Mechelle Lewis Freeman: Empowering TrackGirlz - R4R 349

Mechelle Lewis Freeman’s deep faith and the support of her family and community helped propel her to the top ranks of track and field. She’s a Pan American Double Silver Medalist, a World Champion, and an Olympian. The lessons she learned from her own experiences inspired her to create a non-profit, TrackGirlz, that empowers girls through track and field. For complete show notes and links, visit our website at runningforreal.com/episode349.   Thank you to Dri Seats, Tracksmith, and Becoming a Sustainable Runner for sponsoring this episode.    What do you do when you finish a run or workout, you’re hot and sweaty, and you have to get into your car? Put a towel over your seat and try to anchor it under the headrest, only to have it fall down as you’re driving anyway? Perch on the very edge of your seat to try to minimize contact with it? Neither of those options keeps your car clean, not to mention that they can be dangerous. Dri Seat waterproof seat covers can be installed and removed in seconds; they have a slip-resistant backing that keeps them in place; and they won’t scratch, scuff, stain or discolor your seats (and neither will your sweat!). They’re machine washable and sized for all vehicles, from compact cars to trucks.  Go here and use code R4R20 for 20% off your first order!   Tracksmith is an independent running brand inspired by a deep love of the sport. For years the brand has elevated running wear using best-in-class materials and timeless silhouettes that perform at the highest level and can be worn everyday, not just for running.  Tracksmith helps the environment by making comfortable, durable clothes that will last for years, rather than winding up in the landfill, but that’s not the only contribution they make. They supported Running for Real in creating our RED-S: Realize. Reflect. Recover program. They help athletes who are trying to make the Olympic trials, and they offer scholarships for creatives to work on their crafts. They also have lots of events - Tina will be hosting events with them at the Boston and London marathons.  If you’re a new customer, go here and use the code TINANEW at checkout to get $15 off your order of $75 or more. Returning customers can use the code TINAGIVE, and Tracksmith will give you free shipping and donate 5% of your order to TrackGirlz.   Are you a runner? Do you care about the planet you run on? Would you like to use running to change the world for the better? Becoming a Sustainable Runner will show you how. Becoming a Sustainable Runner, by Tina Muir and Zoë Rom, is a practical guide for runners of all abilities and backgrounds who want to take meaningful action to protect our planet through their love of the sport. It’s available for pre-order through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Waterstones UK, Target, and many independent bookstores.   Thanks for listening! If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening to this podcast!. And if you enjoy Running for Real, please leave us a review! Keep up with what’s going on at Running for Real by signing up for our weekly newsletter on our website. Follow Tina on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You’ll find Running for Real on Instagram too! Want to be a member of the Running for Real community? Join #Running4Real Superstars on Facebook!  Subscribe to our YouTube channel for additional content, including our RED-S: Realize. Reflect. Recover series of 50+ videos. Thank you for your support - we appreciate each and every one of you!