Come out and Meet the Butterflies!!

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Butterfly Spotlight

Salathia Britt

I’m originally from St. George SC. I came to Charlotte in 1993 to attend Johnson C. Smith off of a partial music scholarship. I am the youngest of 4. I have one brother and 2 sisters. I enjoy trying new things and anyone that knows me knows that I will try anything once! Kelly Fant-Kelly introduced me to the Purple Butterfly Running Club. I told her straight up, “ I ain’t no runner”! And look at me now! I’M ADDICTED!!!

I started with PBRC on Aug 4th 2011, and ran my first 5k Aug 20th 2011. I would’ve never thought that I would have ran a half marathon on Dec 10th. The joy and excitement got me through the first 6 miles. At mile 11, I thought they moved the mile marker! At mile 12, I KNEW they moved the mile marker! When I turned the corner and finally saw the finish line I knew I DID IT!!!!! I accomplished a mission impossible! After it was over I wanted to have everything from my waist down cut off!!!! YIKES!!!! Then the pain subsided, and the words of support and encouragement from the ladies of PBRC got me past my pain! I will NEVER forget my first 13.1

What makes me smile?
Things people say or do makes me smile! Cheesecake REALLY makes me smile! Watching some kids play makes me smile.

What inspires me?
Seeing other achieve their goals inspire me and motivates me to do more and be a better me!

Whats your favorite quote?
“A girls gotta treat herself”, boy do I love saying that!!! I’m a firm believer that who will treat you better than you!!! I love to pamper myself just because its Tuesday. Trust me, I don’t need a reason

Whats on your run playlist?
When I run, I don’t run with music. That is my time to free my mind. On the trail we run, I look at the trees, dirt, watch the squirrels scurry from one tree to the next. I just have mindless thoughts.

I run because…
I like the outdoors, it’s a great form of exercise, and now I can eat anything I want without gaining weight!!!

Now that Im a runner…
I cant stop and don’t want to! 5 bibs 2 medals later and counting!!!

I love…
I love spending times with family and friends. I love love traveling, shopping, and trying new things. I love love love cookies from the Double Tree Hotel and Cheesecake! And I love love love love running with the ladies of PBRC.

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Butterfly Spotlight

Vanessa Jackson

Short Bio: First let me give thanks to Our Creator, The Father of our ancestors!  I am one of few Charlotte natives.  Born and raised graduating from South Mecklenburg class of 1983.  When people meet me and I tell them that I was born under the sign of Gemini, they often respond by YES you are!  I am the mother of three boys, ages 23, 10, and 6…yes you read that correctly..lol!..and I’m still trying to figure out how that happened. I am the oldest of 3 having one brother and one sister.  I have been employed with Wachovia/Wells Fargo for 16 years.  Outside of running, you can often find me on the football field, basketball court, or whatever particular sport my boys happen to be playing at the time.  I love the outdoors but hate winters.  I don’t like the feeling of being closed in…that’s depressing!  I often tell people, I’m not high maintenance, I enjoy simple things.  People say that life is hard, but I believe life is really simple; we ourselves create the circumstances that complicate it!

I wish I had a chance to do life in reverse.  The maturity level and the things that I have learned and still learning have put me in a totally different place.


What is your favorite book? I do not have the time to read like I used to.  A couple of books that come to mind are “The Coldest Winter Ever” and Rich Dad Poor Dad –

What makes you smile? My children and some of the funny things they do and say.  They are so innocent and yet so honest!

What inspires you? Other people! I love go getters and want to know how they do what they do.  I learn so much from people spiritually, financially, recreationally.  Knowledge truly is power

What is your favorite quote? Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes!  When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves!

What is on your run playlist? LOL!  I tell people, Gospel music ain’t for every setting…know what I mean!  Pandora’s “Make it Rain Radio and Gucci Man get me through.  I have also trained myself to run without music which I find that I run a lot better when I don’t listen.  Not listening to music makes you think and really enjoy your surroundings!

Finish the following sentences:

I run because… I too wanted to start running because I heard of the weight loss benefits! But running is empowering!  It takes you to a whole nother fitness level!

Now that I am a runner…. Not only have I benefited from the weight loss that others promised but the transformation of my mind, body and spirit is exhilarating! I didn’t really consider myself a runner until I hooked up with the Purple Butterfly Run Club! The consistency, encouragement, and spirit that this group of ladies bring has been one the best things for me in my journey to becoming a REAL runner!

I Love…. LIFE!  When I hear people talk about they can’t wait to die and go to heaven it makes me wonder what that is about!  The only people that are waiting to go to heaven are the people who are miserable on earth!

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Butterfly Spotlight

Kelly Fant-Kelly

Short Bio: I was born in Thomasville, North Carolina and moved to Greensboro when I was 10 years old.  After graduating from high school in 1990, I attended UNC-Charlotte, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and have been in Charlotte since graduating. Currently, I work as a recruiter for Wells Fargo where I have been employed for six years.   I have one sibling, an older sister, Scarlette, and I have been married for 10 years to Spaniel (Span) Kelly.  He supports me and constantly keeps me laughing and challenged.  We enjoy life by attending concerts, visiting wineries, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, nieces, nephews and god children. I love  experiencing, trying and learning new things and sharing with others.  I also enjoy going to plays, reading magazines and watching back to back episodes of Law and Order.  I was introduced to the PBRC by Audrea Wilson.  It took me a year to join to the club, but I am glad I did..it has been an awesome, life changing experience!!

What is your favorite food?

Well…that can be a long list, but I absolutely love pizza and ice cream.  I can eat it every day.  And as many of you know, from October – December, I binge on Jack and Box’s egg nog milkshakes.

What is your favorite book?

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the most recent read that I thoroughly enjoyed was The House of Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper.  The book that I still find most thought-provoking and enlightening from a historical standpoint is The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the lessons that life will give.  It’s what you do with those lessons that make the difference.

What is your favorite quote?

“Please be aware of the energy that you bring to this space” – Oprah Winfrey

What is on your run playlist?

I only run with music when I run alone, not during group runs or races.  But on my playlist you will find a lot of neo-soul, and R and B.  My favorites are: Ledisi, Lauryn Hill, Tamia,Tribe Called Quest and Jill Scott.

Finish the following sentences:

I run because…

I initially put losing weight and living healthier on my 40×40 list as two of the 40 things that I needed to accomplish before I turned 40.    I now run because every day that I run I feel a sense of accomplishment; regardless if I go two miles or 6, I always feel a constant sense of gratification. It’s also a time for me to be one with God, nature and my thoughts.

Now that I am a runner…

I never want to stop.  I want to continue to learn more about running and experience all that I put into it.  It’s a very rewarding sport and I can’t believe it took me a year to join the Butterflies.  I want to encourage others to join us and give it a try.  The physical, mental and spiritual rewards of running are infectious.

I Love…

My life and all that comes with it!!  I also love the addition of the PBRC in my life.  It has been a positive experience and the support, encouragement and sisterhood that we give each other is priceless….and that wasn’t on my 40×40 list!!

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Cold Weather Running

Hello Butterflies!!

The cold weather is HERE which means it is time to figure out how to dress for our cold weather running.  This post will provide a few tips for getting your cold weather run routine together! 

  1. Pay attention to the temperature before you go out to run.  This will determine what exactly you need to put on and what needs to be left lying on the bed. Checking the local news or your phone is fine but also remember take the wind into consideration.
  1. Try not to overdress – you will feel cold at first but your body will warm up.  Dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer outside.
  1. Upper Body – Dress in layers. The layer closest to your body should be a wicking material, something that will pull the sweat away from your body and keep you dry. If it is really cold out put on a fleece layer in the middle and for the outer layer put on nylon or something similar that would protect you from precipitation.
  1. Lower Body – your lower body produces a lot of heat so tights or pants made from a wicking material should be just fine, however if it is really cold put a wind proof layer on top of the tights such as track pants.
  1. Feet – choose a good pair of dry wicking socks to keep the feet dry and free from possible frostbite.
  1. Hands – up to 30% of body heat can be lost through your hands so gloves are important during cold weather running.  Mittens are preferred so your fingers can share their heat.  You can also slip heat packs into your gloves for extra warmth.
  1. Head – You can keep your head warm during cold weather with a fleece or wool hat. You can lose up to 40% of your body heat through your head so it is important to keep your head warm.

Other Tips:

  • Stay Hydrated – Despite the fact that it is cold, you will still sweat and lose important body fluid. The cold air and wind will dry the sweat which can increase the likelihood of dehydration. It is very important to keep your body hydrated no matter what season.
  • Try To Avoid puddles and snow – Try to keep your feet dry and warm
  • Protect your lips from being Chapped with Lip Balm or Vaseline.
  • Get out of your wet clothes as soon as possible!!
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Butterfly Spotlight


Rosalind Smith

I’m a native “Charlottean” and the middle of 3 girls, raised in North Charlotte.  I attended the University of NC at Greensboro and graduated with a B.S. in Information Systems in 1987.  I’ve been employed with Wells Fargo Bank (formerly Wachovia) as an E-Systems Consultant for the past 13 years. I attend Little Rock AME Zion Church where I’m involved in several ministries.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, riding horses and interior decorating. I will celebrate my “5” year marriage anniversary on November 4th to Jerrial (aka Coach), who encourages and motivates me in all that I do!  My “baby sis” Ivory introduced me to the Purple Butterflies and I’m sooo glad she did!

What is your favorite food?

Seafood – tilapia, calamari, lobster and especially anything with crab (shecrab soup, crab legs, crabs cakes, crab dip, etc…LOL! I sound like Bubba!).  I have a sweet tooth for cheese cake and oatmeal cookies and I love a good glass of wine with friends J

What is your favorite Book?

The last book I read that quickly became a favorite is, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”.  Her contribution to medical science changed the world!

What inspires you?

LIFE!  To be blessed each day with this gift inspires me to be all that I can be and to give back something along this journey!

What is your favorite quote?

Live simply.Love generously.Care deeply.Speak kindly.Leave the rest to God!!

 What is on your run playlist?

I run music-free.  I tried running with it but my phone   would    stop playing mid-way through the run so I’ve learned to run without it…my brain is my playlist, it’s amazing what you can accomplish on the running trail ….#flutterflutter!

Finish the following sentences:

I run Because…

I want to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle well into my old lady years…prayerfully my knees will hold up!

Now that I am a runner….

I realize that it can be very addictive!  Any and everything to do with running I want to experience and I find that when I see other’s running on my off days, I wish I was running too!

I Love….

The fellowship that I’ve shared since joining the Purple Butterfly Running Club, along with the new friendships and the encouragement we give to each other to reach the next level.

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A Butterfly Story

I Didn’t Think I Could Do It….WOW was I wrong!

 Lynne Alford

Mother, Customer Service Manager, Lover of all types of Music, RUNNER!

One evening with friends, having dinner, enjoying the conversations, I mentioned I’d like to run a 5K one day before my 50th birthday. A Butterfly was at the table. She told me about the running club she joined and how she was about to run her 1st 5K. She said “I’ll forward you the email. You should come out and run with us.” Now, I’ve never run anywhere a day in my life. So although I had this “dream” I didn’t think I would be able to really run 3.2 miles. It was just a dream or so I thought.

My first evening with the group; a little intimidated by these women runners, I shared with them;  “My goals are not your goals; I don’t run”. This is now a “running” joke in our club no pun intended.  Our coach walked with me that day and I shared with her my dream to run a 5K, maybe even a 10K. I didn’t think I could, very little confidence and every excuse in the book, from my knees, my ankles….etc. Walking was ok for me.

Later that week though, I had a training schedule in my email box which I thought was really funny; but I said ok I’ll give it a shot.

Week 1; run 1 minute…what? I didn’t know 1 minute was so long. LOL

Week 2; run 2 minutes; really? This is tough

Week 3; I ran 2 minutes last week, surely I can do 3 minutes.

I’m having these thoughts but as the weeks go by I’m running. I’m running longer and now up I’m at:

Week 4; 7 minutes on my schedule and then I can walk 2 minutes. I’m ready!

We’ve warmed up and ready to start our run and the ladies around me said we’re going to stay with you and keep your pace, which they did. We’re running, I’m listening to them talk, listening to my music and around 4 minutes they check in with me. How you doing? I said, “I’m good”.  Still running, a couple minutes later again they asked; How you feeling?  “I’m ok”. We’re still running, Coach checked her watch and checked in on me again, the other ladies are wondering is she going to stop? By this time, we’ve run more than 7 minutes and I just knew I wanted to keep going until I couldn’t go anymore. I wanted to make the mile and I did. Because they stuck by me, encouraged me, inspired me to keep going, I ran a mile for the first time in my life. Wow…it still blows my mind.

Today, I can say I’ve run my first competitive 5K in a little over 46 minutes. What an amazing experience I had that day. Going over that finish line, accomplishing one of my goals, my children were there and they were so proud of their mom. Surrounded by the Butterflies and having them congratulate me, support my efforts and just encourage me the whole race.

Really words aren’t sufficient enough to describe the feelings I felt that day. One race down and I’m still running; training for the next race, the next hurdle and one day soon I will accomplish another goal; the 10K; and then the next a half marathon. All this from someone, who didn’t think she could do it! Wow, was I wrong.

A favorite quote:
Confucius- “it does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” This will be my motto.
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Ortho Carolina 5K/10K 2011

On August 20, 2011 Purple Butterfly Running Club ran the Ortho Carolina 5k/10K for the second year in a row.  We had 4 ladies run the 5k race and 10 ladies ran the 10K. 

The course was very challenging but so worth all the training we done to prepare.  Several of the ladies had never run a 5k or 10K so it was very rewarding to see some of the Butterflies cross the finish line for the first time.

We also Had great start line coaches to keep us pumped before the race and congratulate us at the finish.  Thanks Butterfly Husbands, boyfriends and families for all the support you provide on race day and during our training!!

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If You Run,You are a Runner…

If You Run you are a runner, yep it’s just that simple.  When I was trying to get new ladies for our latest beginner class the most common responses I heard was “I can’t run, I can’t be a runner!”

Really?  I am so surprised at the amount of people who think they can’t be a runner.  It simply takes a little heart, determination and  putting one foot in front of the other. We ran all the time as kids without even giving it thought…..we ran everywhere and we loved it!  Yes our bodies were different and things have changed, but we got tired then, yet somehow we just kept going.

NewsFlash: The best runners and experts in the world did not get together and compile a checklist of things you must do to be a runner…..

[x] Run 60 miles a week

[x] Weight 120 pounds

[x] Have 10% body fat

[x] Look great in a pair of running tights

[x] Run an 8 min mile

[x] Absolutely Love to run and Live for Marathons!!

No folks there is no check list or magic something you have to do to be a runner…..You just have to Run.  Go out a few times a week and give it your absolute best effort.  My favorite running quote is as follows:

If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”

  – John Bingham

So that is right Butterflies, If you have been running with our group for the last two weeks then YOU ARE A RUNNER!  Anyone who may decide to join us next week, you too can be a runner.

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The Butterflies are Back!!

Every step, every mile…Together!!!

Running is always better with a little support and motivation. The purpose of PBRC is to provide just that. For the woman with a desire to start running PBRC will provide an environment that encourages you to start running regularly and stay committed. For the woman who is already running PBRC is a way for you to meet runners with a similar fitness level.

We encourage women to make their health a priority and we support one another while doing so.  We accept every member right where they are and work together to help everyone reach their individual goal.

Weekly Group Runs:  Tue and Thurs

Time:  7:00 PM

Start Date: April 12, 2011

Location: Greenway at Kirk Farm Fields (Soccer Fields)

210 East Mallard Creek Church Road

Charlotte NC, 28262

Cost: There is not cost for our club

For more information please contact Loree Hickman @ [email protected]

IF you plan to Join Please Email Loree Hickman with your Fitness Level [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runPBRCrun

Twitter: http://twitter.com/runPBRCrun

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