No Woman Left Behind!

This week for the first time in months, I returned to the pavement and ran with the my local Black Girls RUN! chapter. If you are unfamiliar with the group, I highly recommend you visit their website, and read about their mission.

One of the concepts they have is: No Woman Left Behind. 

This past Friday I ran with ladies that are stronger, faster, and more experienced than me. It was just my second time with the group, so I was not all that familiar with the course. After a few initial morning introductions we headed out for 5k. Just about everyone introduced themselves and provided awesome support. One lady in particular recognized me from earlier in week, and offered to run at my pace since there other "back of the packers" didn't appear to be coming. She didn't have to, but she did.

We ran. We talked. We laughed. She pushed me when I needed to pushed, and encouraged me when I need to be encouraged. As the other runners passed me (it was an out and back route) they offered high-fives and likes of "keep it up." A few stuck around afterwards, waiting for me to finish. Once again they really didn't have too. I even told folks I would catch up, and as long as I could see them I would be fine. Still they insisted.

This is one of the many reasons why I love this group. On my Facebook page today, there were more than a handful of posts of "sole sisters" thanking one another for their support. Hence I was inspired to share this post today.

Oh and the best part was, in just one week I shaved over 4 minutes off this route.