When I run on the trails, I'm combating the pressure of modern life to be complacent and comfortable. I'm actively seeking to do something difficult, to connect myself with nature, and to engage my body in the activity that it was designed for, in a world that often feels like it's meant to do the opposite.

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.

I've always loved the mountains and running among their trees and rocks.One of my most memorable race experiences was snowrunning in the Sierra Nevada, running at night in the snow, darkness all around, with cold, wind, and rain — just me and the mountain. That feeling of solitude and connection with nature is unforgettable. My pre-race ritual is a short jog to release nerves while chatting with fellow competitors.