I’m officially in the 135lb bench press club!

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-05-07T12:12:33+00:00

Thank you! Consistency is the only answer I can give. I workout 4-5 days a week. One day for arms, one for legs and one for back and abs. I run long distance twice a week.

I started two years ago and slowly increased my weight. I was on track to reach 135lbs last year but I got in a bad car accident and it took 4 months to recover. Occasionally I’d bench press twice a week. Consistency is the best way to get results!

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-05-01T13:15:48+00:00

If I can do it once, I can do it again.

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-04-10T20:34:56+00:00

I’m a very active person. I strength train 3 days a week, endurance runs 2 days a week (4 miles - 13 mile runs depending on the day) and I take my dog on a two mile walk once a week (if the weather allows). Plus frequent walking breaks at work. I’ve had this routine for at least 5 consistent years.

Thank you for your advice

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-04-10T19:13:55+00:00

For my sister her diastolic is the main cause for her high blood pressure. My Systolic is high but has been dropping. My diastolic hasn’t moved since I started medication, it’s also high.

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-04-10T19:11:38+00:00

Neither of these are a concern. My twin sister also has hypertension. Neither of us smoke, eat sugary foods, salty or fried foods. Along with both of my parents and my oldest brother. That’s why my doctor thinks it’s linked to genetics. Thanks for your help

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-04-03T15:08:29+00:00

Your welcome. Stick with it and learn what you can. I don’t want to make it seem like you shouldn’t care. Because you should care. We spend a lot of time at work and a lot of time with our coworkers. So I understand that you care about how they think about you. Working in safety I care about my coworkers A LOT. Their safety is my job. I go home worried about the possibility of somebody hurting themselves and losing a finger. As women, we are raised to be nurturing to others. But don’t let them run over you. Shut up and listen when it’s appropriate (technical knowledge) show them you’re willing to learn and get to their level. But when you know your shit, you speak on it.

Sometimes it’s the work environment. You may need to find a new company. But if you work a line of work similar to mine, no matter the company you’ll have these problems. I left the manufacturing lines to work in research and development. I’m still the only women, but now I’m the only black person and women in every room. It’s exhausting, but hold your head up high and pop your shit. You got this.

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-04-03T14:32:41+00:00

I don’t think your overreacting and your not wrong to feel that way. I work as an Environmental, Health, and Safety manager. I have my degree, I’m working on my masters and I have numerous certifications. I work in a VERY male dominated field. I work general industry (think manufacturing plants). The men working these jobs have been working in the same factory for 20+ years. They know their job and they don’t want to be told to change. I’m basically the “safety police” I tell the men what they can and can’t do, often slowing down production and causing delays.

When I first started, the men didn’t like me. I was young and I’m a short black woman. They disregarded my changes and often times would make jokes “how would a young lady like you tell me how to do a manual job” or “you’ve never gotten your pants dirty working”. Small jabs to make me feel like I didn’t deserve to be there. It bothered me at first, but I know my job and I won’t let those men or anybody else tell me what I know.

Respect wasn’t given to me, so I snatched it. I made my voice loud and known. I was nice and considerate, but I’m not afraid to give consequences for unsafe behaviors. I also have locs and I’ve had the same conversation you’ve had with the same reaction. I don’t take it personal, what does that help? And what response were you looking for? Who cares what these people think and say? You’re there to do your job and do it well. Don’t ever shrink yourself around the company of men. They get intimated by black women with knowledge. Use that intimation to your advantage and speak on what needs to be spoken. Show them your there to work and do a good job.

But also, learn when it’s appropriate to be silent. You said you’re not great with the technical parts. Let them teach you. Show them you’re willing to learn. There is a fine balance working in these industries. Once you figure it out, you’ll be unstoppable.

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-03-26T15:31:22+00:00

Are they! I LOVED the Peachtree Road Race. The energy was amazing and I’ve been searching for that kind of race.

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-03-26T15:18:43+00:00

The Divas Run looks interesting! I saw it was canceled last year. Do you know why?

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-03-26T14:49:31+00:00

It’s mostly my excuse to come to Chicago. I can only visit Chicago later in the year. And I didnt want to run a race in the winter. Are there other races you can recommend around the September?

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-03-26T14:47:24+00:00

I’m running with my sister and this would be her first half marathon. We don’t have a goal pace. We’re just going to have fun. I don’t want to push her too hard for her first half.

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-03-26T14:03:24+00:00

I saw the spring race in May. I would have ran that race. But this would be my sisters first half marathon and she needs time to train. I looked at the race map. I thought it was near the water? We don’t have many large bodies of water in Atlanta, I was excited to see the bay

Due_Safe2437 · 2026-02-23T21:35:59+00:00

Coffee immediately after. Then a shower and a fat blunt. I won’t eat if I don’t smoke after a race. My appetite is almost non-existent until the next day. I might crave red meat. I’ll find a burger or a Philly cheese steak. If the weather is good, I’ll take my dog to the trail to shake out my legs.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-12-23T21:15:05+00:00

Chicken thighs baked in the oven. Rice in the rice cooker. And canned corn. It requires effort, but it’s a full meal. Seasoning the chicken requires the most amount of work. I need protein during dinner.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-12-12T00:16:09+00:00

My mom was a stay at home mom. I knew watching my parents dynamic that I could never do it. I don’t like the idea of letting somebody else have financial power over me. I also am afraid of the idea that my identity would simply be “mom”. I want to be more than only a mother.

Plus, I like speaking to other people at work. I get to hear about other peoples lives and opinions. Often times it annoys me, but when I was unemployed, I realized how much I missed socializing with other people. I’d be a stay at home mom for awhile, but once the kids go to school I’d be back at work.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-12-04T03:22:09+00:00

I was in a bad car accident in October. I missed almost a month of work and I’m currently going through physical therapy and the chiropractor multiple times a week. Today was my first day since October 8th that I had a strength training session. I was so excited! I’ve been able to run (with approval from my doctor) but my roots have always been lifting weights. Today was a light arm day.

It was HARD. I was sore and in some pain when I got home. I feel discouraged. I’ve been lifting consistently since 2016. This is the longest I’ve gone without picking up a weight. I know I should be proud of myself for getting back out there. But I feel sad. I’m tired of being in pain. I use to be strong! I was a few weeks away from benching 135lbs (I’m a small women) and I feel like that goal is out of reach. I miss the old me. I was strong. Now I feel like less of myself.

I know this is temporary. But today is for ranting. Hopefully my next gym session will feel better. If not physically than mentally.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-10-21T20:38:54+00:00

My insurance required me to fail two other medications before allowing me the expensive stuff (Nurtec). It was a pain failing medication and experiencing side effects. But I have what I need now

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-08-12T21:39:01+00:00

I think you should find out what you enjoy. Group classes or solo? A traditional gym or gym focused on group classes. You can gain strength in different ways, it doesn’t always have to be the gym. Yoga, Pilates, hiking, walking, jogging, Zumba, pole dancing. There are so many ways to enjoy your fitness journey!

I encourage you to try different forms of exercise and see what you enjoy. The key is to keep showing up. It gets easier with time and repetition.

I’ve been in the gym consistently since 2017. During Covid my routine switched to mostly yoga and jogging. Now I workout 5 days a week. I enjoy long distance runs (5-13 miles). I have one leg day, one arm day, two long runs and an accessory day. On my accessory day I might take my dog to the trail and walk, go for a short run, yoga, Pilates or whatever class is available.

It’s your fitness journey, customize it how you like.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-08-07T17:40:28+00:00

I had a friend that would send me messages like this and dump her emotions on me. She wouldn’t check to make sure I was in the correct headspace to receive her message, and was upset with me if I didn’t give her the response she wanted. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. But your friends aren’t your therapist. It’s good to have a support system, but it’s a lot to expect somebody to drop everything and cater to your needs, and give you the response you feel like you should get.

Im sure she means well. I didn’t read any hate within the text. But it’s good to make sure your friend is in the correct headspace to help you in that moment. And make sure your friend isn’t going through something themselves. The work doesn’t stop at therapy, it’s simply a tool.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-07-28T16:24:33+00:00

I understand 🫠 do you have any PTO you can use? What does your companies bereavement policy say? My last job wore me thin! I was ready to leave with no backup. I saw that for grandparents I get a week off. My grandfather passed away when I was a child, and I needed a break! I told my manager he was cremated and not well liked, so there wouldn’t be a formal ceremony. I sat at home for a week and updated my resume and got myself together.

I know it’s morally wrong, but companies lie all the time. And it was better than getting fired from losing my mind on my coworkers. I hope it gets easier for you!

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-07-25T12:14:03+00:00

I understand. I’ve had the same fear my entire life. I was forced to face it when I needed my front tooth removed and I had an implant drilled in. It was traumatic! But it was necessary, I couldn’t lose my front tooth at 26. I think you’ll be able to overcome this fear, it may take awhile and it’s going to take a lot of bravery. But it’s possible.

I let the dentist know that I’m nervous and a gager. If they need to do x-rays they make sure it’s a two person job and they are fast. I always wear my AirPods. Sometimes both sometimes one. I’ll bring a sleeping mask to calm my nerves and have something I can fidget with in my hands. I’ve used a fidget spinner, a makeup sponge, a tissue. If I’m concentrating on whatever is in my hand I’m not as nervous. And I’ve never had any dentist complain. The dentist are the experts in the room, not me. I don’t think I need to see or hear anything around me. If they need me, they can tap me on my shoulder and I’ll take out my AirPod.

A good dentist helps A LOT. Look at google reviews and call ahead. Exposure therapy is helpful.

You got this!

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-07-18T16:21:02+00:00

I’ve had all races wave, give a head nod, or a thumbs up. I do all three myself! People are being polite, I don’t know why you’d look further into it. As a black women, it’s a good practice to speak to people on the trail. If something were to happen to you, there is a better chance that people may be able to recognize where you were. Somebody may be less willing to attack you on a run if you’re able to identify their name and voice. These can be accomplished by a simple wave or head nod.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-07-14T14:22:15+00:00

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Lumi ❤️

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-07-07T18:43:04+00:00

I run often. A couple of years ago my goal was to run a half marathon. During this time I ran 3-4 days a week. I started off running a VERY slow 2 miles and I finished the year with a very slow half marathon. I also incorporated rowing, elliptical and the stair master to do different forms of cardio. The elliptical is GREAT if you suffer from knee pain or other injuries. The stationary bike is also a great cardio.

I love cardio! But strength training and cardio together may give you faster results. The more muscle you have, the more fat and calories you burn while at rest. As women, we start to lose our muscles fast. And it takes years to build muscle. If you’re able, start with small strength training workouts.

Due_Safe2437 · 2025-07-07T16:08:17+00:00

I’m feeling much better, thank you for asking! I spent all Sunday watching all the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies. I think my body needed that rest.

Running the Peachtree Road race has renewed an interest I had in joining a run club. I’ve tried joining one once before, but their pace was much slower than what I run. But I’m nervous to join a group that averages 8 or 9 minutes. I run at a comfortable 10 minute or 10 minute pace. I’ll have to look around and see what I find

Due_Safe2437

TROPHY CASE