BLACK MEN RUN! INSPIRATION FOR ALL

Screenshot from blkmenrun.com gear page. Captured by PKSenagore. November 29, 2017.

SIMPLE BASIC TRAINING VIDEOS This organization’s mission statement webpage begins with a listing of facts that include alarming numbers about cardiovascular disease occurrence in African American males.  Strokes and coronary heart disease specifically. Then it expresses the belief that running/jogging can reverse these unhealthy trends, and that as an organization it can help Black Men to get out and become active.
 
BMR lays down core requirements for its members, which are summarized here:
*Take running seriously by setting regular goals
*Share running routes with the BMR hashtag; share the website with others
*Start a BMR meet-up locally; be a source of encouragement and inspiration to others
It also asks men to purchase a t-shirt to spread the word and support the cause.
 
The actual statement reads: “To encourage health and wellness among African American men by promoting a culture of running jogging to stay fit to result in ‘A Healthy Brotherhood’”.
 
The BMR website training page has many terrific video demonstrations by BMR-NYC and the BMR CMO (Chief Motivation Officer) Edward Walton. Topics include training warm-ups, stretches, strength exercises, running safely at night, increasing mileage, and pre-race warm-ups.  These videos can be useful to any runner.  They are low-key, no-nonsense GOOD!
The commitment is Earned Runs-style basic, but offers the support of a community.
 
The site contains other information and links to meet-ups across the USA (and one in London!).*
 
Hey BMR, how about supporting a walking program, too? It may not be easy for men with weight and joint issues to start running.  Walking might provide a transition to running. Or exist as a stand-alone aerobic activity in which mobility, stretching, and strength training is also important to injury-free exercise and overall health. 
 
Congratulations to BLACK MEN RUN! Their message is clear, training videos are outstanding.  The BMR website link will be posted on the RESOURCES page. 

​Perhaps Earned Runs can help your effort with bibs or online support?
 
RUN HAPPY!
 
*Specific dates are not provided; can’t be sure all information is updated by what’s posted on most city links. Best to contact the group you hope to join to confirm meet-ups beforehand.
 
www.blkmenrun.com
 
BLACK GIRLS RUN is another similar movement.  The website seems a to have more of a commercial feel to it without an up-front emphasis on basic training that would help a lone person to start a running program. https://blackgirlsrun.com