Episode 39: Phyllis Stanley on her Native Heritage, Running Through Grief, and Plant-Based Eating
by Nikki Parnell — January 8, 2021
This week we talk with Phyllis Stanley, a single mom to two boys, a full-time employee for the State of Washington and a logger of many trail miles in Olympic National Park which is in her backyard! Running for Phyllis started as part of her Navajo heritage growing up. She and her family would practice the teaching of running each morning to build discipline and strength. They would get up before sunrise and run to the east to greet the holy spirits that pass through the landscape blessing their children who are up calling out to them. We loved hearing about how Phyllis grew up and how she tries to keep her old traditions alive for her boys in this day and age.
We also hear about how running is so much more than just running for her – it’s been how she has coped with grief from the loss of loved ones. Early in the episode Phyllis mentions how her mom had a certain strength and hopefulness in her, and we see that outlook and ability to press forward in Phyllis – she remains grateful, she soaks up her time in sacred outdoor spaces and she keeps going for her kids. She is vegan too and shares a little about how plant-based eating has changed her life! Lot’s of great topics!
Give this episode a listen by clicking the link below or searching “Run Hard Mom Hard” on your preferred podcast platform! Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your running buddies! Thank you!
Show Notes
- Stef’s Superfood Powder for smoothies: Amazing Grass Superfood
- Nikki’s Vitamix Mocha Freeze Recipe: 2 cups milk (any kind), 1TBS instant espresso powder, 3TBS sugar, 3TBS chocolate sauce, 2 cups ice cubes
- Phyllis’s Favorite Meal: Vegan Wild Mushroom Stroganoff Soup
- Phyllis’s Favorite Race: Secret Beach 50 miler
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