#297: Bunk to 5K: Unique Running Program for Women Inmates

Sarah is joined in studio for a special conversation with Trisha Swanson, founder of Reason to Run, a training program designed to encourage and support both new and experienced runners who are incarcerated at the Oregon state women’s correctional prison, plus Mimi Clinton, a mother runner who was in the program in 2016. Trisha and Mimi detail the 8-week Bunk to 5K program that has inmates circling a 0.1-mile loop in the prison yard—or doing burpees on indoor days. Mimi describes what it was like to always have people—including prison guards--watching her run her first steps. She talks about how she found strength in the community of women in the program—and continues to experience the positive effects of the running community since her release. Marvel as Mimi describes in vivid detail her “glorious” first post-prison run. Tear up along with Mimi when she admits, “it takes someone else to believe in you to remind you that what we tell ourselves isn’t true.” The trio agree on the barrier-breaking power of running and the activity’s ability to provide a few moments of peace from a chaotic setting.

Dimity + Sarah catch up in the intro, talking about fur-babies + their human kiddos. Laugh along with their Roman numerals debate. Here’s the promised Eventbrite link for the podcast recording at GU Energy Labs HQ on the Ides of March (aka March 15). At 26:18, Dim drops off and the conversation with the guests begins.

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