Episode #325: Becoming a Sustainable Runner with Tina Muir and Zoë Rom
Aug 11, 2023
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Tina Muir and Zoë Rom discuss their new book Becoming a Sustainable Runner, emphasizing long term views, grace, and the evolving nature of running. They talk about finding community, activism, and making environmentally-friendly choices. It's about taking small steps along the way.
Taking the first step to connect in the running community opens doors to rich relationships and support.
Embracing diversity and challenging societal norms about body size promotes sustainable running and positive self-image.
Creating inclusive spaces within the running community fosters a sense of belonging and allows for positive impact and connections.
Deep dives
Overcoming Insecurities and Connecting in the Running Community
Taking the first step to reach out and connect in the running community can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that everyone has insecurities and fears. By realizing that your pace or output does not define your worth, you can start to overcome these insecurities and embrace the rich relationships and connectivity that the running community offers. Joining a run club or group run can provide a shared sense of vulnerability and allow for deep connections with others who have similar experiences and goals. It's essential to be gentle with yourself, acknowledge that it may be challenging, but take that first step and you'll likely find a welcoming and supportive community.
Promoting Health at Every Size and Challenging Societal Norms
The book highlights the importance of promoting Health at Every Size and challenging societal norms that equate thinness with health and success in running. It emphasizes that healthy bodies come in various shapes and sizes and celebrates the beauty of diversity in our sport and society. By untangling the relationship between body size and self-worth, individuals can focus on their overall health and well-being rather than conforming to unrealistic standards. Redefining health, weight, and performance in ways that prioritize self-acceptance and positive body image is vital for sustainable running and overall happiness.
Finding Supportive and Inclusive Spaces in the Running Community
The book encourages individuals to seek out and create supportive and inclusive spaces within the running community, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, or abilities. It showcases the growing number of run clubs, run crews, and organizations that cater to diverse communities, providing a sense of belonging and fostering connections. Overcoming initial fear or intimidation is key to experiencing the rich relationships and connectivity that the running community can offer. By finding groups or running stores that align with personal values and identities, individuals can create their own communities and have a positive impact on the sport.
Taking Small Steps Towards Activism and Stewardship
The book emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards activism and stewardship to have a positive impact on the environment and climate change. It acknowledges the overwhelming nature of these global issues but encourages individuals to start by connecting with local communities and organizing small actions. By joining forces with neighbors and like-minded individuals, people can create a grassroots movement for change. Building connections and working together towards common goals can make a significant difference, even in the face of complex challenges like climate change. Taking action in your community is a valuable step towards broader collective action and making a tangible impact.
Taking Action for the Environment
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the importance of taking action for the environment. The speakers emphasize that individual actions can have a significant impact when it comes to sustainability. They encourage listeners to assess the needs of their communities and get involved in local initiatives and organizations. They provide examples such as supporting local farms through community-supported agriculture programs and advocating for sustainable events in the running community. The speakers also stress the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, and highlight the need for systemic changes to address environmental issues.
Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainability
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the challenges and opportunities in sustainability. The speakers acknowledge the complexities and dilemmas faced by individuals who care about the environment. They address the feeling of being paralyzed by the perceived enormity of the problem or the pressure to be perfect in sustainability practices. However, they encourage listeners to not give up and to focus on taking steps within their own lives while also pushing for larger systemic changes. They advocate for thoughtful consumption, buying high-quality and durable items, and avoiding excessive plastic use. They also emphasize the power of collective action, voicing concerns to race directors, voting for candidates prioritizing the environment, and holding industries accountable for their environmental impact.
For this episode, I am excited to interview Tina Muir and Zoë Rom about their new book Becoming a Sustainable Runner. The book talks about how to be a happy and healthy runner for a lifetime while also giving back to your community and your environment. In this conversation, we talk about:
The importance of taking a long term view of your running journey
Disconnecting your identity from your outcomes
Acknowledging life's stressors and giving yourself grace
Navigating the seasons of life and how your journey might evolve
Measuring your progress on the things that matter
Finding your community within the sport
Taking the first steps in activism
Creating sustainable running events and races
Making good, environmentally-friendly choices for travel, shoes, and gear
Through the discussion, Tina and Zoë emphasize that it's not about achieving perfection but rather taking small incremental steps along the way. The book is out on August 15th. Go get yours!
To redeem offers from this episode's sponsors:
Go to betterhelp.com/runningrogue for 10% off your first month of online therapy.
Go to takecareof.com and use the code "rogue50" for 50% off on your first month with them.
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