03 Jan 2012
Posted by Ashley Hicks 
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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.” I stumbled upon LaWanda and T’Lai after reading an email from LaWanda requesting a shirt for her 15 year old daughter on a mission to earn a Black Girls RUN! tee. I was hooked and wanted to know more, and needless to say the story nearly brought me to tears. LaWanda explains how she’s leading by example and making it fun along the way.
As I was preparing to run the Thanksgiving Day 5K here in Atlanta, my 15 year old daughter, T’Lai (pronounced TaLay) asked “Mommy can I have a BGR! shirt? They are soooo cute!” I looked at her and explained that my BGR! shirt was not the latest fashion trend, but something I rewarded myself with after running my first 5K. I explained to her that BGR!
is a movement that is focused on motivating black women to take charge of their health.
After my long spiel and deep sighs from T’Lai, I decided to challenge her, if she wanted a BGR! shirt then she had to earn it. I presented T’Lai with the challenge of completing 10 CONSECUTIVE BGR! group runs… if I went…she went! I did allow for some exceptions due to her school commitments, but if she did not attend a run for any reason other than school then she would have to start her count from scratch…yep start over! She accepted and on Sunday, November 27, 2011 T’Lai participated in her inaugural BGR! Atlanta group run and ran/walked 4 miles!
T’Lai states “I was surprised by all of the ‘older’ ladies cheering for me and each other. I even saw one of my teachers out there. Mommy told me that there were no half mile markers on the course so I had to walk/run to the “1” or “2” then turn around so I went to the “2” and did 4 miles. I got a blister after this and then I understood why mommy wanted me to wear those ‘moisture wicking socks,’ I wear them now.” 
“I love running/walking with BGR! and my mommy. One of my favorite things is getting back to the finish line and cheering people in. It is so much fun. We dance, take pictures, shake pom poms…it’s just fun. I was so excited when I got my new running shoes, compression pants, dri- fit shirt, reflective vest, and moisture wicking socks; I felt so ‘official.’ Then, for my mid-way incentive, Miss Valerie (Reed) surprised me with BONDI BANDS, now I don’t have to ask Mommy to wear hers, they are so cute,” said T’Lai.
I absolutely love that T’Lai and I participate together. It is a bonding opportunity for us. I love that she sees me, at 40 years young, working on improving my health. Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes…you name it, runs in our family. I want to instill in her that it is easier to get into the habit of making good food choices and exercising at 15 than it will be at 40. I love that my BGR! Atlanta sisters have embraced my baby and watch out for her when I run longer distances. I love hearing the excitement in her voice when she says “Mommy, I killed that hill.” I know there are days when she does not feel like going, I have those too. However, after we get to the meet up the energy from our BGR! sisters gives us the boost we needed. Afterwards, we talk about how much fun it was and our accomplishments for the night.
On January 8, 2012 T’Lai will participate in her 10th consecutive BGR! Atlanta group run and will receive her shirt. The challenge does not stop here, because if she stops participating then the shirt comes back to me. After all, the shirt reads “Black Girls Run!” not “Black Girls Ran!”
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33 Comments
Love this story!!!
That is a GREAT story and I commend you (the mother) for setting the example in your home of being healthy is the way to be. I wish you both much success in your running.
DEEJAY 007
The DJ that LOVES his JOB
Way to go LaWanda and T’Lai!!! I am so excited about this mother’s love and this daighter’s courage! I am so glad that you challenged your daughter and then you mentored her through the process. As a mother of 6 and 4 of my children are females. It is so very important that we literally walk the walk
(or run) and not just talk the talk. I can’t wait to see Ms. T’Lai in her new
BGR shirt that she earned!!!
I have the great pleasure of knowing both of these beautiful spirits personally! Praying for your continued success in your fitness journey and thanks for the motivation!
I love this. The thing that stands out the most is it’s easier at 15 than it is at 40. Instilling this in our children at an early age can only help them avoid the traps that so many of us fall into in our early 20s (and let’s not forget that Freshman 15).
Awww, what an awesome story! So inspiring LaWanda & great lessons you are instilling in her. My 9 yo daughter has been wanting to come out with me & I’ve often thought she’d want to quit on a 3-4 mile run, but perhaps I’ll start her out on one of the 20 mins out & back runs, see you are still continuing to inspire! Great job Mommy (& T’Lai)!
I have a great relationship with my 17 year old daughter but I have not been able to get her to take an active role being responsible for her health. I know that “one day” she’ll be ready, I just hope that it will be sooner rather than later. As you said, I want to instill in her that “it’s easier to get into the habit of making good food choices and exercising” now than it will be later.
This is a great story! My mother (63 yo) and myself (24 yo) started running last year. We have completed two 10k’s together and an 8k. We are coming up on our third 10k in March. My mother is my motivation, so I can really appreciate this story. Great job, and keep up the awesome work!
What a great and inspirational story to start my day! Thank you for sharing!!
This is an awesome story!! So inspirational. . .
Everytime I visit the BGR! website, I am inspired to be a better me.
Continue the great work!
Wonderful! I love this!
Omg, what a beautiful and inspiring story. I just love this!!! It really shows the love you have for your daughter and her health. It’s so easy for moms to give kids what they want just to hush them up or move them along, but this shows and takes great energy and caring on your part mom. For T’Lai, coodooes to you for going for what you want in life!! I hope this determination follows you throughout life. JOB WELL DONE!
I love this story. I have tears in my eyes from reading. It’s wonderful to see a mother setting an excellent example and challenging her daughter to earn her rewards while getting quality time together! Keep up the great work!
I LOVe the last sentence… Amen!
Great job…keep up the good work.
This is great ! My teenaged daughter began running with me the summer of 2011. It is been so much fun sharing this activity with her and she did her first official 5K run this past December. I know how wonderful this mom must feel!
What an inspiring story! I love what BGR is doing for woman and their children around the world. I am truly poud to be part of such an impactful organization!
As a mother of 2 running sons (8 & 13 yrs) and 1 soon to be running daughter (hopefully, she’s 3), I know 1st hand how proud and relieved you must be that your child enjoys it. This is one of the best lifelong gifts you could have given her. You are a wise woman for encouraging exercise the way you have…next thing you know, it will be a way of life for her. I hope to meet you soon at a BGR! group run. Tip: Atlanta Track Club has membership for kids and provides race lists and race discounts that BGR! can help her get ready to run with her peers too. Best wishes and happy running!
I love hearing this story! Not only for T’Lai and all she has accomplished to earn her shirt, but also for Lawanda, who has done something powerful and amazing for her daughter and for herself! Blessings to them both in their running goals in 2012!
LOVE this! Great job T’Lai and hats off to you LaWanda.
What an incredible story…a journey that neither of you will forget. How cool it must be to share something as awesome as this in common. Great job LaWanda for setting the example. Great job T’Lai for responding to the challenge!!
That story have gotten me excited and want to be apart too.
I truly enjoyed reading this story. I usually don’t write comments but I was compelled to write one for this story. What an inspiration!! My daughter and I are starting out today and I want to show her that yes even at 43 yrs old, Black Girls Can Run. Thank you for inspiring me.
Love this story! Great inspiration
Amazing! I would love it if my mom did a running event with me.
This is great! Leading by example is the best way to go!!!!!
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Love this stories!
Love this story
Wow!!!! (teary eyes)
Beautiful story!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE MOM/DAUGHTER DUO STORY!!!! – My mom & I currently walk/run alot on our own. This is something I will for sure share with her & I am confident she would love to become a part of BGR!!! I am inspired to join the movement!!!! Way to go Lawanda & T’Lai!!!!!!
))))))
This is a great story!!! Thanks for the encouragement
and for setting an example!!