Today we’d like to introduce you to India Cook.
India, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I became a runner back in 2008. I am born and raised in Atlanta and I always liked to cheer and watch the Peachtree Road Race, which is the worlds largest 10k race. For some time, I would run on a trail next to my home and in 2008 I decided that I would sign up for an actual road race, so I made the Peachtree Road Race my first race. For several years, I would train only for this race and then I would fall off of my fitness. In 2014, I completed a season of semi-pro Cheerleading and I knew that I needed to do something to keep myself active so I decided to start with participating with a running group and then started running a race a month to stay consistent. I then realize that I was attached to running. From here, I started running half marathons (13.1 miles) and in 2017, I decided to run my first full marathon, 26.2 miles. I knew that I was not the fastest person running and I knew that I wanted to inspire others to run a full marathon no matter their shape, size, pace and/or background. Therefore, I started a vlog on Facebook, Miles from India. I vlogged my entire 18 weeks of training for this marathon. The ups and downs and all the victories as well. My vlog and connections have now afforded me the ability to be a co-host of my running podcast, The Run Duo Podcast. This is a running podcast that talks about all things running. My co-host, Tommy Mitchell and I talk about tips, races, gear, and even our own running journey on the podcast. One of the most exciting things that we do is also interview other runners from all different walks of life to hear their stories. Our hope is to continue to inspire others along the way. You can listen and watch my vlog on FB @Miles From India and my podcast, the Run Duo Podcast on SoundCloud, iTunes and Google Play.
I became a runner back in 2008. I am born and raised in Atlanta and I always liked to cheer and watch the Peachtree Road Race, which is the worlds largest 10k race. For some time, I would run on a trail next to my home and in 2008 I decided that I would sign up for an actual road race, so I made the Peachtree Road Race my first race. For several years, I would train only for this race and then I would fall off of my fitness. In 2014, I completed a season of semi-pro Cheerleading and I knew that I needed to do something to keep myself active so I decided to start with participating with a running group and then started running a race a month to stay consistent. I then realize that I was attached to running. From here, I started running half marathons (13.1 miles) and in 2017, I decided to run my first full marathon, 26.2 miles. I knew that I was not the fastest person running and I knew that I wanted to inspire others to run a full marathon no matter their shape, size, pace and/or background. Therefore, I started a vlog on Facebook, Miles from India. I vlogged my entire 18 weeks of training for this marathon. The ups and downs and all the victories as well. My vlog and connections have now afforded me the ability to be a co-host of my running podcast, The Run Duo Podcast. This is a running podcast that talks about all things running. My co-host, Tommy Mitchell and I talk about tips, races, gear, and even our own running journey on the podcast. One of the most exciting things that we do is also interview other runners from all different walks of life to hear their stories. Our hope is to continue to inspire others along the way. You can listen and watch my vlog on FB @Miles From India and my podcast, the Run Duo Podcast on SoundCloud, iTunes and Google Play.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a vlogger and podcast host. Within the vlog and podcast, I talk about my running journey, inspire others, educate them about running and road racing, whether that be about signing up for a race, gear and even how to become a runner, I talk about it all. I would say I specialize in getting people started with running and to continue loving it. I am different from others because I am me and my journey is unique. I didn’t run on the collegiate level and I don’t look like your average Olympian runner, I am African American female that is passionate about running.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity that Atlanta brings. There is a part of the city for everything and everyone. I also love that Atlanta’s running community is diverse and we love each other all the same. I don’t like that Atlanta is so spread out and traveling to some areas takes a lot of time especially with traffic but there are so many run groups and trails in the city. My biggest thing is that there is room for everyone to enjoy the love and sport of running.
I love the diversity that Atlanta brings. There is a part of the city for everything and everyone. I also love that Atlanta’s running community is diverse and we love each other all the same. I don’t like that Atlanta is so spread out and traveling to some areas takes a lot of time especially with traffic but there are so many run groups and trails in the city. My biggest thing is that there is room for everyone to enjoy the love and sport of running.
Contact Info:
- Email: milesfromindia@gmail.com
- Instagram: @therunduo and @i_of_endigo_runs
- Facebook: m.facebook.com/milesfromindia
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
