Marlinda Francisco has run many distances on road and trail. In this episode, she shares how she first got into running and how it has become such a big part of her life. Marlinda also shares how she first started out running on the roads but then discovered her love of trail running. She now runs ultras, and she shares how just this past October at the Javelina Jundred in Arizona, she finished her longest distance yet, 100 kilometers (62 miles). Marlinda is a native woman, Navajo and Tohono O’odham. Running is embedded in these cultures, and Marlinda runs both to challenge and strengthen herself and to represent and carry to the long tradition of running in her family and communities. In addition to running many events every year, Marlinda is a very active part of the running community. She works behind the scenes at many events and she is part of the leadership team for the non-profit advocacy organization Native Women Run. Marlinda's mantra is "run with your heart, pray with you feet." Here the whole story of how she arrived to this place on the podcast. How to Keep Up with Marlinda Francisco Instagram: @lou_bedonie How to Keep Up with Native Women Run Instagram: @native_women_run Website: nativewomenrunning.com Mentioned in this Episode Live conversation with Native Women Run at the 2024 Chicago Marathon Expo: womensrunningstories.com/live-event-native-women-run-team-at-the-2024-chicago-marathon-expo Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase 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 penguinmusic, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/