My fitness journey began in 2009 while having a conversation with a coworker. My coworker had partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) to raise money for research and also to run the Philadelphia Half Marathon. She asked if I was interested in joining her; she didn’t want to run the race alone. Naturally I said yes because as we all know, having the support of those around you is so important. I attended the informational meeting, and decided to join. My little sister passed away from Leukemia at the age of 25 in 2005. So if I could raise money for cancer research I was all in. I trained with the running team and went on to complete my first half marathon on November 22, 2009.
I was never a runner. I had never thought of running a race. I was an example of “couch-to-half marathon” (most people start at a 5K). Talk about setting high goals! Unfortunately, due to medical issues, my coworker needed to drop out of the race. So there I was alone. I had my new teammates of course but it just wasn’t the same. Regardless, I was determined to finish because when I make a decision to do something, I must see it through to the end. This race lit a spark and running quickly became something that I love. It was a stress reliever; a way to clear my mind and created a space that no one could enter. All in addition to keeping me healthy.
From 2009 to 2015, I ran races that I thought were fun and of course raised money toward various cures. It wasn’t until 2015 that I began working out to add to my running regimen. I began by taking classes at a fitness studio. Man! That was different from running. But I was interested in improving and adding to my overall health, and running alone wouldn’t accomplish that. Though it was challenging, it was also fun. I would continue to workout for 3 years at a studio while running. It became my lifestyle and I was happy.
To my surprise in December 2017, someone contacted me to ask me if I led personal training sessions. The thought had never crossed my mind. I was just using my Instagram page to post my challenges, my success and struggles like everyone else. Without realizing it, I was simultaneously inspiring people; people I didn’t even know were watching. I had never trained anyone personally except for my children. After giving it some thought, I told them that I would be willing to lead them.
During this time, I began to think of different ways that I could help people with their fitness journeys. I asked myself, how I could motivate others to live a healthy life while still doing the things that I loved? How could I take care of myself so that I can be here for the family I so often neglect myself for?
This how Fitness by Khaleedah (a.k.a) Fitness__runnerlee was born. The name is perfect because it reminds me of how I grew to love both fitness and running.
During my journey I purchased a shirt from a company called “I’m a Black Woman Who”. At the time I knew nothing about the company. I just love supporting small businesses and they had a shirt that said “I’m a Black Women Who RUNS”. As the months went I took the time to read up on the company. Before I knew it, I owned almost all of their products. The description of their company hit home. I felt like I was out here dispelling myths, because I was living a healthy life, encouraging others, and helping others along the way when society says we are lazy! In September 2018 the company was celebrating their 1 year anniversary. This was a great opportunity to travel to met the woman behind the company, celebrate their success, and run in a race that supported such a great cause. To my surprise the owner asked me to lead the 5k to be the pacer. I was hesitant at first, but I went for it. I had a great time!
As I build my company, I am on a journey to touch more lives, and help others reach their fitness goals.
So let’s keep Dispelling Myths, encouraging others and living healthy lives!
Feel Free to comment, I would love to hear from you.
**Stay tuned for my journey to Veganism!