Making History with Running

Hey y’all! It’s been a while. So, I’m still doing my countdown to 35. I’ll blog about that in a few weeks. Maybe. Anyway, I want to share my running fun from this past weekend. This past Saturday myself and four other awesome runners participated in the inaugural Selma to Montgomery relay. If you know anything about history, you know this to be a historic trail during the height of the Civil Rights movement. You’ve probably heard of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. If not, google it! You’ll be intrigued.

Anyway, our team along with others took on the task of running a 51 mile relay from Selma to Montgomery. The entire route was filled with so much history. It was pretty exciting. In addition, it was my very first relay. I was anxious. I didn’t know what to expect. I mean I only knew one person on the team before the race. Like what if I don’t like these folks. Y’all know I’m an introvert at heart. Fret not. They turned out to be pretty dope, awesome folks. I’m sure we are all friends now after spending so much time together in close quarters discussing all kinds of stuff.

So, let’s talk about the run. I had legs 2 & 8 of the relay. My first leg was early enough that the heat wasn’t a problem so I ran a pretty decent time. Definitely, didn’t want to let the team down so early in the race. 😊 My second leg was in the heat. It wasn’t pretty and I got lost. Thanks to some very nice guys myself and another guy was rescued. They didn’t have any signage. I had to make a move getting back to the exchange spot. I’m still not sure if my time is accurate though. The more I think about the more it seems inaccurate. Oh well. Anyway, I enjoyed the race overall. There’s definitely room for improvements but no major complaints. I’m happy I was able to participate in this historic event.

Let’s talk about the team. Here’s what made our team so dope. Our team consisted of one founding partner & four backers of The Race presented by The Unity Collective. More info about The Race is below but can be found in the attached link as well. Our team placed 7th overall & 5th in the coed division. Pretty cool! The Fierce Five came, saw, and conquered. I hope more folks attend next year. In the meantime, y’all should consider running The Race presented by the Unity Collective. A race for us by us. Literally everything and it will take you on a journey through Atlanta’s historic black neighborhoods. Find more information online at The Race. See y’all in October in Atlanta for another historic event!

Here’s what my third marathon taught me…

I’ve run 3 marathons, 17 half marathons, and countless other race distances. Not bad for a girl who still has a hard time breathing around styrofoam, when the seasons change, or whenever her asthma decides to do what it does. What’s my point? You can train your body to do whatever you want it to do. But you have to train your mind as well. Initially, I couldn’t run a quarter of a mile without having an asthma attack. It took me forever (well in my mind) to be able to run uphill and to run a mile nonstop. I remember the feeling I had when I finally was able to run a mile nonstop. Total joy! I also remember the feeling I had when I laced up for my first 5K. It was such a BIG deal to me. I still don’t think anything compares to that day on March 17, 2012.  Then I tried the 10K – September 19, 2012. I was a ball of nerves. The week of my first half marathon my nerves were all over the place. Although I had trained well, the distance made me nervous. I completed my first half on October 6, 2013.  Then it was my attempt at my first marathon which was disastrous and very disappointing -no fault of my own. Since the Savannah marathon didn’t work, I decided to try the Nashville marathon the very next week.  I was determined to get it done and it got done.  I completed my first marathon on November 14, 2015.

I’m still a ball of nerves when it’s race time. Any distance. Some distances cause more anxiety than others. With all my anxiety, I always lace up and leave all my fears of the unknown at the start line. Training takes discipline and dedication. Some say showing up is the hard part. Finishing takes determination yet it’s gratifying. You go out and push your body to its limit. You try to avoid any negative thoughts. If you’re like me, you pray, meditate, enjoy the solitude, create romance characters, and just mentally focus on anything but the distance. It’s not hard but it can be challenging. It’s been more than five years since I started running and I still have horrible days. Some days I just don’t feel like it but I do. Some days are just hard. I can’t get my running life together. My breathing is off. Nothing is going right. Then some days everything is aligned and I rock out. It wasn’t until my third marathon that I realized the importance of training your brain too.  So much of running is mental.  Physically, you’ve trained and you are capable but what happens when your mind starts to play tricks on you.  Being mentally prepared for success is just as important as grinding to be successful.  I was mentally prepared for my marathon this time. While I didn’t get the time I had hoped for, I crossed the finish line knowing physically and mentally I had given my all.  I avoided negative thoughts and what-ifs during the race.  Mentally, I was in a better shape for this race.  My third marathon taught me to not only be prepared physically but mentally as well. As I prepare to do this again in less than two weeks, I’m going to re-up on my mental and get better results this time around. 

So, make sure while you are out here grinding to be successful that you are mentally preparing for success as well.  Nothing like having a bomb a** presentation and not being able to deliver due to your mental being off.  It’s the same way with success.  Grind hard and be mentally prepared for your success!

I ran my second marathon and HATED it!

I ran my second marathon on Saturday and I HATED it. I ran the Solider Marathon in Columbus, GA. The race itself wasn’t bad. The distance is what I hate. Here’s a quick recap of pre-race events for me. I’ve been battling muscle spasms and migraines. One alone is awful but both together is torture. Anyway, I fell maybe a month ago. It was a pretty dramatic fall and hard. It took my leg forever to heal but it still hurt. (A bruised bone so they say) The week of the marathon things just didn’t get better as it would seem. An eye exam revealed I had an unknown object lodged in my eye. Ugh, how? Why? When? I get it removed the next day. I visit the chiropractor, Dr. Glass, for my back and leg pain. He’s skeptical about me running a marathon with so many issues. I think he already knew I would run it anyway. So, he gives me exercises and stretches to do in hopes of feeling better. Friday, one day before the race, I go out for a shake out run. Besides, it’s been eight days since I last ran. I’m only doing 2.62 miles. Cheesy I know. All is well until I’m almost done and I fall. Like really fall AGAIN! I skin my ankle up which means I fell on my ankle. How? Why? Lord, why? Dr. Glass clears me to run the entire marathon as long as I feel good at mile 10 (the half and marathon split). I run errands and get to Columbus later than I would have liked. Get my race packet, check into the hotel, grab a bite to eat, and stop by WalMart. 

Race morning. My nerves are all over the place. Oh wait, my ankle hurts from the fall yesterday. It’s good running weather. Line up and take off. I start with the 4:30 pace group. That was a little too ambitious for me. The pacer was moving faster than the required pace. All is well with me until mile 10. The split left me lonely and I started to hurt. Everything started to hurt. By then my ankle was throbbing. My back was hurting. My leg was hurting. My hips were on fire. Like what the heck. I had 16.2 miles to go and I was going to finish them. I didn’t want to finish but I had too. Mile 14 I was totally over the distance. I met this nice guy Keith and we decided to run the rest of the race together. He was in just as much pain as me. Unfortunately for us. We run for as long as we can and walked through the aide stations. My back wasn’t having too much running. We switched to walk run intervals. It sucked. I enjoy running. Nothing against my walkers but I like to run. I compromised. I had to. Keith and I motivated each other. We finished right under 5:30… Major thank you to my family and friends for the motivational texts while I was struggling to finish. If I could, I’d share my medal with y’all. You definitely deserve it. Thank you all so much!

Initially, I was disappointed but I got over that. 26.2 miles is a lot and to do it injured is more than a lot. It was a struggle but it got done. I’m a marathoner because I’ve run the distance but the distance isn’t for me. I’m great at 13.1 miles. I have two more marathons and then I’m retiring. 

I ran my second marathon and HATED it! But I’m running two more. 

The adventures of turning 33!

I turned 33 on Thursday and it has been adventurous.  If I have learned anything in my young 33 years, I have learned that life is what you make of it. This year I decided to do things outside of the “normal birthday turn up”.  I wanted something yet challenging and I got just what I wanted.

Friday night I participated in the Atlanta Moon Ride. It was a six mile bike ride through downtown Atlanta.  It was more like a festival in Piedmont park with live music, vendors, drinks, etc. The bike ride began at 11 PM.  It was hillier than that expected for a good ride for sure.

Saturday I participated in my first duathlon (running, biking, and more running). This required me getting up at 4:30 AM after making it home from the bike ride at 1:30 AM. Can you say sleep deprived? The duathlon was advertised as a 5K (3.1 miles running), 13 mile bike ride and a 1.5 mile run.  However, the bike ride was only 10 miles. I finished the first leg of the duathlon (5K) in pretty good time and transitioned to the bike ride. My transition was slow and I was slightly confused but I got on my way. The bike ride was fairly easy after I navigated all the individuals on the trail. The last leg of the duathlon (1.5 miles running) was the toughest.  The transition from the bike to running was challenging. Clearly, you could tell I was an amateur because I forgot to take my helmet off or the last leg of the run. That explains the odd looks. Oh well, I finished and was happy about it.

Sunday was the most challenging of all activities. I participated in the Hotlanta Half Marathon and this race stay true to it’s name. It was HOT! HUMID! And there were plenty hills. I never say I won’t do a race again but this is one race I don’t think I will EVER do again. I’m thankful for Run Fam and their cooling towels, cold water and encouragement! I got it done a lot slower than I would have liked but all three activities were worth the challenge and fun!

I’m blessed beyond my wildest and I expect 33 to bring more adventures and challenges my way! Thank you all who helped me celebrate, wished me well, and encouraged me along the way! Much love!

St. Jude Half Marathon…My Most Meaningful Race Yet! Repost from 3.2.14

My Most Meaningful & Important Race Yet…St. Jude Half Marathon!

St. Jude Half MarathonWhy this the most important race I’ve registered for yet? Here’s OUR story… In June 2008, we buried my niece, Arnevia Triplett.  She was only 22 months old.  As painful and unexpected as it was it didn’t compare to the pain I felt a couple years later.  In 2010, my same sister and brother-in-law buried my nephew.  He was only 374 days old! Both my niece and nephew had a rare disease, DiGeorge Syndrome.  At the time that my niece passed, we didn’t know this.  Her cause of death was listed as unknown as the doctors could not figure out what the problem was.A couple years later, my nephew, Devan Triplett was admitted to St. Jude after significant weight loss.  He was tested for everything and all his tests came back negative.  Again, the doctors couldn’t pinpoint the issue.  Then a medical student suggested that he get tested for DiGeorge Syndrome since he had all the symptoms.  And what do you know, his illness actually had a name.  It was rare but at least we knew or somewhat knew what we were dealing with.  For 374 days, in and out of the hospital, scare after scare, we had the most precious little boy in our lives.  I thought he was my child.  I spoiled him.  Anytime he was sick, I was hopping on the next flight or driving home to be there.  I prayed constantly for a complete healing.

Then the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I received the dreaded phone call! My sister simply said, “I need you at home.  My baby died in his sleep this morning.” I can’t begin to describe the pain, hurt, and I anger I felt.  I lost a piece of me that day.  It sounds cliché but I literally lost a piece of my soul, heart, and my peace of mind.  I was angry with everyone except my sister. I just couldn’t fathom what she was feeling at that moment and I still can’t.  But I was especially angry with God. I couldn’t understand why we prayed so hard to have our prayers unanswered.  Or why an innocent little boy was brought into this this world to suffer and be taken away so soon! I just couldn’t get past this one incident.  I know my Mom thought I was loosing my mind and most days I felt like I was as well.  I would call her screaming, crying, angry, upset, and grieving in the worst way possible.  I always stayed strong for my sister but I had some of my worst moments when driving.

I stopped going to church and all but stopped believing.  Then I decided to run outdoors.  It was a totally different experience from the treadmill.  My running didn’t begin immediately.  Actually, it was a couple years later.  I needed an outlet.  I was so angry with God and I missed Devan more than I could put into words.  I would run and reflect on everything. I would think about the first moment I laid eyes on him, held him, spoiled him, and just loved on him! I started to grieve in a more “healthy” way! Slowly, I started leaving my anger on the pavement.  I started to feel lighter.  At that point, I knew running was saving me from myself.  So, I kept at it and more things were coming into perspective.  I started praying again and listening to God.  Running was slowly restoring my faith; because I definitely had let it go.  I made a vow to support St. Jude and their efforts as frequently as possible.  I’m forever grateful that my sister and brother-in-law made me the Aunt of the world’s most precious little boy.  My Devan! I’m grateful that St. Jude gave us the most amazing 374 days to make memories that will last a lifetime!  I’m thankful and grateful that God knew better than me.  He gave Devan his complete healing.  I didn’t understand that Devan had served his purpose in such a short time.

So, this is more than a race for me.  It’s a reflection of how far I’ve come.  How I’ve learned to grieve in a more healthy way.  Sometimes, when I’m running I think about all the fun we had as a family during his hospital visits or the pain he must have endured for 374 days.  Then I say to myself he was just a baby and he fought for 374 day surely you can make it X time.  I can show him that his Aunt will continue to fight his fight.  Grateful isn’t sufficient enough of a word to describe how I feel for those 374 days.  Although I don’t say it, each run and race is possible because God saw fit to give us a strong, little boy who changed me in ways unknown to many in such a short time period.

So, this isn’t just another race! It’s for my memories of my Devan! TeTe Pooka loves and misses you & your sister! St. Jude thank you for 374 days.  Sister & brother-in-law thank you for an amazingly, strong nephew & niece! God thank you for knowing better than me!

Race Day…Better Late than Never. Repost from 10.17.13

So, this post is hella late for several reasons.  It’s race day and I could barely contain my excitement and nerves.  I think my nerves were getting the best of me.  The night before I tried to make sure I had plenty of carbs and lots of water. I didn’t eat anything that had the potential to make me sick.  Early in the day, I had rice & peas, broccoli, and cabbage.  Later I had a veggie pizza which I think was a good choice as my last meal before the race.

Anyway, it’s race morning and I have my sidekicks with me.  I absolutely love my brothers, even the little monster! They are so supportive in a different way. *rolls eyes* For breakfast, I had a banana, piece of toast with peanut butter, energy bar, naked green juice, and water.  Sounds like a lot but I wanted to make sure my body was fueled properly.  I go through all the rituals and we head out to the race route.  I meet up with BGR, talk, take pics, and line up at the start line.  All I kept saying over and over in my head is trust your training.  My iPod is ready to go… My song at the starting line is BIG KRIT, “You Got This Here”.  And off we go…

My thoughts:

Mile 3: It’s a nice day and I’m glad I switched out of that long sleeve shirt my momma wanted me to keep on.

Mile 6: We are almost half way there.  Hey, why is that guy on his way back already and we are just at mile six. Looks at my running buddy and we both shake our heads.

Mile 8: Dang, it doesn’t seem like we’ve been running for eight miles.  I may actually be able to do this.

Mile 9 – 11: These damn hills are so ridiculous and too close to the end of the route.

Mile 12: Only one more mile and I can do this.  Let me pick it up a notch or two. Looks at my running buddy and she’s like I’m not going to be able to do this.  Oh no, you’re my motivation.  Come on…

Finish line: Oh my goodness I DID IT! Looks at time and gets sad.  It says 2:17 something… Damn it, I wanted to finish in 2:15 or less.

I find my folks and I’m about to pass out…literally.  I need those cookies, that water, gatorade, and whatever else is available.  Amazingly, I wasn’t sweating too badly.  Then my brother tells me that my time should be under 2:15 since the announcer said to take about four or five minutes off your time. And indeed it is: 2:12:55. I’m happy all over again. My knee was hurting like hell and my hips.  My knee was worse though.

It was the most amazing feeling in the world.  I ran a half marathon…nonstop! Of course, I’ve already made plans for my next one and contemplating a full marathon in 2015. 🙂 To think, I ran my first organized race (5k) in March of 2012 and here we are in October 2013 and I’ve run a half marathon! Proud, excited, and ready to do it again.

And I got my sticker for my car! 13.1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m a half marathon runner.  Then after my race I all but died…I got sick with E.Coli & my usual change in weather crap and I’m just bouncing back! I haven’t run in two weeks and my sanity is on the line.  Today, I’m officially off doctor restrictions and can resume physical activity.

 

 

Tips for Runners! Repost from 9.8.13

Tips for Runners

Half Marathon training has gotten real.  Yesterday, we did 11 miles.  I’m sore this morning.  Well, I’m probably a lot sorer than the rest of the group because three of us messed up with the directions at some point during the route and we were lost.  Being lost isn’t that bad unless it causes you to run some really steep hills.  We were on a never ending incline.  Anyway, when I’m running I think about everything and I started wondering if my form was correct as the back of my left knee started to hurt.  I found this really cool picture that demonstrates proper form and thought you all may find it interesting.  Also,below are a few running tips for beginners.Running Tips:

1. Start with a low mileage. If you can only run a few hundred feet, quarter mile, or half mile nonstop then that’s where you should start.  Push yourself each week to go farther.
2. Get fitted for a good pair of running shoes.  Your shoes are your foundation when running and they are important.  A good pair of running shoes may be expensive but they are well worth it.
3. Don’t run too often.  Experts recommend running no more than three to four times a week. Your body needs time to recover and it actually builds strength on recovery days.
4. Drink plenty of water.  You should drink plenty of water before your run, during your run (especially if you are doing a distance run), and after your run. The slightest dehydration can affect your running.  I have it written all over my bedroom mirror and refrigerator…. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  It helps me to be conscious of my water drinking habits.
5. Don’t compare yourself to other runners.  Sure, you can have a competitive spirit but your progress will not match other people’s progress.  It is your run.  Run it at your pace. Enjoy your run!

Finding My Happiness – Life at 30! Repost from 8.12.13

Finding My Happiness – Life at 30

Some people spend their entire life without finding their happiness! Finding your happiness and having fun are two totally different things.  Fun is temporary and happiness should be permanent.  This isn’t to say that you won’t have those what the hell days but at the end of the day you will be able to find the good in it all!  I’m really finding my happiness and a lot of it has to do with me being focused on what I want, like, and find joy in doing.  I can’t pretend like I’ve been unhappy but I hadn’t accepted my total happiness.  I was in the business of pleasing people.  Worried about their opinions and what not.Before I turned 30, I started to feel liberated.  I was learning more about myself and putting me first.  I’m sort of the go to person in my family most of the time.  It’s great until you start carrying the weight of everyone’s problems on your shoulder.  I needed to find a balance.  I’m still the go to person but I’m no longer trying to force people to do what is logical anymore.  I give my opinion and let them work the rest of it out.  I rest easier at night because I’m no longer worried if this person will do this or that!

I’m enjoying life responsibly! Well, sometimes it’s responsibly.  Sometimes I get beside myself and have moments.  Saturday wasn’t a responsible kind of night but it was fun!  If anyone suffers though, it will only be me.  I do what makes me happy i.e. running, writing, blogging, cooking, shopping, and traveling.  I’m setting goals and becoming a better person each day.  I am finding my happiness because I am focusing on me!

Really quickly, let me tell y’all about the seven mile run on Saturday! It was a killer! My time slick sucked but I was able to run the entire route without stopping.  This does not mean I wasn’t moving as slowly as a snail at some points during the run.  The route we ran on Saturday was part of the course for the actual race.  Can we say hilly?! But I feel like it is something that I can totally do!  Cross-training is very important the next eight weeks.  I was tired but I felt awesome after the race. Pushing myself to become better! I will blog with an update of Half Marathon training later this week!  Until next time, be productive and prosperous!

Running to be healthy! NOT SKINNY! Repost 7.31.13

Running to be healthy! NOT SKINNY!

As the rain hindered my me from participating in my morning run.  I was reminded of how far I have come with this running thing.  I had to hit the treadmill and it was not the same.  However, it got the job done.  So, here is to my second blog post!Sooo many people ask me why I run and workout! The answer is simple.  I run for a healthier me. A lot of the time the misconception is that people only run or workout when they want to lose weight.  This misconception is especially true in Black culture where being “thick” is considered sexy.  Calm down, I don’t have anything against “thick” guys or girls.  My point here is that physical activity leads to a healthier YOU.  Now, if you lose weight in the process then fine… You will be FINE!  I run to be healthy.  Anyone that knows me knows I have been SKINNY ALL MY LIFE!I started running a few years ago.  I wasn’t consistent at first.  The first couple of times was out of boredom.  No, I didn’t have an epiphany or anything like that.  But after a few times of consistency I realized I enjoyed it.  I actually started out running on the treadmill.  I was bored after standing around waiting for weight machines to become available.  I definitely was not into free weights at the time.  Anywho, I was the most out of shape skinny girl in America.  I’m pretty sure of that.  The treadmill kicked my butt.  After a few months on the treadmill, I decided to give outdoor running a try.  Oh, this is a completely different type of running. I failed the first several times. It wasn’t a pretty sight.  However, I set small milestones for myself.  I started out by saying I’m going to run X time without stopping.  The distance scared the hell out of me. So, I stuck with time for a while.  I avoided inclines at all cost <– bad idea. LOL!  Eventually, I realized I was getting stronger and avoiding inclines in Georgia was impossible.  I embraced the inclines.  Outdoor running was not easy but it was a stress reliever.  I always felt so good after running.  It eventually became a part of my physical activity routine.  I would run three to four times a week.  Then I started thinking in terms of distance.

I ran my first 5K (3.1 miles) last March in 33:41.  Then I ran a 10K (6.2 miles) in 69:50 in September.  As part of my birthday celebration, I participated in a 5K and completed it in less than 28 minutes. I’m getting stronger.  As I train for my first half marathon, I look back at how far I have come with running.  The beginning was ugly and hard but worth it.  I have participated in four 5Ks, and one 10K.  I’m getting ready to sign up for a couple more 5Ks and a 10K.  But I’m training for my first half marathon.  I’m no longer afraid of distance.  Well, I say that but I’ll check in periodically to let you know how my training is going.  I’m in Week Four!  In the meantime, here are a few tips I can offer to any beginner runner <– just know that it isn’t all inclusive.  I’m not an expert but I can speak from experience.

~You have to start somewhere.  Don’t expect to be Flo Jo
~Set milestones! (If you haven’t been getting cardio don’t expect to be able to run a mile nonstop right off)
~Listen to your body! (Avoid injuries)
~Be consistent, extended breaks are not good! (Too much time off will make you feel like you are constantly starting all over)
~Good running shoes are a must! (They are your foundation)
~Do your research! (There are a lot of good running groups that provide valuable information on stride and breathing techniques)
~Think of running as a hobby and not a task! (Change your mindset and be positive)
~Join a group if you need the extra motivation or accountability!
~STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!!!!! (It’s so important to stretch before and after your run)
~You will ache and be sore BUT you should NOT be in PAIN!
~Sign up for an organized race.  Crossing the finish line is an amazing feeling of accomplishment and it will motivate you to train!

Running is free therapy.  When I run I leave all the BS, frustration, irritation, stress, life’s problems and all other foolishness on the pavement. I get in my zone and run.  You will feel better.  Before I started running, I dealt with stress by spending money (that I didn’t have most of the time).  I would shop for clothes and shoes but now I run.  My bank account and closet appreciate the changes I’ve made.  I run to be healthy! NOT SKINNY! Try it…It is rewarding!!!

Runner’s Perspective… Homelessness… Humbling Experience!

Running has its perks! Gets you healthier, builds confidence and it challenges you but it’s humbling and makes you appreciative. Well it does for me. When I’m driving on various streets in Atlanta I hardly pay attention to my surroundings. I’m usually too focused on my driving and that of others. But when I’m running on the streets of Atlanta I get a different perspective of everything.

Downtown Atlanta is saturated with homeless individuals. I notice this when I’m driving but it’s a humbling experience when I’m running and see homelessness first hand. It goes beyond humbling. It was 34 degrees this morning with a windchill of 24. It was freezing and I was out there by choice. But these people didn’t have any other choice. Several were lined up in front of the church waiting for it to open its doors. All I could think about was how grateful I am that that’s not my life. God has kept me from that type of situation. It makes you pray a little harder and a few seconds longer. It will make you reevaluate what you consider a problem. My problems are minor or nonexistent compared to these individuals who basic needs are not being met.

How can we live in the greatest nation in the world and still witness such things? Don’t get me wrong I don’t expect homelessness to be totally eradicated but it’s disturbing that we have our fellow citizens crowding the front of a church door awaiting its opening just to stay warm for a few hours. It was more humbling this morning than ever before.

As a runner, I’ve become immune to certain things in downtown Atlanta. The stench from lack of cleanliness I can handle. The terrifying drivers I can manage. The hills I can overcome. The “nice” scenery I can enjoy. But nothing stops me in my tracks like witnessing homelessness first hand. Running has done so much for me. I can’t help but wonder if running can do for them (homeless individuals) what it has done for me. It has empowered me. Challenged me to push myself, believe in me, believe in better. It has kept me sane when I felt insane was my only option. It has humbled me and makes me appreciative of things I never thought to appreciate. As a runner, I think running solves all problems. Why not homelessness too?