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.