Episode 119: Cal Calamia on Pioneering Change

Runners of The Bay

In this episode we talk to Cal Calamia fresh off their win at the New York City Marathon! Cal is a marathoner, educator, poet, and an inclusivity activist for trans and nonbinary athletes. In November, Cal became the first trans nonbinary athlete to be granted a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone by the US Anti-Doping agency. This trailbreaking first is a complicated story that Cal generously shares with us. Cal recently got their masters in creative writing from USF and talks about the interplay between creativity and running. They share their work to get races to include nonbinary divisions and how important it is to make everyone feel recognized and celebrated and included!

Some highlights from our conversation:

✍️ How Writing and running allow them to connect with themselves and feel connected to others

😅 Finding joy in running and competition in high school

🤩 A sneak peek of the name of their upcoming collection of poems!

⏩️ How running may have accelerated their understanding of their gender identity

🌉 How Spain and San Francisco showed them the joy and connection within the trans community

🎓 The beauty and honesty of transitioning while teaching

✊ What pushed them to apply for the therapeutic use exemption

🏆 The joy of racing authentically and winning the nonbinary division at the San Francisco Marathon, New York City marathon, and Bay to Breakers

🥳 Making sure that we celebrate the winners for all divisions at races

You can find Cal on Instagram, Strava, and check out their website!

You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @runnersofthebay

Check out our website www.runnersofthebay.com and send us an e-mail at [e-mail].

Music is California by The Spectacular Fantastic.

Mixing and editing by Brian Walters at Singletrack Sound.