Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition: Mix It Up Mindfully

We're thrilled to share this interview with Kiera Smalls, the Executive Director of the Running Industry Coalition.  The RIDC is an educational nonprofit with a mission to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.  This is a conversation about how running can be a tool for connection, empowerment, and change, but also how the running community, and how we think about diversity in the running community, is a microcosm for so much more.   In a time where we seem to see a movement in opposition to diversity, equity, inclusion, we are doing our best to double down on these values. At Charity Miles, we believe in inclusivity, and that our diversity is what makes us resilient. It also makes our life experiences so much more rich and enjoyable.   But most of all, because it's the right thing to do. So we're going to try to do our part, in this podcast at the very least, to bring you more voices like Kiera's. — This podcast is sponsored by our partners at UCan, a brand that I have personally relied on for years to fuel my performance, both in big events and every day. UCan provides steady, long lasting energy without the sugar roller coaster that's in other energy gels and drinks. The unique LiveSteady carbohydrate is a starch, not a sugar, that is trusted by elite athletes like Kira D'Amato and Emma Bates, weekend warriors, and everyday movers alike. Unlike fast burning sugars and gels, UCan delivers a slow, sustained release of energy to keep you going strong without the crashes. Whether you're training for a marathon, heading out for a long ride, or just staying active, UCan helps you feel and perform your best. And as a special gift to the Charity Miles community, UCAN is offering a free sample pack of four energy gels, plus, you can get 20% off any other UCan products by entering the code "CharityMiles" at checkout. Click here to learn more.