Birdie Wermy had moments of connecting to running early in life. But it wasn't until she was an adult that her journey with the sport really got going. At that time, Birdie was going through some big life challenges, and a co-worker suggested she participate in a running event. That was where it all started. Birdie Wermy lives in Oregon but is originally from Oklahoma. She is the mother of two, and she is a native woman, of Southern Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Pawnee ancestry. As part of her running story, Birdie also embarked on a life of sobriety. That has been a central part of discovering a deeper connection in her running practice, resulting in more meaningful experiences, growth, and healing. This deeper connection manifested in a particularly strong way at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, which Birdie ran as a member of the Native Women Run team. Birdie shares her powerful story on the podcast. How to Keep Up with Birdie Wermy Instagram: @redrace_oregon 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 Verna Volker: womensrunningstories.com/verna-volker-a-journey-of-health-and-healing-culture-and-community 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 Grand Project, via Pixabay Rockot, 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/