Episode 115 Nikaeda Griffie You Can Do Hard Things

Nikaeda Griffie is a resident of Akron, Ohio. She started running in high school as a way to socialize and continued cross country and track in college for gym credit and to stay in shape. Nikaeda returned to running in 2007 when a coworker invited her to participate on a marathon relay team.  She ran a 5k leg on the five-person team and was hooked. From there she went on to challenge herself to participate in one event each month usually between a 5k and 10k distance. A year later she ran her first half marathon and then her first marathon a few weeks later. Her running has escalated to include countless races from 5k up to 100k distances. While she has dabbled in trail races and likes the ultra marathon distance, Nikaeda has a strong preference for road running.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic she had been training for her dream race, the Selma to Montgomery Relay where she would run the route Civil Rights leaders traveled on foot for voting rights. The race was cancelled the week before it was to take place in March 2020. Nikaeda and her amazing coach ran the race virtually with a friend. Following this accomplishment, her coach encouraged her to register and train for Indiana Trail 100 endurance race. After eight months of training, Nikaeda earned her 100 mile buckle in October 2021. 

Nikaeda now runs for stress relief as much as fitness and prides herself in being an average runner with above average goals. Her mantra- you can do hard things. Nikaeda has plans to participate in the Selma to Montgomery race in person in 2022 and future aspirations to complete a half marathon in all 50 states. She is a proud member of several running clubs- the most influential being Black Girls Run!, Black Runners Connection, National Black Marathoners Association and She Runs This Town.

Book Recommendations:
Becoming, Michelle Obama
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Nikaeda on Instagram
Black Girls Run!
Black Runners Connection
National Black Marathoners Association
She Runs This Town
Selma to Montgomery Relay
The Race
Indiana Trail 100
Yoga with Adrienne (The at-home yoga I do.)