India in her own words:
“I am India Cook, an avid Atlanta-based runner, marathoner, race announcer, YouTube vlogger, podcast host, and RRCA-certified run coach. I have a love for running and road racing, but I also have a passion for encouraging and guiding runners and those who aspire to become runners. I advocate for all paces and body types in the space of road racing.
My running journey started in 2008 on the quest to lose weight and also engage in a healthy social activity. Since 2008 I have completed distances from 5K to marathons.
Throughout my running journey, I observed that there were limited running resources created by women of color to help individuals get into running or resources for those already engaged in the sport.
Therefore, I developed a vlog “Miles From India” on YouTube. The vlog’s purpose is to educate, inspire, and motivate runners. Viewers can find tips and how-to videos that aid in helping runners navigate running effectively. Within the running community, I also find it important to ensure diverse running experiences and stories are highlighted.
In 2018, I became a podcast host of, The Run Duo Podcast, with my co-host, Tommy Mitchell. On our bi-weekly podcast, we talk all things running as we educate and entertain our listeners and also interview casually to elite runners.
In addition to content creation, I am also a race announcer and event emcee. I am the amazing voice that you hear at the start and finish line of a race that motivates you to keep going and cheers you in at the finish. As a fellow runner, I find it important to feed positivity and love during all points for racing and I am your fun energetic voice that does that.
On the coaching side of the sport, I have a focus on helping ladies run confidently in any phase of their run journey, my background in mental health not only allows me to have a positive and healthy relationship with running but also enables me to help athletes build a similar relationship as well. I find it essential to make the sport of running less intimidating and relatable for all levels.
My goal is to make the sport of running more diverse, inclusive, and less intimidating to my listeners and viewers.
I will continue to use my training, experience, and voice to guide others in the community of running through coaching.
I take the approach that everyone's journey is unique, and we should celebrate every step, stride, and mile. I believe that running not only boosts physical health, but it also rejuvenates your mind and fuels confidence.”
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Listen to India Now!
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Show notes
Who is India
Being focused on cheerleading and dance
Doing a little bit of track and field
Focusing on sprinting
Not being a fan of running
Having a negative relationship with distance running
Starting with a 10k race
Wanting to start increasing her distance with running
Leaving college and not being active
Being in graduate school and wanting to be a pro cheerleader
Doing a season of semi-pro cheerleading
Figuring out that cheerleading was not for her
Using running as her outlet to decompress from stressful work days
Doing her first race in 2008 - The Peachtree Road Race
Starting to race every month
Running her first half marathon in 2013
Being surrounded by amazing people who were encouraging her with running
Not having a clue when she started running
Struggling to find information that suited her needs
Why it can be intimidating entering the world of running
The advice she wish she had received when she first starting her running journey
Why movement is what’s important
Not training appropriately for her first half marathon
Calling herself a runner
The high points and low points of marathon running
The mental experience of running a marathon
Running the NYC Marathon
Running the Virtual Boston Marathon in 2021
Tips and tricks for grit and determination while running
The importance of knowing your why
Staying in the present and focusing on the current mile
Thoughts on the Virtual Boston Marathon
Taking advantage of the unique opportunity
Running a marathon independently and why it’s more of a challenge
Her running journey and becoming a run coach
Wanting to interview people from the run community who aren’t elite athletes
Goals for 2023 and how it’s a transition year
Moving her body and what that looks like
How to connect with India (see social media links below)
Final words of advice
Social Media
Website: www.milesfromindia.com
Instagram: @i_of_endigo_runs
The Run Duo Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Therunduo
Link to all places: https://linktr.ee/milesfromindia
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