It all started with the first step and a willingness to run. When Kevin Hodge decided he wanted to train for the New York City marathon, he never dreamed that he would eventually participate in four marathons and over ten half-marathons. In an inspirational retelling of his personal experiences as he trained to do the impossible, Hodge discloses how he, a recovering addict and alcoholic, slowly realized the benefits of running that included relief from stress and anxiety, and endorphins that set a positive tone for each day. While motivating others to walk, run, and eat healthier, Hodge candidly addresses the lies that African Americans are often told about what they ingest and drink, and then discloses the dietary changes he incorporated into his life and the results he attained. Throughout his story, Hodge relays how he received strength from prayer and the beloved memory of his sister to persevere through every race. My Race, My Pace is the true story of an African American marathoner as he challenged himself to attain better health through running and lifestyle changes.
“They told me I wouldn’t live to be 2 yrs. old because they found me starving on someone’s porch…. I’m 55 now…. They told me I wasn’t smart enough and that I didn’t need a higher education…… I have an AA, BS and MS. They told me I would never be part of anything worthwhile. I’m a member of MD-Military-Holding-Lodge No. 122 - MWPHGL of Maryland, The Monday Cub (Oldest Social Club for African-American Men in Delaware and maybe the Nation—1876) recently resigned, The Drill Sergeant Association, and Bethel AME Church to name a few. They told me the Army wasn’t the way to go and I was wasting my time and the organization wouldn’t teach me anything. I was Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Detachment NCOIC, CID Investigator, Drill Sergeant and an EO Advisor for 5,000 Soldiers and Civilians just to name a few. It has taught me a lot. They told me I couldn’t run a full marathon. I finished in the top half. They told me I was too small for martial arts—I received a 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido and a Red Sash (Chamber 5) in Kung-Fu. They told me that I will fail in life. The Lord has blessed me with a lovely wife, four grown men (sons), a lovely stepdaughter, and six grandchildren. It was rough getting there, but I’m here.” (Started from the bottom) They told me I would never, never find my bloodline. Well, I found my birth mother, father, sisters and brothers and a host of cousins and combined my bloodline to my family that raised me and taught me everything I needed to know about life altogether into one big happy family. I now have two mothers and fathers. THANK YOU FOR TELLING ME THOSE THINGS.… KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, AND LIVE YOUR DREAMS. MAKE NO EXCUSES….
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