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Keeping Track

Alysia Montano, Molly Huddle and Roisin McGettigan are three Olympians, from 2 countries, including 2 Moms and 1 current pro coming together to talk about the inspiring figures, important topics and interesting stories in women's sports. We care about the landscape and future of our sport of Track and Field and we want to create more media coverage of women's sports in general. We'll be interviewing inspiring athletes, and discussing topics and news in the track world and beyond. Thanks for Keeping Track with us!

Marathon Trials Spotlight: Erika Kemp!
Marathon Trials Spotlight: Erika Kemp!

In Erika's debut marathon this past spring she became the fastest American Born Black Woman Marathoner, she's also a two time USA road Champion and fresh off a big half marathon PB. She tells us about her preparations for the upcoming Olympic Team Trials Marathon on Feb 3rd -spoiler it's going well!

January 24th, 2024
Live With Canadian Olympian Malindi Elmore
Live With Canadian Olympian Malindi Elmore

Alysia and Molly have a conversation with Canadian Olympian (2004 and 2021!) and former record holder Malindi Elmore on her journey in the sport: takeing a step back during a burned out phase, exploring other sports and kinds of training, becoming a Mother and finding herself in a while new event and more Olympic berths at age 43! This was a live podcast from Oct 24th and there are some great listener questions at the end.

October 29th, 2023
Natoya Goule-Toppin
Natoya Goule-Toppin

Molly chats with Natoya about her off season plans, breaking her own National record at the Diamond Leage Final, her philanthropic goals, how she's getting faster with age and how injury and a car accident almost derailed her 2023 season.

October 17th, 2023
Tori Franklin Has Announcements!
Tori Franklin Has Announcements!

We last spoke to Tori in early 2022 and a lot has happened since! She is publishing her book You Anthem, building a non-profit and heading to the World Championships in Hungary as the US Champion and 2022 World Championship bronze medalist. Listen in on what's going on off the track and how she stays motivated on the track. You Anthem LiveHappyRetreats on instagram @livehappii_retreats Follow Tori on insta @livehappii and here

August 22nd, 2023
Justine FĂŠdronic : Stepping Into The Other side Of The Sport
Justine FĂŠdronic : Stepping Into The Other side Of The Sport

Be an Underbird with Oiselle! Apply today! We catch Up with Justine in Hungary leading into the 2024 World Athletic Championships and speak on her Hungarian (and French/ Caribbean) background , how she has "pieces of her heart all over the world", her athletic carreer, her creative work, her work with Oiselle and her hopes and goals for the sport of Track and Field!

August 18th, 2023
Athlete Mental Health with Roisin McGettigan-Dumas
Athlete Mental Health with Roisin McGettigan-Dumas

Molly interviews Ro about athlete Mental Health. Roisin McGettigan-Dumas is of course our Co-Host, but also: a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (and 2012 Olympian in Track and Field!) and also coaches athletes on sport performance psychology. We chat about the information Ro Learned from the IOC's new course on Athlete Mwntal Health and share resources for athlete screening. Ro also talks about how she found her passion for this field, working with young athletes, barriers to seeking a provider and we share some personal experiences on the topic as well. Resources: IOC mental health assessment and recognition tools https://olympics.com/athlete365/app/uploads/2021/06/BJSM-SMHAT-1-Athlete365-2020-102411.pdf https://olympics.com/athlete365/app/uploads/2021/06/BJSM-SMHRT-1-Athlete365-2020-102411.pdf

July 22nd, 2023
Angel City Elite's Grace Gonzales
Angel City Elite's Grace Gonzales

Check out their website for inquiries on joining or supporting! Social media announces events: @angelcityelite Angel City Elite is a women's running group based in the Los Angelese area. Their athletes have competed at the US Olympic Trials Marathon and other track and road races around the country. They are a small group of runners now but hope to support more women who want to contitnue to train at a high level post collegiately and also offer support to youth athletes as well as host community events. Their mission is to bridge the gap: Angel City Elite's mission is to bridge the disparity gap of BIPOC representation in the running community, raise awareness, empower, educate, and inspire by creating a supportive platform and establishing partnerships in LA and surrounding communities.

April 17th, 2023
Women Of Liberty Athletic Club
Women Of Liberty Athletic Club

Liberty AC is the oldest all women’s track club in the country, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. I speak to president of the board Viki Bok and official- unofficial team historian Alda Cossi (both women are competitive members of the masters running scene). Liberty has run through the gauntlet of sea changes in society via womens sport: It began as a new england sports club for young boys, and soon also became an opportunity for girls in sport when there were none-as schools did not offer this to girls in the 50s. During the 60’s and 70’s they had women athletes from many events in track and field competing for them and some went on to become Olympians and National Team Members and Champions like sprinters Betty Selman and Kathy Lawson to name a few. On the distance side of things, women like Darlene Beckford, Lynn Jennings and Joan Samuelson came through the program, and eventually professional contracts came into the picture to offer more support. (We didn’t talk about it as I wasn't sure who else had been traumatized by this but one of the eras of coaching in the club was that of John Babbington-who has recently been named as a serial abuser of his young athletes, which is extremely upsetting and a sadly not unheard of piece of the womens sport landscape . Currently, athletes and supporters are pushing for prevention and better protected against this.) Their website statement: “Liberty is a community of women committed to inclusive athleticism, compassion, and fairness. We are deeply disturbed to learn of the behavior that led to SafeSport’s investigation and findings of sexual misconduct by John Babington. We acknowledge the extraordinary strength it takes to share the pain associated with sexual misconduct, including assault. Liberty’s current board and membership want Lynn Jennings, Darlene Beckford Pearson, and others who suffered similar abuse to know that we stand with them and will do whatever we can to support their healing and justice.”   “today-Liberty is mostly adult women actively engaged in career and community in addition to being dedicated runners” The club is a hub for masters women athletes -some of which only tried competitive running once reaching this age. The fulfillment, community and healthy habits cultivated in the group are a benefit to women of all abilities and show you don’t become invisible or have to give up parts of your life when you hit a certain age.

March 28th, 2023
Catching Up With Julia Lucas on Coaching
Catching Up With Julia Lucas on Coaching

Julia Lucas was a multi time All American at North Carolina State and Professional Distance runner for 8 years. She talks about how that's informed her own coaching approach and she tells us about the 2 NYC groups she is guiding and some other stops along the way on her coaching journey: Julia is currently working with the womens Elite Group Atalanta , the Atalanta community group training team online which you can join, a few private clients and the No Name Program (@thenonameprogram) community group. More from Julia here and on our blog Keeping-Track follow her on instagram @justrunjulia

March 14th, 2023
Creating Community With TrailBlazHers Run Co
Creating Community With TrailBlazHers Run Co

Molly Talks to co founder Abeo Powder and Run LeadHer Alia Qatarneh about Boston Based women's running group TrailBlazHers Run co . They touch on topics like their big event -The Bra Run- their weekly events and other activations and how they are crearing a welcoming space for women to enter the running world and find community through all paces and levels of running. As they say they "Value and nurture the diversity in sisterhood!"

February 27th, 2023
Catching Up With Betsy Saina
Catching Up With Betsy Saina

Molly will also link the resources mentioned in the National Women and Girls In Sport Day recap on www.keeping-track.com , but here is more info on Vaughn Childcare Fund for college Mothers Books: Good For A Girl How She Did It Sites: Voice In Sport online mentorship program for girls Womens Sports Foundation Molly catches up with Betsy Saina on her new journey as a Mother and American Citizen who has stepped from the track into the Marathon and road race world.  Betsy recently signed with Asics and won the Seville half. Betsy talks about her struggle for motivation and lack of opportunities during Covid, her decision to have a baby in the middle of her running career and how her agent and new sponsor Asics reacted to this. She also talks about how much more support she has in Kenya around childcare and pacing duties compared to the USA. look for Betsy at the Tokyo Marathon next month ! (note-baby noises in the background due to two Moms talking !)

February 3rd, 2023
Lauren Fleshman
Lauren Fleshman

Molly, Ro and Alysia all speak with their mutual friend Lauren about her new NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK Good For A Girl: A Woman Running In A Man's World. They talk about how the system (from NCAA to the professional side) could better serve a women's life cycle, body and needs and how playing in a system built by men for men has harmed women athletes by minimizing or not adequately addressing common pitfalls that young women athletes encounter, like eating disorders, negative body image and navigating puberty and pregnancy.

January 24th, 2023
Emily Sisson- 2:18!
Emily Sisson- 2:18!

Ro and I chat with friend of the pod Emily Sisson a few days after her amazing second place, 2:18:29 American Record run in the marathon-only her third crack at the distance, and talk about the build up, the race, recovery from covid, and how she’s grown as an athlete with her mental approach toward high pressure situations.  Emily is a long time talent-from racing internationally at Pan American and World Jr championships in XC and on the track as a young athlete to winning indoor and outdoor NCAA 5000m titles, setting the indoor NCAA 5000m record, and as a pro representing Team USA at the 2017, and 2019 world championships and the 2021 Olympics in the 10,000. She is a 5 time USA champion over road and track distances and recently set the American record in the half marathon . Emily is a super talented and focused athlete and we can’t wait to hear about this big achievement that was a long time in the making!  check out the feed!

October 19th, 2022
Alison Mariella Dèsir's New Book Running While Black
Alison Mariella Dèsir's New Book Running While Black

Alison Mariella Dèsir Author of Running While Black : Finding Freedom In A Sport That Wasn’t Built For Us Molly and Alysia speak with Alison about the process of writing her book, who she hopes reads it, how she hopes it affects the running industry, her love of running and her approach to the disruption the book may stir. Alysia reads you a few sneak peeks from the book that are particularly powerful so tune in!pre order now, release dat OCT 18 and meet Alison on Tour here!  Links- Book! Buy Running While Black here Alisons site and social instagram- @alisonmdesir twitter- @AlisonMDesir  Our previous episode with Alison: listen here from May of 2020 Alisons outside mag piece referenced in pod We continue to thank TheFeed.Com for supporting our 4 month epsidode block! Claim your Feed Credit freebies here!

October 15th, 2022
Women in Coaching Series: Hannah Chappell-Dick of Brown University
Women in Coaching Series: Hannah Chappell-Dick of Brown University

Grab your 80$ credit at The FeedLink-Hannah’s website: Schooloftrack.org for aspiring track and field coachesHannah Chappel-Dick Brown University Womens Middle Distance and Cross Country CoachOn being brought on for her first coaching position: "That's why, as a coach now I try to do as much shoulder tapping as possible. If I see that (potential) in someone I try to mention it right away because I think a lot of women maybe don’t naturally form that confidence without hearing it from someone else first…maybe that’s a little bit cultural, but to have that confidence placed in me was really huge” Thanks for listening head over to Keeping-Track for more show notes!

October 2nd, 2022
The First Female Middle Eastern Winter and Summer Olympian: Chirine Njeim
The First Female Middle Eastern Winter and Summer Olympian: Chirine Njeim

Thanks again to the Feed.com for supporting content this month! They also want to give you a gift: use this landing page to claim $80 of Feed credit today! Molly Speaks with Olympic Alpine Skiier and Marathon Chirine Njeim about her start in skiiing, how moving to Chicago inspired her love of running and how a hobby became another Olympic berth.Chirine talks about challenges she's faced in the sport, her love of her home country Lebanon and speaks briefly about her recent survivial of a plane crash and how it's changed her perspective. See more in our show notes here!

August 26th, 2022
Dena Evans: Her Journey in NCAA and High Performance Coaching
Dena Evans: Her Journey in NCAA and High Performance Coaching

We Speak With Dena Evans formerly of the National Championship Stanford XC/T&F Program, Currently coaching with Peninsula Distance and USATF Teams Dena speaks about challenges faced by coaches, especially women in the NCAA who also have families. She also talks about the need to expand our hiring pool into more diverse communities in regard to the sponsored high performance team coaches in the US. “That can be exhausting (piecing together your own network for childcare)...we need to figure out ways to make it not so exhausting and I think part of that is to try to normalize the idea that families are a feature and not a bug”  "If we are to be the sport we want to be we want to 1.) not just keep dividing up the same pie into different slices, we need to broaden the pie. ……2.) we also need to broaden the idea pool. We are probably missing out on some innovation and ideas by having a homogenous (group)..... the thing that seems safe could be the same thing that’s limiting us…. Diverse voices in leadership yield results” USTFCCCA Womens Mentorship Program USATF Level 1 certifications USATF National Team Coach info NCAA Coaching Academy Thanks to TheFeed.com for sponsoring the next 4 months of content! Use Code KEEPTRACKING15 for 15% off most products! We are proud to be sponsored by TheFeed.com.  The Feed is the largest online marketplace for your sports nutrition, offering the brands you know and love, from Skratch Labs and Clif Bar to Maurten and more. Check out their athlete-customized supplements called Feed Formulas. They carry over 250+ brands so you have thousands of products to choose from and try! Also, what we love about The Feed is that their products are curated, meaning they spend a lot of time picking and choosing what they want to offer on their site, you know you are seeing the best products on the market.

August 1st, 2022
The Winning Ways of Women Coaches with Dr. Cecile Reynaud
The Winning Ways of Women Coaches with Dr. Cecile Reynaud

We speak with Dr. Cecile Reynaud: long tenured women’s volleyball coach and professor in Sport Management at FSU about her recent book speaking to some of the most successful women in coaching across the NCAA and professional teams and about the state of women in coaching today : how are the numbers and what does she think we need to do going forward?  Book link to Winning Ways of Women Coaches Link to She Can Coach WeCoach website  Her volleyball books As always check out more notes and quotes on our blog  And feel free to comment or rate us on itunes if you feel inclined to help our visibility and rankings! Totes check out our cute Keeping Track gear for the summer here!

June 3rd, 2022
Own Your Story Panel Discussion with Alysia at REI x She Is Beautiful 5k/10k
Own Your Story Panel Discussion with Alysia at REI x She Is Beautiful 5k/10k

This is a prerecorded episode that occurred in March at the REI /she Is Beautiful event which included a 5k and 10k run and a panel discussion in Santa Cruz from some amazing women in sport: Alysia moderated the discussion called “Own Your Story”  with athelte author and advocate Alison Desir, 2019 Team USA member in the 1500m and founder of the pride 5k Nikki Hiltz, trail running coach/ outdoor guide and author Kriste Peoples, and Kim Woozy who is involved in events that empower women and girls such as Skate Like A Girl -as they all shared their journeys to becoming advocates for underrepresented communities in their sports.  Thank you to REI for your support and for providing a platform for this discussion

May 18th, 2022
Catching Up With Kim Smith
Catching Up With Kim Smith

The Catchup: Link to pre-order the book Arrival Stories Alysia’s Marathon and Every Mother Counts fundraising page! &mother and EveryMotherCounts have partnered They raised $200,000 through the marathon alone for a new ambulance at a secondary all girls school in the Kilimanjaro region Link &Mother Mom forward virtual 5k, coming May8th! Alysia’s marathon run down- hard terrain, running with Christie Turlington on her last Marathon, experiencing an African city  Introducing Kim Smith: 4 time NCAA Champion and 3 time Olympian for New Zealand, New Zealand record holder in events from indoor mile up through the Marathon.We speak with Kim about her start in running, her breakout college season, her pro career and the lessons she learned. We also touch on what Kim's up to now and her history with pulmonary embolisms. (Apologies for the sound-We were psyched to be back in studio at WhatCheer Writers Club!..... But we forgot how to use the equipment after 2 years away-Molly's mic wasn't recording so she sounds quieter than normal....but Kim sounds great so no important info is lost there! ) We hope you enjoy, comment and rate us on I-tunes if you feel inclined!

April 4th, 2022
Tori Franklin: Jumping, Writing and More
Tori Franklin: Jumping, Writing and More

We talk to Team USA Triple Jumper and and 2 time American Record Holder Tori Franklin about her start in the sport, her plans for the future and all she's doing outside of it to be a whole person. We drop a lot of links in the intro:Support Alysia's Marathon Fundraising for Every Mother CountsWomen's Running Article :  What has changed in the 2 Years since Ahmaud Arbery's Murder Tracksmith Foundation Shoutout! Books!Preorder Alison Desir's Running While BlackMore books in this Memoir list by Womens RunningFollow Mirna Valerio @themirnavator !2 black Runners PodcastMeb's For The Run Round Table ConversationIf you want a Keeping Track Tote, or more info on Patreon or this episode via our blog  go hereTori Franklin : Follow on instagram @livhappiiSome of her writing:  Blogs Here website here book coming soon: You AnthemWatch her and the other athletes compete at USA Indoor Track And Field Championships schedule and viewing info : 2-4pm PST on CNBC

February 24th, 2022
Sara Slattery And Molly Give A Glimpse Inside The How She Did It Book
 Sara Slattery And Molly Give A Glimpse Inside The How She Did It Book

How She Did It Book Talk:HSDI website Co Authors Sara Slattery and Molly talk with Ro about who and what's in their book due out March 8th. Pre order today to get it on International Women's Day!Todays topics: Should you specialize in sport early to be the best?Sharing interesting chaptersWhat Would Sara ,Molly and Ro want for their daughters ?Are women and girl's peaks in distance running later than we think?What was the inspiration for the cover?See more on our blog here! and stay tuned for the rest of February and our Black History Month Celebrations.As always please share, rate and comment on our i-tunes page if you feel inclined, or if you're a super fan check out our Patreon page or shop!Or send us feedback at ladies@keeping-track.comThanks for Keeping track!

February 15th, 2022
Live with Alysia and Shannon Woods , On Diversity Equity And Inclusion In The Running And Outdoor Industries
Live with Alysia and Shannon Woods , On Diversity Equity And Inclusion In The Running And Outdoor Industries

Today we are sharing the second episode Alysia recorded live from TRE earlier in the month as she spoke with Shannon Woods, who is currently the senior manager of DEI at Brooks Running among other things. Shannon tells us how her own upbringing as a mixed race woman and the experiences of both herself and the experiences of her parents during the civil rights movement as well as her own experiences as a mother who wanted to make sure her kids learned diverse histories she didn’t in school all informed her decision to work in DEI . She is working on dismantling systemic racism in the running community and on opening up opportunities in these jobs via her role at Brooks and on the Running Industry Diversity Coalition Board . For more show notes as always head to our website www.keeping-track.com!Also check out our Tees and Visors, as all of our Dec/Jan sales go to Trackgirlz 2022 grants as they work to promote "Sisterhood, Empowerment and Track And Field".Also don't forget to follow us on instagram @keeptrackmedia and like or review us on iTunes!

December 31st, 2021
Viola Cheptoo Lagat on the NYC Marathon and Ending Gendered Violence in Kenya
Viola Cheptoo Lagat on the NYC Marathon and Ending Gendered Violence in Kenya

Today we have a surprise guest hostess (Marielle Hall!) as we talk to Viola Lagat, also known as Viola Cheptoo  Lagat, who you may know as recent second place woman at the 2021 NYC Marathon (and maybe you’ve heard of one of her many talented runner siblings, Bernard Lagat?) She takes us through her family’s deep running roots, what her training is like, how she spends time between the US and Kenya, her journey from being a1500m runner to nearly beating the Olympic Champion in her debut marathon, and her remembrance of her friend Agnes Tirop. Viola shares with us how close to home and ever present gender based violence, like what lead to Agnes’ murder,  is in Kenya and what she and other women are doing to help change things for the next generation.

December 15th, 2021
Live With Alexi Pappas & Alysia At The Running Event
Live With Alexi Pappas & Alysia At The Running Event

Alysia talks to Alexi Pappas live at the 2021 TRE expo in Austin, Texas. They talk about being new teammates for Altra Running, about giving yourself permission to be more than an athlete, for example how creative projects energize and motivate Alexi rather than take away from her performance, the power of your inner narrative, Alexi's unique experience running vs racing  the NYC Marathon, her projects as an author and director and more!As always it was a refreshing and uplifting perspective to hear from Alexi!Buy Bravey book here!Thanks to Altra and CleanSportCollective for helping us host the conversation!

December 7th, 2021
Mary Ngugi and the Women's Athletic Alliance : A Female Empowerment Movement In East Africa
Mary Ngugi and the Women's Athletic Alliance : A Female Empowerment Movement In East Africa

We talk to Mary Wacera Ngugi, who most recently finished 3rd at the 2021 Boston Marathon, about her start in the sport, how Kenyan camp systems work and her journey to the marathon. You may be surprised to hear who is coaching her now!  We also talk to Mary about her brave and impactful efforts to help women of Kenya find confidence and escape abusive marriages. She recently started the Womens Athletic Alliance as part of the movement that has gained volume in East Africa following the tragic murder of Agnes Tirop by her husband, she was one of the brightest young stars in the womens 10,000m. Mary has always seen the need to change how women are treated as property and told from a young age they don’t matter and to be quiet. She hopes to provide a safe place of support, to celebrate the women athletes as people, provide legal aid and mentoring through the new Program. Many women from around the sports world have offered help and support and we are there behind her too.    Womens Athletic Alliance founder Follow her here “The women deserve better. Being married to a person who loves and cares about me, I feel so much that my sisters and the women in Kenya should live a life like that; they should be treated better, they should be loved, they should be cared about and supported-they need the support not the control” -Mary Ngugi

November 15th, 2021
Kori Carter and Natasha Hastings Talk TrackGirl Summer and More
Kori Carter and Natasha Hastings Talk TrackGirl Summer and More

Ro and I do a 25 min catch up on fall action (there has been a lot of it!) so feel free to fastforward to the GOOD STUFF aka Kori Carter and Natasha Hastings talking through some of the struggles they had this past year, what helped them through and tips for anyone dealing with similar things, plus we talk about the success, origins and future plans of their Youtube Track and Field talk show TrackGirl Summer. Check our blog for more links but some mentioned in catch up and episode are here:Follow Mary NgugiFollow Violah LagatFollow Kori CarterFollow Natasha HastingsWomens Athletic Alliancesubscribe to TrackGirl SummerMerchandise!Loveland FoundationNatasha's Foundation NHF Cares-they do scholarships and moreNatasha's Original show Teatime with Tashathe 400m Diva lip and lash collection!Kori's world champs vibeKori's Christian Athlete Training Journal

October 28th, 2021
Celebrating Patti Dillon At The Boston Marathon
Celebrating Patti Dillon At The Boston Marathon

Fall Marathons are back! The 125th running of the Boston Marathon is being held on Indiginous People's Day,  October 11th,  in Massachusetts.  We talk to one of the best road runners in American History, Patti Dillon, about her career, being the fastest Native runner in history and how she is staying connected to the Native Community. Patti also talks about the power of the mind in running, her unique journey from smoker to Marathon champion and how healing trauma is the way forward in life. Molly does this interview solo and missed Ro and Alysia big time! Also this interview was done in the Fairmont Copley Lobby so there is some ambient crowd noise as we catch up live-ish among the hubub of pre-Marathon preparations. Check out Wings Of America here, and follow Patti Dillon on instagram  @pattispeaks227

October 11th, 2021
Muffet McGraw on Hear Her Sports Episode Swap!
Muffet McGraw on Hear Her Sports Episode Swap!

We're doing our second episode swap of the season-this time hilighting Hear Her Sports with Elizabeth Emery. Elizabeth was a professional cyclist in the 90's and now is on the other side of the game as a content creator with Hear Her Sports podcast, "Hear Her Sports is the podcast where female athletes share stories of breaking barriers, speaking up, and living with power and confidence in today’s changing world. Every guest does amazing things."website: heresubscribe on Apple Podcasts here Hear legendary coach Muffet McGraw talk about her experiences advocating for the sport of women's basketball during her 32 year career at The University of Notre Dame. Subscribe to hear her sports here and check out the website for more women's sports stories!

September 15th, 2021
How Mary Cain Is Changing The Game
How Mary Cain Is Changing The Game

Molly Ro and Alysia talk to prep phenom Mary Cain about the struggles and abuses she faced as a young track star under now banned (by USADA and Safe Sport)  coach Alberto Salazar. Mary tells us how this journey inspired her to start a unique women's track club called Atalanta,  what her future running and racing plans and dreams are, and other experiences we'd like to not see affect women in sport in the future.

September 2nd, 2021
Conversing With 800m Runner Kate Grace
Conversing With 800m Runner Kate Grace

Friend of the Podcast Kate Grace is back to chat about how she's found her power and found herself leading the Diamond League and setting PR's this season after narrowly missing the 202one US Olympic Team. Kate tells us how she went from a well rounded Yale Student -athlete to a focused pro, and we hit on topics like the business side of track and field, spike technologies,  how she learned to listen to the voice inside saying "the 800m is your best event!" plus we dispel some Olympic "myths". Thank you to Saucony for continued support!Plus- Alysia's Caden Shae Bloom line is live ! Check it out!

August 19th, 2021
Wadeline Jonathas: An Olympian Telling Her Story
Wadeline Jonathas: An Olympian Telling Her Story

Ro and Molly talk with newly minted 400m Olympian and 2019 World Champion 4th place finisher Wadeline Jonathas.We spoke about her Covid Year, graduating from University of South Carolina,  and insights on media coverage and storytelling of professional athletes. Also check out our blog for all the links and show notes!www.keeping-track.com

July 30th, 2021
Amy Hastings Cragg: Racing, Retirement and Coaching
Amy Hastings Cragg: Racing, Retirement and Coaching

Thanks to Whoop (link) use code Track for 15% off and recover smarter today!As always thank you to Saucony for supporting season 2 ok Keeping-Track!Visit www.keeping-track.com for show notes and links from the episode! We talk to Amy about her resillence, her best race, what she' s learned as she enters the coaching world, and even dive into topics like shoe technology and social media . “For every high that I’ve had like that there has been an equal low- I think every runner and every person experiences this- but really you have to weather the storm. You have to get through that bad mile because a good one is coming up- you just have to have faith that it’s going to happen”-Amy Hastings,  2x Olympian and World Champs bronze medalist

July 15th, 2021
Bonus Episode: Alysia And Molly Talk Anti-Doping
Bonus Episode: Alysia And Molly Talk Anti-Doping

Molly and Alysia talk anti-doping. We’re speaking on doping cases like Shelby Houlihan’s recent case where accidental contamination is named as the cause. How are the many cases like these in the USA alone over the last few years potentially affecting clean athletes and the progress toward anti-doping? We talk about the concerns around setting a precedent for escaping a ban, on trying to avoid our own biases, exlpain more about the AIU, learn of Alysia’s experiences fighting for clean sport and talking to Yuliya Stepanova, and note how we are waiting to hear the other side of the case annnnnd we leave you with why there are still real amazing performances out there. This Episode is sponsored by Whoop! Head to Whoop and use code TRACK for 15% off!

July 1st, 2021
Keturah Orji-More Than An Athlete
Keturah Orji-More Than An Athlete

We talk to Keturah about  her Covid Year, why mentorship is important to her, Rule 50, her training , her challenging moments and the mantras they taught her, what it's  like to train with a legend like Brittney Reese and why it's important to know Keturah is more than an athlete. Thanks to Whoop for sponsoring this episode! Head to whoop.com and use code TRACK for 15% off a recovery band!also check out Keturah's great blog keturahorji.comand thanks to Saucony.com for supporting our season 2 production costs!check out our blog for full show notes  on this epsidodewww.keeping-track.com

June 17th, 2021
Episode Swap With Strides Forward Podcast feat. Courtney Dauwalter with Cherie Louise Turner
Episode Swap With Strides Forward Podcast feat. Courtney Dauwalter with Cherie Louise Turner

Our first women's sports pod cross promotion is with Cherie Louis Turner's Stride's Forward Podcast. We sent her our Dawn Harper Nelson Episode last month and we host her interview with ultra running star Courtney Dauwalter.Big Thanks to WHOOP for sponsoring this episode. use our code "TRACK" for 15% off!Annnnnd anyone needing motivation to race-check out these two virtual events supporting maternal health causes like Every Mother Counts!EMC Global Run Challenge which ends June 2!Also the Made to Move Virtual Race

May 22nd, 2021
Michelle Carter: Three-Time Olympian, American Record Holder, and Rio Olympic Champion in the Shot Put
Michelle Carter: Three-Time Olympian, American Record Holder, and Rio Olympic Champion in the Shot Put

In this episode Ro and Molly talk with Michelle Carter who is a three-time Olympian, American Record Holder and Rio Olympic Champion in the shot put. She tells us how this past year has gone, how she harnesses her confidence, her plans outside of track, what it was like during that gold medal throw, her special relationship with her coach and sports star Dad, and how she’s thrived by as she states it by "embracing all of who she is." How to follow Michelle: Instagram @shotdiva Facebook @ShotPutDiva Website Shout outs from the intro: Katie Burgess at Garrison Hughes is up for Addy awards for the work she did on our Instagram account this January Pre-order our S1Ep6 guest Tianna Bartolettas book Survive and Advance Roisin and Lauren Fleshman's Believe Training Journal Alysia’s book Feel Good Fitness Support &Mother with a virtual 5k Our Patreon And thank you to Saucony for covering Season 2 production costs and to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring this episode! This month the focus is Personalization Is Power. How are you tailoring your hydration and fueling to you? Check out the new Gx Sweat patch here and get 20% off Gendurance products with code TRACK20 (Offer good until 12/31/21).As always, check out our website for more episode information including show notes, transcripts, and more, and follow us on Instagram. Thanks for Keeping Track!

April 15th, 2021
Mary Cullen: More Than A Survivor
Mary Cullen: More Than A Survivor

We talk to Irish record holder, mama, cancer survivor and our good friend Mary Cullen about her start in the sport, her days at Providence College, her pro-career, injury struggles and recent battle with cancer which occurred during her pregnancy with baby Ellis. Mary has always been a strong one, and we hear it from her today. Thanks for Keeping Track! Intro: Molly and Alysia intro Mary and Alysia has some shout outs: You can support &mother as they support Mother-athletes chasing Olympic Dreams this year  Also can support them by signing up for their virtual Mom Forward 5k, with maternity fitness brand cadenshae and Altra running!  reg opens March 23  As always check into our website and block keeping-track.com for transcripts and more show info! Thank you for Keeping Track!

March 26th, 2021
Michelle Wheeler: Wheelchair Racer, Mother, and Mental Health Counselor
Michelle Wheeler: Wheelchair Racer, Mother, and Mental Health Counselor

In this episode we talk to Michelle wheeler. She is a wheelchair racer in the marathon on the roads and Paralympic hopeful on the track. We talked to her about her life as Mom, as an athlete and as a professional mental health counselor. She tells us how she has been doing over this Pandemic year, and we discuss how Paralympic athletes could be better represented and supported as well as how she has been a role model for other kids to enter the sport. See our website (https://keeping-track.com) for show notes with links and a full transcript.

March 8th, 2021
Joanna Harper On Sporting Gender
Joanna Harper On Sporting Gender

We spoke to scientist, distance runner and trans woman Joanna Harper about her book Sporting Gender. In it she covers the history and science of DSD and transatheltes in an interesting read that gives deeper information on the discussions about women’s sport you likely have seen in recent news as well as an inside view of some of the IAAF rulings on DSD and Trans athletes. We also hear from 800m runner Kate Grace (as well as Alysia) on their perspectives in an event that has seen dominance by women with DSD and how they’re both honestly still figuring out how to talk about this complex topic and all it’s intersections in a way that’s fair and supportive for all involved.  (full transcript and show notes with links at our site)

January 28th, 2021
Weini Kelati Showing What's Possible
Weini Kelati Showing What's Possible

The gals catch up for a bit then we talk to newly professional runner, NCAA XC and 10,000m champ Weini Kelati. We talk about her recent year during Covid times at school in New Mexico, her decisions to go pro and where to go and who to sign with, and then we delve into part of Weini’s backstory . She tells us about how she found running in her rural Eritrean village, and how she hopes to inspire a wider view of  what’s possible for women back home. Catch up:  0-6 Alysia’s Diastasis Recti surgery recovery- prioritize your body’s peak functioning! 8-Ro’s post baby life update. Resource yourself! 14-Molly: Alexi Papas  Op Ed on clinical depression and Aliphine Tuliamuk baby announcement! 17-athlete mental health risks 19-having something outside of sport as an athlete can help you keep perspective and joy 25-Weini’s introduction and our takeaways from the conversation 33: intro Weini @kelatiweini twitter and @weini_kelati  instagram and Weini Kelati facebook Her life this year during covid: school, class online, training, no racing 34-On going pro! Importance of seeking and making your own support group as an athlete (like a family away from your family) How she made her decision to go to Flagstaff (Dark Sky Distance with Steven Haas and Under Armor) 42- Weini’s journey into the sport as a girl from rural Eritrea and how she got to USA and stayed at 17 years old 45-she walked to meet 5 hours away! 53 “(in my village in Eritrea) Your family has no vision for you as a girl. All they know is you can get married in a few years, and you have to learn what your Mom does. I didn’t see a lot of runners, I hadn’t heard of runners or anything.’ “I want to be the best example I can be-I want to through running inspire the women and young adults (back home)....I want to show that they can be independent and do things bigger than what’s expected”  55-misguided beliefs about women’s health and sport back home, disapproval of letting kids go away overnight to meets 57-courage to go against the norm Ro wants to share this video , explaining barriers to access to physical exercise, (such as Weini describes back home and we see in the USA as well!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgClXqDxtZg&t=1s&fbclid=IwAR1piTvXrsTWAHGfRyPPo70vDg8Qvfljv_jZvqKJ1dVF3cSsSJAl-hWaVYU

December 15th, 2020
Brittney Reese: Decade of Long Jump Gold
Brittney Reese: Decade of Long Jump Gold

Today Alysia, Ro and I catch up then Alysia and I talk to USA Long Jump Legend Brittney Reese. She is a 7 time World Champ gold medalist , 2012 Olympic champion and 2016 silver medalist, and indoor American record holder. We talk to her about her pandemic year, training at the Olympic Training Center, life with her son, how she is giving back to the kids in her Mississippi home town and what she has planned for the future.  0-4:  Ro and Alysia catch up-juggling kids during Covid and working for yourself: saying yes to too much 5- post election emotions  10-Hour Track record 14-Intro Brittney Reese (alysia is pumping -Mom at work!)2012 gold Brittney is legendary athlete, and opening herself up more as a shy but impactful presence in the community. 17: Brittney Reese Interview Based at Oly Training center in Chula Vista-what changes w Covid: Brittneys Fam: son Alex is 13 Balancing training and him/distance learning/his sports schedule etc 21-Future plans: Just got her Masters in entrepreneurship 22- we need more meet opportunities in USA  “I don’t think we have enough meets to meet those needs for everybody outside sprinting and distance” 26: she gives back to the sport and her community In many ways- “The end goal for me is to be a track coach. I want to give back to the sport that’s allowed me to be successful .. but I also want to take that knowledge and go home (to Mississippi) and start my own track club” 30: Making the big push for these last 2 years of her career 31- wants to support her son as he gets more seriously into sports  32- what things are like right now in training 35-Being seasoned and marinated! 36- does her son ever come to practice? 37: Background on how she came to adopt him 43: doping:  robs athletes of money, exposure and when it’s good people that miss out it hurts (link her op Ed)- side note, the Rodchenkov Anti Doping Act recently passed in Senate 46: life at the Olympic Training Center  (Drug tests once a month)- what’s practice like 48: can she dunk though? WNBA plans? (Link to league pass!)we got ours! 52: On trying to put herself out there more to affect change and reach the kids, engage in community  56“I could care less about the spotlight...but now I’m trying to open up a little bit more and give back a little bit more and I know that the youth is where it starts, which is why I have camps back home, which is why I want my own track club- I invest in the youth that’s my thing, they’re who is going to carry the sport” 57: why be closed off as an athlete? Protect your zone and mental focus

November 21st, 2020
Mary Wittenberg :Leading and Learning in the Endurance World
Mary Wittenberg :Leading and Learning in the Endurance World

We talk to Mary Wittenberg, lifelong runner, current president of EF cycling, former CEO of Virgin Sport’s Virgin Group, and for 17 years she was CEO of NYRR. We talk about Mary’s start in the sport and how she went from a law career to leading the NYRR, her visions for the sport, how she intentionally marketec the pro athlete and advocated for the female athletes, and what her goals and visions are in the cycling space. 0-10-Molly And Ro discuss some recent world records: Letesnebet Gidey’s 14:06! And Peres Jepchirchir’s women’s only 1:05:15 to win the recent World Half Marathon Champs  11-14: what about cycling and running draws Mary in as a fan and participant (although she is a runner for life) 14-18: Notre Dame connections: Mary somewhat of a trailblazer for ND women’s XC team  How her early experiences racing behind Joan and the best lead to realizing the inspiring power of promoting and relating the pros to the other participants 19-first marathon experience was trial by fire of sorts in stacked field  “I think my whole why in life has been to help other people unlock their potential” “It was a big advantage playing sports with men, because  in my career i didnt think twice about saying it straight,and expecting that I should be in the room and at the board room table too because that was the case with sports. It helped me unlock my best, and so in wanting that for others I’ve always appreciated that professional athletes who rise and fall every day and don’t have these straight trajectories, they can be really really inspiring to regular people so I’ve always liked to establish that connection whenever I can” 22-How Mary got to NYRR 30- As an industry we have to keep learning and striving for equality “Athletes are never going to have leverage, they have it late in career but, that’s where leadership comes in at all these companies...it’s hard for young athletes and young people to have leverage” 33-she’s focusing on safety for all riders Why not well covered womens’s fields? Less financial support etc. “It’s overdue” 36: what we can learn from pro cycling in covering endurance events well  44“I don’t think women’s sports are a charity-I think women’s sports are good because they’re great athletic performances and I think these leagues and the like can be great businesses over time-maybe that’s something we learn- don’t treat it like a charity treat it like an entertainment prospect treat it like a business treat it like a movement’ 45-expanding the diversity in cycling 48- what’s it take to be a great cyclist? Part endurance part dare devil (link BelieveIAm worrier vs warrior blog and quiz) 51-Mary’s story: “ We get to keep going and learning. …” @Marywitt @marywruns Great article here on Mary via Thrive

October 26th, 2020
The Unstoppable Chaunte Lowe
The Unstoppable Chaunte Lowe

Our guest is the inspiring Chaune Lowe, Olympic medlalist and AR in the High Jump, who shares with us some of the many layers of her journey in life and sport including her recent battle with brest cancer, how doping in sport has affected her career, the business side of field events, having a family as a female athlete and on how things are going in the build up to her 5th Olympic Trials. Check out our site for more detailed show notes and clips of Chaunte's jumps!And don't forget to check out gatoradeendurance for your 20% off with "Track20" !

September 29th, 2020
Mackenzie Wartenberger's Journey From Cal Athlete to Wisconsin Women's XC Coach
 Mackenzie Wartenberger's Journey From Cal Athlete to Wisconsin Women's XC Coach

We talk to The University of Wisconsin Women's XC coach Mackenzie Wartenberger about her time as a talented prep athlete (2:04 800m) coming into Cal Berkley with Alysia, how her track career was highly affected by pressure and race anxiety, how she has carried these lessons into her 11 year coaching career so far, what it's like to coach through a pandemic and how she keeps the women engaged and motivated as well as her thoughts on navigating any plans for motherhood and climbing the ranks of her career. "In sport, if you have torn hamstring you rehab the hamstring and you don't hide the fact that you have a torn hamstring. Thats something that you work on. If you struggle mentally with anxiety or expectation or depression or any of those things, that’s really internalized still . That's not something thats spoken about or shared. I think there is still a lot of shame applied to that struggle, instead of treating it like a muscle-when you strain a muscle you’ve got  to rehab the muscle and then you’ve got to strengthen the muscle and then sometimes that muscle still hurts and you’ve got to back off. From a mental perspective I think a similar approach can be really helpful - to treat it like a normal process, it isn’t linear it’s not flipping a light switch ….. that’s a perspective that I try to bring to coaching as much as possible”for in depth show notes head to our site Keeping-Track.comAnd don't forget to get your 20% off Gatorade Endurance products as you "Dial It In" with your training details this month! Use our code "track20"

September 20th, 2020
Valarie Allman : We Discuss the Discus American Record
Valarie Allman : We Discuss the Discus American Record

Alysia and Molly talk to Team USA Discus thrower Valarie Allman about setting and AR during a pandemic, life as a thrower, what her other interests are and how to better spotlight and market field events.Special thanks to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring September's theme of "Inspiring Sports women of the Pandemic"Get 20% off DE products with the code "Track20" here!https://endurance.gatorade.com/endurance-products/endurance/?utm_source=KeeingTrack&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=TrainingForLifeAnd Thank you to Saucony for our season 2 support! #runforgoodWorkout Wed with Val: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxuuG9z4cJU The AR throw: https://twitter.com/CoachSion/status/1289721823026753536 Doha World Championships https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0YHQ1MC4gk Catchup: Molly and Alysia talk as Ro takes maternity leave, welcome baby Ruari! Alysia’s August-did it happen if it’s not on IG? She’s doing analyst work for NBC Diamond League-yay for races coming back! Molly’s micro meet and upcoming 5000m Intro to Val! -Val’s start in Discus She began in other  sports-soccer, full time dance , track and field other events Lured to throws by spaghetti Wanted to compete on a college team and that’s why she narrowed focused on discus -Stanford years-everyone is good on that team, new pressures 6-How dance helps disc -mental side of being an athlete during this pandemic time: from wanting to give up and go home to having the biggest throw of her life Did she see it coming? 70 meters is a big barrier Pandemic meet: Happy to even be competing, had been focusing on getting stronger in weight room -Volunteering at University of Texas, whats her day look like , training during covid shutdowns Coach is Zeb Sion - nugget of insight during pandemic: “It forced me to figure out what I truly need-pretty much all medical things closed in terms of getting physio and getting adjusted, and it forced me to shrink my priorities. That was actually great because I didn’t realize all the things I was trying to factor into my training that had become a distraction a little bit, that I think maybe that was one of the silver linings that came out of it.”  - business and finances of track and field, how throwers support themselves, her sponsors (Oiselle and NYAC), and the importance of prize money, USATF funding and grants especially for field events  - why the field events aren’t marketed as well and how it could be better connected to the audience Discus is athletic-training includes partial movement,full throws,olympic lifts, cross training sprints/biking/swimming  Fun facts may help (ex. javelin weighs as much as guinea pig) 28:30-what the competition is like-do you chat, interact? Stay in the zone?  - Val’s story:  “Sports is such an empowering thing-I feel so lucky that I found a community and a sport and a sense of purpose with my body, especially as a female, and in an event that I didn’t know was possible."

September 10th, 2020
Dalilah Muhammad : Journey to the Top
Dalilah Muhammad : Journey to the Top

Intro:  0-18 We rehash our season one memories, talk about our interview with Dalilah, and discuss the topic of athlete mental health highlighted in the documentary the Weight of Gold, something we want to touch on in season 2! Watch Dalilah’s 1st  world record and win at 2019 USA champs:https://youtu.be/QhE9yDzD07k Stats 20-started running at 7, with distance running (xc, 1500!) Ran 100/200 at junior Olympics as 12 or 13 From Queens, Novas Track Club 24-training and racing during pandemic 25-mindset during these changing goals and timelines Mentality of world champ 30-who’s in her training group, coached by Boogie  31- link sports illustrated article  https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.si.com/.amp/olympics/2019/08/07/dalilah-muhammad-400-meter-hurdles-world-record-lawrence-johnson-analysis Dalilah’s strength work, ran a 2:11 800 at the end of practice50.6 400 pr 35-link sports illustrated article “Black off the Track”: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.si.com/.amp/olympics/2020/06/10/black-track-and-field-athletes-racism-experiences-america 40- how she was told “she had to win” because she can’t do anything less as a black athlete-validated her thoughts and anxieties around that but was also stressful “You feel like you have to be the best or you get forgotten about” 47- Asking why attention flows to the lighter skinned, younger, non-Muslim ahtlete in her event 48-realizing it’s not “playing the black card” -story of only getting noticed by a major track publication after her WR despite winning olympic gold 2 years earlier 49-Alysia on the imbalance of marketing and income vs merits of performance in track 50-on being Muslim and not feeling she looks it/ breaking stereotypes of Muslim women 52-The idea that there’s not enough room for everyone’s success-how Dalilah’s learned that as her career went on  56: track geek q’s! Was the WR win at Doha a “perfect race”? How to build off that? The race: https://youtu.be/8ICw5ah7gPk Dalilah: 51 sec is possible, had to reach for 8th hurdle 58: Her word for the year 2019 was “compete”-rivalry with Sydney, does it drive her? 60:  Her power word in 2016- she attacked every hurdle. Her word was “yes”. If it worked for track, the answer ws ye (re. Moving groups etc) Link to that race: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/video/detail/women-s-400m-hurdles-final-rio-2016-replays/ 63: Dalilahs other plans-put her voice out there more, making change, also her side gig is modeling 65- Dalilah’s into fashion check out her instagram for outfit inspo 66- Dalilah's story: “how much i’ve struggled on this crazy journey-i never won an NCAA title, in 2012 I did a commercial about the Olympics and had to sign a waiver saying i wouldn’t make the team. It launched me to realize I wasn’t doing everything to chase my goals. It also gave me change in the pocket to move to california to train” From 15th (50th?) at trials in 2012 to gold in 2016!

August 12th, 2020
Saucony President Anne Cavassa
Saucony President Anne Cavassa

We talk to Saucony President Anne Cavassa about her start in the sportswear and shoe industry, her journey through the business ranks, how sports, motherhood and being a woman informed her leadership style and the issues she faced along the way. She also talks about her goals and what she feels are her duties as a leader and a woman in this space. (see show notes at www.keeping-track.com for complete recap)0-23 mins Catch up: Recap of ep 22: 40% of USA being BIPOC, or 27% of USA consider selves BIPOC? Virtual race shoutouts! Good job Nikki Hiltz for Trevor Project And Boss crew for Sachs Foundation (and state mile record!) Say Their Names 5k and mile here , proceeds to Embrace Race Foundation and Nation Foundation for Human and Civil Rights Foundation Donate to BraveLikeGabe in Gabe’s Memory to support rare cancer research  “Flowers come out of dirt and I will. They don’t want us to win but we going to win anyway”-Alysia 19-(link to earnest young- women at high level leadership roles playing sport stat) Annes start:  Psychology to design school to apparel design, to manager, director, leading design and out of frustration to merchandising to have more control of the business, and onward and upward. 28:30-Being a woman in a leadership position: Gender split in the industry is somewhat even UNTIL VP level Much of career it was dealing with internal battles: personal confidence, taking risks, putting self out there At director level-started to feel held back by being a woman 31;30 Ex:Conversation w boss “didn’t think I could lead a sport brand because I’m a woman and don’t know what competition means” 34:30- Anne is scrappy and likes competitive energy, being told she can’t was used as motivation/tried to keep it productive 36-Motherhood- had trouble becoming a mother at first, walked away from job at Nike to try to focus on health “Motherhood has added a layer of complexity that has made it really really challenging” but has some extra flexibility due to becoming a mother later , having more of an established career and schedule 39:00- prioritized running in mid 30’s How Covid has made it harder to be a working Mom “ I try from a leadership perspective ....realizing that I can lead the way that I think people want and need and that is to be more empathetic of everyone's entire life and what they have going on and give space for that and grace for things that arent perfect and just recognize that. That’s the environment myself and our leadership team are trying to create at Saucony ; one that embraces the whole person and allows you to live your life-there has to be room for that” 44-“If I can be a leader who can create space and design our programs to support you guys in your whole life and becoming moms and help use through that to the other side, I mean that's my responsibility...thats what i can do as a leader to make change in our industry” 47-”There was a point in time in my leadership journey where I just felt more comfortable being myself, and I realized that I can’t really compete with the male leadership around me trying to be a dude and a guy and my strengths-some of them

July 7th, 2020
Racing For Representation
Racing For Representation

We examine representation of Gender and Race on the covers of three running magazines as a sample of the North American Running media. We speak to Dr. Heather Hillsburg and Dr. Francine Darroch on their findings (14.8 percent of Runners World print Covers feature Black Indigenous and People Of Color- or BIPOC, 14.75 % of Canadian Running covers feature BIPOC,  and for Women’s Running covers we saw an average 31% BIPOC over 10 years, but noticed a recent average of 40% after a sustained increase from 2013 onward), why representation matters and how these trends contribute to racism in the running world and why we need to show and hear the stories of more BIPOC and elevate more BIPOC voices in this space.(see shownotes  for full recap) Catch up: 0-5: Alysia Ro and Molly catch up on lives Alysia’s book is launching more officially Feel Good Fitness (link) Molly’s back in Rhode Island Ro’s still gestating Link to tank tops (currently tees only but hope to arrive soon) and &mother Guest intros: Dr. Francine Darroch, sociologist at Carleton U in Ontario, focusing on health equity and Dr. Heather Hillsburg ,author of Urban Captivity Narratives: Women’s Writing after 9/11  and works for government in British Columbia 8:14-our thoughts on why we wanted to do the study Shoutout to Womens Running for making a sustained push to increase diversity on covers after 2013 12: only 14.8 percent of Runners World Covers feature BIPOC, our past guests Marielle Hall and Alison Desir have mentioned this lack of seeing self in this media 14: Is lack of diversity strategy intentional? Is it about the bottom line? 15:30- our personal conversation started on how from the athlete perspective, we have been told we don’t have the “look” for covers What is required- ex Alysia is a change maker in sports industry, activist, multiple time medalist and more but that doesn’t check the right boxes 19- why getting a cover is a boon for a professional runner “Allows for upward chain of marketability” 22- Runnersworld leaves out most of the track athletes Alysia wish mass participation included shorter events  The interview: 23-28-we explain why we partnered with these sociologists to examine representation on running media (via 3 different magazine covers over 10 years) 29-Francine lays down her results and shouts out the research team: Heather Hillsburg (phD in gender studies), Amy Schneeburg (epidemiologist), Candace Roberts (masters student), Jenna Seyidoglu (undergraduate honors thesis student) Examined 284 covers, focus on race and gender, between 2009 and 2019 (Runners World (122), Canadian Running(75), and Women’s Running (88)) BIPOC are underrepresented RW-14.8% WR- 31% CR-14.7% (slides and report are on website www.keeping-track.com aka show notes) Changes over time: Womens running saw meaningful and sustained improvement in representation 2013 onward (hit 40%) 36- Heather speaks on role of media on cons

June 25th, 2020
Gwen Berry on Podium Protests
Gwen Berry on Podium Protests

We talk to team USA Hammer thrower Gwen Berry on raising her fist in solidarity with the black community at the 2019 Pan American Championships, what is the IOC rule 50 , and why her gesture was important as well as her experiences as a black female athlete in this country.(see our website for links and more detailed show notes;) )The Catchup:“How are you doing” is a loaded question these days. But we all want to talk about how we’re really doing and what’s going on in America -Going out hard with BLM and anti-racism. We want it to be sustainable. The fatigue is setting in Keep engaging and moving on it! -Race discussions have been taboo, it’s progress that the discussions are being heard now and on the table -ask questions, a lot of why’s  22:34-the salute at 2019 pan ams, Gwen won gold and raised a fist on the podium She was inspired by her own trials and tribulations from last year and saw that same struggle in other black Americans, (like the homeless man that came to her throws practice to find a safe space to sleep) 2019 was “Its a race against time” Gwen didn’t know she was going to raise a fist at that moment, she felt in that moment to show solidarity, to show that you can still make it even though being black in America is to face systemic racism and barriers 29: IOC gave her probation, what that means (didn’t lose prize money, USATF didn’t reprimand her in that way) The probation was meant to silence her at Olympics (went Aug 19-Aug20) 30:24 What Rule50 says 31-link Gwens letter IOC has to protect sponsors and partners, who don’t want negative or political stance to disrupt games Want mostly joyful moments “Its actually creating a halo effect over everything an athlete has gone through to get to this moment” “No ones saying the rules shouldn’t be the rules, we’re just saying don’t reprimand the athletes then celebrate them, put them in a hall of fame, put them in museums all around the world, and oh these are our heroes of our decade, put them on the website-don’t do that” 33-why protest is important and why athletes shouldn’t be muted 35: the hypocrisy (link Sarah Hirschland tweet) And the apology 37- Gwen was protesting the day of the tweet, there was outcry at the hypocrisy.  Max Siegel at USTAF facilitated the call, Sarah apologized, Gwen stressed that this is BIGGER than her. It’s about a culture, Black Americans, Gwen’s family and friends, the black athletes that will come along after her.  “What I did was not wrong” 40:After the medal at Pan Ams: Gwen was that night called into a meeting w USATF and PanAm committee Bc she signed ATHLETES CONTRACT (copy link) she could face repercussions USATF stood with her and Pan Am committee supported her When Gwen got home, USOPC said there will be a letter saying she has a 12 month probation , with no feedback from her on why she needed to protest 41:50-Gwen lost grant opportunities and sponsorship dollars  42:30 USOPC working group athletes put together: Gwen has to train first and focus on making team and podium.  Other  athletes are backing her up and doing the work on the group IOC dug in heels recently on the no protest (link their announcement) 43:38-the town halls  44:30- would athlete stories move the IOC? USA isn’t the only country-IOC being neutral is easier and they focus on the dollars 47-racism is a global phenomenon, America has a deep rooted history with it but globally, “darker is less than” Why rule 50 is out of touch with the realities of

June 17th, 2020
Running While Black : A Conversation Around Race With Alison Desir-Activist, Runner and Mother
 Running While Black : A Conversation Around Race With Alison Desir-Activist, Runner and Mother

Note: We recorded this prior to the murder of George Floyd. We don't mention his murder in the show, and actually worried that the attention on race issues in running (and America in general) brought by Ahmaud's murder would start to fade too soon. As you can see, this is an even more essential discussion now. Check out the website for the rest of the show notes! Alison’s Bio:  Alison holds her BA in History, MA in Latin American and Caribbean Regional Studies, and EdM in Counseling Psychology, all from Columbia University. She is a Mom, activist (Harlem RunRunforAllWomenGlobalWoman RunCollective) Endurance athlete, mental health counselor,  author, and speaker.Catchup: 0-6 news with us -Alysia is getting somewhat back to her regular schedule/self, Molly’s heading back to RI, Ro’s Dare To Believe is on TV in Ireland 7-Alison Desir our guest and introducing Race and Running 11-Alysia reads @TheConsciousKid educational post on White Privilege (bc instagram was taking it’s content down!) 15-Why it’s important to not be afraid of being uncomfortable or awkward with these conversations (note: but do at least some work/reading on your part first! Care enough to do your own research, it's step 1) 18- Alysia’s personal experience with racism and having to worry about white people’s discomfort 21-How early experiences with racism have shaped how Alysia approaches the topic with her white friends 26- Alysia calling out all the Running media publications to do more  Resources: Books- White Fragility me and white supremacy Instagrams : @Theconsciouskid @rachel.cargle Alison on instagram and Twitter Website Her programs: Harlem Run RunforAllWomen GlobalWoman RunCollective-encouraging more women leaders in running  Her recent articles: Flotrack: on Race and Running  Outside Magazine article: Ahmaud Arbery and Whiteness in the Running World Her Virtual Tour (see end of page) How she got started: 8 years ago was struggling with depression and saw someone training for a marathon, inspired her to start  running and it helped get her through it 3:00 Running While Black: -She became a mom 10 months ago and this perspective, as well as her own as a black woman and distance runner,  compelled her to speak out, connected to Ahmaud Arbery murder in an even more personal way(contd. at our site!)

May 30th, 2020
Molly Seidel-Becoming A Marathoner And Olympian
Molly Seidel-Becoming A Marathoner And Olympian

Molly Seidel  Our catchup:Alysia launches &mother! (fact check: here is the article on Alex Morgan sponsored while pregnant story:  Head to EricaSara designs for &mother jewelry and check out our tank tops out on march 29 to support &mother!  Interview:Where Molly is during the quarantine: back home in wisconsinHow hard the isolation  is if you live alone4-Barrista life: She is a Pro Runner first, and barrista on the sideWhy she does it: balances her life10-15 diving into the trials race: what she felt before during and after . going from first marathon to first Olympic Team15-how her attitude of low expectation and having fun/being present buffered negative emotions, the atmosphere being exciting and having a big support crew 17-working with Aliphine in last 6 miles, how she looks up to her advice of doing the training that works for her and not comparing to others20-her injury history the last 2 years was really hard. Bone density issues from eating disorder affected her first 2 years as a pro  Had to find out who she was if she didn’t have running23-her buildup to the trials, changed training back towards what worked in college (more moderate workouts and higher mileage), focus on overall health26-letting her goals unfold rather than pushing through injuries and unhealthy stages to hit goals Outcome goals vs process goals-it’s where joy is. How she did not enjoy her college success because she wasn’t healthy “Frankly my last two NCAA championships, like there was no joy in those. I was mentally unwell” 31-Molly’s lessons from college (link to Julias Hanlon's Running on Om podcast ep 225) *footlocker stat: Thanks for the research Sara Slattery! " The race has been run since 1979 and there have been 41 Champions on the men’s side, 12 have become NCAA Champions and 7 of them have made Olympic teams.  Yet on the Women’s side there have been 4 NCAA Champions, and only 1 Olympian (Now 2 Olympians as of February 29, 2020 with Molly Siedel making the marathon team, despite overcoming some of these issues herself).” Why aren’t our best female jr athletes becoming our best sr athletes? Many girls fall through the cracks for reasons to do with female athlete body, mental health, womanhood etc 36-How Molly made it through this-good support system, not everyone has this “(That running is  a small  part of who you are as a person) I think that’s really important to someone in a vulnerable state or for kids to hear; you are more than this sport you’re doing.40-Sponsor support: Saucony is unique in their support of the whole athlete in this industry-gave Molly a chance, a smaller deal than she normally would have earned but with time and understanding for her to heal and develop45-how covid is affecting her career and future Olympic berth49-what her training is like now during the quarantine and what races are in her future53- Molly’s story-it takes hard work and time to make an Olympic team-you never fully get over an eating disorder, it’s a lot of checking in, adjusting and awareness to stay on healthy path

May 26th, 2020
Sports Sociologist Dr. Holly Thorpe On Issues Within Female Endurance Sport Culture
Sports Sociologist Dr. Holly Thorpe On Issues Within Female Endurance Sport Culture

0-9: Molly and Ro Catchup:Join Ro's Mother's Day Insta Contest @ believetrainingjournal !Buy Alysia's book Feel Good Fitness! Check out Strides Forward Podcast by Cherie Louise Turner! 10-Holly -intro as a sociologist-they “zoom out” to see interactions of socio cultural pressures, broader ideas around for example beauty femininity and success. She looks at individuals, the culture around them and broader social forces. “I put these pressures on myself” is often untrue. Like a fish can’t see water, we often have trouble seeing the forces that act on our own psyches/ realizing what we internalize -Dr. Thorpe aims to advocate more sustainable sporting culture for long term health and well being over immediate performance  “These are not just individual athlete problems, these are problems within sporting cultures “ 16-sociology is one part of a complex puzzle (in endurance sports issues) 17-Dr Stacy Simms TED talk and book 19-on using research to show this (LEA, RED-S)  isn’t a unique,  individual’s problem/weakness- it’s a larger more common issue - prevalence of non-extreme versions  toxic sports culture 24-why the LEA/RED-S is more prevalent in womens endurance sports (among a few other sports like sports with aesthetic performance)-It’s complicated 27-reinforcement of energy restrictive behavior in sport, and how hyper “in touchness” with how your body feels being integral to being an elite athlete may contribute to issues -elites persist longer with LEA than regular gym goers, though both were at risk of initial deficiency. Why? Often rewarded for it 32-resistance to changing how we think about weight’s relationship to performance “What can we achieve with healthy female athletes!?” 37- goal of changing messaging to menstruating=performance advantage. It means you’re healthy 42-reaching young demographics with this messaging-local examples and peer to peer conversations/ peer lead discussion times are helpful. Athletes who are in the midst of a recovery -those stories are powerful as well 49- Kim Smith: healthy fueling role model53-There are even digital expectations and pressures for athletes-social media etc54-Is this a first world only problem? Leaders in endurance running come from East Africa, is RED-S/LEA a problem there? If so, is it for same reasons? Different cultures exist in and across countries/socio economic status , more research needed 56-Gender and RED-S: is the prevalence due to the way girls socialize things, even food and hunger? Beauty? Etc59-katie Schofield research- Men underfueling as well due to ideas on weight and performance in mens sport. Stigma of LEA may be worse for them 62-female athletes in the media: expectations on looks. It is improving : due to more female journalists and female athletes taking media into their own hands (instagram, podcasts, etc) Resources:Healthy Women in Sport a Performance Advantage WHISPA 72- The power in the athlete’s non sporting, human side. Their own authentic voices can be very impactful (more of Dr. Thorpes research and articles are linked on our website)

May 8th, 2020
Going Deep With Sally Kipyego
Going Deep With Sally Kipyego

Sally intro and update on her situation staying in Kenya more, Coronavirus effects in Kenya, her home on the farm w fam Kevin and Emma Trains solo , has help at home 16-Motherhood and training , a lot of struggles in the 2 years post baby “ I will always be a mother before I’m an athlete, always” Lots of illness and body not cooperating 21-training while pregnant: USA vs Kenya 24-Sally’s struggles to train while pregnant, didn’t run but walked after 17 weeks pregnancy 25-how to deal with not running when it’s such a big part of identity “There were times where I felt like I was kind of losing the battle in that (running thru pregnancy) aspect,because my fellow athletes where doing so well and they were managing it. I think i didn’t prepare myself enough for if i couldn’t run” “The public eye is showing these women who are soing really well and thats fantastic i think thats a great think, but Theres a risk that comes with that, because if cant achieve that  you almost feel like your preg or your journey is not as important...i just want to say it’s as important, that stage in your life is a wonderful stage, it should be celebrated weather you can run go to the gym 7 da week until you deliver or if you can’t move 2 feet until you deliver” 30- Sally racing NYC marathon a few weeks pregnant 35-When Sally decided to fit motherhood into her career Society’s (Kenya for ex) pressures on women vs own decisions to have family 43-Sally’s school she helped build in Kenya, and on being a woman in a male dominated culture: education is such an important equalizer 49-Sally’s role models and being enlightened by seeing USA, motivated by how important education is 54-Sally’s sisters, married and had children young, ages 16 and 17 (not going to highschool limits education, but also limited chance to participate in sports, they probably had similar great talent) 58-Is Sally famous in Kenya?! Why She’s “Mamma-Emma” 1:01-Kenyan running community, from doping to popularity and celebrity “Running is huge in kenya, it’s like being in the NFL in the US” “The younger generation, they think to run well you must dope” And there are issues in USA too: She makes a point to distinguish herself from Oregon Project in Portland (she is Oregon Track Club w Mark Rowland in Eugene) Needing to cultivate a culture of hard work rather than win at all cost in Kenya “If we have enough role models that are doing good, and for the young people to realize you can be good without ever cheating- I think that’s the greatest thing we can do as athletes. And I think we need to go back to really redefining what greatness is… you don’t have to be 1 to be great, just do your best and give 100%, and value that in our kids…” 1:14- What part of Sally’s story she wants to shed more light on: That the mother, athlete and family member she is are all entwined. (great athletes aren’t robots-they’re whole people!) “ The mother (in me) is so much linked to the wife and so much linked to the athlete. The qualities that I try it to accomplish as an athlete are almost the same qualities that I’m trying to accomplish and trying to master and trying to learn as a mom and as a wife, like for example ...if im trying to be a good mom im trying to be diligent i'm trying to be disciplined im trying to be considerate,im trying to be forgiving, im trying to be patient i want to be loving. I want to be disciplined , I want to be diligent, I want to be faithful to my running.” Ro-Sally “knows how she wants to show up in the world”  what’s next for Sally and how to follow her

April 28th, 2020
Women in NCAA Coaching
Women in NCAA Coaching

Welcome to episode 16 -This is a special episode of Keeping Track, We are highlighting Female Coaches in the NCAA D1 Track and Cross Country world. We’ve actually been working on this episode since we started the Podcast back in October, it was one of the first ideas I had, but it was perhaps biting off more than I could chew in the editing department so it took a while! (please forgive the occasional  shaky sound quality and choppiness). We pieced together parts of different interviews that we’ve collected the last few months, so let us know what you think of this different format. In this episode we talked to 5 women who are head coaches or Directors of programs at NCAA D1 schools. We hear from April Thomas, the associate head coach and throws coach at Mississippi State ,Julie Culley, the director of the track program at Georgetown, Amy Rudolph, associate head coach of women’s XC and assistant track coach at  Iowa State, Sara  Slattery who is head Cross Country Coach at Grand Canyon University in PHX , and Diljeet Taylor the associate director of cross country and track and field at BYU. We asked these women about their start in the profession, the challenges women face in progressing in the coaching field, who their mentors and supporters are, how they grew into successful coaches and why they find the career so rewarding. We hope you enjoy hearing these women all contribute their voices and experiences to this episode! Thanks for Keeping Track! 0-3: the stats: As of 2017: Women are 43% of women’s sports head coaches in NCAA Women are 23% of head coaches across all sports in NCAA Only 12-18% of track and XC head coaches are women Pre title 9 (1978),( before you could make money as a women’s coach) 90 % of women's team coaches were women 4- examining reasons for the imbalance: Lack of role models? System bias? Child care and pregnancy? We tell you why it’s a real job for women 5: who we talk to-(link to profiles) Amy Rudolph of Iowa State, Julie Culley director of program at georgetown Sara Slattery head distance coach at GCU Diljeet Taylor of BYU April Thomas throws coach and ssoc head coach at Mississippi State  (check out our website www.keeping-track.com for more detailed question summary!)

April 16th, 2020
Pregnant Trials Marathoners Lauren Philbrook and Rachel Hyland on Sisterhood, Motherhood and Being a Woman-Athlete
Pregnant Trials Marathoners Lauren Philbrook and Rachel Hyland on Sisterhood, Motherhood and Being a Woman-Athlete

Catch up0-11 Molly Ro and Alysia update on Pandemic related changes in Bay Area CA, Scottsdale AZ, PVD RIRo’s healthy mind platter chartlink14-olympic postponement21-Introducing our two Guests Lauren Philbrook and Rachel Hyland25-check our insta for t-shirt winners!Interview! Lauren - still has 3.5 more weeks until baby-with Pandemic, now is an uncertain and anxious time to be pregnant Rachel- due june 1, more uncertainty now, Dr. appointments are pushed back, done virtual etc 4-decision to run the trials pregnant (the women were 27 weeks and 33 weeks along) and how much they were running in third trimester 7-what they represented out on the trials course: Link Rachels blog Priorities shift with family but you can still have goals, her goal was adjusted but still held on to it Rachel: “I was one of 500 who qualified and we’re all in a different place-I was in the middle of a pregnancy, Lauren was 33 weeks, someone else may have had a miscarriage, you just never know. Everyone was on their own little journey and I was just part of that.” 12-Lauren: “I was actually a little bit worried that maybe some people would think I wasn’t taking this very serious event very seriously so that was probably  my biggest hesitation about running in it, and then having the support from Rachel and then my husband and my friends  here were like “no….” you qualified there is no reason why you can’t go run too “.  “How supportive and encouraging everyone was to us, I was just blown away, I’ll never forget that feeling” 13-Rachel was 4th in 2018 Boston Marathon15-Rachel: “Staying connected to the running community while I’ve been pregnant has been super important, so I think that’s another thing maybe I was, another reason that got me to the start line was being connected, cus I really needed that-I needed my running community this year in particular, even if I might have been running slower-but you don’t have to remove yourself from the competitive running community just cus you’re pregnant” 16-Olympic postponement effects on these ladies-how it affects family planning 18-Rachel and Lauren have other careers and balance running and family  23- Loosening your grip on perfection as an athlete who is used to chasing excellence-how those high expectations shift when you have family, work, and sport performance 27- Rachel and Lauren’s story (link Runnersworld and WR story)Lauren-looks to women who are working, running at a high level and have families. It’s personally inspiring Rachel-Also looks to for ex to teachers pursuing another passion aside from teaching-running is similar (link salty womens running pregnant training logs) 33-lauren: “One thing i really like that Stephanie said...I’m not saying you have to run a marathon too just because I did , you can do whatever feels most comfortable to you….do what feels right to you, it doesn’t have to be a marathon, you can run if you like to and what’s comfortable, I feel like that’s what’s... appreciated” 34:30 What it means to have each other during this time of their lives: they inspire each other to run post collegiately, and share first pregnancy experience

April 3rd, 2020
Aliphine Tuliamuk: Running For Independence and Opportunity
Aliphine Tuliamuk: Running For Independence and Opportunity

Catchup Alysia catches us up on having baby number 3 3-baby blues hit, Alysia talks new parent struggles and ppd/blues and Social Distancing struggles 6:45-Molly catchup on trials and uncertainty as races are cancelled 9:30-Alysia has finished her book Feelgood Fitness-preorder available on 11:40-inspiration for the fitness book-accessibility for all abilities, inspired by her 67 year old Mom (and Astor says hi!) 13:45-Ro’s news! Ali T! 14:45- intro Aliphine, Marathon Olympic Trials champ and 10 time USA champion 16:45-uncertainty amidst Corona Virus cancellations and quarantines 19:45-Corona Virus in Kenya 21:30-Growing Up in Posoy, West Pokot , Kenya 20:45-Being of two worlds-Kenya and America “ without growing up in kenya I don’t know that I would be the person that I am today, without the experiences of experiencing a hard life, and I think that hard life that I had earlier made me appreciate the things that I do have today...I’m a very proud Kenyan-American.” 42-How do we feel about changing allegiance? 44-How Aliphine grew to want to compete for and live in USA 47-Nationality as an identity in the melting pot of America 49- Aliphine speaks on being between countries,  common immigrant experience: you have roots in the new country so to leave it would be hard, and returning is strange when the old country has changed since you were there. 50-being a woman in Kenyan culture “If you got married you became part of a property of a man and his family...back then a woman didn’t have anything, like a woman doesn’t own anything, but then for me now I have the freedom of being able to get myself something,like when I bought my first house here it made me very happy because I came here with 100 dollars…. And having something that is mine that no one is gonna claim, that right there is independence that I don’t know if I had not ran or came to america I don't know if i would have had that independence. This is something that really makes me appreciate where I am and the opportunities that I have...I want to take that message to those little girls and tell them you can be indepent too...they don’t have a vision of being independent and I want them to know that they have a chance that they can do that” 59-system of spouses controlling athletes contributing to doping in Kenya 60:30-CoronaVirus again-how Aliphine is staying positive 1:03-AliT Resiliency Beanies -she has an employee now! Business has expanded 1:04-Aliphine’s string of injuries in 2018/2019 and how she dealt with them Ali T resilience Hats on etsy Aliphines story: “So much of my identity is running but I am more than a runner, I’m someone who...whenever I can, likes to interact with my community and offer support.  I want people to relate with me first as a human being, as a person who loves crocheting, who loves gardening, who grew up from a big family, who grew up from a lot of challenges.”

March 23rd, 2020
Marielle Hall : 5k 10k expertise
Marielle Hall : 5k 10k expertise

13-Marielles start in the sport-grew up in NJ, tried a lot of different sports and track events 14-why isn’t distance running as popular in black American culture? Not as much visibility of African American distance runners, but African distance runners are very visible 17:30-Influences in her track career-AAU very diverse and Derek Thompson HS coach (currently coaches world class 800 women Ajee Wilson, Raevyn Rogers, etc)  19:30-Why in the USA is there a separation in races amongst events? Who Marielle looked to as a youngster: Venus, Serena, Tiger Woods Representation is so important, even apart from race Understanding training Lack of representation in media (ex Runner’s World Covers?) , Don’t know where to run in neighborhoods?  26:30-consumers are aware and responsive to these issues-and there are new platforms popping up which are a good thing 29:00 Any Marathon ambitions?? 31-What’s it like being a part of the excellence of the Bowerman Group? 34-Navigating training with the best without overdoing it: finding the line. Not competing with each other on a daily basis is key “work on being in control and confident and smooth” 38: What is Marielle’s story? “There’s some people that get the opportunity to tell their story 100 times other people only get it 5 times...to continue to tell my story, get it closer to 100, be myself around different types of people as much as possible and hopefully it resonates with someone...that’s why I love sports in general so much....I’m attached to the players and the people and their families. That’s what I tune into games for. I’m somehow connected to this person because I saw an interview or read an article. 39-what will Marielle’s second and third acts be? What else is she interested in? Storytelling (tv, podcasts, and creative ways), music Marielle’s playlist Follow marielle at jacksonville 15k and  Online at @Mariellehalll

February 25th, 2020
Ayesha McGowan: The First African American Female Pro Road Cyclist!
Ayesha McGowan: The First African American Female Pro Road Cyclist!

Ro and Alysia chat with Ayesha McGowan , first African American Professional Cyclist about her journey, her advocacy for people of color in Cycling and how she created space for herself in this sport as well as celebrating the differences in the cycling world. Molly is off werkin out. 6- Ayesha’s Background: how she got into sports and cycling-into track, field hockey and basketball Went to school in Central New Jersey-Piscataway  9- Ayesha’s mission to diversify road cycling. She recently became Pro w contract w Liv (she is Category II).  Also fighting for representation in the cycling industry  espn article 14-womens cycling is being restructured-Women still only just now mandated to be paid at top level of cycling! She is not on team as it may limit her autonomy/ability to do advocacy work 17- Ayesha’s influence in making space in the world as a black woman : Serena Williams, Kittie Knox 21- her piece on people for bikes 24-Cycling has such diverse participants: performance based cyclists, commuters, recreational cyclists. There feels to be  judgement between groups. 25:   “I think the hardest thing about my work is trying to encourage people to learn how to celebrate differences instead of using them as tools for division and judgement and negativity. ...I don’t want you to not see that I’m a black woman. ….I want you to embrace that I’m a black woman and understand how that’s a good thing for this community and understand how that can be an asset to pushing the sport forward and growing cycling. But instead it becomes a negative thing. I feel like that’s how humans have learned to look at differences in general...I feel like cycling is this micro version of the world because you have people from all over...doctors and delivery workers...the range is massive...people from all different cultures and colors and whatever and so it’s a big reflection of the world and  it feels like a huge opportunity to teach some of these larger points that extend beyond cycling but use cycling as that commonality” 28-barriers Ayesha has faced-understanding the confusing structure herself ,ignorance of others in regards to her humanity, explaining diversity, getting into a community’s bubble, angry people , people who are upset to be told they’re doing things wrong 31-Double Consciousness, W.E.B Dubois “How much of myself can I be?” 35- Ayesha-wants to create more opportunities for other people this year Follow these accounts! @Allmountainbrothers @pedal2thepeople Ayesha doesn’t just want a black person to be used as an inclusivity project -she wants to show the diverse people who already come to the sport/ to show the people who are doing their thing already. She doesn’t want to be THE diversity.  She wants a broader representation of black people.  Where to find Ayesha: blog www.aquickbrownfox.com Podcast - Quick Brown Fox instagram/twitter- @Ayesuppose

February 11th, 2020
Dawn Harper Nelson’s Cinderella Story
Dawn Harper Nelson’s Cinderella Story

Link-dawns 2008 Oly Gold, and 2012 silver and most recent 2017 world champs silver 0-10 Ro and Alysia catch up on Alysia’s commentating job from Boston Indoor Games! 10-15 Dawn’s background and dreams for being mother and Olympic champ, the decision to wait to have a baby until she was done running in 2018 and coming OUT OF RETIREMENT for 2020! 16:50-coming back from pregnancy -practice 6 weeks post baby was frustrating “that felt terrible to not be able to do something (a start off the line) that I feel like is just rolling out of bed”  Felt rushed , but body has own timeline. 23: link to the Tea on Players Tribune (via Facebook) We talk about the WNBA Collective bargaining agreement “The world recognized that this was a big deal” and deserved a news cycle not just small print What would be our issues in Collective Bargaining in track? Maternity, contract minimum? 29: Perspectives on race and marketing: on seeking appropriate media attention and sponsorship opportunities for her achievements.  The unexpected olympic gold in 2008-came from no contract, borrowed shoes , worked 3 jobs and shared a house with others “When I get to the line I’m not thinking of my hair style, my skin , my build, I’m thinking when I get to the line can I beat these other women” 33 describing post gold feelings-so happy Vs Interview experience: so much focus on LoLo who was the favorite to win not medaling-it didn’t follow the media script and there was some backlash because LoLo was a media darling and Dawn was relatively unknown. She understood it took time for public to adjust to her win 37: Marketability for female athletes come with unique challenges : ex- black female athletes-hair is a big deal, takes time and money to look good on tv 39- on being called “jealous, dark, black and ugly, mad because LoLo got the spotlight”-upsetting, because she didn’t want fame she wanted to realize her full potential “Thar Narrative carried on for years” “I felt lost” 42: How comments on her braids made her feel ugly and regret a style she likes ”I felt like the world was telling me I was ugly” 44-2012 olympics-so happy to medal again. She was more well known and ready again to battle Sally Pearson-PR’d,broke former Oly Record w Sally,  came second by a fraction46 : 2012 reactions: social media- people call her “angry, black b--, kill yourself” The TV interview was centered around Lolo’s loss again 49: Remembering back to 2008, room mate was devastated by loss while she was so happy to win, showed her to be sensitive and respectful to her competitors-why it’s so upsetting that she was portrayed as bitter regarding Lolo’s loss51: Kelly Wells purple hair was called too “ghetto” and unamerican by internet trolls 52: ”there was a time for four solid years, olympics to olympics, where I was fending for myself and had to somehow find my own confidence and say no matter what the world is telling me I know that when I line up its a blessing to wear these 3 letters on my chest and every time I line up im just going to do my best”  53: The medals didn’t have the sponsorship power she expected-she felt her team didn’t push back at the narrative of “the market is down, no one is asking for you” and “you’re not the look” 59: she felt lonely and unsupported in her issue. She felt like she didn’t have value for what she’d done,  62:2020-looking for sponsors but going for the dream anyway “you’ve been here before and you can do it again” 65: outside influences matter (media and social media trolls etc), I

February 1st, 2020
New Year's Discussion and Celeste Goodson of ReCORE Fitness
New Year's Discussion and Celeste Goodson of ReCORE Fitness

Ro, Molly and Alysia Catch up after the Holiday break and discus the place of female athletes in fans' and media's yearly and decade rankings, and talk about discovering our voices for 2020. We have a great resource episode where ReCORE creator Celeste Goodson talks about the inner core rebuilding that is essential for post partum return to running and sports.

January 11th, 2020
Ep 9: Shalane Flanagan on Coaching, Cooking and Caring
Ep 9: Shalane Flanagan on Coaching, Cooking and Caring

0-10: catch up Links: Ro’s journals and code keepingtrack2020 10-on Shalane’s retirement: the emotions, the decisions, the difficult parts and the shifting of passion from her running to fostering other athlete’s successes, family and other projects 3-How transition from runner to coach affects her support team  7- the transition to Shalane’s post-running life was always in the back of her mind, part of why it has gone smoothly 8-emotions at the end of running career: sadness, relief, happiness 10-relating to the Lindsey Vonn  documentary the Final Season and the book The Second Mountain by David Brooks 12-retirement isn’t easy stage for athletes Shalanes double knee surgeries 19-Shalane on wanting it all: coaching, and family, looking to adopt Link to shalanes journal, third cook book coming out, link to other two Run Fast Eat Slow, Run Fast Cook Fast Eat Slow 21- Motivation for Elyse and Shalane’s cook books: to help educate athletes on good fuel and combat eating disorders in sports 23-Shalane learning to fuel her body throughout career- not always perfect 27- Hows could/could a coach speak to an athlete about nutrition and weight? 31-Bowerman Babes bond by cooking together 33- Shalane’s feelings on the negative aspects vs positive experiences at Nike: it’s uncomfortable, the positive impact of Bowerman in the Portland community,  lessons she has learned from being adjacent to the story of Mary Cain 40: Shlane: advocate for yourself and be aggressive in going for your dreams” 43- How Shalane learned to be confident and aggressive in going for things she wants-operating on a pace of no regrets “To not be afraid of advocating for yourself, if you think you’re going to be good at something and for taking that leap of faith to just push people to accept your vision and your goal….I felt like it was a much needed role and I created it for myself” “I encourage people to be agressive about things that you want” “ My athletic career has allowed me to continually believe in myself more and more. Its not that i dont have moments of doubt, but athleteics has propelled me to have these moments of ‘why not me’”

December 19th, 2019
Episode 8- Meet Marathon lover Obsie Birru
Episode 8- Meet Marathon lover Obsie Birru

0-5Obsie talks about having balance with running work and school-how she thrives 5: Obsie talks about her upbringing in Ethiopia, and her other great coaching influences from HS and college in Iowa and Coach Kurt at NeD 9:30 Obsie talks about Ethiopian Running culture 10:40- Running helped Obsie make friends when she came to America, and she didn’t focus on it as an elite sport  11:30-Obsie’s first marathon -in college! She set the NAIA record 2:45 In 2012 at Grandview, where she ran everything from 4x800 to 26.2 in that week 15-How Obsie worked with her competitor to PR in CIM this year Her strategies for managing herself in the race 17:30-edit out the freeze please 18;00-East African running culture 20: Nice is not a weakness:  “When you lift eachother up that’s when I feel the most comfort and benefits you, benefits them. What’s meant for me will be mine...there’s enough room for everyone...I know its a competition but I know when to turn that on and when to turn that off” 21-Obsie surrounds herself with real and good people-she is grateful for the mentors in her life: Janet Bawcom, Dianne Nukuri, her HS coach, her post college coach Kurt, and her teachers in Ethiopia On coaching middle school kids in her NeD days; “coaching those kids, I find it inspiring, I think as an adult you lose that part of you sometimes that gets so excited about the sport and ...as adults we are so fearful that x-y-z will happen. Those kids I lay out hurdles in front of them and some of those kids have never seen it and they’re like “im gonna do it!....they have no fear”  25- Obsie is grateful for her coaches’ efforts and it inspires her in the race 26-Obsie’s workouts! -we thought she did 5X5 mile, but i think it is 5X mile :) She loves mileage! 30-Obsie learns to fit in training, rest, sleep and diet better now than she used to 32-Ethiopian culture and attitude on food and diet 36-Obsie is not sponsored and mostly trains solo 39-what’s next? Trials are on the calendar! “Running for me is the way I feel the most confident,it’s when I feel like I’m open to people, so it’s like a language. It’s like a smile is a universal language and running is the same because whether you run slow,.....people run at different levels but we’re all in it together. All those marathoners still out there on the course, were all on the same journey. I love that.  “It’s really opened up my world and my mind and what I can do with other things. It motivates me to be better:to be a better advisor, a better student.” Link to Obsie’s Saucony commercial Link to NeDistance

December 11th, 2019
Episode 7- Emily Sisson "Be The Eye Of The Storm"
Episode 7- Emily Sisson  "Be The Eye Of The Storm"

In today’s episode we talk to 2:23 marathoner, two time Team USA 10,000m runner and fellow Ray Treacy coached athlete Emily Sisson. We talk about how she finds the right frame of mind amidst pre-race hype and managing race day anxieties. We talk about her marathon debut and how it could have gotten derailed, transitioning from a world class jr athlete to a world class sr athlete and embracing her strong looking body.  London Marathon -Emily’s debut Emily’s Half Marathon PR Emily Sisson Providence College Emily Sisson Jr career 0-7 We catch up on the Thanksgiving Holiday, announce our *Live* Podcast Plans- and Ro offers her Holiday deal on the Believe Training Journal BelieveIAm.com 20% off with code “keepingtrack2020” 7-12 Emily talking about not getting overwhelmed by hype at  start of Olympic Trials Buildup , her strategies for quieting distractions and reducing anxiety Ro: “Be the eye of the storm”  14-pre race boundaries: balancing media and solitude  17 -Finding your IZOF, holding on to valuable energy as an introvert, getting the process right 21-Dealing with Pre-race anxiety-her tools “Once the gun goes I find that’s when all the worries go away” 24-threats to joys of racing: anxiety, performance clauses,  27- on Emily being suited to the Marathon How she handles the beast of tempos and long runs 29- reading your body during the race: Emily’s half marathon in Houston and marathon debut in London  35- London Marathon- funny story, how Emily didn’t take herself out of the race even when things were going awry  “shit just happens!” : on navigating transition from a phenom jr to a world class sr athlete 39- embracing her physical strength after being told “you don’t look like a runner” 43- what part of Emily’s story she’d like told: Everyone has their own challenges 45: Emily says nice things about Molly lol  46-shout out to @thegoldenlifeofdes Emily’s fave books: -

December 3rd, 2019
Episode 6-Tianna Bartoletta "Physics Doesn't Give A F**k"
Episode 6-Tianna Bartoletta "Physics Doesn't Give A F**k"

0-9:00 discussion w Ro Molly and Alysia about REDS and Conference Ro went to with Endocrinologist Kathryn Ackerman MD MPH Meet-our-team See our website www.keeping-track.com  for slides from the conference  9-Tianna introduces herself-resume is lit! 11:30-Tianna’s beginnings in track 13:30-Tianna’s approach of show up every day, and how she earned a car and a scholarship in Highschool 16:00-Tianna’s decade between medals, how she stayed motivated Track is a vehicle for other things 18:00-”physics doesn’t give a F***” 20:00-in 2005, Tianna was surprised to win and not ready to handle the weight of a world championship as a college sophomore 24:00-advice to young athletes, why she likes “The Alchemist” (link to her e-books and courses ) 25:00-”i was chasing a ghost”, disappointment in 2006 world indoor , not medaling after winning gold months earlier, the expectations were so heavy 29:00-importance of showing the journey not just the arrival (link to tiannabee.com) 31:00-existential crisis in the life of an athlete-being enough but wanting more from the sport, how she had to address her mental health Buddhism and yoga are her strategies  33-Tianna’s experience in an abusive relationship (share her poster, and another other resource for abuse victims) Link to book Tianna for her  talk “performance Fuel”  38-Tianna calls out powerful coaches for being more responsible with the way they handle athletes , who are trusting them with life changing decisions that go beyond sport 41- How Tianna left her relationship and the risk and fears involved 45:-How Tianna was competing ok but mentally unhealthy years ago, and is now in a good place mentally but is waiting for her performance to catch up. Seeing self as a whole person, committing to the next Olympic cycle, proving self she can do it healthy  46-Tianna’s resources and advice to abuse victims(share the signs of abuse poster on www.keeping-track.com , and her blog for abuse victims) 49-What Tianna would like better told, advice to listeners: “I want to give athletes permission to be the whole mess that we are sometimes, and to take all of that with you to the track and to..work those demons out there on the oval. You don’t have to hide anything and you can be you and you dont have you win every time- and odds are you'll lose way more than you win.... “ “....If its a bad time right now its temporary and if its a good time right now, its temporary, so keep moving”

November 26th, 2019
Emma Coburn! Steeplechase Star
Emma Coburn! Steeplechase Star

0-21:00-Emma discuses the recent IAAF decision to remove events from the Diamond League https://www.athleticsweekly.com/athletics-news/triple-jump-and-200m-cut-from-2020-diamond-league-1039926366/USATF Annual Meeting: https://www.usatf.org/events/2019/usatf-annual-meeting-2019 Christian Taylor and the Athletics Association   https://www.athleticsweekly.com/athletics-news/christian-taylor-launches-new-athletics-association-1039926414/ 21:00- Emma runs through Doha Silver medal run and great 2019 season(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXrMSolINtU) 24:00-We talk about her team,  the Boss Ladies spend a lot of QT together 25:30 -structure of a typical season and break28:00-dynamics of the Boss Ladies-how they work so well together 30:00 Coach Joe Bossard and the making of their team 34:00-Aisha! and their team VIBE-Let's get better together 38:00 Why “It’s just running, babe” 41:00 ***How Joe helped Emma get over race anxiety when she was younger*** 42:30 How Emma learned to stay healthy for the big races and consistently good every season 46:00 Social Media: How Emma handles it with confidence and surrounds herself with things that give her joy/support/happiness 50:00 Having a healthy balance of fun and being a dedicated athlete ex.) not seeing certain foods as “good” or “bad”  55:00 Being a role model 56:00 And we learn who some of Emma’s role models are (we know some of them! :) ) 60: Emma’s Elk Run and her werkout gear! (https://www.elkrun5k.com/) Shout outs to Crested Butte, Colorado: Emma’s hometown 1:06 Emma’s story: she’s an open book! Surround yourself with joy and support  Follow her at @emmajcoburn on twitter and @emmacoburn on instagram facebook Emmacoburnsteeples

November 18th, 2019
Lindsay Crouse: Runner And Journalist At The New York Times
Lindsay Crouse: Runner And Journalist At The New York Times

0-4:00-intro 4:00-Lindsay is a journalist, competitive athlete and news reader and saw a disconnect with the fact that she had little interest in the sports section 7:00 Lindsay discusses her op-eds, which are mostly side projects for her, in which she chose topics she was interested in as a female runner and journalist (such as the psychology behind an athlete’s unique situation). She was not sure many other people would resonate with them and is surprised at how wide the reach has been  9:00-What goes into making a video op-ed,discussing how they came up with Dream Maternity Op- Ed’s style 11:00- Alysia: Lindsay helped her validate her issues with Maternity support , similarly her journalism validated that eating disorders are a problem in many women’s sports with Mary Cain’s story -Dream Maternity athletes-maternity-leave.html -Mary Cain nike-running-mary-cain.html 13:00- the stories have resonated with many -why? Validating, mitigating fear and isolation, and lending perspective and frame of reference around problem-issues that were once normalized 19: Why the focus on weight over the other more impactful variables of reaching peak fitness? -This topic becomes a common women’s issue due to unique female physiology 26:00-The shadow cast by a win at all cost mentality -Lindsay goes into more detail on the production and genesis of Mary Cain Op Ed - Growing a voice outside the sport could help grow the following of athletes and their sport as a whole 32:00-Does culture at Nike need to change? 40:00- Lindsay talks about her own running and a time when she was under fueling 45:00-The misconception of an overly “clean” and “light “ diet being ideal and a virtue when it is in truth not providing enough energy for you to recover from and build upon your training load - Misconception that fitness follows weight loss(not mentioned but scientist Trent Stellingwerff explains this better than I can here! https://twitter.com/tstellingwerff/status/1193320543207845888?s=12 ) 49:00 What story would Lindsay like better told: broader themes, questioning current norms: who made them and what are they for, we can have higher ethical standards than “legal or illegal”

November 9th, 2019
Nia Ali! World Champion
Nia Ali! World Champion

0-5: Ro Molly and Alysia catch up5:30  Nia introduces herself as the new World Champion from Doha and a Mom (Watch the race !) 5:50 Nia talks being a Mom of 2, the comeback and compartmentalizing on the track 9:00 A day in the life of Nia 11:30 Andre De Grasse-balancing being the best as athletes/partners/parents 17:00 bringing kids and family to team camps 23: obstacles on Nia’s postpartum comebacks 25: Training and RACING while pregnant-contracts etc -How much perception has changed in the 4 years between baby 1(Titus) and 2(Yuri) 27-contract q 32-Nia benefits from being more vocal about 2nd pregnancy with sponsor, but raced for first 5 months of pregnancy to keep contract 35: how Nia found the hurdles -(was XC/3000/1500 as a youth athlete-4:43 1500 at age 11!) 38: what part of Nia’s story is untold?-that everyone and every woman has a different journey with her own struggles Takes inspiration from others’ stories-even competitors Successful people have struggles 42-how Nia finds inspiration 44-Being on a team USA that is so talented 46-Nia’s pre-race zone the night before 48:  Life as a World Champ 51: getting back into training post baby 57: -follow Nia on instagram @NiaAli and on twitter @itspooda  59-end

October 31st, 2019
Episode 2- Follow Up To The IAAF World Champs
Episode 2- Follow Up To The IAAF World Champs

1:00 - 5 Molly Post Doha 10k recap 5:00-managing big expectations of medals, records, contract bonuses etc 10:00-Alysia’s recap of the double medal Reallocation ceremony (for 2011 and 2013 world champs 4th to bronze) 17:00-shoutout to Team USA chiropractor Josh Glass 17:30 emotions on medal stand, bonding with Brenda Martinez who also got a medal upgrade due to Savinova bust in 2013 ( photo of Brenda and alysia looking at each other on medal stand crying) 23:30-the drug ban served to Alberto Salazar in the midst of the World Championships How does this affect the sport? 26:30 “Grey area” and how ethical, widespread and necessary is it? What would we tell young athletes about choosing your path beyond school sports (Alberto Salazar news article) 42: our fave moments and highlights from the World Championships 49: check out our website and email us with what ya wanna hear and what you think!

October 21st, 2019
Keeping Track Episode 1!
Keeping Track Episode 1!

0-20 sec: Intro-  20-1:40 Why are Molly Ro and Alysia starting a  podcast? 1:45-2  IAAf World Champs are coming in a week!  2:00-3 Alysia is going to Doha for medal reallocation ceremony from 2011/2013 We talk Cleansport! 3:00-Alysia and all the feels of medal reallocation (link Alysia’s races 2011 and 2013) watch Watch  6:45-Ro’s upgrade experience,  How clean athletes feel silent on the matter of racing dopers 11:30 Alysia compares dopers to souped up vehicles 12- 21:00 Ro and Alysia talk how weird/bittersweet it is to get medals so many years later, retired,  with families etc  Ro’s backyard awards and Alysia's medal ceremony: 24:00How can IAAF do better by clean athletes who lose to dopers? 31:00 Alysia explains Dream Maternity!  Supporting pro athletes as they become mothers (link Dream Maternity NYT Lindsay Crouse article and video op ed) Nike-maternity-leave.html athletes-maternity-leave.html 42:00Alysia’s experience with competition and maternity 49:00Molly and Doha prep/pre race nerves 54:00send us your thoughts!  Alysia fart noises

October 15th, 2019