And the way we show up today shapes who believes they belong tomorrow.
One of the most powerful truths in running is that visibility isn’t just symbolic—it’s catalytic. The next generation of runners, leaders, coaches, and disruptors is already paying attention. Sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly, sometimes from the far edges of a group run where they don’t feel ready to take up space yet.
And whether we realize it or not, every choice we make—how we coach, how we speak, how we show up, how we treat each other, how we move through our own seasons—becomes a reference point for someone else.
Representation matters.
Leadership matters.
But the smallest acts of courage? Those matter just as much.
Let’s talk about how we plant seeds for those coming up behind us.
How We Can Actively Inspire the Next Generation
(Spoiler: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being honest.)
People think leadership is loud. That inspiration requires a stage, a platform, a big following, or a flashy race resume. But the truth? The next generation is shaped by the stuff you do quietly and consistently.
Here’s what actually makes a difference:
Show them what sustainable running looks like
Not punishment. Not martyrdom. Not burnout disguised as discipline. Show them boundaries. Rest. Strength. Community care. Show them joy.
Model being a human, not a machine
When you share the days you struggle—not for sympathy but for solidarity—you help remove the shame around “not being enough.”
Invite people in, especially the ones on the margins
A runner at the back of the pack. A new mom. A queer runner. A bigger-bodied athlete. A runner of color showing up to a majority-white space. A teen who’s still figuring out their identity.
A simple “I’m glad you’re here” lands deeper than you think.
Tell the truth about your own path
Your failures, pivots, messy middle seasons, and reinventions are often more impactful than your PRs. That transparency shows others what’s possible.
Use your privilege, position, or experience to open doors
Offer mentorship. Share resources. Speak someone’s name in a room they’re not in yet. Refuse to let gatekeeping be the norm.
You don’t have to be a professional to inspire.
You just have to be intentional.
A Story About Someone Who Was Watching Quietly
I’ll never forget the runner who messaged me out of nowhere one day. I didn’t coach her. I didn’t even know she followed me closely. She told me she’d been watching me navigate surgical menopause, speak up when the industry tried to shrink me, build community from scratch, take risks, and show up even on the days that weren’t pretty.
She said, “Watching you be an outlier made me realize I didn’t have to wait for permission. I signed up for my first half marathon because of you.”
That message reminded me that “visibility” isn’t about being seen by everyone—it’s about who sees you being yourself and finally recognizes themselves in your courage.
There are people deciding to take their first steps simply because you stood your ground in your own story.
How We Start Shifting the Subconscious Messages That Hold People Back
Running culture carries a lot of unspoken rules and inherited narratives:
Who “looks like a runner.”
Who deserves to lead.
Who gets taken seriously.
Whose body is celebrated.
Who is allowed to be slow.
Whose voice carries weight.
Who gets sponsored.
Who gets ignored.
Most of these messages don’t come from policies—they come from patterns.
To change the patterns, we have to:
Normalize different bodies, paces, ages, and backgrounds as leaders
Not just participants. Leaders. Coaches. Panelists. Ambassadors. Board members. Pacers. Race captains.
Challenge the harmful narratives in real time
If someone dismisses a slower runner, speaks over women, or gatekeeps leadership roles, it’s not “political” to address it. It’s protective.
Celebrate progress that isn’t speed-based
The next generation watches how we value people. If speed is the only thing we hype, we lose an entire wave of potential leaders.
Build communities that feel like home, not hierarchy
People show up where they feel safe. They stay where they feel seen.
Tell better stories
The running world needs more stories that sound like real life—not just the highlight-reel archetype the industry has been selling for decades.
When you change what’s normal, you change what’s possible.
What It Takes to Step Into Leadership
(Spoiler: you don’t need a title.)
Leadership in the running community doesn’t begin when someone hands you a microphone or gives you a coach badge. It begins the moment you decide to be responsible for the energy you bring into a space.
Leadership is:
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showing up consistently
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asking who might be missing
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being brave enough to speak up
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being soft enough to listen
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offering support without expecting credit
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being accountable for your impact
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modeling the kind of runner—and human—you want others to see
And you don’t need a huge platform. You don’t need elite times. You don’t need years of experience. You just need the willingness to create the kind of space you wish you had earlier in your journey.
Start right where you are.
Someone is already paying attention.
If this piece got you thinking about the kind of leader you want to be—or the kind of space you want to build—my Representation in Motion consultations are a powerful starting point.
This is where I help coaches, run clubs, race organizers, and community leaders create environments that actually reflect the people in them. We look at culture, structure, leadership, communication, and subtle dynamics that shape belonging. Then we build something stronger, safer, and more inclusive.
If you’re ready to help shape the next generation of runners in a way that feels grounded, authentic, and aligned, you can start here:
Representation in Motion: Inclusive Coaching & Community Consulting
Small changes in leadership ripple for years.