We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful India Cook. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with India below.

Hi India, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

When I started my journey as a runner, I searched for someone like me to reference and learn from. Someone that was black, female, non-elite, and someone who could speak to the masses. It was a hard find. I struggled with empathizing with pro athletes that ran for a living and honestly looked nothing like me. I couldn’t relate. Whether it was their body type, lifestyle or lingo, I needed a different connection. So a part of me said let me be what I didn’t see and that always stuck in my mind. Once I started the venture into long-distance running I began to get a following of people of color, that was professional and very intrigued by the sport of distance running. The only thing is that they didn’t think they had the ability to run distance. Fast forward, I decided to take on the challenge to run my first marathon, 26.2 miles. When this was announced I received so much feedback from people who wanted to hear about my journey. This is where vlogging was birth. I wanted to share my journey, the transparent journey to hard but rewarding feet, I wanted to be what I looked for many years ago. As I continued to be connected more in the running community I learned that it was diverse but there were only certain people that were given the platforms to tell their stories. This is where podcasting was birth. I was in between my time of vlogging and was brought the opportunity to start a podcast with my current co-host, Tommy. I found it to be an opportunity to interview those that are doing amazing things but are not getting the platform that they deserve. I found it a place to speak my mind and connect in a way that I looked for. It was not until my podcast and vlog were generated that I felt a business could come about. I found my passion and my purpose in the process and Miles From India, LLC was born. I wanted to obtain certification for the training that I provide because a run coach because there are many people that want to get into running but don’t feel they can connect with the coaches that they see. I became a race announcer because this too was male and white-dominated where I knew I could also connect as a fellow runner. Everything that I do is generated from passion, purpose, and bing what I didn’t see.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am India Cook, an avid Atlanta-based runner, marathoner, race announcer, YouTube vlogger, podcast host, and RRCA certified run coach. I have a love for running and racing, but I also have a passion for encouraging and guiding runners and those who aspire to become runners. I advocate for all paces and body types in the space of road racing. I coach independently and I am also a run coach with a non-profit organization A.R.C., Active Resolute Connected. This organization empowers women through running and helps to break mental and physical barriers. A.R.C. aligns with my belief that if you run, you are a runner. As of 2021, I sit as a Board Member for Coaches of Color Initiative (COCI), an organization whose mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for people of color aspiring to successful careers as endurance coaches.

My running journey started in 2008 on the quest to lose weight and also engage in a healthy social activity. Since 2008 I have completed distances from 5K to marathons. Throughout my running journey, I observed that there were limited running resources created by women of color to help individuals get into running or resources for those already engaged in the sport. Therefore, I developed a vlog “Miles From India” on YouTube. The vlog’s purpose is to educate, inspire, and motivate runners. Viewers can find tips and how-to videos that aid in helping runners navigate running effectively. Within the running community I also find it important to ensure diverse running experiences and stories are highlighted. In 2018, I became a podcast host of, The Run Duo Podcast, with my co-host, Tommy Mitchell. On our bi-weekly podcast, we talk all things running as we educate and entertain our listeners and also interview casual to elite runners.

With a focus on helping ladies run confidently in any phase of their run journey, my background in mental health not only allows me to have a positive and healthy relationship with running but also enables me to help athletes build a similar relationship as well. I find it essential to make the sport of running less intimidating and relatable for all levels. My goal is to make the sport of running more diverse, inclusive, and less intimidating to my listeners and viewers. I will continue to use my training, experience, and voice to guide others in the community of running through coaching. I take the approach that everyone’s journey is unique, and we should celebrate every step, stride, and mile. I believe that running not only boosts physical health, but also rejuvenates your mind and fuels confidence.

Vlog is on YouTube- Miles from India– educates, entertains, and shows people about the running lifestyle and beyond.

Race Emcee- I am the announcer at the start and finish of a race. I cheer on the participants, amp up the crowd, talk about sponsors and also announce the awards. I keep the flow of a road race going.

Run Coaching- I provide and plan guidance for athletes that are wanting to better their running or learn more about running.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to be what I didn’t see. Continue to diversify the running industry and show the worlds that you runners do not look or have a particular lifestyle there is a variety of backgrounds.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In the later part of 2021, I needed to take a step away from Coaching. I was coaching several clients at the time however, my full-time job and content creation became very busy and I didn’t want to provide shortened services to my clients. I decided to take some time off from that and for clients that came to me for services I referred them to other women of color coaches that I knew could provide them with great service.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.milesfromindia.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/i_of_endigo_runs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesfromindia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MilesfromIndia
• Other: https://linktr.ee/milesfromindia

Image Credits
Lindsay Narbeth, Paul D. McPherson Jr. and Timothy Nettleton