Taking Up Space: Trail Running, Representation, and Legacy
On Run Tri Bike, we spotlight endurance athletes who push limits—not just in races, but in life. In this recent Fireside Chat, Jason Bahamundi sits down with Alissa Lay: mom, wife, natural pro bodybuilder, and co-leader of Camp We Run Long. Their conversation isn’t only about running; it’s about representation, legacy, joy, and taking up space—on trails and beyond. Seeking purpose in the miles you run? This episode offers the inspiration to train with perspective, fun, and intention.
The Power of Representation in Endurance Sports
The episode begins by framing The Everyday Athlete Podcast Network as a platform committed to authentic, diverse storytelling. Alissa and Jason discuss why inclusion isn’t a bonus—it’s a necessity. In endurance sports, visibility of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ athletes sends a message: you belong here. As Alissa notes, even small gestures like a pride flag on a logo or a community cheer at the finish line can build confidence and belonging.
Camp We Run Long: A Space for New Runners
Alissa shares the grassroots success of Camp We Run Long, where 90% of 2025’s applicants are brand new to the organizers—a testament to the power of inclusive outreach. The camp exists to create spaces where BIPOC runners feel safe, seen, and empowered. It’s a reminder that endurance sports are at their best when they reflect the communities around them.
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Reclaiming History: A Ride from Harlem to D.C.
The emotional core of the interview comes when Alissa recounts her participation in the 1928 bike ride reenactment from Harlem to D.C., This ride as completed as a way of honoring five Black women who made that journey nearly a century ago. Despite battling brutal weather and logistical challenges, Alissa says the ride wasn’t about hardship but about honoring the strength of women who did it first. This act of remembrance underscores a vital message: sport can be a way to connect with and reclaim history.
Running With Purpose, Laughing Along the Way
While deeply powerful, the conversation also includes moments of levity—like Alissa’s fierce anti-pineapple-on-pizza stance and her food quirks. These joyful detours remind us that having fun is part of the endurance journey. We don’t just train to get faster; we train to feel alive.
Legacy in Motion: Inspiring the Next Generation
Every step Alissa takes—whether on the trail, at camp, or with her children—is part of a larger mission: to lead by example. Her visibility and leadership send ripples of change through the running community. Through athleticism, she shows us that representation can create legacy, and joy can fuel resilience in trail running and beyond.
Let This Inspire Your Next Step
Whether you’re lacing up for a trail run or creating inclusive spaces in your community, Alissa Lay’s story proves that endurance is about more than finish lines. It’s about showing up—for yourself, for history, and for those who haven’t arrived yet.
Tune in, take it in, and let it fuel your next run.
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