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 Mexico
• How Verna took up running after her second child
• The ways running has emphasized Verna's resilience
• Why Verna shares the stories of other native runners through her Instagram: @native_women_running
• Verna's annual virtual run to raise awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women
• Why Verna places an emphasis on safety (not fear) when running
• What excites her about the future of Native Women Running

Resources

• Verna Volker: Instagram
• Native Women Running: Instagram
• Native Women's Wilderness: Instagram & Website
• Red Earth Running Co: Website
• About the inaugural virtual run for MMIW
• About Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women
• Urban Indian Health Institute
• Women's Running: The Importance of Running in Native American Culture
• Learn more about the land you're exploring on: Native-Land.ca 
• She Explores Landing Page

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Smartwool: Learn more at Smartwool.com
• Stio: 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.