Jul 25, 2024
Tamara Dias Story
“I don’t care how much I love running; I promise that I will never run a marathon.”
Never say never!
I remember the first time I ever decided to run, outside of the annual mile test I had to do in high school. I was finishing undergrad at the University of Virginia, and in my quest to develop healthier habits, I signed up for a virtual 5K challenge. I didn’t know anything about running, but I decided to use a walk/jog method to start. Being a beginner, I immediately went to Google to look for resources and support.
Google led me to Black Girls Run.
Immediately, I remember being in awe of seeing women who looked like me. When I ran at the treadmill in the university’s gym, I usually only saw a small percentage of anyone Black. I didn’t know anything specific about BGR, but I knew I wanted to be with these women. After purchasing a t-shirt (because I had to represent!), I ended up purchasing the initial playlists that BGR had on their site to use for my training runs. From there, I plugged into nearby groups and would attend group runs when I could. I felt seen, affirmed, and welcomed each time.
That was over 11 years ago! I’ve since then done numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, a few ten milers, and 7 half marathons. I’ve done local races and traveled, and I even completed my first international run last year. BGR has been with me every step of the way, and when I decided to take the plunge to train for a full marathon – I knew that I wanted to run it in support of this organization. I wouldn’t be the runner I am today if it hadn’t been for this supportive group of women, across the U.S.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be my first full marathon, and I am hopeful that it shows others what is possible. I started my running journey with a 5K never thinking it would lead to anything else. And while I have a few personal goals for completing, my bigger goal is to champion and celebrate this beautiful organization that changed my life in so many ways.
BGR turned my “never” into a new beginning.