EP 680: Breaking Barriers in Women's Running
Trail Runner Nation
Trail Runner Nation
4.5 • 1.3K Ratings
🗓️ 7 June 2024
⏱️ 55 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
We are joined by Maggie Mertens, the author of "Better Faster Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women," which challenges long-held beliefs about women in running. Starting with a powerful reminder from over a century ago, when a woman ran the first modern Olympic marathon without permission, the book reveals how women have faced relentless opposition from the medical establishment, media, and athletic associations. Despite these challenges, they ran barefoot, without sports bras, and sometimes disguised as men, defying quack science and societal norms. Mertens takes us from this boundary-breaking marathon in Greece in 1896 to today's ultra-marathons, like the Spine Race, where women have shattered records. The conversation explores the history of women in running, the progress made, and the lingering stereotypes and inequalities. It highlights the achievements of female athletes, the impact of Title IX, and the need for more research on women's bodies in sports. Overall, it sheds light on the importance of breaking down barriers and empowering women in the world of running.
You can preorder the book now or buy it on June 18th when it is released.
Learn more by going to Maggie's website or following Maggie on Instagram
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | So these ultras, I think, are fascinating for what we can see in terms of advantages |
| 0:07.0 | women might have, but also just how they do really level the playing field on that gender |
| 0:12.5 | binary front because there's so many elements that come in and really like reveal just what |
| 0:19.5 | human bodies can do that is very amazing in my opinion. |
| 0:30.0 | Welcome to the Trailhead of Trail Runner Nation. |
| 0:40.2 | We go on virtual trail runs with guests that are going to inspire and motivate. |
| 0:45.8 | They're also going to help us learn to be better runners and maybe better human beings. |
| 0:51.6 | If it's your first time, we welcome you, the trail is open for everybody. |
| 0:55.8 | And today we're running with Maggie Mertens, the author of Better Faster Farther, and |
| 1:00.8 | we talk about how far female runners have come in just a few short decades. |
| 1:07.1 | It's very interesting, and I learned a lot. |
| 1:10.4 | Today we're going to be running in the John G. Repeat Marino Tech T. I am a big fan of |
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| 1:30.6 | the performance of Marino wool and the durability of nylon for added strength. |
| 1:36.0 | You owe it to yourself to check this shirt out. |
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| 1:44.6 | your order. |
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| 1:50.9 | You get 15% off John G for life, exclusive products, member-only prints and styles, and |
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