Blacks Changing the Face of Running

[kicks]

@kirkette skwcm80
(Sorry can't remember who the other runners are)
Have you all seen an increase in black runners at races recently?

The article mentions BGR! I still haven't run with them yet as it hasn't worked with my schedule even though they have a ton of runs in my area. But I reached out to a few and plan to do some triathlon training with some women starting in Dec. I'm looking forward to it!

www.wsj.com/articles/black-runners-find-more-company-on-racecourses-1477412583

[skwcm80]

Definitely! I'm pretty active with my BGR group. When I joined in 2013, we had maybe 3 group runs with only a handful
of people at our runs or races. Now we have runs 7 days a week, during peak training season we have multiple runs a couple days a week, and they are pretty well attended.

The 2016 Indy women's half marathon & 5k had about 200 BGR members in attendance. Some of the women came surrounding states even. It's pretty nice for us because local race directors have taken notice, and our ambassadors have been able to negotiate some pretty nice perks on behalf of the group.

[EnchantedSoul]

I run with BGR thanks to skwcm80. I've been running for just under 2 yrs. I can't really say whether I've noticed more black women runners now than 2 years ago but I can say that I just assume any running black woman belongs with us. I often give the awkward stare and silent, "are you BGR" whisper 😝 If they're not, I encourage them to check us out. Our chapter has grown quite a bit in the last year and I really enjoy attending the group runs.

[kicks]

Ok you all have made me really want to get my butt in gear to run with them. The one closest to me is on Monday evenings and right now I have soccer, but that'll end in about a month, so I will definitely go then. Unfortunately, I have to be at work so early in the morning that I can't do the am runs, boo.

[busybodyk]

I run but I don't do a lot of races. I'm a newer runner so I'm not sure if there's been an increase. I guess I'm it. Plus in Atlanta there are more blacks everywhere than most other places.

[kicks]

Ok I decided to get back in the game! I had only done marathons and a half marathon before because I never wanted to spend money to run a few miles in my backyard.

But all the BGR photos of all the racing they do inspired me. So I just signed up for a 5k and 8k for next month, then I'll do a half marathon in the early spring.

I'm also going to drag myself out of bed for a 5am BGR run next week. I realized since one of the runs is close to my house, I'll be able to run with them and quickly get back home to shower and leave by 6 for work. Hopefully it works out!

[EnchantedSoul]

Oct 28, 2016 22:11:53 GMT -5 kicks said:

Ok I decided to get back in the game! I had only done marathons and a half marathon before because I never wanted to spend money to run a few months in my backyard.

But all the BGR photos of all the racing they do inspired me. So I just signed up for a 5k and 8k for next month, then I'll do a half marathon in the early spring.

I'm also going to drag myself out of bed for a 5am BGR run next week. I realized since one of the runs is close to my house, I'll be able to run with them and quickly get back home to shower and leave by 6 for work. Hopefully it works out!

Woo, yeah! I registered for races today, too!
Have fun 😊

[skwcm80]

Oct 29, 2016 10:58:08 GMT -5 1234FIF! said:

I want to be a runner but my lazy fatness overrides my desire to run. Help. Me.

Have you tried the Couch to 5k plan? I only started enjoying running after got through the program.

Oh,and join your local BGR group, sometimes knowing someone is waiting on me is enough to get me up and out of the door. 

[kicks]

Oct 29, 2016 10:58:08 GMT -5 1234FIF! said:

I want to be a runner but my lazy fatness overrides my desire to run. Help. Me.

I actually don't love love running, soccer is my true passion. But running is free and can be done wherever you are, so that's why I do it.

The way I stay motivated is by signing up for races. That's why I did my first marathon. I just needed a goal and something to keep me focused on a somewhat training plan.

Have you thought about doing couch to 5k and signing up for a race?

[orangeblossom]

My sister started running with BGR after my mother passed away. She wanted to lose weight, but also needed an outlet for her grief. She lost 50+ pounds and has run many races. She's actually running her 5th Marine Corps Marathon this weekend. The local news did a spot on BGR and she was interviewed for it.

I dabbled in it and liked it, but fell off. There's no local group, so I'd have to go an hour away, otherwise, I'd probably get back into it.

[skwcm80]

Oct 30, 2016 8:17:24 GMT -5 @246baje said:

Oct 29, 2016 11:52:28 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

Have you tried the Couch to 5k plan? I only started enjoying running after got through the program.

Oh,and join your local BGR group, sometimes knowing someone is waiting on me is enough to get me up and out of the door. 

So my problem is times and where the runs are. I know they're black women at my job who I might get involved and it would work out super well because we have running trails etc. But I don't feel like a running expert to be able to host the runs. How do the individual runs work? How do you get them coordinated?

I have the same issue too, I typically only attend the runs that I lead because I live so far out from where our runs start. I have a few friends that run about the same pace as I do, and we make our own arrangements. We usually work out time, distance, and location via text.

If you're just starting out the C25k program is pretty easy to follow. All you need is a stopwatch for your intervals. I'm sure anyone of us here would be happy to answer any questions you have.

[kicks]

Oct 30, 2016 8:17:24 GMT -5 @246baje said:

Oct 29, 2016 11:52:28 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

Have you tried the Couch to 5k plan? I only started enjoying running after got through the program.

Oh,and join your local BGR group, sometimes knowing someone is waiting on me is enough to get me up and out of the door. 

So my problem is times and where the runs are. I know they're black women at my job who I might get involved and it would work out super well because we have running trails etc. But I don't feel like a running expert to be able to host the runs. How do the individual runs work? How do you get them coordinated?

Yeah the weekend runs aren't near my house either which bums me out. But I'm going to start going to the morning weekday runs because they're in my neighborhood. I almost went to the 6am run this morning but then came to my senses and went running at 830 on my own.

At least in my area it seems like some of the women do coordinate their own thing sometimes as they post pics of bike rides and other random runs. So I think some people become friends and do their own runs.

I actually don't like running with groups but I think it'll be a good socializing outlet and hope maybe can do some other runs that fit my schedule better once I get to know people.

[EnchantedSoul]

@246baje and kicks
You guys could always post a feeler and ask if anyone wants to meet up and run. And all runs are at your own pace so it's not necessarily a big group of folks running together-together. This morning, most of my group took to the track and one runner and I took to the street. I like talking with folks after the run and having familiar faces at races.

You might also find other groups of black women runners in your area that are not affiliated with BGR. Not sure how you'd find them though. Maybe your local running store?

[skwcm80]

Oct 30, 2016 13:11:19 GMT -5 @246baje said:

Oct 30, 2016 12:46:04 GMT -5 kicks said:

Yeah the weekend runs aren't near my house either which bums me out. But I'm going to start going to the morning weekday runs because they're in my neighborhood. I almost went to the 6am run this morning but then came to my senses and went running at 830 on my own.

At least in my area it seems like some of the women do coordinate their own thing sometimes as they post pics of bike rides and other random runs. So I think some people become friends and do their own runs.

I actually don't like running with groups but I think it'll be a good socializing outlet and hope maybe can do some other runs that fit my schedule better once I get to know people.

Yeah this is what I'm looking for some camaraderie. I've done couch to 5K but I wanna run with some peeps who look like me!

The one black woman I approached at work takes a van pool and can't run after work and was worried about her hair and so nixed midday workouts which are may favorite.

I completely missed where you said you were past C25k.

I would put the times and locations that you want to meet on your BGR page. You might find a few folks that would like to connect.

[redwino]

I kind of ran pre-dd. I was slow as molasses and only did one 5k. I really want to get back into it but the idea of starting back while pushing a stroller makes me ill. It's hard to get time to run without dd because of dh's schedule. At this point, I have no one to run with so b I have to do it in the daylight. I haven't checked for a BGR group in my area for a few years. There weren't any in 2014 but there may be some now. Still I'm embarrassed by my pace so I would be hesitant to join a group of real runners.

[EnchantedSoul]

redwino get your butt out there and run! There are plenty of people in my BGR group who only ever walk. No need at all to be embarrassed about pace. Their statement is "no woman left behind", trust that they've got you!
PS I'm slow too

[kicks]

Oct 30, 2016 22:11:41 GMT -5 redwino said:

I kind of ran pre-dd. I was slow as molasses and only did one 5k. I really want to get back into it but the idea of starting back while pushing a stroller makes me ill. It's hard to get time to run without dd because of dh's schedule. At this point, I have no one to run with so b I have to do it in the daylight. I haven't checked for a BGR group in my area for a few years. There weren't any in 2014 but there may be some now. Still I'm embarrassed by my pace so I would be hesitant to join a group of real runners.

Don't be embarrassed! I know in the group in my area there are all sorts of paces. There are walkers as well. That holds true for all running groups I've been to.

[sfy]

Oct 31, 2016 8:25:31 GMT -5 kicks said:

Oct 30, 2016 22:11:41 GMT -5 redwino said:

I kind of ran pre-dd. I was slow as molasses and only did one 5k. I really want to get back into it but the idea of starting back while pushing a stroller makes me ill. It's hard to get time to run without dd because of dh's schedule. At this point, I have no one to run with so b I have to do it in the daylight. I haven't checked for a BGR group in my area for a few years. There weren't any in 2014 but there may be some now. Still I'm embarrassed by my pace so I would be hesitant to join a group of real runners.

Don't be embarrassed! I know in the group in my area there are all sorts of paces. There are walkers as well. That holds true for all running groups I've been to.

In my BGR group (I barely go anymore because of my ankle, though), we split up into walkers, runners, and 2/3/4 mile groups.  So if you want to run 4 miles or walk 2 miles, you can do either.  We will all be waiting for the last person to get back, regardless of pace.  Btw, many times when I first started running 4, I was the last to return.  I felt like I shouldn't run 4 because I was too slow and I didn't want to hold anyone up.  They wouldn't hear of it.
Save

[threejs]

I have stopped and started with BGR more than once. Luckily, I'm in an area where there are tons of BGR groups with walkers (which is what I usually do in groups). I am fat. And lazy. And busy. None of which should stop me because there are plenty of plus sized women in my local BGR. You all have inspired me to start Couch to 5k, yet again. I've actually never made it all the way through.

This also reminds me that one of the reasons I stopped the last time was because I started having knee problems, which turned out to be attributable, at least in part, to not wearing the right shoes. For months, I've been meaning to go into the local running store and get fitted for the right shoe, but it's out of the way, and remember the part about me being busy? lol. Can anyone recommend a shoe I can just buy, or do I really need to go into the store?

[EnchantedSoul]

threejs
Go to the store! It might be a PIA to go out of your way but proper fitting shoes are important and will save you the pain and potentially wasted money later.

Start C25K again! I started and stopped and then all of a sudden I was ready. I lost like 30lbs of baby weight in the process. You can do it!

[threejs]

Okay, you've given me the shove I need. Will take a break from work and go over tomorrow. Thank you!

[NitaX]

Oct 30, 2016 7:46:27 GMT -5 @246baje said:

I tried BGR and they were really welcoming but damn runs at 6:00 during the week 20 mins from my house or runs at 7 at Saturday am 45 mins away that they were at one point really pushy about has made me fall off.

I still run though just not with a group.

My local BGR folks run too damn fast. LOL Also, that time for my area is 4:45am. I'm not getting up at 4am to go running. I usually head to bed at 10:30pm. I can't get by on just 6 hours of sleep. I need that hour and a half (I get up at 6am).

[NitaX]

Oct 31, 2016 10:31:27 GMT -5 EnchantedSoul said:

threejs
Go to the store! It might be a PIA to go out of your way but proper fitting shoes are important and will save you the pain and potentially wasted money later.

Start C25K again! I started and stopped and then all of a sudden I was ready. I lost like 30lbs of baby weight in the process. You can do it!

Also this. The right shoes are worth every dang penny. I am a Brooks person. They make the shoes that feel best on my feet, but I wouldn't know that unless I went to the store and tried them on. And not just try it on, I actually run in the shoe to see how it feels.

[kicks]

Are any of your BGR groups discussing this?
blackgirlsrun.com/blogs/blog/a-message-from-toni-ashley

They are boycotting certain races including Rock n Roll series, diva runs and hot chocolate series. They said that the essentially breached kind of a partnership agreement and were being sneaky and getting money out of BGR groups locally instead of paying BGR nationally to keep the organization going.

[skwcm80]

Nov 19, 2016 16:45:39 GMT -5 kicks said:

Are any of your BGR groups discussing this?
blackgirlsrun.com/blogs/blog/a-message-from-toni-ashley

They are boycotting certain races including Rock n Roll series, diva runs and hot chocolate series. They said that the essentially breached kind of a partnership agreement and were being sneaky and getting money out of BGR groups locally instead of paying BGR nationally to keep the organization going.

I've discussed the boycott with BGR friends and I've commented on the threqd Toni Carey started on our local page. Honestly, this whole boycott pisses me off and I'm probably be to going to leave my chapter because of it. 

I have no no problems with the boycott of the four race series if things went down they she stated. I don't have any issues with them making money from their idea. What I have a problem with is local ambassadors not being able to negotiate deals on behalf of our individual groups. Running is a local activity, and Toni & Ashley don't have the visiblity necessary to form partnerships with local race directors.

This year our ambassadors were able to secure discounts/perks  on at least 4 races that we won't  have for 2017. It honestly feels like a money grab at the expense of the all of the members. 

[kicks]

Nov 19, 2016 17:58:10 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

Nov 19, 2016 16:45:39 GMT -5 kicks said:

Are any of your BGR groups discussing this?
blackgirlsrun.com/blogs/blog/a-message-from-toni-ashley

They are boycotting certain races including Rock n Roll series, diva runs and hot chocolate series. They said that the essentially breached kind of a partnership agreement and were being sneaky and getting money out of BGR groups locally instead of paying BGR nationally to keep the organization going.

I've discussed the boycott with BGR friends and I've commented on the threqd Toni Carey started on our local page. Honestly, this whole boycott pisses me off and I'm probably be to going to leave my chapter because of it. 

I have no no problems with the boycott of the four race series if things went down they she stated. I don't have any issues with them making money from their idea. What I have a problem with is local ambassadors not being able to negotiate deals on behalf of our individual groups. Running is a local activity, and Toni & Ashley don't have the visiblity necessary to form partnerships with local race directors.

This year our ambassadors were able to secure discounts/perks  on at least 4 races that we won't  have for 2017. It honestly feels like a money grab at the expense of the all of the members. 

Ok I was wondering about this because I assumed there would be no way for them to oversee all the local races that go on since as far as I can see it's still a small organization in the grand scheme of things. It seems like this is causing unnecessary problems, but obviously I don't know all the details. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[EnchantedSoul]

kicks
I ran The Hot Chocolate Race today. When I met up with my friend, she was all stressed out saying that one of our BGR peeps told her that we are supposed to be boycotting this race. There was a significantly noticeable decline in BGR race attendees today than last year. I don't know if it was due to the supposed "boycott" or if the 27° temperatures ran people off. Either way, I pay my own damn race fees so I'll run what I want lol. I also agree with what skwcm80 said.

[kicks]

Nov 20, 2016 17:56:17 GMT -5 EnchantedSoul said:

kicks
I ran The Hot Chocolate Race today. When I met up with my friend, she was all stressed out saying that one of our BGR peeps told her that we are supposed to be boycotting this race. There was a significantly noticeable decline in BGR race attendees today than last year. I don't know if it was due to the supposed "boycott" or if the 27° temperatures ran people off. Either way, I pay my own damn race fees so I'll run what I want lol. I also agree with what skwcm80 said.

Lol.

The DC half/marathon works out perfectly for my schedule next year. When I ran it a few years ago it was just the DC marathon but now it's changed over the rock n roll series. Before I read the details of the article I was thinking I needed to boycott...I was thinking that it was saying the race was racist or something. 

So I agree with you...I pay my own damn race fees, so I'll do what I want!

[DesertMoon]

I always think it's incredible when people can run. I can't long distance but just wanna tell you lady runners how superheroesque I find you.

[kicks]

Nov 19, 2016 17:58:10 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

Nov 19, 2016 16:45:39 GMT -5 kicks said:

Are any of your BGR groups discussing this?
blackgirlsrun.com/blogs/blog/a-message-from-toni-ashley

They are boycotting certain races including Rock n Roll series, diva runs and hot chocolate series. They said that the essentially breached kind of a partnership agreement and were being sneaky and getting money out of BGR groups locally instead of paying BGR nationally to keep the organization going.

I've discussed the boycott with BGR friends and I've commented on the threqd Toni Carey started on our local page. Honestly, this whole boycott pisses me off and I'm probably be to going to leave my chapter because of it. 

I have no no problems with the boycott of the four race series if things went down they she stated. I don't have any issues with them making money from their idea. What I have a problem with is local ambassadors not being able to negotiate deals on behalf of our individual groups. Running is a local activity, and Toni & Ashley don't have the visiblity necessary to form partnerships with local race directors.

This year our ambassadors were able to secure discounts/perks  on at least 4 races that we won't  have for 2017. It honestly feels like a money grab at the expense of the all of the members. 

Did you end up quitting your local group?

Our local hot chocolate run is tomorrow. I actually was this close to signing up but then I remembered I was going to be out of town.

One of our run ambassadors just posted to remind people that BGR doesn't support hot chocolate so to pretty much stop talking about the race. She said you can post race medals but don't say the race by the name and to just celebrate your accomplishment without promoting the race.

That got a big eye roll from me.