Meet the NYC run crews: Bakline
Meet Ashley Lund-Pearson and Kat Skaris from Bakline, and find out more about their thoughts on the essence of NYC run culture and their run crew’s philosophy.
For Bakline, there’s no off season. Not just in training but in supporting each and every female runner.
There are two things that make me proud: normalizing and claiming spaces for women in the running community, and also allowing this diversity to happen.
- Bakline’s Kat Skaris
On: Hey Ashley and Kat, thanks for chatting with us. What is it about New York City that inspires you?
Ashley: “The thing I love most about New York City is the resiliency. There have been people that have said New York City is dead, but it's not. You go outside and there's now outdoor dining, which is so great. The streets are actually packed for better or for worse, but there's no place in the city that's been quiet.”
“And also, the support that we give each other. There are certain neighborhoods that have been hit harder than others and certain businesses that have been hit harder than others and people learn about it and they want to help.”
“So, there's a lot of love in this city. People say that we're all really mean but I don't think so.”
I think that we all have a mission, whether it's getting to work on time or just being there for another person. I really do think that this city helps its own. And if there's a place where we see somebody needs help, we'll find a way to help them.
Bakline’s mantra is “The Future is Female Runners,” what does this mean to you as a crew?
Kat: “We're creating change through running. We're using running as this vehicle to create change, to claim spaces for women, to talk more about people of color and how they're not represented as much in this running culture.”
“So, I think now that Bakline has this blog where female coaches, personal trainers, women of color are seen and represented – women that have never really been in the spotlight before – we're able to bring them that spotlight.”
“And I think that's amazing because that little girl is sitting in her room thinking, I can never be a runner because I'm a woman, because I'm Hispanic and whatever else, and it's inspiring for them. And hopefully in the future, more women, people of color, can join in and run.”
Can you tell us more about initiates like Womxn Run the Vote?
Kat: “I think that because of COVID, not only did it work virtually, but we were able to get people involved that probably would not have been able to. Like from all over the world. And it wasn't just running. People were doing other activities as well. And so, it was incredibly inclusive in that aspect.”
“We've adapted, and I think that's huge. You asked before about New York City and the essence of running, and I think being able to adapt is also key. And not only adapt but excel by adapting.”
“I don't know if Womxn Run the Vote would have been as huge if it wasn't done in this way. I think it was a perfect storm, and because of it, we got so many conversations out in the open.”
Do you think racing virtually has changed the purpose of running?
Ashley: “It does feel different. I think there has been a bit of a mindset swing from racing in person to racing virtually.”
People are a little more thoughtful about how they race. It’s more meaningful.
Interested in meeting up with Bakline? Send Kat an email (katherine.skaris@gmail.com) or reach out to them on Instagram (@baklinerunning) to get involved.
