Finding Strength Through Identity and Community

Fireside Chat with Truth Bachman

At Run Tri Mag, we celebrate stories that show how endurance sports connect us, challenge us, and make us stronger. In our latest Fireside Chat, I sit down with Truth Bachman, a leader in the queer athletic community and the trans non-binary director at large for the New York Frontrunners. Their story is one that resonates with inclusive running community athletes everywhere. Those who see running not just as a sport, but as a way to build belonging, identity, and resilience. From playful pizza debates to powerful reflections on visibility and representation, this conversation is a reminder that running is at its best when every athlete has space at the starting line.

Identity Beyond a Logo

The conversation kicks off with humor (pineapple on pizza, anyone?) before shifting into the deeper waters of identity and allyship. Truth calls out the all-too-familiar practice of companies switching to rainbow logos during Pride Month, only to return to “business as usual” come July.

For Truth, being queer isn’t seasonal. It’s who they are, every day of the year. Their message is clear: true allyship goes beyond marketing gestures. It means being present, asking questions, and creating spaces where people feel genuinely seen.

For endurance athletes, this message hits home. Just as training requires consistency, so does support. The same way we can’t fake fitness, we can’t fake inclusivity.

Running as Connection

Running has long been called a “solo sport,” but Truth sees it differently. From marathons to group runs, running has the power to create collective joy, persistence, and camaraderie.

Truth highlights how events like marathons go far beyond individual achievement. They’re celebrations of humanity, proof that dedication and resilience transcend identity, gender, or background. For non-binary and trans athletes, inclusive running communities aren’t just supportive…they’re essential for participation and belonging.

Running is more than numbers on a GPS watch. It’s about the bonds built during long miles, the encouragement shared on race day, and the shared victory of simply showing up.

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Community and Safe Spaces

Truth’s honesty about living as a femme-presenting individual resonates with anyone who has ever felt vulnerable in their environment. They describe the “armor” many marginalized athletes feel forced to carry and why having a community makes all the difference.

From buddy systems to inclusive race planning, Truth envisions a future where running events consider emotional safety alongside physical endurance. It’s a call to create spaces where athletes don’t just survive, but thrive.

For everyday endurance athletes, this is a reminder to look out for one another. Sometimes community is what carries us across the finish line when our legs can’t.

Barriers and Breakthroughs

One of the most powerful parts of this Fireside Chat centers on the barriers that non-binary and trans athletes face in sports. Truth and I explore the reality that lack of representation and visibility often keeps athletes from even stepping to the start line.

But Truth doesn’t stop at naming the problem. They share a vision for change. More inclusive race categories and visibility in media. More genuine support from teammates and organizations. Every breakthrough starts with a conversation like this one.

For athletes working to become the best version of themselves, the lesson is clear: progress isn’t just about pace but also about persistence, advocacy, and building a stronger foundation for everyone.

Laughter, Snacks, and Shared Humanity

It wouldn’t be Fireside Chat without a few laughs. We wrap things up with rapid-fire questions about snacks and desserts, proving that even the deepest conversations can end on a light note.

This balance of fun and serious reflection is what makes the episode so compelling.

Why This Story Matters

Truth’s story is more than just a conversation. It is a roadmap for how we can make endurance sports better for everyone. It’s about resilience in the face of challenge, authenticity in a world that asks us to conform, and the power of community to uplift us when we need it most.

For athletes, coaches, and anyone who loves endurance sports, this episode is a reminder that our journey isn’t just about becoming faster or stronger. It is about much more.

Tune In to the Full Conversation

Ready to be inspired? Watch or listen to the full episode of Fireside Chat with Truth Bachman on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network by Run Tri Bike.

👉 Don’t forget to share it with a friend, subscribe for more athlete stories, and keep building the kind of endurance community where everyone feels welcome.

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