Have I mentioned I hate running?

6 months ago, that statement was 100% true! However, I think my hatred towards running wasn't necessarily directed at the act of running, but more how running made me feel: weak, breathless, sore, and very un-athletic. As I would watch others so "effortlessly" buzz past me with their headphones in their ears and smile on their face...or better yet, chatting away like they were on a leisurely stroll, I would role my eyes, gasp for breath and mumbled to myself  "I hate running, I hate running...".

The more I talked to "runners" the more I was encouraged that although they may look like it's effortless, it really does take a lot of work to get to that point. So, instead of staying frustrated and constantly expressing my hatred for running I decided to, well, start running.

A few months ago I met a lady at a charity event I went to for work. Her name was Theresa and she mentioned that she started Bel Inizion, an outreach to women in recovery.

From their website: (it's long, but worth the read and explains it far better than I can)
"Houston has a generous giving community and great compassion for those in need. We have emergency shelters, transitional housing, and half-way houses. The agencies offer case workers, recovery programs, and job skills training. What gets lost, and is critically needed, is helping individuals achieve the self esteem and confidence that can come from an ongoing exercise and nutrition program.

Bel Inizio (Beautiful Beginning) was launched to help meet this need. Our participants are women ranging from their 20s to their 50s. They are female veterans who have had a challenges from sexual abuse, substance and alcohol abuse and homelessness. Most are in recovery, and all are working hard to re-enter the community. And now many have the opportunity to succeed in a way which they never thought possible: they will set a healthy goal and achieve it.

Bel Inizio teams train to complete a 5K, and in the process learn about commitment, fitness, and nutrition. They see healthy behaviors in action and are offered tools to help them succeed once they are out on their own. Bel Inizio shows each woman that they matter. We help prepare them for the ultimate race — the race for a better life." 


After meeting Theresa and reading about Bel Inizio online I decided that I needed to be a part of it! Through the CrossFit community, I have been encouraged and pushed to train my body to do things that I NEVER in my life thought I could do. I was excited about the opportunity to be a part of something that is teaching and encouraging women not only to have physically discipline, but to build healthy practices and the self esteem to overcome and accomplish great things.

I started started volunteering two weeks ago and my first 5K with them was this past Sunday. I stayed with the group that did the run/walk pace! After the first run I felt great, my body settled in to a good pace and I was good to go! :) I didn't once think "I hate running" in fact, I wanted to just keep running, I wasn't ready for the finish line.

Before the race!

We finished!

I am looking forward to more races with this group as together we build up our strength as runners and as women!  Check out Bel Inizio for more information.