I trained for my first long distance race at the age of 34. Essentially, I first started running and competing locally at the age of 8.  However I was always considered a sprinter even through high school when I participated in Track and Field. After high school I did not compete again until I entered a few local 5K races in my twenties. At the age of 34 after establishing a family, along with a bustling career in medicine, I decided that I wanted to train for a half and then a full marathon.

I ran my first Boston Marathon in 2017. After I began long distance running, I decided that I want to train and qualify for Boston. I hired a coach which transformed my ability quickly and allowed me to comfortably qualify. I have run Boston every year since then except in 2020 when the in-person race was cancelled due to the pandemic.

I love to run because it makes me feel strong. I feel like it was something I have been called to do, and will continue on as long as my legs will carry me. I love to be challenged, feel healthy, and hopefully, inspire others, showing them that they can do it as well.

I want others to know that if they believe in themselves and put in consistent hard work, they can achieve their goals.  As a physician, I strongly believe in health and wellness. People of color are afflicted with chronic illnesses such diabetes, hypertension and heart disease at higher rates than other groups. These diseases can often be prevented by way of healthy lifestyle choices. Running and other endurance sports are the perfect way to get in shape not just on a physical level, but on an emotional one as well. I hope I can inspire others, especially men and women of color. When my husband and I began distance racing years ago, we were often the only brown faces on the scene. Now with the initiation of movements such as the NBMA, BGR, BMR and others, you can see people of color embracing this wonderful sport and becoming healthier across the nation.