March 13, 2012
by: Constance Collins
In January 2008, I was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis after going to the doctor to investigate my aching joints. At that point, I was running religiously on a college track team, working out at least five times per week. I had been running track/cross country for almost ten years, and I had dreamt of competing at a collegiate level. Never before had I been faced with any health adversities, not even the flu, and this new diagnosis was one that was incredibly hard to swallow. I tried to continue running not only because I loved to run but because I loved my team; however, the following year I regretfully parted from them and fell into a period of inactivity. It’s hard to bring yourself to exercise consistently when you don’t feel your best.
I not only had to deal with Lupus, but also with Acute Kidney Disease. And once that was determined, it was hard to lift my spirits enough to even go for a light jog. I avoided track meets and other running events simply because I was envious of those who hadn’t suffered a major setback that kept them from the activity they loved. And even though I was totally capable of running, instead I chose to do nothing and just bask in my own sorrows.
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January 3, 2012
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!
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September 28, 2011
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.” We first met Tes Sobomehin when she volunteered to become one of the many ambassadors for Black Girls RUN! Atlanta. Little did we know, we had enlisted a force to be reckoned with. Driven, passionate and energetic are just a few words to describe her, but that doesn’t give her justice. Read on to learn more about one of the powerhouses behind Black Girls RUN! Atlanta.
BGR!: How did you start running?
TS: I have always been active however mostly with playing sports, working out at the gym, and outdoor activities. Therefore I would “run” in the midst of those activities for like a mile or maybe 2. My running journey began when a friend of mine encouraged me to sign up for a 10K in March 2011. I had never run that distance in my entire life, but I accepted the challenge with a slight bit of skepticism. So, the four weeks prior to the 10K, I started going out for runs 2-3 times a week with the goal of trying to increase my time of continuous running. By race day I still had not completed a full 6 miles so I made it my goal to run at least four and if I had to walk some I would be okay with that. Long story short, I ran the whole time, completed my first 10K in 59:58, and I have been running consistently ever since.
BGR!: Why did you choose running as your weapon of choice?
TS: I love the personal challenge that running presents. As a former athlete I have that inner competitive drive and running is a great way to fuel that spirit. Of course it is a great way to maintain a healthy body composition and its FREE!!!
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September 14, 2011
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.”
BGR!: How did you start running?
LS: I started running about two years ago, out of the blue because a great friend, Randi, invited me to. I didn’t have any running “gear,” proper shoes or a clue of what I would feel like after my first time out. I signed up for a women’s 5K that was going to happen 2 weeks after I got off the couch and started running and I haven’t looked back. My first time out I ran about three miles and it felt great, I was slow, and steady and was very proud that I could run without stopping.
BGR!: Why do you run?
LS: I run because it was something I never thought I could do. I wanted something to challenge myself and help me lose weight after having my twin girls. The first time I was asked to run, I said the dreaded words, “I can’t run.” Then I remember that I watched my girls, who were born at 28 weeks, grow in incubators in the NICU for three months and had they ever *said* “can’t” they would of never made it home. So I run now for them, every time I cross a finish line at a race, I thank them for their “can do” attitude that has rubbed off on me.
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June 15, 2011
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.” We first met Brenda Stallings on Twitter (@runnerbee08) and then in March at the 2011 Publix Georgia Marathon and Half. She leads Black Girls RUN! Little Rock and she’s definitely one of the most amazing women we’ve met. After you read her story, you’ll understand why.
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