Women's Running Stories
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© 2022-23 Women's Running Stories
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Women's Running Stories features inspiring stories told by exceptional women runners about their running experiences. Hear about the many ways women are achieving excellence and changing their lives through the sport of running. Get motivated to reach your own running goals by women who are making it happen.
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Maddie Barrett is a long-time runner, and these days she focuses primarily on the marathon. In this episode, she shares her whole running journey, including going through a time of disordered eating. Now Maddie sees food as a way of healing her body. Her story also includes her experiences of going through these recent two major surgeries and subsequent recoveries, and how that impacted her running life. Maddie’s taken lessons from past periods of recovery—most notably from childbirth—and this learned wisdom has served her well. Maddie’s story is very personal, and it’s also one that so many women can resonate with. I’m really thankful she’s so open about her experiences.How to Keep Up With Maddie BarrettInstagram: @joyful_runner_minneapolisMentioned in this EpisodeFor All Mothers: forallmothers.orgWRS Substack newsletter: womensrunningstories.substack.comTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabaySergePavkinMusic, via PixabaySergePavkinMusic, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
New Hampshire-based Tammie Robie’s health issues appear to have started during her teenage years and continued, with increasing intensity, until just a few years ago. Over the years, Tammie saw doctors and specialists, had test after test after test, and followed a variety of prescription protocols. But her symptoms persisted: high blood pressure, a spiking heartrate, migraines, water retention in her face and legs. But, throughout, she ran and went after big racing goals. Even with all these health problems, Tammie was able to earn her spot on several pro/elite marathon start lines, and she had some notable race success. In particular, she ran a marathon PR of 2:49 at the 2010 Houston Marathon. For context, the Olympic Trials Marathon qualifying standard at that time was 2:46. But there were also the ongoing struggles and many deeply disappointing race days. The root cause of Tammie’s condition remained a mystery for many, many years. In the end, it was discovered by chance. And today, she is cured. Tammie tells her story in much greater detail in her book, Misdiagnosed for Miles: A Competitive Runner’s Journey through Misdiagnosis and Discovery. This episode follows that story.Tammie’s journey is remarkable and heartbreaking, and it shows grit and determination that is stunning. Throughout, Tammie’s love of running is a steady companion.Mentioned in This EpisodeMisdiagnosed for Miles, blog and links to book: misdiagnosedformiles.comTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via Pixabaychillmore, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayRoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via PixabayAlexGrohl, via PixabayPaulYudin, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
I sat down with friend, colleague, community organizer, and racial equity advocate Verna NezBegay Volker, who lived for 16 years in Minneapolis, and recently moved just outside the city. The neighborhood where Verna and her husband raised their children is a focal point of ICE raids and crackdowns. Central to this conversation: how running and politics are inextricably linked. Running requires freedom of movement and some semblance of safety. Increasingly, we are seeing those liberties threatened, thwarted, and extinguished because of political decisions. It's a reality people of color in this country have always understood; awareness in white communities is much less. I wanted to acknowledge and address these realities and this moment and also expand my own awareness.So, I turned to a trusted source, to learn and to develop strategies for how to keep moving forward and be a better community member.We talk about what Verna's recent and past experiences have been around civil unrest, as a runner, community leader, native woman, and mom living in Minnesota. And we discuss how this isn't new for her and her community, or other communities of color. We also discuss what she's seeing in the running community and ways that this community can be more supportive of those who are being targeted--specifically, runners of color. We talk about how difficult this time is and also how empowering it is to see community coming together to resist and to help each other. I'm grateful to Verna for sharing her perspective and expertise. We're in this together. We are stronger together. Keep Up With Verna NezBegay Volker and Native Women RunVerna NezBegay Volker on Instagram: @hozhorunner4NWR on Instagram: @native_women_runMentioned in This EpisodePow Wow Grounds: powwowgrounds.com; @powwowgroudscoffee: ; Venmo, @powwowgroundsAmerican Indian Movement: @aimmovtAmerican Indian Center: maicnet.orgTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohWays to Connect with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Anjali Saraogi hasbeen an ultra runner. She started running in her early 40s and pretty quickly discovered a love and talent for running far, and running fast. She ran the Comrades Marathon in 2017, in a time of 8 hours, 38 minutes: a huge accomplishment and at the time, it was the fastest time run by an Indian woman at that race. Anjali then went on to solidify her place as one of India’s best ultra runners, and she is a pioneer in the sport in her country; distance running, as Anjali talks about in her story, is relatively new in India. So not only was Anjali a role model for what’s possible as an older woman, having begun competitive sports in her 40s, she became a role model for what’s possible for women, period. Anjali has represented India in international championship races, including the 100k world championships and 100k Asia and Oceania championships, which you’ll hear about in her story. But with the onset of health issues around menopause, Anjali had to give up running competitively and then altogether. Now, she’s back. And she shares the whole story here. It’s a story that’s rooted in one constant: Anjali loves to run; it’s a feeling she's has had since the beginning of her running journey, and it continues to this day.How to Keep Up with Anjali SaraogiOn Instagram: @runjali1973Anjali Saraogi's Comrades episode: womensrunningstories.com/anjali-saraogi-the-comrades-marathon-a-first-timers-journeyTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via PixabayMusic of the Future, via Pixabaychillmore, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayRockot, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Lisa Jackson has completed over 100 marathons; she's run the 90km or roughly 56-mile Comrades Marathon; and she's run many other races of various distances, too. She's a well known writer, covering health and running, in addition to being an author; she's also a hypnotherapist. Many people also know Jackson as the "flamingo lady" for wearing her distinctive flamingo hat, and they know her for jubilantly embracing her place at the back of the pack—she has come in last in many races. Over the past several years, Jackson has experienced life-altering challenges: looming large among them is her husband's terminal illness.This is a very sad story. It not only involves the death of her husband, but also her father, as well as the delayed grieving of her mother, who had died tragically many years ago—in addition to other challenges that came along with the cancer journey. And, this is a story about surviving life, and learning to thrive again, in the face of this sadness and processing grief. How Jackson went from deep despair to returning to running joyfully again and the central role running played in that journey and throughout her life is what this episode is all about. It's about death, grief, life, living—and running. How to Keep Up with Lisa JacksonOn Instagraml: @lisaflamingojackson"Still Running After All These Tears," publishers website: summersdale.com/titles/lisa-jackson-3/still-running-after-all-these-tears/9781837997374/To support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayMusic of the Future, via PixabayLidérc Bell, via PixabayPaulYudin, via PixabayRockot, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
In this episode, I focus on a huge win in dealing with my anxiety around training and racing. It's opened a whole new chapter in my running journey. Healing anxiety has been a dedicated focus for the past few years, and it's resulted in some breakthrough moments over the past few months. This includes the terrific experiences I just had at my indoor track season opening races which just took place last weekend, on December 13. There, I ran the mile and the 800, my first time doubling with those two events. Hear why I had a truly remarkable time for reasons that went beyond paces and times. Plus, a positive update on working to lower my cholesterol, and details about working with my new coach, Molly Huddle. This episode is full of inspiration and joy. And, this is the final episode of 2025; WRS will return in January: there are already new stories in the works. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any of them. A very happy finish to the new year, however you celebrate. And here's to a wonderful start of 2026! Mentioned in this EpisodeThe last update from me, Cherie: womensrunningstories.com/wrs-host-cherie-louise-turner-a-running-journey-update-may-aug-2025Breath with Sandy: youtube.com/breathewithsandyTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of Playtohpenguinmusic, via PixabayRomanBelov, via Pixabaychillmore, via PixabayDELOSound, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayRockot, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesOver 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_projectWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.comEmail host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com
In recent times, Caryn—who lives in Texas and also spends a lot of time in Colorado—became the first person (as far as we can find) to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon after a knee replacement surgery, thanks to a procedure done by Dr Richard Berger. And, Caryn’s story is about that, but also so much more. Caryn has faced significant traumas in life, among them experiences with disordered eating, and she has been impacted by suicide.In her story, she talks about this, and also how the challenges and struggles she’s faced have resulted in fueling her purpose in life. So, for instance, Caryn’s had a long career as a dietician specializing in helping people to overcome disordered eating. She’s been a leader in this field, beginning at a time when so little was known on the topic and treatment was rare to nonexistent. Caryn founded and ran an eating dis outpatient clinic for over 20 years; it grew to become the largest of its kind in Texas and one of the largest in the nation. Her career has spanned over 30 years. She’s also worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston for over 20 years. In addition, Caryn founded Poppy’s Run for Life, which she talks about: the organization raises funds for suicide education and prevention through running events. Currently, Caryn is also going after her latest big personal running challenge: running a marathon in every state! There are many powerful moments in Caryn’s story, and it is truly inspirational. Mentioned in this EpisodeDr. Richard Berger: outpatienthipandknee.comMainly Marathons: mainlymarathons.comPoppy's Run for Life: poppysrunforlife.comTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabaySergePavkinMusic, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via PixabayLidérc Bell, via PixabayRoyaltyFreeMusic, via PixabayPaulYudin, via PixabayDELOSound, via Pixabaychillmore, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Elizabeth Sheridan has developed a great love of ParkRun, and it has inspired travel all around the US and to many other parts of the world; currently ParkRun happens in 22 countries, and Elizabeth has done a ParkRun in every one of those countries, except Australia. If you aren’t familiar with ParkRun, it’s a free, weekly, timed 5k. No registration, no bib numbers. It’s not even a race: some people run fast, some people jog, some people walk; there are dogs, kids, people pushing strollers—it's truly a come as you are event and complete the 5k however you like. You can learn more about ParkRun in the episode and by following the links below. One important thing to know about ParkRun is that it is as much about completing 5 kilometers as it is about community. The community aspect is ultimately what drew Elizabeth in to become as deeply involved in ParkRun as she is today. And it all really got going once Elizabeth had finished raising her five children. As she says, "they're grown and flown." Elizabeth tells the story of how she first got into running as a teen and how she got involved with ParkRun, and she tells the stories of some of her many adventures running ParkRuns all over the world, and here in the US, where she has been and continues to keep up with being US Countrywoman—meaning she does every ParkRun in the US. With ParkRun always growing and expanding, this is a quest that is ongoing. Be prepared to be delighted and inspired by Elizabeth's love and enthusiasm for the incredible and ever growing community that is ParkRun. Mentioned in this EpisodeParkRun World Wide on Facebook: facebook.com/parkrunParkRun USA on Facebook: facebook.com/parkrunUSAParkRun Worldwide Website: parkrun.comParkRun US Website: parkrun.usTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayGrand Project, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayIkoliks, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Mikka Kei has been running since childhood, and the significance of running has shifted as she’s moved, grown, and evolved through life. For Mikka Kei, running has taken different forms, but it’s been a nonnegotiable part of her life, whether she’s had to negotiate with her parents to run as a teenager in Nepal, jumped at the chance to discover the Appalachian Trail with family friends, or challenged herself in marathons and ultras. Running and the space it occupies has also seeped into Mikka Kei’s day to day life: it has become integrated into her advocacy work, community involvement, political mindfulness, and her graphic design work.Running is something Mikka Kei considers deeply. All of this shines through in her story, which is poetic, interesting, and inspiring. How to Follow Mikka Kei Ito MacdonaldOn Instagram, Personal: @meeks_macdonaldOn Instagram, Graphic Design: @akaiitodesignWebsite: mikkakeimacdonald.comTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via PixabayLidérc Bell, via PixabayRoyaltyFreeMusic, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Emma Bord had a dream to run the six major marathons, and she started on that path with the 2024 New York City Marathon, which she ran for her 40th birthday. How she managed to get into, travel to, and run all these major races within 12 months is what this story is all about. And of course, Emma's story is about so much more: it’s about facing fears, processing mom guilt, developing rock solid mental and emotional strength, and navigating the aftermath of a traumatic near-death incident that happened to her husband. It's also about reclaiming a sense of self and discovering how that benefits her, and her family. For Emma, this journey is additionally about role modeling for other women and moms that it’s possible to achieve big dreams, too, even when you have young children at home.It's beautifully telling that when all was said and done, one of her daughters asked when she was going to run the new seventh major: Sydney. How to Follow Emma BordOn Instagram: @emmabordptMentioned in this EpisodeFind Emma's blog posts about her husband's accident and her Tokyo Marathon experience here: emmabordblogging.blogspot.comTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via Pixabaychillmore, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via PixabayRockot, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabaySergePavkinMusic, via PixabayAlexGrohl, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Starre’s story is a little different from many of the stories you’ll typically hear on WRS. It isn’t only about running: Starre is a runner, but she’s also a swimmer, dancer, and weightlifter. And Starre doesn’t compete in running: she doesn’t have marathon dreams or go after PRs.However, being a runner, being an athlete, has been fundamental to her understanding of just how capable and strong and resilient and tough women’s bodies naturally, innately are.As she’s noted, her own experiences and role models left her questioning the messages she was getting about women being the weaker sex and of aging women being frail.So, she pointed her science research in the direction of answering her own questions about the strengths and capacities of the female body, and she wrote The Stronger Sex.This book has profoundly evolved my own thinking about women’s bodies and our abilities, and it shines an even brighter light on how underestimated, disrespected, and held back we have been in modern times. Much more so than I’d ever fully appreciated.Starre’s book has also left me feeling even more confident and thankful in the body I have, and also even more optimistic about its abilities as I age.Starre’s own story embodies much of what her book is all about, living the strong, athletic life women’s bodies have always been built for. And in writing her book, she too has developed an excitement about being strong and powerful as she ages.Starre’s story is beautiful and powerful, and her book is exceptional.And, there’s more to come. Listen through to the end, when Starre announces her next book project, which I am very, very excited about.How to Follow Starre VartanOn Instagram: @starrevartanWebsite: starrevartan.comMentioned in this EpisodeThe Stronger Sex book: starrevartan.com/the-bookTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via Pixabaychillmore, via PixabayGrand Project, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Over the course of her life, Liz has overcome a lot, and running plays a central role in the peace she has today.Liz’s story follows her larger health journey, up through her most recent big goal, to mark the end of her 40s, and welcome in her 50th birthday. How to Follow Liz AndersenOn Instagram: @pnw_introvertedrunnerMentioned in this EpisodeWRS episode, We Out Here Trail Festival: on Apple, on SpotifyStefanie Flippin on Instagram: @stefanieannflippinVerna NezBegay Volker on Instagram: @hozhorunner4Native Women Run on Instagram: @native_women_runAlison Mariella Désir on Instagram: @alisonmdesirEARTHMOVERS podcast on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcastWe Out Here Trail Festival, follow Seattle Running Collective on Instagram: @seattlerunningcollectiveTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via PixabayLidérc Bell, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
Stephanie self-describes as a wife, mom, and running coach, yoga teacher and podcast host: she hosts The Runner’s Round Table Podcast. Stephanie also founded Correr Running Retreats. In addition to all that, she is a distance runner and run community advocate. Stephanie came to running in her adult years, and has run over 200 races of various distances, in various places all over the world. This includes one ultra marathon and over a dozen marathons, including, most recently, the 2025 Chicago Marathon, a race she has a long history with. Throughout, Stephanie has explored various ways of setting goals and approaching the challenges that running presents—and in her story, she shares the wisdom of what she has discovered.Mentioned in this EpisodeStephanie Diaz on Instagram: @thecookierunnerRunner's Round Table podcast: creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/runnersroundtable/To support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via Pixabaychillmore, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via PixabayRockot, via Pixabayprazkhanal, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.com
This episode features elite runner Ari Hendrix and how she is refinding her joy in the sport.This is Ari’s second time on the podcast; her first appearance was back on December 1, 2023. At that point in time, she was putting the finishing touches on her preparation for the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon.That earlier episode covered her running journey to that point: how Ari got into running and how she first broke three hours in the marathon, which happened back in 2018. That accomplishment put Ari on The List, an accounting of all the American-born African-American women who have broken three hours in the marathon.Ari would go on to smash that time, eventually running 2:35 at the California International Marathon ( CIM) in 2022. And that's the race that qualified her for the Olympic Trials Marathon (the qualifying time for the OTM was 2:37).In this episode, Ari catches us up with everything that happened since the last time she was on the podcast, up to today.There have been a lot of changes, including a period when Ari considered ending her racing career altogether. Today, however, she’s looking forward to racing her first 100km trail race at the Javelina Jundred, October 25, 2025.How Ari got from running the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon to this point is what this part of her running story is all about.How to Keep Up with Ari HendrixInstagram: @ari_hendrix1Mentioned in this EpisodeAri Hendrix: @ari_hendrix1An Olympic Marathon Trials Journe y, a Quest to Top The List, on WRS, Dec. 1, 2023: on Spotify, on Apple, on WRS website,To support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.comWomen's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/
This In Memory reair marks the deeply sad occasion of the tragic death of legendary racer and running community leader in South Africa, Cheryl Winn. Winn passed on October 5.
This episode first aired on October 16, 2020.
Cheryl Winn is the 1982 Comrades Marathon champion and was the Chairperson of this historic event 2017 to 2021. This episode tells her Comrades story, from her early days of running through to her experiences and reflections on this great race.
Cheryl has a decades-long and multifaceted relationship with the Comrades Marathon. In this episode, we touch on all of it. Cheryl was an elite runner in the late 1970s and early 1980s, winning many local events, and she became the Comrades champion in 1982.
During her running career and up until her passing, Cheryl was also involved with race production. At the time of this recording, she was the Chairperson of Comrades Marathon Association. She is the only chairperson to also be a former winner of the race.
Cheryl Winn is a trailblazer in both long-distance running and event leadership. This story of her enduring love of and accomplishments in the sport and this historic 90-km race perfectly capped off our season focusing on the mighty Comrades Marathon.
This episode is the last one in our first season, and the theme of this season is experiences in and around the Comrades Marathon, a 90-kilometre, or roughly 56-mile, road race that takes place each year in South Africa. It is the oldest and largest ultra-distance foot race in the world.
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Twitter: @WomenRunStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com
Women's Running Stories is a member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/
This is a special Part 2 episode featuring runner, role model, and groundbreaking racer Shawanna White. If you have not listened to part 1
of Shawanna’s story, which is just above this episode in your feed, I suggest you go back and start there.
This episode picks up where that episode left off. Shawanna had finished that part of her story discussed being inducted into the National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame, which happened in 2022. And, she mentioned that, looking ahead, she has big goals. She talks about those goals here.
Shawanna also shares her guiding motto: some positive wisdom
we can all take with us.
How to Keep Up with Shawanna White
Instagram: @peachrunner26.2
Mentioned In This Episode
National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame: blackmarathoners.org/nat.-black-distance-running-hall-of-fame
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/
This episode features Shawanna White, a very prolific competitor who has been recognized for her many accomplishments and contributions to the running community. Among her accolades, White was featured in the running documentary Breaking Three Hours, Trailblazing African American Women Marathoners; in 2022, she was inducted into the National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame; and she helped create The List, which keeps an accounting of all of the American-born Black women who have broken 3 hours in the marathon. And not only is White the 11th fastest runner on that list, she’s broken 3 hours 16 times, more than any other American-born Black woman ever. This is Part 1 of a two-part story covering White’s running journey. This episode tells White’s running story up through about 2022. Part 2 will catch up with White’s running to today. White has been running since she was young: she runs a lot and she runs very fast! She also goes after big goals, and indeed, she has been groundbreaking in her accomplishments; White is also a role model.And, White has a contagious positivity that inspires those around her and far beyond. This positivity also keeps her focused on running and racing her very best, through all the ups and downs that come with being a competitive runner. Listening to her story here, you’ll come to appreciate how all of this came to be, beginning with how White first got into the sport.How to Keep Up with Shawanna WhiteInstagram: @peachrunner26.2Mentioned In This EpisodeBreaking Three Hours: blackmarathoners.org/breaking-three-hoursNational Black Distance Running Hall of Fame: blackmarathoners.org/nat.-black-distance-running-hall-of-fameNational Black Marathoners Association: blackmarathoners.orgThe List: tedcorbitt.com/black-female-marathon-historyTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayCamila_Noir, via Pixabaypenguinmusic, via Pixabayaidanpinsent, via PixabayRockot, via PixabayGrand Project, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.comWomen's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/
This episode features Nadia Ruiz, who is a hugely prolific runner, with a special fondness for the marathon. This is a love that began when she was a teenager. Running has been a source of strength, empowerment, and self-confidence, as well as healing: running has seen Nadia through good times and also through some dark moments. Up to today, when Nadia is hitting new highs in the sport, in her 40s.
In addition to her long history with the the marathon, Nadia Ruiz has raced many other distances as well, from 5ks to ultras: she runs and races on the road as well as the trails. She’s also been a triathlete. And, Nadia races a lot: she’s run over 160 marathons, and in 2013, she became the youngest person to run 100 marathons.
Nadia is also a running coach and she is an uplifting, influential presence on Instagram. She’s also well known for sharing her running journey with her father, who’s run with her since the beginning, and continues to run with her to this day.
Nadia has had her share of challenges. She’s navigated some very dark days, and a time when alcohol use became destructive. And, she’s emerged on the other side, reaching big goals and lifetime PRs, at age 40.
In this story, Nadia shares it all.
How to Keep Up with Nadia Ruiz
Instagram, running: @irongirlnadia
Instagram, coaching: @movementisplay
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
Camila_Noir, via Pixabay
AlexGrohl, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/
This episode features Marwa Ali, who is from Kabul, Afghanistan, and now lives in exile as a refugee in Paris, France. How and why she left her home country and the part running and sports played in that journey is what her story is about. Moreover, it's about the power of being an athlete.
Marwa Ali, who is now 24 years old, has been an athlete
since childhood. She grew up in Afghanistan during a time when the rights
and freedoms of women and girls had been improving. That all changed, however, when the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The Taliban quickly and harshly stripped women of all autonomy or the ability to move freely outside the home. Marwa shares that in her story to that in her story, along with the difficulties of life under the Taliban and becoming a refugee in a foreign country all on her own: she left her entire family behind.
Marwa also talks about discovering the joy and power of being an athlete at 8 years old, and how that led her to become a leader within sports and beyond. It also instilled a strong sense of self-confidence. Marwa’s athletic pursuits have been a throughline of support, empowerment, hope, and healing, all along her very difficult journey.
Also a steady force in Marwa’s journey is that all her athletic pursuits are to both help herself and to also raise up the dark times Afghan women and girls are facing.
“In this difficult time,” says Marwa, “if they cannot run, I can run for them.”
Mentioned in This Episode
Afghan Parkour Society: @afghanparkoursociety
Ring O'Fire: ringofire.co.uk
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/
Verna Volker first started running as a way to improve her health. Over time, however, her relationship to the sport has grown and changed, to become a more personal and powerful part of her life. She started out pursuing road marathons and then moved to the trails, stretching her limits in ultra trail running. As her journey has evolved, so have her motivations.
This is a story about how Volker has shaped her running journey to best serve her, her family, and her community.
Volker is from the Navajo Nation: she clarifies, "My clans are the Tódích'íi'nii (Bitterwater) nishlíi, Hashtl'ishnii (Mud People) bashishchiin, Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle) dashicheii, and Tó' áheedlíinii (Water Flows Together) dashinalí." As she got more involved in running, Volker noticed the absence of stories and experiences of other Native women in the media and online. She decided to help change that by launching Native Women Running, to highlight those experiences and also to support and create community and running opportunities for women like herself.
Volker's running pursuits have also brought her closer to her own ancestry; running is integral to Navaho culture. This was something Volker had known throughout her life, but she hadn't felt that connection until experiencing the sport for herself in adulthood; she is now passing that lived knowledge on to her children. In hand, Volker has also discovered the healing powers of running, which have helped her work through past traumas. And she has a strong appreciation for the strength created through developing a supportive running community.
Keep Up with Verna Volker
Instagram: @hozhorunner4
Keep Up with Native Women Running
Instagram: @nativewomenrunning
Website: NativeWomenRunning.com
Mentioned in This Reair
Ep. 4, EARTHMOVERS, on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/59JRTV51UFMt0za35viDGf?si=6b10498ca4044c90
Ep. 4, EARTHMOVERS, on YouTube: youtube.com/@EarthmoversPodcast
Ep. 4, EARTHMOVERS, on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/co-hosts-verna-nezbegay-volker-and-stefanie-flippin/id1831613264?i=1000724956434
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Twitter: @WomenRunStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com
Women's Running Stories is a member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/
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