About S.T.A.R.S.

S.T.A.R.S. is a group of women, moms, care-givers who are on a mission to encourage, inspire, and motivate othershirt get active, get moving and be healthy role models. We are agents of change. We understand the struggle. It is a lifelong fight.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

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!!


Friday, May 6, 2016

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!

Sunday, May 1, 2016

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