45 min
Episode 140: Kathleen Ralls, PhD, on Empowering Girls and Women Through Girls Gotta Run Foundation Strong Runner Chick Radio
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- Running
Kathleen Ralls is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (BA), American University (MAT), and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (PhD). She is an award-winning public educator with 15 years experience in multiple states and countries including Norway, where she was a Fulbright Foundation Roving Scholar of American Studies. Prior to teaching, Kathleen was a sports writer for a local newspaper. She has coached a variety of sports including field hockey, basketball, softball, and track & field. Kathleen lives in Massachusetts with her husband and cat, where she is the slowest runner in her household.
How did you get your start in running?
Foundation for everything that she did
Soccer, as well
Running and keeping herself in shape was the key to her success
20s-30s - about herself and clearing her head
SRC Run Series
Set some goals for the summer
Running with family
Amazing
That people are just getting out and running
-How did you get involved in GGR and what has this experience been like for you?
Reached out to former director
Through her doctoral program
Passion project
-Tell us more about your unique career path! What inspired you to pursue your many degrees and a career in education?
Doctorate - limitless in education
What will set her apart?
UMass Lowell - had a program
Very involved in voting
Civics education
Gender equity issues in international countries
Sports, girls, women’s equity
-I see the world through gender
Personal and research level
Men have the advantage in sports...this angered her
Publicity and attention of male athletes
What about the females?
-Her work with GGR and research
Wilder Retreat
Wanted to continue running
Academic writing...not sure what she wanted to do
Had to sit with it for about 6 months
Kept field notes and
Applied to over 100 jobs
Instead, what could she do with this research?
Novel about Ethiopian girl runners
“How could we ever forget?” - minute 23 - quote for Instagram
New theory on creating voice and empowerment
Creating a curriculum to have girls reflect on their voice
What are the skills that they are developing as athletes
Sport - ticket to having a voice and confidence
-When did you get involved in coaching and what has been your favorite sport to coach?
High school sports
Spent time writing at the local paper
-What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do not take yourself so seriously
Value in learning
Avoiding perfectionism
What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?
“I think for me it means walking out my backdoor every morning to go for a run.”
Get back, get moving consistently - for mental and physical health
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support
Kathleen Ralls is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (BA), American University (MAT), and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (PhD). She is an award-winning public educator with 15 years experience in multiple states and countries including Norway, where she was a Fulbright Foundation Roving Scholar of American Studies. Prior to teaching, Kathleen was a sports writer for a local newspaper. She has coached a variety of sports including field hockey, basketball, softball, and track & field. Kathleen lives in Massachusetts with her husband and cat, where she is the slowest runner in her household.
How did you get your start in running?
Foundation for everything that she did
Soccer, as well
Running and keeping herself in shape was the key to her success
20s-30s - about herself and clearing her head
SRC Run Series
Set some goals for the summer
Running with family
Amazing
That people are just getting out and running
-How did you get involved in GGR and what has this experience been like for you?
Reached out to former director
Through her doctoral program
Passion project
-Tell us more about your unique career path! What inspired you to pursue your many degrees and a career in education?
Doctorate - limitless in education
What will set her apart?
UMass Lowell - had a program
Very involved in voting
Civics education
Gender equity issues in international countries
Sports, girls, women’s equity
-I see the world through gender
Personal and research level
Men have the advantage in sports...this angered her
Publicity and attention of male athletes
What about the females?
-Her work with GGR and research
Wilder Retreat
Wanted to continue running
Academic writing...not sure what she wanted to do
Had to sit with it for about 6 months
Kept field notes and
Applied to over 100 jobs
Instead, what could she do with this research?
Novel about Ethiopian girl runners
“How could we ever forget?” - minute 23 - quote for Instagram
New theory on creating voice and empowerment
Creating a curriculum to have girls reflect on their voice
What are the skills that they are developing as athletes
Sport - ticket to having a voice and confidence
-When did you get involved in coaching and what has been your favorite sport to coach?
High school sports
Spent time writing at the local paper
-What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do not take yourself so seriously
Value in learning
Avoiding perfectionism
What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?
“I think for me it means walking out my backdoor every morning to go for a run.”
Get back, get moving consistently - for mental and physical health
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strong-runner-chicks/support
45 min