NAME: Mensah Bey, West Regional Captain
Age: 36
Chapter/City: San Diego, CA
Years w/BMR: 3 years
What started you running? Originally, I ran AAU in elementary school. It was like a family right of passage. After 6th grade I stopped and would dabble in my 20s with running. Mid 2020 my friends had a challenge going Nike Run Club, I hopped in, finished placed second. Then I moved to San Diego and within 5 months I ran my first BMR group run and have been here ever since.
What does your training week look like vs your regular week of running?
Training weeks can include up to 4 runs of varying distances and efforts. I try to get some hill work in. Regular weeks of running are 2-3 runs, generally our BMR San Diego Group runs and an additional exploration run to learn more of the city.
Toughest race you ever completed?
My first Spartan Race had to be my toughest race even in my peak fitness. At the point we had to carry a bucket of rocks up a hill I was operating on 80% mental fitness. What motivated me more than anything was not doing what I saw breaking others around me so I pressed on. The elevation change on that course was also far beyond anything I experienced but I shared it with my brother so it was well worth it.
Funniest thing to happen to you during a race?
So I signed up for a 5k Trail Race. Got out in the front group and was leading. About 1.5 miles in, something wasn’t looking right and I determined I led the whole pack off course into a neighborhood, mind you everyone immediately behind me was under 18 years old. At some point I was on my phone looking at Google maps for the trail entrance. We eventually found it, got back in the race and I still finished 2nd Overall.
Whats something you cannot run without?
Currently, gaiter for my hair, my phone and run belt to carry it. 1000 mile year in the works.
What has been your best race day experience?
My first and second, Rock n Roll SD Half Marathon. The first was a dream where I was just floating and smiling as I passed people, even a few BMR brothers who cheered me on. The second I PR’d with the same level of effort but a better execution and we had VIP access so we partied it up in style!
Do you have a running tip for newbies?
Learn to run with mindfulness. Study your body as you move, take notes on the little things, then take in your surroundings and touch the world around you. It becomes less effort when you do. Whatever your conversation pace is, learn to settle into that for most of your running. Then spend some money on some good shoes when you can. It’s all the difference.
Best part about being a member of BMR?
The best part about being a member of BMR is the fellowship. I get to hang out with a group of brothers weekly that are on a similar wavelength. It was a little tough moving across the country mid pandemic, leaving all my social groups and family behind. BMR became my first family in California and it elevated my quality of life.