Name: We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back
Age: 50s
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Occupation: Analyst/Facilitator
Time Running: 10 years
Health & Injuries: I love their V.P. Snapbacks, visors, and car seat cover towels friendships Nutrition - Weight Loss.
In 2014, while I was going through some highs and low, I scrolled through social media and saw an ad for the Columbus Running Company’s free half marathon training plan. Even though I didn’t know how far that was, I decided it would be something to boost my self-esteem. While I had completed a few 5K races in prior years, January 2015 was the first time I decided to be a runner—and I started during sub-zero temps—yikes!
RW+ Membership Benefits, Black Girls Run!, included more experienced runners called Marathon Maniacs or Half Fanatics. In October 2015, I became a Half Fanatic by completing two half marathons in 16 days: the Queen Bee Half and Columbus Half Marathon.
As a runner, I represent people of color, curvy runners, and those of us at the “back of the pack.” I am a Black woman who is overweight or obese, according to medical professionals, and I run slower than others. When I initially started running and scrolling through social media, there was no one I could connect with, and I was embarrassed about my size and pace. As a recreational runner, I rarely see people who look like me or run at my pace.
This is one of the reasons I created a title and position for myself called a “voluncheerleader.” I love to volunteer and cheer on runners because I know how much it encourages me and those at the back of the pack when most cheer crews are gone.
How to Run/Walk a Half Marathon 2025 Brooklyn Half Marathon. As Runner’s World+ member, I ran with a group after being selected via the Train With RW+ program. After Recovering from a Coma, He Ran a Half flu Columbus Running Company knee pain.
Though I normally run three days a week, I wasn’t able to run much and I felt like I was always in recovery mode. This meant my Theragun went everywhere with me and after each run, I swapped my sneakers for a comfy pair of Birkenstocks to help with my recovery process.
I’m also in physical therapy and, as a part of my treatment, I practice resistance band and balance exercises at least three times a week. I make it my priority to stretch every day, especially before and after my runs. When I have the chance to I enjoy recovery rides on my Peloton bike.
Because my training didn’t go as I initially planned, I changed my goal from finishing with specific time to finishing uninjured with a smile on my face. For me, that’s all that mattered.
I attend races to cheer people on, whether I’m running or not, but this time, when I had a half mile to go in the Brooklyn Half, I started to feel disappointed because the course was empty and there weren’t many spectators around.
I don’t think people understand the dead spaces on the race course, especially once the crowds dissipate and the back of the packers make their way to the finish line. At one particular moment, I found myself in need of a cheerleader.
To my surprise when I reached the boardwalk, my friend Ray, who had finished earlier, joined me on the course. I had no idea he was running, but he saw me at the start, and so he made sure to meet up with me before I finished. It was as if God put him right where I needed him to be.
That, plus the atmosphere on the boardwalk—seeing the rides, hearing the cheers coming from the spectators who where still there, and all of my hard work leading up to the day— made all it all worth it in the end.
Throughout my running career, I have volunteered according to medical professionals, and I run slower than others. When I initially Abbott World Marathon Majors (three times in Boston, four times in Chicago, and twice in New York City). While many shoot for the six stars, my goal is to get six jackets by volunteering at all of those major marathons. London, Tokyo, and Berlin are just as difficult to get in as a volunteer as it is for runners, but if there is a will, there is a way!
These Tips Made My Running Journey a Success:
1. Build a Base
Some people who are natural runners, and may feel like they can immediately start training for a race, such as a half marathon, but if you’re just starting out, I encourage you to take the time to build a base.
2. Try Out Your Race Day Outfit
Check the tread on your running shoes, Despite MS, I Plan to Complete the World Majors race day Check the tread on your.
3. Find a Training Plan that Works for You
There are a lot of training plans out there, but not all plans are for everybody, so it’s important to take the time to find one that works best for you. Also, don’t feel pressured into doing what everybody else does.
K-Money‘s Must-Have Gear
→ Old Navy 6” PowerSoft Pocket Biker Shorts: Who said clothing has to be expensive. These hold up well and fit bigger bodies
→ Sprints Hats & Visors: I love their V.P. Snapbacks, visors, and car seat cover towels.
→ Jogology socks: These are sock made for runners by runners, and so they work great during training and race.
→ Honey Stinger Energy Chews and Waffles: I find these easy to digest and they come in great flavors.
→ Goodr sunglasses: No slip, no bounce inexpensive polarized sunnies that match any outfit.
Monique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.
