#diversitymatters
One of my favorite commissioned projects I got to work on this year. HP asked me to create coloring pages that centered around diversity and inclusion. They gave me 100% creative freedom to do what I wanted and paid me well to do it. Download the free pages here.
It is so important to see color because every color has power and meaning. From a young age we assign certain behavior to particular colors without realizing that it is harmful and something we must unlearn. For this reason, I will always put black women and girls at the center of my work. I understand that dark skin is far too often devalued, misrepresented, and overlooked.
Ecstatic to see @mistyonpointe star in Swan Lake at the Met! It was great to see the effect Misty has. Many people were attending ballet for the first time to see her, and there were a ton of kids excited.
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#mistycopeland #ballet #abt #americanballettheatre #swanlake #metropolitanoperahouse #diversity #diversitymatters #representationmatters #newyork #manhattan #realmtravels #realmlife
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Forget about asking for a seat at the table, build your own table.
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For the last couple weeks I’ve read and seen many of my running friends advocating for Runner’s World magazine to put more people of color on their covers. While I agree with them on the importance of diversity and representation in Runner’s World, and don’t discount the important work they’ve been doing, I’m here to say that we can be the change we want to see in the running world by creating our own.
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Why depend on 1 running print magazine to highlight and share our stories, when we have the power, skill set and influence to build hundreds if not thousands of diverse online communities ourselves?
Think about the runners and running related accounts that you follow now. How many of them did you find in a runners magazine? For me, not many.
I have found more people to connect with on social media than I have through any print magazine.
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We don’t need to advise them on who they should feature.
We don’t need to request that they use people of color during production or on set.
We have the runners.
We have the skills.
We have the audience.
We have the brand relationships.
We have the influence.
We have the power.
We can build our table.
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I’ve created a new online community calIed, Diverse Runners World @diverserunnersworld to share images of runners of different ethnicities, cultures, ages, gender identities, shapes and sizes.
Please follow and share.
My running peer Carolyn @irunfortheglory has been doing great work for years with her online community @diversewerun featuring multiethnic stories of runners.
Please follow and share.
If you have a or know a diverse online community or tag and share them below. Let’s build together.
Diversity Matters.
#diverserunnersworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCMAQH-na_I/?igshid=1tioye9nca20w
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Early start for me this morning. I went to the supermarket and pushed yo possibly the last major things that I’ll need for a few weeks. Hopefully other things needed will be minor or can hold off until further down the line.
Typically I’d pull out my running attire the night before a race – this one was a virtual. Some might view that ruined ritual as a sad moment; I elected to look at it as a moment to slow things down a bit.
Running without spectators is both a good and sad thing. It’s amazing to have that support pushing you on. I learned how to be my own cheerleader before I ever toed the line. Some days are harder than others to lace up but I always feel accomplished.
I called a local bike shop to get a trainer tire for my bike. My work ethic doesn’t stop because the world’s on stand still from COVID-19. I mapped a longer route to allow me to do 5K this afternoon and make a quick stop in to support @fulton_bikes.
I took my time and even opted to speed walk the last mile. I wish I could reward myself with some bubble tea right now but that restaurant isn’t open at the moment; iced coffee will do.
As I sit on the steps of my home, I’m grateful that I’m able to make things work, even if I have to modify my plans. Heading inside to knock out a long bike ride. Making tomorrow my dedicated day off. If you don’t see a rainbow in all of this smog, create your own.
Today’s Workout:
Run/ Walk: 5K with @runsheisbeautiful
Cycling: In Progress with a 20 Mile goal
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #lovewave (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AyrV5nIqF/?igshid=16hylgf8nnof6
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Today was physically productive and I’m looking forward to getting a great night’s rest after a series of at home workouts. I created a few playlists to accompany my workouts over the past few days and will do my best to keep up the trend.
If you’re up for the challenge, go for 16 to 20 reps for 2 -3 rounds then hit the bike for 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate level intensity.
You can find my COVID-19 90s/Millennium Throwback Playlist in my Instagram Highlights to keep you moving.
Several people asked how to support me over the last week. I don’t want to rush creating a Patreon account because I’d prefer to do it right the first time rather than do something half assed.
Instead I’d rather continue contributing my content here - particularly since I don’t have my fitness certification yet - and if you feel like throwing me a few dollars, this is completely up to you. You can visit my Running Fat Chef blog and hit the donate button.
Please do not contribute if you don’t have it. We are all going through this together and I honestly enjoy treating my social media like an online diary.
COVID-19 or not, I’ll be cooking, acting a fool and getting my fitness in whatever safe way possible.
Today’s Workout:
20 Min Cardio
25 Min Cycling | 6.31 Mi, 14.9 mph
1 Hour Running | 4.20 Mi, 15:25/mi, Aiming for Negative Splits
15 Min Meditation via @garmin app
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at New York, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B98MYKCnd-k/?igshid=j41oja5ge7ir
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Possibly my last swim for a bit. Unlike other times that I started and stopped this journey, I don’t feel discouraged.
Thankful for the progress I made in three months. I can glide, improving my form in freestyle and was in the process of learning how to backfloat.
Surely, some things have to take a backseat. No pool access for a bit is going to suck and ther closings of gym facilities will be blah but I’ll have so much more to be thankful for when I’m able to return to these places.
Focusing on my running, cycling and calisthenics in the meantime. Might even tap into my yoga routine again – there’s @mynameisjessamyn and @theunderbellyyoga if you need online guidance and loads of local yogis who are practicing online.
When things are safer, I’ll make my return back to these places that I consider a second home. If there’s anything that I’ll miss more than the activities, it’ll be the staff and regulars that saw at each other these places. Air jugs and Wakanda greetings from afar for now.
Stay elevated.
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #journeytoironman #triathleteintraining #ultrarunner (at Weeksville, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zm3PgHm43/?igshid=1rfbtudc5byhp
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Everything and everywhere I look, everyone’s talking about COVID-19–and it makes me talk and think about it too.
If there’s anything that I want to catch is a form of normalcy; I am making sure that I do it daily.
I made brunch and dinner for my family. Opted to make fish tonight because we needed something special. Hubby and I aren’t talking about it much but we’re worried. He’s officially home until further notice. I’m not working; kid’s officially out of school for a min of a month.
I woke up this morning with the intentions of running 13.1 but after wiping down my machine 3X in paranoia while rowing, I knew it would be a shit show.
You know what made me smile? Seeing toilet tissue still on the shelves and a decent amount of food left in the supermarket today. Sounds stupid to some but if you’re in my inbox reading how many people told me that they cannot pick up these things because people are hoarding them, it made me sick. It made me happy to see that my neighbors are shopping responsibly.
The current state of NYC is a bit heartbreaking. Restaurants will be pick up only on Tuesday. Some establishments will close and it’s for a good reason. We’re all sacrificing for a short time to be here for a long time. I just hope we remain compassionate during and after this is all done. If you are a person who bought too much, share it with a neighbor–please. Help out an older or immunocompromised person. I’ll be doing that unless restricted.
12 year old me would appreciate it because seeing this reminds me of days when I couldn’t eat because my family couldn’t afford it. We don’t know how long this will be but I hope you find something that keeps you smiling. Today’s gems came from my family, creating dope meals, actually picking up the phone to talk to people and getting off my ass to be active. If we get to a place where we are completely limited to our homes, I know that we’re resilient people and will see our ways through this. I am grateful for the privilege that I have; your complaint is someone else’s wildest dream.
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9x5-xdHFct/?igshid=m0ltzzgykshm
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Another race cancelled but my grind dont stop. It’s a little devastating but when I think about the gift of mobility, I cannot imagine being overwhelmed by the loss of an event.
Still figuring out my groove with this whole swimming thing but damn does it feel great to actually make strides. Yesterday I tackled just under 1000 yards, PRed my 100 + 400 according to my @Garmin and I feel progress in my endurance.
My body feels immaculate and haven’t encountered an endometriosis flare all week. I’ll be honest – I’m a little nervous about losing some of the muscle mass, watching certain things get leaner despite knowing that my body type will change because of the sport. I am reminding myself to focus on how I’m feeling versus being scared of the way that my body looks.
The entire world can tell you that you look and are amazing but those are things that you have to see in yourself. Despite shaky moments, I am confident in the skin that I’m in. If things start to level out with that bad C word that’s been plaguing all of these places, I will feel comfortable investing my money into my first tri. For the moment, I’m enjoying the ride of getting better with my craft.
Today’s Workout:
Cycling: 6 miles, 24 minutes
Swimming: 684 yards, 1 hour, 15 mins instruction – Freestyle + learning how to back float/ breathing while in freestyle (thanks Miss @officialsharong –I love this woman)
Run: 1 mile, 13:58/mi
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero ##journeytoironman #triathleteintraining (at Brooklyn, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m6saDnK0W/?igshid=1o75evhizkw83
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Being surrounded in a room full of black excellence made me feel empowered. It’s not everyday that I have a reason to dress up. And it’s certainly not everyday that I’m able to interact with black history in motion.
Thank you @shanellegabriel for the invite to the 3rd Annual @urbanwordnyc @blackgirlmagicball in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
Tonight’s Look:
Top and Bottom: @byashleystewart
Head Wrap: Impulse Buy in DC
Makeup: colors from @maccosmetics and @nyxcosmetics
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #blackgirlmagic #urbanwordnyc #bgmball2020 (at The Dumbo Loft)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9k50B_nuVJ/?igshid=1m5sxr2vgqd0r
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Head high | Booty flexed |
Today’s the day that you conquer the world | Rinse, wash, repeat X 7
Yesterday’s Grind:
Swim: 700 yds (longest to date) and my fastest 400
Run: 1 Mile, Slow AF and steady pace, 15:27/mi
Bike: 10 miles (>40 minutes)
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Crown Heights, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9jn0yTHbsL/?igshid=16wha6oy4l2je
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Doesn’t matter what your level of success may be, depression affects everyone at some point. My spirits ran a little low yesterday afternoon and it rattled me just a bit.
Opted to go outside, take a moment and put some slow miles on my feet. It didn’t cure everything but I came back home rejuvenated.
Running, cycling, swimming – none of it replaces therapy but it’s definitely therapeutic to my soul.
Yesterday’s Movements:
Running: 3.1 miles (45 mins)
Cycling: 11.11 miles (45 mins)
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #iwd2020 #optoutside
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9hPEqDHgcX/?igshid=1wvb0yvt3g8bd
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Honest Moment:
Years ago, I had no idea what an International Women’s Day was or why people were hell bent on celebrating it. Don’t be afraid to raise your hands if I’m not alone.
Despite learning about women’s suffrage in my youth, I didn’t correlate the two. It didn’t hit home for me until I entered sports and it changed the trajectory of my life.
International Women’s Day is significant because we still live in a world where a significant amount of things aren’t equal. Our identities can unfairly determine our pay to being reduced down to looks versus impact or ability, especially in sports.
I don’t want to hit you with a cliche reason on why you should care; instead I’ll share why it’s important to me and how sports stimulated this development.
If it wasn’t for sports, I wouldn’t have an empowering female community to be vulnerable with, wouldn’t be in my career and I probably wouldn’t know the power of my voice and how I can use it to stimulate change. #IWD2020 is powerful to me because I am reminded that I can use my platform to bring awareness; I am also reminded to acknowledge my own achievements and being kinder to myself.
For IWD and days to follow, I’m implementing recovery and relaxation as priorities. It’s hard to feel motivated by your work if you never stop, stand back and admire the beauty you created.
Wishing us all growth on IWD. To check out my blurb, visit the link in the bio or type in the link provided below:
https://www.runningfatchef.com/blog/apromisetoself
@esnelldesign |Philly| NYC
Space provided by @b_brian_blair and @clevecoryephotography
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #effyourbeautystandards #blackwomenaredope #iwd (at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9dwsfbnRbq/?igshid=gm7hnyhr3738
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This Sunday, come down to @precisionrun and join me for a celebration of International Women’s Day. Why should you show up? Well because we need to see you at the Precision Run X GOTRNYC presented by The Fit Collective Panel.
Here’s the rundown:
2PM class | 3PM Panel
Panelists:
@lizvanvoorhis, Founder of @_the_fit_collective + @_fitnessbyzoe, Head of Mktg for Precision Run + @dianeweinberger, Coach & Board Member of @GOTRNYC and Race Director of Hamptons Marathon/Bridgehampton Half Marathon + Me, An Everyday Ultrarunner, Food & Fitness Blogger and Motivational Speaker
We need you there because each $35 registration/ donation will purchase a pair of sneakers for a participation GOTRNYC girl. Help us celebrate the essence of International Women’s Day with sports.
Link available in my bio.
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #iwd2020 #womeninsports #nyc (at Precision Run)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9atDpNn0Vp/?igshid=my2lna89cvpk
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Haven’t managed to push myself for a run outside yet but I am pretty consistent with my at home routine.
I’d love to throw in some weights but I’ll never hear the end of it from my coach .
Been seeing a lot more fitness posts and it’s been kinda dope. I’ve been getting inboxes from some who feel disappointment that they’re not able to move during this moment. There’s nothing wrong with stillness honey.
The world of social media makes things look real amazing when you can chop segments into a post. I guarantee you that this struggle is real AF and some of us ain’t as interesting in real life as our curated content. Some days I move on auto pilot. Don’t let these posts disillusion you.
There’s not enough conversations about the struggle even before this pandemic. People just feel comfortable putting up appearances of having it together. Let me break that thought process: Most of us have an idea of what we want to do and accomplish but encounter periods of not knowing what the hell we’re doing.
Even your favorite celebrity, fitness personality or your friend don’t have it together at some point. That makes us beautifully human. Being able to apply makeup the same way everyday doesn’t make you “goals;” it makes you a robot.
Breathe easier: All of us have something that we’re struggling in and if you move slower than others, embrace that being in the back of the pack is not always a bad thing. There’s something that each of us are working through. Compete against yourself and hell, give your reflection a break sometimes too.
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #plussizeathlete #athlete #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly (at New York, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-0WURQnolY/?igshid=12pijluwqtdm0
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Broke in a new pair of sneakers to do my first virtual duathlon for @newyorktriathlon.
The March Madness Duathlon was 2 miles of running, 12 miles of cycling and 2 extra miles if running. Originally I was scheduled for a 2 hour cycling session from my coach with a 30 minute run – decided to commit to both.
My endometriosis flare up caused me to have a really late start. Kinda thankful this was a virtual race. Social distancing was a breeze since I ran at night and I took my cycling section indoors on my trainer.
Admittedly it’s not the same without the cheers and crowd but it felt good to run again.
My medal will be available once all of this stuff is over. In the meantime, I gifted myself some wild salmon before bed.
Today’s Workout:
Run: 4 Miles, 1 hour, 3 minutes|Cycling: 28 miles, 2 hours (including 7 to 8 minute bathroom break)
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #virtualrun #virtualrace #socialdistancing #covid19workout #endometriosis #chronicpain #duathlon (at Brooklyn, NYC, NY, USA)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WMFOBH6jz/?igshid=1c0fik6nroba8
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Getting in a Friday afternoon yoga flow while keeping it indoors. I moved intuitively with the asanas that I know and regularly practice.
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #plussizeathlete #yoga #vinyasa #fatgirlmagic #yogapractice #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QZeBxnkA3/?igshid=1vsjysd4eki3h
After so many race cancellations and postponements, I opted to take on a virtual race that matches my training for this weekend.
I’m freshly signed up for the March Madness @newyorktriathlon Tri. Still figuring out what I’ll wear, safe hours to take on the run outdoors and if I’ll do IG/ Facebook stories like I used to do with traditional races. All I do know is that I needed something to make me feel “normal” or close to it.
Nevertheless, check out today’s workout from @coachmorgonlatimore. I feel nice and tired after that workout.
I did 5 rounds and 25 minutes on the bike. Feeling pumped and excited once again. Anyone else signed up for virtual events?
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #covid19workout #covid_19 #athomeworkouts (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-OL5J8HP5J/?igshid=553t59zgdk72
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On a positive note, my cycling speed is increasing again and I’m having a bit of fun compiling playlists to match my workouts while home.
Allowing music to be my voice is something I practice regularly. Whether I’m making some elaborate 2 hour meal to creating a vibe, music is a muse that I love using.
When I’m on the trail or road, I don’t use it as much because I prefer to be aware of my surroundings. Cycling indoors on my trainer afforded me the opportunity to express myself in a tone deaf way – but it’s rare that I share that scary sound on camera.
Check out my @spotify playlists on my Instagram Highlights.
After I fuel up, I’ll be hitting the bike and the mat again for another workout. Just because things are changing doesn’t mean that I need to abandon my triathlon goal.
Yesterday’s progress:
Cycling: 45 minutes, 12 miles completed at 15.7mph pace
Indoor cycling stand by Sportneer
Activity Tracking: @garminfitness Speed Sensor
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #cycling #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #indoorcycling #sponsoredbysuperfithero #plussizeathlete #covid19workout #stayhome (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NLrNDHsPr/?igshid=87568tlbos5c
No pool while going through this pandemic means I have to keep my body strong enough for me to return to the water.
Some of these exercises were timed for 60 seconds while others only required 10 reps per round. I went for 3 plus 30 minutes on my bike.
My body and mind felt better after knocking out this hour routine from @coachmorgonlatimore.
Thanks @esnelldesign for capturing video with my @gopro.
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-JNsCtnjiJ/?igshid=8bn6k6fhvilu
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Meili is advocate for social justice in the making. Last week we attend about diversity design rethinking. I am so fortunate to live in Silicon Valley where I can attend different conversations about diversity and inclusion and how to make an impact in society. #design #techicolor #diversityandinclusion #diversitymatters #diversitydesign #problem #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurlifestyle #impact
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