Running For Diversity (continued)

gender participation. Running is a unique sport where all gender and ages can run together as one.

What can the running industry do to improve its diversity efforts?

Retailers and vendors should hire individuals in the leadership and staff roles with diverse backgrounds. With diverse leadership and staff one can connect with individuals and runners in their communities. I have noticed running brands have been advertising diversity in media and photos and such. That is a step in the right direction. We can all learn from one another.

Do you bring a different perspective to your role as a woman in the business as compared to your male colleagues?

Yes, I do. I am more relationship-based and care about my customers even long after I have sold them a pair of shoes or apparel. I see life differently every day and I’m grateful to be able to run and share my love of running with others.

What advice would you give to run specialty retailers and vendors about reaching out to a more diverse gender and ethnic consumer?

They should reach out to diverse communities through sponsorships for run clubs/ individuals, fun runs, demo runs, etc. The location of the runs should be held in diverse communities.

How can you personally relate to that effort?

Being a Native American (Navajo tribe) we have a lot of talent off and on the Navajo Reservation. The Indigenous people are known to be long distance runners, but feel we are often forgotten or overlooked. We need sponsors for elite Indigenous runners who can in return be mentors for our young children to look up to through the sport of running.

What advice would you give to any women considering following a similar career path as yours?

You have to have a passion for running, take risks, surround yourself with people that support you, believe in your dream and don’t give up. As a woman in the business I feel often we are not taken seriously at times. There are many challenges in owning a small business but it is very rewarding.

On a personal note, are you a runner? If so, what’s your running routine like these days?

Yes, I am certainly a runner. I have run a 55K, several marathons, including Boston, half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks in my lifetime. I am currently training for a half marathon in February 2023 in Mesa, Arizona. Since I’m getting older I have been focusing more on 5Ks and 10Ks to try and keep my speed. I run five days a week, either a long run, track workout, short fast pace run or weight train.

What did you accomplish at The Running Event 2022 in Austin last year?

At The Running Event, Eugene and I met with new vendors and now we plan to carry a variety of brands of running footwear, apparel and accessories.

Finally, what do you expect for your store in 2023 and what is it going to take to accomplish that?

I expect 2023 to be a great year, since it will be the half marathon year for Southwest Runners. In order to have more merchandise we need to make some renovations. We also plan to have more community fun runs. Since Eugene works in the construction industry, he will have to make time to make these renovations. On my part, I will have to continue to work hard, be creative and serve our local running community. n