Hello, and welcome to the first edition of 27.2! It’s been a hot minute since I started working on this newsletter, and I had hoped to write something before now. But I couldn’t quite put my finger on how I wanted to frame “27.2”… do runners need more coaching-type advice at this moment in time? Ultimately, I’ve returned to the original goal of 27.2 (created back in 2017), which was to look into how runners can ‘go the extra mile for the environment.’ Thanks to a reminder from Caroline Saunders over at Pale Blue Tart, digging into climate solutions is more critical than ever. I would like to continue to think about how and whether the sport of running and the running community can be part of the climate solution. And a big part of that, I think, is how running & creativity work together. In some form or fashion, you can expect a look at creative & active climate solutions in this newsletter, and I can’t wait to get started.
On that note, I’d love to know which topics you’d like to hear about regarding running and climate solutions. Shoes/ gear, travel, races, single-use plastics? Or do interviews with artist-runner-activists sound interesting? Leave a comment to let me know, or drop me a line by replying. It would be great to hear from you!
And next, some race news! A couple of years ago, I decided to race more locally (within Arizona) and, so far, have pretty much managed to do so. Up next is the Zane Grey 50 - a trail race that has been around for thirty-five years here in AZ. I’m running for Renew Earth Running - a team I joined in 2021. With a mission to heal and protect the environment through the restoration of land to Tribal stewardship and Indigenous leadership, RER contributes annually to projects such as the Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi project in Minnesota. I’m holding a fundraiser for RER as part of my trail race, and every donation gets an entry into a prize draw happening on April 30th. Prizes include… drum roll… handmade ceramic mugs (made by me! eek), goodies from Precision Fuel & Hydration, gift cards from Fleet Feet Tucson, a ‘Be a Good Relative’ T-shirt from Rising Hearts, yoga-for-runners classes, and a trail running workshop in Tucson with yours truly. Click here to make a donation - everything helps! Thanks!
On a final note, I wanted to share this great video about play and creativity with the sculptor Antony Gormley. As I watched it, the applications to running immediately sprang to mind. How can we approach our daily runs with an element of play? Can we let go of expectations a little and see running as a form of creativity? Thought for the day.
Until next time, happy trails, and thanks very much for reading!
Susie.
Can't wait to read more! Shoe waste is always on my mind when it comes to the environment. I turn every tired pair into "work shoes," but eventually those stack up and I need to make space. They're always too ratty to donate, so in the trash they go. How can high-mileage runners reduce their "footprint?"