Saturday, December 31, 2011
Just one day before the arrival of 2012 and we can’t help but (briefly) reflect on this past year and if 2012 is anything like 2011, we can’t wait to get it started. We experienced a ton of growth in 2011 and have so much to be thankful for. If you had asked us two years ago if we’d ever be able to impact thousands of women across the world, we’d laugh. Good thing we really believed in our mission and our vision for a healthier world and boy do we have a lot of work to do.
So, what exactly are we hoping to bring in 2012?
More Black Girls RUN! Running Groups
We get tons of requests every day to start running groups both in the United States and Internationally. We’re definitely looking forward to adding more groups in 2012 to better serve communities around the world.
A New Home
Along with more groups, we will be revamping our website to better accommodate running groups. Think of it as a Facebook/Daily Mile mashup. Epic? You bet ya. There will be more information and resources along with more ways to share, connect and streamline content. Facebook we love you, but we’re just not that into you.
Read more
Friday, December 30, 2011
By Darlene Baltimore
The 2011 Rock n Roll Savannah Marathon and Half Marathon was the culmination to my training during the heat and humidity of the summer months. After waking up for early hour AM runs, I wonder what I would do with all the free time training had consumed in my life. Do I continue training with aspirations to run an ultra marathon in 2012 or do I scale back to add more balance to my busy life style? These are some of the questions that I contemplated as I began to taper in my final weeks of training.
I had taken almost a year off from running while going through a devastating divorce. After finishing the Georgia Publix Half Marathon in the spring, I made the decision that it was time to run my next marathon. I decided on the Rock n Roll Savannah race because it was an inaugural event and I had heard so many great things about Savannah and wanted to visit. Little did I know how that weekend would be a life changing experience.
A few weeks prior to the event, I was asked to participate in the Race and Relax weekend hosted by Run Wifey Run on behalf of BGR! I was humbled by the offer and accepted proudly to serve as an Ambassador for BGR! Another surprise was that the ladies of BGR! ATL had put together a goodie basket of pre and post race day essentials and presented it to me at the Tuesday Standing Run prior to my trip. I felt blessed to have the love and support from my running family. I was on high heading to Savannah ready to conquer 26.2 miles.
The Expo was disappointing for several reasons. The traffic made it a nightmare to reach it and find parking. Once I made my way inside the convention center it was over crowded and a bit chaotic. I was not able to enjoy the vendors and shop like I wanted because of long lines to buy merchandise. I left the Expo feeling a bit annoyed, hoping that things would get better. Read more
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Today’s Runavation
“Strive for progress, not perfection.”
-Unknown
Thursday, December 29, 2011
By Toni Carey (@toni_carey)
Christmas is over and like checking it off my “to-do” list, I’ve moved on to thinking about the New Year and all the goodness that I hope 2012 will bring. Needless to say, I’ve started developing my list of New Year’s resolutions that often go ignored somewhere after Jan. 15. But, I’m not the only one. People around the world will start their new year by listing all their “resolutions” for the next 12 months only to stick with them a few weeks before getting frustrated or just plain forgetting about them.
This year, I’m taking a new approach by setting goals rather than listing resolutions. The difference? Resolutions tend to be vague and lack a defined goal or target date. (I want to eat healthier vs. I will eat at least one vegetable during each meal for the next six weeks). Goals have both. Here’s a few ways to be successful in 2012.
Set A Concrete Goal That Can Be Measured
Again, it’s not enough to promise yourself that you’re going to eat healthier. Get specific by defining exactly what healthy means and how you’re going to get there. So, if your goal is to eat healthier, some goals may include:
- Drink 8 – 8oz. glasses of water each day
- Eat breakfast each morning that contains one fruit , one protein and one carb
- Limit daily caloric intake to 1600 calories
Develop a Plan
As much as I hate planning (call me a free spirit), it’s essential in goal setting. I wouldn’t dare go through life without a financial plan, so why would I go through life without a plan for my health? It’s all about identifying the necessary actions and steps you need to take to meet your goal(s). Here’s a few things to consider when developing a plan.
- Evaluate your current position and what needs to change
- For each goal, there should be an action plan to help you achieve your goal
- Do a weekly or bi-weekly check in to make sure you’re on track. The key is to break down goals into manageable pieces.
- Establish milestones and evaluate your progress at each
- Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off track. Just be sure to recover as quickly as possible.
Read more
Thursday, December 29, 2011
By Franchesca Lane-Warren
I am currently in a love/hate relationship. We argue, we fight, I even cheat a little bit on my significant other but today I am going to “lay it all on the table” and hope we can get over this dysfunctional relationship I have with running. Nine months ago, I decided to lace up my old running shoes and hit the pavement (walking at first) so that I could be in better health. At first it was easy..I would go out and walk for about 30 minutes and I would feel accomplished. However when I decided to start a relationship with running it all changed.
You see I wanted to run..heck I needed to run. I was 225lbs and I felt trapped in my own body. I could not fit any of my clothes, I got winded quickly and I was sure that I would continue to gain unless I took drastic steps—fast. I decided I would run but I just could not MAKE myself get out of my house that first time running.
I got dressed, pulled my hair back but my feet were paralyzed from actually leaving my house and running. At first, I thought about all the reasons I could NOT run (it was too hard on my knees, I was too out of shape, black women don’t run). After realizing how stupid I sounded I made my way to the door to open it. Another terrifying thought came to my mind, “what if people laughed at me running?” Wow. That was a thought that nearly made me crawl back in bed and try again the next day.
I sat down and collected my thoughts. Without thinking any further, I bolted out the door to my first Black Girls Run! Atlanta neighborhood run. As I pulled up, I noticed that there were all types of women (big, small, short, skinny) stretching and getting ready to run. As I approached the group, I was welcomed by smiles so my nerves got better. I was going to run—reluctantly. Read more
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
If you are smart, creative, innovative and entrepreneurial minded and looking to build your resume, this is a fantastic opportunity for you.
Black Girls RUN! is an up-and-coming national running club and apparel company aimed at inspiring and encouraging African-American women to get healthy and active. We have offices in New York and Virginia Beach, Va., but positions can be done remotely.
We are looking to fill several positions:
Marketing & Public Relations Intern:
- Research for new marketing opportunities
- Develop public relations, marketing and social media campaigns
- Research online advertising/SEO opportunities
- Develop press releases
- Pitching media
- Researching media opportunities
- Develop marketing collateral
Blog Editor:
- Responsible for keeping blog and website updated
- Develop and maintain editorial calendar for blog
- Proof and edit blog content
- Solicit blog content from guest bloggers/contributors
Business Intern:
- MBA or fashion merchandising focus
- Experience in e-commerce
- Work directly with the co-founders in developing advertising, marketing, brand development and apparel distribution
- Send in daily orders to fulfillment company
- Answer emails
Member Relations Intern:
- Assist BGR! lead ambassadors in coordinating and organizing running groups
- Answer questions from BGR! ambassadors and members
Although these are non-paid internships, it could lead to a full-time position with the organization.
For more information, please send resume to info@blackgirlsrun.com. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line. For more information about Black Girls RUN! visit www.BlackGirlsRUN.com.
Friday, December 23, 2011
By Kimberly Glenn
Last week, I rocked my BGR! shirt to the employee gym. An older white gentleman with a balding top and shorts that were about two-inches too short peered at my shirt with squinted eyes as we passed one another. He looked at the shirt, then up at me, un-squinted his eyes and said “ ‘Bout time”.
Most of us have received comments, positive and/or negative, while wearing our BGR! shirts. On the drive home after the gym that day, I began to think about the comments and how it has affected how and when I wear my shirt. Some of the not-so-cheerful comments (e.g. “that’s racist”, “yeah, they do…to McDonald’s”, “okay, but how far are they running?”) have made me think twice before I don the shirt.
At a run meet-up for one of the larger running groups in Nashville, a well-meaning White lady came up to me and warmly warned “Wearing something like that can do more to separate you from the group than really bring you in”. It wasn’t until I looked down that I realized she was pointing to my BGR! shirt. Separate me? No! These blazin’ Caucasians are open-minded, free-spirited and welcoming. I’d come there several times and I hadn’t had any problems. But as the chatter continued around me, it dawned on me that no one spoke to me like they had before. When I went to meet eyes with others, they looked and then looked away. Now anyone who knows me knows that I’m nothing close to shy or timid. But throughout the run and after, with no one but the cautious White lady saying anything to me but a word or two, I felt alone and more separated than ever before.
Even though I felt lonely and like I was the victim of self-imposed segregation, this is the very reason BGR! needs to be more visible. We need to keep wearing our shirts and being proud to do so in even the most non-Black, racially homogenous of environments. I’m going to return to that running group again and again – with shirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, and whatnot. And I’m going to think of that old man every time I get a strange look and just say to myself “ ‘Bout time”.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
By Doretha Walker
I am not a rock star, I am not even an elite runner, but for the Rock ‘n Roll Savannah half marathon, I felt like one. Let me explain, I have run many halves before, but this one was different. It was different because I connected with some of the most talented, fit, and fabulous women in, dare I say it? Yes, I connected with some of the most talented, fit, and fabulous women in the world! Women of all ages, shapes, and sizes with one goal in mind: to conquer the Savannah half and marathon. And we did. Some of the women set personal records, some set personal distances, and the rest of us ran the best races we could.
This phenomenon happened thanks to a wonderful group called Race & Relax, which rolled out the red carpet for us. We were wined and dined (literally). We bonded, swapped our funniest stories, and got our sweat on by running the race. And then we were awarded trophies, I have NEVER gotten a trophy for running a race, so this was huge to me. Our gift bags also included t-shirts, and other goodies.
Other than enjoying each other’s company, John Bingham (The Penguin) the author of The Penguin articles in Runner’s World magazine showed up at our dinner and gave us tips on having a good race. Unbelievable! Didn’t I say I as treated like a rock star?
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Thursday, December 8, 2011
By Bonnie Mechelle
If you are a person who is thinking about becoming a “runner” nothing will motivate you more than training for your first 5K race. A 5K is 3.2 miles, and you need to give yourself 3 months to train (if you’re just getting started). The goal should be to run the race all the way through without stopping to rest or walk. This may sound intimidating at first, but when you put yourself on the proper schedule and plan ahead, this can be easily accomplished (so don’t worry).
You can make some time to go online and search for a local 5K race in your area that is three months from now and sign up. Another thing that is great about running 5K races is that you are usually running for a great cause, and the money you spend signing up will go to a great cause or charity. You’ll get in better shape, improve your self-confidence and be a do-gooder all at the same time. When you start to run, don’t have a mindset of a person that has to finish first. It is an accomplishment just to finish the race, and often times there are age groups that you can place in when crossing the finish line.
Let’s talk about your personal plan and schedule for running this race that you’re signing up for. You want to try to run as far as you can without getting tired then stop to walk when you initially train, eventually by then end of the first month you’ll be able to run one entire mile without stopping (exciting huh?).
As you begin training for your first 5K, you want to measure a half mile in your car. You can do this in your own neighborhood or at a local park with a trail. You can also measure a half mile by using your bicycle if it has a speedometer on it. Continue to run/walk as your mileage increases until you can run your desired distance without running out of breath (don’t get discouraged if you can only run a short distance. It’s okay, you’ll get better).
Set benchmarks for yourself and make a goal to be able to run pass four houses without stopping, or to run to the next light pole. You may also visualize yourself being pushed by the wind, or being pulled by a horse (I know this sounds crazy), it really works. These tips will give you the extra motivation to push yourself to go further and faster.
Set weekly goals for yourself as you make time to train 3 to 4 days a week. Be sure to pay attention to your body, so you will not get hurt. Running injuries are common, one of the things you can do to prevent injury is to have proper form when you run and to stretch properly before and after each training session.
Keep a journal of your training and write down the days of the week that you plan to run in your calendar. Treat your training schedule like a doctor’s appointment (something that has to get done), so nothing will stand in your way of getting your workouts completed. It also helps to have a supportive network of friends or a running group to workout with, for a higher level of accountability and motivation.
Make a plan, stick to it and do it. You will feel like a champion after you finish your first 5K, do everything you can to get the support that you need to succeed, and before you know it you’ll be running like the wind!
About Bonnie Mechelle
Bonnie Mechelle is the founder of Victory Steps Christian Weight Loss Coaching for Women and the co-author of Bold Physical Identity the 5K 10K Half Marathon Training Guide for Beginners. If you’re ready for faith-based weight loss support or specific training on how to run, please visit ((www.victorysteps.net))
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Black Girls RUN! is growing and we are growing fast! That’s why we are revamping our Black Girls RUN! online store. Many of the items are currently sold out, but don’t fret. The entire Black Girls RUN! store will be back up and running (no pun intended) Saturday, Dec. 10.
Until then, check out our latest item, the Limited Edition Black Girls RUN! track jacket. Check it out here!
Just one day before the arrival of 2012 and we can’t help but (briefly) reflect on this past year and if 2012 is anything like 2011, we can’t wait to get it started. We experienced a ton of growth in 2011 and have so much to be thankful for. If you had asked us two years ago if we’d ever be able to impact thousands of women across the world, we’d laugh. Good thing we really believed in our mission and our vision for a healthier world and boy do we have a lot of work to do.
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