The post-race depression that Nikki Hiltz experienced after making the finals of the World Athletics Championships made them realize that to remain motivated in the sport, racing had to be about more than personal victories. They founded the Pride 5K, a race where people can celebrate pride and support queer youth, and that raises funds for The Trevor Project. 

Nikki wants everyone to feel welcome and have the opportunity to find joy through running, as they have.  “Running is my job, but it's also my safe space, and where I can do the most self reflection or inner work is a solo run. It allows me to feel very at peace and also very seen, and I think that that's really important. I think running is a place for everyone and I would love to see more people bring that energy and inclusion to the sport.”

For complete show notes and links, visit our website at runningforreal.com/episode345.

Thank you to Örlö, Tracksmith, and Athletic Greens for sponsoring this episode. 

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Tracksmith helps the environment by making comfortable, durable clothes that will last for years, rather than winding up in the landfill, but that’s not the only contribution they make. They supported Running for Real in creating our RED-S: Realize. Reflect. Recover program. They help athletes who are trying to make the Olympic trials, and they offer scholarships for creatives to work on their crafts. They also have lots of events - Tina will be hosting events with them at the Boston and London marathons. 

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