from Therapy

(46:55) Accountability and Allyship in the Running Community

(54:10) Empowerment and Community Engagement

Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, a visionary and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for movement, mental health, and racial equity. Alison got her start in the running and outdoor industry unintentionally, after seeing a Black friend train and complete a marathon. Inspired, Alison went on to run her first marathon and discovered that she had found a powerful tool to manage her depression. She’s been working to share the transformational power of running and movement ever since.

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