Naturalistas Of The Week: Black Girls RUN!
Ashley and Toni "Black Girls RUN!"
Meet the lovely ladies behind the hip and inspiring site Black Girls RUN! Ashley and Toni are avid runners breaking stereotypes and inspiring minority women to hit the pavement.
NewNaturalista: The name of your blog is what first caught my eye. I chuckled because I think there is a stereotype that many of us don’t run or participate in other healthy activities.
Ashley: The name just formed organically during a conversation Toni and I were having about running. During that time, Toni was a member of the Nike Plus website and convinced me to sign up as well. Once one the site, we wanted to start a group and decided to name it Black Girls RUN! because it represented who we are and the fact that we are breaking the stereotype that black girls don’t run.
NewNaturalista: When did you start running? What do you love most about it?
Ashley: I began seriously running in 2006. After being out of college for a few months, I started gaining weight and by December 2005 I was at my heaviest, 145. At that point I knew I needed to make some changes. A few months later, I joined a gym and starting working out. By the time summer rolled around, I was running 3-4 times a week and had become addicted to the runner’s high. Three and a half years later, I’m still growing as a runner and constantly finding something new to love about the sport. Perhaps what I love most is the feeling of accomplishment after a long run or a race.
NewNaturalista: What are some misconceptions you’d like to clear up about running?
Ashley running!
Ashley: The most popular misconception that I hear from people is that they aren’t built to run. Usually this comment comes from someone who is stocky or “big boned.” But you definitely don’t have to have a long and lean frame to run. I think it’s a matter of training and building up your endurance.
NewNaturalista: Advice for someone who may be interested but intimidated by the idea of running?
Ashley: I admit running can be intimidating when you focus on the distance. The thought of running miles upon miles mentally defeats a lot of people. My advice is to focus on the rewards – a healthier body and a sense of accomplishment. New runners also have to realize that you have to walk before you run. This sounds elementary, but it’s great to start walking and slowly build to running.
Go Toni Go!
Check out more great tips @ blackgirlsrun.com
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