Chelsey Stone: From Read & Run Chicago Guide to Read & Run on the Road Organizer
Chelsey Stone (formerly Chelsey Grassfield) was one of Read & Run Chicago’s first guides. Now, she’s the organizer of the inaugural events of Read & Run on the Road, the newest program of Read & Run Chicago’s parent organization, Read & Run Tours.
This spring and summer, Chelsey is organizing some incredible Read & Run on the Road events in San Diego and Los Angeles inspired by fascinating books for readers and runners to better connect to their homes and each other using movement and stories.
May 11 and May 16: Read & Run on the Road: Book Club Run of The Gangster We Are All Looking For
June 2: Read & Run on the Road: Running Tour of Ellen Browning Scripps with Molly McClain
June 29: Read & Run on the Road: Book Club Run of Evergreen with Naomi Hirahara
Read & Run Chicago asked Chelsey some questions about what inspired her to organize the first Read & Run on the Road events and what she’s most excited about.
Chelsey’ Read & Run Chicago Book Club Run of Clark and Division in March 2023.
Can you tell us about yourself? Why are reading and running two things that mean a lot to you?
I grew up running. My mom started taking me on her runs when I was 7 (circling back for me when she got far enough ahead), I joined track and cross country in high school, and I continued running into adulthood as a healthy habit. When I met my husband almost ten years ago he thought I had potential and started to coach me. I just ran a 3:04:29 marathon last November. So I’ve gotten a bit competitive, but running is still something I love to do because it makes me feel good.
Reading was also an early passion. I’ve always used books to explore the world. The first thing I do when I want to learn about something, whether that’s preparing for an upcoming trip to Italy or how to make it as a freelance writer and editor, is check out a stack of books from the library. A few years ago, in the middle of our conversation, a friend said to me, “you’re so smart.” My immediate response, partly from a desire to be humble but mostly from a sudden intuition, was “I just read a lot.” Reading fosters critical thinking and exposes me to experts in their field or presents viewpoints that push my own. These things encourage thoughtful interactions.
Tell us about the events you’ll be hosting this spring and summer. Why did you choose those books and stories?
I moved to San Diego last summer and was actually reluctant to do so—only making the move to be with my husband, who’s here for work. One of the first things I did was get a library card and check out several books about the city, hoping to turn my attitude around. I was delighted to discover such a rich and unique history in San Diego. Even growing up in California, I didn’t know San Diego’s considered the birthplace of California because it was the first to be settled by Spanish explorers. I also assumed the only books I’d find set in San Diego would feature overly tanned, blond surfer dudes. So when the first two novels I read were written by authors of color, I was pleasantly surprised and knew I wanted those to be the stories elevated by Read & Run on the Road events.
In addition to curated routes based on pivotal moments or landmarks significant to the books, these events will feature what makes Read & Run great: hearing from community members and/or the author. I’ve reached out to several community groups in the hopes of lining up a few speakers and have confirmed two authors. Getting to hear from those closest to the story or who can speak to the area today adds yet another enriching layer to the reading experience. After the run, we’ll discuss what we saw and how it connects back to our reading of the book.
What will people in San Diego and Los Angeles will gain from these events and how will it help them interact better with the city?
I have met so many folks who are also new to San Diego. So if they are anything like me, they will gain a better understanding of the people and places that make up this city. There are numerous wonderful and supportive running clubs in San Diego, so this is an opportunity to use running to thoughtfully explore San Diego together through stories. And in a way that will expand their mental map and encourage them to get outside of their usual haunts.
Readers and runners with Chelsey Stone at the May 2022 Book Club Run of Clark and Division.
What are you most looking forward to about the events you’ll be hosting?
I love when the authors participate in the post-run discussions. It’s a unique experience to hear directly from the author whose story you just ran through. Readers further enrich their experience with the text, and the authors always seem delighted by what we took away.
Molly McClain will be joining the post-run discussion of Ellen Browning Scripps at the La Jolla Historical Society, which I’m very excited for.
Naomi Hirahara will join us for our post-run discussion of Evergreen in L.A. The first Read & Run Chicago event I guided in Chicago was Hirahara’s Clark & Division. To get to follow the character of Aki Ito back home to L.A. after enduring the Manzanar detention center and a difficult move to Chicago in this sequel is so special. Hirahara participated in an interview for the first run of Clark & Division and Zoomed with us for our rerun the following year. I cannot wait for this in person discussion of Evergreen.
Photo Credit: Kyle Nowaczyk
