No matter what! Never give up on YOU

 I like to call this my wall of every thing anyone has ever doubted that I could not accomplish or achieve. This board has grown in the year or so I’ve been at the job place however, I’m reminded even in my questionable moments in my life that this is my journey. Although my road’s taken have been shaken, bumpy, challenging and down right difficult I never give up. 

Even when I tell myself “I’m done” I don’t care” “Im tired” in the same breathe I’m praying (literally) lord you know in my frustration I need your help and clarity;  please don’t let me make a hasty decision based off my emotions. Even in my confusion with things and puzzle pieces not quite fitting into my life, God never fails me. He sits back and allows me to have my panic moment and when I let it go he then begins to make things clearer to me. 

Never give up on YOU even when your ready to do so. Block out the naysayers because it’s the Devils magical way of killing and destroying your mind. I run my heart out because it’s my therapeutic pain pusher, my soul cleanser and my gateway into a clearer mind. It’s my time to gain insight with the most high. I made a promise to myself a month ago that I would be happy in what I have NOW instead of having a bad disposition towards the outcome in my life right now.  It’s still difficult for me but I try every single day to be a better reflection of the woman I was on yesterday.    

For those of you who truly know me understand me, and know that I have the biggest heart and that I am very loyal to those who are loyal to me, but that I will go above and beyond to help anyone at anytime and that I will also write a person completely off, if our paths have served there purpose of meeting. 

A good friend told me just last night, “that I truly believe you have truly failed if you stop trying” and your not someone who quits, you keep going even when you speak the craziness that you want to quit. I love him for speaking those words into my life. You have do what makes you insanely happy by your own description and not under what others perceived what “they think” should be. 

What’s for you is simply that! It’s for YOU and where you are going, others can’t travel with you. But know that lanes were designed for everybody so know your’s and stay within it until your ready to navigate over to the next lane in YOUR life. 

Life is such a process but we have to step back and look at the world not with our eyes wide shut, but with the vision that it’s very possible for you at any age to be and do whatever your heart desires.

#detroitrunnerchic

#Dgirlphotography

#happy

#itsuptoyou

#dream

 

We can! Because they stood.



In order to move forward you have to look back on the chain of events that helped to shape our society. People gave there lives for the right to vote. People say out and joined together with collective efforts to make a stand without violence. Ironically enough a non-violent stand had such a impact so much so that their stand intimidated those who didn’t like our color. Their stand rocked a nation that was so moving that while people wanted to move us out of the way. 

The only rights white people felt that we had were not equal to there’s. But that stand, that March those attempts..those dog bites..the swing of billy clubs and tear gas, gun shots and beatings of innocent people somehow 50 years later still stands. We had people who fought in a way to bring peace and justice so that you and I could have at our finger tip access to the right to vote among many other things. I stood on that bridge in my thoughts and humbly said thank you! I my not have walked that walked but I am still walking a walk that requires that we never give up or loose sight of the fact that we matter. 

Dreams do come true, just like prayers that we pray. He may not answer when we want him to but please believe he is always on time with each and every yes he hands out. We can because they took a stand. Don’t ever loose sight of that.

The Race That Wasn’t Supposed to Happen Yet Did!

Tags

#blessings, #detroitrunnerchic, #faith, #mercedeshalfmarathon, #photolady, #runstrong

 

Robert H. Benson once said “The important thing really is not the deed well done or the medal that you possess, but the dedication and dreams out of which they grow.” Let me tell you that I tried avoiding running Mercedes Half Marathon on last weekend. My goal was to take my new Nikon 3200 camera out for a test drive and shoot the BGR meet and greet and be a side line race photographer and capture the ladies of BGR crossing the finish line. Needless to say things didn’t quiet happen that way LOL!

On Friday night I found out that someone couldn’t run the race and was offering up their bib and race swag. I was hesitant simply because I invited my good good girlfriend Alena up from the ATL to visit with me in the Ham. I didn’t want to leave her on Sunday on the sidelines when I invited her to visit with me and for us to take our cameras and shoot the race on Sunday.

On that Saturday evening we both attended the BGR Birmingham Meet and Greet at the Fish Market, where I was able to take some wonderful pictures. I had an absolute ball being behind the lens and capturing our BGR meet and greet and all of the special moments in between. The pictures turned out phenomenal and I knew in that moment that being behind the lens is where I truly want to be. (Check out some of our BGR Meet and Greet pictures here.)

BGR Charlotte

 

Dana the cake Lady! She ROCKS!

 

BGR Ladies at the Fish Market

 

 

Pam, Tamara, Myself

 

BGR Ladies with Beautiful Smiles

 

Artney, Kim, Myself and Jessina

 

Mercedes is a HUGE race here in Birmingham, AL people from all over come to little old bama to run in this race which, is also a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. So, fast forward to race day! I leave the house dress in my run cloths with rain boots on and my run shoes in my hand and my camera bag on my shoulder. I wasn’t 100% sure that I would run, but if I did I wanted to be prepared. So I met up with the person who had the bib, ran to the car to drop off my camera, changed my shoes and I had 3 min’s to get in the coral to take off. I truly wasn’t feeling it. I hadn’t trained and the last time I actually ran was Hot Chocolate Nashville on Valentine’s Day. I hit the start line and I was off not even 0.25 miles into the race I got to the side to take off my race jacket because it was warm and raining and I would have much rather ran in the rain then faint from my body overheating.

I ran the race with ease for 8 miles straight I believe it was due to the protein shake I had before the race which, made me feel as if I was unstoppable. I partied on the pavement as usual singing along to the music playing through my iPhone. Passing by my wonderful BGR sisters on the pavement and saying “good job ladies” and or holding a quick chat before I moved along. At mile 10 after passing our BGR cheer section I knew I was almost home. I was going to set a PR in this race but I pulled myself back way back and just enjoyed the race.

I saw the golden ticket I was approaching the finish and was about to claim another Mercedes medal. I crossed the finish line, quickly found Alena and managed to capture some unforgettable race photos of the BGR ladies crossing the finish line. When I tell you that I wasn’t supposed to run this race I truly wasn’t, but God had another plan for the person who has been trying to avoid running altogether (bet you didn’t know that) the struggle for me has definitely been real. Even in my hurt I’m still pushing through the pain and Mercedes weekend was proof of what God can and will do. Eleanor Powell said it best “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” Finding your strong isn’t always easy but that thing called faith and determination will keep you going.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Chocolate!

Tags

#detroitrunnerchic, #hotchocolate15k

R-Kelly said to step in the name of love I on the other hand ran in the name of love. That’s right! I spent my Valentine’s Day running Hot Chocolate 15K in Nashville and it was indeed the sweetest race I could have ran. Now, I vowed that I would NEVER run hot chocolate again after running Hot chocolate in the ATL January 2014. Talk about knock out brutal. The hills of ATL were absolutely ridiculous. I cursed the entire 9.2 miles and once I crossed the finished line I told myself “never again” they can have it! Then Hot Chocolate wanted to get even fancier and for 2015 they would offer THE BLING! Wait! So I’ll get a cool zip up hoodie and a medal? I am now seriously contemplating on running this but NOT in the ATL.

With the help of my good friends of the elite runner usher board #9 I was convinced to run Hot Chocolate in Nashville and I am so glad that I did. If your looking to run a hot chocolate race I strongly recommend running hot chocolate Nashville. I am not a chocolate fan by any means and they offer such delicious sweet chocolate treats on course so that should be a winner for you chocolate lovers. However, running the course was great! There were some inclines however nothing that a little hill training won’t do to help you to tackle those inclines like a pro.

While, everyone else was love bugged up on the one day of the year that’s dedicated to love. I laced up my shoes and braved the cold for my very first race of 2015. This race was so remarkably sweet for me that I PR’d. I finished in 1:44:24 this year and last year I completed hot chocolate ATL in 1:51:55 so I was able to shave of 7 min’s of my time. Talk about improvement considering I had NOT trained or even really ran since November 23, 2014.
I’m competitive by heart and I was a little bummed out that I had ONLY completed my race in 1:44 and not in 1:40 but I was quickly reminded that after all the life altering changes that have taken place in my life since November my time was considerably good. While, most of you received roses, chocolate, candy and fancy dinners and considerable amazing gifts. In my heart I was truly winning because I was able to spend my Valentine’s Day doing what I love to do and I was able to spend it with the most craziest group of run bud’s ever!

Laughter is good for your soul and I laughed a considerable amount on Friday and Saturday. Let me tell you that you must surround yourself around like minded people because you never know who you might meet and who you may build great friendships with.

#HC15K Nashville…I’ll do it all over again next year you should join me.

Just breathe

The day…better yet the last 60 days have been extremely difficult for me. But I’m a true fighter but most importantly I trust God in the Good, bad, uncertain and questionable moments. I look over my shoulder and I’m reminded that every journey begins with a single step. (Hence what my tattoo says)

It has been 3 1/2 years and I am still walking in my journey and walking in it afraid. “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil” {psalm 23:4} regardless of my uncertainty at times I always walk in my circumstance fearful but trusting God. I believe it’s my fear that drives me to succeed. I believe it is my fear that keeps me near God.

Even in my tears and those nights that I sit on the side of my bed unable to sleep and pace back and fourth in my apartment hallways I get a feeling that I’m not truly able to grasp, but on last nights run I was reminded of God’s true grace and mercy. I looked in the mirror last night and I saw me again. No make-up, freshly washed face, every freckle showing and my eyes gleaming and I said to myself that I am beautifully made. I said to myself that whatever it is that is coming up next for me there is and will be a reason for its happening in my life.

I hold all my pains on the inside, I suck up every ounce of frustration and I tuck it away in my temporary box until Im so full of agonizing pain that I burst open at the seams. Yes I’m flawed but I recognize that I have the most amazing support group. Because without that small cohesive unit, where would I be? That’s why it is very important that you step onto the stage to view who is exactly in your front row. It’s almost impossible to recognize those on your row, when you can only really see the person to the left of you and the person to your right. {think about it}

I use to say happy doesn’t exist with me it’s not something that just happens to someone like me. But it does… For the first time in 60 days I felt the sunlight radiate within my soul. It was the most exhilarating feeling I had in a very long time. I smile through these eyes of mines because they’ve experienced so much pain. These eyes are smiling within because I am beyond blessed in this very moment and I’ll take my moments because we all have our moments and I’ll continue to pray for continued peace, wisdom and understanding.

You have to just live in the moments and appreciate where you’ve been and embrace where you are going. You are definitely in control of the story you write and the roads you take on your journey. You just can never give up on YOU because you story is be written to help someone else and your roads travel will become detours for others. Why? because experience is a good teacher right? Unknowingly your paving a way to entirely structured road with a better footing and foundation for someone else. Sounds far fetched? Yeah I thought so to until I looked at those who paved a wave for me. Those who have supported and still support me and uplift me and share with me there stories. It’s possible! Just breathe and feel the sun.

The medal of the year goes to?

A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.(Harvey Mackay)

At the beginning of 2014 I set a goal to run 13 races because I knew in 2013 I hadn’t done much racing at all and I knew that I was very much capable of collecting the bling while putting in the work to get there. In January I hit the pavement full speed and did my first 15K in Atlanta. Hot Chocolate oh Hot Chocolate Of ATL you kicked my butt literally with hill after hill after hill. I cussed the entire flipping race because who designs a course this vicious? I believe that is when I fell in love with hills.

February I ran my second half which was Mercedes. This race was by far my most memorable and fun race. I believe I ate and drank more on this race than anything and I set a PR by shaving off 4 min’s from my last half.

March was truly an EPIC fail…I ran little Rock half which was to be my third PR race but ended up being the race that ALMOST took me out of the running game forever. Why? Well it went from sunny and ok outside to a little rain to oh why does this rain hurt my face (its sleet crazy it’s sleet) to wait am I slipping (it’s ice fool it’s ice) to its snow (take me now Elizabeth I’m coming to join you) I left my gloves back at the hotel so my hands were freezing and I’m trying to keep them covered by pulling my long sleeve shirt over my hands. I finished this race in 2:45 and I was frozen and probably had hyperthermia. My right hip hurt so bad I couldn’t barely walk. I cried all the way to the shuttle and all I wanted was to get out of those wet cloths. My pride was shot to hell and I literally said F this. I’m done running for good, but the competitor in me wouldn’t let me cheat myself so I made a promise to myself that this EPIC failure of a race helped turn me into an even better runner. It’s personal for me and little Rock an although I am not running the race in 2015 we will meet again in 2016 and I’ll be good and ready for little rock then. I also ran a 5K the week after little rock which is a BGR Birmingham staple race RumpShaker. This race for me is personal because the proceeds go to help find a cure for colon cancer. My mother is a colon cancer survivor and my uncle past a year ago due to colon cancer. Running this race is a must do for me.

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April I did two back to back 5Ks and a 10k. I’m in love with trail running. I owe a huge thank you to my Shero Oliva Affuso because she was the one who introducing me to the woods and I truly love it. In 2015 I’ll probably be more on the trails than on the pavement it’s just so much more challenging and easier on my body. Running the first race of the trail series and then heading over to the color me rad run two hours later was epic I felt like a kid running through colored paint and it was exhilarating. Later on in April BGR took over the biggest loser over six flags in GA and I took home 3rd place in my age group and set another PR! Thanks to Pat for pacing me the entire race.

In May I completed a few virtual races just to reward myself for all of my hard work. I also participated in Girls on the Run 5K which I am now leading a team for to help raise money for shoes for the girls who participate in the program and I did my second trail race which was an ass kicker because I hung out that night before and had no sleep but I knew I had to run that race. Crazy I know!!!

June was National Run day and WBYR heart walk graduation. I participated in both the national walk run day virtual race and earned my WBYR medal by helping out and volunteering my time with the lovely ladies of BGR who worked very hard to run a 5K race. It was a beautiful event.

July was not a race month for me but in August BGR shut Anniston down and took over Woodstock literally!  I set a hell of a 5K PR this hot day as well.

September was my second 15K race. I had the opportunity to attend the sweat with your sole race this year. Seeing so many women of all walks filled my heart. The most memorable aspect of this race is when I saw one of my BGR sisters running the race and she was blind. So if she can do it anyone can do it. It just takes placing one foot in front of the other.

October was the mark of the 26.2 for me. I work hard, train even harder for this race. I sacrificed a lot but gained so much discipline in the end which I carry to this day. 7 bridges is one race where I showed myself that anything is possible. I also felt the unwavering and selfless love and support for those who watched me train and those who help run me into the finish and those who waiting patiently for me at the finish line. Those women who got up and joined me and those long ranger days didn’t have to come out at 5am and run with me or even wait for me at the finish line. That let me know that I’m making an impact and people do really care enough to cheer me on. The greatest feeling in the world.

The 7 Bridges of Accomplishment

Last but not least the month of November. I completed Vulcan 10K after coming off a full marathon last month and PR’d on purpose. I honestly was out on the pavement dancing and having a good time and had not one care in the world about time. Magic City Half is my baby because it’s the races of races that started me in the game of running. I celebrated my 3 year run-a-versary on November 23rd. This year I set a kick ass PR by shaving off 19 entire minutes from last years half. When I crossed the finish line of hallelujah thank you 8 pound baby Jesus with your salt and pepper one piece shiny black spandex jumpsuit on while screaming ahh PUSH IT…PU..PU..PUSH IT REAL GOOD to the finish. As I crossed the finish line of victory and chucked up the deuces I gladly placed my running sneaks on the shelf for the remainder of 2014.

When you decide to put your mind to something you can accomplish anything. Nothing is ever out of  reach unless you choose to not to go for it. I made a promise to myself that I would run 13 races in 2014 and I’ve superseded my goal. I’ve run 570 total miles for the year and I am beyond proud of myself to not only achieve that level of mileage but to know that it’s possible. I’m competitive by nature but the biggest thing for me in my year of running is that I ran and I was injury free. In the year 2015 the rule of thumb that I will continue to follow is “your pace your race” what’s attainable for me may not be attainable for the next runner, so be mindful of the new runner who’s stepping out on the pavement for the first time. 2014 was a great running year for me and in 2015 I’m onto some even wilder and crazier achievable goals. I’m trying to meet the 1000 mile marker in 2015 feet don’t fail me now.

Just have fun with it!

You work hard…you train hard and you put in those countless hours of dedication to your training for what ever mile your trying to succeed at accomplishing. Truth moment! Today I ran like the wind I sang, I danced to my music, played drums to my music and smiled the entire time. When I close to the finish line I kicked it up into high gear because truthfully ummmm I was tired of running LOL! I set a HUGE PR today. I wasn’t trying to but when the stress and pressure is off I’m reminded of the WHY behind get on your mark..get set…go!

Those 26.2 did something to my mind set and it is all coming together. Im always working on being the best Temeka I can possibly be. I watch closely to those who inspire me on and off the pavement and I in return set my own goals. Your pace your race is a for sure thing. I smile when I see those pushing themselves to their goal because in there hearts they’ve won the biggest race ever! We train slow so we can run fast and when all else fails just have fun! Happy Running and congrats to each of you who ran today! You are awesome!

It’s Grooming time

I believe everyone at some point in their life needs to be groomed in the area of where there trying to go and grow. Having a mentor can be very beneficial and important because they (mentor) are aware of what tools you will need to use along your journey.

After my marathon I’ll unpack my back pack and take out the things I no longer need. I’m gearing up for my next journey. I’m going to be able to put away some things I was able to deal with and some challenges that I had to face literally head on. Here’s the funny thing about back packs they contain different compartments and I’m certain that each compartment won’t be emptied out this go round.

But nonetheless, I’m being stretched in a direction that I seriously had no idea I was being stretched in…It’s grooming time.

My last long run

This is my last long run until I meet at the start line next Sunday to complete my 26.2 miles. I’m not for certain what or how I will feel next Sunday but I do know that I’ve train hard. I know that training has taught me several things. Even while in grad school trying to do to much to soon cost me a course but I didn’t quit. I stepped back and I had to reevaluate myself. Once I stop putting the pressure on myself everything began to fall into place. I stopped thinking of the distance and I begin training my mind to believe that what ever I want to achieve is possible.

At 36 years of age I’ve learned more in my life since moving in 2011 then I have the entire time I lived in Detroit. Why? Because I begin to live. That may come as a surprise to some but I was so empty on the inside after years and years of suppressed issues. I battle with Temeka daily but I’m the only person I should compare myself to. You should always want to strive to do better then yesterday and try surrounding yourself around like minded people those people who enjoy doing what you like to do and or working in a field that you want to pursue its really that simple! I ask myself the question will I know exactly how I will feel on mile 15 or 18 or 22? No! But I know this, no matter the cost crossing that finishing line is going to be the most exhilarating moment in my life.

I see myself going places I’ve never dreamed of seeing myself going. I’m finally paying attention to my God purpose and constantly reminding myself that what’s for them is for them and what he has in place for me is just for me and it’s all beginning to click for me. Anything you want is obtainable you just have to want it as bad as you want to breathe. If your waiting on your friends to do what it is that you like to do you’ll be waiting a lifetime but if you choose to spend sometime with you I promise you you’ll learn the most magical things about yourself. Im just a Detroit chic who got wind that she has greatness within herself and guess what? Every chance I get I’m trying to peek around a corner or two to see just what else I can possibly do.

My pace…my race. October 19th me and seven bridges meet. Cheer me on

Some will some won’t but what will you do?

I woke up and I said “how many sick days do I have” then i began listening to my motivational YouTube clips. In one it said there are people going to jobs that they don’t even like but they get up and go everyday and complain about the jobs that they do not like when they get to work. You have to do the things that you don’t want to do to get to the places in life you know your meant to be at. You have to want this thing whatever it is as bad as you can breathe. As much as I don’t want to be at the work place my grind is teaching me that I must go here in order to get there. Push towards your goals people because it is POSSIBLE if I had this thinking and mindset 6 months ago I probably wouldn’t understand it as much as I do today. Make it happen…it’s worth it in the end because the only person you have to appease is YOURSELF. #thankfulthursday