Why run a half marathon?? There are so many reasons not too... its hard, your legs will hurt, you will be tired... 13 miles seems really really long. BUT I still decided to run! I can name a few reasons why I decided to run. This will be my second half marathon. And initially the idea just came to me out of thin air. Maybe it is the type A personality side of myself..but I like a challenge. I enjoy having a goal that I am pursuing. Forever the goal was to get into medical school. Once I got there I started to think.. whats next? Well... I will run a half! I do not remember seeing many African American women growing up who run. I felt this is a chance to change the standard. Add a little diversity to the mix. Bring a little brown sugar to the running trails around Chapel Hill. When I started medical school people were always running so i needed to see what the hype was about. Plus a girl in her twenties needs to stay fly. ;-)
On a deeper level I know that if I can maintain my health while trying to become a doctor than hopefully when I get there I will not be the MD with the pot belly telling my patients they need to lose weight. I want to be an example to my community and my family. My family has lots of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Its ALWAYS in the back of my mind.
Running this half marathon for the SECOND time is apart of my journey to always be vigilant about my health, show black america we can fight against the predispositon to diabetes and hypertension, and live a life where my body is truly my temple.
Sooo all the deep stuff being said.. Its still hard to get up and run everyday. Especially after being in a hospital for 10+ hours.
I invite you to join me and Ashley (my partner in crime) as we blog about all the ups and downs on the way!! We will talk about hair, running shoes, what schedule we use, eating healthy, randomness, and how we will overcome the challenge of running 13.1 miles.
Signing off! My first post.
Briana
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, who you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
I Corinthians 6:19-20
Ashley and Briana
05-28-2010 Bride and MOH! Best friends since high school :-)
Hi Briana! Sorry to hear you were sick. I hope you feel better. Remember, it is important to give your body the proper rest to heal, then get back to running. Well, now to me. I am almost 64 years old and I have to admit, I am not consistent when it comes to exercising. I am thin, but body fat sticks to the wrong areas of my body. I once read that walking will tone up the body and help everything (stomach muscles, etc.)fall back into its proper place. Do you agree? Motivation to get started is the thing I lack. Do you have any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteAunt Gwen