I am so overwhelmed with emotion right now.
The US Army’s YouTube account posted video from my experience with them in DC, everything from the workout at the expo to the actual race, and even bringing it on back home to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park to talk about it all.
There’s a point in the video where, after crossing the finish line, I crossed my hands over my heart. That was me beginning to cry – overwhelmed that I’d completed my very first race – and I dropped my hands immediately because there were people passing out water in front of us, telling us to not stop in front of the finish line. I’m pretty sure that’s the only reason I didn’t keep over and erupt into a ball of tears right then. (You can read my recap of my race experience here.)
I loved everything about #Runtober – this just reminded me that I’ve got a few more posts that I didn’t get to publish because the Hurricane threw so much of us off in the Northeast – and everything I learned in preparation for that race, but most importantly, I loved being in that kind of atmosphere where strength is not only expected of you, it’s demanded. Like I said in the clip, knowing that what I talk about resonates with people as admirable as our armed forces, lets me know I’m doing something right.
Whew. That is an amazing feeling.
If this is how I’m rounding out 2012, I can’t wait to see what 2013 looks like.
Thank you, BGG2WL family, for being who you are, and keeping this site as amazing as it is. You are all phenomenal people, and I couldn’t ask for a more epic readership.
Now, pardon me as I go do the tootsie roll across the city. And, if you happen to actually catch me in the act… just high-five me as I tootsie-roll past you.
12 comments
i feel you girl. this year i completed my first half marathon and successfully ran the entire distance and finished earlier than i planned. go on and tootsie roll your heart out!
Hi Erika,
Great post and interview.From what I can tell, your 2012 has been fabulous and I’m sure 2013 will be beyond your wildest dreams!
Keep the great posts, recipes, and challenges coming!
Merry Christmas!
Erika, That is awe-inspiring! Congratulations, on your accomplishment! 🙂
Also, I think we don’t thank our troops enough!
Question for you Erika: I wanted to do this but my 10miles is a solid 3hours and I got so scared off by their time limits. Do you know if they were lenient on time, or did they stick to the bus o’ shame for the slower ie heavier runners???? And I know I shouldnt have been scared off by that but alas I was. Thanks!
There are time limits, but they’re pretty lenient. As long as you passed either the third or fourth mile after an hour and a half or so, and as long as you reached 8 miles after 3 hours, you didn’t get swept up on the “Saggin’ Wagon” (if you’re saggin’, get on the wagon.)
I think it’s perfectly okay to be “scared” of that – many of us were – but use that fear as a motivator to step your time up, mama! There were people speed-walking that race, and if that has to be you, then YOLO. (I’ve gotta stop saying that… but I crack up every time I type it.) But don’t get scared off from TRAINING, just use it as motivation to shave off a little time! 🙂
Thanks for the inside scoop! The lady I talked to was so mean. I will definitely be out there next year!
This is a beautiful webpage full of information that is directed towards me and my issues, I appreciate you. Please stay in touch. I would like information on how you got started.
Awesome…will put this race on my TO DO list.
Erica, you are so fabulous! Congrats on the race and the Army featuring you! I hope that this helps spread your message even farther and wider then it already has! What I love about your website is that you are so well rounded and that you have a womanist perspective that puts black women, our cultural common issues, and our common possible set-backs on the way to health and fitness first. I LOVE that you create a safe space for black women, where even though everyone one is welcome, you don’t let any white people or men take over the comment space and abuse and disparage us (which is something I have seen happen to many black websites that get popular before.) I’ve never been majorly overweight, and had no problem with working out, but I did need to figure out strategies to eat better. And you taught me why sweeteners are bad even if they have low calories, and that natural sources of sugar are always better even if they have MORE calories! I have major issues with the American military as an institution and the fact that it tends to attract the same kind of insecure racist, sexist, and homophobic authoritarian bullies that the police forces tend to attract, and that there are consistent problems with rape, murder, physical abuse, and dehumanizing POC in the military because of that. So needless to say I am glad you used what is and has always been a problematic American institution to promote yourself as an exemplary black woman and your website as a space anyone can learn real information and techniques for pinpointing and working on the eating, emotional, and life issues that hold us back from fitness.
P.S. Have you ever read the Gradientlair.com? You remind me so much of the woman who writes there. You’re like the fitness guru version of her! Both of you ladies are phenomenal black women. ;- )
I have! I follow her on twitter. Very brilliant, she is. 🙂
🙂
I will say, I do believe that there’s a difference between supporting the MIC, and supporting the troops. I support them and what they stand for, and simultaneously fight to help women in the military.
Not surprisingly, military wives also love me. This was also for them, too – I now have opportunities to go to military bases and support the families with healthy living. Who could ask for more?
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