18. Juniper Eastwood as the First and Only Out Transgender NCAA D1 Runner

In the summer of 2020 Tyler (Texas) Legacy High School sophomore Trude Lamb caught global attention when she successfully pushed to change the name of her high school from that of a confederate general and slave holder. Tune in as we discuss the current situation in Texas post winter storm, Trude’s journey as an activist, Trude as a runner, Trude’s future goals and dreams for herself and her community, and more! Checkout an ESPN news article and Trude’s letter to her school here: https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/30045630/the-remarkable-story-how-teenage-runner-battled-legacy-robert-e-lee

Content preparation: we discuss relationships with food, body, and eating disorders throughout this episode. Thank you to guests and fellow Wildwood Girls Virtual Camp counselors Miranda DiBiasio, Emily Chaston, and Marci Klimek for making this conversation happen. Thank you to Marie Markham and Robyn McGilis for creating Wildwood Running, such a wonderful platform and opportunity for runners to collaborate, learn, and grow the current and future generations of females in the sport. Check them out at wildwoodrunning.com and wildwoodrunningpdx on instagram!! In this conversation we cover…. Background and introductions Our “why” for running and the evolution of our “why” Our “why” for joining camp What knowledge we left our trail group with, what our trail group taught us What challenged us in our preconceived beliefs, current practices, and with facilitating a group How the topics covered at camp have showed up in our experiences Our transition from high school to college running The evolution of our relationship to food and our bodies Where we want to take the work of wildwood from here Finally, how everyone’s process to success in running and life looks different! Links to other resources discussed in this conversation: Strong Runner Chicks: Strong Runner Chicks: http://www.strongrunnerchicks.com/ Maria Dalzot: https://www.mariadalzotrd.com/ Melody Fairchild: https://melodyfairchild.com/ Kara Bazzi of Opal Food and Body: https://www.opalfoodandbody.com/riley-nickols-interview/ Runner’s World article on how to talk to someone about an eating disorder: https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a28380503/amelia-boone-eating-disorders-discussion/

After transferring from the University of Illinois, sophomore Emma Wilson now runs for Huntington University and is taking the collegiate running world by storm. During the craziness of the 2020 COVID-19 affected fall season, she ran a 20:18.7 6k (a PR of 1 minute), a 16:24 5k, and a NAIA national record time of 32:38.56 in her debut 10k (1 second off of the Olympic Trials standard!). Hear from Emma on how she overcame burnout and a stress fracture to make huge strides this season. Emma’s roster: https://www.huathletics.com/roster/19/13/4880

This episode was recorded at the end of May and I just didn’t get to it out until now. The conversation around gender in sport feels particularly relevant after the recent Caster Semenya ruling which you can read or listen more about here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/08/sports/olympics/caster-semenya-court-ruling.html and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/case-caster-why-principle-trumped-bad-evidence-her/id1461719225?i=1000491007047and sign the petition (I was trying to find tangible ways to support Semenya) here: http://chng.it/KRQCkDJmys In this episode, Juniper discusses: How she got her start as a runner Feeling like she couldn’t be “both a transgendered person in a small rural town and also an athlete” Running as her entire identity, being “distant,” and living a dual-reality Parental pressure College decisions, aspirations, scholarship considerations, and trying to build the Montana dynasty Battling an injury and having the identity of running taken away leading to mental health challenges and the ultimate need to develop an identity outside of running Coming out to teammates and coaches Taking a year off of competing for hormone treatment Pressure and hype around return to competition Media, journalists, and who she let tell her story Backlash and opposition to progress Proudest moments and memories at Montana, COVID-19 ending her collegiate career early A sneak peak at June’s future pursuits in trail running and environmental philosophy For more on Juniper’s story check out this video: https://www.spokesman.com/video/2019/sep/27/junes-run-transgender-montana-athlete-driven-succe/and this Dyestat article: https://www.runnerspace.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44531&do=news&news_id=584586

In this episode... Who is Nia Akins? Switching from soccer to running Mom’s influence and 400m success at the University of Missouri Draw to UPenn for nursing and people Memories from last collegiate meet HS experiences and goals leading into college Transitioning from west to east coast Turning point in realizing national caliper potential Mindset for performing best at biggest meets Building confidence in fitness through racing XC as an 800m/mid-distance runner The whole new experience of having the opportunities to race at the highest levels Experience running at USAs Geeking out over pro runners and finding focus in that atmosphere Surreal racing experiences Travel experiences: Chile study abroad winter break trip and Cornell-Penn UK summer trip Looking back at COVID-19 and college running career Future goals Looking towards Olympics, consistency and mindset change  Messages to younger & future selves and younger college runners Some of Nia’s accomplishments 2020 University of Pennsylvania Nursing and nutritional science major Ran second fastest 800m time in NCAA history (2:00.71) at the 2020 BU Valentine Invite 2019 NCAA D1 Indoor and Outdoor Nationals Runner-up in 800m Seventh-place finisher at USATF Outdoor Championships 8 UPenn School records Roster: https://pennathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/nia-akins/15790 More Nia Media to check out: Runner’s World article by Nia: “I’m an All-American Runner and Ivy League Grad. I Still Can’t Escape Racism.” https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a32825698/nia-akins-ncaa-runner-racial-discrimination/ Women’s Running: NCAA Star Nia Akins Plots Her Professional Future—in Seattle: https://www.womensrunning.com/culture/news/nia-akins-signs-with-brooks-beasts/ Dyestat QUARANTINE CONVERSATIONS - EP86 - NIA AKINS: https://www.dyestat.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44531&do=videos&video_id=298775 LetsRun Podcast: 800m Star and New Brooks Beast Nia Akins + Christian Coleman Gets Strike Three? https://www.letsrun.com/news/2020/06/coleman-nia-akins/ ***Donate to the National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network’s (NQTTCN) Mental Health Fund: https://linktr.ee/nqttcn *** Awesome podcast episode about NQTTCN: https://lacura.podbean.com/?fbclid=IwAR2FOvBPqZJ-CMJQYOjRsyg7Z9mU38Mxwvi4OZZ9ONqZVgZGPbPXr4w-aBQ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/nqttcn/?hl=en For June 2020, contact me w/ confirmation of your donation (feel free to cover any personal info, donation amount, etc) and I pledge to contribute $5 for every new donation that a listener of this podcast makes to NQTTCN for up tp $100 of my own money total. Thank you :) Insta: @markoshaley Email: [email protected] Justice for the Black and Trans communities:  Petitions: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#petitions https://www.change.org/p/black-lives-matter-actvists-justice-for-nina-pop Justice in June educational resource: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H-Vxs6jEUByXylMS2BjGH1kQ7mEuZnHpPSs1Bpaqmw0/edit Violence Against the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2020: https://www.hrc.org/resources/violence-against-the-trans-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2020?fbclid=IwAR2AAZmmFTAlSGlAUVJndMrLdeqqJ498Nnj93UwKgwQLv9z1VBCwo6iFKO4

In this episode… Who are the Drop Twins? How they got into running Seeking out some greater opportunities in HS, team focus on spirit & fun Falling in love with the University of Georgia College transition: Jess’ jump to XC & helping Sam become more competitive Sisterhood Eating disorders, therapy, relationship with food Food instagram @running_foodies Anxiety, depression, & injury Georgia’s 2017 XC season & sunday long run grinds International racing experiences Volunteering for the Special Olympics Goals and remaining eligibility head into into 5th yr  Covid-19 Academic pursuits and aspirations Messages to younger and future selves Rosters: Jesica Drop https://georgiadogs.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/jessica-drop/4467 Samantha Drop https://georgiadogs.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/samantha-drop/4468 Dyestat article: https://www.dyestat.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44531&do=news&news_id=593115-Jessica-and-Samantha-Drop-Share-Their-Favorite-Dishes-After-Learning-To-Embrace-Food A Mental Health Guide for Athletes and Their Support Networks: https://www.rrca.org/education/mental-health-tips-for-runners ***Donate to the National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network’s (NQTTCN) Mental Health Fund: https://linktr.ee/nqttcn *** Awesome podcast episode about NQTTCN: https://lacura.podbean.com/?fbclid=IwAR2FOvBPqZJ-CMJQYOjRsyg7Z9mU38Mxwvi4OZZ9ONqZVgZGPbPXr4w-aBQ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/nqttcn/?hl=en For June 2020, contact me w/ confirmation of your donation (feel free to cover any personal info, donation amount, etc) and I pledge to contribute $5 for every new donation that a listener of this podcast makes to NQTTCN for up tp $100 of my own money total. Thank you :) Insta: @markoshaley Email: [email protected] Petitions:  https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#petitions https://www.change.org/p/black-lives-matter-actvists-justice-for-nina-pop Justice in June educational resource: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H-Vxs6jEUByXylMS2BjGH1kQ7mEuZnHpPSs1Bpaqmw0/edit Violence Against the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2020: https://www.hrc.org/resources/violence-against-the-trans-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2020?fbclid=IwAR2AAZmmFTAlSGlAUVJndMrLdeqqJ498Nnj93UwKgwQLv9z1VBCwo6iFKO4

In this episode: Fundraising campaign for NQTTCN (see below) Training during the pandemic Jazz’s ballet background and joining the University of Toronto’s track club in grade 8 The “curses” and challenges of female youth running Eating disorder recovery and pandemic diet culture Building a healthy, open, and supportive team environment Blackness as a runner in a white circle, during the current moments, and diversity in Canadian distance running Winning team national XC championships and qualifying for world juniors Mastery in executing a race plan Training from 8k in XC to mid-distance on the track Overcoming stress injury and sickness, finding joy in running Goals for last year of college Canadian club system and U of T’s inspiring group of post collegiate runners Some of Jazz’s accomplishments: 2016 World U20 Championships 800m competitor and 4x400 relay bronze 2017 Canadian junior national 800m champion 2017 Pan American Junior Games 800m silver medal 2:04.52 2018 Canadian XC team national champions Roster: https://varsityblues.ca/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jazz-shukla/11592 ***Donate to the National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network’s (@NQTTCN) Mental Health Fund: https://linktr.ee/nqttcn *** Awesome podcast episode about NQTTCN: https://lacura.podbean.com/?fbclid=IwAR2FOvBPqZJ-CMJQYOjRsyg7Z9mU38Mxwvi4OZZ9ONqZVgZGPbPXr4w-aBQ For June 2020, contact me w/ confirmation of your donation (feel free to cover any personal info, donation amount, etc) and I pledge to contribute $5 for every new donation that a listener of this podcast makes to NQTTCN for up to $100 of my own money total. Thank you :) Insta: @markoshaley Email: [email protected] Petitions: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#petitions Justice in June educational resource: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H-Vxs6jEUByXylMS2BjGH1kQ7mEuZnHpPSs1Bpaqmw0/edit 1 Million Miles for Justice virtual running/biking/walking event (fundraising for the NAACP, National Civil Rights Museum, and Black Girls Run): http://www.wjrclub.com/1-million-miles.html?fbclid=IwAR1_Rua7v665QTxTX1DBqD-VMXXcd8mr7yKYujDu4Jgwj2ykytp3Niiy9Yc

Dorcas Wasike has been on a history-making roll since entering the University of Louisville in 2016. She has made an impressive progression from 145th at the NCAA D1 XC Championship to 14th in 2018 and posted a runner-up finish in the 10k at the 2019 NCAA D1 Track Championship. On route, she has earned many ACC honors, school records, and school firsts.  With some key mentors, team support, and 6 sisters (all of whom are runners including marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei!!) she has made the move from Kenya, recently nursed a hamstring injury, and always balances motherhood, work, and school as a nursing major with a psychology minor. For Dorcas, its about showing up, working hard, persevering, and just being who she is while finding trust in herself as a strong competitor worthy of being at the top of the NCAA. Watch out world, this rising red-shirt senior still has a full year of eligibility.  2x NCAA D1 XC All-American, 2x NCAA D1 Track All-American School records: 3k (indoor & outdoor), 5k (indoor & outdoor), 10k PRs: 10k 32:11, 5k 15:25, 3k 9:08, 6k(xc) 19:42 Track roster: https://gocards.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/dorcas-wasike/11062 Cross country roster: https://gocards.com/sports/cross-country/roster/dorcas-wasike/11405

After sitting out nearly two years (sophomore and junior) due to an achilles injury and surgery, the University of Mary’s Ida Narbuvoll was just getting back into her normal training when she won the high point crown at her conference meet taking the mile, 3k, and 5k. Heading into the 2020 Indoor NCAA D2 National Championships, the 5th year Civil Engineering major from Norway was set to run the 5k as the first seed (30 seconds ahead of 2nd place with her 16:14 school record), 3k as the second seed (9:26.52), and the DMR before the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. Fortunately with the new rule change, she will have a shot to return to the track for a 6th year while pursuing her master’s. Outdoors will give her the opportunity to continue showcasing her endurance in the 10k, an event she previously established herself in. In this episode we cover: Nordic skiing & running in Norway Embracing the opportunity to move to the US & compete in the NCAA Transferring from the University of Edinboro in Pennsylvania to UMary The challenges of injury & an absolutely incredible comeback High mileage training More of Ida’s Accomplishments: Norweigian National Jr XC Champion Norweigian National Jr Half Marathon Record Holder 1:18 Norweigan Nordic Skiing Championships: 8th place Norweigan Track Championships: 4th 5k, 6th 10k 4-time NCAA D2 XC All-American 6-time NCAA D2 Top 20 finish on the track Roster: https://goumary.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/ida-narbuvoll/4797 https://goumary.com/news/2020/3/24/womens-track-and-field-narbuvoll-newell-named-finalists-for-ustfccca-national-indoor-track-field-honors.aspx

After experiencing her first major injury, a sudden coaching change, and struggling with homesickness, it was time for Audrey Belf to make the courageous decision to transfer. She left the community she had formed during her 2 years at Georgetown and headed back home to the University of Michigan; the state where she had established herself as one of the all-time best and top in the country as a high schooler. At the University of Michigan, Audrey earned a bachelor’s in Kinesiology in 2019, and a master’s in Supply Chain Management in 2020. She also took a step back from a perfectionist mindset, focused on the little parts of the process to get to the bigger goals, learned from different training philosophies, and grew into a more balanced student-athlete. Finally, we discuss the dominoes of COVID-19 news that ultimately stripped away her last experiences as a 5th year and how she looks to reinvent herself in a post-collegiate atmosphere. Audrey will be continuing some of her athletic pursuits as part of the USA Triathlon Collegiate Recruitment Program. To learn more about the program check out: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/Elite/Collegiate-Recruitment