Every Woman’s Marathon Recap
Hello Community!
What a weekend we had at the Every Woman’s Marathon!!! All 13 Rising Hearts runners crossed the finish line. Congratulations to ALL OF OUR RUNNERS!!! You did it. We did this as a team. Thank you for being part of this!!!
It’s only been a week, but already having FOMO! To Team Rising Hearts, enjoy the marathon shuffle, resting, hydrate, maybe even dreaming of what’s next. You can bet that we will be back for the 2026! Much love to all our runners, their families and community that supported them along the way and coming out to support on the course!
Big thanks to Lex Saenz, Devin Whetstone and Ariel Richer - our Rising Hearts team for supporting all the runners, getting them fueled, and bringing the energy! Thank you to all of our sponsors for supporting us!!
FUNDRAISER:
We are over half way to our $10,000 goal for Rising Hearts, our last big fundraiser for the year! And we have until 12/15/25 to reach it. 124 donors so far, thank you so much! We have $6,285 raised so far. So if you can donate, please do! If not, please share! Have your employer match your donation!
We can’t express our appreciation and gratitude to all the donors and friends we have made within the running and outdoor spaces who are supporting us in this effort! We want to shout out to the organizers of the Every Woman’s Marathon for collaborating with us, gifting entries, and to rabbit, for also gifting entries to our team as well! We wish we could bring more, and we hope to do even more for 2026. We have many more friends and sponsors who have all chipped in to support our training and journey to get to the start line together. Wopila tanka, many thanks!!!
- Rising Hearts
END OF YEAR FUNDRAISER
HEAR FROM TEAM RISING HEARTS
AMANDA PRESGRAVES
I thought my race would be measured by how well I’d hit my paces, my goal time, and the number of dollars I raised. It turned out to be measured by how many runners I could scream for (my voice is still recovering), the hours on my feet post-race cheering (5!), the songs I could still dance to at a concert, how long I could embrace my friends in hugs at the finish line and the number of times tears would well in my eyes as I watched each woman make their way into the finish overcoming barriers beyond my imagination.
I ran the Every Woman’s Marathon because of Jordan - a race and event I would have never considered toed the start line for if it weren’t for the invitation and the reason. I derive immense joy from training and events that gather people together to explore themselves and the world through movement. It’s a gift each day to meet myself (and others) in such an intimate, invested, curious, and eager way. For anyone else who wishes for the same, I want them to be welcomed, and for the experience to truly be an inviting place for them. There are numerous barriers to running that hinder access and belonging. Rising Hearts is ensuring that these spaces in running and the outdoors say, “you belong here.” They were behind the pre-race land acknowledgement that set the tone for the morning, as the breath and intention were set amidst the desert rain, and having representation and indigenous presence on the course. They partnered with sponsors to ensure the cost and gear weren’t a barrier. I witnessed what it looks like when you open doors: people completely reimagine what they ever thought possible for themselves.
After experiencing EWM, I can’t imagine myself running any other road marathon but this one. It was cozy, warm, intentional, and inviting. How refreshing it was not to center competition but to celebrate every single runner equally. A marathon race is the closest you get to the shared, raw, unconditional love in humanity - crossing that finish line hand-in-hand, step-in-step, and running those final 7 miles with Susie, was a reminder of that.
ASHLEIGH THOMPSON
When I applied to run with Rising Hearts, I wrote about how deeply I value community. In Tucson, I spent a decade building one. Leaving that behind and moving somewhere I didn’t know anyone was the hardest part. I knew running with Rising Hearts would make me feel connected again. And wow, it did!
The 13 women I ran with–and our supporters who helped and cheered us on–made me feel so seen, uplifted, and loved. Getting to know my new sisters, reconnecting with old friends, and running together was unforgettable. In the end, we all finished the marathon and had an amazing time doing it.
As far as my race went, I missed my 3:30 goal by ~1 minute, but I’m still proud of my effort. And the chip time wasn't what was most important...
This weekend reminded me that running is powerful, but running with community is medicine. I never want to run another race without a group like this Rising Hearts team beside me again.
CALI CURLEY
Celebrating two full years of consistent running at the Every Woman’s Marathon on November 18 felt incredibly special. What began as a simple goal to complete a marathon has evolved into a journey filled with community, purpose, and self-discovery. Standing at the start of my third marathon, I felt the weight and meaning of every step that brought me here.
In these two years, I’ve learned that progress is shaped not only by discipline but by the people and communities who lift us up. My family’s support has been constant, and organizations like Rising Hearts have made an enormous difference in making racing accessible. Receiving their care package leading up to race weekend, filled with gear, nutrition, and thoughtful essentials, was a powerful reminder of how deeply they invest in their runners. Their support ensures that athletes can show up feeling prepared, cared for, represented, and valued.
Race weekend carried that same sense of connection and purpose. Team meetings brought together runners whose stories and experiences reminded me of how rich and diverse our running community is. The expo was full of excitement, and picking up my bib and GUdies filled me with gratitude and anticipation for race day.
Race morning began with a land acknowledgment that grounded the entire event. It honored the Akimel O’odham and Xalychidom Piipaash peoples of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, as well as the Yavapai peoples whose ancestral lands include what is now Scottsdale, AZ. Recognizing their stewardship and ongoing presence underscored the importance of visibility, representation, and respect, especially in running spaces where Indigenous voices are often limited.
When the race began, the energy was electric. The first half flowed smoothly and felt joyful until I began experiencing some GI issues. As I approached mile 12, I saw the Rising Hearts support team, my family, and loved ones cheering loudly. Their encouragement hit me like a wave. Powwow dancers brought rhythm, strength, and culture to the course, filling the air with energy. Signs advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People lined the area, reminding me of the deeper purpose behind my miles. That moment reminded me of why I run, not just for myself, but for prayer and healing. It gave me the strength to keep pushing through the challenges that followed.
The second half of the race was tough, but I carried the spirit of that mile with me. Crossing the finish line, despite the difficult moments, was emotional and affirming. It marked not just the completion of a race but another meaningful step in my journey as a runner.
I’m deeply grateful to my family, to my community, and to Rising Hearts for helping make moments like this possible. Their work ensures that runners can pursue their goals without the barriers that often stand in the way.
With the race behind me, I’m taking time to rest and reflect before leaning into new goals, including the long-term dream of becoming a Boston Qualifier. Until then, I’ll carry the lessons, joy, and gratitude of this marathon with me.
If you’re able, please consider supporting Rising Hearts so more runners can experience the same community-centered support that has meant so much to me.
CHARLINDA HAUDLEY
This was my first marathon, and surprisingly, it was not as challenging as I had anticipated, largely due to the incredible support from the women representing Rising Hearts and the entire running team. A standout moment was when Jordan Marie Whetstone, the Founder and Executive Director of Rising Hearts, delivered an inspiring talk that radiated her genuine care for us. Her powerful message, "you matter, you belong," resonated deeply to me. On race day, a light rain fell, which was a blessing. Although the land acknowledgment was met with disrespect from the running community at the start line. I was moved by Jordan's courage to speak up for our community, reminding me of the strength of Native women and the importance of standing together. Just five minutes before the race began, I felt a wave of nerves, but the hugs and high fives from the Rising Hearts team filled me with affirmation and empowerment. During the run, I chose to slow down and support another Indigenous woman runner; we shared laughter and camaraderie, emphasizing our bond as a team. At Mile 12, the presence of the Indigenous Enterprise cultural dance group uplifted my spirits, showcasing our culture through dancing and chants. Throughout the race, I reflected on my parents and friends who came to support me, especially my friend holding a "Yeego Char" sign. As I approached the finish line, I felt immense pride in my accomplishment, grateful for my body that carried me through and for the community cheering me on. This experience reaffirmed my strength and capability, reminding me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I firmly believe that challenges are only as difficult as we perceive them to be. Throughout my training, I actively sought guidance by asking questions and connecting with fellow runners, embracing the idea that there are no dumb questions. Joining the Rising Hearts team allowed me to meet some truly inspiring women. After the race, I received a heartfelt call from my dad, who is incarcerated, congratulating me. I shared with him the strength of my teammates and the emotional weight of Jordan dedicating her run to MMIP. My uncle was missing since July 2023. This experience was profoundly healing for me, as it provided a space to process my uncle Anderson Haudley's recent passing. The night before the race, Jordan encouraged us to "pray with our feet," and she was right—running is indeed a form of medicine for our community. The Rising Hearts team exemplified what it means to be a good relative, supporting us every step of the way. I am grateful to Rising Hearts for the opportunity to be part of my journey and for making my marathon experience truly unforgettable.
JORDAN WHETSTONE
I wish Every Woman’s Marathon weekend could be every race weekend or every weekend. This experience with 12 other runners, sisters, and friends, was truly meaningful and the medicine I needed so much. This year has been a struggle. And over the summer into early Fall, I was really having a hard time with depression and anxiety. As I become more closed off, needing my family more, I also craved community and sisterhood so much, but didn’t have the emotional and mental capacity to handle it unless I really had to. So when the opportunity presented itself to collaborate with the Every Woman’s Marathon, and to find a way to bring these incredible humans together, that was a big fire that ignited my drive to keep my head up, have something to look forward to, and again, it was the medicine I needed, but didn’t know how much. It’s been a week since race day, and I miss this group so much! From the lunch dates, to grocery shopping for 16 people, to getting all the care packages together, to hustling to find donors/sponsors to support this team, to getting our nails done, pasta dinners with the team, meeting some of the sponsors, the EWM Expo, bib pick up, and so much more that went into all this, it led to finding sisterhood, growing our friendship, to a large group chat, and planning ways for us to see each other again soon!
One of the best highlights of the race day, was setting the tone with Marlinda Bedonie, honoring the lands at the start line. Giving a deeper meaning and connection as we were about to run 26.2 miles from start to finish. And, just within moments of all this, we were blessed by rain and storm clouds, that lasted for about a few minutes. It was incredible. Then Rising Hearts was able to speak on stage, highlight our Team Rising Hearts presence, acknowledge and celebrate Native | Indigenous Heritage Month, and a breathing/intention setting exercise by Lex (RH Programs Coordinator), to help kick off an inspiring and motivating start. We had some of our friend, family, and community of Indigenous Peoples at the start line supporting us.
As we embarked on the path towards the finish line, Rising Hearts was able to have a Mile 12 Cheer Zone where we had Indigenous Enterprise there performing and dancing for the runners! Mile 12 was something that I looked forward to seeing so much!!! Being able to see the dancers, my partner, my sister-besties and other community, it was another quick boost of energy as you ran by or stopped by!
This whole run, was just the best experience ever. Knowing that 13 of us were on the course together, gave us connection, purpose and meaning to our WHY. As I ran closer and closer to the finish, I reflected on this journey, my prayers for Emily Pike who was murdered and for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Peoples, and for all the things I care about that’s happening across our communities - genocide in G@za, starvation and violence, families being torn apart or disappearing, and the state of this country. I thought about my kids, their future. And quickly turned it around to pray for good, for change, and knowing that this large community of runners, and people across the lands, want change and doing what can to ensure the best for the next generations.
As the run continued, around mile 22 is where it started to hurt, and feeling the fatigue and tiredness in my legs from the New York Cit Marathon, just 2 weeks before, I knew I had to push through it. Dig deep. And reflecting on this team, each of our runners, Emily, my kids, seeing my partner on the course, and knowing I had 2 teammates crossing the finish line before me, kept my spirits up to keep going. And just like that, I see my partner before mile 26, cheering me on and running alongside me on the sidewalk, and feeling like the finish line was forever away, I said prayers. I said Emily’s name. And after I made the hairpin u-turn, to head towards the finish line, I could see it. The arch. The Finish. I saw friends and fellow Indigenous peoples along the sides towards the finish. I carried my banner with JUSTICE FOR MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND PEOPLES, with Emily Pike’s photo, through the finish line. Overwhelmed with this sudden and unexpected emotions and tears and smiles. I see my friends and teammates, Susie and Amanda, waiting for me, my partner, all three who embraced me, held me up as I cried. A powerful moment of family, being there. And looking back, realizing that these emotions weren’t so sudden or unexpected, it was a cumulative build up of the last 5 months with depression, anxiety, the heaviness of running for those stolen from their families and their future, doing what I can to help for community and with Rising Hearts, being a mom, and more. It was being able to be vulnerable and not feel alone in how I felt. I truly left it all out there on the course. Then, seeing my sister, Lex, at the end of the finish chute, who gave me the biggest hug and a sense of safety.
This was truly the best weekend I’ve had with friends and sisters in so long. Thank you to my teammates, Amanda, Susie, Rocío, Lace, Karla, Charlinda, Mel, Ashleigh, Mariah, Shaniah, Caroline, and Cali. WE DID IT!
Thank you Every Woman’s Marathon for bringing us in! Thank you to rabbit who also helped us get to the start line. Thank you to the sponsors who donated financially or with products, to support us! THIS IS HEART WORK Rising Hearts does and enjoys so much - we hope to do this again in 2026!
Thank you, Devin, Ariel and Lex - for the cheers, doing what you had to and supporting us runners, means so much!
Thank you, Indigenous Enterprise for the dancing and music, for showing up, representing and giving the Indigenous runners something to look forward to and to the rest of the runners, for being something new they can witness and learn from.
KARLA ESTUDILLO FUENTES
This race represented months of preparation, years of healing, and countless moments of joy with God Creator. I am so grateful to have been chosen by Rising Hearts to run EWM. This was my first marathon and it was an incredible experience which I owe in large part to the women who spent the weekend with me embodying the best parts of running, humanity, and womanhood. I felt safe, seen, held, loved, and celebrated by each of them and am so grateful they shared of themselves reciprocally. I am so grateful to Marlinda who opened the race in a good way by recognizing the original peoples of the land and blessing the race. Thank you to Jordan who took on the heart work of ensuring representation, recognition, and remembrance of the land and Indigenous peoples here today all while recovering from the NY marathon and running herself! Thank you to Lex who gave me my first hug post-race and also wrote the best anthem for the weekend reminding us about who we are. I am so proud of all our 13 runners - we all finished! This team was an honor to be a part of and I'm so grateful for the sacred gift of running. I'm officially a marathoner!
LACE COUGHLIN
This weekend was so much more than I ever dreamed the day that email landed in my inbox telling me I was going to Scottsdale, AZ for the Every Woman's Marathon. From the very beginning, we were already a team. We had our virtual meetings, we followed each other’s training journeys, we cheered each other on from hundreds of miles away — and the moment we finally met in person, that connection snapped right into place like it had always been there. Hugs - so many hugs!!
The Rising Hearts team was full of truly amazing women — all so different, yet somehow cut from the same cloth. From the moment Jordan and Lex greeted me, I felt wrapped in love, support, and belonging. Some of my favorite moments from the entire trip weren’t even on the racecourse — they were the early mornings in the team house, stretching together, sipping coffee and tea, swapping travel stories, the nail salon twinning with Jordan, and making future race plans. The homemade team dinners, the laughter circling around the table, the ease of being together…all of it felt like medicine.
Honestly, I loved how overcrowded the weekend felt. That might sound funny, but it was healing for me. I’ve had a lot of loss these last few years, and with every year, our family gatherings feel smaller and quieter. But this weekend filled a space in my heart that’s been empty for a long time. It reminded me that family is everywhere — in community, in shared passion, in the people who show up for you simply because they get you.
One of my favorite memories is all of us squished together on the couch for the movie preview. The message in that film… I’m carrying that with me forever along with the feeling that was in the room that night.
There were also moments this weekend when I needed solitude. I would sit on my bed, breathe, and just let gratitude wash over me. One night I had this realization: there will always be space for me — and for you — when you are in the right community. You will always feel deserving when you are surrounded by people who reflect goodness, grit, love, and intention. Looking around that house and seeing all of these incredible women… it healed something deep inside me that I didn’t even realize needed healing. So to my team — thank you for being exactly who you are.
And the race itself? Incredible.
The Land Acknowledgement before the start was powerful, and Jordan’s demand for respect was such a badass moment — I literally whispered “yassss!” under my breath. Lex grounding us with breathwork before we took off was the perfect touch.
My body wasn’t feeling its best on race day, but mentally I was in the strongest space I’ve ever been — and that’s because of the community. The women on my team, the thousands of women running beside us. It was so POWERFUL! The messages from friends and family coming through my earbuds — that kept me going. The sunshine, the breeze, the ground, the feelings of my ancestors... That carried me. It was 26.2 miles of love and healing for my mind - and proving to my body that WE GOT THIS!
I crossed that finish line with a full heart, tired legs, and a fire inside me that’s nowhere near done. Our entire team finished that day and I am so proud of all of us - two of us crossed together holding hands (Susie & Amanda) - and that moment is a great representation of the entire weekend. The love and strength we have individually is so much greater when we share and grow with others!
I’m leaving this weekend excited, inspired, and ready to keep cheering on my teammates as they continue their journeys. I can’t wait to do this again — because this wasn’t just a race. It was a reminder of who I am, where I’m going, and who I want beside me along the way.
Thank you to Jordan & Rising Hearts, and every one else who donated and helped make this trip of running, love, and community possible. Our team was spoiled rotten from day one with help with training questions, an amazing gift box full of sneakers, sunglasses, race day gear, hydration and fuel, and so much more. Our beautiful team house was full of all the food we could ever want or need. If we forgot anything that we needed for race day Jordan made sure that we got it! It felt like these gifts just kept coming and coming. Thank you for providing me with an expanded sisterhood. I am forever grateful.
Thank you to the Every Woman's Marathon for creating a space for every woman! The course was beautiful, the runners and the crowd were loving and supportive - and it was just an entire VIBE!! I REALLY loved that our names were on our bid so people were cheering for us by name. That was so special - and personal! I cannot wait to see where we will be in 2026 :)
MARIAH ZAVALA
This past weekend’s back-to-back races, a 10K with my Tucson family at Hiaki Miles and a full marathon with Rising Hearts, became so much more than miles on a course. They reminded me how strong we truly are when life tests us.
This was the least I’ve trained since stepping back in 2023. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I was made to rest. A back injury, mental-health challenges, grief, losing my dog right after my birthday, more loss in the family, and a body and mind pushed to the edge. Even in all of that, I still showed up.
Out on the course I ran with love, strength, and honor. At mile five I felt my grandmother with me when a hummingbird perched on the tallest tree and looked my way. It reminded me why I run. This marathon was not just physical. It was spiritual. It was prayer in motion.
Six months ago, after Cocodona and a DNF, I felt like a failure. When I applied for this opportunity with Rising Hearts, I told myself that if I was meant to return, the way would open. And it did. Running alongside twelve sisters, I witnessed healing, community, and joy on finish lines some of us once doubted we would ever cross.
This experience reminded me that we can do hard things. We can heal. We can rise again. Sometimes all it takes is saying yes and trusting the path.
I am deeply grateful to Creator, to Rising Hearts, to Hiaki Miles, and to all the partners who made this experience possible for me and my newfound sisters. Chiokoe Uttesia to each of you for carrying us, lifting us, and believing in the power of this journey.
It is a great day to have a great day.
(PC: Carl Maynard @carlnard)
MEL DEVONEY
There are no words to describe how lucky and honored I feel to have spent a weekend with this team of such impressive and inspiring women. This was probably the best race of my life simply because the clock was secondary to our shared dedication to the Rising Hearts movement and to ourselves.
ROCÍO VILLALOBOS
What a gift it was to be able to honor my dad’s birthday by running a marathon to celebrate him. I remember when Rising Hearts first put out the call looking for runners to join their team at Every Woman’s Marathon, I knew I wanted to run it because it was the day before his birthday. We lost my dad to cancer in 2022 and I still miss his presence in ways big and small. It also felt extra special to be able to do this alongside a group of powerful & inspiring Indigenous women. When the temperature started rising and each mile got harder during the race, I just remembered my purpose and kept putting one foot in front of the other. So grateful I had the opportunity to pray with my feet and honor my dad in this way.
SHANIAH CHEE
After what feels like just yesterday since the marathon, I’ve had time to sit with my thoughts and admire the power of our bodies. As a new mother—two years postpartum—I still find myself limiting what I think I can do, even though I’m capable of so much more. Running 26.2 miles reminded me of my strength. Despite the pain, I persevered. When I finished, my husband told me the marathon reminded him of when I was pregnant, laboring, and ultimately pushing our son into this world. I had never thought about it that way, but as soon as he said it, I felt the truth and love in his reflection. Running as a mom has given me a strength I didn’t know I had—or maybe I forgot I carried.
Seeing my little family waiting for me at the finish line was the light at the end of the tunnel. I believed I could finish, but it was my physical self that kept pushing back.
I started the race too fast, trying to keep up with everyone else, and eventually the fatigue and hamstring pain caught up with me. I had to slow down or risk ending my race early. Lace caught up with me around mile two—breezing by—checking in to see if I was okay. I told her I had gone out too fast and was trying to find my pace again. I motioned for her to go ahead, to run strong. I pushed through the first five miles hobbling, smiling at the crowd, and finally allowing myself to acknowledge the people cheering instead of obsessing over my watch telling me to go faster.
I made it a goal to reach mile 12, where my family and friends would be waiting. That thought alone kept my feet moving. Near that point, Charlinda caught up to me—feeling good, checking on me, and offering exactly what I needed: salt packets I had forgotten to grab, a Tylenol, and endless sprays of Icy Hot on my tired legs. Talking with her helped me stay steady for a while. We spoke about her dissertation and her work, and I was amazed to be running beside such an inspiring educational leader as I pursue my own doctorate in the same field. Eventually, I pulled away and spent the next several miles wrestling with my own thoughts.
I had moments where I wanted to tap out and walk the rest, but I kept finding small pockets of peace. I told myself, Okay, just make it to that light post. Make it to the next aid station. I imagined my mother cheering at each mile marker, encouraging me to hang in there—just like the cross country meets from years ago. I was never a fast runner, and that truth weighed on me during the race. I wanted to be fast. I wanted it to be over.
Then, almost like an answer to prayer, I met another runner. I was climbing the start of a hill when she walked beside me, muttering about how awful the hill was. I must have agreed because we suddenly fell into conversation. Without realizing it, we stayed together for the rest of the marathon. She became my sister in that moment—encouraging me, laughing with me, distracting our minds from the brutal miles and pointless turnarounds. Before we knew it, we were at the last mile, together, bonded in sisterhood. Even though we came from different backgrounds, it felt like we had known each other all our lives. I am deeply grateful for her.
Running a marathon is empowering. This was my first one, especially on all road—but I’ve completed two ultramarathons (both 50 milers), three half-marathons, several 5Ks, and a few 10Ks. I’ve always chosen challenges, not because they’re easy but because I want to see if I can finish them. Throughout this marathon, I kept thinking: I still choose hard things.
I thought about my grandmas preparing me for my womanhood ceremony. Despite their age and wearing everyday clothes instead of running gear, they ran with me every morning before dawn. My grandma would always say, Keep going. Don’t look back. To this day, I never look back when I run—because life should always be moving forward.
Now, sitting in my little apartment in Tucson, Arizona, watching clouds soften the usually bright sky as winter finally settles in, my son comes over to check what I’m doing. In this moment, I feel grateful—for my body, my mind, my teachings, and the woman I am becoming. Most importantly, I am thankful to be a runner. Even as I find my way back to it, running has never failed me. It has always been there when I needed comfort and belonging. It continues to be my grounding, my strength, and my free therapy in this chaotic world.
I want to express my endless gratitude to Rising Hearts, to Jordan, to Lex, to all my running sisters, and to every supporter who believed I could do this. Without their love, encouragement, and gentle push to go for it, I don’t think I would have been as ready—physically or mentally—to run this race.
These past months of training weren’t exactly the mileage or preparation I originally hoped for, but this journey has given me so much clarity about what I need for my next race. And with the wisdom, advice, and support from my new running sisters, I already feel stronger, more grounded, and excited for what’s ahead.
SUSIE STEPHEN
This marathon was, by far, the best marathon I have ever run.
From the start line, where Marlinda gave a Land Acknowledgement, Lex led a breathing exercise and Jordan shared wise words, to the finish line celebrations, there were so many memorable moments. It was inspiring to be part of a team for a marathon, which rarely happens and to know that each of us was running with a strong intention and representing Rising Hearts, was at the forefront of my mind throughout the race. At the one out-and-back part of the course where you could see other runners, it was so energizing to high five and cheer on fellow Rising Hearts teammates. And then, Amanda and I joined up to run the last 10k together, crossing the line in tandem, hands in the air, united by the joy and significance of moving with, and for a purpose. I would do this weekend all over again in a heartbeat. Every Woman's Marathon was an uplifting event, full and special touches to make women feel welcomed and safe. The course had lots of support and the music, drums and aid stations were all fantastic. Thank you to Rising Hearts for this opportunity and thanks to the whole team for being your amazing selves!
CAROLINA SEKAQUAPTEWA
I was a late addition to the team and I was kind of a mess- mentally. I had a thyroidectomy in July and my running was suffering post surgery which really was taking a toll on my confidence. I reached out to Jordan to ask to join, then I had the huge doubt of “you haven’t run enough miles!” A couple weeks later I reached out again and I was in. My thoughts were, as a team we would pull each other through the rough patches…and I needed that!
November is a special and very busy time in our ceremonial calendar. I drove 4.5 hours each way almost every weekend for about a month, to prepare for our women’s dance we have every year which was sometimes very tiring. The driving took it’s toll and I skipped some long runs. I believe during training I had some 30 mile weeks (highest mileage) and my longest run was 13 miles. I knew that was WAY under any other marathon cycle I have done!
Fast forward to race week. I was full of doubt in myself and in what my body could do. Although I did not spend the entire time with team, I met up with them for the four days of race weekend. Although I had only met Jordan in real life, I felt a connection to each member, and easily got along with and had some good conversations with all. The pre race dinner was very special. I felt so close to everyone and it was a very special moment that I will not forget.
As I ran on race day, I woke up and prepared, I burned my cedar as I normally do , and prayed with my cornmeal for each team member to have a safe and meaningful marathon journey. I was so happy and just….calm. I knew it would all be good. The race itself was so amazing. I ran smiling. I ran without expectation or worry about “running slow”. I truly enjoyed encouraging other runners along the Way. When it got hard and challenging, I thought of my team members and wished them strength on their journeys. I drew strength from the team members who I knew were finished, happy for their accomplishments. I LOVED how we were a true team, cheering for each other until we all finished. Celebrating with each other and truly happy for each others’ race finish.
I didn’t realize it until later when I researched my race finishes. The EWM was my 35th marathon finish and in all the races I have run, I have never experienced such community and I felt stronger being around all the team members. Being around everyone was a joy- I found the joy of being around runners, women, and most important- the joy of the grind and doing hard things! I proudly support Rising Hearts and all the work they do for all. I am proud of us all and I know we have created friendships for life after this weekend . I cannot wait until we do this again!
I greatly appreciate the amount of work put in by Lex and Jordan to make this team possible. Your strong beliefs in our group deserving to be a part of this race , creating the space the entire weekend, and all the behind the scenes planning to make sure all went smoothly, was so much appreciated.
I have been running marathons since 2011. I distinctly remember during my “fastest years” , writing to shoe companies, applying for comp entries to races, asking apparel companies for sponsorships- without a response. I eventually stopped asking. To see all the connections created by Rising Hearts to make my old wishes of partnering to provide native women runners the things I only could wish for…it was such a happy grateful moment. To see Jordan stand up for us during the moments of disrespect at the start…I was proud. I felt heard. Validated. Strong in sisterhood with all of us standing there together.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart… Askwali.
