Nine Podcast Episodes featuring Black Women Runners
By Jasmine Nesi, Co-founder + COO
When I first started running, I only listened to music on my runs. I relied on it to keep my energy up, to allow me to zone out and to help me push through when it started to hurt. It wasn’t until I started marathon training that I began to listen to podcasts, especially on the long runs. I felt even more accomplished as both my body and mind got a workout.
Always on the lookout for representation, unfortunately, I noticed there are few podcasts hosted by Black women runners. What I did find, though, were some excellent podcast episodes with the stories and representation to inspire me. Here are nine of those episodes featuring Black women runners and endurance athletes that I hope will inspire you for your next workout.
Ali on the Run Show w/ Samia Akbar
Samia spent seven years as a professional runner sponsored by Reebok. In 2006, Samia ran a 2:34 at the New York City Marathon and holds the record for fastest Black female marathoner to date. In this episode, Samia chats about how she got started running, on taking up space as a Black woman in the sport and being competitive in the marathon. (90 minutes)
2 Black Runners w/ Marielle Hall
Marielle Hall is a 2016 Olympian and two-time NCAA All-American specializing in the 5,000M and 10,000M events. She’s also one of the members of The Relay. This episode covers her time on the cross country team at the University of Texas - Austin, why she chose Bowerman Track Club, hair, and creating more space for Black women in the sport. (75 minutes)
Girls Run the World w/ Ingrid Walters
Ingrid Walters is an actress and accomplished marathoner with a personal best of 2:48:03. She discusses getting into running at 40, getting faster with age, running through breast cancer and representation for American-born Black women in running. (54 minutes)
Another Mother Runner w/ Alysia Montano
Alysia Montano is a 2012 Olympian and 7-time USA Champion. In 2014, she famously ran in the 2014 Outdoor USA Championships while 34 weeks pregnant. In this episode, Alysia covers how she’s adjusting during quarantine with three kids at home, cultivating motivation, advocating for moms and finding spaces for joy. (68 minutes)
Hurdle Podcast w/ Jess Sims
Jess Sims is a Peloton Tread instructor. She discusses her career as an educator and transition to fitness instructor, navigating the pandemic, finding motivation and the Peloton community. (73 minutes)
The Run Duo podcast w/ Peyton Thomas
The Run Duo podcast is hosted by two Atlanta-based runners, India Cook and Tommy Mitchell. This episode features Peyton Thomas, 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier and member of The Relay. Peyton discusses her diverse sports background, marathon debut and what’s next. (87 minutes)
Keeping Track w/ Ayesha McGowan
Ayesha McGowan is the first African-American professional cyclist. In this podcast hosted by Alysia Montano, Molly Huddle and Roisin McGettigan, the episode covers Ayesha’s cycling journey, her advocacy for people of color in cycling, and how is making space for her and other Black women in the sport. (41 minutes)
Running On Om w/ Mirna Valerio
Mirna Valerio is an ultrarunner, author and educator. This episode touches on her background as a trained opera singer, coming back from injury, dealing with bodyweight criticism and where she’s at now in her running journey. (93 minutes)
Have a favorite podcast episode you want to share? Let us know in the comments below.
Jasmine Nesi
Co-founder + COO