Stephanie Case-Human Rights Activist, Advocate for Women in Ultrarunning, and Badass Trail Runner | Koopcast Episode 152
Episode overview:
Stephanie Case is a well-known figure in trail/ultra running, not just for her success in crazy, tough races (Tor de Glaciers, Hardrock, The Barkley Marathons), but for her outspokenness about women’s rights. Stephanie spearheads tough conversations concerning inclusivity for women in our sport- pregnancy deferrals, quotas for women in races/lotteries, and more. If she couldn’t be any more admirable, Steph also works in conflict zones as a Human Rights Advocate.
Episode highlights:
(26:39) Free to Run: creating female leaders in areas of conflict through visibility in the outdoors space, creating societal change in patriarchal societies
(31:56) Gender inequality in ultras: microaggressions, reasons for including the top 10 women at UTMB, providing for women’s health at races, there are more barriers for women
(59:05) How race directors can promote inclusivity: offering women’s products and childcare stations as symbols of an inclusive space
Our conversation:
(0:00) Introduction: Stephanie Howe covers for Jason, introducing Stephanie Case
(2:01) Stephanie’s journey into ultras: finding running later in life, seeking challenge, having a physical goal
(5:42) Multi-day races: taking up the challenge, male-dominated demographics, racing past mudslides in Vietnam, redefining what you think is possible
(8:47) The ultramarathon journey: breaking limits, doing something hard, learning what you can do, embracing the unknown
(11:44) Racing and problem solving: speed, confidence in the sport, dealing with chaos in races and training
(14:25) Stephanie’s career: working for the United Nations, humanitarian law, working in crisis zones in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and the Middle East
(17:50) Motivation to work in humanitarian law: following your calling, dealing with trauma in crisis zones
(21:06) Making a difference: having a purpose, following your passion, defying social expectations
(23:47) Ultrarunning in crisis zones: managing training, motivation and freedom, turning challenges into privileges
(26:39) Free to Run: creating female leaders in areas of conflict through visibility in the outdoors space, creating societal change in patriarchal societies
(29:57) Inclusivity in ultrarunning: ultrarunning is a largely homogeneous space
(31:21) Anecdote: only recognizing the top five women at UTMB
(31:56) Gender inequality in ultras: microaggressions, reasons for including the top 10 women at UTMB, providing for women’s health at races, there are more barriers for women
(36:15) Pregnancy deferrals in ultrarunning: examples, education, changing policies
(38:22) Multi-year pregnancy deferrals: returning to running post-childbirth and starting the conversation on pregnancy clauses in race events
(41:34) Expectations surrounding running postpartum: celebrating athletes who return to running quickly while normalizing recovery periods for women
(43:29) Dealing with miscarriage: recognizing the challenges mothers face, Stephanie’s story
(47:59) Shame surrounding miscarriages: lack of public discourse, choosing to be visible about miscarriage, feedback from women struggling with infertility
(51:07) Balancing pregnancy and running: planning life goals, conflicting values
(52:25) Starting the conversation on miscarriage: 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, miscarriage is not a female athlete’s fault, suffering mothers are not alone
(54:02) Feeling blame for miscarriage: questions, running Hardrock pregnant, compounding pressure
(55:07) Recovery from childbirth or attempted childbirth: giving yourself grace, spending time outdoors, keep moving
(59:05) How race directors can promote inclusivity: offering women’s products and childcare stations as symbols of an inclusive space
(1:01:24) Women athletes and the lottery: encouraging participation through quotas
(1:02:09) Making actionable contributions to inclusivity: societal expectations and barriers, healthcare products at races, pregnancy deferrals, women in leadership positions
(1:05:52) Wrap-up: banter, giving thanks
(1:07:13) Outro: recap, promoting inclusivity by normalizing conversations on women’s challenges in ultrarunning
Additional resources:
Free to Run: https://freetorun.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/theultrarunnergirl/?hl=en
Stephanie Case Trail Runner Article: https://www.trailrunnermag.com/people/stephanie-cases-secret-weapon/
https://www.outsideonline.com/health/running/why-cant-pregnant-women-defer-race-entries/
https://www.outsideonline.com/health/running/western-states-transgender-athletes-policy/
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