Rising Hearts June Blog Updates
HAPPY PRIDE TO ALL OF OUR 2SLGBTQIA+ KIN! We celebrate YOU not just this month but every day!
Can you believe it is half way through 2025!!! We have some exciting news and NEW things for you to check out. COMMUNITY is what matters right now more than ever and COMMUNITY is what keeps us SAFE! We are so proud of how our community is coming together to do this heart work together that’s so important. If there is anything you would like to promote please reach out to lex@rising-hearts.org
WE LOVE SHARING WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS CREATING!
NEXT AWARENESS + ACTION EVENTS:
+ #LetThemRun Pride 5k | 6/11/25 - 6/25/25
+Disability 5k | 7/1/25 - 7/14/25
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate Collective:
We are prioritizing our Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate Collective through our own fundraising and partnerships, to support our athletes in their running and advocacy. This has led to hosting panels, virtual panels and workshops, a handful of athletes sharing their voice and and experiences on podcasts and other media platforms, a special book project with one of our athletes and this collective, supporting their initiatives, providing gear, shoes, and stipends. All possible through our fundraisers and partnerships within the running/outdoor industry. To learn more about our athletes and to be part of it, visit www.risinghearts.org/runningwithpurpose.
We have had several Athlete Advocates this year in 2025, attend some big races like the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon and London Marathon! We have a handful of new Athlete Advocates part of the team and we can’t wait to share a special blog and newsletter, spotlighting them! And several of them have helped support our virtual movement events like the 5th Annual Running On Native Lands, 3rd Annual Earth Day 5k + Plogging Challenge, and 7th Annual Running For Justice with in person group run and walks in their community!
Running On Native Lands Initiative:
Our Running On Native Lands Initiative is in constant growth. We are updating the toolkit and will be creating a more formalized process in becoming a partner. We had 16 consultations in 2024, with 5 that became partners and collaborators. We hope to have more consultations coming for 2025, as we raise more funds and submit for more grant funding, we will be able to expand and grow our partnerships more feasibly. Through more funds, we will have more opportunities to present and teach about going beyond a land acknowledgement, allowing us to meet more of community, help educate, and learn from community while being able to utilize our skills and connections to support land back efforts as well. So, we are looking forward to our annual virtual/in person Running On Native Lands community gatherings! Learn more at www.risinghearts.org/nativelands.
Right now, we have Scott Flatlip (Apsaalooké (Crow), representing Rising Hearts and GU Energy Labs and the communities he comes from preparing for the 2025 Western States Endurance Run 100 in June 2025! We are so excited to cheer him on and support him. Our 2024 runner, Alex Staten, has her story in post production that we are working hard on! And hoping to get it premiered very soon - details TBD!
We are up to so much! And we hope to apply for more funding and we will keep raising funds as we go to keep us running in all ways. Wopila tanka, many thanks, to all of you for your support, and we look forward to our hearts moving forward together.
- Rising Hearts
BOOK LAUNCH
"Beyond the Game, Athletes Change the World: Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone”
Book launch release 6/3 at 6:30pm in Nashville TN
About Beyond the Game: Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone:
The Beyond the Game series features athletes who have stepped up beyond sports to make a difference in the world, from acclaimed author Andrew Maraniss and illustrator DeAndra Hodge.
This is the story of Indigenous professional runner Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone and her social justice work organizing and advocating for Indigenous people.
Before she became a professional runner and a respected community advocate, before she began speaking out for Indigenous causes and peoples, Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone was just a kid.
In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Andrew Maraniss, readers learn more about the life and work of Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone--from growing up Lakota in South Dakota, to her journey to becoming a Division 1 runner in college and later a professional runner, to her work in Washington DC advocating for Indigenous people and communities. Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone has changed the world beyond sports.
JOIN IN PERSON!
Nashville TN | Tuesday, June 3rd:
Official Book Launch Day
+ Tuesday June 3rd | 6:30-8:30pm
Parnassus Books
3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14, Nashville, TN
RSVP - Link
This is a free event which will take place IN STORE on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:30PM (CT). Because space will be limited, registration is required to attend this event. Please register for free by clicking on RSVP above! (Note: If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, please call the store at 615-953-2243 at least 24 hours before the event so your space can be provided to another guest.)
GLOBAL RUNNING DAY IN NASHVILLE!
Global Running Day | Wednesday, June 4th:
+ Time: 6-8pm
The Exchange Running Collective
Family / Stroller Friendly Run/Walk
Food, music, fun programming
966 Woodland St, Nashville TN
Washington DC Location | Friday, June 6th:
Time: 6pm 5k run/1mi walk
Time: 6-8pm Book Launch
Sponsored By: Pacers Running, Rising Hearts
Groups Tabling: Bright Path Collective, Rising Hearts
Catered by: Homemade in DC
Music, Food + Drinks, Giveaways, Merch shop, and Books for purchase
Location: Pacers Running
1079 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
UPCOMING RUNS
#LetThemRun Pride 5K
JUNE 11TH - JUNE 25TH
Rising Hearts is excited to elevate Pride month by celebrating through movement and community with the #LetThemRun Pride 5K! Join virtual team RISING HEARTS!
Join us for a run and walk supporting Cal Calamia, the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Non-binary Communities, who are being targeted with violence, exclusion, and legislative policies erasing them and their existence, when it has proven time and time again, they belong. Let's show up as allies, so the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Non-binary communities can show their pride, thrive, and feel supported. And with the registration and donations, we will be able to give back in a financially meaningful way so that they can continue the heart work they do.
About #LetThemRun:
In 2023, Cal Calamia (Trans Runner, Inclusivity Activist, Poet and Educator, Rising Hearts Athlete Advocate) received a USADA precedent setting exemption (not the only one to happen) to participate in the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and 2023 NYC Marathon, where they also, absolutely killed it and completed their 6 Star World Majors this year in 2025! That exemption was a step in the right direction but the advocacy continues! Wear your #LetThemRun shirt or singlet (if you already have it) with pride and support!
Cal Calamia, was at risk of being deemed ineligible for competition due to their use of gender-affirming therapeutic testosterone and now, accomplishing so much as an athlete and voice, making an impact. This is to also bring visibility to the anti-trans policies and legislations impacting trans kin and the LGBTQIA+ and Non-binary communities.
The LetThemRun logo made by Kyle Victory:
"I’m an illustrator, animator & avid runner in Brooklyn, New York. To me, self expression and physical activity go hand in hand. It is crucial to foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere within our sport. One where all individuals, especially transgender athletes, can thrive and express their authentic selves in this avenue of movement that’s as old as our species.
#LetThemRun x Rising Hearts
RAFFLE ITEMS TO COME SOON!
Join Rising Hearts as we celebrate and support our sacred community for Disability Pride Month. Wear Black to show your solidarity and roll, run, dance or walk in solidarity with our sacred kin! This is RH first Disability Pride 5k and we hope to raise enough money for organizations in these communities to show our support. RAFFLE ITEMS TO COME SOON! And join virtual team RISING HEARTS!
The colors of Disability Pride
Black: Represents the barriers and darkness faced by people with disabilities.
Red: Represents physical disabilities.
Gold: Represents neurodiversity.
White: Represents invisible and undiagnosed disabilities.
Blue: Represents emotional and psychiatric disabilities.
Green: Represents sensory disabilities.
BENEFICIARIES
To expand societal awareness around disabilities and to foster spaces where everyone can have access to the transformative power of movement, community, and the great outdoors.
The Autistic People of Color Fund practices redistributive justice and mutual aid by returning and sharing money directly to and with autistic people of color. We provide microgrants to Black, Brown, Native, Asian, and mixed-race people in the autistic community for survival, organizing, leisure, and pleasure. We are committed to the principles of Disability Justice, including leadership by those most impacted, intersectionality, anti-capitalist politics, cross-movement solidarity, interdependence, collective access, and collective liberation. Our work is grounded in commitment to ending extractive economies and building and sustaining generative economies.
We’re back!
Don’t miss this year’s 2nd Annual Trans Pride 5K in Los Angeles - or join virtually from anywhere!
Worried about the relentless assault on the LGBTQ community in America? Our joy is revolutionary, so let’s come together for a day of movement, resource sharing, fundraising, and more! ALL are welcome and wanted!
ALL are welcome and wanted!
☀️ Open to all ages and skill levels
☀️ LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies
☀️ Family-friendly
Not into the fun run part? That’s okay! There will also be a Trans Resource Exchange, Picnic, and Raffle to raise funds for our Finish Line Grant (learn more below)
WHEN: Sunday, July 13th, 2025 ☀️
WHERE: In person - Crystal Springs Picnic Area - Pettigrew Field Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. 🌈
Don’t live in LA? Grab a few friends and register for the virtual run! Head outside and enjoy moving your body for a cause. Take pictures and post and be sure to tag @transpride5K to spread the word.
Finish Line Grant: We are seeking talented artists and athletes who inspire, create, and uplift our community. One individual will receive the Finish Line Grant to assist them in their endeavors directed towards making a lasting impact on our Trans community and beyond. 🌷
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to receive the support and financial aid you've been waiting for to keep on keeping on. 🤩 Applications opening soon so spread the word!
SEE YOU THERE!
UPDATES!
$407 was donated to each Beneficiary!
Congrats to the runners who plogged in:
Albuquerque, NM, Golden, CO, and Harrisonburg, VA
$1,618 went to each Beneficiary
Thank you so much to community who showed up and participated! Every year this event continues, and we hope to keep it going. Your support means so much.
RUN REFLECTIONS
Jocelyn Rivas | Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate
This past month I had the opportunity of a lifetime to step to the start line of Cocodona 250. A race I never thought I would have the opportunity to do but thanks to Rising Hearts I was able to participate.
I found a fellow indigenous runner on the course, Mariah Zavala, a lighting star that would lead the way through the night. We both worked through the miles together and took a 20 min dirt nap in the mountain while the temperatures continued to drop. This moment will be something I will never forget. I found sisters hood in her darkest moments and eventually we made a decision to DNF at mile 50 with 12,000ft+ of elevation gain.
I traversed many indigenous lands, communities, and landscapes. The route crosses the Akimel O’odham (Upper Pima), Hohokam, Yavapai Apache, Ndee/Nnēē (Western Apache), Jumanos, and Hopitutskwa Indigenous, traditional, and ancestral lands. The indigenous communities across this route are still here, protecting, healing, thriving, and centering their culture and traditions.
Although I only did 50 miles, this was the hardest thing I have ever done in my athletic career, harder than any of 100 milers. It was an honor of a lifetime to take part in this race.
Scott Flatlip | Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate
My experience so far has been very similar to many of my past races that I've trained for. Training seems to be going well and I am excited to toe the line at Western States 100 Mile Run.
I wasn't able to go to the training camp as my job as a PE/Health teacher did not allow me to attend. Which disappointing but it’s ok. As a way to train or create my own training camps for western states 100 I’ve supplemented my training with a few races. The first one being the Spitfire 55k in Idaho. The race climbs 6000ft plus and is a 17mile loop. This race went well and I came in 4th overall. I did use GU to fuel and did have a few issues while I am still learning how to use the products. Second race I’ve done was a very runable 50k. The Rocky Mountain 50k. My race went really great here and the competition was just what I needed. I came in 3rd overall and was close to the 2nd place but just was not fit enough to finish any higher. I did PR with the 50k running my fastest at this race with my time being 4:24.59 beating my previous time by 11mins. My fueling with GU at this race went very well and I feel like I’ve figured out the issues I’ve had in the last race. I've just been training and getting ready each day the same as many other runners are doing. I do not have a lot of access to training specific terrain that we will see at western states but I've been able to train on a regular basis. My goal at western states is to finish.
FUNDRAISE FOR RISING HEARTS
We had 11 runners in 2024, turning their passion into purpose! We came close to $15,000 for 2024! Here’s a chance to support our heart work through a different means - running! We hope to find 6 runners for 2025!
2025 RACES ARE OPEN!
WANT TO RACE FOR RISING HEARTS OUTSIDE OF THESE WE HAVE SELECTED?
Not seeing a race you want to run in this list? Check out all of the Wander Project events and choose the “Your Choice” option. They will reach out to learn more about your charity of choice and once you let them know that you’ll be running for Rising Hearts, they will make sure your funds come to support our mission!”
Athletes who want to support Rising Hearts for a race that is not listed, can sign up for any of the events on The Wander Project calendar: https://www.wanderproject.org/event-partners/ and pick 'Your Choice' for charity and then fill out the form to indicate they want to support Rising Hearts: (FAQ page here: https://www.wanderproject.org/athletes/frequently-asked-questions/)
Reach out to us via email, info@rising-hearts.org. Share with us your plans, then we’ll set you up with the link!
Want to run for Rising Hearts?
This is more new for us! We have a givelively link specifically for runners/individuals, who want to raise funds for the heart work we do! If it’s not through our partnership with The Wander Project, or our other partners at CIM or Boston, you can run for Rising Hearts at any race you choose and bring more fun and purpose to your why and the run.
We hope to get 35 Rising Hearts runners! And we have 25 runners now :) With a $36,400 projection of funds raised by the end of the year!
Suggested fundraising limits:
RH Athletes / Community = $500
Open to Community = minimum $800
Perks: RH Singlet, merch, stickers, fuel, and if shoes are needed, we can help you!
PODCASTS
Making Strides Stefanie Flippin and Carolyn Su
Co-hosted by elite ultrarunner Stefanie Flippin and Carolyn Su, this podcast delves into the experiences of BIPOC female runners. While the show primarily focuses on race, gender, and mental health, it also touches on topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, they discuss navigating microaggressions and the nuances of identity in the running world .
LISTEN HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f8wmI5MgKCXkAdwG8XRzK?si=e17c839ce01749a8