Running Strong: A Native running club for health and community

By: Cher Lyons

(TULSA, Okla.) Native Americans are at a higher risk of diabetes, but they can lower that risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Indian Health Care Resource Center in Tulsa makes it easy with its Running Strong program, a free running and walking club for Native youth and adults.

Running Strong has become a community of walking and running club members with the common goal of staying fit.

Amber Howell knew she needed to stay active to control her blood sugar. After exercising at the IHCRC’s fitness center for some time, she was encouraged by the improvements she saw and eventually decided to give Running Strong a try. 

Club participants meet regularly to run or walk at their own pace, and many compete in monthly races throughout the city. The program provides incentives for attending regular in-person practices and also encourages members to keep a monthly fitness log.

Howell says the encouragement she feels from other participants has motivated her to stay fit. “The running community is all super positive and motivating,” she said.

Howell says her biggest competitor is herself. Still, she finds motivation in running with others. 

“There are moments during a race where I will look at a nearby racer or even a nearby landmark and make my own competitive goals and just keep them in my head,” she explained. 

Jennie Howard, a health and fitness educator at IHCRC, explained that the program was first organized in 2016 through funding from Nike’s N7 program, which supports running in Native communities. The program originally focused on youth, but soon it became clear that parents and other adults were interested in joining. Now, she says, the program is open to anyone with a CDIB card.

“The program has grown beyond what I expected, both in participation and community engagement,” Howard said. 

The club provides structured running time and motivation and also provides what Howard calls “a supportive family-like atmosphere.” 

She also notes the health benefits of participation. “I am seeing participants become more active, improve fitness levels and race times, lower blood pressure and blood sugars, and gain confidence.”

Howell knows from experience that joining a running club can be a challenge but encourages those who are interested to “just start.” The community of runners and educators, including Howard, provide support and encouragement to all newcomers, regardless of their experience or fitness level. 

Contact the Indian Health Care Resource Center for more information about Running Strong. 

This story was developed through StoryKeepers, a Crosswinds News program dedicated to sharing community stories, cultural knowledge, lived experiences, and important issues impacting Native communities.