Fitness with Aliya

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...

WOW, IOWA, WOW! I completed the state of Iowa on my 50 state journey with Mainly Marathons. This is a race series that caters to individuals on a 50 state race quest. Great Experience. Great Company. Great Scenery! It was the Heartland Series, day 5. The city was gorgeous! I have to be honest, it was not at all what I expected from Iowa. I was thinking corn fields and lots of trees, lots of cows, and more corn. 😂😂 Two of my running buddies accompanied me and the drive was not bad at all, not scenic, but once we arrived boy was it breathtaking. WELCOME TO CLINTON ON THE MISSISSIPPI! The sites of water was so soothing, the sun was calming and the people were very welcoming. We ate at The Candlelight Inn and there was not a disappointed guest in our party. Our meals were delicious. The restaurant overlooks the water. There is dining in and outside and the ambience is perfect. Clinton is a small town with big appeal. The medal is definitely one of my favorites. If you run ...