We likely don’t need a reminder of how great running is for our physical and mental wellbeing. Running for a cause – something bigger than ourselves – elevates our participation in the sport even more.
Photo by @trappephoto shooting @lasportivana
That is precisely what this podcast episode focuses on. Today’s guest, Clare Gallagher, has intertwined her professional running career with environmental protection and other social justice efforts.
We’ve had other guests on the show that use running to propel forward a mission, including:
- Gender equality and fair representation with Lindsay Crouse
- Racial equality with Jay Ell Alexander
- Environmental justice with Zoë Rom
Their efforts demonstrate that we can all make an impact while doing what we love.
Runners are keen on protecting the trails we run on and keeping our air clean, among many other efforts. Today’s podcast not only covers areas where we can make a difference, but also provides calls to actions that you can participate in today.
Clare Gallagher on Activism and Running
Clare Gallagher burst onto the ultrarunning scene with her first attempt at a 100-mile race, the Leadville 100, which she won despite being brand new to the distance. She followed up with wins of the grueling Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run and the CCC 101K. She also has the Fastest Known Times on the Zion Traverse and Joshua Tree Traverse.
As an outstanding athlete, Clare has a platform that she uses to amplify voices, causes, and efforts that she feels passionate about. Clare is an environmental activist, helping preserve public lands across the country and bringing much needed attention to environmental issues that threaten the very lands our sport depends on.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- Clare’s rise in the sport
- How she won Leadville 100 with no prior experience and no coach – as well as the value of having a coach
- Low-mileage training and how it works for her
- Clare’s (lack of) willingness to run a 200-miler in the future
- Her approach to balancing training and racing with the rest of her life
Currently, Clare is training again for Western States 100, while continuing with her environmental activism. Hear a clip of her describing the balance and fulfillment she gets out of doing both:
I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation because I sure had fun having it. Check out the full episode below.
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play.
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Follow Clare on Instagram and Strava
- Check out her blog and updates
- Our prior interview with Clare
- Follow Alex Falconer on Instagram
- Take action with Save the Boundary Waters
- See SR’s Coaching options!
Thank you Elemental Labs!
A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors.
Elemental Labs’ products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.
The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.
There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense.
They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor and get your hydration optimized.
