Positive Results by Sabrina

Some of us realize that our fitness journey is a privilege. Some of us may have no clue. Between listening to “Running While Black” by Alison Desir and attending the online Coaches of Color Initiative summer training, this topic has been heavy on my mind. I actually started typing this post while driving to a hike with my supportive partner (also a privilege that I appreciate.)

They tell us it’s easy. Want to lose weight? Want to live a more active life? Just put on your shoes and walk out of the door. Unfortunately, it’s really not that easy for a large majority.

Just walking out of the door is not a safe option for everyone. Some of us live in neighborhoods that are not safe to walk alone. We have a skin color that doesn’t allow us to walk around all times of the day without fear of not making it home. We are women who deal with catcalling and predators. We live in areas without safe sidewalks, street crossings and lighting. We also live places that do not allow our kids to play outside. We live in places lacking neighborhood parks and safe, clean greenspaces. Or we know where those places are but we don’t have transportation to get to those safer places.

Just put your shoes on and go, they say? What if they don’t have shoes that are supportive for walking? What if they can’t afford a new pair of even basic walking shoes? Many people have basic wardrobes, while constantly budgeting for family expenses. They only pick up new shoes when they wear through their everyday pairs and that expense is no longer avoidable.

As those active days become more adventurous, do you have a smartphone to help you track your workouts and share them with friends? Are you considering free versus paid apps? Privilege. Over time, many of us get bitten by the racing bug. I walked my first race for free to support a friend. The next year I was faced with the challenge again and realized the cost. There are many groups and coaches that highlight races for all of their benefits but not everyone can afford the race fees. You deserve to feel proud of your training and accomplishments, even if you can’t afford to participate in a fully sanctioned race. The pandemic shut downs reminded us of that!

My running and training experience has been filled with social and emotional privilege. Venturing into my Coaching endeavor has allowed me to look back and forward with appreciation. 

When I first started working out, I experienced a great deal of pain and swelling in my legs. I went to the doctor thinking it was varicose veins that could be treated. I was told that they were spider veins and nothing could really be done about them. My doctor prescribed support nylons for all day, everyday wear, and compression leggings, for working out. I could not afford either. I did not want to start spending money for something that I was told would be free and easy. 

I was lucky enough to have a friend who gifted me two pairs of compression pants to get started. She was a friend with whom I could discuss my journey openly. She is one of those rare gems who had previously lost a considerable amount of weight through hard work and exercise. She understands the value of doing the best that you can with the tools in front of you. Because of her gift, I was able to physically feel the difference in my workouts. The pain eased and I was able to increase my activity.

When I began running intervals, I was encouraged to get better shoes, just like we encourage others. I got fitted and knew I could not afford them at the time but I had the internet and could watch for comparable shoes to go on sale. I wore out two pairs of those shoes before I was gifted the money to visit a running store again and purchase my first pair of “real” running shoes. Those shoes carried me through the miles that lead to our first Half Marathon in Santa Cruz.

I wouldn’t have my wraps and my BOB stroller if it wasn’t for the love and support of the people in our lives. Without those, I don’t know if I would have been able to immediately get back to walking after our C-Section. I have the privilege of a very supportive community surrounding me. Not the least of which includes friends who hike with me knowing that our pace, timing and possible early ending are often solely dependent on the tiny miracle I often carry with me. Internet friends who may never share a step with me but we encourage each other regularly. 

Each day I try to honor the many forms of privilege that surround us. I look for opportunities to grow, learn and expand. It’s easy to see the ‘things’ that we feel are lacking in our lives but it’s a lot more fun to honor our blessings.