I recently talked with a group of people and shared that I’m a runner. One guy immediately laughed. Trying to keep it light, I asked what was funny because I couldn’t find the humor. His response: “You don’t look like a runner.” I asked him, “Well, what does a runner look like?” He said, “Someone thinner and more toned than you.”

Wow!! So, I told him, “You think all runners are a size 4 and weigh 122 pounds? That’s a simple, shallow, and uneducated thought. Look on IG, TikTok, or watch a marathon, and you’ll see runners come in all shapes and sizes.”

This guy, maybe about 5’11” and 200 pounds, clearly thought being tall and slim automatically made him a better runner. All in my feelings, I challenged him to a race. Not with me (LOL), but with my brother who’s about 5’10”, 230’ish pounds. My brother, who has encouraged me to stick with running, may be heavier, but he can move. I was confident he’d take the win.

In true sellout fashion, the guy declined my $100 bet. If he had seen my brother first, he probably would’ve accepted, assuming size equals speed. What he wouldn’t know is that my “chubby boy brother” has serious speed. In the end, he saved himself from embarrassment.

Here’s the deal: if you run, you are a runner. Just like life and grief look different for everyone, so does running. You don’t have to run a marathon to earn the title of a runner. Training for 26.2 miles doesn’t make someone “more of a runner” than someone training for a 5K. The distance doesn’t define the runner, the dedication does.

My whole adulthood, I was self-conscious about myself and my body. I thought I was too thick and too curvy, to be a runner. Every time I tried, even if it was just 32 seconds, I would feel my backside moving so much it made me uncomfortable. It felt like little pins sticking me, and it was hard to push past that.

For over 15 years, I have dreamed of running in a Disney Run. However, I convinced myself I couldn’t. I told myself I had to “look like a runner” first. I wanted it, but I wasn’t sure I could ever accomplish it.

In 2020, I decided to remove the limits, barriers, and boundaries I had placed on myself. I knew I wanted to run, but I also knew I had a habit of giving myself outs. So, I voluntold my little brother that I wanted to run a 5K and he had to help me train. In true annoying little brother fashion, he stepped up and didn’t allow my excuses to stop my progress.

There were plenty of days he yelled at me. I can still hear him: “Get the molasses out your ass and let’s go, Boo!” LOL!! He knew yelling would make me mad but also motivated me to keep moving.

I’ll never forget my first 5K. A woman, at least in her 70s, ran right past me. Instead of being discouraged, I saw her as motivation. She reminded me that with continued dedication and consistency, I could keep going and grow stronger.

What I’ve come to understand is this: Running is more than just movement, it’s medicine for the mind, body, and spirit. Every step is a reminder of my strength, discipline, and determination. Whether I’m running a mile or a marathon, I’m showing up for myself in ways that go far beyond the pavement. Running builds endurance not only in my legs but in my mindset; it teaches patience, perseverance, and the power of consistency. It clears my thoughts, relieves stress, and floods my body with endorphins that lift my mood and renew my energy. Each run is a celebration of progress, not perfection, a moment to honor how far I’ve come and trust that every stride is leading me closer to my best self.

This fall, my coach/trainer/annoying brother and I signed up for three 5Ks, October, November, and December. They’re my way of staying consistent through the holiday season of sweater weather, sweet potato pies, and mac and cheese.

I also wanted a bigger challenge, something to push me and grow me. So, I decided it was time to check a dream off my bucket list: running around Disney. And guess what? I signed up for RunDisney Spring 2026! OMG, I’m so excited. I’ve secured my bib number, my T-shirt, and my spot in the 10-mile race. Yesss! Not only do I get to fulfill my dream of running through Disney, but I also get to break my husband’s Disney “first-timer” status. It’s going to be such a GREAT time.

And I’m not stopping there. My ultimate dream? To run the NYC Marathon at age 50. I’ve got 2.7 years to prepare, and this right here is the start. I’m thrilled about this stage of my life. The freedom that comes with truly living out loud is amazing.

I thank God for every breath and for the chance to live my dreams on every level. I love my life. I love my God; I love my husband and my children. I love the freedom to write my truth without worrying about judgment. Most of all, I love being unapologetically happy in my skin.

I am LaTronda Latrice!