Running Towards the Sun: Verna Volker

Verna is Navajo, a mother of four, and days away from running a 50-mile ultra run. She started running after having her second child 12 years ago. Hear about Verna's journey as a runner and how it’s underlined her resilience as a person. Now she's bringing native women together by uplifting their running journeys, too.

Featured in this episode: Verna Volker

Hosted by Gale Straub

Sponsored by Smartwool & Stio

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In this episode, you'll hear:

About growing up Navajo in Northwest New MexicoHow Verna took up running after her second childThe ways running has emphasized Verna's resilienceWhy Verna shares the stories of other native runners through her Instagram: @native_women_runningVerna's annual virtual run to raise awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous WomenWhy Verna places an emphasis on safety (not fear) when runningWhat excites her about the future of Native Women Running

Resources

Verna Volker: InstagramNative Women Running: InstagramNative Women's Wilderness: Instagram & WebsiteRed Earth Running Co: WebsiteAbout the inaugural virtual run for MMIWAbout Missing & Murdered Indigenous WomenUrban Indian Health InstituteWomen's Running: The Importance of Running in Native American CultureLearn more about the land you're exploring on: Native-Land.ca She Explores Landing Page

Sponsors and Discount Codes

Smartwool: Learn more at Smartwool.comStio: Get 25% off your order when you use the code 'EXPLORE' at checkout

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Music is by Swelling, Josh Woodward, Kai Engel, and Monplaisir using a creative commons attributions license.