Juneteenth challenge with BMR

COVID-19, “ The Rona Era”

This is Juneteenth weekend and Father’s Day weekend. There is so much activities and events going on this weekend that it will be hard to pick which one to go to. Today is the second week of Road to Wellness training and BMR-Black Men Run has their first Juneteenth Challenge- Run/Walk a 5k, 10k, or half marathon. I was torn between which one to go to. For the last 5 years, I’ve always participated in the RTW-Road to Wellness free clinic. I wanted to be there for week 2. Then again this is the first time BMR put together this challenge. I decided to support BMR and if I have time go to RTW training. BMR started at 7:30 and RTW starts at 8:45a.m., I might be able to do both, so I thought.

By 7a.m. I saw the BMR tent in Nubian Square. I was excited to see that and a table and cooler with snacks, always important. Slowly, the men started to gather around the tent. There was one BGR member there to run with them as well. It was good to see another lady in that space.

Jess, from Soul Train was volunteering to watch the tent while we ran. I know Captain Jeff sent out a request asking for volunteers at the different water stops.

Once we gathered, we did group stretches and then circled up for our “ Why”. We share the “ why” are we here. What’s our why. It’s always good to hear. My Why, was survival. Because of our ancestors, I am here. I am here to celebrate my survival to be present and in this space. I celebrate the reasons why I am able to fight another day and live the life I have. Which is true. I got lots of love from the group.

Others talked about remembrance, Why not, health, community, belonging, as their reasons.

BMR are gansta. They had a couple of guys filming, taking pictures. One young man was running with us while filming. Kudos to that.

The men were of all ages and levels. One man was training for a 100 mile race. Another was just trying to get back into running.

I decided to do a 5k this morning. I would have done the 10k but I thought I would make it to RTW training. After stretching, photos, our circle of Why, we started running a little bit after 8a.m. The 5k route was really nice. The cool fall like weather was a bonus!

Part of the route was the route we run for RTW. I took in the surroundings, the men running, and the urban art. I wanted to celebrate blackness and being in this space, running.

Running with a group, I improved my time. 5k, 10:25 min/mile. 32m and 34seconds. I’m sure I could have been under 30 if I wasn’t taking pictures.

This was a great way to start of Juneteenth activities.