Creating a Space of Belonging: Ally Gregory’s Journey with CUSS Running

Running has the power to transform lives, challenge individuals, and build communities. For Ally Gregory, founder of CUSS Running, it’s done all of that and more. Her journey from a solitary runner to creating a space of belonging as a community leader in the Chicago trail running scene teaches us what endurance sports can do to change lives.

Finding Her Stride

Ally’s running story began like many others – with a simple desire for change. “I wasn’t somebody that started running in high school,” she recalls. “I actually had bunion surgery when I was in high school and did nothing athletic at all.” It wasn’t until college, after experiencing some family trauma and subsequent weight gain, that Ally decided to give running a try.

Armed with a pair of basic running shoes from Walmart, she hit the greenway in Knoxville, Tennessee. “I drove down to that greenway, didn’t know anything about pacing, whatever, nutrition, and just ran from the 0.0 to the 0.25 miles,” Ally remembers. “It’s such a vivid memory in my mind even now. I remember my lungs burning so much and I was hurting. There was sweat pouring over me for no reason, but it was amazing at the same time.”

That quarter-mile struggle sparked something in Ally. Despite the discomfort, she stuck with it, finishing her first mile that day. “I’ve really been hooked ever since,” she says.

Embracing the Challenge

What kept Ally going back for more, despite the initial difficulty? She credits it to a newfound sense of challenge. “Up until that point, I’d never done anything that truly challenged me,” Ally explains. “I think I was searching for something that was going to challenge me. And that discomfort, I just really lean into.”

This embrace of discomfort became a defining characteristic of Ally’s running journey. “My wife says I like to suffer,” she laughs. “That part of it hurting and being able to push past that just really struck a chord with me. It has become my ethos. Being a runner is my identity.”

The Solo Runner’s Paradox

Interestingly, despite her love for the running community, Ally describes herself as a solo runner. “I am a solo runner. I definitely prefer running by myself,” she admits. “However, I really love the community of running and specifically trail and ultra running.”

This paradox – loving the community but preferring to run alone – eventually led Ally to create something unique in the running world.

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The Birth of CUSS Running

In 2020, after years of volunteering at races and befriending race directors, Ally launched CUSS Running. The idea had been percolating for over a decade. “I just had this little idea,” Ally recalls. “You know, I’m this type of runner, this type of person, and I don’t fool myself enough to think I’m a unique human being. I thought, other people have to feel this way about running and also be introverted.”

CUSS Running became a space for runners who, like Ally, might prefer solo runs but still crave community connection. “Just because you’re introverted and being around people can take a lot of energy, does not mean that you do not want the rewards of being in community,” Ally explains.

Creating a Space of Belonging

While inclusivity wasn’t initially at the forefront of Ally’s mind when creating CUSS Running, it quickly became a core value. After witnessing homophobic and transphobic language from another race director, Ally realized the importance of explicitly stating CUSS Running’s belonging policies.

“I changed all my policies,” Ally says. “By doing that, I was contacting other platforms because their policies were lacking, to say the least, at the time. I was in conversations with them and I’ve been introduced to a lot of other race directors. Now I’m a little bit of a source for people if they’re looking to have those policies.”

This commitment to belonging has made CUSS Running a space for runners from all backgrounds, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community. Ally has received countless messages from runners who find solace and acceptance in the CUSS Running community.

Looking to the Future

As CUSS Running enters its fifth year, Ally continues to push for greater inclusivity and community in the running world. The organization now directs three to four trail races a year in the Chicago area, including the popular “Fancy Nonsense” and “Childish Nonsense” events.

Ally’s goals for the future are simple yet powerful: to do everything more efficiently and better than before, to maintain the safe space she’s created, and to continue being a home for runners of all backgrounds.

Advice for New Runners

For those just starting their running journey, Ally emphasizes the importance of habit-building. “The biggest component of endurance sports is the habit,” she advises. “Developing the habit is the hardest thing.”

Rather than immediately signing up for a race or making a big commitment, Ally suggests starting small. “Just twice a week. Go out for a mile. Do that and see if you could maintain that for like six weeks and then progress to your next level,” she recommends.

Ally Gregory’s journey from a quarter-mile struggle to creating an running community where we all belong is a powerful reminder what running can do for all of us. Through CUSS Running, she’s created a space where runners can challenge themselves, find community, and most importantly, belong.

As the running world continues to evolve, leaders like Ally Gregory are paving the way by creating a space of belonging. One step at a time.

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