59; Instructional Coach for Frayser Community Schools 

HOMETOWN: Carville, Louisiana 

I LOVE RUNNING: I love that running allows me to think and breathe. 

BUCKET LIST: I want to complete a triathlon, but I will settle for a biathlon. 

UP NEXT: Orion 5K, The Great American, and St. Jude 

FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: My favorite was finishing my first marathon because running a marathon was never on my list of things to do. I questioned myself a lot, and the training was hard, but I was committed, and it was so worth it. When I crossed that finish line after running 26.2 Memphis miles, I felt on top of the world. 

SPEED BUMPS: Covid took a little toll as it impacted my breathing, and I had two knee surgeries within six months last year, but it’s all good now. 

MY GROUP: I am an Ambassador for Black Girls Run. 

FAVORITE JAMS: Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” 

RECENT RACES: I have recently completed the Bad Dog 5K. 

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: The most memorable was finishing the 2021 Chicago Marathon. What made it memorable was that around mile 18 or 19, arthritis in my right ankle kicked in, and man, it was not playing. I wanted or probably needed to stop, but I couldn’t. So, I dragged my right foot about seven miles to the finish. 

BINGE-WATCHING: I always binge Monk marathons. I love that show because he is such an imperfect human doing perfect things. 

BEST EATS: I love Huey’s Beyond Burgers. 

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: I would love to have dinner and converse with Robin Williams. He was so complicated. He was funny, sad, serious, smart, and extremely talented. I would love to have a personal view inside his head. 

GO-TO GEAR: I am a Brooks girl! I must have gone through at least 15 pairs in the last ten years. 

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I do not want to die. Years ago, I was an obese, depressed drunk with high blood pressure. I had hit the bottom out trifecta – spiritually, mentally, and physically. So, I had a choice to either lay down and die or get up, get moving, and get it together. I chose the latter. 

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: My favorite book is a book that I read repeatedly because it is a literary masterpiece, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison. 

PET PEEVE: I really dislike when folks try to “fat shame” others who are active. 

QUOTE: My mom says, “It is never about what you can’t do. It is always about the s**t you just don’t want to do. Learn the difference.” This quote takes me through every single day of my life. 

Photo by Tindall Stephens