From Black Girl Shuffling to Black Girl Running

New Years Eve 2011 was the first time I went out with the ladies of Black Girls Run! Baltimore.  I was 7 months postpartum and determined that I was going to get back in running shape.  Rewind to the Baltimore Running Festival in October of the same year.  I was gearing up for my first 5k after my son's birth.  I registered for the 5k in August to give myself incentive to get back on the pavement.  Two days before the race I posted a status update on Facebook asking if anyone was going to run the 5k at the Baltimore Running Festival; nope, just me.  Everyone I knew was either doing the half-marathon or the full.  On the morning of the race I quickly realized how lonely I was. I didn't have anyone to run with, and I didn't have anyone to cheer me on since my husband was away on business and my family lives out of town.  It didn't matter to me since I had just had baby and here I was running, or rather shuffling as my race time indicated.

I had heard of Black Girls Run from a good friend in another state.  What I didn't realize was that these beautiful women of color would have such a strong presence at the Baltimore Running Festival.  It seemed like every few minutes I would see someone sporting their Black Girls Run! tee.  When I finished my race, I went back out to the course and cheered them on because I was so happy to see other black women running. That was it, I wanted in.  As soon as I got home I emailed the Ambassadors, Leeann Sands and Minka Carter and asked that I be added to the Facebook page.

I was so excited about my first run with BGR! Baltimore the morning of New Year's Eve that I could barely stand myself.  I'm not a fast runner and tried to channel my nervous energy by joking with the ladies and telling them that I would be "black girl shuffling" and not really a "black girl running." This was my way of telling them that I was slow and that I was fine with it.

I'm in the pink on the left

Fast forward to May 19, 2012.  I just completed my first 10k along side my brother at the Capitol Hill Classic in Washington, DC.  Not only did I have the support from him, but I had the cheers from my BGR! Baltimore ladies via Facebook and the waves and high fives from the BGR! DC ladies who I saw on the course. 

I'm proud to say that I'm no longer "black girl shuffling," but that I am now "black girl running." I'm a part of a group of women who support me, who tolerate my endless chatter and who never leave me behind.  I'm a part of the movement because I am moving.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Everyone

'Cause it's my birthday

Since it's my birthday I decided I would eat, eat, and eat some more.  Don't get me wrong I'm not overweight or anything like that, but I definitely can get down.

*Breakfast- fruit, pastry, bagel, juice, cupcake
*Lunch- thai mango chicken
*Happy Hour- cornona & fries pilfered from other's plates
*Snack- stella
*Birthday Dinner at Clementines- apricot stuffed chicken leg, the best damn grits e-v-e-r, braised kale, and strawberry shortcake

To say the least, I'm full.  The good thing is that I'm not only full off of good food, but also good relationships and an overall good day. My family, my son and my friends are what make me stop and think about how special my birthday really is.

Mike is a sweet heart and surrounded me with the things that make my birthdays come alive.  I had flowers and cards waiting for me at work, lunch purchased by friends, andI skipped out of work early to go to the movies. Boo ya.

I have a 5k tomorrow and a clean eating starts on Monday.  If it weren't for the gray strands in my cornrows I would never guess that I'm 32.  God is good, life is good and 50 said it's my birthday.

Deuces

12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days

It's the eve of my 32nd birthday and I'm preparing to embark on a journery for the next 365 days. Somedays I'll get it right and somedays I won't, but as long as moving forward something, I'll be somewhere different. 
I've got a few things I've wanted to do for awhile and now I think I'm ready.

Here's to the next 365.

I've made my wish and I'm blowing out my candle.

 

Welcome

Welcome to my plot of land on the internet.  I'm Raina and this is my blog.

*epic hair day*

God seeker
31 years old
Wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.
I work for a pretty amazing company.
I'm in college completing my undergraduate degree (for free btw). 
May 2013 graduation.  September 2013 grad school.
I like to day dream, create, and relax.
Dancer, turned runner working towards completing my first half-marathon.
I'm constantly working on being a better me.

Welcome.