Finding Yourself While Finding Your Stride

In the eighth episode of The Enduring Minds Podcast, Run Tri Bike founder Jason Bahamundi and Ultrarunner Evan Birch welcome Desmond “Dez” Taylor-Douglas—a scientist, coach, and endurance athlete who shares a deeply moving story of running, identity, self-discovery and healing. For Dez, running was never just about finishing races—it was about learning to exist fully and authentically in a world that told him he didn’t belong.

Dez’s story isn’t about easy wins. It’s about enduring hard truths, overcoming deep challenges, and using movement as a tool to become whole.

Growing Up in Motion

As a military kid, Dez moved often—new schools, new towns, new people. It was difficult to find consistent friendships or a place where he felt seen. That changed when he discovered running. It wasn’t just a sport; it was a way to connect, to belong, and to feel grounded in his own body.

Joining the high school cross country team in Avon, Ohio—where he was part of the “1% other”—he found his first mentor, J.R., who emphasized the importance of inclusion and belonging, no matter your pace or background. For Dez, running became more than sport—it became survival.

Struggles With Identity and Acceptance

Behind the miles, Dez was grappling with something much bigger: his identity as a Black gay man. He faced microaggressions in his community, pressure to conform at school, and a deep sense of disconnection. When he came out, it created a rift in his family—especially with his father, who warned that being Black, male, and gay meant being born with “three strikes.”

Yet even as he lost some connections, Dez gained others—mentors, extended family, and ultimately, himself. His time at Morehouse College, an HBCU, gave him space to see the diversity and complexity of Black identity. There, he began the journey of self-acceptance.

Therapy as a Tool for Strength

Dez’s return to running after college paralleled his emotional recovery. He helped a friend through trauma by comparing healing to training for a marathon—a slow, patient, and personal process. But his true breakthrough came when he sought out therapy.

Raised in a military culture where therapy was seen as weakness, Dez overcame that stigma. He now sees therapy as one of his strongest tools, calling it a “spot check” for his mind and a foundation for the person he’s becoming.

His message? Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength. And no one should feel ashamed to ask for help.

A Mindset for the Long Run

One of the most inspiring takeaways from Dez’s story is his mindset philosophy rooted in non-attachment. He encourages athletes and everyday people alike to let go of rigid expectations, stop chasing external validation, and instead focus on personal growth.

He organizes his goals using a system of priorities—from urgent (A) to future vision (D)—and reminds us that instant gratification doesn’t build resilience. What does? Showing up. Trying again. Owning your story, even when it’s messy.

Leading With Purpose and Authenticity

Today, Dez coaches, mentors, and leads group runs, always striving to create inclusive spaces where people feel seen and supported. His mission is clear: help others overcome the obstacles he once faced. Through running he is helping others uncover their identity and in some cases healing from past wounds.

He’s living proof that endurance is about more than just crossing finish lines—it’s about how you show up for yourself and others, day after day. His journey is a call to action for men to talk openly about mental health and for the endurance community to continue pushing for inclusion and support for all athletes.

Connect With Dez

Instagram: @RunDezzyRun
Strava: Dez Taylor-Douglas

Want more stories like Dez’s?
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