Clare Gallagher, a decorated ultrarunner for Patagonia and La Sportiva, is also a PhD student, poet, and environmental advocate. In this engaging discussion, she shares her journey balancing an athletic career with rigorous academic work. Clare delves into her evolving relationship with running and the pressures of social media, even contemplating her mental health experiences. She recounts her profound experience at the Snowman Race in Bhutan, highlighting climate change's impact and the beauty of local culture. Clare's passion for creativity and writing shines through, fostering an inspiring conversation.
Clare Gallagher illustrates the balance between her successful running career and her PhD studies, showcasing her desire for intellectual growth.
Her experience with injury at the World Championships led to self-reflection, redefining her relationship with running and highlighting her resilience.
Gallagher's shift away from social media towards poetry reflects her intention to establish meaningful connections while advocating for environmental awareness.
Deep dives
Balancing Athletics and Academia
Claire Gallagher discusses the challenges of balancing her successful running career with her PhD studies. As a professional athlete, she has achieved recognition by winning prestigious events such as Western States and Leadville 100. However, pursuing academic excellence is equally important to her; she values the stimulation it provides and enjoys being in an environment that allows her to explore diverse interests beyond running. This combination of athletics and academia fulfills her desire for personal and intellectual growth, showing that both can coexist harmoniously.
The Impact of Injury on Athletic Identity
After experiencing a significant injury at the World Championships, Gallagher reflects on how this setback influenced her relationship with running. She describes the emotional turmoil of being forced to walk during a competitive event, which made her confront her identity as an athlete. Despite feelings of embarrassment and frustration, this experience sparked self-reflection that redefined her passion for the sport, reinforcing her connection with the running community. Ultimately, it served as a reminder of her resilience and the intrinsic love she holds for running, regardless of her competitive liaisons.
Dismantling Social Media's Demands
Gallagher shares her decision to detach from social media, which she views as a double-edged sword in the lives of modern athletes. She emphasizes the need for a more mindful approach to digital interactions, expressing concern about the impact of platforms like Instagram on mental health and self-worth. By removing herself from this space, she seeks to establish a more meaningful connection with her audience through writing and poetry. This shift embodies Gallagher's desire to reclaim agency over her identity, staying true to her values and venturing outside the constraints of conventional expectations for athletes.
Exploring Poetry and Creative Expression
Gallagher's exploration of poetry and creative writing emerged as a profound outlet for emotional expression, inspired by the influences around her. She notes how her mother sends daily poems to her and her siblings, which has fostered an appreciation for the art form throughout her life. Through writing, Gallagher aims to articulate her diverse experiences and the complexities of her journey as an athlete and an individual. Her newfound love for poetry illustrates a significant evolution in her ability to communicate her thoughts and feelings effectively.
Adventures and Climate Advocacy
The exploration of Bhutan during the snowman race provided Gallagher with a transformative experience that deepened her awareness of climate change issues. Running through the breathtaking yet vulnerable landscapes of the Himalayas, she witnessed firsthand the realities of glaciers melting and the threat they pose to local communities. This profound experience ignited her passion for environmental conservation and highlighted her desire to blend her athletic pursuits with advocacy work. Gallagher’s journey emphasizes that running can transcend sport and become an avenue for meaningful connections to the planet, ultimately inspiring her to advocate for its preservation.
Clare Gallagher is a professional runner for Patagonia, living in Boulder, CO. She is among the most decorated athletes of the last decade, winning many of the sport's most iconic events including Western States, CCC, Black Canyon, & Leadville. Outside of her athletic talent, Clare is also just a very interesting person. A third year PhD student, poet, and environmental advocate, Clare has always approached her career differently from other pro athletes. Clare is a close friend who I really respect. It was great to catch up again in today's episode.
Topics discussed:
Balancing her pro racing career and PhD work at CU
Clare's current relationship with running, racing, and the expectations of pro athletes
Her relationship with the digital world
Clare's emerging interest in poetry and writing
Her participation in the Snowman Race in Bhutan last fall
What Clare is inspired about as an athlete in 2025
