The calls of onlookers echoed amongst the contours of second mesa in Hopiland. The first minutes of the days sunlight illuminated the trail which has been used for centuries.
"Kwakwhay" or "askwali", the gendered thanks were showered upon me although I did not understand their significance until after the race. For the Hopi, to run is to pray, to pray for rain to be specific. For traditional Hopi running is literally part of their religion. Taken into consideration with their high elevation and communities connected by ancient trails it is no wonder they are a force to be reckoned with. Nahongvita was also shouted in encouragement which means "stay strong", "you are strong"or "dig deep". This encouragement was especially appreciated as I struggled up a 500ft stony trail and stair case carved into the mesa's side. I had to power hike the final section and very nearly threw up at the top of the climb.
"Kwakwhay" or "askwali", the gendered thanks were showered upon me although I did not understand their significance until after the race. For the Hopi, to run is to pray, to pray for rain to be specific. For traditional Hopi running is literally part of their religion. Taken into consideration with their high elevation and communities connected by ancient trails it is no wonder they are a force to be reckoned with. Nahongvita was also shouted in encouragement which means "stay strong", "you are strong"or "dig deep". This encouragement was especially appreciated as I struggled up a 500ft stony trail and stair case carved into the mesa's side. I had to power hike the final section and very nearly threw up at the top of the climb.
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In addition to being home to Oraibi, quite probably the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America (since the 1200s), Hopiland is a fortress of running prowess. Until the November of this year the boys cross country team had an unbroken streak of 27 CONSECUTIVE state titles.
The Louis Tewanimna Footrace is an annual 5K and 10K around Second Mesa commemorating Louis Tewanima who represented the USA in the 1908 and 1912 Olympics. In 1912 he won the silver medal in the 10,000 meters and was quated as having said "Me run fast good. All Hopi run fast good." It is hard to argue with that statement. I was utterly and completely unequal to the top runners who showed up. I finished 6th place, some four minutes behind the winner, in a race with fewer than 150 people. In October I finished 2nd in a Half Marathon with more than 2,000 people. The centrality of running to the community on the Rez is probably unequaled across the rest of The United States. This is a special event, commemorating an impressive man in place connected to the past as are few others. Considering their are only about 7,000 Hopi in the world, I'm not sure why the running community doesn't revere their sport culture with the same reverence which they bestow upon Itén, Kenya.
The Louis Tewanimna Footrace is an annual 5K and 10K around Second Mesa commemorating Louis Tewanima who represented the USA in the 1908 and 1912 Olympics. In 1912 he won the silver medal in the 10,000 meters and was quated as having said "Me run fast good. All Hopi run fast good." It is hard to argue with that statement. I was utterly and completely unequal to the top runners who showed up. I finished 6th place, some four minutes behind the winner, in a race with fewer than 150 people. In October I finished 2nd in a Half Marathon with more than 2,000 people. The centrality of running to the community on the Rez is probably unequaled across the rest of The United States. This is a special event, commemorating an impressive man in place connected to the past as are few others. Considering their are only about 7,000 Hopi in the world, I'm not sure why the running community doesn't revere their sport culture with the same reverence which they bestow upon Itén, Kenya.
Training around Chinle, AZ
Approximately three hours from Flagstaff, the country's running Mecca, Chinle may as well be a world away in more ways than one. What the area lacks in trails it certainly makes up for with hundreds of miles of dirt roads which lead of into the sunset. Stock trails can lead you on adventures. There are also more mustangs in The Navajo Reservation than anywhere else within The US. While the number of feral horses are a genuine environmental problem which does not receive enough funding to be addressed adequately, you sure don't mind the first time you feel the power and freedom of running alongside a herd of the elegant animals. Occasionally runs are forced on to the pavement after the late summer monsoon rains because of the silty, clay heavy soil of the area makes mud running almost an impossible feat. I have also been advised that the spring winds are fierce. Luckily there is access to treadmills six days a week when the harsh conditions of the high desert renders training outside dangerous or ineffective.
One month in the high country was not sufficient for full adaptation kicked my butt. It was a great introduction to the Chuska Mountains nonetheless.
The namesake of Window Rock , Arizona (Navajo Nation Capital)
 Honored to be among some of The Four Corner's most revered heroes |  |
Constantly dodging cacti is a reality while running in the Navajo Nation, even at 6,000ft!The Code Talker 10K and 29K are held the final day of the Navajo Nation Fair. The three mile trail from the Navajo Nation Museum to the Council Chambers is extremely fun. I also realized that my combination of risk taking, athleticism (not just forward motion) and good but not great VO2max make me a better tail runner than road runner. I owned the trail, but seeded the lead as soon as the race reached pavement. Another day with an uninjured healthy body is another beautiful day.
Thanks to Honey Stinger for supporting me, The Navajo Parks Race Series and a lot of other endurance events in the area!
The High Desert Trail System in Gallup, New Mexico is the location of The Squash Blossom Mountain Bike and trail races. This was my first time their, but not my last. 20 miles of amazing singletrack. The race itself was a confidence boost as I lead for 8 miles before Gallup local Leandrew put on a surge which I could not match.
 I would be hard pressed to find an image which better captures the ambiance of Gallup, New Mexico. At an hour forty five minute drive, it is the closest town of any size from my current life in the heart of the rez. |  Pottery is the most common award at races in the area. |
Interested in racing in Diné Bikeyah? Although their are a few other independent events, The Navajo Parks Race Series is a good place to start.
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