They were out of syrup at the Buckhead Waffle House in Atlanta, Georgia, and Jameelah Abdul-Rahim Mujaahid wasn’t about to go in the back and let the man rob them. His gun was pointed up near her head. He threatened to shoot her in the face. He wanted more syrup. Jameelah didn’t back down.
“You’re going to take my life over some syrup?” she said, standing her ground. The man looked stunned. The sound of a car muffler throbbed at the traffic light outside. The Waffle House was empty, relegated to take-out only. He slapped the box with the waffles, and it flew across the counter and skidded along the floor. Then, he looked Jameelah in the eye, turned and walked out.
“I don’t put God in a box,” says Jameelah. “I’m a believer.” And to her, that means God can reach people through anything.
In Jameelah’s bedroom, a painting of a dragon hangs on the wall. With its tail tucked around its body like a mountain range stretching out into the distance, the beast is fierce – mouth agape, fangs bared, claws at the ready. It’s the “Slay the Dragon Award” for finishing the Crewel Jewel 100 – the race that’s scared her the most. In 2017, she finally crossed the line of the gnarly 106-miler set deep in the Chattahoochee National Forest. After two years of trying and failing, she was the last person to cross, and she broke down crying. “Trail running is a spiritual path,” she says. “When you make it, it’s as if you just conquered the world. It helps me get through everything else.”
And the 53-year-old mother of six has dealt with more than her share of adversity. The Waffle House was just one of three jobs she was working last fall. She’s used to that; she’s been doing it for over 20 years. She started at the Waffle House in 1995. Recently divorced, it was the only job that would allow her to bring her young infant to work. She would sit him in a booth near the counter, give him blankets, and check on him any time she had a second to spare.
Most people don’t know the other side of Waffle House, she says, the supportive side. “They will take somebody straight out of jail and turn them into a regional manager.” They teach people marketable skills: how to be responsible, how to become a manager, how to cook. At one point, Jameelah was district manager of four Burger Kings. She gives the credit to God and the Waffle House. “They taught me so much. If you are focused, you can learn a lot. Things aren’t perfect in life, and you’ve gotta have survival skills.”
One thing she’s been adamant about is, no matter how many jobs she has, she will be allowed to take her kids to school and pick them up. Determined to be there in those critical moments, she believes that’s kept them out of trouble, and she’s proud of that.
But she has one more boundary, and that applies to any job. “I will give you day and night. Whatever you need. Saturday though, that’s mine. That’s my release. I get to go in the woods. I don’t have to wear a uniform. I’m not the leader, and I don’t have to lead.” Saturday is race day. And Jameelah has run a lot. Last year, she did more ultras than anyone in the country, totaling over 36. She’s run Six Days at the Dome, six days at Across the Years, and she’s a four-time Vol State finisher, running both crewed and screwed. She even did the 314-mile distance in Teva sandals and worked the next day.
And she’s gone through hell in many of them. At the 2019 Blood Rock 100, she ran in a Waffle House shirt, Waffle House bandana, and a “I Love Waffle House” button. From mile 68 to 97, she ran with a broken thumb and fractured hand. The digit stuck out awkwardly to the side as if it had been glued on. In the 2019 Hurt 100, she fell and fractured her knee. She ran 20 more miles but missed the cutoff at mile 80. She even ran a 100-miler with a broken arm in a cast. At the finish, she did the splits and a handstand. To get to the Salt Flats 100, she clocked out late at night, drove 36 hours from Atlanta to Utah and arrived late. She jumped out of the car, realized she’d forgotten her shoes, and started running in her Teva’s. She finished DFL, then drove back and went to work.
Jameelah is a devoted mother with a David Goggin’s mindset. She’s had to talk herself out of failure and out of fear, to get up and move. “Call it the universe or whatever,” she says. “You gotta be out there serving something bigger than you. You can do it. Sitting on the couch? Get up and walk around the block. Don’t wanna go out? Walk to the other side of the house.”
That’s the person she’s made herself into. In the ‘90s, she was a wife, not allowed to work, or to even look at certain people. She doesn’t talk about that much except to say that she’ll never let anyone control her again. It’s in her journal, and when her children are old enough, she’ll share it with them.
It’s a bitter cold January afternoon in Georgia. A polar vortex has swept in and dropped temperatures into the teens. I text Jameelah about the Mountain Mist 50k she’s set to run the following day. She gets back to me, and of course she’s at work and of course she makes no mention of the chill in the air. She’s teaching fitness classes at a local senior center, and our conversation proceeds in typical Jameelah fashion:
Me: “You headed to Huntsville tonight or tomorrow?”
Jameelah: “I’m at work until midnight, then I will drive there.”
Me: “Okay… uh, sounds good… haha.”
Jameelah: “It’s only 3.5 hours so I’ll be there in time to take a nap before the race.”
And that is… the way she rolls. Six days a week are for work and the kids. “My reality is my kids,” she says, and she wants them to know they can do whatever they want if they focus. But Saturday, starting at midnight, that’s hers and hers alone.
38 comments
Käären Schilke-Cherns
What an amazing woman. I would love to meet her.
Naomi Jozovich
What a beautiful story that you found and told Ultra SignUp news!
This wonderful woman is so inspiring. Get it girrrrl!!!
Lisa Felder
Waiting to welcome you at Miwok 100K in Mill Valley Ms. Brave Waffle House Athlete. We can’t wait to meet you. Are you at Born to Run 100?
TR
Long overdue! An incredible woman and inspiration for all. I have seen her at so many races and never knew her story. She offered me encouragement at 6 Days, I’ll never forget it. I hope the running community & running media continue to share and celebrate her accomplishments!
sarahfogartyhamilton
HERO!!! Give this amazing woman a serious sponsorship so she can stop working so freaking much! As a single mom who worked two jobs to make ends meet and put my kids through college, she is pure inspiration and a true “ambassador” of both the sport and what it means to be a powerful woman and mother!!! Power on Jameelah!!
Rebecca Taylor-Jorgensen
I am not for certain, but I believe our paths crossed at the inaugural Miakonda 2021. A beautiful woman inside and out, filled with grit. Thank you for featuring her story, she’s an inspiration for us single mothers too!
Rose Michna
Love the energy, such an inspiration for all! Truly one of a kind person in such an awesome way.
Christof
Real hero’s don’t wear capes. And though I don’t eat waffles, I’m stopping at the next Waffle House.
Ronald Morgan
Wow, I was volunteering at the aid station for Jackpot 100 on February 19 from 10 AM to 2 PM. She stopped by several times but I really didn’t know who she was but I saw her determined to get in the mileage. She’s an awesome individual.????????????????
Sydney
Thank you for featuring this story. So inspired. Someone sponsor this woman!!!
Ray
I have run many races with J over the last 15 or so years. No matter how the run is going she is always pushing on to the finish with her upbeat personality! We have talked about family and she is even more dedicated as a mom than she is as a runner. Always a pleasure to see her at a race!
Deborah
A story long overdue. “Jam” continues to do it her way-never afraid of challenges and ignoring naysayers. As a fellow brown runner ( though no were close to her stats), we understand particular challenges. Jam- heart & grit. Keep moving, keep showing up, keep it real!
– thank you for recognizing this phenomenal woman.
Jon Harris
How cool! I got to see her run the New Years Eve 50K in Huntsville and didn’t even realize that I was getting lapped by a running celebrity. She was running barefoot because the course was so muddy.
Iris Jacobs
Amazing story! Her dedication to her family is undisputed. Congratulations on your achievement!
Bob Sims
Always honored to be in the woods with Jameelah.
Ebere Nwankpa
I followed her posts on Black Runners Connection. This is a long overdue recognition and oeuvre. Very well deserved.
Gissy G
Jameelah you’re a inspiration! And it is heartwarming to read the testimonials above of everyone who has met you. Why does the article compare her to Goggins when she so clearly outshines him in so many ways?? I’m on team Jameelah! If you have an idea like the 4x4x48 that is Jameelah style, I’ll organize it for you!
Jenny Appel
I love learning people’s stories! Hope Jameelah is back at Col State this year, I would love to meet her in person and spend some miles together! So inspiring for sure!
Jill H
Jameelah is one heck of a lady. So positive, so supportive and fun to run and chat with. She definitely has her priorities straight, family first, volunteers often to help the homeless and then running is down the list. When she needs to make a cut off she does and can move fast, super fast. She is a superwoman!
J Jahz
Beautiful Sis????Tell your story. You’re a survivor, an inspiration and a determined woman; and that will sell everyday. Keep pushing and keep running! Big Ups!
Laurie Porter
Thanks for sharing your story! Keep going! You are inspiring!
Paul J Manning
I met Jameelah at ATY several years ago and I’ve been her fan ever since. Not just for her athletic accomplishments, but also her devotion to her family and her community.
Dr. Murphy Nmezi
I am impressed! As a 66-year-old African American marathoner and budding ultra-marathoner, it is refreshing to read the story of this lady, who not only works three jobs to care for her family, but also has the discipline, tenacity and motivation to engage in multiple ultra-racing events. She is, indeed, an inspiration, and I am very proud of her. Who knows, I may get to meet her at the starting line of one of the ultras that I plan on completing, after my upcoming Tokyo and NYC Marathons.
Mac Mason
Hey Sis, love your story and your drive. You are truly a trend setter for all of us.
Teresa
Wow!! Love this story! Jameelah you are truly inspiring!!
Dawn
I’m so inspired, definitely needed since I’ve been dragging my spirit. Thk u, Jameelah!????????????????♀️????????✌️
Sophia
I LOVE this story!! Great writing!
Van Phan
Just met Jameelah this weekend at Jackpot. She did the 100 mile USATF and I did the 72 hour. She was so positive the entire time even though her sciatica slowed her down significantly. But she was still able to dance along to music. I called a fabulicios!
William Rose
Oh, my god! What a lesson in determination, faith and grit!!
Brady
She is a sweet lady. She let my ultra running son wear her coat for several hours after his race. She’s a keeper!
David Johnston
It is always great to be in a race with Jameelah!
Rebecca
There’s the inspiration I needed to get out of bed today. Much appreciated.
jackeverly
Roll on Jameelah-Eff that comfort zone. Never did anyone any good…
Katherine Hauska
Unreal. Love every bit of this!
Noel “Noelle” Bartholdi
I’m convinced this woman has a very bright future. Public speaking in schools… write a book Jameelah!
jesse riley
Throw it down, boss lady! Then raise the roof! And Jared, you’ve had a little too much Waffle House, buddy. Seriously, good story, I didn’t know WH gave people a little extra love!
connie kolita
I had the pleasure of meeting her at both Long Haul 100 in 2021 and Cruel Jewel “50” also last year. This woman is simply unforgettable… her physical and mental strength kick most peoples’ butts! One of the shining starts in our sport. We love you, girl!