Runner’s World+ Member: Lourdes Dolores Follins
Lourdes Dolores is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
I’ve been running off and on since I was 13 years old. I’d never run before that and joined my high school cross-country team on a fluke. Running helped me connect to nature in ways that I never imagined possible! Running helps me feel freer in a world that seems to want black women to disappear or be silent. As a survivor of multiple sexual assaults, running in the early morning is a time for me to feel safe and power-filled, a time for me to reflect and take stock of where I am in my life. Running reminds me that I have agency, that I can set and meet goals, and that I come from survivors and strivers. Even though I doubt any of my ancestors were runners, I’m able to tap into them most when I’m running a race. I imagine them fueling me as I sprint those last 100 meters!
I wanted to see what others around the country are doing and I wanted access to the running plans.
I run to stay mentally balanced and physically fit. Running is freedom for me, it’s something that’s for me and only me. Running—especially when it’s cold—reminds me that I accomplish something for myself everyday that I run. The thing that gets me out the door is knowing that I will look and feel better if I do.
I run both on the streets of South Brooklyn and in local parks. I especially love running in lush, green parks so that I can look at and listen to the trees, chipmunks, squirrels, and birds. Being able to see and hear them remind me of my connection to nature, God, and my ancestors.
I’m obsessed with running caps. No matter the weather, no matter if I’m running indoors (at a gym) or outdoors, I always wear a colorful (or color-coordinated) running cap. I don’t run without one!
When I’m not running and working as a psychotherapist, I’m a creative writer.
To be able to run for life!
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