Episode 140: Kathleen Ralls, PhD, on Empowering Girls and Women Through Girls Gotta Run Foundation

Kathleen Ralls is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (BA), American University (MAT), and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (PhD). She is an award-winning public educator with 15 years experience in multiple states and countries including Norway, where she was a Fulbright Foundation Roving Scholar of American Studies. Prior to teaching, Kathleen was a sports writer for a local newspaper. She has coached a variety of sports including field hockey, basketball, softball, and track & field. Kathleen lives in Massachusetts with her husband and cat, where she is the slowest runner in her household.

How did you get your start in running?

• Foundation for everything that she did
  
  


• Soccer, as well
  
  


• Running and keeping herself in shape was the key to her success
  
  


• 20s-30s - about herself and clearing her head
  
  

SRC Run Series

• Set some goals for the summer
  
  


• Running with family
  
  


• Amazing
  
  
  
  • That people are just getting out and running
    
    
  
  
  
  

-How did you get involved in GGR and what has this experience been like for you?

• Reached out to former director
  
  


• Through her doctoral program
  
  


• Passion project
  
  

-Tell us more about your unique career path! What inspired you to pursue your many degrees and a career in education?

• Doctorate - limitless in education
  
  


• What will set her apart?
  
  


• UMass Lowell - had a program
  
  


• Very involved in voting
  
  


• Civics education
  
  


• Gender equity issues in international countries
  
  
  
  • Sports, girls, women’s equity
    
    
  
  
  
  

-I see the world through gender

• Personal and research level
  
  


• Men have the advantage in sports...this angered her
  
  


• Publicity and attention of male athletes
  
  
  
  • What about the females?
    
    
  
  
  
  

-Her work with GGR and research

• Wilder Retreat
  
  


• Wanted to continue running
  
  


• Academic writing...not sure what she wanted to do
  
  
  
  • Had to sit with it for about 6 months
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Kept field notes and
  
  


• Applied to over 100 jobs
  
  
  
  • Instead, what could she do with this research?
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Novel about Ethiopian girl runners
  
  


• “How could we ever forget?” - minute 23 - quote for Instagram
  
  


• New theory on creating voice and empowerment
  
  
  
  • Creating a curriculum to have girls reflect on their voice
    
    
    
    • What are the skills that they are developing as athletes
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Sport - ticket to having a voice and confidence

-When did you get involved in coaching and what has been your favorite sport to coach?

• High school sports
  
  


• Spent time writing at the local paper
  
  

-What advice would you give to your younger self?

• Do not take yourself so seriously
  
  


• Value in learning
  
  


• Avoiding perfectionism
  
  

What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?

• “I think for me it means walking out my backdoor every morning to go for a run.”
  
  


• Get back, get moving consistently - for mental and physical health