The Running Explained Podcast
The Running Explained Podcast
Running Explained
s6/e2 Who Gets to Run Freely? with Alison Mariella Désir
1 hour Posted Feb 5, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava welcome Alison Mariella Désir, author of 'Running While Black'. They discuss the importance of freedom of movement, the challenges faced by Black and Brown runners, and the significance of creating inclusive running communities. Alison shares her journey into running, the founding of Harlem Run, and her experiences as a mental health therapist. Alison also chats about her PBS TV Show: Out and Back. The conversation also touches on accountability and allyship within the running industry, emphasizing the need for empathy and curiosity in understanding diverse experiences.
Introduction to Alison Mariella Désir
Freedom of Movement and Safety in Running
Allison's Journey to Running and Community Building
The Impact of Harlem Run and Inclusivity in Running
Understanding Surveillance and Safety in Running While Black
Empathy, Curiosity, and Conversations about Race
Allison's PBS Show: Out and Back
Climbing Kilimanjaro and Community Empowerment
Overcoming Fear and Taking Action
The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals
The Therapeutic Journey: Insights from Therapy
Accountability and Allyship in the Running Community
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Show notes
In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava welcome Alison Mariella Désir, author of 'Running While Black'. They discuss the importance of freedom of movement, the challenges faced by Black and Brown runners, and the significance of creating inclusive running communities. Alison shares her journey into running, the founding of Harlem Run, and her experiences as a mental health therapist. Alison also chats about her PBS TV Show: Out and Back. The conversation also touches on accountability and allyship within the running industry, emphasizing the need for empathy and curiosity in understanding diverse experiences.(00:00) Introduction to Alison Mariella Désir(03:31) Freedom of Movement and Safety in Running(06:26) Allison's Journey to Running and Community Building(10:27) The Impact of Harlem Run and Inclusivity in Running(16:08) Understanding Surveillance and Safety in Running While Black(19:12) Empathy, Curiosity, and Conversations about Race(23:00) Allison's PBS Show: Out and Back(29:45) Climbing Kilimanjaro and Community Empowerment(34:07) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action(36:45) The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals(38:33) The Therapeutic Journey: Insights from Therapy(46:55) Accountability and Allyship in the Running Community(54:10) Empowerment and Community EngagementAlison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, a visionary and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for movement, mental health, and racial equity. Alison got her start in the running and outdoor industry unintentionally, after seeing a Black friend train and complete a marathon. Inspired, Alison went on to run her first marathon and discovered that she had found a powerful tool to manage her depression. She’s been working to share the transformational power of running and movement ever since.WebsiteInstagramPBS ShowAmanda IGNick IGEmail - [email protected]🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU?✅ Personalized training✅ Weekly support + adjustments✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goalsNot ready for a 1:1 Coach📝PDF Training Plan Templates available🤝Group Coaching, Strength Training and Unlimited access to all Training Plans available in The Run Club AppLearn more about all of this at www.runningexplained.com