Hello good people! I am so excited about this story. Many of you know, last August, I joined Black Girls Run. It has truly helped me stay committed to living a healthier lifestyle. With over 5,000 members on the BGR-ATL Facebook page, it’s like having over 5,000 accountability partners. Whoever said Black Girls don’t run, I can show you better than I can tell you.
Anyway, in addition to running, this group has inspired women to become bike riders, mountain climbers, and even swimmers….That’s right! Black Girls Swim too….really they do! Well, I bet you didn’t know that Black Girls do Triathlons……Yea I said it! Yes, we do.
I am always intrigued by everyone’s daily workout endeavors, on the Facebook newsfeed. Recently, I came across a post from one of my fellow BGR sisters, and naturalista, Andrea Sheppard, discussing her upcoming Triathlon. I couldn’t believe it. My initial thought was “We” do that????? I thought I was doing something by running. Yet, this sistah is about to run….and some.
Andrea has been running on and off since high school. However, like the saying goes, “When you know better you do better.” She, like me, finally realized if we want to see changes in your health…and in your hips…you have to suck it up and exercise. Therefore, she has dedicated herself to staying 
physically fit, by running, since 2010. (She has already checked completing a full marathon off her Bucket List) I just had to interview her immediately to find out what goes on in the mind of someone who decides to embark on a triathlon…her second one at that! Check it out!
1. First and foremost: What inspired you to participate in a Tri? I was inspired by the variety of sports combined into one race.
2. What exactly is a triathlon? A Triathlon is a three sport race. The first sport is swimming, the second sport is biking, and the third sport is running.
3. How have you been training for it? When I completed my first triathlon, I trained with a triathlon club. Training took about 2-3 months. Proper training is the key. Training clubs may be expensive, I suggest training with others that have the same goal.
4. How long have you been natural? I still call myself in the transitioning stage. I received my last relaxer in April 2011. One year to that date, I cut off all of my remaining relaxed hair. I am still trying to adjust to my short natural hair (Sidenote: I understand…that was my biggest challenge when I cut off all of my relaxed hair.)
5. Has your hair affected your workout? My workouts often make my hair frizzy depending on what style I’m rocking! (Sidenote: That doesn’t stop her from gettin’ it in!!)
6. What words of wisdom can you share for other women contemplating on participating in a triathlon…or to someone thinking about beginning any new workout endeavor? Like I mentioned before, train with a group. People with like minds support you and understand your goals.
Thanks Andrea! Your story is an inspiration to us all. Thanks for keeping me motivated! Team kinkylikeme.com wishes you all the best!! GOOD LUCK!!
Team Kinky which includes myself, Marilyn and Ayoluwa will be heading out to Lawrenceville, Ga. to Natural Essentials Salon and Spa. To Atlanta’s National Natural Hair Meet-up Day. We are pysched about this history making event! I understand that the event is being held in over 25 other cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and D.C.
