Fitness with Aliya

The morning's run was rough. My glasses were on top of my head. They were so fogged up I couldn't see. That's not ideal when you're running off-road and big rigs are coming up hill at you and you can't see them. I'm really over running with a mask, over COVID-19. I'm pretty sure it's not the right type. It's soaked with mucus and sweat.  🤦🏽‍♀️ I'm the type of person that when all this "funk" gets in my head my running is really junk miles. My run is so off that I'm gone. I' m slow running. My pace is off, my breathing is off and it's a wack run. Anyone else?  😣 😣 😩 I look down at my shoes and then I think, ugggh I need new shoes SO BAD! My local shoe store is closed as a result of the pandemic! "Focus, girl get your head in the game Girl" I'm thinking to myself as I hit the turn around. An encouraging voice whispers, "at least you have legs." It's my Grandmother's voice.  ❤️ The day befor...

Chasing States... Challenges, Choices and Chuckles and what is a "Back to Back" anyway? Funny story, my colleague is from Mexico. She's not a runner, but her uncle recently qualified for Boston and he posted on one of his social media accounts about his "PR." She knew I had run Chicago and Berlin and so had he. I asked her about his regimen, training and suggested, jokingly that he coach me (because he is many miles away). I later inquired about his PR and she chuckled. She told me the first time she saw it she thought it meant for "Puerto Rico." I said but he's from Mexico. She said I know, but I couldn't figure out why else he would post PR! (runner peeps now you know that tickled me)😂😂. She was so serious too. This reminded me how we can have a complete conversation using jargon that keeps so many out of the loops. Although it is unintentional it tends to isolate others from the conversation and the sport. With that being said...

I often shudder when I hear people compliment me on being a caring and giving individual. I mean the way the go on I have to do a double take. I have not always been known for doing for others. It’s often hard for me to hear, "you’re such a selfless person". I often look around to see if the utterer of those words is speaking to someone else. They CAN’T be talking to ME. Particularly, because in my past I always did things for recognition. Seldom did I do things solely for the “good of it.” I’m not bragging about my previous way of life. I am simply being transparent about my selfish tinkering. It was the way I was built. I hated sharing food, sharing space, and spending “my time” with other people when it was not convenient for me. I think becoming a mom definitely changed my perspective on life. I am sure losing my mom also played a significant role in how I decided to view relationships and valued the gift of sharing. Time is promised to no man and exis...

I'm taking on 26.2 miles for Cancer. In October I must have a goal met.  I'm trying to improve the lives of those living with cancer and to help find a cure. I took on this mission a short time ago. My mother passed away from cancer in 2007. My journey started shortly after; "a champion for cancer awareness." A few years later my Godmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I still remember sitting in the store parking lot when her daughter called me to give me the news. It WAS a great day until she RUINED my mood. It helped me to finalize a decision I had been contemplating, cut all my hair off. Today, my Godmother is a SURVIVOR. 11-11-11. I never saw anyone champion so hard before in my life. She's never missed a beat including the birth of my first kid! She shoved the phone in my face right after I came out of delivery. I mean immediately after childbirth, so the same daughter who called me with the painstaking news of her diagnosis could be just as close to ...

Forrest is my maiden name. I like to think it has power. Today was our regularly scheduled S.T.A.R.S. Run-Up. I pulled up feeling under dressed because the clouds were out in full force and my tank top was feeling a little underserved. I refused to "get going" until I got my headphones to sync. I just really appreciate the camaraderie and support our group provides. We are free to move at our own pace. I am post Iowa run, half #26, and sate #13 and one of my worst race times ever. Nonetheless, in this space with my girls I feel great. What they don't know is my back is still hurting, my ego is bruised, my left calf won't set me free. Their biggest concern is, are you still fumbling with those headphones? LOL! My spirit is defeated. I don't really feel like giving it "a go" but it was always in the plan, the warm up, the calculated music selection, the clothing dress, me not harassing/picking up another run club member. In my head I heard another girlfri...