277. Ben Chan, Ultra Runner & Activist
Ali on the Run Show
Ali Feller
4.9 • 4.2K Ratings
🗓️ 3 September 2020
⏱️ 75 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
"If I want things to change, I have to keep on fighting. But I can't be the only one."
If you've ever run a race in New York City, you know Ben Chan. He's the "leopard print short-shorts and cowboy hat guy," and he's a staple on the NYC running scene. On this episode, in addition to talking about his on-the-run fashion choices, Ben shares the story of how he found running at age 30, by way of donating a kidney to a friend in need. And Ben talks about his firsthand experiences with racism, many of which he's experienced recently, and on the run. Ben talks about being the son of immigrants and grandson of refugees, and offers his perspective on what it means to create "safe spaces" and "escapes" by way of running.
Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones!
What you'll get on this episode:
- All about those amazing running outfits (6:30)
- How Ben got started running — and how donating a kidney factored in (19:00)
- Ben talks about his firsthand experiences with racism, both within the running community and beyond (27:30)
- Why does Ben keep showing up? (51:30)
Stuff we mention on this episode:
The Years of Lyndon Johnson, by Robert Caro
April Cargill on Episode 148 of the Ali on the Run Show
Follow Ben:
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- Twitter @aliontherun1
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This episode of The Alley on the Run Show is brought to you by Aftershocks. |
| 0:04.0 | Go to ontherun.aftershocks.com to say 15% on all wireless headphones. |
| 0:14.4 | Welcome to The Alley on the Run Show. |
| 0:16.4 | I'm your host Allie Feller, and every week I talk with inspiring people who lead |
| 0:21.2 | interesting lives on the run and beyond. And while running is the thing that brings us all together, |
| 0:26.4 | on these episodes, we cover more than just what happens on the run. |
| 0:30.2 | We learn those why's behind the runs. The decisions people have made to get where they are today, |
| 0:35.6 | and how getting sweaty has factored in. |
| 0:38.7 | Now, today's episode is a little different than what I guess has become the typical Alley on |
| 0:43.2 | the Run Show conversation. And that's intentional. Because part of me does want this show to be |
| 0:48.8 | light and fluffy and happy, I want you to feel like you have a running buddy by your side, |
| 0:53.5 | safely, when listening to The Alley on the Run Show. But if I've learned anything over the past |
| 0:58.4 | few months, it's that sometimes it is not all light and fluffy on the run and beyond. |
| 1:04.4 | Sometimes we have tough conversations with our running buddies. Sometimes we get a little uncomfortable |
| 1:09.6 | with our running buddies. We push the pace, we motivate each other, and ultimately we share, |
| 1:15.1 | and we get stronger, right? So today's conversation is one of those, one of the important ones, |
| 1:20.3 | where maybe we get uncomfortable and we all leave feeling stronger. |
| 1:24.6 | Today I am honored to have Ultra Runner Ben Chan here on the show. You may know Ben by his |
| 1:30.0 | Instagram moniker, MailRunner, or if you've ever run a race in New York City, you definitely know Ben. |
| 1:37.0 | He's the guy who races year-round in a Lippard Prince Speedo and a cowboy hat, |
| 1:42.0 | and he is always smiling on the run. And we're absolutely going to talk about that, the fashion, |
| 1:47.8 | the energy I love it so much. But we're also here to talk about many of Ben's first-hand experiences |
... |
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