Black Women’s Fitness | Black Girls Run

It’s 2am and I’m woke…and not tired. Just anxious and nervous. Everything is moving in slow motion as I brush my teeth and wash my face. I slip on my marathon relay shirt I picked up from the Disney Marathon Expo the day before. I look in the mirror and tell myself “You don’t look like a runner.” But the shirt fits well and that brings me a little joy this early in the morning. I pull on my pants, socks and then shoes. I eat 2 mini bags of Craisins and a mini Cliff Bar. That’s all my stomach can handle this morning. I pin my race number on, put on my race belt stuffed with Shot Bloks and gel. I glance at the clock. It’s 1 minute until 3:00 am. I take two deep breaths, grab my room key, and head to the bus stop.
I’m scared. Really scared. Am I ready for this? Did I train enough for this? Could have I have lost more weight? I can’t even answer my own questions. I reach the bus stop and the bus transporting runners is waiting. As I board the bus, In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins is playing. How weird. Soon as I take my seat, the bus is in motion. A song by P!nk comes on. I’ve never heard it but it’s speaking to me…”You’re mean when you talk about yourself, you’re wrong. Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead”. I hear you P!nk. I hear you.

Posted in African American Fitness, African American Health, Black Fitness, Black Girls RUN, Black Women's Fitness, Black Women's Health, Running

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THURSDAY RUNAVATION

January 12, 2012

Today’s Runavation

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

-Wayne Gretzky

Posted in African American Fitness, African American Health, Black Fitness, Black Girls RUN, Black Women's Fitness, Black Women's Health, Running, Running Motivation

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BGR! Eats: Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds

January 11, 2012

Photo taken from WholeLiving.com

By Toni Carey (@toni_carey and @blackgirlsrun)

Quinoa has become one of my new favorite foods. Considered a “complete protein” it’s a great addition to my vegetarian diet. But THE best thing about quinoa is how versatile it is. It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner and can be substituted in recipes for rice, couscous, millet, barley, or any other grain. (However, while it’s used like a grain, for your information, it’s actually a seed.) Not to mention it’s very filling, so if you are trying to cut back on calories, it will fill your belly quickly. And last, but not least, it has detoxifying properties and can help relieve constipation or bloating (Maybe “Aunt Flow” isn’t that powerful after all! POW! )

Quinoa is easy to find at most grocery stores, so you don’t have to worry about visiting a specialty market. I came across this delicious recipe in Whole Living magazine and couldn’t resist sharing. I’ve made it a dozen times and I never get tired of it. It’s light, easy and tasty, not to mention packed with protein, great for fueling up for your run or workout.