Thursday, Mar 24, 2022 • 38min
I run to open up the world with runner Rahaf Khatib and F1 driver Pierre Gasly
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Runner Rahaf Khatib and F1 driver Pierre Gasly talk to Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about what running means to them. Rahaf Khatib made headlines when she graced the cover of Women’s Running magazine in October of 2016 as the first hijabi to appear on the cover of a fitness magazine. She’s a huge advocate and inspiration for Muslim women running all over the world. Pierre Gasly is a French racing driver, who helped make history with Scuderia AlphaTauri by putting them top of the Formula One podium. He travels, and runs, all over the world, and he shares how running helps to ground him, wherever his career might take him next.
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Speakers
(4)
Erin Azar
Ayo Akinwolere
Rahaf Khatib
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Transcript
Verified
Erin Azar
00:04
We are rolling. Rolling, rolling.
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Ayo Akinwolere
00:07
Why I run.
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Erin Azar
00:09
Why I run.
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Rahaf Khatib
00:10
I run for me.
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Ayo Akinwolere
00:12
The Why I Run Podcast.
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Pierre Gasly
00:14
I do it because I've always been running my entire life.
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Rahaf Khatib
00:17
I run for my health.
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Pierre Gasly
00:19
I do feel the gains within myself.
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Rahaf Khatib
00:21
I run for social change.
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Pierre Gasly
00:23
It does break certain bars.
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Rahaf Khatib
00:25
There's not just one shape and one color to running.
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Erin Azar
00:27
Why I run.
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Ayo Akinwolere
00:28
Why I run.
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Pierre Gasly
00:30
It's universal.
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Ayo Akinwolere
00:33
Hello, hello, welcome to the Why I Run podcast from
Red Bull
.Share
Erin Azar
00:37
We are here to talk about running and really to figure out why, honestly, like why on earth do do we run? Why are we running? Oh, and I'm
Erin
!Share
Ayo Akinwolere
00:48
I was waiting for you to introduce yourself, I was like, "Just say who you are." I'm Ayo Akinwolere, and look, we are not just hosting this podcast, we're also captaining a running team for the
Wings for Life World Run
. If anyone out there, right, is looking for a running event or needs another running challenge, not boasting or anything, but you might want to join us.Share
Erin Azar
01:09
Yeah, I agree on that one. So it's on May 8th everybody, and it is a little different because although there are flagship runs which are basically in person runs, most people will actually be joining on the app and that's what we're actually going to be doing as well. So you can run anywhere and I mean, like, literally anywhere in the world. But you do all start at the same time, which is really cool.
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Ayo Akinwolere
01:35
Yeah, you're right. Everyone starts at the same time all across the world which means that for some listeners in maybe
Australasia
, for instance, they'll have to run this in the dark. But bear in mind, it is for a good cause. The money raised goes to research into spinal cord injury. And it's a really inclusive race as well because of the catcher car.Share
Erin Azar
01:57
Yeah, I mean, I have to say that is one of my favorite parts about this whole thing. Everyone starts and runs their own pace, which I'm a huge fan of, of course, and they only stop when the catcher car, which, thankfully starts a bit later than the runners, catches up. And so you don't have to run a marathon, you don't have to run a 10K. You can really run as far as you get before the car gets you. So there are details on how to join in the episode description, by the way, just putting that out there.
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Ayo Akinwolere
02:26
Yeah, stick it out there, let them know. And actually, you know what? This morning in
London
I opened my curtain and the sun was out. I had to go for a run. I had to start training of some sort. And I did 6K. And it felt so good. I'm like, it was just my perfect conditions. Not much wind, wasn't too hot. Oh man, it felt good. And I had a nice coffee at the end of it. What about you, Erin? How's your training going?Share
Erin Azar
02:54
Oh, that sounds delightful, actually, especially the nice coffee afterward. I usually have coffee and breakfast before I run, but today I got started super late. I have no idea what happened, but I slept in which I never do. Like, you know, six a. m. hits and I am just up whether I'm tired or not, but I actually did have a really good five mile run, and I think, honestly, the only part that was really tough was just running on an empty stomach and not enough hydration because I was just trying to, like, get out the door. But enough of that. So there's plenty of time to get competitive. We are here first and foremost to find out why people run.
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Ayo Akinwolere
03:32
Yeah, for sure. I mean, like, we're in the same team, come on, bit of support. Yeah, so this time around, we're thinking about how running is such a universal activity. The way it kind of connects people around the world. It doesn't matter where you are, you kind of find someone who loves running. I remember years and years ago when I used to sort of, like half marathons and stuff, like I used to run with these guys, called the Random Crew, and they would always have this event called Bridge the Gap, which meant you'd go to various parts of
Europe
. Let's say there was a half marathon or some sort of run happening, and then you connect with other crews from Berlin
, Paris
, I mean, the list goes on, Copenhagen
was another good one. It just meant you met people from various different cultures, had a bit of a little cheeky drink. You got to find out about the local site and you've just got to connect on a running level, which is so dope.Share
Erin Azar
04:18
I love that. I have to admit I am pretty jealous that your connections got to be in person. I mean, let's be honest. Since I started pretty much in pandemic times, everything is virtual. Every connection I make has been on social media for the most part, but I do feel like there is that global aspect to it. So, I feel like so much connection to so many people around the world and like you were saying that common thread is running, which is amazing that we can connect in that way. I actually spoke with Rahaf Khatib, and she's a Syrian American. She actually got to work with
Adidas
to design their first sport hijab, which is a headscarf that Muslim women wear and she brought and continues to bring so much visibility to Muslim women and running, which it just made this such an amazing topic to discuss with her. There was a lot to talk about, but of course I had to ask the big question first.Share
05:18
Can you first tell us about yourself specifically, why do you run? What do you get out of it?
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Rahaf Khatib
05:25
Well, I feel like that could be answered in many different ways because in each stage of my life it's different. So, like at the beginning, when I first started running, I was running for me. I was running because I had goals and my goals were to finish the
Six World Majors
as soon as possible. And I was really busy with that like training one marathon after the other. I mean, I think I did three or four in one year. I mean, I don't know, yeah, three, maybe three. Now that I'm done with the Six World Majors
, I run for me. I run for my health. I run for longevity. I run for mental health. You know, I want to be one of those 80 year olds on the news that just ran a marathon. You know how you read the article 80 year old in the U. K. just ran the London Marathon
. I think it was last October, last fall. So I want to be one of those.Share
Erin Azar
06:19
Same, I totally agree. I love stories like that. I'm in it for the long haul. I'm running to stay sane like, I have three kids. The world is busy. I'm running for sanity.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
06:32
Same. The world is busy.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
06:35
Oh my God, three of the world's major marathons in just a year. Like I personally, I've only ever run like a half marathon. Four marathons are just I don't know how to put it like it just requires that extra bit of mental strength. I don't think I've managed to muster in any way, shape or form either that I just kind of give up. I'm just like I'm a bit tired. I'm a bit bored now.
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Erin Azar
06:60
You know what? It is a long way. So the most recent one I did was the
New York City Marathon
, and I ran one virtually before, so I knew it was going to be hard. But I knew my body could do it and it was just a crazy experience because I think I tweaked my ankle or something weird at mile 10 and so I had to run with, like, a pain in my foot for the next.Share
Ayo Akinwolere
07:21
You were hobbling, basically?
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Erin Azar
07:22
Yeah, I mean, it was really hard, but you're like everyone around me is doing the same thing. We're all running and I did you know, speaking of connections, make a ton because I'm a slow runner. So I took a lot of time to finish and I got to connect with a lot of different people and the experience was amazing. But the thing is, you don't have to be into marathon specifically to be into running like you can run any, you can run around your block and you can still relate to someone that runs a marathon. It's just about putting one foot in front of the other that I feel like it's really uniting.
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Ayo Akinwolere
08:01
Yeah, I hear you, I hear you 100%, and actually the person I interviewed, I don't even know if he's run a marathon. He's like super fast but more behind the wheel than actually running with his feet. He's
Pierre Ghastly
, he's a French Formula One
race driver who drives for Scuderia Alfa Tauri
, Formula One
team. He's super busy, we were so lucky to get him and I spoke to him whilst he's in the middle of testing his car for the Bahrain Grand Prix
. So we just ran straight into the interview and a bit like you, I just had to get straight to it.Share
08:36
Pierre Gasly
, welcome to the Why I Run podcast. It's a joy, it's our first Formula One
driver, so this is very special for us and I guess that in this series we like to ask people you know why it is they run? Why on earth does a Formula One
driver run?Share
Pierre Gasly
08:52
Well, for many reasons, for many reasons. Obviously, being a F1 driver, you've got to be really fit and this is part of my training. So, it's probably like three or four times a week I got to run, sometimes long run, sometimes intervals. And I do it because I've always been running my entire life pretty much because I started playing football when I was five. So obviously, always got to, I used to run a lot when I was younger. And, yeah, I kind of like it for my mind, for my health. I want to stay fit, and it just makes me feel good.
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Ayo Akinwolere
09:23
How empowering then do you find running?
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Pierre Gasly
09:25
In some ways, I do, you empower yourself because I obviously do different types of running. Sometimes it's a recovery run after a race where I just know it's gonna make me feel better. It's gonna make me recover faster. Sometimes, obviously, I push myself a bit more to the limit and I test my body a bit more. And after such session, I do feel the gains within myself. I do feel I'm clearly push myself beyond my limits and then I'm improving my potential and it does make me feel stronger. And obviously week after week, you also see the progress you're making. So, I think mentally it does have a positive impact on the way you feel because you do see yourself improving, which is, I mean, as an athlete. I do think it's very important. So, it has a positive impact physically, but obviously also mentally in the way that you feel. I guess the stronger you get, you get in a better headspace, the more confident you are for your next competition. So, whatever comes afterwards, I don't even think like you're, it's only as an athlete, but I think in everybody's life the fact of working on yourself and looking after yourself, whether it's for your health or whether it's because you want to be fit. I don't think it... does bring a lot of positive signals to your head and does make you feel better with with yourself.
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Ayo Akinwolere
10:54
There was something I was reading, uh, that you wrote. I think it was in an article in the
Players Tribune
and you were talking about the pressures of being a Formula One
driver, because I always think about you guys operating at the top level. But also, when you operated that top level, you're surrounded by a different kind of attention. The media, for instance, and all that kind of stuff. Does running help you step away from that Formula One
life, perhaps?Share
Pierre Gasly
11:16
Yes and no, it depends. You know, I think I'm pretty good in general at putting my mind where I want it to be, but obviously going running sometimes, either a moment to, like, socialize with my friends with my friends, with my coach to talk about other things than Formula One. Either personal topics, either, you know, it's just it really depends, and sometimes also work for me. So when I get there, I need to get in my zone, and I need to, you know, push myself really hard, so I don't really have much time to think about anything. So it really depends what type of of running I do. But yeah, on occasions, it's definitely something that kind of takes me away from all that attention that we get.
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Erin Azar
11:60
Yeah, you know, I really do connect with that idea of strength coming from running, but not really so much in the physical sense. I mean, there's obviously that or else you wouldn't be able to run much. But, definitely like that mental aspect of running, I personally feel like I've learned so much about myself in that sense, like, I think, oh, if I can barely run 10 miles, how am I going to run a marathon? And before you know it, you're like in that marathon, you know, you made it through, and so it really teaches you how strong your mind can be. And that actually reminds me, though, of some conversations that we had in episode two that was with Angel McNeal and Sandile Mkhize where we kind of explored how running can help clear your mind.
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Ayo Akinwolere
12:46
Yes, totally. And I think you know, back to that idea that, like I can't get past the half marathon, I think there's got to be something there in terms about how you can fortify your mind as well with running. And I guess, with P. M. I get the sense that there's a strength of attitude or a sort of confidence that comes from it as well from him. It's definitely about more than just the physical activity, though, isn't it?
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Erin Azar
13:08
Oh, yeah, for sure. I mean, that's actually one thing I talked to over half about, too, although it is in a really different way.
Share
13:18
So, am I right in saying that running for you is more than just your own fitness? You've also talked about having a chance to change the world. Can you tell me more about that?
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Rahaf Khatib
13:30
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, you know that really is my number one cause for starting all this: just running for social change and running for representation. I mean, if you've noticed prior to me being on the cover of a magazine, there was absolutely no hijabi Muslim woman on the cover of a fitness magazine before. And, you know, I really made that my goal to change that, and now and more and more you see more ads featuring Muslim women in sports. I really point that out on my Instagram and on my blog about how more and more brands need to recognize the fact that there's not just one shape and one color to running. There's people from various different backgrounds and, you know, lifestyles, religions, ethnicities. I'm running for equal rights for Muslim women, running for representation for Muslim women in sports, and I am also running for the next generation of Muslim youth, wherever that might be in the world. Social change needs to occur in every part of the world, and it has to include us Muslim women in every aspect when it comes to social change and equal rights. So, I think that as long as I am into fitness and as long as I can run, that will always be my mission.
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Erin Azar
14:52
It is amazing that you as an individual can help make that change. You were featured on the cover of
Women's Running Magazine
, and for folks who don't know that's a pretty big running magazine, especially here in the U. S. So how did that help with this journey that we just talked about with trying to create that change?Share
Rahaf Khatib
15:13
Oh, wow. It has opened so many doors for me, and I've been so very blessed since having that come out in October, and because of that I was able to run
the Boston Marathon
and run it for refugees. So what happened is that I had a sponsor email me and say come join our Boston Marathon
team and without being on the cover, I don't think I would have had that invitation. But I told them, I'll join your team on one condition that you let me fundraise for refugees. So they let me fundraise and that had made tons of headlines. I mean, I made CNN, which is crazy.Share
Erin Azar
15:55
It adds to the impact.
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Rahaf Khatib
15:59
And it adds to my mission, and it adds to just having a greater cause, you know, some people like running for numbers, and that's fine, too. I do too sometimes, but at the same time I feel like there's a greater, there's a greater cause out there that you could be running for if you choose to. And for me it was very important that I had a cause like that. I mean people out there care, even though there's so much going on in the world, people care about these causes. And, when they say that you're, that you have a mission, they will back you up. They will support you.
Share
Erin Azar
16:34
How did that visibility really transfer to connecting to runners all over the world? Do you have any, like, specific stories or groups that you've met?
Share
Rahaf Khatib
16:44
So many stories. So many stories. I don't even know where to begin. As much of an impact as it had on the Muslim community, it also has had an impact on the non Muslim community. Like, here I am trying to influence Muslim woman to run, at the same time also teaching the non Muslim community what Islam is. It's basically incredible how people will just message me on Instagram and say, because of you, I wear a hijab. And that, to me, is worth the world. Hijab is basically a headscarf. It could be any color can be any length, it could be any style that a Muslim woman wears to cover her hair. It's about modesty. You know, hijab in Islam is a religious obligation, but it's not required if one doesn't want to wear it. So, it's totally up to you, and sometimes all it takes is representation. Maybe you, they saw my picture. Maybe they saw that... you know I had one girl say she was a convert. So she converted to Islam, and when she started wearing hijab, she quit running. And she said, when I saw your picture and I saw everything that you're doing and I saw how many marathons you've run, how many races you partook and triathlons you've done, I started running again with my hijab. And that, to me, means the world. I mean that to me, literally like sometimes brings me to tears. I'm just really, I'm a nobody. I'm a nobody. I'm just a stay at home mum for sure. I am like every lady out there that's trying to raise a family and be well and be healthy. But everyone can do something with their time, and I chose to do this. I chose to blog about it because I saw that nobody was, and I said, how come, we need a voice? I was following blogs, literally 100 blogs on Instagram. I call them blogs, but it's pages, whatever you want to call them, that just had one person that looked just one way of one certain ethnicity, and I was so sick of it that I just started my own blog. And I'm so thankful that I started it and because of the cover of the magazine I've had also the opportunity to co-create the
Adidas
hijab with Adidas
, that was 2020, so I've been very thankful to do that.Share
Ayo Akinwolere
19:10
Look, I get what she's saying that she is a nobody, but let's face it, right, she's definitely a super inspiring somebody in my eyes, and I'm sure in the eyes of so many people globally. But I also know where she's coming from. I guess in the grand scheme of things, we all have a little part to play in changing our own world.
Share
Erin Azar
19:31
Yeah, I mean, it sounds so simple: running to show people that you can run and wear a hijab. It's just... I feel like it should be normal and acceptable, just like any other image of a runner. It's a huge thing to put yourself out there and break that mold, though.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
19:46
No, you're spot on and the reality is you you can't be what you can't see. Like, I remember years ago when I set a world record for swimming across the deepest stretch of ocean in the world, I was like one of a few black people with a world record in swimming, period. And the feedback from both young and old people of color - I'm not gonna lie - it took me back. It was so humbling because they finally saw themselves in the swimming world. And I love how the half talks about the global connections as well, because this is such a powerful way to use running.
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Erin Azar
20:22
Yeah. I mean, when I was talking to her, I really thought, you know, about how much other runners are really just like friends. We haven't met, yet, and I just love thinking like that, like there really is a connection that you share when you run.
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Ayo Akinwolere
20:37
No, you're spot on. And with Pierre, he felt that in a more of a personal sphere how the physical act of running with someone forges this really nice close bond.
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Pierre Gasly
20:52
I do think it connects you with the people you run with. So, it's something I always enjoy doing with my friends and people that I know because you're kind of sharing a moment, a private moment, so it always allows you to, you know, have a conversation, something a bit more personal. Usually when I go for a run, I always go minimum for an hour. So, you know, it's, it just gives you time to go through a lot of things and, yeah, I mainly run with my trainer. But I also do enjoy running with my friends.
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Ayo Akinwolere
21:24
And you get to travel a lot, right? Obviously with
Formula One
and probably through life in general, does it allow you to get a sense of the location you're at? You know, just to go a little bit further off and just maybe be a little bit of a tourist for for a change?Share
Pierre Gasly
21:37
It's actually something I really enjoy. So, it's something we usually do. Obviously, we travel a lot, so over 100 flights a year, in terms of locations, I don't know, but probably 50 different locations, during the year. So it's a nice way to discover new places too, as you say, like, kind of feel like a tourist and, yeah, see how the cities are, sightseeing, etc. So, that's one part I do enjoy after running in the city. Obviously, with all the red lights, all the stuff, all the traffic and everything is not usually my my favorite place, but yeah, sometimes we we do combine it.
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Ayo Akinwolere
22:16
Yeah. I want to sort of ask you in terms of the human connection to running. You know, I think we're all human beings, right? Is there something quite innately human about being a runner? Just those two feet, put your shoes on and just just get out there.
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Pierre Gasly
22:29
Yeah, definitely. I mean, it's a pretty simple thing and, you know, even... I do use shoes, but, for example, my team manager doesn't. Sometimes I see him running even without shoes. You know, he's going like, 15 km, 20 km without even shoes and just in the grass and, or even like going running on the beach. You don't really need much. So no, it's, I would say it's pretty simple. And yeah, it's a nice way to connect with yourself, and sometimes you just take a moment to reflect about yourself, about your life, everything that is going on and, uh, you know, especially in this world, like, right now we're always connected, there's always distractions everywhere, whether it's on your phone, whether it's with the news, and you just have constant distraction the entire time. And when you go running, sometimes it's just a nice way to protect you from all these different external connections or information that we're always receiving.
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Ayo Akinwolere
23:32
You know, I do think about like the amount of distractions we have in the Western world like just imagine, like the amount of notifications you get on your phone, for instance, and sometimes it's really hard to get away from that. So, in those moments when I do actually go running, I also think, I know it's a bit high run a bit like crazy philosophical, but there's loads of people globally doing exactly the same thing as me at that time, and it's simply because it's such a simple thing to do.
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Erin Azar
23:59
It's simple, but not always easy. I feel like I need to really emphasize that point there, but yeah, that's the reason I started in the first place because in my mind it was a simple thing to do. I didn't need, you know, lots of gear, I didn't need a gym membership, but I love the idea that running unites us, you know? It might feel a bit different in one climate than another or a different landscape, but it's the same act of getting out and going for one foot in front of the other.
Share
24:32
What is it about running that is so connecting across different countries, different religions?
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Rahaf Khatib
24:39
I feel like running isn't, well, not an easy sport, but it's an accessible sport, so you don't have to have a fancy gym membership. So, people living in a different country where they can't afford you know, a gym, they can't go to a gym, it's not safe, maybe a war torn country. Running, literally, you can just step out the front door and start running on your road or anywhere in the park. There's a lot of education that goes behind it, sure, but at the same time anyone can power walk, jog, run. And I feel like that's really what connects us. So, running all these marathons in different places. I even ran Paris. It was just incredible. I mean, just to see everybody bonding and going to the running expo, that was so much fun. And just having all of that, you know, you feel connected even though you don't know these 30,000 people, you still feel like you're friends with them.
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Erin Azar
25:38
Yes, because you have that one overall thing in common that can be so connecting. But speaking of, you know, connection and uniting together, there is so much that divides people around the world. But do you feel like there's more that unites us?
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Rahaf Khatib
25:58
A 100%. I truly feel like all the hate that's going on and all the negativity, I feel like those people are, they're loud, but they're not necessarily a lot of them. But just because they're allowed, it makes it feel like there's more hate. But there really isn't. I feel like people out there really care. There is kindness and people who stick to their ethical values and not spread hate. I really, I mean, just look at the support I've gotten through all these various causes. I mean people, honestly, they do care, and that's why we have to be so open and public about these things. When you do good, when you want to raise money, when you have good news to spread, spread it, it's okay. These things need to be shared. And this is why I'm so vocal.
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Ayo Akinwolere
26:55
You know, there's something really powerful about how much Rahaf has connected with humanity in her running. I think she's right, though, where she talks about there being lots of hate but also so much hope and so much that connects us.
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Erin Azar
27:10
Yeah, for sure. I mean, especially more than divides us, and she's such an inspiring person. It made me feel like each one I go on is, I don't know, like contributing to something global somehow, which is so cool.
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Ayo Akinwolere
27:23
And talking about being vocal, one of the things to shout about is that events like the
Wings for Life World Run
give each person taking part that good running feeling, and I've seen it. Like, I hosted the event last year and you just see the smile on people's faces. It's so infectious. But also it gives that good deed feeling because the money raised is for such a great cause.Share
Erin Azar
27:47
I love that about the
World Run
and and about running for charity in general. It's just such a great way to bring those things together.Share
Ayo Akinwolere
27:58
What I said to the charity end of things, because, look, this is the
Wings for Life World Run
that we're talking about. And obviously, the Why I Run podcast is sort of spearing us towards that big run. What sort of charitable causes have you run for before?Share
Pierre Gasly
28:12
I will say, I would like to, but with the pretty tight schedule that we have, it's pretty difficult to organize things. So, mainly it's been for for
Wings for Life
since now, like quite many years, I would say, like almost, yeah, probably eight years. And yeah, they also, they did come in my city in France, so we were doing quite a lot of activation, and it was very, I mean, it's a really nice event. Unfortunately, the last couple of years now we in Formula One
, with all the races, all the races that we've got most of the time, it's, it happens during a race weekend. Again this year, unfortunately, on the 8th I'll be busy. I will have the Miami Grand Prix
, so I won't be able to participate, but I'll find ways to, you know, be active and and to connect with all the people who are gonna run there. We also have our team with Scuderia Alpha Tauri
, so I welcome everyone who wants to participate to the race, to join our team and and enjoy this moment together.Share
Ayo Akinwolere
29:14
I can't even persuade you to join the Why I Run Podcast team.
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Pierre Gasly
29:19
Our team's better. Our team's better, I know that.
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Ayo Akinwolere
29:22
We'll see. We'll see.
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Erin Azar
29:23
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Hang on. There's a rival team?
Scuderia Alpha Tauri
has a Wings for Life World Run
team? I don't know how I feel about this. And not only was he dissing our team but using our podcast as a platform to recruit into it. I mean, come on, I'm... I can't even... I don't even know what else to say.Share
Ayo Akinwolere
29:46
I mean, like, who is this guy? He's only like a super world famous
Formula One
driver. I wouldn't even dare, man, he's got, he's got friends in high places. But the thing is, he's definitely enjoying a fair bit of healthy competition, which isn't bad and also is a race driver. These guys will fight you till the finish line.Share
Erin Azar
30:04
Well, that's fine, because the Why I Run team is going to be awesome too. Maybe, you know, a little more awesome just saying.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
30:11
No, I know it and I guess there's nothing wrong with a little bit of healthy rivalry. Just pushes me on a bit more. I got really angry there, especially for such a great cause. Spinal cord injury research.
Share
Erin Azar
30:23
Fair point. Absolutely.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
30:26
I guess one of the beautiful things about this run is that it's really global, isn't it? And that's in fitting with who you are as a
Formula One
driver. What do you make of that global aspect to the run?Share
Pierre Gasly
30:35
I think it's very unique because also, like, based on the number of people around the world that runs exactly at the same time for the same cause. And, it's kind of very, just feels like everybody is very united, even though you're not sharing the same experience at the exact same place, but more always like a global vision on when you realize all the people involved around the globe, it's a huge event. And, yeah, I don't know many events we can regroup that many people for such a race and for such a great cause. So no, I do find it pretty amazing.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
31:17
And I guess the thing about running is it's in that global idea is that it connects people, doesn't it?
Share
Pierre Gasly
31:24
Well, it's universal, right? It's something clearly that, yeah, in a way, I do agree. I do agree that it's, you know, it can be a passion. It can be. You can have different goals basically running, but then at the end of the day, you all do the same thing. You all do the same efforts, and you know, some people enjoy it more than others. But at the end of the day, we still do all the same. And I think that kind of puts everybody on the same level. So yeah, I guess it does. It does break certain barriers in.
Share
Erin Azar
32:01
I absolutely love that. I mean, everyone has different goals and and speeds and successes, but, you know, we're all doing the same thing and so many people around the world love to run.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
32:12
Yeah, they do. And it can really break barriers as well, if you think about it and bring lots of people together, not just when you take part in a running event, but also just in the act of just putting yourself out there and getting out there to run.
Share
Erin Azar
32:25
Oh, for sure. And Rahaf, she would agree that that is true across the world, but also much closer to home as well.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
32:34
I hope also that my daughter is looking, watching, and learning. Everything I do really is not only for the greater cause and mission globally, but also for her as well, because that, to me, is so important, so important.
Share
Erin Azar
32:51
You're such a good mom.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
32:51
I really can't even state how important it is to have to have that for her. Growing up, I had no representation. I had, there was nobody on the media whether it was sports, there was none in the 90s growing up nothing. If you opened up a magazine, there wouldn't be anybody.
Share
33:08
But now it's slowly changing.
Share
Erin Azar
33:10
Slowly and part because of you, which is really awesome.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
33:14
Thank you. You know it's important, we show the next generation how to do it. Hopefully, the racism ends. But if it doesn't, we need to lead by example and show them how to speak up in a good, respectful way.
Share
Erin Azar
33:28
Yes, well, I feel like you are a great example, and especially as moms, I feel like, you know, do trying to reach these goals, and a lot of the times it takes sacrifices, right, and we feel that, mom guilt and everything. But I feel like something that gets me above that is thinking. Okay, look at what my kids are seeing right now. They're seeing me consistently work towards a goal and always show up for myself. And so I feel like that's something we can all kind of cherish and like and work towards.
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Rahaf Khatib
34:03
Exactly. And they will visualize that in their mind, even though they won't say anything to you first. But they will keep that image in your in their mind. They see mom coming back from a race with a medal or mom training or mom eating healthy or mom taking care of herself. They will always have that imprinted in their mind.
Share
Erin Azar
34:22
And I don't know about you, but whenever I come back from a race, I haven't done many because of the pandemic, but my kids do ask if I won and I say absolutely, I did. I did win the race.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
34:33
I won every time. So the 30,000 of my other friends, they won, too. Yes, I remember, they used to ask me. That was so hilarious. You know, my mom would ask me that. My Mom, I mean, she's an immigrant, she doesn't know what races are. She doesn't know what marathon is. Now she knows, but in the beginning, she would always ask me, did you win? And I was like, oh gosh, how do I explain this? And then I'm like, Yeah, yeah, I mean, yeah, I won, absolutely. I've trained for 500 miles. I have definitely won.
Share
Erin Azar
35:07
Well, speaking of everyone winning, though, that is what the
Wings for Life World Run
is. Because everyone starts and there's no finish line. Whenever that catcher car catches up with you, that's as far as you get. So, everyone wins their own race. So I love that about it. I'm super excited. And can I ask you a very important question?Share
Rahaf Khatib
35:30
Sure.
Share
Erin Azar
35:32
Would you...
Share
Rahaf Khatib
35:33
Now I'm nervous.
Share
Erin Azar
35:34
No, you should be excited.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
35:35
Okay.
Share
Erin Azar
35:36
Will you join the Why I Run podcast team in the
Wings for Life World Run
?Share
Rahaf Khatib
35:42
Absolutely, 100%.
Share
Erin Azar
35:43
Oh, my goodness. Another team member solidified. We're going to be the best team.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
35:49
Anything for a good cause.
Share
Erin Azar
35:51
Yes. Oh, my goodness. So exciting. And we're all coming together on this, which is amazing.
Share
Rahaf Khatib
35:57
You know, I'll join this team and do whatever I can to raise awareness, so thank you, guys.
Share
Erin Azar
36:02
Moms represent!
Share
Rahaf Khatib
36:03
Yes, 100%.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
36:10
So, Rahaf really has put
Pierre's
rival team in a perspective. We're all going to win on the 8th of May. I love that idea, actually. Just own it. Take it.Share
Erin Azar
36:20
I know, I totally get that whole thing. Like, I honestly do tell my kids that I win the races that I run because the thing is, you've worked so hard and you've achieved so much personally, like mentally and physically that you're a winner for sure. So, just own it.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
36:36
For sure. You're connected across the world to people who are doing exactly the same thing. What great conversations from, look, two incredible people. Really enjoyed that.
Share
Erin Azar
36:46
Yes. I mean, I am so pumped to get out for another run and think about all the people who are doing the same thing on the same day across the world. It's going to be amazing.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
36:57
Yeah, look, there are so many reasons why all those people will be putting their trainers on or running shoes or sneakers on. So, don't forget that we've explored some of them in previous episodes, and we'll be exploring lots and lots more in weeks leading up to the
Wings for Life World Run
as well.Share
Erin Azar
37:12
Oh, right. I mean, we've already had really amazing conversations about running to explore, to be creative, to clear your mind.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
37:20
And new episodes are out every Thursday. So make sure you subscribe or follow the Why I Run podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from, I've told you, you better do it.
Share
Erin Azar
37:34
Absolutely. And if you're thinking about joining our team wherever you are on May 8th, check out our team page, www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/whyirunteam. That link is also in the episode description just to make it a little easier for you.
Share
Ayo Akinwolere
37:52
And also, you can get in touch with us there as well. There's a feed section on that page where you can also say hello. It would be great, wouldn't it? To get a few people from all over the world saying hello. That'd be dope.
Share
Erin Azar
38:03
Yes, that would be amazing. And I cannot wait. But for now, that's all from the Why I Run Podcast from
Red Bull
.Share
Ayo Akinwolere
38:14
Yeah, thanks for listening. Hold on, do you not say that bit?
Share
Erin Azar
38:17
Oh, did I say something? What did I do? Hey, we'll roll with it. Let's just go with it.
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Erin Azar
Ayo Akinwolere
Rahaf Khatib
Pierre Gasly