Stef and I get more into our different experiences growing up as Asian Americans — like how I felt like I was constantly straddling two separate worlds and identities, while Stef moved about not acknowledging her Asian ancestry. We also share about the steps we’ve taken as adults to reclaim and celebrate our heritage, whether through cooking more cultural foods, amplifying Asian American runners, or participating in more Asian American-centered events.

This was a whole therapy session, yall!

We also start to touch upon our thoughts on how social media has shaped running culture and community — and full disclosure: this topic is definitely to be continued! There are lots of unpack!

Special s/o to Alexandria Staten, the Rising Hearts athlete whom Stef has been coaching and who will be lining up to run Western States 100 this weekend! Make sure to go show her some love!!

We hope you enjoy this convo (take us with you on your next run!), and of course, subscribe, leave a rating and review if you do! The Making Strides Podcast is available across all streaming platforms now.

As always, we are so grateful you’re here — in this space, in the sport, and in this world! #keepshowingup, keep running, and keep on being the change we wish to see.

Notes:

00:06 - Carolyn and Stef shoot the shit for awhile, reflecting on Further, the Boston Marathon, Vegas travels, and moving

05:05 - Stef cautiously getting back into training for her upcoming 100K

08:10 - Carolyn’s family participating in the Boston AAPI 5K, and how different of an experience it has been for her kids to grow up as Asian Americans, compared to when Carolyn was a kid

17:00 - Carolyn and Stef get more in depth on their different experiences growing up as Asian Americans, and how they have sought to reclaim aspects of their heritage as adults

24:10 - Stef celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month by elevating one of her API athletes, Andrew, who immigrated from Korea and has had to navigate discrimination in the trail and ultra world

36:15 - Carolyn honors AANHPI Heritage Month by prioritizing AAPI athletes in the month’s Diverse We Run features; she highlights George Rehmet, the out-going President of the RRCA

41:50 - Carolyn and Stef delve into how social media has changed the sport and the ways we feel community (and this discussion is TBC!)

58:40 - looking ahead, Stef will be coaching Rising Hearts athlete, Alexandria Staten at Western States! Carolyn will be getting through her kids’ graduations, kick-starting summer vacation, and diving into marathon training!

Links:

Diverse We Run feature on George Rehmet

Rising Hearts

Alexandria Staten

Find Stef ⁠here⁠.

Find Carolyn ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠.