This episode features Alia Qatarneh, whose running story is deeply infused with community and leadership, especially through the Boston area based TrailblazHers Run Co. Her story highlights the way the three forces of running, community, and leadership have coalesced to drive her running journey. And how that's led to her running the 2023 Boston Marathon—her first time running 26.2 miles—and then to running the 2024 Boston City 26.TRUE marathon, which she'll be running again this year, 2025: 26,TRUE happens this weekend, Saturday, April 19. Away from running Qatarneh is a doctoral candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education on her way to becoming a doctor of education leadership, and she has a background in science and science education.  Qatarneh is a runner, as well as a LeadHer for the TrailblazHers, an organization that fosters diversity and creates a welcoming environment for all women, especially women of color. In her episode, Qatarneh traces how she started in the sport of running and how she's developed as a runner and leader throughout her journey. Get pumped up to cheer on Qatarneh and the rest of the runners this year at 26.TRUE! Mentioned in this Episode TrailblazHers: @trailblazhersrunco Pioneers Run Crew: @pioneersrc 29.TRUE: @26.truemarathon Liz Rock on WRS: womensrunningstories.com/liz-rock-a-trailblazhers-journey-running-the-boston-marathon-for-mile-21-joy To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices