Category Archives: News

What started you running? An unhealthy weight of 300 pounds at age 48 and I was able to pull it off because of my height (6’3”), I bought bigger clothes and was living my best life, at least I thought I was. My primary physician advised me that I was diabetic with high blood pressure. She prescribed all these medications. This was a shock to me. My mother passed away from diabetes complications at 59 years old. I watched my mother deteriorate right before my eyes. I witnessed her go from being a strong person who lived her best life, eating and drinking whatever she wanted after her diabetes diagnosis. It was just my mom and me and she was my hero. I saw what this disease did to her, but I also saw that she did nothing preventive (diet or exercise) and just took her medication and continued to live her best life.         

I spoke to my physician about becoming healthier. She kind of scoffed at me, like she did not believe me or as if she had heard this before many times.  When she did that something in me snapped and it was on and poppin after that.   

  

What does your training week look like vs your regular week of running? After my diabetes diagnosis, I started walking many miles daily; I didn’t care about pace. I didn’t know anything about the art/technique of walking/running at all. Walking became easy. I I was walking 7 to 8 miles daily. One day I thought to myself, man I spend a lot of time walking, let’s try a light jog. I had no proper training, no good equipment, just me deciding to step my game up. I knocked out 3 miles of a constant jog and I was hooked to running ever since.  

My training week is more about diet now as I was logging at least 25 to 30 miles a week. Since I have signed up for the Detroit Free Press Marathon (FREEP), I run longer runs on Sunday which I didn’t do during a regular week, so that’s the mission currently.       

  

What is your favorite race distance? I like long distance runs, 10K or more because your body is just getting warmed up after the first 2 miles and then you get in that zone around mile 3. I like to get lost in my thoughts, solve world problems in my mind, talk to relatives who have passed away. I feel great after a 10K and I get that runner’s high for sure.   

  

Toughest race you ever completed? My toughest race was last years FREEP [Detroit Free Press]! Man, I went to my college homecoming on that Friday of the race and I did what we do at homecoming. I had the FREEP half on that Sunday and thought that I would be good. I was doing great for the first 8 miles. Coming out of that tunnel from Canada, man, I was ready to call it quits for sure. I had to incorporate a lot of walking and taking everything (water, Gatorade, gel packs) I could find at the aid stations. I finished the race but wasn’t proud of my preparation and learned a valuable lesson for sure.   

  

Funniest thing to happen to you during a race? I was deep into running man, doing 6 miles a day everyday and averaging 200 miles a month at least. On this one run on a paved road next to a marsh, there was a possum. We made eye contact with one another and it was on. I was running on the pavement and he thought I was running after him; that possum was looking at me and I was looking at him. He was darting to his lair and I wanted to beat him there. I’m flying (or at least I think I am), and he is doing his thing, I look over one last time and took my eyes off the pavement, straight up supermanned that joint! I fell going at a fast pace. I threw my arms up like straight up superman and crashed out. I tumbled to where he was running too. I look over scuffed, and bruised up and the damn possum is looking at me from the mouth of his lair. And if animals could laugh I swear he was. I have other stories too about turkeys, construction workers, etc but that was a good one there.   

  

Whats something you cannot run without? Garmin watch, headphones, and cell phone are a must. Got to check my status out at all times.   

  

What keeps you motivated? Never going back to ‘300 pounds-land’, and the medication that comes with it. I’m currently medication-free and could always lose more weight. I’m no longer diabetic which is awesome.  Also seeing what diabetes did to my hero keeps me going all the time.                      

  

Best part about being a member of BMR? I like running alone because I always feel like I’m wrecking someone’s run and I like to do my own thing. I’m a lot to digest, opinionated, straightforward but with interactions.  This organization has accepted me whole-heartedly with my flaws and my quirks. They have shown me that I’m not in this alone, and they get me. They look like me and they can relate to me. I’m truly blessed to be a member of this great organization led by some great men. My Captain and Vice-Captains are that deal bro. These cats have seen me at my best and my worst and have truly shown support. This organization’s acceptance and encouragement is, bar none, the best thing that could have happened to me in my run life for sure. I will continue to sport my BMR gear with pride and speak glowingly to anyone willing to listen how this top notch organization can change your life for the better. BMR For Life!!!! Lets Go!!!!!!       

By James ‘JT’ Hale, National Vice-Captain and Communications Director, Black Men Run

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting BMR brother Marcus Cunningham in Montgomery, Alabama at the Selma-to-Montgomery 51-mile relay expo.  I had no idea that he and his wife would be at our regional race. We had already talked on the phone weeks before so that I could get his story. At the expo, I get a text from Marcus ‘we just touched down in Montgomery, see you at the expo!” and I was overjoyed. When I saw this brother, believe me, he did not look like what he had been through. He recently completed a 2-mile walk. His recovery from this devastating car accident has been nothing short of amazing.

Who is Marcus Cunningham and how did you get into BMR?

“I’ve been running by myself since 2012. A lot of times I would ask others to run with me.  It was discouraging because those who would commit would renege. I didn’t know where to run. I started doing 5K runs in 2022; it was something I always wanted to try.  In June 2023, I saw this guy at every run I’d go to. I would always speak to him.  It was one of the guys from the Columbia chapter. I was working at BlueCross BlueShield; I would run into the same guy. He told me about Black Men Run and he invited me out to a group run. His name is Jonathan Kirkwood. Jonathan would always speak to other runners and ask them about their running. He said to me ‘I think it’s important, we are building each other up and no one is left behind.”  I saw myself as a mediocre runner, but I learned with my first BMR run that there were different levels and paces.  They made me feel like I belonged from the very first group run. I felt so welcome. We leave together and we come back together.”

The accident! What happened?

“I had just finished my 24th 5k run on Dec. 30, 2023. On Dec 31st, we had a joint run with BGR. I told my wife to join me; she is a member of BGR. She brought our little girl. I got dressed in my new BMR gear. I was so proud to wear it. I told my wife to meet me at the run. This is where the story gets fuzzy. I read the police report on what actually happened. I do not really remember what happened. A vehicle evading the police t-boned my car. The force sent my car across 4 lanes of traffic. My car was crushed beyond belief. The police had to use the jaws-of-life to get me out of the car [see pics]. The paramedics were asking me where I was going, if there is anyone they can call, etc.  I told them ‘Yes, my wife’ and then I passed out. My wife had actually passed by the scene of the accident not knowing that was my car.  I had emergency surgery: 6 broken ribs, broken clavicle, femur and they put a rod in my left leg. I was in and out of consciousness.  By day 3, I realized I was in ICU.”

The Support!

“Our captain and vice-captain were the first to visit outside of my wife and parents.  They were concerned because I said I was coming on the run, and I never showed up. My wife let them know what happened. The brothers told me ‘Anything you need, let us know, we got you’ [smile]. The brothers visited me regularly. Every time I ran with these guys, I made sure to talk to someone different to get to know the guys in my chapter. I did not realize how much of an impact that made. So, when I joined the group, I was just looking for someone to run with. I was running so slow that Mike and Curtis would come back and get me. From that moment, I never wanted to quit.  And these guys showed up to check on me and make sure that I was good. I really appreciated that. And I really bonded with these guys.  These brothers even dedicated a run to me within 2 weeks of me being in the hospital. They did a 5k, running with the flag. They even ran in front of the hospital. My mother said to me, “one thing you have to remember, you are with a group of really good people – do not take that for granted, promise me” My brother even said to me ‘in my absence, these guys are your brothers. Let them take care of you.”

“The hospital had to cut me out of my BMR gear.  My wife kept my shirt and attempted to piece it back together.  I didn’t see the pics of the car or x-rays showing my broken ribs until 2 weeks after the accident.  I even had a tube in my side draining fluid: it was horrible. Fast forward to physical therapy, the nurse said I was healing fast, and they didn’t know why.  Once I told them what I do, they attributed my swift healing to my running and working out. Also, because I didn’t see the accident getting ready to happen, my body did not tense up.  This type of injury usually will keep you from your physical activities for at least a year.  Doctors said that I should be fully recovered in 5-to-6 months. This type of injury usually has you recovering in a year.  I really believe this accident was God telling me to sit down. I told my guys that I don’t know how to thank them for the support that they have shown me. The brothers told me to heal, get better take your time don’t rush it.”

Recovery looks like…

Marcus was discharged from the hospital on February 2^nd.  He participated in physical therapy twice a week at home.  He told his wife he wanted to go to the Cupid 5k just to be present in the environment. His wife did the race.  “I was standing there watching the runners for about 30 minutes.  A few brothers walked up to me and told me to GET WELL SOON, I’M PRAYING FOR YOU. I didn’t know who these guys were. Then I later received a Facebook message letting me know who it was. It was 3 brothers from the Columbia chapter. I also received some greetings and support from Black Girls Run too. This really boosted my morale.  We have this ongoing thing that we say, “yesterday’s pace is not today’s pace’.  One of the brothers replied to me that this doesn’t just apply to running.

Marcus is now moving and grooving.

As of today, he has been hitting the treadmill. He has been doing intervals. He is making amazing progress.  It is now the month of June. From his accident in December to his current physical state, you see determination and motivation.  Being part of a fantastic chapter like Columbia, South Carolina has been a real blessing to Marcus, and he has no problem expressing that.

Welcome back to putting one foot in front of the other, brother Marcus.

By James Hale, National Vice-Captain for Black Men Run

“If I can just lose some of this weight, then I will join you guys for a group run, but I have to lose this weight first.” Have you heard this before?

Nothing could be further from the truth. In my ten plus years of running, I have seen runners of all sizes, shapes, and ages.  The misconception of “If I do this first…” keeps a lot of people away from joining us.  Start where you are, remain consistent, then gradually build on your consistency.

There are many brothers within the Black Men Run brotherhood who did just that. Some fell off the horse and got back on it. Others got on the horse for the first time, and they have not looked back.  Weight loss is one of the many benefits of running.  It also isn’t about your speed. Fast, moderate, or slow miles? The miles still add up and the sweat rolls down your body just the same. Get out here and move!

I talked with three of our BMR brothers from different chapters about their weight-loss journeys. Meet Sonni Green of the Atlanta Chapter; Solomon Andrews, vice-captain for the Detroit chapter;And Baton Rouge chapter’s and our 2023 BMR Runner of the Year, Sean Darensbourg. Kudos to you brothers for contributing to this article.

People gain weight in various ways; during childhood, a lack of activity after an accident/illness, dietary routines. What contributed to your weight gain? 

Sean: When I was a child around 7 or 8. I wasn’t a very active kid although I played soccer. During my teen years, I was always the big kid. I would try to lose weight, but I’d just gain it back.

Sonni: 1998, I got married and the active lifestyle that I had moved to a more sedentary lifestyle. After having kids, our lifestyles really changed. Our life revolved around taking care of them. The healthy routine I enjoyed before just ceased to exist. You don’t even realize the weight gain is happening. One day, you notice things don’t fit the same and you’re buying a bigger size in your clothes.

Solomon: I was always a skinny kid, thru college, and in my early 20’s. I didn’t have an issue with weight until I started working. Sitting behind a desk and not doing any physical activity and my nutrition was horrible. Before I knew it, I went from 135 lbs. to 230 lbs. and I’m only 5’8”. Trying to navigate marriage, kids, work, poor food choices, eating out, etc.

What challenges did the weight bring on for you?

Sean: It was hard to move, I couldn’t fit into regular seating. Living in Louisiana, it’s hard to escape gatherings with fattening foods and trying to control what you eat. I would get winded walking. It took its toll on every part of my body, breathing, heart. I was diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. I was obese. I was active but the weight wasn’t coming off.

Sonni: There was no frustration on my part. I adopted to the weight gain by covering things up, buying bigger sizes. I had no medical issues. So, I basically adjusted to the weight gain.

Time for Action! When and what made you decide to address the issue?

Sean: Around 2003 is when I started hitting the gym. I was yoyo’ing a lot. The weight was up and down. In 2014 it came to a head when clothes didn’t fit as well. After a bad breakup, I was tipping the scales at over 300 lbs and I realized that I had to get serious. A new doctor told me that all my health numbers were extremely high [except for my glucose] but I was near being pre-diabetic.  I didn’t want to have that on me.

Sonni: In 2013, my wife was diagnosed diabetic. My wife joined a bootcamp and I also joined. Initially they take ‘before’ pics and when I saw those pics I was like ‘is this really me?’ They also did a dexascan which shows your body image, and I got my BMI, and I am thinking ‘this cannot be me’ and that was the moment I had to make a change.

Solomon: In 2019. My dad passed away from heart issues. At the funeral, we took pictures with childhood friends. I was looking at the pics and looking at myself while thinking ‘man, I’m huge’ – that’s when it really hit me! I already have a family issue of HBP diabetes and high cholesterol. I knew I had to get my act together.  I was almost 240 lbs. THIS is when I decided to start running.

THE PLAN! What did you do first and how did you stick with your plan?

Sean: One of my friends invited me to come and run. At first, I felt like I can’t do this. One of the local BMR brothers invited me out to a group run.  I was worried about judgment since I wasn’t really a runner, but they took me in, encouraged me, supported me….and here I am years later.

Sonni: After losing weight from bootcamp, around 2015, a gym owner asked me if I wanted to be a part-time trainer. I also wanted to learn about how the metabolic system works. For men, we start carrying that weight around our stomach and back area. You cannot outrun a bad diet except for when you are younger. At some point, the bad habits catch up. I started doing meal plans and chronicling what I ate; I also learned how to shop for food.  I was vegan for about 5 years with my wife. Her doctor recommended it for her. Currently, I do intermittent fasting. Running also played a vital part in maintaining my current physical state. It gives me the most freedom. I’m not confined to a time of day – there are no restrictions when it comes to running.

Solomon: I knew I needed to make some changes in my life. BMR Detroit was on the news, and I thought it might be fun to get with some brothers and run. After looking at the news clip, I looked them up on Facebook. I thought I needed to get in shape before I met up with them. I started on my own at first. When covid hit in 2020, BMR suspended their group runs temporarily. So, I would just run on my own. Once the group runs returned, I didn’t know that you could just show up, come as you are and that would get you where you needed to be.

After some time running and returning to the doctor, my numbers were looking much better. Every 5-10 lbs that I lost; I would drop an average of 30 seconds of pace per mile. I’ve seen my 5k time drop from 30+ minutes to 28 minutes in my last 5k.  My dietary changes: I’ve cut out a lot of bread and carbs from my diet. Lunch now is a gyro salad instead of Popeyes. I slowed down on the drinking from several times a week to just the weekends.

When you look at your Before/After pics, what comes to mind?

Sean: I can’t believe I got to that point; it lets me know that I did the right thing, and I am not going back to that ever.  I see there is always room for improvement.  I’m proud of the commitment that I have given myself.

IMPACT OF MY SUCCESS! Complete this sentence for me: “Since losing the weight, I___.”.

Sean: I have a newfound confidence in myself, and anything is possible. I want others who are struggling with the weight to know that this is possible. If you give it time and continue and put in the work, it can be done.  When they called MY name at the 10^th Anniversary Celebration Awards Dinner and announced that I am the BMR Runner of the Year, I almost cried. I WAS SHOCKED! It has all been worth it!

Sonni: Since losing the weight, I have found a greater value through working out and being a model for my family.”.

Solomon: Since losing the weight, I have been inspired to tell my story; to help other people. When people see that you did it, they feel like they can too. I feel motivated to let people know that they can do it. There is no easy way to do it. You just must make those changes and stick to it.

IMPACT! These are just a few of the guys in this brotherhood who made lifestyle changes.  These changes have come out of running. These changes have led to weight-loss, better overall physical health which also affects your mental health in a positive way.

As stated, there is no quick fix, no magic formula, and no short cuts. If you commit to making changes and you are consistent with those changes, you will SEE changes. Iron sharpens iron. In this brotherhood, we motivate and encourage each other. This is the impact that goes along with the influence that we talk about, i.e., “we are a network of influence and impact.”

Look around in our brotherhood and you can see it for yourselves.