India is an avid Atlanta-based runner, YouTube vlogger, podcast host, and RRCA-certified run coach. She has a love for running and racing but also a passion for encouraging and guiding runners and those who aspire to become runners and coaches. India’s background in mental health not only drives her positivity but also fuels healthy relationships, with a focus on helping ladies run confidently in any phase of their journey. India’s running journey started in 2008 and has since evolved into a way of life and healthy social activity. Throughout this journey, India has observed a lack of running resources created by women of color to help individuals get into running, and of resources for those already engaged in the sport. To address these issues, she developed her YouTube channel, Miles from India, and podcast, The Run Dup Podcast, to help educate, inspire, and motivate runners. Coach India believes that everyone’s journey is unique, and we should celebrate every step, stride, and mile. 

As I started my running journey, I often felt out of place as an African American woman. I was placed into a stereotypical box of not wanting to sweat or work out, when in actuality I was the opposite. I found a limited number of athletes and coaches that I could relate to, from body type to skin color. I believe the Coaches of Color Initiative will open doors for more individuals to invest more into the sport and enjoy it. This initiative will allow coaches and athletes to relate to one another on a deeper level through endurance training and competition. Endurance sports are not one-sided, and increasing the visibility of their diverse participants can only illuminate them even further. India can be reached at india@8020foundation.org.