Hi, I'm Willow Belden and you're listening to Out There, the podcast that explores big questions through intimate stories outdoors.

I've been producing Out There for almost seven years now, and the show has grown and changed a lot over that time.

But one thing has stayed the same. You are my

number one priority. You, the listeners, who tune in and share your time with us. You are always,

always front and center for me. My hope is that our stories offer you inspiration, healing,

and comfort, because we all deserve to flourish, no matter how difficult the world around us may be.

In order to produce stories that really make a difference in your life, I'd like to get to know you a little better.

So my team and I have put together a little survey. I would be so grateful if you'd take a few minutes to fill it out.

You can find a link to the survey in the show notes and at our website, out therepodcast.com.

To thank you for your time, after you complete the survey, I'll send you a free Out There

sticker and enter you into a drawing for an REI gift card.

Plus, of course, you'll have my undying gratitude.

Again, just click the link in the show notes to take

the survey.

Today, we're telling a story about fairness and sports, running specifically. On the surface, running

seems like a pretty fair competition.

The winner of the race is the fastest person from point A to point B, and to move up in the ranks,

you just have to be a better runner than everyone else.

Right?

Turns out it's not so simple.

Fairness is a surprisingly complicated concept,

and rules that are meant to ensure fairness can actually end up keeping some of the best athletes from participating.

...