Country: United States

Running is more than an activity for me, it’s a connection to the land, to my culture, and to my ancestors. As a Diné (Navajo) woman, every step I take on the trail carries meaning. It’s a relationship with Mother Earth, a way of honoring where I come from and who I am. The trails are where I go to center myself, to heal, and to listen. Running isn’t just movement, it’s medicine.

My most memorable race was finishing the Cocodona 250. Over 250 miles of rugged Arizona terrain tested everything I had, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But somewhere along those miles, I rediscovered myself. Not just as a runner, but as an Indigenous woman, a mother, and an individual grounded in purpose. 

Out there, there’s no separation between the runner and the land. Every mile becomes a reminder of resilience, of strength passed down through generations, and of the deep connection we carry within us. Running, for me, is a return,to balance, to identity, and to home.