Running Together For Lasting Change
A Collective Conversation on Allyship and Community
In endurance sports, connection fuels us just as much as training plans or finish-line medals. In a special Fireside Chat hosted by Jason Bahamundi of Run Tri Bike, an inspiring group of panelists came together to talk about something far more enduring than pace or PRs. They came to chat about the power of allyship and community.
Featuring Jordan Daniel Whetstone of Rising Hearts, Celia Camargo of GU Energy Labs, and Kristyn Carriere of Seven Summit Snacks, this conversation started as a discussion about a coffee gift box and unfolded into a much larger dialogue about how brands, athletes, and individuals can collaborate with intention to support Indigenous voices and cultures.
A Collective for Change: The Coffee Gift Set
The spark for this discussion was the Everyday Athlete Coffee Gift Set—a collaboration between Run Tri Bike, Rising Hearts, GU Energy Labs, and Seven Summit Snacks. The box itself features Native Ground Coffee, endurance fuel, and snacks, but its real value lies in its purpose.
With 20% of every sale supporting Rising Hearts, the initiative embodies the Lakota philosophy “Mitákuye Oyás’in”(“We are all related”). Founded by Jordan in 2017, Rising Hearts is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous representation and advocating for equity in both endurance sports and broader society.
This simple box became a symbol of shared values and a reminder that when community and commerce meet purpose, impact follows.
Beyond Transactions: Building Meaningful Partnerships
In a world full of quick sponsorships and temporary collaborations, these panelists emphasized the importance of depth and intention.
Celia shared GU Energy’s evolution from sponsoring races to creating GU Gives, a philanthropy arm rooted in sustained relationships. Kristyn echoed this mindset, explaining that community isn’t a checkbox—it’s a core business value.
Jordan spoke candidly about what real allyship looks like: showing up, listening, and staying committed. “We don’t want one-and-done partnerships,” she said. “We want sustained investment that comes in the form of time, care, and visibility.”
This mindset mirrors the endurance athlete’s journey. You don’t build strength in one workout. Rather, you build it by showing up consistently, with purpose and heart.
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From Allyship to Accomplice: Doing the Real Work
A key theme throughout the discussion was the difference between being an ally and being an accomplice.
Jason shared his own experience learning about Indigenous issues, admitting missteps and moments of discomfort along the way. For him, allyship is a journey, not a destination. It’s about staying curious, asking questions, and being open to growth.
Jordan encouraged others to do the same: “Come with curiosity. Step out of your comfort zone. Keep showing up.”
The takeaway? True allyship is like training for a marathon. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to endure the hard miles to create lasting change.
The Power of Storytelling and Small Steps
One of the most beautiful aspects of endurance sport is how stories unite us. Hearing stories of triumph, resilience, and discovery bring us closer to each other. The panel reminded us that Indigenous storytelling holds that same transformative power.
From emotional race-day blessings to land acknowledgments before events, these moments remind us to pause, listen, and connect. Celia and Kristyn, both mothers, spoke about teaching their children to grow up with cultural awareness and empathy while recognizing that education begins at home and continues on the trails.
Jason shared a deeply personal story about witnessing an Indigenous women’s ceremony at a race start line. The emotion, the reverence, the connection. For him, it was a lesson in perspective. Every step we take in endurance sport is on land with a story. Every race is an opportunity to honor that story.
Lessons for Brands and Individuals
The episode closed with practical, actionable insights for both brands and individuals:
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Start with education. Understand the land you run on and the people connected to it.
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Listen and learn. Inclusion isn’t about being right, it’s about being real.
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Be transparent. Share your intentions, your mistakes, and your growth.
Celia noted how GU Energy educates its employees on the Indigenous lands where they live and train. Kristyn described how Seven Summit Snacks integrates community feedback into every decision. Both reinforced that social responsibility is no longer optional, it’s essential.
As Kristyn said, “Being socially responsible in business is the price of entry but doing the work is what builds trust.”
Running Together for a Better Tomorrow
This Fireside Chat is more than a conversation. It’s about recognizing that our strides can create ripples of change far beyond the finish line.
Whether you’re a runner finding your rhythm, a brand leader seeking purpose, or simply someone curious about making a difference, this discussion invites you to take that next step to run together for inclusion, for awareness, and for community.
🎧 Listen Or Watch the full episode below:
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