Happy Heart Anniversary to Me!!

Hi, my name is Dawn Angelique Roberts and I am a heart survivor!

I am a heart survivor!

One year ago today on December 27, 2019 – I went to Temple University Hospital for my third Stress Test. It was 2 days after Christmas and one day after my sister Darcell and my son, Wayne Jr. and I attended our first Kwanzaa Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

I’m happy to share that I celebrated my anniversary this morning with an epic trail run/hike at Lums Pond with my run buddies, Liz and Zakiya.

• 

  Liz and I were following our fearless leader, Zakiya over the tree branches, rocks and all. 🙂

• 

  We warmed up really good.

• 

  All done!! Great Run!!

• 

  Over the water, rocks and all…

• 

  Selfie Fun …

My story is unique in many ways and a testament to the importance of knowing your body, taking care of your body, knowing your family history, and most importantly – advocating for your health.

As an avid marathon runner, I know my body. When I began experiencing sharp chest pains while running, I knew something wasn’t right. In addition to the pain, I knew heart disease ran in my family history – having claimed the lives of loved ones.

For these reasons, I decided to get a cardiologist referral from my primary doctor. But little did I know, my journey to better health would require adamant advocating.

Because I took care of my body, I was told it didn’t “look like” anything was wrong. By that, they meant I should be fine because I checked all the boxes of eating healthy and exercising. The first cardiologist I visited literally told me “nothing is wrong with you” – even after I told him about my chest pains and family history.

Along my medical journey, I connected with other specialists who encouraged me to keep being relentless in seeking answers. After receiving a cardiologist recommendation from my business partner and sorority sister, Kendra Todd Dixon who also had to strongly advocate for her own heart health, I sought a third opinion.

This visit was worth every step of my long journey.

My cardiologist listened to my concerns and did everything she could to understand what was going on with my heart. Initially, tests were coming back inconclusive. Because she was determined to find answers, she told me to run on the treadmill – and that’s what led to the tests picking up the abnormalities.

It turned out that my chest pains were due to insufficient blood supply to the heart. I also had an abnormal stress test and left heart catheterization that showed that I had a 99% blockage in my LAD (or left anterior descending) artery. This is also known as a widow maker.

I had a stent placed to open this up and within 1 month, I was back to running and working out.

I am fortunate to be here today and am so grateful for my support system of family, friends, and medical staff.  

After my life saving procedure, my sorority sister, Jane Little encouraged me to share my story and I decided to become active with the American Heart Association as I continue to share my heart story.

Heart disease remains the #1 killer of women. If we don’t continue to fund this valuable mission, many people will not be as fortunate as I was.

By supporting organizations like the American Heart Association, you are helping fund research, education and advocacy efforts for those of us with heart conditions – and supporting preventative care, as well.

It’s critical that we get healthy and stay healthy. Had I not been my own best advocate, I might have had a heart attack – and I could have died.

By knowing our bodies and taking care of them, knowing our family history, and advocating for the health of ourselves and loved ones – we can join the AHA in creating a world of longer, healthier lives.

Run Happy

Run Happy is one of my favorite sayings when it comes to running. I have shirts that say run happy and I use it in my social media posts and I truly believe that running can make you happy.

There have been studies about a runner’s high. Running is known to release endorphins in the brain. Endorphins act as a natural “drug” that make a person more energetic, more awake and, yes, happier.

As I talk about running and being happier I also encourage runners to be careful when it comes to run streaks and challenges. Around this time every year Runner’s World promotes their RW Run Streak. The run streak is designed to keep you running through summer, and to bridge the gap between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. It can be difficult during the warmer months —especially with few races on the horizon—to stay motivated, but it’s much easier if you have a goal.

I agree that run streaks and challenges will keep you motivated. My advice is to take at least one day off and to add cross training and strength training to your run streak. For example as your keeping up with your run streak you can add a 1 mile warmup at the beginning of your strength training day and add a 1 mile cool down at the end of your workout.

By taking at least one day of rest for your body and doing other types of workouts you will have an opportunity to recover while keeping injury free.

Along with your workouts please make sure that you are doing dynamic warm ups prior to your run and post run static stretches.

Keep in mind just because other runners are doing the run streak doesn’t mean that you should join them. You can cheer them along and support them

Also, check out the faq’s on the runner’s world website so that you can stay safe and run happy.

Speaking of challenges, I’m currently doing the BGR! Global Running Day 6-Week Virtual Challenge. This challenge has kept me accountable. I started off with 5 miles on level 3 and each week I took it up by one mile. I’m on week 5, which means I have 9 miles to run this Sunday and I will finish next week with 10 miles.

Thanks to Black Girls Run for the accountability, leading up to Global Running Day on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

I invite my family and friends to join me on June 3 for a fun challenge.

Run Happy with Elite Access Running

This challenge is open for new and seasoned runners. Just get off the couch and get moving with the Run 1 Tag 1 social media challenge! This calls on people across the world to celebrate Global Running Day by running 1 mile for someone that inspires them (or completing an at-home exercise) and tagging a friend to do the same. Tag #Run1Tag1, #EliteAccessRunning, and #GlobalRunningDay to celebrate and run across the globe together in a worldwide game of virtual tag. ~ Join Elite Access Running — We run to make the world a better place! #RunHappy

Know Your Body

via Know Your Body

Know Your Body

Know your body. Take care of your body. Know your family history. Be your best advocate!

Many of us have heard the aforementioned statements before. These statements are apart of my testimony.

Know Your Body

As a marathoner, I know my body. I know that I can run for hours so if I’m getting pain two minutes into a run in my chest and having a problem continuing the run, that is a concern.

Pure Joy! Displaying my medal after the Chicago Marathon.

Proud Moment! Winning the first place Age Group Award at the Enon 5 Miler.

My family history

My grandfather died from heart disease at a young age. He was only 45 years old.

My aunt passed away at 66 years old from a heart attack.

Knowing my family history was helpful for me to share with my cardiologist and it helps me to understand how important it is for me to live a healthy life.

Three days ago I had a life-saving procedure thanks to the doctors and nurses at Temple Health, Temple University Hospital.

My discharge paperwork indicated

Your primary diagnosis was – Chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart.

You were admitted to Temple University Hospital because your exercise tolerance was down and you had an abnormal stress test. You had a left heart catheterization which showed that you had a 99% blockage in your LAD (left anterior descending) artery. You had a stent placed to open this up.

I knew something wasn’t right with my body since August after getting chest pain after a short run the day after I organized the annual NABJ 5K Run/Walk at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair.

Ironically, I originally scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist for a Stress Test in July as a way of practicing preventive care and the fact that I was more tired than normal going up steps at my trainer’s gym.  Also, I figured since I was approaching my 50th Birthday I would make various doctor appointments and practice more self-care.

In addition to the Stress Test, I did other tests to rule out a heart issue. My original cardiologist was referred by my primary doctor. The cardiologist, a fellow runner in Delaware said I was fine and his words — “Get out of here, nothing is wrong with you.” Even after telling the cardiologist about my chest pain he insisted that I see another type of doctor.

I am my Best Advocate

Thank God I didn’t give up. Based on my diagnosis, I could have had a heart attack.

Leading up to Friday’s procedure, I still worked out 6 days a week on the elliptical and I did strength training at the gym. I decided to stop running due to chest pain. My goal was to get answers by my 50th Birthday in November or before January 2020.  Goal Accomplished! I’m happy to share that I’ll be back to running this time next month.

Celebrating my 50th Birthday in November.

Along my medical journey, I got a second opinion by an awesome service, Grand Rounds, a healthcare company that connects patients with local and remote specialty care. During the process of getting expert opinions from two different specialists from Grand Rounds who encouraged me not to give up and they told me that the doctors in Delaware did not do enough. In addition, I consulted with my business partner and sorority sister, Kendra Todd Dixon who had a similar experience in Delaware. She received excellent care from Temple Health for her heart surgery five years ago. Kendra highly recommended Temple Health and I knew that I was in good hands after speaking to Kendra’s husband, Duwayne Dixon, a nurse at Temple and my new cardiologist, Dr. Sabrina Islam.

My advice

Keeping seeking medical advice even if the doctors say, “You are healthy.” “You are too young,” “There’s nothing wrong,” “It’s all in your head,” etc.

Take Care of Your Body

Eat Clean, Choose real food, not junk food. I changed my diet five years ago and it’s the best decision I have made for my life. I know that I have added more years to my life and I know that it made a difference in my health and recovery.

#EatClean #ChooseRealFood

Move more, Get Active – The fact that I’m a runner helped save my life. If I wasn’t a runner, I don’t think I would have known about my heart condition.

It is so much that I could say. This experience has been life-changing.  I know that I am Blessed. I want to make sure that we all get healthy and stay healthy. I’m available if you have direct questions. I can be reached via email. ~ Healthy. Wealthy. Wise.

Visit St. Croix, USVI – America’s Paradise

The Buccaneer — Founded in the 17th century and family-run for generations, St. Croix’s Buccaneer is the Caribbean’s longest running resort. Both historic and modern, the resort blends old world charm with warm hospitality and the amenities expected by today’s traveler. Featured on ABC’s The Bachelor, The Buccaneer is a premier destination resort for golf, tennis, water sports, weddings, honeymoons and family vacations.

Beautiful weather, friendly people, amazing turquoise colored beaches, cool local festivals, delicious food and so much more. This is a sampling of what you will experience when you visit St. Croix, USVI, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

I was blessed with the opportunity to visit the beautiful island of St. Croix last weekend.

As an athlete and beach lover, visiting St. Croix during the month of December is truly a treat especially with 30 and 40-degree weather at home. During the month of December, I was able to train outdoors in 70 and 80-degree weather on the rolling hills of The Buccaneer Resort while experiencing the Beauty & The Beast Triathlon, nicknamed the “race to rebuild,” the event focused around community support and the island’s recovery after Hurricane Maria passed over it in September 2017. This year’s race was headed by VI TRI, a nonprofit organization, who aimed to raise funds for three local nonprofits, all of whom lost their homes after the September storm.

Jerlyn Thomas (New York City) and Earnesta Taylor (St. Croix) participated in the Sprint Triathlon.

This year’s half-distance course winner was St. Croix resident Stephen Swanton (5:17:46), followed by Travis Montgomery (5:50:36) in second place and Wayne Nichols (6:00:19) in third place.

This year’s half-distance course winner, St. Croix resident Stephen Swanton (5:17:46)

The first-place woman in the half-distance course was Julie Sommer (6:02:18), with Esther Ellis (6:06:11) in second and Megan Lambert (6:30:57) in third.

Team Annaly Insurance, composed of Brent Mays, Scott Marusa and Billy Bohlke, took first in the Half-Distance Relay.

The Sprint Course was won by Dominic Pugliese (1:10:25) who recently represented the US Virgin Islands in the 2018 Junior Olympic Games followed by Dedrick Luikens (1:10:35), then Mason Lambert (1:14:07), the youngest competitor in the race. Team VING4, made up of Donna Prock, Garfield Ferdinand and Carl Christopher, placed first in the Sprint Relay. This year’s race debuted a sprint aquathlon with Savannah Logan (0:52:24) placing first, followed by Colleen Cooke (0:53:54), then Kyle Suddarth (0:56:58).

At the awards banquet, Race Director, Theresa Harper, announced that the race raised $30,000 to distribute to My Brother’s Table, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center and the Caribbean Centers for the Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands. Winners were awarded at the banquet with handcrafted jewelry from local jewelry stores Crucian Gold and iB Designs.

Race Director Theresa Harper and Sharon Rosario, USVI Department of Tourism presenting a check to the Caribbean Centers for the Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands.

The race committee will continue their focus on community support with three new local nonprofit beneficiaries announced early next year. This year’s race could not have been possible without the support of the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (USVI) and many other supporters and sponsors. VI TRI looks forward to continuing the triathlon legacy in America’s Paradise with the 2019 Beauty & The Beast race set for December 8, 2019.

This press trip was special for me because I was invited last year by the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism to take a historical journey on St. Thomas and St. John for the Territory’s Centennial commemoration – marking 100 years since the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States.  I was all set to cover the commemoration for Pathfinders Travel magazine but the trip was canceled because the Virgin Islands was impacted last year by two category 5 hurricanes, Hurricane Irma and Maria.

This year I was invited to St. Croix, along with two fellow journalists, Rachel Morris, health and fitness writer, and Hilary Topper, A Triathletes Diary. We were invited to cover the Beauty & The Beast Triathlon. In addition to covering the 30th year celebration of the Triathlon, we had the opportunity to explore the island of St. Croix and see the destination’s recovery since last year’s storms.

Celebrating Hilary! Hilary participated in the Aquathlon (Swim & Run) portion of the Beauty and the Beast Triathlon. L-R Dawn Roberts, Hilary Topper, and Rahel Morris

I’m happy to share that the recovery efforts are underway and the island of St. Croix is really nice and very welcoming to tourists. So if you are looking to experience a tranquil tropical destination look no further, St. Croix has something for everyone. Whether you are a solo traveler or if you are traveling with your family you are sure to have a great visit.

During our visit, we did an awesome food tour, the Taste of Twin City Food Tour, definitely a great way to experience the heart and soul of St. Croix – its food while strolling the cobblestoned streets of downtown Christiansted. We went swimming at Buck Island and snorkeling at Buck Reef, a must visit in St. Croix.

We spent the afternoon with friendly locals at the 3rd Annual Crucian Coconut Festival and enjoyed coconut water and food and drinks prepared by coconuts. We enjoyed fine dining on the island at restaurants such as Galangal and Savant.

Upon arrival on the island, I had a yummy lunch at La Reine Chicken Shack. La Reine is home to some of the most authentic, crucian cuisine on the island.  And one of our tastiest meals we enjoyed was from Corine’s Food Truck, a local favorite, a must stop during your tour of the island. Along with the authentic island food, my sorority sister, Eunice Bedminster, a native of St. Croix who I met at Delaware State University gave us flavorful tarts, an island favorite.

Shrimp meal — Corine’s Food Truck, a local favorite and a must stop during your tour of the island.

Inspired by the athletes and the beauty of the island, I am already looking forward to visiting again next year and participating in the sprint relay of the Beauty & The Beast Triathlon.

 

 

 

Run Like Me … Thoughts about the Run!

Run Like Me … My thoughts on my run … Train your mind! 

#Truth #Trainyourmind

Today’s run almost didn’t happen. My excuse, it’s cold. Yes, it was a little chilly but I ran anyway.  Of course, I warmed up.

As a runner, half the battle is getting out the door.

Post-Run Selfie #RunLikeMe

Yesterday, same thought, different day. Yesterday was beautiful temperature wise, but very windy with a little rain. I ran anyway. The little voice inside said it’s too windy to run, but the voice I listened to said the weather is perfect. Let’s take advantage of this beautiful day.

The point, train your mind. I’m so glad I listened to the voice that encouraged me to run. No excuses … You will not feel like running or working out all the time. Some days will be better than others. There will be days when you have to talk to yourself a little more. You will have to encourage yourself a little more.

Train your mind! What is your motivation? Perhaps you have a race coming up, after all, it’s race season.

 

#TheBodyAchieves … #Believe!

 

My motivation … I have two races this month, the Rutgers Unite Half Marathon & 8K, I’m racing the 8K. And I have the Mud Hen Half Marathon, 8K and 5K, I’m racing the 8K again.  After my 8K races, I have a 10-mile race in May, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run.

What is your motivation? Please share, I would love to hear from you. 🙂

Please feel free to message me here or visit my Facebook page, Coach Dawn or email me, Dawn@eliteaccessrunning.com.

Dawn Angelique Roberts is a USATF Certified Running Coach training athletes in Philadelphia and around the country. Dawn is the co-founder of Elite Access Running, LLC, a full service running company that specializes in coaching services, pace team coordination, race management, public relations, social media and destination race planning for athletes and organizations. Dawn serves as volunteer endurance coach for the American Cancer Society, DetermiNation program in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

It’s Class Reunion Season!

Source: It’s Class Reunion Season!

Black Girls Run! in Philadelphia September 29 – 30 for the 2017 Sweat With Your Sole Conference and Race Weekend!

 

 

After four successful years of the Black Girls RUN! National Race and Conference weekend, Black Girls RUN! will host the 2017 Sweat With Your Sole Conference and Race in Philadelphia, September 29-30, 2017.

“We are excited to bring our signature race and conference to Philadelphia this year,” said Toni Carey, co-founder of Black Girls RUN!. “We have made this year’s conference two days, but still jam-packed with fun workshops, dynamic speakers, and a great race route. Philadelphia is a great, neutral location to take a drive or fly in for the conference on Friday and you can be back home by Saturday evening.”

The weekend will kick off with a one-day conference starting at Noon on Friday, September 29. The conference will include interactive workshops with nationally recognized trainers and fitness instructors and speakers, and a vast amount of knowledge-sharing on running, health and nutrition.

On Saturday, September 30 the weekend continues with a 5K and 10K run/walk along the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.  Following the race, the weekend will conclude with an Awards Brunch with award-winning writer and speaker, Luvvie Ajayi. Black Girls Run! will recognize four national Black Girls RUN! Ambassadors and Run Coordinators during the brunch as well.

“Having Luvvie Ajayi as our keynote this year is spectacular,” comments Ashley Hicks, co-founder of Black Girls RUN. “Her wittiness, intelligence, and beauty is the epitome of what we do on the pavement each day… motivating each other through humor, humility, honesty and sometimes saying the things we do not want to hear. She will be a special touch to this year’s conference.”

The Sweat with Your Sole conference is open to Black Girls RUN! members and women who are interested in attending. Men and women are invited to attend the brunch and participate in the road race.

In previous years, Sweat With Your Sole has been hosted in Atlanta and Charlotte, bringing more than 3,500 men and women to the area.

For all “Sweat With Your Sole” conference and race updates, visit www.sweatwithyoursole.com. You can also follow Black Girls RUN! on Twitter at @BlackGirlsRUN, and Instagram @officialblackgirlsrun, or use the hashtag #SWYS17.

###

About Black Girls RUN!

Black Girls RUN! is a national running group launched in 2009 by Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks. The organization has grown to include more than 70 running groups across the nation with more than 225,000 members. The group was created to combat the obesity epidemic among women in the African- American community and dispel the myth that black women do not run. The groups include beginner and experienced runners and provide a support system to help members reach their fitness goals. Black Girls RUN! provides a community and inspires all women to run. For more information about Black Girls RUN!, visit www.BlackGirlsRUN.com.

My Philadelphia Marathon Weekend!

Hey fellow runners and friends,

Ready or not the holidays are here. ~ I hope you had a Wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend! Before you know it, we will be celebrating Christmas, with December right around the corner.

Stepping back a bit to last weekend… The Philadelphia Marathon was another memorable weekend for me over 20,000 other runners and spectators.

The highlight of my Philadelphia Marathon weekend was working and volunteering at the 2016 Philadelphia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. On Friday and Saturday, I worked in the Seminar Area, introducing and presenting awesome speakers and presenters like marathoner and author, Bill Rodgers, Deneen R. Young, YoungLife Coach~Beyond Fit and Mark Sullivan, coach with irunicoach.com and LEGacy runner with the Philadelphia Marathon. And I was the announcer on Saturday encouraging runners to attend the Seminar Area.

Marathoner Bill Rodgers and I after his memorable talk about his awesome running career. 

Deneen R. Young, YoungLifeCoach ~ Beyond Fit and I after her inspiring conversation on fitness and positive self talk.

On Saturday, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve as a Half Marathon Pacer with Philadelphia Runner on Saturday, November 20, 2016. I was joined by fellow Pacers, Leslie and Molly as we lead runners to a 2:15 finish on the new half marathon course. As a Pacer for half marathoners, the experience is truly rewarding, while the race was challenging, due to the back to back hills the downhill and the flat course after mile 10 was welcomed after we tackled the tough second hill that felt more like two hills.

Leslie Russell Winder and I after pacing our group of runners to a 2:15 finish.

I was happy to serve as a Pacer this year to help runners accomplish their race goals, after running the 8K in 2010, the half in 2011, the marathon in 2012 and the half again in 2013. Last year and the year before were my first year not running the race (2014 and 2015), since I was a part of the Marathon Internal team and worked behind the scenes on race day. This year I just worked onsite at the Expo.

Also, this year was different, because we ran on a new course. As I mentioned above the course was a challenge, especially if you don’t think of yourself as a hill runner or if you didn’t train on hills. Another major thing was if you were familiar with the previous course, it had less hills and it you had the opportunity to run on Chestnut Street in your own personal parade among Philly fans and friends.  At least it feels like a parade when you are running through the Philly streets. Fond memories from my previous half and full marathon.;-)

As I wrap up my thoughts about the half marathon, a word that comes to mind is perspective. Some people loved the new half marathon course, some people preferred the previous course. The great thing about running and life, it’s all about what you choose to focus on. Some people chose to focus on the beautiful fall day. We had sunshine and warm weather, despite it being a little chilly at the start, it felt more like a spring day after the race got underway.

The marathoners on the other hand had a cold windy day. Despite the colder temperature it was actually a better day temperature wise for the marathon so much so that the men’s winner, Kimutai Cheruiyot set a course record of 2:15:53 and the women’s winner, Taylor Ward finished with a time of 2:36:23. Also, several of my friends that ran the marathon set personal records. ~ Great Job marathoners!! ~ I am looking forward to 2017 already and marking Philly as my 4th marathon.

 

A Conversation With Mark Sullivan, Philadelphia Marathon LEGacy Runner and Course Expert

Speaking of course changes, Sullivan had the opportunity to run the half marathon course earlier this year and he ran the marathon course changes and he approves the changes. He goes on to share th…

Source: A Conversation With Mark Sullivan, Philadelphia Marathon LEGacy Runner and Course Expert