Formally Alethia Mongerie, but call me Coach Mekela, primary coach for Sole Legacy Coaching, LLC.  I have always exercised, and running has always been my favorite activity.  But it wasn’t until there was a health challenge on my job in 2011 that I started participating in races and shed the fair weather, weekend warrior mantle. Much to my surprise I could perform decently for my age group (53), and would often win Age Group awards.  I have an awesome coach, Miki, who brought out my potential and literally changed my life. In 2012, I joined Black Girls Run! and discovered the fun of running, racing and embracing a healthier lifestyle within this sisterhood.  I volunteered to be a Run Coordinator and then an Ambassador for the club.  I have served on a few race committees and paced a few race distances, 10 milers and half marathons.  I run marathons, sometimes trying to qualify for Boston, sometimes supporting first timer marathoners, sometimes for shiny things, or sometimes just because (endurance runners are kind of like that, we really don’t need a reason).  One of my nicknames is the Lil Race Bunny, because I am always involved in a local race in one capacity or another.  I have served as an ambassador for race organizations, and various products.  As I met more experienced runners, the nerd in me wanted to learn more about the science of running, in particular Women’s Masters running.  When I certified as an RRCA Endurance Coach in 2016, I co-founded Sole Legacy Coaching with the intent of sharing and helping women become smarter athletes. Well one thing leads to another, one of my athletes wanted a strength training program, so I pursued my NASM Certification in Personal Training to complement my coaching and I am constantly working on those continuing education credits.  I have completed certifications in Women Specialized Fitness, Sports Nutrition, Home Gym Design and Group Personal Training.  In 2020, I joined the Game Changers program as a Mentor to fellow women of color coaches, continuing my mission of helping women in their journeys.  Monday through Friday I am a Knowledge Management Solutions Architect for a prestigious law firm, but on the weekends, I am your long-distance run partner.    As of this writing (2024), I have completed 19 marathons, and over 200 other races of various distances.  My passion is to encourage others to “Take It to The Next Level”.