Why Do You Run?

Seriously yall…why?

BGR Thursday 5:30am meetup

Yesterday morning I went for my weekly 3 mile run. One of the group leaders asked if I was participating in the 10k/Half-Marathon taking place in Trenton (NJ) next month. I told her probably not and she proceeded to tell me how great it would be since BGR is planning to ” take Trenton over” and all of the perks that have been given to BGR. I am sooo sure it’s gonna be awesome. Already over 100+ of the Philly group has signed up and they are pumped about it on facebook. I told her I would think about it and seriously consider it. As I went off on my 3 miles I had a few thoughts milling around in my head: 1- Could I do 6.2 miles? 2-Why am I so opposed to running races? 3- why is running so popular?

1- Yes of course I could do 6.2 miles. I did 5 miles accidentally on Labor Day and I wasn’t dying when I was moving or overly sore the next day. I would pump up my training. 4 miles to start then creep my way up to 4.5, 5, 5.5 and then six miles. that .2 just gotta be heart and soul. (Mind you I’m making up this plan while  running.)  So yea I could accomplish the 10k task.

2- I run for the cardio/aerobic aspect. I like varying my workouts and  this is such a welcome switch from the strength workouts I do.  Would I get any sort of self fulfillment out of completing a race? Naw man. Maybe if I was to win a tennis tournament yes, but a race no…no. Running now is so different from my track days.  I participate in 2 races a year- I run a 5k in Dec. at Rutgers…it’ll be my 5th year, it’s an annual thing and I won’t stop this one unless I’m out the Tri-State area. The second is a 4.5 mile walk/run sponsored by my church. Those are only 2 I participate in.  I’m thinking of a breast cancer event for the upcoming year, but I’m not sure. I’m not opposed to running for “bling”- medals,  I’m just not interested.

3- I have NO IDEA why running is so popular I’m asking yall!! In the last couple of years running, especially in women, has had succch a surge. I’m honestly baffled because running is soo hard on your joint and your body can really suffer. You run on cement (the worst surface) and it does long term harm to your body. I know you can get in shape and feel mentally better and blah blah all that trust me I know. But what about the side effects? What about possible long term damage?

Why I run: 1. Cardio. 2. Clear my mind/self- talk 3. Habit

Why do YOU run? Is it a thrill? A sense of pride or accomplishment when done a race? Let me know, maybe my mind will be less narrow.

Friday’s Fury: I have no Fury

Right now It’s really no fury in me, so I can’t write about a fury

I’ll be bothered next week about something I’m sure. Don’t worry.

This morning I went to the 5:30 meet up with Black Girls Run: Philly.  I got up early about 4:30. Had a breakfast bar, water && sipped gatorade.  At 5am it was already almost 85 degrees && the humidity level was more than 70%.  I did 3 miles, some did more, some less than three. But this felt different than the last time I ran for a few of reasons:

1. I had my jams with me.
2. I paced myself from the start.
3. I had a bad diet day yesterday && really wanted to do this.

Music when working out out especially running has may precautions, the main one being safety. Sometimes I’m good not to have music. I just workout doing other stuff or just really get in-tuned with what’s going on. But this morning my songs definitely helped.

Last time I did the run, I started way toooo fast, caught a cramp at about mile 2. This time I knew how I should be feeling, what to expect. I started at a comfortable pace, knowing if I needed to, I could kick it up in the last 1/2-1/4 mile which is what I ended up doing and it worked fine.

If you’re in the Philadelphia area you really should come out. I know the weekdays are 5:30 am, but your day starts of sooooooooooooooo good. The company is great. You feel good. Your body will like you (maybe.) It’s a win-win-win. [ and if you live in other cities, check to see if BGR is local and head out there]

5:30! I’m with gold-top/black-bottoms.

Get There!

✗♥O

PS: Stay hydrated in this heatwave. Drink at least 64 oz of water, and that’s the minimum.

Black Girls/Women are Running…in Philly!

Hey Folks!

I recently went to the salon to get my hair twisted, the lady doing my hair knew my athletic background && interest in fitness. She suggested that I join/look into Black Girls Run. I had NO idea there was a local chapter. I mean YES of course I’ve heard of BGR, but never ever considered they were local. -_-  So I checked out the website && learned they communicate almost solely via facebook. I joined the Philly group && was very pleased to find how organized && friendly the members were.

Officially I haven’t started running with them at the designated time (I’m still doing my own thing) just because of my schedule && a lot of changes happening, but within the next 2 weeks I plan on starting. They meet all over the city, and although I feel like I’ll be one of the younger members, it’ll be good to meet successful black women dedicating their lives to being more healthy && fit. Maybe….just maybe I’ll finally find a mentor *wishful thinking*

The next biggest local running event is the Broad Street Run(10 miles) I know it’s a bunch of ladies participating! Best of luck to all!! && for those congregating at Enon tomorrow evening Hiiii!! I hope you like the service. (that’s my church home.) I won’t be there..Enon’s track & field team has our first track meet..I’ll be there all. day. looong.

I’m excited. I hope yall can tell!

See yall later on!

-Get There!

✗♥O