Holla B.L.A.C.K.
Building community through conversations and motivation. We can all be Brave Leaders Accountable to Communicating Knowledge. When we know better there's no excuse but to do better. How do I grow if I don't have the knowledge of things necessary in communicating better, striving towards success, taking action, reading, listening, and Developing to become better for my community and future. Please give this podcast a rating and review and let us know what you think and help others in their journey to grow consistently. About Ronnel: Ronnel Blackmon is the owner of Morethanme and Host/Creator of the Holla Black Podcast; He is a public speaker, trainer, and aspires to motivate others to do their absolute best in achieving the goals that they have personally and professionally. As a part of More Than Me, he has created a podcast “Holla Black”. This is a podcast for those wishing to influence and encourage others through action and mindset development. He Believes that we can all be Brave Leaders that are Accountable to Communicating Knowledge, and develop each day by becoming better than the previous. Our goal is to build community through conversations and get the necessary information to our listeners that will help them become better each day. We have a passion to build Brave Leaders that are Accountable to Communicating Knowledge no matter your background or past circumstances. Moving forward is what we are doing and it starts with one step at a time.
Holla B.L.A.C.K.
Lace Up and Level Up: The Secret Society of Happy Runners
Have you ever wondered why runners always seem so positive, connected, and fulfilled? It's not just the endorphins – there's something much deeper happening in the running community that transforms lives in profound ways.
The runner's high is real, but it extends far beyond the biological rush of feel-good hormones. Running creates a unique lifestyle centered around three core elements: positivity, community, and personal wellbeing. Every step becomes a form of moving meditation, clearing your mind and shifting focus toward gratitude and possibility. Each completed run builds upon itself, creating a positive feedback loop of accomplishment that spills into every area of life.
What truly sets running apart is the remarkable community that forms around this seemingly individual activity. Running clubs welcome people from all backgrounds with open arms, creating instant connections that often evolve into deep friendships. This community provides accountability, encouragement, and a genuine sense of belonging that's increasingly rare in our digital world. From celebrating race achievements to supporting each other through life's challenges, running groups function almost like extended family.
The personal transformation runners experience might be the most profound benefit of all. Beyond improved physical fitness, runners develop mental resilience, discipline, and self-love that transfers to everything from career advancement to personal relationships. Running becomes "therapy on the move," managing stress while boosting mood and mental health. The consistent practice of setting goals and tracking progress creates a template for success in all areas of life.
Whether you're an experienced runner or contemplating your first steps, this episode reveals the ten compelling reasons to join a running community: instant support, built-in accountability, positive energy, meaningful connections, expert guidance, motivation to push limits, improved mental health, exploration of new places, celebration of milestones, and sustainability in your fitness journey.
Ready to experience the runner's high for yourself? Lace up, find your tribe, and discover why runners are living their best lives – one step at a time. Share this episode with someone who needs that extra push to start their own running journey!
Ronnel Blackmon - Your Favorite Host and Emcee
IG: @ronnelblackmon
FB: @RonnelBlackmon
WEB: www.ronnelblackmon.com
Well, ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Holla Black podcast, where we have a desire to build community and mindset through conversation. Please share, like and subscribe to this podcast to join us weekly, as we continue to be brave leaders that are accountable to communicating knowledge to the world, one episode in action at a time. If you're on social media, please share this podcast and tag me at Ron L Blackman so that I can repost and join the conversations with you as you become better today than you were yesterday.
Speaker 2:Yo, yo, yo, yo yo. What's going on? Everybody, my good people, my good people, it is me, your boy, your favorite host and MC, right back here, back again, and yes, it is a right off of the Peachtree Road Race and the MLB All-Star Weekend Hank Aaron Celebration 4.4 miler that we just completed, and you know I got a lot of people hitting me up like, bro, when are we, when you drop in another podcast episode, right, like, when are you going to have another opportunity to not only share the information that you've been blessed with, but also you know the experiences and you know other people and a lot of the people that you meet Like let's, I want to learn more from you know, from what you were given in the past. As you know, my four pillars are faith, family, fitness and fashion. So definitely need to share more about the fitness aspect, and one of the things that I'm going to do with this episode right here is I was given a question Buddy of mine, tommy Thomas shameless, sorry about that, thomas is his name, but he asked me.
Speaker 2:He was like, bro, you need to do a podcast on the runner's high right, like, why do runners seem to have like, or live, that high life? Why do runners seem to be full of positivity? Why do runners seem to have that community and then, ultimately, that personal wellbeing, like what are some of those things? So, with this episode, I want to be brave, I want to be a leader, I want to be um, I want to be accountable, you know, to not only the podcast but also the community, to communicating knowledge. And I'm just going to share with you my experience, my thoughts and my feelings, and just a little bit of some things that I've found as well, on why that runner's high is so important and also why runners see themselves as living just a high life, again full of that positivity. And I would answer that question, first off, with the fact that running is so much more than just a workout. Running is full of positivity, community and even personal well-being. Now, hold on, hold on, hold on. With that being said, I'm gonna have to go ahead and press record because, yeah, we got to make sure that we have some backup audio. But, yeah, running is more than just a workout. Right, it's a lifestyle, and it empowers us the mind, the body, the spirit. It gives us the juice that we need to get through so many different things right.
Speaker 2:When I'm thinking about positivity, I'm thinking about the ability to run. When you run, how your body just releases natural endorphins, right, aka for those of you that don't know what endorphins are. Endorphins right? Aka for those of you that don't know what endorphins are, the feel good hormones right, we want to think about. You know, how can I naturally boost my mood, how can I reduce a lot of the stress that I have? And think about the fact that every step becomes almost a bit of moving meditation yes, moving meditation. It allows you to, you know, truly clear your mind and shift your focus towards gratitude and possibility. Think about the accomplishments that it comes from right. Think about how positive and how encouraging when you experience something, how you want to share with others. Well, guess what? That's what running does. And every single time you cross that finish line, every single time you go out for a run or you just show up, that positivity is affirmed, it's stacked upon, it's another rep that allows you to build up the strength that you need in order to be who you need to be for all of those around you. So number one, or should I say the first thing, is the positive right. Second thing community.
Speaker 2:For those of you that don't know, I am a part of a huge running community down here in Atlanta, georgia, and Atlanta Track Club does a phenomenal job putting on races, but not only them. They're also connected with smaller groups, different running communities that support each other almost like family. I would definitely say that they're an extension of my family Now, whether it's cheering each other on at the different races, like I just did today, right or sharing training tips even while on the run, right, or simply saying, hey, good morning, Great job, what's up, I see you right. Great job, what's up, I see you right. Like on a trail, running creates just some very strong bonds and you're never alone when you're a part of a running community. Why become a part of a running community? We're going to hit that point in just a few moments and why do I believe that it's important for everyone to have that community? Everyone needs a tribe, everyone needs support, and I truly believe that that running community provides a lot of those things.
Speaker 2:And then, when we talk about just each individual in your personal wellbeing, think about the fact that running improves your cardiovascular health, right, like?
Speaker 2:It strengthens your muscles, it builds mental resilience, it teaches us the discipline, patience and self-love that we need in order to be the best versions of ourselves, in order to be better today than we were yesterday, in order to share and be that example that we would want for others to follow. Think about that. Think about how many things that if you were more disciplined, if you had more patience and if you just showed yourself a little bit of self-love, how much better at a thing could you be. Think about that for a quick second. Think about the fact that the consistent practice of setting goals, celebrating progress, how it just carries over into every single area of life, personal or professional, like, think about the fact that helping runners feel more confident, healthy and fulfilled, that's what the celebration, that's what the preparation, that's what the consistency of just showing up will provide that personal well-being. Now I want to inspire you, I want to encourage you and I want to give you 10 reasons why I truly believe that folks should join a run club or start their running and fitness journey.
Speaker 2:I'm going to give you these top 10 reasons. Okay, where we at on time, boom, we're there. We're looking good on time there, great. So, okay, I'm not going to take up too much of your time, but I'm going to give you 10 reasons to join a run club or start your running journey today, all right.
Speaker 2:Number one instant community support. Whenever you join a run club, folks welcome you in. They're excited to see you. They are high-fiving, smiling, asking you. When I had somebody ask me this today when's your next race? Like, people care, right? People are asking to be knowledgeable of who you are, but also, what things are you interested in? Right? Creating that similarity and building on that relationship. Think about the fact that when you have instant community support, you surround yourself with people who share your goals and cheer you on each and every single step of the way. And guess what? You can do the same. It's not like oh man, there's so much faster than me that they don't want the claps and the cheers. They want that encouragement too. So it allows for you, number one, that instant community support.
Speaker 2:Number two accountability. Same reason we hired trainers, teachers, whatever the case may be. Right, like. We need accountability partners, and accountability that keeps you moving is one of those things that joining a run club or starting your running journey will promote. Right, it's easier to show up when others are expecting you. Think about the fact that in the past, you probably have skipped more workouts than you would have liked to. I guarantee that stomach will prove it to you. Right, it'll prove that dedication, that commitment you know when you're in that bathing suit. It'll prove to you that you possibly might've skipped some workouts and if you didn't, great job, kudos to you. Right, applause to you. We want to encourage other people to do the same. So, again, giving you that accountability that keeps you moving. Again, it's easier to show up when others are expecting you.
Speaker 2:Number three positive energy, good vibes only. I love that. I feel like that should be a tagline that should be on the shirt Everyone positive energy, good vibes only. Don't approach a run club unless you have positive energy or good vibes only, like, don't approach a run club unless you have positive energy or good vibes only. Or should I say and good vibes only, because running clubs are, you know, full of people who love to lift each other up. Right, you'll find more smiles, high fives, encouragement than anywhere else. I promise you people are open to having conversations, to cheering you on, to having, you know, a celebratory drink or, you know, time out because of a part of that community. That's what that community provides us. So that's number three, that positive energy, good vibes, only.
Speaker 2:If you got bad vibes, just stay to yourself because keep going to the gym with your headphones on and not talking or looking at anybody. But for the folks that are looking for community, you're looking for some good vibes, you're looking for, you know, that positive energy. Run club is for you. It's the new club, it's the new spot, it's the new, safest and most encouraging way. I would say. Safety in numbers, right, that you can go out, meet perfect strangers and develop some real, long-lasting relationships.
Speaker 2:Speaking of new friendships and connection, boom. Number four I know I'm back to back. Let's go. You'll meet so many people from so many different walks of life that you'll be, you know, enamored, you'll be engaged with, you'll be, you know, just so inquisitive of why they are the way that they are, who they are, what their upbringing was, what city maybe they have moved in from. Think about the fact that you have an opportunity to turn strangers into lifelong friends, sometimes family.
Speaker 2:I know some folks that's out there joining these run clubs trying to find a boo. I get it. I understand Nothing wrong with it, right? If you have a goal, guess what runners do? They're committed, they're patient and they show self-love. Come on, I mean, like those are three things everyone should be consistently doing, because it's very important that we, you know, kind of have those people around us, we feel a sense of purpose, but then, ultimately, that we, you know, feel that love and that building up, not only of one another but also ourselves, right? So those new friendships and connections. That's number four.
Speaker 2:Number five guidance from experienced runners. If you want to figure out how in the world you could become a better runner, you could become someone that's not being sore all the time or, you know, having a struggle with whatever it may be, guess what. Guidance from people with experience on proper form, on proper pacing, right? You don't want to just get out there and say, hey, I'm going to run this 5K and sprint. No, I see a lot of kids that do it. My son, he does it, right. And I'm telling him all the time buddy, you got to pace yourself, you got to slow it down so that you can have enough energy and enough of enough strength and ability to finish the race strong. I love this saying start strong, finish strong, right. So again, think about that.
Speaker 2:Training plans, recovery tips the best recovery tip that I got was protein right after a run. I didn't know that tip that I got was protein right after a run. I didn't know that. I mean, I knew that after working out, but I didn't think of a run as recovery, needing to have protein to rebuild some of those muscle fibers that I may have tore down, ripped up or whatever the case may be. Because guess what Majority of these people have been there before?
Speaker 2:I remember people telling me right now, you need some magnesium, you need supplements, some zinc, you need to make sure that you I'm like what I take a multivitamin, that doesn't count. They're like oh, no, no, no, no, no. Get ready right, because you're pushing your body to a whole nother level. And each and every single day, we should be striving to become better than yesterday. Right, we should be striving to, even if it's just 1% better. I tell people this all the time If we just did 1% better each and every single day by the end of the year, we'd be three times the individual that we are today.
Speaker 2:So think about that Chew on that Like right, Like really marinate on the fact that you know in any way, shape or form.
Speaker 2:You're looking for a mentor. Well, guess what? When you go to a run club, you got some experienced runners there and they love to give information. Run club you got some experienced runners there and they love to give information almost as much as some other sports. But we're not going to go into that. We're talking about run clubs right now. All right, so number five guidance from experienced runners. Number six motivation to push your limits. Everybody wants to be motivated. Everybody wants to feel encouraged. Everyone wants to feel good and be lifted up. Guess what A lot of times all you got to do is show up. You show up, you'll be around stronger people, you'll be around more experienced runners and they'll inspire you to go further than you ever thought possible.
Speaker 2:I can think of so many memories during my training for a marathon where I was in. Let me add this me training for a marathon was like, hey, I just kind of want to do something. That's difficult, I have no goals as far as times are concerned, I just want to finish. Completion over perfection, and guess what? That's been my thing for each and every single race, because for me it's all about fun, having fun, keeping those positive vibes and again having the motivation. But I just love the fact how others can encourage you, even subtly, to become faster just by being right there along with you and clapping and cheering. They say that you can go further with a group of people. You can go faster alone, but you can go much further with a large group of people. So get you a tribe, get you some folks and again get that motivation that you need to push your limits.
Speaker 2:Now number seven better mental health To all my mental health folks out there. You know this, you know this as a fact, like, think about the fact that there is stress that needs to be managed. And guess what? Running groups, running with a group. It helps. It allows you to fight that anxiety, it allows you to boost your mood. It is what some might even call therapy on the move. Think about that. Therapy on the move, yes, therapy on the move. That might be the new tagline for Run With Ronnell. It's therapy on the move, right, positive vibes. Only we're here to have some fun.
Speaker 2:But then also, number eight, you get a chance to explore new routes and just see some beautiful scenery, my first half marathon through the city of Atlanta. I never knew all the beautiful places that there were, but guess what? This was happening. At seven o'clock in the morning, they're shutting down the roads for this race and we're getting an opportunity to run through these iconic places. Even when you go on vacation which I just did pack my running shoes, shorts, everything right had a great opportunity to wake up early in the morning, get a nice long run in and just enjoy the sights, enjoy the city and see some areas that I may have wanted to bring the family later on for whether it was lunch or dinner, right, but just experiencing those different things and, you know, having the beauty of the scenery, of the mornings or, you know, whatever the city or state may bring and provide.
Speaker 2:Think about the fact that there's so many hidden trails, so many hidden trails, parks and different city routes that you probably would never find on your own. But guess what? Running club, they, they design the routes for you, they let you know exactly where to go, what turns to make right, the, the, the folks that are a part of those running clubs. They're there to encourage you and lead you in the right direction. So come on, why not? I mean hello. You want better mental health, right? We all should want better mental health. So let's manage that stress, let's get with the group, let's fight anxiety and let's boost our moods. That's number seven better mental health. Number eight explore new routes and scenery. I already said that.
Speaker 1:Lord.
Speaker 2:Jesus. All right, so rewind. You know I said explore new routes. You know I said explore new routes. You know I said better mental health. I'm just going through my list. All right, but then number nine yes, we're on number nine. We're on number nine, forgive me, we're on number nine, ain't gonna waste too much more time.
Speaker 2:Celebrate milestones together. Think about this Every single finish line, your personal best and all the small wins. They just feel so much bigger when you share it with others. Right, think about when you were younger, when you got an A on that test, or when you, you know, improved on anything. Think about the fact. Think about that time when you learned how to ride a bike or learned how to swim or whatever that first moment was. That's what running groups provide that same level of care, that same level of love, that same level of inspiration and encouragement, because people want to see other people win.
Speaker 2:And the beautiful thing about a run club is they get a great opportunity to celebrate those different milestones together. I mean celebrate those different milestones together. I mean, heck, I think about my group. We celebrate birthdays, we celebrate races, we celebrate births of children. We celebrate everything. Right, because we care about the individual. And we also are there to uplift other people, right when maybe some not so best times are going on. So think about the fact that, again, you get a great opportunity to be surrounded by a group that wants to share and celebrate those milestones right along with you.
Speaker 2:And then, finally, number 10 is you want to fund, you want a sustainable fitness lifestyle. Get with a run group, get with a run club. Join a club, join a group, right. Think about the fact that running becomes so much more when it's not just an exercise, right? Not just something to do, when it becomes a habit, when it becomes a hobby, when it becomes a way of life. I mean, like you have an opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. And guess what? I'm a believer and I am giving you my thoughts, my experience from it. Join the Run Club. You get that positive, that overall wellbeing, and you can get connected to a phenomenal community, no matter where you are Now.
Speaker 2:I told you I wasn't going to hold you long. That's it. That's all I got to say. Ladies and gentlemen, it's your boy. You hear the song, you hear the music. Your favorite host at MC Ronell Blackman. Be a brave leader that's accountable to communicating knowledge. Holla black at your boy. Make sure that you share, like and subscribe to our podcast so that we can continue to be encouraged to share more information out there that you're interested in. I think this is a great opportunity all 10 of these to bring back some possible run influencers in the city or in different areas with running clubs, to not only promote their running clubs, but also to give you a great understanding of where they see that these 10s are positive for you. Look up a new run club and I look forward to hollabalacking at you later. Peace.