Season five of the Runner’s Round Table will be all about Hot Takes and this episode is the Not All Paces Welcome Edition. In this episode Stephanie speaks with Makenzie Rink about what it means to be a “Realistic Runner” and how it’s ok for run groups to not cater to all paces as long as there are safe spaces for all runners, especially back of the pack runners, to show up and feel like they are a part of the running community.
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About Stephanie Diaz:
Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).
About Makenzie Rink:
Makenzie Rink is a business owner, speaker, and content creator passionate about making running more inclusive and accessible. Through her online platforms (@the.realistic.runner on TikTok and Instagram), Makenzie has built a supportive community of runners of all levels. She is the founder of The Realistic Runners, a running group based in Western North Carolina, which she also leads virtually via Strava and Instagram. Her mission is simple: to prove that anyone can be a runner, regardless of pace, experience, or background. Makenzie’s goal is to break down barriers and create a welcoming space for all runners—whether they're just starting out or are seasoned athletes. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to lace up their shoes, hit the pavement, and embrace the power of movement.