Rising Hearts June Blog Updates 6/3
June is here!! We have had a busy month for May, as always! We have some new race recaps for you, efforts to support or donate to, opportunities to apply for, and a couple podcast suggestions!
THANK YOU, to everyone who participated in the May 5th - week of action and awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and peoples!
We are so excited and grateful to get to know community, create community, create awareness, and help give back to the heart work that is having profound impacts. We are all part of that, together!
AREAS OF FOCUS: Updates
We are prioritizing our Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate Collective through our own fundraising and partnerships, to support our athletes in their running and advocacy.
Our Running On Native Lands Initiative is in constant growth. The toolkit is almost done with some notable updates, potential new partners that we are in communications with, and we have created a more formalized process in becoming a partner. We have upcoming opportunities to screen our Know To Run series along with our Going Beyond a Land Acknowledgement workshop, it allows us to meet more of community, help educate, and learn from community. So, we are looking forward to our annual virtual/in person Running On Native Lands community gatherings this month!
Rising Hearts Stories has been created under new production company Narrative Shift, centered, on community, environmental, racial and social justice efforts, important campaigns that shift the narrative, offer ways to inform, and help shine a light on the celebratory moments in community with our partners and ideas we help co-create! The official launch of this company, that founder, Jordan Marie Whetstone is helping to co-create and lead. Rising Hearts Stories, will have it’s own space on the website and on our own! We look forward to this opportunity and growth.
- Rising Hearts
PRIDE MONTH
Happy Pride Month to all Two Spirit, LGBTQ+, Non-binary People! We see you. We will continue to learn from you. We will continue to support you.
+ Show your PRIDE
+ Show up to Pride events
+ Amplify 2SLGBTQ+ Nonbinary voices
+ Donate to 2SLGBTQ+ Nonbinary organizations, advocates, and communities
+ Advocate against the harmful and tactical anti-2SLGBTQ+ legislative bills out there
+ Buy from 2SLGBTQ+ Nonbinary voices
+ Continue to be a friend and ally, year round
SPOTLIGHT: RWP Athlete Advocate, Cal Calamia!
”To be a trans athlete is to bear the burden of proof that you deserve to play. It is to physically and emotionally fight for your right to even show up. It is to be courageous. For many of us, especially trans women, there is no triumph in these battles.”
Cal is featured in Runner’s World for their story, their advocacy, and their fight for Trans Athletes against the anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislations impacting their right to be who they are. Learn more!
OUT OF THE DARK
Cal has a documentary, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, NY June 5-16th.
Learn more about Cal and about Out of the Dark at www.wellbeings.org/outofthedark
PERMANENT CEASE FIRE
All eyes on Rafah, Sudan, Congo, Yemen, and on so many communities experiencing genocide, injustice, displacement, by an oppressor. And we have so much to learn as an organization, as individuals, as we continue to learn more about frontline communities harmed by the dangerous roots of colonialism. We may not always get it right, but we appreciate those we follow and those that share resources with us, as we do our best to signal boost them across our platforms as often as we can. Many feel lost, don’t know what to do, and we believe coming into this space of advocacy, needs to happen on your own. We must first care, and many do, must become aware and educated as much as we can, participate in actions, donate, and more. We don’t judge or think less of you or define what that looks like. We are seeing this across the virtual spaces so much, creating tension, criticism for it not being done the right way, which happens all the time and never finding the right way depending on who is criticizing. We have to foster a community of support and a sense of safety, especially for people who are new to advocacy spaces.
Humanity is in grave danger - we have to save it.
Here are some links below that that we have collected for you as starting points or continuous support. We will do our best to keep adding to them.
+ Permanent Cease Fire in Gaza
+ Call your representatives
+ We are taxpayers, our money is funding this genocide
+ Donate to aid / support those on the ground / families
+ Divest from pathways fueling and funding this genocide
+ Get out and vote
2024 WESTERN STATES UPDATES
Our 2024 Western States co-sponsored runner with GU Energy Labs, Alexandria, is headed to the Western States training camp in Palisades, CA / Tahoe, CA, Wasiw and Nisenan lands. We are excited for you to get to know Alex! We are excited to provide updates about how training camp went, as well as we go into the big 100 miler race day on June 29th!
Alex just completed the Miwok 100k on Coast Miwok lands / Ohlone area / San Francisco, CA. The conditions were less than ideal but she powered through and really showed her fitness in preparation for the big race, Western States Endurance Run 100 at the end of June! Stay tuned for more updates!
Meet Alexandria (Alex) Staten:
My name is Alexandria (Alex) Staten (she/her). I am Diné on my mother’s side and Mexican on my father’s side. I live in Fayetteville, AR with my husband and our three fur children. I work as a program evaluator in a community health setting. My work is centered on improving community programs and prioritizing the culture and needs of the community.
I started running in the 7th grade to prepare for soccer, but it soon became my sole focus. Running began as a way to maintain fitness and compete, but my ‘why’ has changed and grown over the years. Through running, I have connected more with my Diné (Navajo) culture which has shaped my ‘why’. I was not raised on the reservation or with traditional Diné teachings, + running is one way I have reconnected with my culture. I run to pray, learn, heal, celebrate, express gratitude, + to honor those who cannot run.
I ran my first trail race in 2011 + my first ultra in 2019 when I was selected from the lottery to run the Canyon de Chelly Ultra. That experience was truly the best introduction into ultra running because of the meaning of the race + where it is held. That race inspired me to try longer distances + see what my mind + body are capable of. This year, I completed my first 100 miler at the Arkansas Traveller. I would like to improve my times + attempt longer ultra distances, but my constant goal is to never forget why I run + maintain perspective.
+ Jocelyn Rivas, one of our fellow RWP Athlete Advocates is also running WSER100! They are being supported by Hoka and we are so excited to share with you their experience at training camp and for the big day later this month in a WSER100 newsletter next week!
WEAR THE HEART WORK
Rising Hearts x Bakline Collection
Shop Rising Hearts singlets, Running With Purpose singlets, Earth Day shirts, and more to be added soon!
Wasiw Poster Artwork backpack (limited time only): $50
This landscape painting was inspired by Washoe community recommendations of and marks along the Western States trail, and painted by artist and 2022 WSER finisher, Yatika Starr Fields (Osage, Muscogee, Cherokee).
Raspberry Lemonade Boco hat / limited time only: $25
It’s more than a new flavor with our GU Energy Gel kin - but it’s beautiful artwork made by Yatika Starr Fields and now YOU, can run with it! It’s a commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences while also acknowledging that the land we’re privileged to enjoy is stolen. If you’re interested in the Raspberry Lemonade gel flavor from GU - please try some! https://guenergy.com/products/energy-gel?variant=41221151457331
GLOBAL RUNNING DAY 6/5
If you’re local to Harrisonburg, VA, please join Rising Hearts and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition for a Global Running Day community 5k!
We will have some goodies available for grabs! Shoe/running gift cards, fuel, fueling hand helds, bags, sunglasses and more!
SHOE DONATION:
Join our friends and Right To Run grantee partner, Go The Distance on June 5th for a Global Running Day event! Donate your shoes. GTD supports people in substance abuse treatment centers through running and movement, and supporting over 300 people!
Location: Portland OR
Shoe Drop Off: On Store, 529 NW 23rd Ave, Portland OR 97210
FREEDOM TO RUN BENEFIT FILM SCREENING
Join Freedom to Run and Runners for Justice in Palestine for bringing this event to the community and providing an opportunity to highlight important voices!
Event Details:
Screening at 6pm, on Global Running Day, June 5th, at Making Worlds Bookstore, 210 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA.
+ All proceeds go to @phillymuslimfreedomfund
+ Tickets are available via @freedomtorunfilm on Instagram / Link in Bio
RACE RECAPS
Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate, Kelsey Long!
Hi friends,
Celebrate National Best Friends Day with Kelsey and Rebecca by entering Kelsey’s giveaway for 2 best friends to Cycle Oregon’s Joyride Camp.
“ Come together to play, ride, celebrate, and camp in one of the dreamiest getaways in all of Oregon—Justesen Ranch. This event is curated by women for female identifying and nonbinary people, designed to create a fun and welcoming environment in a space that centers the experiences of women. Live music and plenty of party vibes cap off each day’s adventures.
Tucked into the White River Canyon, this site is the perfect basecamp for a weekend retreat. Daily route options take you along wild and scenic rivers, across high plateau fields and surround you with views of the Cascades. Off the bike experiences include hiking, rafting the Deschutes River, fly fishing, clinics or just hanging out with some of your besties in camp. No matter what you choose, you are sure to find your kind of fun on this one-of-a-kind weekend getaway.” -https://cycleoregon.com/ride/joyride/
Keep an eye out for a post from Kelsey (@longcommakelsey) on Instagram for details on how to win this spot!
Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate, Phil Shin!
I have never felt more fulfilled at an event quite like I did after running the 2024 Miwok 100K earlier this month. What made it truly special was that I didn’t believe I would even get the opportunity to run it. Earlier in the year I had completely forgotten to register for Miwok and ended up on the waitlist for this highly sought race with little hope of getting pulled off it. But through a serendipitous yet magical encounter with Jordan at a photoshoot, I was honored to be entered into the race through the Rising Hearts program as a Running With Purpose athlete! To prepare for this storied race through Rising Hearts celebrating the Miwok tribe and their rightful land was something I held very dear to me throughout my training.
On the day of the race, we had some of the absolute worst weather conditions anyone could have imagined. Perpetual rain, bouts of hail, 60 mph winds, and the mud. Lots. Of. Mud.
And I loved every moment of it.
Despite the sometimes treacherous conditions, I felt closer to the fellow runners who I shared the day with and truly embraced the care that was given to us by the race coordinators and volunteers. If they were willing to stand there and support us in this weather then I certainly had no excuse to not push forward. I kept the spirit of the Miwok tribe and their rich history front of mind throughout the day and imagined how they traversed these same trails along the Marin Headlands for their survival. It was truly special.
Although the conditions weren’t optimal, I managed to finish this incredible race just a few minutes before the 15 hour 30 min cutoff to the loud cheers of the Miwok race community. It was such a thrill to finish this journey that I was so grateful to be a part of. At the finish, race director Magda Boulet said to me, “Please come back next year!”.
To which I responded, “I’m absolutely coming back!”.
What does representation mean to you?
Representation to me simply means “Come as you are.”. As an Asian American trail runner it is quite often that I find myself in the extreme minority at these events. Sure it could be simple for me to sit at home on my phone or computer screen and call out the lack of representation in the trail community, but I choose to approach it by inserting myself in these spaces. If someone who looks like me sees someone like me participating in these spaces then that’s another bird of this feather and before you know it, we could soon have our own flock.
Why do you love running?
Running for me has always been a space that does not discriminate. It doesn’t care what I'm going through, good or bad. Running is always there for me and lets me be my most authentic self. Once I step out the door then I know already that everything is going to feel a little bit better.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
2024 National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC)
September 9-12 2024 Anchorage, Alaska
$250 in person Deadline August 19th
$50 virtual Deadline September 6th
For more information please visit: nau.edu/nticc2024
What is Footprints Camp?
Footprints is a different kind of (climate) camp for adult outdoor enthusiasts passionate about community climate action. For one week every year, 15 campers join 5 expert mentors for 1 incredible week of communal learning, personal development, and relationship building. And this year, we’re thrilled to partner with @rising_hearts on program development!
Campers arrive curious and committed to taking community-centered climate action and leave with:
A global network of mentors and friends that care about your work
A strategic action plan to bring your community climate action project to life with confidence and humility
An expansive toolkit to grow as a person and professional passionate about climate justice and the outdoors
This year’s camp will be held at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury Common, VT, a destination for sports, sustainability, and stewardship boasting 800 acres of mixed-wood forest.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more about camp curriculum, costs and scholarships, and begin working on your application!
Check out our updated Camp FAQ and if you have a question we haven’t answered yet, please let us know in the comments.
Sign up for post alerts to learn about our mentors and RSVP for informational webinars.
We’re so excited to meet you!
@majellb
Tag your friends!The application for Footprints Camp 2024 is open through June 30
RUN FOR RISING HEARTS
Thanks to the 11 runners we have, turning their passion into purpose! Using running to fundraise for Rising Hearts! Here’s a chance to support our heart work through a different means - running! We hope to find 9 more runners for 2024.
2024 RACES YOU CAN SELECT AND FUNDRAISE FOR RISING HEARTS (THERE ARE MORE RACES OUTSIDE OF THE ONES BELOW YOU CAN SELECT):
Orca Half Marathon:
https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Anacortes/OrcaHalf
When: September 14-15, 2024
Distances: Half Marathon
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Mount Rushmore Half Marathon:
When: September 21, 2024
Time: 6:30am (rolling times)
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/mount-rushmore/
13.1 Half Marathon Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Lake Powell Half Marathon:
When: October 12th
Time: 8am
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/lake-powell/
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
WANT TO RACE FOR RISING HEARTS OUTSIDE OF THESE WE HAVE SELECTED?
Not seeing a race you want to run in this list? Check out all of the Wander Project events and choose the “Your Choice” option. They will reach out to learn more about your charity of choice and once you let them know that you’ll be running for Rising Hearts, they will make sure your funds come to support our mission!”
Athletes who want to support Rising Hearts for a race that is not listed, can sign up for any of the events on The Wander Project calendar: https://www.wanderproject.org/event-partners/ and pick 'Your Choice' for charity and then fill out the form to indicate they want to support Rising Hearts: (FAQ page here: https://www.wanderproject.org/athletes/frequently-asked-questions/)
Javalina 100M and 100k:
When: October 26-27, 2024
Time: 6am and 7am
Where: Fort McDowell AZ
https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/FortMcdowell/JavelinaJundredCharityBib
100M Fundraising Commitment: $3,000
100k Fundraising Commitment: $2,000
Shenandoah Half Marathon:
When: September 14, 2024
Time: 7AM
Start: Luray VA (starts at Lake Arrowhead Park)
End: Hawksbill Recreation Park (Stanley, VA
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/shenandoah/
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Joshua Tree Half
When: November 2, 2024
Time: 6pm
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/joshua-tree/
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
NOTE: A few 2025 races are available as well!
PODCAST SPOTLIGHTS
WHERE HEALTH AND WELLNESS LIVE
In need of another new podcast? Check out the The Riser's Hub podcast, hosted by Nicol Hodges - one of our Running With Purpose Athlete Advocates! Help her reach 100 listens!!
ABOUT:
Welcome to "The Risers Hub," your go-to podcast for personal growth + self-discovery. Within this safe space, we'll dive into ways of becoming the best version of yourself. Whether aiming for mental clarity, physical fitness, or a holistic life transformation, "The Risers Hub" offers insights + guidance with a little humor. As the author of "Time to Rise and Get Fit and Stay There," my mission is clear: to assist you in unlocking your true potential. No gimmicks, just practical wisdom, suggestions, and encouragement finely tuned to your unique path. So grab your favorite earplugs + listen in.
MISSION:
Welcome to THE RISER'S HUB, crafted by wellness coach Nicol Hodges. This platform empowers individuals on their journey toward achieving goals and equips them with essential tools to navigate life's toughest challenges. Nicol is passionate about witnessing individuals embrace their authentic selves, achieve their aspirations, and create a life that brings them genuine happiness. Join us on this transformative adventure at THE RISER'S HUB.
LISTEN HERE: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-risers-hub
‘Making Strides’ is a space to share the experiences of underrepresented and marginalized communities in the sport of running. Join Stefanie Flippin and Carolyn Su in discussions on navigating microaggressions and policing, sponsorship negotiations, mental health, current events, and more.
We hope this podcast serves to fill in the gaps of what might not typically be covered in running industry media, and we hope that through our conversations here, we can be a safe space for learning and a launching pad for making the sport more equitable and inclusive for everyone.
BIG SHOUT OUT to Carolyn and Stef!! We appreciate you both so much!
Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-strides/id1687742311