200 DAYS...of running

This morning marked a milestone for me. I have made it 200 straight days of running. Some days were just a mile and other days were 13.1. Total runs actually are 236 and counting. When I set out on my #runstreak back on May 1st, I was looking to only go through the #chimarathon.

When that became clear it was not going to happen, nor would any of my races or events, I decided to keep going because as my hashtag has been since the world stopped due to Covid-19, #trainingisnotcancelled.

So why do a #runstreak? It was something to keep myself accountable. It is something that kept my stress and anxiety levels down. It is something that helps me clear my mind and either just zone out or think of ideas/solutions.

Since I have hit the 200 day mark, I have run a total of 924.2 miles. Last year, my #runstreak started a month later (June 1st) and at the end (October 13th), I ended with 525.14 miles. That’s a huge increase but remember, I started a month early and I was doing some (okay, a LOT) of virtual challenges. But, another item I realized is that today also marks my #ironversary, the day I crossed #IMAZ 7 years ago. 

Some people have been wondering will I return to the full Iron distance and the answer is yes. Not in 2021 unless something magically happens, but definitely in 2022.

Now when will my #runstreak end? You just have to find out.

2020...as the world turns topsy turvy

Today is June 1st. A new day, a new Monday and a new month. For the past 77 days, I have been SIP (shelter in place and "unemployed"). 2020 has been interesting and stressful to say the least. The year started really well. Training for Rev3 Williamsburg Sprint and Half Iron distance race in June and also my A race which was the ITU World Championships in Almere-Amsterdam for Aquathlon in September. But then Covid-19 reared its ugly head. Rev3 Williamsburg has been postponed to August of this year, although I have decided that I will defer until 2021 due to the lack of swimming since March 15th. And just last week, the ITU World Championships in Almere-Amsterdam has been cancelled and will reconvene in 2021 but I still have my spot. Hey, at least I purchased my TEAM USA uniform!

But let's get to the heart of everything that is happening NOW! As a Black Woman... in America...I'm tired. I am mentally exhausted. I am so happy that I do not have a television but the live feeds from the protests of the death of George Floyd; or let's add the death of Amaud Aubrey while he was running; or  Breonna Taylor who was shot in her home is too much for any one to take. What do I have to worry about? I have to worry about being followed by the police when I am running in my neighborhood. I have to make sure that I am wearing something that is non-threatening (a running skirt and a brightly colored top). I have to make sure that I have my ID on me at all times. Look, I'm just trying to workout for my sanity since gyms are closed and I do not have the space (or the money) for a treadmill.

Everyday is a struggle. I wake up, throw on my running clothes and running shoes to hit the pavement. I run to escape try and soothe my soul. I run for my mental and my physical health. I run because I need to be free. I have learned, while we are SIP that there are some streets here on the Northside of Chicago, where I live, I really have no business running down. Learned that the hard way. I have dealt with my share and will continue to deal with racism throughout my daily encounters. I have dealt with it in racing, in training (I'm a Pilates Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor) and Coaching.

I'm tired, but I keep going because I shouldn't have to cower in the corner.

I'm tired, but training is not cancelled.

I'm tired, but race day will return.

I'm tired, but I have an obligation not only to myself to remain healthy, but to my clients and athletes.

I'm tired, but I hope to one day see a world where I am not judged based on my skin color or my sex.

That is all.

#afrocoach