In Order To Finish Well... You Have To START.

Hello and Happy Sunday!



Toni Carey
Co-Founder of Black Girls Run

My weekends lately involve driving or flying somewhere to do something that I have never done before. That's the season I am in. I'm Jac The Explorer...literally. I'm learning new things, pushing beyond my fears and meeting great new people along the way.This weekend was another memorable experience for me. I attended the Inaugural Black Girls Run race in Atlanta, GA in support of AARP and the drive against hunger. If you haven't heard by now about BGR, it won't be much longer after today's inaugural race! History was made! Over 1,000 black women in one space running for a great cause. And what made it even more special was the hundreds of husbands, dads, uncles, brothers and children who also came out to support Black Girls Run. It truly was a beautiful sight to see. BGR, Atlantic Station was where it was at today! :-)
So I wanted to share a few pics from the race before I take a much needed nap! The experience was beautiful! This was my 4th race ever! I'd like to classify myself as a PROUD beginner in the world of running. Each race is about crossing the finish line and hearing the people cheer! It really warmed my heart today to see so many black women all ages and sizes taking a stand against obesity. Usually I am the minority in the group during organized races. But today, it was about proving a point hunny... That yes indeed, in fact, in case anyone wasn't sure... Black Girls DO Run!!!!

And yes we walk too...lol!  Black women from all over the U.S.(FL, DC/MD, LA, NY,TN...) came out today and put the stereotypes to rest!



Ernestine Shepherd
Oldest Competitive Female Bodybuilder in the World

I had a wonderful time this morning and I am ready for my next race at the end of the month. Soon enough I will compete but for now its all about the energy, people and personal success. Another awesome thing to mention was many of the race winners were over 40! I love that! Age aint nothing but a number. But wait! Look who was cheering me on as I crossed the finish line! Ernestine Shepherd! Okay maybe she wasn't cheering just for me or at all but I did get a chance to witness her fabulousness in the flesh! Baby, she looks awesome for 76! Seriously, Ernestine's story is nothing short of AMAZING! She beats the odds and gives hope to the millions of black women who are overweight and just stopped fighting.






As I mentioned in a previous post about BGR, the alarming statistics on black women and obesity are frightful. Four out of five black women are overweight or obese in our country! But today was the start of a movement that is doing a stellar job spreading the word about the importance of adopting a healthy, active lifestyle. There is POWER in numbers and today BGR evinced just that!

FACT: I have never been as active as I am today and much of that change has to do with entering the 30s and my relocation from New Orleans to Chattanooga. That moment when a quick workout the day before the party doesn't help you fit into your favorite dress anymore, you know its time to do something different! My metabolism was slowing down.... OMG! Now couple that issue with moving to a city well known for its scenic views and outdoor activities like hiking, etc. It was so foreign to me. Everyone knows New Orleans is best known for comfort food not mountain tops!

What was a girl to do? I'll tell you. Adjust, adapt, stop whining and fighting the current, go with the wave, pray, be thankful, revise, accept, embrace, rest and ENJOY. And that is exactly what I try my best to do everyday. :) To run or not to run, well that is a personal choice. I just hope this inspires someone out there to do something positively different. It's never too late. The creators of BGR are 28 and 29 years old. And if you think that is still young then take Ernestine Shepherd as an example. Ms. Shepherd did not start "doing something different" with her body until her 50s!!! So there, as long as we live we should keep experimenting with life! I challenge myself everyday to tap into the unfamiliar more and more. Now I'm just a straight addict to this concept. Go without cable for a year, turn the GPS off and get lost. (I did that today...LOL.) Compliment a stranger. Keep a journal.Take a bike to work. Travel abroad. Join a missionary. Pick up a new sport, try a new dish, learn a new language... anything!!! It will heal your heart in areas where pain, fear, sadness may lay dormant. It will spark something in you. Happiness and Peace. So you've been looking into a new business venture? Praying for more love and romance in your life?  Wondering how you can really increase your faith?

My experiences are showing me that being a life explorer gives God such a nice canvas to paint your next steps on. Be Inspired Today.





Her Name Is Elle... And I Think She Is Kinda Fly

If you have not already heard Elle Varner's new album, I recommend that you purchase it! If you love R&B with a jazzy twist and a dash of sexy humor, go and pick up Perfectly Imperfect. This is one debut album that does not disappoint.

I was actually in no rush and a little indifferent about her music at first. After hearing Refill
on the radio, I was on the fence about it. But then she released I Don't Care and that song sent me over the edge! I was sold. Now... well lets just say I think she is more than kinda fly! Her lyrics are graceful and they beautifully captivate the wide range of emotions of a young woman. Her music is so honest, its contagious.  And her voice is refreshing. She has a little raspy element that she brings out from time to time. All in all, its nice. And as we often hear with many vocal artists, it didn't happen overnight. According to a few interviews that I have read, Gabrielle Shellise Varner better known as Elle Varner has been working towards her dreams in the music industry since a young girl. She is the daughter of two musical parents and actually attended the Clyde Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU. And get this! She was a C average student when she applied! Talk about Perfectly Imperfect.

Elle's patience and obedience is heavily reflected in this album. It has a great energy about it and the lyrics are so honest! Did I say that again? LOL. Well its true! She has a quirky humorous side that helps set a care free tone. Her music is not overly sexy or conservative. It is the perfect feminine blend.
Cry, Laugh, Pray, Dream, Party, Love... all that and more. This album captivates those emotions in such a celebratory way. EV is basically saying we are not perfect but its okay and actually its more than okay. Its Perfect! She exudes her spiritual awareness with ease. Gotta love that! The music industry needs more female artist like this. Elle celebrates who she is with no desire for alterations. According to one interview with Vibe magazine, Elle even admitted to a continuous struggle to embrace her appearance. Wow. With all those voluminous curls...

Girlllllll...Why? I kid but I really do understand. Challenges with self image attack us all from time to time. Nonetheless, Elle's liberating spirit is infectious and I believe it is liberating many women to celebrate their imperfections. I love EV beyond her music and voice. Back to that hair! I have to make mention again of her rockstarish, afrocentric curls. Her hair is beyond haute! Do I sound a bit obsessed? LOL. Let me settle down. Hey. Its been a while since I've enjoyed a female R&B artist like this. I can't help it! Congrats in advance for all the great things that this song bird is getting ready to do! Go Elle!


Now if you are tired of my rambling, check her out for yourself! She will be in ATLANTA this weekend along with Brandy, Future, Avant and some other artist at the FSO 21 music event at the Georgia World Congress Center. Not sure about all the details but check out the link Elle Varner Live in Concert. Also, here is the link to her personal website Elle Varner's Official Site. Enjoy!

S/O to my little sister Imari who put me on. Thank you hun! You gave me life! This album goes very well with my road trips and mountainous views. ;)

 

Black Girls Run

Black Girls Run

Hey Ladies!

I am sure by now you may have heard about this group Black Girls Run! Two young professionals, Toni Carey, 28 (left) and Ashley Hicks, 29 (right) started this movement in 2009 in hopes to encourage African American women to adopt healthy, active lifestyles. Did you know that one study reported about 80% of African American women are overweight! OMG. Those kind of stats are alarming but the real question becomes why? There is so much that I want to say right now about the topic I am getting ready to bring up but I need to prepare for bed so I'll be quick. :-)

Are there still so many black women out there who jeopardize their health for other things like hmmmm.... I'll take a stab at one...HAIR?  Sigh... I was one of them myself so I in no way judge. You know the scenario. Just had a fresh relaxer put in or a new hairstyle and you dare not sweat out your roots! And swimming... well that was not even an option! LOL. All jokes aside, health is more important than hair if that even needed to be said. For me, ridding my hair of chemicals was my saving grace. I am way more eager to work out now. :-) As a newbie to natural hair and running, I share this for the girl who may be on the fence about both. Check out my girl Dani at www.thecurlydiva.com for all things about natural hair. Another good source is Naptural 85. Her vlogs on youtube are awesome.

At the end of the day whether you decide to "go natural" or not. It doesn't really matter. What matters is that you IDENTIFY what is stopping you from adopting an active lifestyle. Whatever the hinderance is that is keeping you from increasing your heart rate on a daily or biweekly basis for at least 30 - 45 minutes (I am being nice), GET OVER IT! Black Girls Run is a movement that is saying loud and clear, "Black women need to stay active in order to stay healthy!" I support this movement wholeheartedly! I'll be joining thousands of runners on Sunday, September 16th for the Inaugural Black Girls Run Race in Atlanta, GA.

BGR is supporting the Drive to End Hunger. Check out details here-> www.blackgirlsrun.com. I'm excited! My second 10K...whoot whoot! Who is with me?!

Check them out in the October edition of Essence mag with Jill Scott on the cover. They were recognized as Fitness Gurus for the Style and Substance Awards. Congrats Toni and Ashley!

Left To Tell

I just finished reading a book that a friend recommended and I decided to pass it along. Left to Tell is a story that captures one woman's experience during the Rwandan Holocaust in 1994. Immaculee Ilibagiza is a native of Rwanda, a small country in Central Africa. She shares her family's story about the genocide against the Tutsis. Immaculee shares vivid memories of her experience in hiding for nearly 3 months in a tiny bathroom with 7 other women. Immaculee tells how her faith and God's grace saved her life. In the midst of so much hatred and killing, Immaculee embodied the love of Jesus Christ.


 

This is such a powerful story. For so many reasons, I highly recommend this book. If you have ever grown weary and uncertain of God's voice in your life, this story will inspire you - to pray more, speak more positively and love when it hurts. What makes me most excited about Immaculee's story was her confidence and faith in God. She was so bold and such a force to be reckoned with. She visualized her next steps before they happened. When doubt and fear crept in, she smothered herself in prayer and positive thinking every step of the way.

This book will make you drop to your knees in prayer. I couldn't deny that after reading Immaculee's testimony my heart was heavy for not praying enough, not forgiving enough and not having enough faith! Her story will touch your heart.

Turn off the TV and consider this book! Its a story of pain and love intertwined.

 

Click here www.lefttotell.com  for more information about Immaculee Ilibagiza and her efforts to make the world a better place. Enjoy!