19 Mar 2012
Posted by Ashley Hicks 
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By: Alisia Muir
Open Letter to BGR!
I began running in earnest in 2007 and ran my first marathon in 2008. Because I made the commitment to run longer distances, I had resigned myself to always being one of the few (if not the only) black women around. Then I stumbled across the BGR! blog in late 2010 and thought, “Holy cow, other black women ARE out there?!” 
While I’ve never was able to join any of the BGR! local groups (to be read: I AM the black girl running in the town where I live), I knew that I could log on to my computer and get a daily dose of inspiration in my news feed. My opportunity to formally connect with BGR! would present itself shortly.
Fast forward to the weekend where the Saints spanked the natural behinds off of the Colts on Sunday Night Football (I am still shaking my head over that one). I turned on my computer on Monday morning to see that my ladies from BGR! had posted a coupon for $55 off the NOLA Rock and Roll (yes, the point spread that the Colts lost by…sigh). I jumped on it. I even talked a friend into registering too. As was most of my experience with running, I ended up getting ready for NOLA alone and would continue to get my doses of inspiration from BGR! One of my favorites is a guest post by Angel Taylor. I do my long runs with a copy of her story in my pocket. On 3/2 I boarded my flight to NOLA…yup, solo. I held no expectations for the weekend, except that I’d run my race. I met my first BGR! on Saturday at the Expo, I saw Ashley’s mom (she was taking a picture of Ashley). She shook my hand and said, “Welcome.” Ashley came over and introduced herself and made me promise to come to the meet and greet later that evening. Walking through the Expo was cool. Up until then, I’d been to dozens of them, but this one was different. BLACK women (many of them BGR!’s) were all over the place! A beautiful sight. Later that evening, I arrived at the meet and greet. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous as heck. But Gwendolyn (from BGR! Hampton Roads) took me by the hand and told me to join her. It was as if I was catching up with an old girlfriend. Monisha (BGR! Dallas) joined us and talked about how running had deepened her relationship with God. I got a copy of her book. Everyone ate and fellowshipped. The evening ended with pictures and more chatting with Ashley’s mom. I walked back to the hotel with a BGR! that was running her first marathon. The next morning, I walked to my corral with another BGR! And 2 more BGR!’s took my picture before the race. I waited for the race to begin and ran mile 1 with Crystal (from BGR! Baton Rouge). Miles 2-12 were tough, but I was encouraged during every step, every single mile by a BGR! I got a smile, a “looking good, girl”, “that’s right, preserve the sexy,” a wave, and more importantly, “keep moving!” Some of the BGR!’s on the course didn’t have to say word (actually some of them were running so fast, they didn’t have time), knowing that they were representing was all I needed to keep going. At mile 13, a BGR! was in the crowd cheering and told me to “run around the corner and get your bling, girl!” She gave me the boost I needed to haul tale across the finish line. I smashed that course (in my opinion!). God is good! And I couldn’t have done it without all of my sisters out there. Yes, the BGR! women are my sisters.
- To my NOLA and Baton Rouge BGR!’s, thank you so much! Your hospitality was
amazing. Your example is what this is all about. I will be back.
- To Gwendolyn…let me know when you do your next Va Beach Race. I’d love to join you.
- To Monisha, I read your book cover to cover (in one sitting). Thank you for reminding me
WHY I run.
- To Crystal, you WILL run that full. I can’t wait to hear how you do.
- To Ashley’s mom, you’re right! BGR! is outstanding. It is so, because all the women
involved are united and POSITIVE.
I will return to my corner of the world (western TX), knowing that I am not alone anymore.
Each and every one of you have left me inspired. I will now lace up my sneakers and know
that I have thousands of sisters out there….hitting the pavement everyday
and….preserving the sexy!
Alisia Muir
(El Paso, TX)
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26 Comments
Congrats Alisia – I remember you out there doing your thang. Having our BGR sisters out there made all the difference for me as well. We are a movement!!!
Loved this story! Hope I get as much love when I run my 1st Half Marathon in September (Rock N Roll Philadelphia).
P.S. Isn’t that Angel Taylor post the best? She is great person as well.
Wow. Congrats. I read this while n a meeting and had to catch myself before I did a fist pump.
So glad you had a great experience in New Orleans! You’re not alone! Happy Running from Baton Rouge!
Yeah, you! I am so proud of you – you remain my shero. I will get there one day, but will gladly cheer you in the meantime!
Wow, I knew nothing about this and I live in BR. Well now, I live outside of it but I’d definitely like to know more so I can participate and also get even coverage for my magazine.
Wow. Great story! I think this just finally gave me the push I need to register for my first half. #nervous! *browses web for races*
Why am I getting all choked up? What a feeling to be part of this sisterhood!
Congrats Alisia!! I’m so happy that you were able to unite with so many BGR sisters in NOLA! It’s a wonderful feeling that never gets old.
And I am sooo very humbled that you keep my story with you on your long runs. If you ever make it to Atlanta, please look me up! It would be a privilege to pound the pavement with you
What a nice story. This movement has inspired a lot of us sistsas.
I too am glad to be a part of BGR
Loved this post. It’s great to be part of this family!
BGR! Hamton Roads
What a geat story. I was in NOLA with my best friend and while at the Expo I saw several BGR ladies and had to ask “what is BGR?”. I was so excited to know that there was a chapter in Birmingham and came home and immediately joined the Facebook group and ordered my BGR gear. I am so excited and ready to meet some of you at the rumpshaker next weekend. I am also excited that I have a great system of support and running sisters. Now to get my daughter motivated to keep up with her mom!
I loved your post! I’m in Albuquerque. We should plan to.run a race in our area in the near future!
LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!! CONTINUE TO BE AMAZING!
Wow, what an positive experience, thank you for sharing! Would love to be there next year.
AWESOME!!! I love this!!!
Black Girls Run because Black Girls Rock!
Alisia Muir, where did you purchase you headband(Sweat is my fat crying). LOL I have got to have it.
Congratulations on your run/BIG FINISH and getting your BLING! BGR!!!
YOur story is very inspirational,.BGR fever has not caught on in my corner of the world but I also connect with my commrades from my old city. It great to connect and to know that your passion for health is fitness is not a lone journey. Perserve the Sexy!
Congratulations Alisia, on your run and thank you for posting your story, very inspiring. BTW what is the name of Monisha book and where can I purchase it?
Congratulations Alisia! Thanks for sharing your story, very inspiring. BTW, what is the name of Monisha’s book and where can I purchase it?
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I hope I was able to convey what a truly rewarding experience NOLA was for me.
@Cherie: I picked up the headband at the Expo. The company is called Bondi Bands and the proceeds from the owner’s sales goes to Cancer Research. They are at most expos (the big ones rather). However, if you google them..I know you can find them and the owners can make hats and headbands that say whatever you want.
@Danna: Monisha’s book is called “Runner’s Revelations: How Running Changed My Walk”. I got the book from her at the meet and greet, however, you can contact her directly either through BGR!Dallas (on Facebook) or info@runnersrevelations.com
Thank again everyone & happy running.
Wonderful story! I’m running my first 1/2 marathon at the Iron Girl even on 4-22-12 and I’m so excited. I wish a had a group of sisters to run with.
This was my second time coming home to do this race, first time seeing BGR and first time with a friend that dropped me off last year. This year she ran with me. We are a contagious bunch, keep spreading the word!
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I heard about BGR! today on the radio and it caught my attention, as I was just stressing to a friend that I would love to be a part of a run group and enter a marathon some day. Please, keep up the hard work, someone out here is always listening.