MEET YOUR AMBASSADORS: BLACK GIRLS RUN! OKLAHOMA CITY

MEET YOUR AMBASSADOR

BLACK GIRLS RUN! OKLAHOMA CITY

What makes Black Girls RUN!  run? Our Black Girls RUN! Ambassadors. With more than 190 ambassadors across the country, these women are responsible for bringing BGR! awesomeness to cities across the country! Not only that, they inpsire women in their community to hit the pavement and rep BGR! every dang day! Want to know more about the ambassadors in your city? Welcome to our new “Meet Your Ambassadors” series! Each week we will feature ambassadors from our groups to help you learn a little more about who they are and why they are passionate about the work they do!

HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR RUNNING JOURNEY?

Tara: I began my walk/Run journey in May of 2012. I was diagnosed with borderline high blood pressure and then I lost someone who was very significant in my life to Breast Cancer. A close friend of mine challenged me to get healthy and with his help together we began Crossfit and training for 5K’s. In October 2012, I ran my first 5K in honor of my loved one who passed.  Shortly after that I heard about BGR! and in January 2013 I attended the BGR! “Preserve the Sexy” tour in Nashville, TN and I was Hooked. BGR! Nation, Baby!!! Dee: Twenty years ago I insisted I'd NEVER run more than 400 meters at a time (and even THAT was like pulling teeth). I had never run more than a mile; my body was built for speed! Never say never. After being encouraged by a friend to start a run journey with her in 2011, I slowly became a believer. I enjoy both the mental and physical challenge, as well as feeling strong during and after a run. I am my own top competitor, and I hope to inspire others to push beyond what they think they can do. Alecia: I wasn't really into running or any regular physical activity until a couple of years ago when a friend encouraged me to train for a half marathon. Since then I’ve been smitten with the "run bug," participating in all types of running related events & logging some serious training & "just for fun" miles.

WHY DO YOU LOVE BGR!?

Tara: I Love BGR because of the passion the members have to encourage everyone no matter how old, size, beginner or experienced to reach for their goal and develop a healthy lifestyle. Dee: I love BGR! because it's a sisterhood of like-minded women pursuing health and fitness goals together. You don't struggle with hair, inclement weather, or busy lives alone! The accountability and positive peer pressure are so crucial. Plus, you don't have to worry about how your jam jiggles, or your jelly rolls! You can hit the pavement, starting right where you are, and SOMEBODY will have your back. Alecia: BGR! is all love! It's a safe space where we can pursue our individual health/walk/running goals without worrying about being judged or feeling self-conscious about our current level of fitness. We're all in this together and we all support, encourage and motivate one another no matter what

Use one word to describe your BGR! City?

Tara: Enthusiastic Dee: Skrong! (Strong) Alecia: Skrong! (Strong

What is your favorite post run meal?

Tara: Shrimp and pasta the night before, homemade protein shake the morning of. Dee: After a morning run: breakfast burrito (eggs, turkey sausage, quinoa, black beans, salsa, cheese). Evening run: Tostada tower (crispy baked corn tortilla with seasoned ground turkey, black beans, julienned spinach, avocado, salsa, cheese, lime juice and cilantro). I love to cook! Alecia: Peanut butter banana shake: 1c almond milk, 1 frozen banana, 1 scoop of protein powder and 2tbsp crunchy peanut butter or pb2 powder

What piece of running gear/gadget is a "must have" for your run?

Tara: My Mio, Heart rate, distance, calorie counter watch Dee: It's a tie between my Bluetooth headphones and double mint gum (the green kind). Alecia: Lip gloss/lip chap    

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