I recognize the value of diversity. I recognize the value of being able to interact and learn from and just be in the presence of people who have different backgrounds and experiences.

And when you have those experiences to actually interact with, talk with, learn together with and from people who have different lived experiences than your own, that informs how you view the world.

And I believe oftentimes it informs it for the better.

For me, you know, the diversity component, but then also the way that track field can be used as a tool for educational access in a really proficient, profound way is something that has driven me to do the work that I've done.

Hey, what's up everyone? That was Russell Dinkins. I'm your host, Mario Freyoli, and you are listening to the Morning Shakeout podcast.

Every week on this show, I glean insight and inspiration from athletes, coaches, and others to help show you what's possible through the lens of running.

I also put out a weekly newsletter on Tuesday mornings that features an eclectic and interesting roundup of things that I've been thinking about reading and listening to lately that I promise will inform, inspire, or entertain you in some way.

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Okay, Russell Dinkins. I've been waiting a while to have this conversation and it did not disappoint. Over the past couple of years, this man has helped save men's track and field programs at Brown University, Clemson, the University of Minnesota, and William and Mary.

He's now the executive director of the Tracksmith Foundation, where he will continue that work while also helping create more opportunities and inspire broader participation in track and field through various forms of advocacy and assistance.

Russell is also an incredible athlete. He has been competing since he was six years old. He ran collegiately at Princeton, where he was a 400 and 800 meter runner, not to mention a five time Ivy League individual champion, and he's still getting after it and competing on the track into his 30s.

In this conversation, we talked about the path he's followed in the sport, track and field as a vehicle for diversity and educational access, how his relationship to running has evolved over the years, what he hopes to achieve through his work moving forward, and a lot more.

Before we dive in, a big thank you to New Balance for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. There's a whole lineup of new and updated models of shoes that will launch in the coming months, but I'm still loving the fresh foam 1080 V11 as my go-to training shoe for most of my non-workout days.

The cushioning does a great job protecting my feet without feeling too soft, providing a fun, responsive ride.

The upper feels like a snug sock around my foot and allows it to move freely and naturally while still giving me a secure fit.

The fresh foam 1080 V11 is also super durable. I've gotten at least 500 miles out of each pair that I've run in, and they don't break down as quickly as other trainers that I've worn over the years.

The fresh foam 1080 V11 is available in both men's and women's sizes on newbalance.com or at your local run specialty retail store.

Check them out and give them a try today.

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Long time listeners of the show will know them as Precision Hydration, but they've changed their name to reflect the fact that they've been helping athletes nail both aspects of their performance for a long time now.

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