Kiera Smalls: Be Mindful of the Stories We Tell Ourselves - R4R 335

Kiera Smalls’ personal mission is to connect resources to the people who need them most. She’s been a community reporter for WHYY in Philadelphia, launched the city’s bike share program, advised race presenters on inclusivity, and co-founded the fitness community Strides (formerly City Fit Girls). Today she is the Executive Director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), which envisions a running industry committed to racial justice. RIDC was formed in response to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man who was murdered while he was out for a run. Its mission is to unite the running industry to provide resources, measure progress, and hold the industry accountable to equitable employment, leadership, and ownership positions and improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. For complete show notes and links, visit our website at runningforreal.com/episode335.   Thank you to Örlö, Oladance, and Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode.    Örlö is the world’s most sustainable algae supplement. Their products deliver a natural source of omega-3s, vitamins and minerals that improve user experience, bioavailability and nutritional support. Their algae omega-3 products are in the polar lipid form, delivering superior absorption over traditional omega-3 sources including fish or krill.  Their algae is grown in pristine water in Iceland using only green energy and they employ a carbon-negative production process. 99% less land and water resources are used, so you get 100% of the benefit with 0% of the guilt! Go here and use code TINA10 at checkout to save 10%. You can add it on top of their special New Year’s offer for a total savings of 37%!   Oladance Wearable Stereos deliver high-quality sound without ever going in your ear. They have a secure fit so they’re perfect for running, but so comfortable that you can wear them for hours. Since they don’t go in your ear, you can still hear outside sounds and remain aware of your surroundings. The audio quality is outstanding; Oladance is truly a wearable stereo, with 360° sound. It also has a super long battery life - up to 16 hours! Oladance is for people who love to move, to be active, and to listen to music, podcasts or books with superior sound.  You can go here and use code TINA to save 20% on your order!   Allbirds looks at everything through a sustainability lens; it’s at the core of who they are as a company and the products they create. Their performance running shoe, the Tree Flyer, is lightweight, super springy, and wildly comfortable, and they’re Tina’s go-to running shoes. They’re her workout shoes, and she’s run three marathons and an ultra in them.  The Tree Dasher is not only a running shoe, it’s perfect for daily wear. Use this link, and you’ll get a free pair of socks with your order!    Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could listen to, and we are honored you have chosen Running For Real.  If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that the topic will resonate with them.  Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram  Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player. Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe?  You can find out here.  “Thank you” to Kiera! We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.