Advertisement

How Ultra Black Running is helping Black women discover the joys of off-road running

Endurance sports, Running, Exercise, Jogging, Outdoor recreation, Long-distance running, Active pants, Individual sports, Athlete, Physical fitness,
Q&A with Dora Atim, founder of Ultra Black RunningJan Kirkham

Runner’s World chats to Nike+ Run Coach and founder of Ultra Black Running, Dora Atim.

When did you start running and why?

I went to a boxing class when I was 18, I loved it and was told to start running to help improve my boxing. At the time I really did not like that idea as I was not a runner and didn't know where to begin. I did it anyway and stuck at it. I eventually joined Nike+ Run Club in White City and completed my first 10K at the Nike Women's 10K in 2015. I then fell massively in love with running, and since then I have joined other running communities such as Run Dem Crew, Track Mafia and co-founded Last Pick Athletics Club, and then started to coach for Nike+ Run Club.

Do you think there is anything missing from the running community?

Representation from every marginalised community – races and events are not always accessible to everyone. I also think race organisers can improve on engaging the communities in movement when they are situated in a specific area for their races.

When and why did you launch Ultra Black Running?

I started Ultra Black at the end of June because I feel there is a lack of representation in the running world, and especially in the trail/ultra/mountain running scene. I want women and gender nonconforming folx to see themselves when they run in the trails or attend races in the future.

What are your hopes and objectives for Ultra Black Running?

I'm hoping to build a community for Black womxn and gender nonconforming people. It would be great to work towards a goal together, and experience different trails and other areas of natural beauty in the UK together – hopefully we may be able to attend a trail event together in the future.

What do you think are the barriers to running and what do you think can be done?

Firstly, the perceived barrier is the one that may stop us from getting started – the “I’m not fit enough” or the “I’m so slow.” Self-confidence is the first barrier that stopped me from getting started those years ago, but once you have gotten past that first stage, then you are ready to make magic! Secondly, races need to market for a wider audience as opposed to the standard “run club” runner – there are so many people who would run races if they were inviting and approachable, and that starts with conversations being had up at the top to manage the marketing of these events.

What do you think non-BIPOC members of the running community can do to ensure BIPOC are better represented at events and races?

They can help by listening to BIPOC when we are speaking on experiences and issues. By listening, they will gain a better understanding on how BIPOC can be supported and be better represented in the community.

Fitness in general is very hypergendered and there needs to be more accessible spaces for non-binary and gender nonconforming folx. What would you like to see happen in the landscape of running to change this?

I feel that there are many ways in which gender nonconforming people can be better supported, and I am still educating myself on how. I would love for those who are non-binary and gender nonconforming people to feel that Ultra Black Running is a safe space for them, so I will listen and consider how the landscape of running can be accessible for them, and have their stories amplified.

Can you talk us through what your running routine normally looks like in a week?

Outside of training for races and events, I will normally run four to five times a week, and I do mobility exercises after most of my runs. At the moment I am running five times a week and will vary my runs by doing easy runs, speed sessions, hill runs and a long run on the weekend. I will also do strength sessions twice a week dependent on how my body is feeling to ensure I am maintaining a strong body! I'll recover harder then go again.

What do you do when motivation is low?

When my motivation is low, I try to think about what is making me not want to run. Most of the time it’s because I am tired or have a lot going on, so I will always need to be mindful of that. If I’m tired but still want to head out I will cut the time or distance that I am planning to run to ease me from pressure. I also love to run to house music, so I’ll often make a new playlist and give it a whirl in the trails!

What do you love about trail running? What would you say to encourage others to give it a go?

When I am in the trails, I really get to unwind and take everything in. For me, all I’m thinking about is where I’m going to place my foot next – running through trails requires more attention due to the terrains. For those who are wanting to give it a go, start small – set a time or landscape/viewing point that you want to visit. When you are out there, make sure you treat it like any other run: warm up, do drills, stretch and recover hard! Tour body will thank you for it. Lastly, I would LOVE to see the places you guys explore, so tag me on IG @doradontexplore.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

You Might Also Like