White girl running
March 6, 2012 at 10:52 pm 104 comments
This all began more than a year ago, as I sat in the audience at a Social Media Week event about fitness blogging that was hosted by Beautiful Athlete‘s Tina Shoulders. Ashley Hicks was on the panel to talk about Black Girls Run! Ashley seemed cool and fun and had started BGR!, a running blog (with co-founder Toni Carey) that was gaining a ton of fans. Naturally, I seethed with envy. And curiosity. So when I got home, I checked out their site and became a fan myself. But a closet fan. Because although I really liked everything they were saying and doing and promoting—and their VERY cool pink-black-and-white branded gear—I kind of felt like I was interfering. Hanging out somewhere I shouldn’t. Trying to horn in on something (an identity? I don’t know) that doesn’t belong to me.
But then, two things happened. In April, BGR! featured a post called “White Girls Run, too,” in which one of the ladies (not sure if it’s Ashley or Toni) talked about how her BGR! shirt got a weird reaction from the white, female desk clerk at her local YMCA. The end of that post read:
So for all the white women who follow us (or would like to), you don’t have to stand on the sidelines and watch from a distance. We want and need your support. Be a part of the movement!
I wish I could say that right then, I made a decision to show my support. But still, I hesitated, feeling like a big dork. Cut to months later, when after seeing so many New York-area runners decked out in fierce BGR! gear at the Rock ‘n’ Roll New York 10K in Brooklyn, I finally fired off this tweet:
Sad but true: Though my conscience poked at me to do something earlier, it was fashion that finally pushed me to actual action. How psyched was I when they responded?!?
YES! I sent them my address, they sent me this shirt:
Because of the holidays, travel, and some Achilles’ woes, I didn’t race much at the end of last year/beginning of this year. But this past Sunday, at New York Road Runners‘ Coogan’s Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K, I wore the shirt with pride.
Pretty fly for a white girl?
All this to say, Black Girls Run! are some pretty awesome people. I love what they stand for, and I love anyone and everyone who wants to run as a way to be healthier, happier, and better. If it’ll have me, this WG would love to be a proud part of #BGRnation.
Entry filed under: Ooh Racy!, Uncategorized. Tags: Ashley Hicks, BGRnation, Black Girls Run!, Coogan's 5K, New York Road Runners, Races, run, running, Social Media Week, Tina Shoulders, Toni Carey, white girls.
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Haul Buns 
1.
Dana | March 6, 2012 at 11:25 pm
That shirt looks good on you! I hope that you had a great race.
2.
BossyGirl | March 6, 2012 at 11:25 pm
I;m glad you wore the shirt and decided to join the movement!
3.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 12:18 am
Thanks so much! I’ll be sporting it a lot from now on.
4.
Steph | March 6, 2012 at 11:26 pm
LOVE this post! You rock HaulBuns! Welcome to the movement! You rocking that shirt! 🙂
5.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 12:17 am
Thanks, mama! I appreciate the love!
6.
KJ Perry | March 6, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Woohoo! Lookin good in that t-shirt! You rock! Thanks for understanding the message and supporting it. And you’re right, the gear is pretty sweet 🙂 Happy Running!
7.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 12:15 am
Thanks for the welcome (and the compliment). Happy running to you, too!
8.
Alicia | March 6, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Of course we will have you! LOL you are working that shirt mama!
Alicia
BGR Raleigh, NC
9.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 12:14 am
Thanks so much, Alicia! Dude, if I had known BGR was so good for my ego, I would’ve joined up a long time ago!
10.
Antanyah Davis | March 7, 2012 at 12:15 am
This is a wonderful story! I ran the Coogan’s this wknd, it was my first race! Wish I would’ve saw you there! Did you see the other members of BGR!??
11.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:25 pm
I didn’t see any other BGR members there, Antanyah. But I’ll definitely say hi at the next race!
12.
Antanyah Davis | March 7, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Well rock that shirt and we will definitely keep an eye out for you! Preserve the Sexy…….”EVERYBODY”!!
13.
Val Skin | March 7, 2012 at 12:19 am
Awesomeness!!!! Run Girl Run!! I wish i saw you at the Coogans! Rock that Shirt!
Valerie
BGR NYC
14.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 1:02 am
Dude, you would’ve seen a lot of huffing and puffing on those hills! Thanks for the love.
15.
Tara Taylor | March 7, 2012 at 12:27 am
This is awesome!
16.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 1:02 am
Thanks so much, Tara!
17.
Marian | March 7, 2012 at 12:27 am
Love your blog post. At the end of the day, it’s all about being the healthiest, happiest you, you can be. Plus…the shirt looks good on you to boot. 🙂 Happy running.
18.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 1:03 am
Aw, so kind. Thanks so much.
19.
Deborah | March 7, 2012 at 12:27 am
Thank you so much for this article! I am glad you are a part of BGR. You explained the message so eloquently and you embody it as well. BGR is not about outward appearance. In my group, we are all different shades, shapes, and sizes with different fitness goals. Its definitely a movement and your participation shows just that. Together we are broadening the concept of what it means to be a runner.
Deborah
BGR Nashville, TN
20.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 1:05 am
Deborah, I love your description of your group. I remember having a hard time actually getting myself to attend my first running group years ago because I thought I didn’t look like a runner. If only I had known that most groups are just like yours: people of all types, there for their own reasons, cheering each other on. Let’s spread the word!
21.
ursula carter | March 7, 2012 at 12:40 am
Awesome article. Loving the sisterhood! Women rock!!!!
22.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 1:05 am
All of you guys are seriously making me well up. Thank YOU!
23.
dmh837 | March 7, 2012 at 12:55 am
Cant say how much I love this post! We need more of this! Support is what it’s all about.
24.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 1:06 am
So awesome of you to take the time to comment. I totally agree!
25.
Julie Broussard Berko | March 7, 2012 at 1:03 am
You rock…welcome to the nation!
26.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:13 am
Thanks! You rock, too!
27.
Vivia | March 7, 2012 at 1:04 am
I run with BGR ATL and it took me a looooong time to finally get out and run. So glad you got the nerve to come out. Sistahs (all of us) have got to stick together. Thanks for sharing your story.
28.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:13 am
I’m glad we both had the nerve, Vivia. Life’s better because of it, right?
29.
Integrated Memoirs | March 7, 2012 at 1:05 am
I love LOVE this posting!!
30.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:14 am
Thanks so much!
31.
cozy | March 7, 2012 at 1:13 am
So glad that the white sister chose to just be a sister!!!! You looked famous and I know that all of us are happy that you spoke out and wore the shirt and made all of us proud!!
32.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:16 am
Thanks for the kind words. You all are so incredible! (And you all LOOK so incredible. What’s up with that? Must be the love shining through.)
33.
Tanya | March 7, 2012 at 1:15 am
Girl, I love the fact that you were brave enough to see beyond color and feel the love. At the end of the day sisterhood reigns especially when you’re sweaty and funky after a good run. Who cares what color you are? All I care about is if you have my back or not. This BGR! sista definitely has yours!
Preserve the Sexy!
34.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:17 am
I’ve got your back, Tanya! And I DEFINITELY bring the funk after a good run. (tmi?)
35.
Sheena | March 7, 2012 at 1:20 am
Aww I love this post it makes me so excited !!!!!Welcome to the movement 🙂
36.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:20 am
Thanks, Sheena! All of you fit ladies are making me excited about running—even more than normal.
37.
Angel Taylor | March 7, 2012 at 1:25 am
Awesome post! You wear that shirt proudly and welcome to the #BGRNation
38.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:20 am
Done! Thanks for the welcome, Angel.
39.
Necia | March 7, 2012 at 1:36 am
All paces all races. No boys! The shirt looks great on you! Preserve the sexy! Hope you had a GREAT race.
40.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 1:49 am
Someone seriously needs to make a shirt that says “All paces, all races, no boys!” Thanks! The race was hilly but great.
41.
BK | March 7, 2012 at 2:00 am
^5!!! Hope you had an awesome race!!! hope to see you on the pavement!
42.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:21 am
You definitely will! Thanks so much.
43.
simone | March 7, 2012 at 2:05 am
I’m glad to see u in that shirt. I was talking about bgr and the said what about white girls. I said u can be a part of the group too.
44.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:18 am
I feel so welcome. I’ll spread the word!
45.
tasha (tootie) BGR, Los Angeles | March 7, 2012 at 2:15 am
wow! luved your blog…..and super cool of your to sport your t’shirt with pride!!!! WAAAYYYY 2 CUTE!!!! #HaulBunsRocks!
46.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:19 am
#TashaRocksToo! Thanks! xo
47.
Gail M. | March 7, 2012 at 2:21 am
come join us at one of our regulars runs. would love to have you
48.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:28 pm
That’s so cool, Gail! Where/when do you guys run?
49.
Alisia Muir | March 7, 2012 at 2:22 am
I HEART this! Completely outstanding. Yes, WGR2….women run. Period. And…we rock!
50.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Thanks so much, Alisia! You all are making me feel so happy about running and sisterhood and all that good stuff.
51.
Lydia | March 7, 2012 at 2:27 am
Run on sister! You are pure awesomeness! Keep up the good work 🙂
52.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Thanks, mama! You too!
53.
Chelsea | March 7, 2012 at 3:06 am
i haven’t yet started training but you’re damn skippy I’ll be sporting my pink and black! run girl!
54.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Let us know how it goes, Chelsea! I’d love to hear about the changes that training makes in your life.
55.
Swankyone - Baton Rouge, LA | March 7, 2012 at 3:09 am
So proud to have you with us. You are rockin’ that BGR gear honey! Sending you sisterhood hugs and kisses.
56.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:31 pm
So honored to be with you guys. Hugs and love right back atcha.
57.
Shon | March 7, 2012 at 3:17 am
Love it!!! Hey, I am a member of BGR! Charleston, SC!! I am a new follower!! I would love to rock a Haul Buns t’shirt! I applaud all that you are doing in your corner of the world regarding fitness!!
58.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Thanks so much, Shon! I’ve really got to get some HB gear together!
59.
Val Skin | March 7, 2012 at 3:23 am
yes those hills were a beast!! but we finished right! r u running the mini 10k?
60.
Stacey | March 7, 2012 at 3:28 am
Absolutely LUV!!! 🙂
61.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Thanks so much, Stacey!
62.
Stephanie | March 7, 2012 at 3:37 am
Heck yea we want you!!! GF you were working that shirt.
63.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:33 pm
I love how so many commenters have said I was “working” the shirt. If by “working” you mean “sucking in my gut while simultaneously trying to make my boobs look bigger,” then yes. Yes, I was. 🙂
64.
Rocky | March 7, 2012 at 4:07 am
A Fellow BGR just posted your blog entry on our BGR! Houston Chapter wall. WELCOME, Sister in Sweat! I applaud your gumption which is all you really need to be BGR! You look great in the shirt! Keep running and keep being fierce!
65.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Hello, Houston folk! Thanks for the welcome and the love.
66.
Juanne | March 7, 2012 at 4:49 am
Kim,
Welcome to the BGR! movement and thanks for the support. We’d love to have you join us for our group runs. You’ve already got the gear! 🙂 Drop me a line at jrenee2u@aol.com.
Juanne
BGR! NYC Ambassador
67.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Juanne, sending you an e-mail right now! Would love to run with you guys. Thanks!
68.
Juanne | March 7, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Hey Kim – did you email me? If you did I didn’t receive the message 😦 Please try again and/or post your info so I can contact you. Looking forward to meeting you!
69.
Valarie | March 7, 2012 at 9:01 am
You wear it well!
BGR Atlanta
70.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Thanks so much, Valarie!
71.
Natasha A. Craig | March 7, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Love this!!!!!! You rock, chica! Wear that shirt with pride. I’ve had several white female runners comment that they loved my shirt…. Some even shout out “Black Girls Run” when they pass me (lol-I’m a slow runner so folks are always passing me). Thank you for supporting the movement!
Tash
BGR-Southern MD
72.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Thanks, Tash! Do you yell anything back when the white girls cheer, like “Heck yeah, they do!” 🙂
73.
Natasha A. Craig | March 7, 2012 at 2:44 pm
I always yell back the same thing “Yes we do and we ALL preserve the sexy!” LOL. You are too funny re: working the shirt. Get it girl!!
74.
ernise | March 7, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Glad you got over your envy and rocked that shirt! We have a few white girls in our BGR! group and they rock the shirt! All the best!
75.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Thanks, Ernise! I’m glad, too.
76.
Shawn | March 7, 2012 at 1:14 pm
I love this post. Thanks for the support.
77.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Thanks, Shawn. It means so much to hear from all of you guys.
78.
Emily | March 7, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Looking good….Welcome to BGR and the Movement! If you’re ever in Philly, give me a shout and we can get a run in…I’m on FB at Emily BO…
79.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Awesome. Thanks, Emily! Would love to run with you.
80.
Nicole Davis | March 7, 2012 at 3:00 pm
I love it! Thank you for sharing and welcome to the Club 🙂
81.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Thanks, Nicole! Thanks for taking the time to say hi.
82.
ctdorrough | March 7, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Very cool…welcome to BGRNation. There are several WG, LG and AGs that run and support us. The fabulous Katie Weaver Key of katierunsthis.com is an avid supporter of BGR and introduced a good friend to BGR-ATL.
P.S. I have the same shirt :o)
83.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Awesome! I’ll check out Katie’s blog (and yours)! Thanks for the tip.
84.
Nadia R | March 7, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Love your blog and your honesty!! I’m glad you got over your hesistation and inquired about the shirt (which looks great on you) ! This movement has no color!! We are all sisters!!!(e-hugs)
Nadia
BGR-Cleveland
85.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Thanks, Nadia! Glad to be a part of the movement from here on in!
86.
Glen Green (@19threeg06) | March 7, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Two of my friends are BGR and I ran this weekend with them In NOLA Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. I have to say all the BGR I saw out there in their assorted Black Pink and White gear looked awesome. Once I caught up with my friends at the finish, I had not seen them in two years but I see that BGR has definitely preserved their sexy and is still working on them. I am inspired to keep up my running if BGR is helping them to not only PTS but aid in keeping them fit and healthy. So on my next run when I see the BGR t-shirt or sweat I am gonna use that person as a pacer for me to keep up and finish strong. Signed Brotha Man Runnin after the BGR!
87.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Glen, I love this so much. I’m blessed to have a man in my life who’s super supportive of my decision to make fitness a priority, and it sounds like you’re one of the good ones, too. And what an awesome idea: BGR as pace team! I may have to try that myself.
88.
Valerie | March 7, 2012 at 5:31 pm
This is so fabulous!
89.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 6:21 pm
Thanks, Valerie! I appreciate it.
90.
Chantel Shealy | March 7, 2012 at 9:57 pm
I so wished we saw you @ coogans. It was my first race the BGR ladies are great. Welcome to the movenent.
91.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 10:08 pm
I wish so, too! Congrats on your first race! How did you feel after?
92.
Chantel Shealy | March 7, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Thanks Good but those hills were murder. LOL But was a good race for my first.
93.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Total murder. You’re hard-core for doing it your first!
94.
Neeks | March 7, 2012 at 10:51 pm
Awesome post! It made me feel all tingly inside. LOL Thanks for your support and welcome to the BGR! Movement!
95.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Thanks so much! You rock.
96.
Dee | March 7, 2012 at 11:35 pm
I don’t care that you are white. We are all one race the HUMAN RACE and by the way one this is VERY certain. YOU ARE ROCKING THAT SHIRT…. You Go GIRL!!!!
97.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 7, 2012 at 11:42 pm
Aw, thanks Dee!
98.
Jacq | March 8, 2012 at 12:13 am
You are workin’ that shirt, mama! Welcome to the movement. Glad to have you on board!
99.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 8, 2012 at 12:28 am
Thanks so much! You’ve all been so awesome. xo
100.
Dominique Morisseau | March 8, 2012 at 4:08 am
Awesome blog. Happy you joined the cause and saw the value in connecting even if you weren’t a Black girl who runs. White girls running is equally as righteous. Not being intimidated by inter-community outreach is a beautiful way to support everyone’s efforts to better their community, which is ultimately ALL of our communities. And I look forward to joining the movement my damn self.
peaceandlove- from a black girl who runs on treadmills, and is ready to expand:)
101.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 8, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Thanks, Dominique! Really nicely put.
102.
Pam D | April 12, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Loved the blog. Bottom line, it comes down to a shared passion. I’ve been a runner now for 3 years and will be a runner for life! Looking forward to reading more from you 🙂
103.
A'jae | March 1, 2013 at 8:48 pm
I know I’m late…but I just ran across your blog! This post made my day!!! You rock that BGR shirt WELL I must say! I’m so glad you decided to you join the movement. I love my BGR Sisters! I hope you’re still blogging! I’d love to read more.
Artney
BGR! Birmingham, AL
104.
kimberlyroots2009 | March 6, 2013 at 2:17 am
Thanks for the really kind words! I got a little sidetracked in the past year, but the blog’s not dead — it’s just sleeping. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading.