Native Women Experiences Running the Cocodona 250: Missy Hendricks, Wynonna Fulgham

Both Missy and Wynonna, who are themselves native as well–Mescalero Apache and Navajo, respectively–were introduced to ultra trail running through NWR. Previous to Cocodona, the furthest they’d ever run was 100 miles. Verna talks to these runners about their running history and what inspired them to want to take on this huge challenge. They also discuss how they prepared for this event and what running on trails means to them, as native women, including how being on the trails is healing and a way to connect with the land and ancestors. And of course, Missy and Wynonna discuss completing this tremendous feat. They cover the joy and challenges they experienced, all the way through to the emotional finish. Verna brings her shared ultra experience, fresh off finishing her first 100-miler in August 2025, as well as her shared cultural connections to the trails and long trail journeys. And, as the woman who founded the organization that inspired Missy and Wynonna to take up ultra trail running, this conversation is also a recognition of the importance of creating these spaces for her community. This is a journey of a lifetime–a truly unforgettable ultra story, like you’ve never heard before. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcastOur Season 1 Presenting SponsorThank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at ALTRArunning.comFrom this EpisodeWynonna Fulgham on Instagram: @blacksheep_runningMissy Hendricks on Instagram: @ellicul_lucyNative Women Run: @native_women_runCocodona 250: @cocodona250EARTHMOVERS HostsVerna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesirStefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin