#088 - Making Trail Running Accessible with Zachary Friedley

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Zach Friedley, a trail running pioneer and advocate for adaptive sports. They discuss Zach's journey from childhood experiences with disability to his current role in promoting inclusivity in trail running through his nonprofit, Born to Adapt. The conversation covers the evolution of disability perception, the challenges faced by adaptive athletes, and the importance of community engagement in sports. Zach shares insights on innovations in prosthetics, the impact of the Mendocino Movement Project, and his aspirations for the future of adaptive sports.

Takeaways

Zach Friedley is a pioneer in adaptive sports and trail running.

The perception of disability has evolved significantly over the years.

Community engagement is crucial for breaking down barriers in sports.

Zach's journey into running officially began in 2019.

The importance of visibility and representation in sports for disabled individuals.

Innovations in prosthetics have greatly improved the experience for adaptive athletes.

Born to Adapt aims to create inclusive running events for all abilities.

Zach emphasizes the need for adaptive categories in major races.

The Mendocino Movement Project focuses on changing lives through movement.

Future goals include building inclusive run groups and expanding adaptive sports opportunities.

Keywords

adaptive sports, disability inclusion, trail running, prosthetics, Born to Adapt, Mendocino Movement Project, community engagement, visibility, mentorship, running events