My First Marathon

My name is LaShaundra Wilson and I am a marathoner!  I completed my first full marathon December 5th, 2015 (St Jude Marathon). I would love to share with you my experience as far as training for the marathon and running the actual marathon. First, I would like to briefly share with you my journey and how I became a runner.
                How I Started Running....
In 2014, I participated in a program that changed my life. This program started me on my healthy lifestyle journey. The name of the program is ICCA Lose Big Challenge. During this program, we had a fitness instructor that motivated, inspired, and pushed us. She would talk about a group that consisted of beautiful women who either walked or ran. When our Lose Big Program ended, she asked the question, "What is your plan"? She invited us to a S.T.A.R.S. meet up (which took place on Saturday mornings) she  told us just because the program ended, this did not have to be the end of our journey.  I decided to go. I knew she ran, but I have always said "I am not a runner and I have no interest in running". At the meet up, I saw all of these women who looked like me and they were running! I was inspired, I told myself that day that I was going to run.  I started out doing a walk/run, then finally I got to the point where I was no longer walking, just running. I have been a member of S.T.A.R.S. since May, 2014.
                      Marathon Training....
Last summer, myself and 2 other ladies from STARS decided that we were going to run a full marathon, crazy I know! I knew training was going to consist of a lot of running, 5 months of running to be exact. In  the beginning it wasn't bad, I was running a couple days a week and the miles were not that bad. Eventually, it got to the point where the miles were increasing and I felt like all I did was Run, Work, Sleep. Training was brutal ! I had a boot camp class that I attended on Saturday mornings but I had to stop attending that class because I had my long runs on Saturday mornings. I want to say the end of August, early Sept, my left leg started bothering me. I kept going, I knew if I wanted to be ready, I had to run. I kept telling myself push through. I will tell anyone always listen to your body! Eventually, I went to the doctor. My doctor told me I had shin splints and told me to buy compression socks and also take time off from training. I felt like quitting, I was in pain and drained. My doctor said something to me that I will never forget, he said and I quote "Please do not take this the wrong way, but marathoners are built a certain way". I said to him "What are you trying to say". I knew what he was implying. One thing about me, if you tell me I cannot do something, then I am going to prove you wrong, I was back in the game! 

                          Marathon....
The day of the marathon, I was nervous, but I felt fine. The race started, I had a nice pace, but when I think back on it, maybe I started out to fast. I kept saying to myself 26.2 miles, you got this. Mile after mile, I ran. Eventually, it got to the point where people who were running the half marathon went a different way and we went another way. I made it to mile 15 and that is when everything changed for me. I mentally checked out, physically, nothing was wrong. I started walking. I became tired and frustrated. I didn't understand what was going on, I knew I could do it, I did it during training! I continued to do a walk/run and I started praying. I am praying and crying and asking  God to be with me, to help me. My SISTARS came back for me, I told them to go ahead, don't wait for me, that I was going to finish. I do not remember what mile it was but Felicia showed me this man that was running, he was doing a slow jog, she said run like that. God answered my prayer! I changed how I was running to a slow jog and I completed my marathon. I cried when I crossed the finish line. Never in a million years did I ever think I would run a full marathon. I am my own worst critic, yes I finished but I did not like the way I ran that race, so I knew I had to run one more marathon. I came back home, I started strength training and really focusing on getting stronger. 
                        Thoughts/Advice
I will tell anyone, you can do whatever you want to do, but sometimes, you have to work hard to achieve it. Find something that you are passionate about, do not let fear keep you stuck in the same spot. It is okay to step out of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to try, have someone that is going to hold you accountable. I have an AP( accountability partner) that doesn't let me get away with anything!  She is constantly texting me making sure I am doing what I am supposed to do. I enjoy running, but I really enjoy strength training, I am still taking my Saturday class, but I have my own personal programs that I am doing on my own. My running has improved because of it. I am no longer that person who says I CAN'T because I CAN! I ran my second marathon in Feb of this year and what a difference! I ran it the way that I knew I could. I was stronger and it showed. I plan on running another marathon next year, my goal is to PR( beat my own personal record) if it happens great, if it doesn't, I will be ok with that. I have to remember, not everyone can say they have ran a full marathon.   I will end on this note, earlier in the year when I had my dr's appt, I showed him my medals and I said to him remember what you said to me, you were wrong! I did it, now tell me congratulations! 😀

ThanK YoU and S.T.A.R.S. SALUTES!!

THANK YOU!!

We would like to send a special thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters and contributors for the 2016 year. Without generous donations and gifts we would not be able to do what we do. Thank you to Spectrum Health Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Lake Michigan Credit Union Bridge Run, Soulful Motion, Leola Collins, Fifth Third River Bank Run, YMCA Activate and Grand Rapids African American Health Institute. 

SUPERMOM TO THE RESCUE

Have you ever wondered how you keep going in the midst of trials and tribulations? How you are still able to stand tall when everything around you is crumbling to pieces? Is it grace? Is it favor? Are you better than the mom who has fallen apart? Are you better than the mom who has given up? I think NOT!

SOLIDARITY, MY SISTER!

As we look toward a new year that is swiftly approaching we are calling on each sister to unite and lift one another up. No woman is strong on an island. No one hears her cry, but there is strength in numbers. There is force when we bind together and come against the enemy. The enemy may be your job, your bills, your health regimen that continues to beat you over the head (uuughhh!), it may be the mom who seems to have it altogether. (you know that is not your enemy, right?)

What enemy will you DECLARE TO DEFEAT IN 2017? VICTORY IS YOURS! PULL OUT THAT SUPER HEROINE CAPE, PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL PANTIES AND LET'S GET TO WORK! Turn on your favorite girl power anthem song (because you know we can't do it without our power music) and let's KILL IT! We got this! There is strength in NUMBERS! WHO IS WITH ME!?!?!


Don't Leave Me Alone Out Here On this ISLAND! Where my GIRLS at?

Vee's Journey to 26.2 miles- A MARATHONER

So I have been asked by many, how long did I train. I took my training very seriously. I can remember saying I would never do a full. Then one day I saw S.T.AR.S. Toni and Aliya crossing the finish line for the Grand Rapids Full Marathon and I saw photos of Deonia completing the Flying Pig Full Marathon. I started thinking to myself, I feel a little marathon motivation coming on!

Every year I set a running goal for myself. In 2015, that goal was to complete 200 miles with the Ragnar Relay. After that, I said okay a Full Marathon in 2016 it is!

International Borders

Never Let the Mind tell the Body What It Cannot Do! Some of us had to apply for passports. Some of us had never completed a half-marathon before. Some of us wanted to give up at the START LINE. Accountability is so important. We started the Journey together and that meant that there was no letting the other GIVE UP! We were in it until THE END. It rained. There was PAIN. There was TEARS. There were ACHES. There were JOYS. More importantly, there was COMPLETION!

WE DID IT! YOU CAN TOO! BELIEVE IN THE DREAM!

GRABB'S 4TH ANNUAL FINALIST RECIPIENT...

Grand Rapids Area Black Business (GRABB) announced its The Black Bottom Community Builder Finalists November 2016. This award recognizes individuals, groups or organizations that works tirelessly, passionately and collectively to help make our community a better place. On November 18th the award will be announced at the GRABB 4th Annual Black Market Awards Banquet. The finalists are Linc Up, S.T.A.R.S., and Life Quest Ministries. 

CONGRATULATIONS S.T.A.R.S. - SISTERS TAKING ACTION REVERSING STATISTICS on this remarkable recognition!

Giving Tuesday!

It is Giving Tuesday. S.T.A.R.S. is reminding you of its non-profit efforts. If your company does matching please consider donating to S.T.A.R.S. at http://sisterstars.wixsite.com/stars/donate. In 2016 S.T.A.R.S. contributions paid for 6 race entries for women to participate in health and wellness activities with associated costs. It gave away prizes at the 2015 annual banquet to celebrate the achievement of women who completed their first 5k, half-marathon, and full marathon and those who helped others to achieve their goal by training them to get to the finish line. We help women reach their goals by removing obstacles!

All Year Sport

It's an all-year sport if you are an ALL-S.T.A.R.S.!

Who needs a reminder. This is why you should be moving today. It could look like this outside!!!!

A Mom on the Move

In 2013 Senita Lenear becomes the first African American woman to serve as Grand Rapids City Commissioner. A graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools Creston High (Go Polar Bears!), Commissioner Lenear has focused her community service around, among other important issues, strengthening institutions of education for children, ensuring safe neighborhoods and building greater racial equity and inclusion. Tonight she will be honored with the Walter Coe Public Service Award at the 2016 Giant Awards.

 ‪
Photo Courtesy of Facebook, Black History GR

Go for your Best!

Runner's World, Meb, WHAT A REMINDER!

My First Full-Marathon

A Race Recap Written by Valissa A.

 (26.2 miles -completed 3/6/16 in Arkansas)

SO I have been asked by many, how long did I train. I took my training very seriously. I can remember saying I would never do a full. Then one day I saw Toni and Aliya crossing the finish line for the Grand Rapids Full Marathon and I saw photos of Deonia completing the Flying Pig Full Marathon. I started thinking to myself, I feel a little marathon motivationcoming on!

Every year I set a running goal for myself. In 2015, that goal was to complete 200 miles with the Ragnar Relay. After that, I said okay a Full Marathon in 2016 it is!

I set my eyes on finding a Full Marathon. With suggestions from other full marathoners and research, I found the Little Rock Marathon!! And then the training began!

But then it happen. I ran the Detroit Free Press Marathon Relay. It was a cold, yet a beautiful day and I was the last leg on the relay team, bringing up the rear with only about 4 miles to do.

At just over 2 miles into my run, something pinched in my right leg and I was down for the count!! Oh the pain I felt!! I couldn't even finish the race without walking it all the way to the finish line. Tears in my eyes, not just from the pain but also because I felt I let my team down. Like I had just dropped the baton as I headed to the finish line. Man! Then I thought, my marathon dream is gone for 2016. Double Man!

I needed physical therapy for my recovery. This was now October and I was already into my training. I told the therapist and my doctor that I was in training for my first Full Marathon, paid for already but now I was concerned that I would not be able to continue. I was prayed up but I couldn't even run for one second without my knees buckling.

They said the marathon is out if I planned to run it straight through but if I had a different plan that I could show them and we could work together, then maybe at least they could get me to the finish line. So here comes the change in my plan and the introduction to the Jeff Galloway Method.

With hard work, dedication, MONTHS of training, proper nutrition, and a dedicated team of women supporting me through this journey, my goal was just to finish and finish injury free!! But I am going to toot my on horn right now!!

With 8 hours available to finish the race, I still had 1 hour and 15 minutes remaining, plus walked away with a huge medal, a smile on my face, and with NO injuries!! WON'T HE DO IT!!

While the journey wasn't easy, I stuck to my training. I was constantly told, "Just Trust Your Training, You Got This"! When my mind wanted to think differently, I would say that to myself. Now continuing with my training, today was my first day of recovery and it called for a 60 minute slow walk. I'll TAKE THAT!!

Be Blessed! S.T.A.R.S., THANK YOU again for all of your support!! I couldn't have made it through without you!!

My 50th Birthday

By Mitzi Johnson

My SiS.T.A.R.S. Sistahs showed up and showed out this morning... for my Birthday Celebration! I asked for friends and Fam to do a 5k with me and these ladies came out in the cold on the morning of 3/26/16! The Son (Sun) showed up as he always does for me and it was a beautiful SunnyDay!

We got in a 5k that morning!
‪#‎WeLoveMedals‬

Moving always AlwaysMoving!!!
We missed Nicolette!
Spent a b-day doing exactly what I wanted to do!

And the Winner is...

Thank you to all who submitted photos in honor of National Minority Health Month, the 5th year of S.T.A.R.S. and for our FREE 5K Entry!

STARS - Sisters Taking Action Reversing Statistics CONGRATULATES WINNIES CAKES! 
Congrats on your Fifth Third River Bank Run 5K ROAD RACE ENTRY! 
THANK YOU ALL!!!! HAPPY FEET! Keep following, posting, sharing and liking our 
social media sites for more opportunities for YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! 
   ‪#‎STARSPWR‬

We Walk/Run for Flint Continues

S.T.A.R.S. are supporting the people of FLINT, MI in a VIRTUAL EVENT!

We ask you to join us by: Running... Walking... or Jogging on SATURDAY, APRIL 30th

Grand Rapids, Michigan Locations:
SATURDAY, APRIL 30th or Any time thereafter! Just use the link below
7am: M6 (meet at Starbucks 68th/Kazoo)
12 noon: Ottawa Hills High School TRACK
Or Join us VIRTUALLY from your city or location

It is a VIRTUAL EVENT. This means YOU from Atlanta to Oklahoma, just log on at the link below, join our team- proceeds support Flint Water Crisis. You receive a Medal in the Mail- and it's that Easy!! Good Cause, Good Health, Good Reward!

Join under our team: STARS NATIONAL
Sign up Here: http://tiny.cc/WeRunForFlint
Fee: $25.00

http://www.racesforawareness.com/shop/virtual-races/flint/

‪#‎OhYeah_TheresA_Medal2‬
‪#‎APRIL_NationalMinorityHealthMonth‬
‪#‎STARSPWR‬

Here's a chance to win a FREE 5k Entry! To celebrate the 5 YEAR existence of S.T.A.R.S. and in honor of National Minority Health Month we are giving away a Fifth Third Riverbank Run Race Entry. One lucky winner will be the recipient, why not you? 💪💪💪

To win, tag us in your photos by posting them to our social media sites-

https://twitter.com/starspwr ‪and FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/STARS-Sisters-Taking-Action-Reversing-Statistics-2427743650698220/?fref=ts
💪💪
💪


You can post as many as you want as frequent as you want. We look forward to seeing them!

We Run/Walk for Flint

In honor of National Minority Health Month, JOIN US!!!! You can join us from wherever you are.

It is a VIRTUAL EVENT. This means from Atlanta to Oklahoma, just log on at the link below, join our team- proceeds support Flint Water Crisis. You receive a Medal in the Mail- and it's that Easy!! 

Good Cause, Good Health, Good Reward!

Sign up under STARS NATIONAL
Sign up Here: http://tiny.cc/WeRunForFlint

The cost is $25 and the proceeds benefit the FLINT WATER CRISIS!

Gazelle Girl in West Michigan 2016

Gazelle Girls 2016. Congratulations to our S.T.A.R.S. who led many women to the finish line on April 17, 2016 at Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thank you to Gazelle Sports, Nike for sponsoring and CONGRATS to all of the first timers who MADE THEIR DREAMS A REALITY!

                                  Pacers Aliya, Janet and LaShaundra are pictured here.

Amy & Josephine. Josephine completed her first half-marathon!