How did you get started?
My cousin @raydimp was a captain with @harlemrun and for almost a year kept telling me about how amazing running was and for me to come out. However I always found an excuse. A pivotal point in my life impacted my mindset on life so I began to eat healthier and starting going to gym classes. My cousin lied to me and said that harlemrun had new workouts not just running. So I came out in June 2015 I came out and never stopped coming back. I fell in love with the energy, support and overall community. It’s not part of my Overall lifestyle.
What motivates you to keep going?
That a great question! There are many motivators but I love to help others transition like I have transitioned. So I love helping others evolve and helping them see themselves through different lens. It always warms my heart when former walkers/run-walkers come back and thank me for helping, encouraging, etc. I also use running as a coping mechanism to cope with emotions or simply to think things through and make decisions. Running is such a vehicle in my life. I have always cared for the community and given back but Alison Désir showed me more. She has shown me about community organizing and most importantly she has demonstrate how it can be used as a tool for activism and change.
My greatest success is...
I have many amazing accomplishments in my life from earning my master degree and To being first in the military in my family. However out of all the accomplishments the one that forever stands out the most was my first and only marathon- NYC Marathon 2017. Despite quitting my job due to toxic environment and having no job I was able to run a marathon in 4:54. I never thought it possible and despite others telling me otherwise I just didn’t think it would happen. It wasn’t until I crushed the finish line and Commissioner Mitch Silver came over and hugged me that it became a reality. I just cried like a baby out of pure excitement and sense of pride in my life. However I would have never been able to do this without the amazing running community I have behind.
My ultimate goal is....
My goal is to help people move through fitness and ultimately live a healthier and happier life in all realms: mind, body and soul. I want individuals to find there love in a type of fitness and see how creating a small shift can change so much in our life.
Any motivational quotes or what is your favorite race?
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller
Instagram: lovelylisa125
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