Episode 203: Alex Weissner on the Brunch Running Community and Making More Running Inclusive

In this episode we interview Alex (Alexandra) Weissner, an athlete, coach, and community builder. She is the CPO at Brunch Running, a social running community that inspires sweat, meals together and making the world a better place. Since 2013, their commitment has been to create a space where everyone is welcome to sweat and eat together, while supporting local communities. In addition, Alex hosts a podcast, Behind the Sweat, a wellness podcast that answers the questions we all are thinking about when it comes to our minds and bodies. Expect light-hearted and serious discussions about physical fitness, nutrition, mental health and hopefully, insightful takeaways. Questions we ask Alex include: Alex's journey into running How Alex has established inclusive communities through running, including Brunch Running and her own podcast Alex's favorite routes and go-to trails in Denver / CO The role of strength training, cross training, and other recovery methods Alex uses most How Alex began coaching, including the most rewarding part of her coaching journey so far Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self? What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you? Connect with Alex and Brunch Running: Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexweissner/ Alex's podcast: https://www.behindthesweat.com/ Brunch Running on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brunchrunning/ Brunch Running's website: https://www.brunchrunning.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

Dr. April Dominick practices orthopedic physical therapy and specializes in pelvic health. She is known for her spirited, dynamic, and caring approach to treatment. April’s passion lies in educating and restoring function to clients with bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction as well as hip and back pain. Through her practice, one of her passions is supporting women during their prenatal and postpartum journey while demystifying the crucial role of exercise during pregnancy.  April holds a certification in manual therapy and trigger point dry needling, and earned her CAPP-Pelvic certification through the American Physical Therapy Association. Among other advanced courses, she has been trained in Treating and Training the Female Runner. April utilizes a balanced approach to treatment including manual therapy and functional strength training. She believes in problem solving with her clients to develop a treatment plan which uniquely targets their goals, empowering them to independently manage their condition. One unique fact about April, is that she is a professional freelance harpist, she currently performs at cocktail hours, weddings and special events. She is also so grateful to explore Colorado’s beauty on foot; in running shoes, hiking boots, snowshoes or Chacos. Connect with her and learn more @revitalizepelvicphysio on Instagram, where you can find all the #physiowithsign tidbits about pelvic health and join the conversation in a safe, fun and welcoming educational platform! Questions and topics we cover include: -The importance of pelvic floor for runners and every day life -How the pelvic floor impacts us as runners -What makes up our pelvic floor, both anatomically and functionally? -How we can care for and strengthen our pelvic floor, at any age/life stage -April's journey into pelvic floor health and physical therapy as a career -What being a Strong Runner Chick means to April Today's Episode Sponsor: This episode is part of our "Health as a Foundation to Sport" series. Special shoutout to Athlete Blood Test for sponsoring this episode and important series on health! Use code "SRC15" for 15% off a blood test and/or biomarkers test with them! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

Jessie Schwiesow is a runner, wellness advocate and public health professional. She’s been a dedicated runner for 20 years and has been involved with Run 4 All Women since 2020, currently serving on their leadership team. Jessie's passion for health advocacy has been a constant throughout her life; serving as a Wellness Coach at the YMCA in her hometown, managing a health resource line at the Campaign for Better Healthcare, and working as an ACA Navigator at the American Indian Health Service of Chicago. Jessie holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and currently works as the Practice Coordinator at an AIDS Service Organization, serving persons living with HIV in rural Alabama. Through her role, she provides intensive medical case management and health education to Clients, while also leading outreach and advocacy efforts for her agency, including serving as Race Director for her organization's annual World AIDS Day Run/Walk each December.  In addition to her professional role, Jessie is involved with a number of initiatives in her area, including: the Alabama Harm Reduction Coalition, the Alabama HIV Health Policy Working Group, and Pride on the Plains. Jessie is extremely passionate about health equity and social determinants of health, as well as considering movement in community as a public health issue. Questions and topics we discuss with Jessie include: How did you get started in running? How did you become involved / interested in public health work and advocacy? Run4AllWomen -- tell us more about this initiative, how it got started, etc. -- and your work with them. You've shared that movement is a public health issue. Can you shed more light on this topic, for those who may be unfamiliar? What can we do in our communities to support movement for all and spread awareness of SDOH? What advice would you give to someone looking to get started in advocacy work, particularly as it pertains to running / sport? What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains content that may be triggering to some, as it involves detailed experience with RED-S and an eating disorder.* Today we celebrate episode 200 (woohoo!). We interview Ruby Wyles, a collegiate athlete who shares her experience with collegiate running, working through obstacles including injuries and an eating disorder, as well as what makes the running community rewarding to Ruby. Connect with Ruby: Instagram: @rwyles_xctf Email: [email protected] --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

Katie Spotz is a Christian adventurer, charitable ambassador, author and world-record holder. Katie is the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean and is the first person to have swum the entire length of the Allegheny River. Most recently, Katie set a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive ultramarathons in a row. To date, more than 40,000 people have gained access to clean water through her challenges and events, getting closer to creating a world where everyone, everywhere has clean, safe water. Katie’s story has been featured on CBS Morning Show, CBS Evening News, World News with Diane Sawyer, Anderson Cooper 360, New York Times, NPR, and other media outlets. For more information, please visit: www.KatieSpotz.com. Katie’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/katiespotz Katie’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/hellokatiespotz Donation link: https://www.h2oforlifeschools.org/katiespotz --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

Today, we interview Grace Korley, Registered Yoga Teacher, social justice advocate, and future mental health counselor. We dive into parallels (and differences) between running and yoga, as well as mental health and social justice in sport. With Grace's wise words, this is a powerful conversation worth listening to! We also dive into other topics, including: -How Grace got started in running -What led Grace into the mental health field and into yoga -The role that mental health plays in sport and/or running -Yoga's healing benefits, taking a trauma-informed approach, and powerful effects on our mental wellbeing -Inclusivity, representation, and diversity in sport/running -- especially where we have room to improve in sports like running -- and in yoga -What is currently bringing Grace joy in life -- and what lies ahead with her career/future -What advice Grace would give to her younger self -What being a Strong Runner Chick means to Grace Connect with Grace: Instagram (personal): @grace_korley  Instagram (yoga): @bodhi_and_soul Today's Sponsor: Special shout-out to Athlete Blood Test for sponsoring this episode and "Health as a Foundation to Performance" series! Use code "SRC15" for 15% off your order at https://www.athletebloodtest.com/. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

Background: We are joined today by Kristen Doornbos, founder of Paper Trails Greeting Co. who is spearheading a petition titled Equal Money for Equal Miles. Despite competing on the same 26.2 mile course, athletes in the Wheelchair and Para categories are awarded only a fraction of the prize money their able bodied counterparts receive. That is, if they are awarded anything at all. Kristen is using #equalmoneyforequalmiles to bring awareness to this issue and spark change. Questions Asked in this Episode: What inspired you to create the Equal Money for Equal Miles petition? Would you mind providing the listeners with some knowledge regarding Para athletes and wheelchair athletes and the disparities in pay at US Major Marathons? What do you feel like are the best ways that individuals can support Para athletes, wheelchair athletes, and athletes with disabilities? As of the 2021 Tokyo Games, Paralympians are paid the same amount as Olympians for medaling in an event, so the argument that asking the U.S. Major Marathons to do the same is not a new concept. Why do you believe that the U.S. Major Marathons are not offering the same monetary awards for Para and wheelchair athletes? How do you believe that these marathons would benefit from offering equal prize money? Why do you feel that representation is crucial for Para and wheelchair athletes? What do you believe participation in sport provides for Para athletes, wheelchair athletes, and athletes with disabilities? How can others get involved and spread awareness to create change in prize money awarded by U.S. Major Marathons? Show notes: 1. Sign the petition on on change.org.  2. On Instagram: Look for the “Equal Money for Equal Miles” image as the cover of a carousel post originating from @papertrailsgreetingco and @kristendoornbos. Please interact with the post! Like, save, comment, and most importantly, SHARE to your own stories. The IG algorithm rewards this early interaction by prioritizing the post in people’s feeds, and more views = more signatures. Ask your own followers to reshare the post. If you have close connections to running influencers, disability advocates, podcasters, media, coaches, running brands, pro athletes, and especially Wheelchair/Para athletes… please SHARE THE POST with them and ask them to sign & repost. 3. TAG @bostonmarathon, @chimarathon, and @nycmarathon. We WANT them seeing this. 4. When posting to your own stories, please copy and paste the Petition Link onto a Link Sticker. This makes it easier for your own followers to find & sign. You can also use the hashtag #equalmoneyforequalmiles Today's Sponsor: Shout-out to Athlete Blood Test for supporting this episode! Use code "SRC15" for 15% off your order! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

If you have been around the female athlete research space, you've likely heard of Dr. Emily Kraus, M.D. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center and the Director of the new FASTR (Female Athlete) Program. We dive into research surrounding bone health/stress fractures, RED-S, and health as a foundation to performance for female athletes. Read more about Emily below. Emily's Bio: Dr. Emily Kraus is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center. She is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) sports medicine and takes a unique approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries. She serves as the Director of the Stanford Female Athlete Program focused on female-specific translational research to answer fundamental physiological and sports performance questions important to improving the health and performance of girls and women, including the topics of bone health, the Female Athlete Triad, RED-S, running biomechanics, and mental health. Dr. Kraus also serves as the Medical Director of the Stanford Children’s Motion Analysis and Sports Performance Lab, focused on cutting edge biomechanics research with a strong clinical application. She is involved in multiple Stanford IRB-approved research projects, including The Healthy Runner Project, a multi-center prospective interventional study focused on bone stress injury prevention in collegiate middle and long distance runners. She also has research and clinical interests in youth sports specialization, endurance sports medicine, injury prevention, running biomechanics, and adaptive sports. Dr. Kraus proudly grew up a 3-sport high school athlete in small town Nebraska and is now an avid runner and cyclist, completing 9 marathons, including Boston Marathon twice and California International Marathon in 2019 with a time of 2:50. With staying physically active as one of her personal passions, she recognizes how sport participation plays a valuable role in the physical, emotional, professional, and social development of a child and adolescent and is committed to maintaining these ideals for the next generation of youth athletes. Connect with Dr. Emily Kraus: Website https://emilykrausmd.com/ Director Stanford Female Athlete Science and Translational Research (FASTR) Program, Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance at Stanford Medical Director Motion Analysis and Sports Performance Lab This episode is part of our "Health as a Foundation to Sport" podcast series.  Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Athlete Blood Test! Use code SRC15 for 15% off any panel at athletebloodtest.com! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

Natalie Robertello is a Sports Dietitian and owner of BeFueled Sports Nutrition. She has a passion for teaching runners and triathletes how to fuel practically, first as humans, and then as athletes. Natalie is an avid runner and triathlete herself. Outside of training she loves to cook and explore the outdoors. Questions we ask Natalie include: Tell us a bit about your background -- how did you get started in running / triathlons -- and nutrition as a career? What have been a few highlights in your personal athletic journey? What role has community played in your running experience (and in life)? Are you part of any training groups? As an R.D., what are your favorite parts about your job? Any biggest challenges? Where do you see room to improve when it comes to our relationship with food as runners/athletes? RED-S in sport and ultra-endurance nutrition is a major topic these days. Are there any common patterns you see among people struggling with RED-S -- and best ways to address it? Do you have any tips for someone who is trying to improve their relationship with food and body as an athlete? What does life look like outside of career/running for you (family, career, hobbies, etc.)? What advice would you give to your younger self? What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you? Connect with Natalie at https://www.befueledsn.com/. Special shoutout to Athlete Blood Test for sponsoring this episode and important series on health! Use code "SRC15" for 15% off a blood test and/or biomarkers test with them! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support

Antonella Chispe was born and raised in SoCal-Los Angeles. She is the First generation American of Ecuadorian parents and 1 of 4 siblings. She holds a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and is currently working on a second Bachelors in Nutrition-Dietetics to be a future dietitian. What inspired her to pursue nutrition is her current workplace and running. She works in healthcare-dialysis, which has led her to realize there are not many Spanish speaking dietitians and when speaking to patients, they often share there was never a dietitian that they were able to communicate with and ask questions. Listening to so many stories, she decided she wanted to make a difference. When it comes to running, her story starts at 14 years of age. She ran her first marathon at 14, the LA marathon. Running also saved her in many ways. It has pushed her to be better overall as a person. It helped her leave a verbally abusive relationship. It’s been a consistent part of her life that she appreciates and is grateful for everyday. The best part is, she has made great friendships and they train for their races together. Questions we dive into include: Antonella's background, including: how did you get started in running and/or athletics? What have been a few highlights in your running journey? What role has community played in your running experience (and in life)? Are you part of any running groups? You mentioned that running led you to choose your profession/career as a dietitian. What has your experience been like -- any highlights/favorite parts about your job? Where do you see room to improve when it comes to diversity and inclusion within the running (and nutrition) space? Do you have any tips for someone just getting started with running? What does life look like outside of running for you (family, career, hobbies, etc.)? What advice would you give to your younger self? What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you? This is a spotlight episode where we highlight a member of the SRC community! Be sure to tune into our IG page @strongrunchicks and tag us if you would like the chance to be featured. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support