FFFC: Please introduce yourself to our readers.
DW: I am Delores, a health and wellness enthusiast who has been actively living a fit, healthy life-style while giving this aging thing a run for its money!!!! As much as I would love to be surrounded by personal trainers, professional chefs and a well-equipped private fitness center, the reality for me (like it is for most of us), is not in my near reality. I will have more than my share of challenges, slip ups and let downs that will intrude, overwhelm and otherwise, entice me to forgo my commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
FFFC: How and why did you get started running?
DW: I got the running bug several years ago when my, now adult daughter, came home one semester from college a much trimmer, firmer and healthier version of herself. And although throughout all of her life she was hauled (by me) from one fitness class/activity to another – can you say Jazzercise, spinning, step class, aqua aerobics, weight room? – I had never given any serious thought to running. Now, I’ve WALKED my share of marathons raising money for different children’s charities; however, the idea of running – as a form exercise – never entered my mind *side eye*. She credited running and mindful eating to her new healthier self. Inspired by her success, she and I joined our local YWCA and I hit the treadmill for the first time. Over the years I’ve come to find peace in pounding the #asphalt. This summer, I added running to my fitness tool belt and successfully completed my first official 5K *woo hoo!!!*
FFFC: What do you like most about running?
DW: I define my run time as ‘me time’. What I like most about the time that I’m out pounding the #asphalt ( or treadmill now that the weather is getting colder) is that allows me time to either, decompress, clear my head or to zone out. Now, at least four times a week I throw on my workouts, activate my fitness app and I’m off. So far, I have not experienced any setbacks *knocking wood* and my biggest challenge has been finding more days in the week to run!
FFFC: Do you belong to a running group? Show’em some love right here.
DW: Usually I’m a Lone Ranger when it comes to working out, but this month I’ve been accepted as a member of the National Black Marathoners’ Association ( a.k.a. NBMA ). ALERT!! SHAMELESS PROMOTION COMING UP!!! —-They are a not-for-profit organization that is open to everyone, regardless of your athletic ability or previous marathon experience. Their objectives include encouraging, not only Black Americans, but people of all ethnic groups, to pursue a healthy life-style through long distance running and walking. Also, the organization serves as a vehicle for Black American distance runners across the nation to meet in mass at a single marathon. Additionally, this organization provides scholarships to deserving high school boy and girl distance runners.
FFFC: What do you do to stay in tip top running shape (exercise, nutrition, etc.)?
DW: Running is quickly becoming my fitness passion but I do like to keep my workout fresh, challenging and balanced. This makes for an eclectic week that includes; Zumba, Yoga, Weight training and Pole Fitness. Cardio, strength and flexibility training coupled with a mindful eating strategy has lead to a successful journey on this road of a more healthier me!
FFFC: Do you have any upcoming races planned?
DW: With winter finally rearing its head, I thought that I would have to wait until next summer before I could participate in more races. But through the magic of social media, I’ve discovered the world of Virtual Races. So, while I work on improving my time, speed and endurance over the next few months, I plan to run monthly 5K and 10K Virtual Runs until the weather breaks. *I’m still in the process of selecting the races but I’ll be sure to post all of this fabulousness on My Blog*. As for the summer of 2014, all of this winter’s improvements are for the two half- marathons that I have my heart set on finishing. Right now I haven’t found an official ‘training program’ so I’ve been relying mostly on the information that I’ve read in running magazines and on websites of racing’s elite runners.
FFFC: Any advice for someone interested in starting to run?
DW: Being a newbie to this running thing, I look forward to learning all there is to know about this very rewarding sport. As a novice, I would offer to those who are interested in starting to run is to be patient with yourself and find enjoyment in very run.
FFFC: How can our readers learn more about your running journey? (i.e. Blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
DW: I’d like to thank Diatta for giving me this opportunity to share my fitness story with her readers. I look forward to keeping up with you guys and all of your running successes on Femme Fitale Fit Club’s Facebook Page. In the meantime, Diatta has allowed me to give myself a shameless plug…. So here it goes…. “Stop in sometime and share my running & fitness adventures in cyberspace. Leave me a comment to let me know that you’ve been there. And by all means let me know how I can check out all of your fitness fabulousness by telling me how to find you in the cyber world.
Blogosphere:
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Have fun with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FemmeFitaleFitness
1 Reply to "Femme Fitale Fit Club presents Fierce Women Series - Delores Williams"
projectwhitespace November 12, 2013 (8:45 am)
Hi Delores and Diatta!
Really cool that you were inspired by your daughter to start running–and the marathon group you got into (NBMA)? Pretty cool as well. I’ve done one marathon and when you get up into the double digit runs, it’s nice to have someone to do it with. Hopefully you connect with someone there to join in with. Either way, it sounds like you are pretty well set in your fitness journey!