NAME: Thomas Serrano Age: 52
Chapter/City: North New Jersey Years/BMR: 7
Check out Thomas Serrano on Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/51754389
What was life like when you could “barely run,” and what made you decide to change that?
My life was in a chaotic state when I wasn’t running. In early 2019 the world was still in the midst of a global pandemic. At the same time, I began suffering from sciatica nerve pain in my lower back which hindered me from exercising. I quickly became overweight and slightly depressed.
I went to my physician for a checkup, and he hit me with more bad news. My LDL was through the roof, and I was also pre-diabetic. I was headed to a life of non-stop prescriptions unless a drastic lifestyle change was made. I decided to grab the bull by the horns and get healthy the right way through proper diet and exercise.
Was there a specific moment (or person) that flipped the switch and made you commit to running consistently?
The specific moment that flipped the switch and made me commit to running consistently was when I saw Black Men Run in the October 2019 issue of Men’s Health magazine. It was the first time I saw a Black male running group. The image of those brothers running in unity lit a fire under me. I knew that’s the group I needed to be a part of.
Why did you choose a 50K trail race as your breakthrough goal instead of something shorter or on the road?
I added trail running to my regimen in 2025 and gave myself the lofty goal to complete a 50K trail race at the start of 2026. An ultra marathon seemed achievable since I had a consistent running
base. I envisioned myself as a War Chief who needed to earn his eagle feather.
What did your training journey teach you about discipline when motivation wasn’t there?
My training journey taught me that discipline and motivation go together to achieve the desired goal. Motivation is the “why” you start, whereas discipline is “how’ you finish. I learned to believe in my “why” for the “how’ to work.
During the 50K, what was your hardest moment—and what did you tell yourself to keep moving?
The hardest moment of my 50k was completing the last trail loop. I was mentally and physically exhausted when my body’s check engine light began to flicker. I began to think about the months of blood, sweat, and sacrifice. Remembering my “why” gave me a final surge of energy that propelled me towards the finish line.
What part of trail running (terrain, elevation, solitude, nature, community) challenged you the most—and why?
The most challenging part of trail running for me has been the elevation and navigation. It’s not fun to be tired and lost. I’ve learned to power hike on steep hills to conserve energy and download trail courses on the All Trails app.
Trail running versus road running: Which one do you prefer and what do you get out of it?
I prefer to trail run. I like being in nature, discovering new trails, and facing unexpected terrain challenges. The experience makes me feel more mentally engaged than road running. It gets me away from the noise, pollution, and traffic congestion of the city. Let’s face it, the scenery and air is always better from the top of a mountain.
How did finishing this 50K reshape how you see yourself—not just as a runner, but as a man?
Finishing my first 50K has boosted my confidence and focus as a long distance runner. I practiced mindfulness prior to my race to quiet my mind and be present during stressful times. The mental exercises have helped me in all other aspect of my daily life.
The legendary martial artist Bruce Lee once said, “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.”
What role did Black Men Run play in your growth (support, accountability, encouragement, representation)?
Black Men Run has been pivotal in my growth and development as a runner. I find that the meetups and group chats are a constant source of support, accountability, and encouragement. Sometimes it’s just great to run and talk about non-running related topics as well. I’ve had some very impactful conversations with brothers that way.
What’s one mistake you made early on that you’d warn new runners about—so they progress faster and safer?
I made the early mistake of trying to transition my road running pace to the trails. I warn new trail runners to focus more on time on your feet and less about a fast pace. The terrain and elevation will have you switching between running, walking, and hiking. Constantly running fast through a trail will eventually burn you out and also increase the chances of tripping.
Now that you’ve done your first 50K, what’s next—and what message do you want your story to send to other brothers?
I crossed the proverbial Rubicon when I completed my first 50K. I’m going to continue to blaze new trails and set up more challenges for myself in the upcoming years. I’ll do whatever the Most High demands of me as long as my body is healthy.
In the meantime, I would like to encourage brothers to step outside their comfort zone and add some trails into their running rotation. To get started, have a running store properly fit you for a pair of
trail shoes and search the internet for a reservation in your area . Let’s get our presence felt in the woods so that we can make people in our community feel safe to come out and enjoy the outdoors too.