Run With Us: Sistas Run NYC!

New York, New York, big city of dreams! And Sistas Running New York is exactly what it seems!

Ashley and I are always super pumped to find other BG's who share our love for running. New York is one of our favorite cities so when we found out about Sistas Run NYC, we were equally as geeked.

Sistas Run NYC was created to bring black women across the country together to run in the ING New York Marathon. Why? To raise awareness, increase education and make a bold statement about the importance of exercise, diet and leading a healthy lifestyle in the African-American community. Sistas Run NYC is also raising money for an organization that addresses the health concerns of African-American women and children. And BGR! is behind them 100 percent.

Black Girls RUN! will represent in November at the ING New York Marathon. We'll also be raising money for the Black Girls RUN! Foundation to go towards Sistas Run NYC.

If you're interested in running with us in NYC, email us at blackgirlsrun@yahoo.com. Pre-registration ends soon, so don't wait.

Myth Buster: Black Girls Don't Swim

My mom is deathly afraid of swimming. I guess this is how I developed my fear of the pool. I remember going to the local private pool with my best childhood friend, Katherine. I think it was the first time I ever went to "the pool". I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was the day I almost drowned. I guess every kid would remember a moment like that forever and it is probably one of the very reasons my fear of swimming has never completely left me.

I think everyone has heard the myth that black girls don't swim. Seeing as how I can't, I was a little more likely to believe that this is true. Is is because traditionally black communities don't have recreational centers easily accessible or they are not up to par? Is it because as young girls we're taught to never, ever, under any circumstance to get our hair wet? I'm not sure I have the answer. What I do know is that I hate not being able to swim.

In an effort to overcome my fear, my fiance vowed to teach me. It was a miserable failure. I'm convinced my cranium is too heavy to float. My swimming lesson ended up with me hanging on to Kris and the side of the pool for dear life. I eventually ended up in the hot tub. I must admit, I was cute in my adidas performance swimwear.

Frustrated and embarrassed, I decided that I would take private swim lessons. As I inquired at the YMCA, I blurted out "I'm so embarrassed. I'm 26 and can't swim." He just looked at me, laughed and said, "Please. There's old ladies that come in here and can't swim. You'll be fine." I'm not sure why I felt the need to throw myself under the bus, however knowing I wasn't alone made me feel 100 percent better. I think of a life with me knowing how to swim. I would actually look forward to going to the pool or the beach. It would be a great low impact exercise and a chance to break up my running. Last but not least, if I was on a sail boat or ship, I'd have a pretty good chance of surviving.

I'm hoping to begin swim lessons in the next two weeks. I'm sure it will be an adventure and there's a lot to be learned. But one thing I've already learned is that we should never not try anything new just because we're embarrassed, have never done it before, or God forbid it might be hard and test our limits. We should always push ourselves to do the unthinkable and the unimaginable.

Fuel For Running: Faux Chili Cheese Dogs

I'm a complete sucker for healthy comfort food. Before I took the "Veg Pledge," one of my favorite binge dinners was Sonic's chili dogs. Well, my love for the dish hasn't changed and I eat my beloved faux chili cheese dogs at least once a month. Thanks to Mama Rox for the chili recipe! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1 large can of crushed tomatoes

1 can of light kidney beans

1 package of Boca meatless meat

1 can of Rotel

1 jar of hot salsa

1 package of Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit mix (seasoning only)

1 small white onion

Sea Salt to taste

*Optional: Pinch of baking soda (to stave off gas)

1 package of Smart Dogs

1 package of low fat cheddar cheese

1 Sara Lee wheat hot dog buns

DIRECTIONS

1.) Dice the onion

2.) Put the first 9 ingredients into large pot and simmer on low heat for one hour

4.) Heat Smart Dogs according to package directions

5.) Place hot dogs into buns and spoon chili on top. Sprinkle with cheese.

THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today's Runavation

Fall seven times, stand up eight.

- Japanese proverb

My Running Alter Ego

In my very first post I wrote about talking to God and meditating while I run. I still do that, but the more I train, race and participate in group runs, the more that little meditating angel is silenced and my ultra competitive alter ego rears her ugly head.

Here are the things my alter ego says:

1. Who Gon Check me boo? – If I pass you, this is what I’m thinking. No, it’s not nice and I pass very few people I’m not that great of a runner, but for some sick reason I feel better knowing that I’m able to beat someone and not coming in dead last.
2. Oh hell no! – If you are considerable older or slower, believe me, I am not happy when you pass me. Now this response is usually followed by #3, but if you happen to be a far better runner than me, I revert to #4.
3. I’m gon getcha! – Last race, I took a mental picture of all of the people who passed me in my pace range. Towards the end of the race, as I picked up my speed, I made a point to wave smile at them as I sprinted ahead and beat them across the finish line.
4. Damn, I just got dusted! You better be glad my knee back toes hurt or else…. – I know, that’s such a cowardly excuse, but it would be too easy to just admit I was defeated. But, yes I do realize that you run an 8:30 and I secretly wish I were as fast as you.
5. I can sleep when I die – Wth? I’m not sure why I think this, but it definitely helps me through long runs when I feel like giving up.

Who’s you running alter ego? Are you a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde runner, or are your mantras consistent with your personality?

New Year Gym Rush

It's the New Year and besides eating black eyed peas and collard greens, there's one more thing that people inevitably do at the beginning of the year.....join the gym.

Now granted, I appreciate that all of downtown Nashville, it seems, has decided to get fit, but I wonder if they HAD to join the downtown YMCA.

When I go to the gym I am like a tiger. No, not stealth-like and agile, but focused. I am like a young Ninja warrior attempting to find the glow. I.E., I like to be alone. The first Monday of the year, the first real work day of the new year, I decided to hit the gym after work like I normally do. I walked through the automatic doors to a swarm of people getting their pictures taken, checking out the building and signing up for memberships. I pushed my way through the crowd and quickly scanned my card. It was off to my secret place. Upstairs where NO one works out. Surprise! Apparently everyone else found out about my secret spot too. This is where I had to realize to be flexible in my workout and not get frustrated by the crowds. It's almost February and I keep reminding myself that the New Years rush is really close to being over. Studies show that it takes six weeks for a habit to develop. Two weeks to go......

Couch to 5k Tips

We all know that starting a new running program can be difficult – changing old habits, setting new goals, actually making it to your runs. Usually we start out with a lot of enthusiasm and as things get tough, we can sometimes question why we started in the first place. Here are a few tips from my own personal experience that may help you improve your C25k journey.

1.Find Your Running Style – The C25k program is a great way for runners to start to find their own running style. Don’t mistaken style for technique…your style is more about how high you lift your knees, how short or long your stride is, or how hard you hit the ground. It took me a while to find my running style. I’m a pretty smooth runner, but I’m not too light on my feet. I realize that when I try to run lightly, I waste a lot energy. Now that I’m in tune with my style, I run efficiently, my body is relaxed and I have less soreness.

2.Push through the pain – As the adage says, no pain, no gain. The sooner you come to grips with the fact that you are going to be sore, your feet may hurt and even small things like sitting and standing quickly will make you wince, the sooner you will enter the promised land. Ok, not really, but half of the battle is mentally staying strong and not allowing the soreness and discomfort to defeat you. When I first started back working out, the first 3 months absolutely sucked. Shortly after that, I had a breakthrough and my body got over the shock of actually having to move. The bottom line is, it will get better and easier. *Disclaimer* If you have a real injury please see a physician, thanks.

3.Invest in decent gear – If I could do one thing differently, I would have invested in better runner gear when I first started running. If you haven’t seen my makeover, check it out here. Nothing beats a good pair of running shoes and proper fitting attire. They make your running smoother and much more comfortable.

4.Watch what you eat before runs – Food affects each of us differently. But, most of us cannot process high amounts of fat and sugar and still have a good workout. Also, be sure to stay hydrated so you can avoid the dreaded stitch.

Ok seasoned runners, what tips do you have for those running their first 5k? Is there anything you wish you had known when you first started running?

THURSDAY RUNAVATION

Today's Runavation

"Restlessness is discontent - and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man - and I will show you a failure."

- Thomas Alva Edison

Can Dating Cause You to Pack on the Pounds?

After a year and a half drought (I know, I know…that’s a long time) I finally have a new boyfriend. Yay! Although I am wild about him, there is one small problem. He has the metabolism of a thirteen-year-old boy. Seriously, he can eat whatever he wants, whenever he wants and not gain weight. Mainly he likes to eat pizza, steak, pasta, cookies and basically all of the foods that stick to my hips and thighs. On top of that, I’m not good at cooking dishes that aren’t low-fat, low-cal or a healthy version of a fattening food. (Baked French fries anyone?) Since eating is such a large part of the relationship, I’m stuck trying to decide how to find a happy medium between my healthy diet and his favorite foods. After all, they say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?
What do you guys think? Should I give in and cook the foods he likes? Is it possible to balance two totally different diets in a relationship? Am I going to be forced to cook two meals every time I cook for him?

Sole Stories: Tonya Mosley

Everyone has a story. For some it's a story of wanting something more, for others it's a story full of tears, heart and determination. Our series "Sole Stories" will give you a glimpse into what drives women to change their lives and their "soles." One of the best parts about being a blogger is the opportunity to meet other bloggers who inspire you. That was definitely the case with Tonya Mosley of New Naturalista. Her newly launched blog covers an array of lifestyle topics and promotes green living.

BGR: At the beginning of this year you launched New Naturalista. What motivated you to start the blog and what types of stories can we expect.
Tonya: So many of us have resolutions about eating healthier, exercising and becoming an overall better person. The beginning of the year seemed like a good time to kick off my personal goals as well as start something new that would benefit others too! As a broadcast journalist, I always have stories swirling in my head. There are topics I think a lot about, but would never fit into the local news format. NewNaturalista allows me to delve into some of my favorite lifestyle topics, like family, food, fashion and fitness.

BGR: As a former chubby kid, I can relate to your pendulum of weight loss and fast food habit. How have your eating habits changed over the years and what healthy foods do you enjoy eating now.
Tonya: The thing about the majority of those who struggle with weight is that we know all the right things to do. Most of us know diets inside and out -- it's a matter of turning that knowledge into action. One thing I've always done is incorporate fruits, veggies and water into my diet. My college friends would joke with me all the time about eating broccoli or salad with our late night pizza. These days I think "quality versus quantity." If I'm going to be indulgent, let it be something awesome...not fast food. I'm also training myself to look at food as fuel. Like with our cars, we wouldn't want to put cheap fillers in the gas tank to get it going.

BGR: You mentioned that you used to run in college, stopped, then got back into running and ran your first 5k this summer. What was it like training after taking an extended break?
Tonya: Surprisingly it was cathartic. Aside from the physical benefits, I loved heading out in the evenings for a run and getting "lost." I'd pump up my IPOD with all my favorites (Maxwell's new CD got me through training this summer!) The stress of the day would just go away.

BGR: This coming summer you are venturing into territory that Toni and I have never explored, a triathlon. What made you decide to compete in a tri and how is the training going?
Tonya: My co-workers and I recently decided to "split" the triathlon up. I'm not a strong swimmer and I've been stressing about that! Just imagine, I'm breathing a sigh of relief right now!

BGR: What are your fitness goals for this year, and have you already started working towards them?
Tonya: My biggest goal is to be stronger and have more clarity in my everyday life. As part of NewNaturalista, I'm challenging myself every 30 days to something new. Right now I'm doing vinyasa yoga. Next month I'm taking up swimming.

BGR: Obviously, a large part of New Naturalista is natural hair. How long have you been natural, and how do you care for your hair when you work out?
Tonya: I've been natural for 4 months. It is awesome! For instance, during vinyasa yoga (we practice in a 90 degree room) the last thing I'm thinking about is my hair. Seattle rains a lot in the winter, and it's so refreshing to step outside for a run or a walk and not worry about ruining my hair. Unlike relaxed hair, most natural hair thrives off of water. Water is moisture -- as long as I keep it conditioned, I'm set!