(Padilla, Nalani. Practice, October 20, 2021)

Daniel Madalena (Pueblo): Continuing the Jemez Pueblo Mountain Running Traditions As An Ultra-Runner

In this article, Daniel Madalena from the Pueblo of Jemez is an ultra-marathoner. Ultra marathons are further than a marathon, which is 26.2 miles and are oftentimes more than 24 hours. Daniel has been doing ultra-marathons for four years, he believed this was a way to test himself but later he became adapted to the culture. During the last four years, Daniel has completed the Pikes Peak marathon, 50k´s, 50 milers, and Leadville 100. His biggest accomplishment so far was finishing the Leadville 100, in Leadville, Colorado. The event has over 15, 000 feet of elevation and a cut off time of 30 hours. Daniel runs in his footsteps of his ancestors where running is a part of his way of life. Stories from his elders about the Pikes Peak event and many other events gave him the inspiration to strive for his goals. For example, Steven Gachupin from Jemez Pueblo ran marathons for the past 50 years. He is a six time Pikes Peak winner six times in a row from 1966-1971. Also an eight time  winner of the La Luz Trail race in Albuquerque. Daniel learned his strategies and ways from his past coaches and really admired his people. 

Ninham, Author: Dan. NDNSPORTS, https://www.ndnsports.com/daniel-madalena-pueblo-continuing-the-jemez-pueblo-mountain-running-traditions-as-an-ultrarunner/. 

(Padilla, Nalani. Team Photo, October 2, 2021)

Running Problems That Faces Athletes Today: Prevention and Treatment

In the article, an estimate throughout the whole year, it is believed that 60% of runners are injured every year in sports. Majority of injuries are caused due to the runners' ignorance. Learning how to stay alert during the Sports season and listening to your body affects not getting injured. Most of the time, running injuries are caused by incorrect techniques, Biomechanical imbalance, suddenly increasing your training. Just like any other illnesses, staying alert and getting to the injury before it's too late prevents the injury or aggravates it. 

“Running Problems That Faces Athletes Today: Prevention and Treatment.” RunSociety, 20 Sept. 2016, https://www.runsociety.com/health-injuries/running-problems-that-faces-athletes-today-prevention-and-treatment/. 

In this article, first off East African runners train in high altitude, where the thin air makes it harder to run. Most runners intend on spending their time training in high altitude to help improve the capacity of their lungs to help maintain their speed. Most runners run to and from school daily, without exceptions. Many communities strive for greatness. For example, There are so many great athletes in the area that practically every town has its own celebrity, someone who has traveled elsewhere and back wealthy, able to build a home, purchase a luxurious vehicle, and contribute to the community.

Matt.grace. “Born to Run: Populous Magazine.” Populous, 25 Nov. 2020, https://populous.com/born-to-run-why-do-east-africans-dominate-long-distance-running-events.

In the article, the Ethiopians are very successful endurance runners. A documentary was filmed and published called ¨Town of Runners¨ which looked at the running culture in Ethiopia. The capital city of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa, there are so many runners who train at 2,355 above sea level in their area. Most studies have shown that running with low oxygen levels has great benefits to the heart rate and lung functions. Many people from the town start training young without realizing it. For example, a member from the town had a farm which was 10km away from his school, due to having no access or having no car or bus. His running was just a daily thing he consistently got used to without having to do it for fun. Before an event or training, they don't eat a healthy meal, in the meantime they'll have a bottle of water. Also, instead of drinking protein shakes, many runners drink ¨beso¨ which is made of lightly roasted whole grain barley flour, honey, and flour. ¨This is Ethiopians power bar¨ Meanwhile, the main carbohydrate is injera, which is a gluten flatbread made from flour that looks like a thickener, spongier crepe.

Smyth, David. “Why Are Ethiopian Endurance Runners so Successful?” Runner's World, 21 Dec. 2022, https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/motivation/a42108849/ethiopian-running-success/. 

(Padilla, Nalani. Group Photo, November 10, 2022.)

(Padilla, Nalani. Interviewing, October 31, 2022.)

My first Action plan occurred on Thursday, November 10th. I interviewed Daniel Madalena from the Pueblo of Jemez who is a Ultramarathon runner. I presented my recording of the interview to a group of students at Santa Fe Indian School. I asked Daniel 10 questions about how he started running and how much he has overcome over the past years. He also discussed his bad experiences and how challenging it was but Daniel also gave encouraging messages to the younger generation who are starting up running.