We're now in February and this year is starting out in turmoil and chaos, which unfortunately, many expected. And as a black woman, this has been especially challenging. We have a long history of resilience, overcoming obstacles, climbing uphill battles and while loving, nurturing and being that beacon of light for many. As the famous Maya Angelou wrote, "...does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? Cause I walk like I've got oil wells pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, with the uncertainty of the tides, just like hope springing high, still I rise." As black women, we will continue to rise to the occasion, with self-confidence, self-determination and self-respect and we will continue with self-love and love for others. Even though this can be a heavy burden, we were made to not only survive but thrive. These were the thoughts on my last long run.
I run with some amazing women throughout the week. We run at zero dark thirty, four times a week. It can be a struggle but it's what we do and I'm grateful for my running community. This week, we ran in two different groups due to scheduling conflicts. A few of us ran at 6am, and the other members ran at 7am.
6am, Miles 1-7......My inner coach speaking words of encouragement and instruction:
"It's dark and 30 degrees but you know what you have to do"
....Yelling at the car coming towards me...."You see me, get over!"
"Lord thank you for your protection"
"Stop thinking about what you can't control, plan for what you can control"
"Mantra to self: Let Them and Let Me (Mel Robbins)"
"Breathe"
"Always have a plan B....have faith"
"Lord guide my steps"
"It's cold AF, why am I out here?!? "
"Make sure the cars can see you, stay close to the sidewalk"
"Why do you keep signing up for marathons?"
"This will be my last marathon, I'm tired..."
"Why can't I be happy just sitting on the couch??"
"God did not bring me this far....keep going"
"I'm warning up now"
"You got this...good pace...keep it up"
"Stay ready, so you don't have to get ready"
"Limit your news intake but stay informed"
"Slow your breathing"
"Cut back on social media, focus on your own goals"
"How many meetings do I have this week?"
"There's so much can you learn from the women you know in leadership?"
"Stay strong on this hill...dig!"
"Schedule a one on one....ask the questions"
"Breathe"
"You made it to the top, good job!"
"The London Marathon in 2.5 months, something to look forward to"
" 2 miles to go for loop one"
...as I'm passing our 7am crew...."hey yall!"
"You are blessed to know some strong, beautiful, resilient women"
"Whew, loop one finished! Refuel and head out for the second loop"
As a runner, the beauty of running is it allows us to escape and focus within. As I always say, running is a metaphor for life. And as life keeps "lifing", we must balance with self-care and self-love. Running is a form of therapy and as a runner, I am able to release the coat of stress as I run, discovering nature, observing the beauty around me and with each run appreciating this opportunity. The ability to run and even run for hours on end, is truly a blessing. Not everyone can do this and some have no desire to do it, LOL. But as for me, I am grateful that I can and that I find joy in it....well, most of the time, LOL. It's not only something that I enjoy but it allows me to escape reality for a few hours. I can dream, I can talk to God, I can let off steam and I can plan and set new goals during this time.
Looking at my Garmin, 7:09am, miles 8-14:
"Finally, it's daylight, I can see!"
"One loop down, one more to go...you got this!"
"Oh look, horses!!"...that made me smile
.....Thinking about my upcoming conference presentation...."Get out of your comfort zone."
"Be comfortable with your own presentation style, make it work for you"
"It's a cold, gloomy morning but still see the beauty"
"These hills are really kicking my butt!"
"God, we trust you but can you like hurry up and do something about all of this chaos?!?"
" I know, I know....I have faith"
"Lawwdd, I made it to the top!!"
"You're almost done, 4 miles to go!"
"Prayer: God please guide my steps"
...my pace is slower now...."this hurts!"
"Just get through it, it's part of the process"
"Why are my knees hurting...do I have an injury???"
"I am grateful to be able to run"
"My body is strong"
"Almost there, keep going"
Stay strong"
"What am I going to eat after this run?!?"
"I deserve a treat and pancakes sound good, yummy!!"
"1 mile to go!"
"What am I going to eat when I get to Paris?"...the thought brings me joy!
....thoughts of the upcoming years...."love, happiness and prosperity is in my future"
....mentally making plans....
"Almost there, get to the light"
"14 miles DONE!!!!!"
Not all runs are fun, some actually hurt just to get through it, but the accomplishment and determination to finish what I started is extremely fulfilling.
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