Globally, it’s been a long year -- racial unrest, a seemingly uncontrollable pandemic, and even historic weather events. But for many Americans, it’s been a long four years. Running up to the finish line of the U.S. Presidential Election may feel exhausting, but it literally is just one phase of the long journey to personal, professional, financial, and political healing. The next phase is the aftermath -- or what we have labeled, “The After-mess”. The clean up may get worse before it gets better given the challenges of the election itself and beyond. Lawsuits will be filed for voter suppressions or recounts. Families, friends, and loved ones will need to determine if and how they can possibly heal family relationships. Some people are quickly sliding down a slippery financial slope due to a myriad of reasons. We are neck-deep in a mess that we must address as an entire country. As endurance athletes, it’s going to be tough to go on that ride with a buddy who -- given their political leanings -- now make you wonder whether your life truly matters. It may be frustrating to know that you are not in fact seen with your differences, but tolerated and treated with no consideration of how you add to the experience with your many identities. It is at this very time that we need to be sure that fellow athletes have each other’s backs. Yet, for anyone who has attempted to separate and compartmentalize identity differences from the endurance sport experience with a “Just shut up and race attitude”, this may be a necessarily uncomfortable time for you. This episode will challenge you to consider how you want to engage with anyone and everyone -- especially your fellow athletes. Are you making conscious choices of how/if you want to engage with someone? Consider if it’s worth the energy. How invested are you in your relationship with that person? Consider your own mental health and safety. How might you be creating work for yourself? Taking the time to explain your experience if you are an oppressed person takes emotional labour. Some other helpful resources: https://www.ttsdschools.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=16190&dataid=25559&FileName=Racial%20Battle%20Fatigue%20-%20Handout.pdf https://www.npr.org/2020/11/01/929856421/after-a-bitter-election-can-americans-find-a-way-to-heal-their-divides https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article246833127.html SIGN UP at www.outspokensummit.com/awards to attend the Outspoken Women in Triathlon virtual awards ceremony on Sunday November 15th at 4pm PST.