13 things I learned during my 13 in 2013 Challenge

I completed my 13 in 2013 Challenge and boy do I feel accomplished, empowered, in-shape and host of other feelings but most of all I feel educated about this whole process and I’m here to share some of what I learned.

1. Eat a balanced carb load meal the night before

My first half-marathon I felt overweight and was following a strict diet. The night before my race I told my aunt I was having a smoothie for dinner. She told me: "that’s fine if you wanted to burnout half way through." She was right, so I ate some of the pasta dinner she prepared and I believe that is the only reason I completed that race. Nowadays, I take in at least 600 calories in carbs for my pre-race carb-load dinner.

2. Wear comfortable socks and underwear

I learned the hard way the importance of quality underwear. I ran a race with socks that were too thick that made my feet hurt severely and with panties that rode up with every stride. The discomfort caused both chaffing and docked me some time of what could have been a PR.  I now purchase quality socks and comfortable underwear.

3. Enlist support

I perform better when I know someone is on the sidelines waiting for me to finish victoriously. My friends shouting “Go Enjoli” as I sprint to the finish line is one of the best moments of a race.

4. Register early

Most people I know like to save money. The sooner you register the more money you save. Prices raise by $10-$25 dollars depending on the race, after each deadline.

5. Go to packet-pick up

Go to packet pick-up and go early. Here is where you’ll get your shirt, race bib, timing chip, and safety pins. In addition, most packet pick-ups are like fun expos to meet new people, learn about new products, and get free samples galore.

6. Reward yourself
Each time I made a PR or sometimes just completing the race itself, I gave myself a reward as both an incentive and a gift to self. I'm a sucker for cute workout shirts on Etsy so I frequently rewarded myself with one after races. My final gift to self was a medal holder which holds my race bibs, my medals, and a picture of me. One of my best treats this year.

7. Pack healthy post race snacks

Post-race snacks are vital for recovery. As a vegan it’s very important to pack your own snacks because you can’t depend on the organization to have vegan options. After one race the only options were ice cream, brownies, cookies, goldfish and danishes...not my cup of tea

8. Get a good nights rest before

Although, I am known to get under 6 hours most nights this is not recommended before a race. A good night's rest is crucial to performance on race day. I recommend 8-9 hours of sleep and no exercise 1-2 days before race to allow the body to fully rest.

9. Follow a training plan

I have to admit I didn't follow a training plan and I honestly believe had I followed one my PR would be so much better. People who did follow a plan seemed better prepared on race day and recovered with zero to few injuries.

10. Join a running group

A running group helps build new friendships, motivates you to run, and empowers you to improve. I joined running group Black Girls Run almost 2 years ago and have run with them a few times for conditioning and love running with them during big races. There is nothing like seeing a friend cheer you on while running through a tough spot.

11.Smile for race pics

Smiling seems to increase my energy number one and it when race photos are processed I’m more inclined to love and purchase my photos. In my first few race photos I looked tired, uncomfortable, and out of breath. This time around my hands are up in the air with a big smile.

12.Bring post-race toiletries

If you're like me and want to take photos after the race and/or eat out among the normal world of not sweat or dog-tired people you’ll want to bring a mini toiletry bag. I always pack face wipes, deodorant, perfume, gum, and lip gloss. I love looking (and smelling) fresh with my new race bling around my neck.

13. Wear something fun (and comfortable)

When I first started running I wore whatever outfit I could find. Little did I know I should wear comfortable undergarments, something I feel cute in, and a splash of something fun. During my races I often seen women in tutu’s, colorful knee-high socks, frilly arm, waist, and head bands neon bright. I loved seeing these women they looked like they were having so much fun. So now I like to add a little something fun when I race. Super important to wear something comfortable and train with it to be sure it won't impede running. For my divas race I wore a tutu which got caught between my legs at every half mile...no bueno.

*Bonus tip* Have fun

Whether you're trying to make a PR, beat a previous PR, or just in it for the bling. Most important is to have fun and not take it too serious. The body responds negatively to stress which will directly impact race day performance. So best to stride with ease and a smile.

Part 1: I THINK I Can

Preface:

Through my own health journey I have gathered many role models to support me toward success such as raw vegan Annette Larkins, raw vegan business mogul and former model Karyn Calabrese, raw vegan fitness model Koya Webb and bodybuilder Ernestine Shepherd. These women mean so much to me they have propelled me even further on my path toward health.  

Part 1

 The Black Girls Run Conference and Race is the event of the year for me. With my busy work schedule and little time for travel I rarely get the chance to go anywhere. I recently subscribed to Black Girls Run newsletter a few months ago as a source of motivation and inspiration to continue with my running in the midst of my busy life.

Early this month I received their newsletter which showcased a Conference and 5k/10k Race they'd be hosting in the coming month. I was excited to see how they had grown from a blog to a big event planning extraordinaire.

Annette Larkins

As I scroll down and  continue to read the newsletter, my favorite picture of Ernestine Shepherd is there, she is listed as one of BGR's guest speakers. My heart flutters as I imagine the chance to meet one of my role models should I attend. I then begin to think of the money it would cost, trying to get the time off from work and soon I the idea of attending appears unfeasible.

Ernestine Shepherd

They say curiosity killed the cat, well I "meowed" on further into the newsletter hoping to see what attendees would experience at the conference I couldn't attend. The more I read the more I became excited. I read the conference topics and the weekend itinerary. The more I read the more I seen my name spelled out. This was an event made especially for me- how could I not go? 

As I read the names of the speakers quickly, I said aloud to myself: if Koya Webb were one of the speakers I have to go hands down. I continue to scroll down the list of speakers and there it was, Koya Webbs name. Two of my role models in one weekend. WOW!!!

My first reaction was fear and excitement, fear of not having enough money or time to go, yet excitement because I knew this conference was made for me.  Hesitantly, I began looking on every travel site for hotel and flight deals. The next thing I did was truly divine.

Karyns Calabrese

I am a more than occasional meditator and I am true believer that our thoughts create our reality. I knew as long as I allowed fear to exist within my desire to go this conference the less likely I'd go. I would talk my way into believing I couldn't afford it or that my job wouldn't give me the time off. I would allow these thoughts to take over and I wouldn't even attempt to try to go.

So, I decided fear would not make decisions for me.

I found a quiet place to sit in my small apartment. I closed my eyes and visualized myself getting the time off to go, I seen money appear for my trip,  I seen myself packing my bags, buying my flight, getting on the plane and landing. I heard my self talk to the taxi driver and doorman of the hotel. I seen the room I stayed in-I felt the plushness of the pillows- I opened the curtains wide and took in the beautiful view of the city. I seen myself mingling with other women who value health and fitness. I watched new friendships form. I felt alive, humbled, overjoyed, and grateful for the experience. I seen myself return home refreshed, renewed and full of new ideas to improve my own health and fitness. I seen myself happy, at peace, and worthy of all things wonderful.

I awoke from this visualization with watery eyes, tears of joy for I knew I had to make this trip happen for me. After 2.5 years of teaching full-time and working another part-time job I had little energy, time, and money to do anything. I hadn't traveled, I was often tired, I had gained weight, and I wasn't operating from my highest self.

Koya Webb

That day I went to work to see if I could get the day off, ironically no one else had requested those days off.  I got the time off. Next, I went home to order my flight and hotel and I found a great deal. I told a few friends and family about my desire to attend the conference and a few of them insisted on donating some funds toward my trip.

I am EXCITED to say: I AM GOING to the Black Girls Run Conference and Race and I am glad that I did not let fear push me away from an experience that I know will fulfill me.

These events are a true testament that when you follow your heart all else will follow. Martin Luther King Jr. said if you can see, conceive, and believe it you can achieve it. 



Stay Tuned for Part 2: I Achieved It: BGR Conference and Race Weekend