Inclusivity, Mental Health as a Latina Trail Runner: Cristina Regalado

Christina Regalado is an ultra trail runner, physician's assistant, daughter of El Salvadoran and Mexican immigrants, and the co-founder of Wasatch Trails Collective, a local trail running group for BIPOC runners in Utah. Wasatch Trails Collective's mission is to create an inclusive and supportive community for runners of color along the Wasatch Front, empowering runners of all levels to achieve their personal goals, improving diversity and equity in the broader running community, and reducing barriers that limit participation and representation of people of color in endurance sports. Christina has also served on the board of directors for Women of the Wasatch, a women's nonprofit group in Utah, and has worked with Bigger Than the Trail (BTTT) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help fundraise and advocate for mental health care. And, Cristina was recently awarded a GU Energy sponsorship to run the 2026 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race (WSER).  In this conversation Cristina talks about being the daughter of immigrants, as well as her work in healthcare and being one of the few Spanish-speaking and Latina women in her position. She also discusses mental health challenges she and others in her family have faced, and how being out on the trails has been a powerful tool in her own health journey—being out on the trails is a space where Cristina can bring her full self, however that may look on any given day.  Also discussed: Cristina's work within the trail community, including becoming a co-founder of the Wasatch Trails Collective and what that organization is all about. Stefanie also dives into Cristina's own trail running journey, including being chosen to run at this year's WSER as a GU sponsored athlete. Also, Cristina is running WSER as a fundraiser for BTTT (see link below to donate). And both Stefanie and Cristina read the powerful words that Cristina has written about what trail running means to her and the impact it's had on her life.   This is a deep and insightful conversation. Cristina has a beautiful way of expressing her passion for the trails and also why she's so passionate about opening the trail space to those who have felt excluded.  A note of caution: this conversation touches on the topic of suicide and suicidal thoughts. Please see below for links on where to find help if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health.  EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast EARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor  Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode  Cristina Regalado on Instagram: @runchachi Wasatch Trails Collective on Instagram: @wasatchtrailscollective Women of the Wasatch website: womenofthewasatch.com National Alliance on Mental Illness website: nami.org Bigger Than the Trail (BTTT) website: bttt.run To donate to Cristina's WSER BTTT fundraiser: givebutter.com/teambttt/RUNCHACHI Mental Health Resources To apply for free counseling through BTTT: https://www.bttt.run/support For an acute issue, 988 lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Crisis text line: text HOME to 741741: https://www.crisistextline.org The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ youth): https://www.thetrevorproject.org EARTHMOVERS Hosts  Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir  Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin