NAME: Kenneth G Poole Jr.
Age: 43
Chapter/City: Minneapolis-St. Paul aka the Twin Cities
Years w/BMR: 7
How do you prepare for running in the Minneapolis winter months? Well-thought-out layering
What are the worst weather conditions, temps you have run in? Tie: -5 degrees Fahrenheit, January 20, 2024, BMR Twin Cities Group Run; 118 degrees Fahrenheit, June 19, 2016, Scottsdale, AZ – the cold is easier yet more uncomfortable if that makes any sense
What do your training weeks look like versus your regular runs? I run about 40 miles per week and cross train an additional 20 miles on the bike. During training blocks, I’m usually running 50+ miles per week. A “typical” run for me is 7-8 miles at a comfortable effort with slightly negative splits.
What is your favorite race distance? I’m evolving here. Most of my races have been marathons and half marathons, which I think is my favorite. I want to get into more short distance races, as I look to get my marathon time down and am hoping to do more 10Ks and some 5Ks.
Funniest thing to happen to you during a race? Runner’s nipple while wearing a white singlet and not realizing it until post-race photos
What’s something without which you cannot run? Music
What is your approach to nutrition and recovery? I’m an empty stomach runner, which can be tricky for marathons. That said, adjusting my nutrition in the days leading up to a race, particularly the night before, is important. I’m liberal with electrolytes as race day approaches since I do not do gels. After races, it’s about enjoying whatever I have a taste for and letting my body dictate when it’s time to ease back into running.
How did you connect with Black Men Run? I saw one of the Phoenix BMR guys pacing a half marathon back at the start of 2018. He spoke and suggested I check out BMR. I showed up sometime within the following weeks, and the rest is history.
Best part about being a member of BMR? Driving the greater mission of improving Black male health
What advice would you give for those watching on the sidelines contemplating joining their local BMR chapter? Just do it. You’ll be better for it regardless of where you are in your fitness journey – you won’t be the slowest, the fastest, the youngest, or the oldest.
What has been your BIGGEST race challenge so far? ‘Being comfortable for 26.2 miles and feeling good afterward. It took some time to get there. Now, it’s about chasing specific times, and I’m certainly up for the challenge.