Run Your Story Podcast · Allison Gaillard

Selena Daniel - "I need new friends"

·1 hr 9 min·4 clips

Run the Rainbow sends every dollar back to the only children's hospital in Mississippi.

1. Run Your Story Podcast centers this conversation on Selena Daniel and Run the Rainbow in Jackson, Mississippi. 2. Allison Gillyard interviews Selena Daniel, who is the race director for Run the Rainbow and works at the children's hospital. 3. The episode asks what it takes to build a race that serves runners and raises money for the only children's hospital in Mississippi. 4. Selena says she did not start running until her early 30s after deciding she wanted to be a runner. 5. She describes a local couch-to-marathon style group that helped her move into marathon training. 6. Selena says her first marathon left her thinking, "I'm never doing that again," before she got deeper into the running community. 7. She explains that trail running became a bigger goal, including the Mucks group events and the "big dog" challenge. 8. Those trail goals included the Frosty 15, Fondren 50K, Big Butts 50K, and Clear Creek 50K. 9. Selena says Dina Bowles texted her about the Mambo 100 mile, and James Bowler sent her a discount code. 10. She says she attempted her first 100 miler, reached 100K, and learned she was too slow to finish. 11. Selena says she will get a 100 miler this year under her belt. 12. She says "bad days make your good days great," and uses that idea to explain training setbacks. 13. Run the Rainbow began after Selena wanted to do something bigger for the children's hospital for about 10 years. 14. She says the event started with a 5.2K and a half marathon, then added a full marathon and a 50K. 15. Selena says every dollar from the race and expo goes back to the hospital and supports items insurance or normal hospital funds may not cover. 16. She names iPads, Angel Eye in the NICU, a new playground, transportation help, and therapy access as examples of what the money can support. 17. Selena says the last runner matters most to her, and she refuses to pull anyone off the course if they are making progress. 18. She also says late finishers get the same food, finish-line treatment, and celebration as the first runner. 19. The style is conversational, warm, and full of digressions about racing, food, gear, and social media friendships. 20. Listeners who enjoy community-centered running stories and race-day logistics will get the most from it.

As heard by us

A race story that turns miles into community impact.

Selena Daniel's visit frames Run the Rainbow as a race with a purpose, not just another date on the calendar. The segment makes clear that race entry and expo spending support the only children's hospital in Mississippi, and it also shows Selena's real affection for the running…

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Why you'd press play

You get a Jackson race story about community, Selena Daniel, and Run the Rainbow's impact.

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