Local Runner’s Group prioritizes health and wellness
Men Run Deez Streets is a Facebook Group run by Terrance Lyles who created the group to inspire other men who wanted to run, as well as encourage more men to focus on their health and wellness. Photo provided by Terrance Lyles.
Lyles has seen the health benefits that come with running. As he began to run in distance races, he noticed a decline in health issues, which included high blood pressure. He found running to be a great stress reliever. Lyles started the group because he wanted more Black men to get into running and health and fitness.
Men Run Deez Streets started in 2013, with a Facebook post from Lyles asking if anyone wanted to get healthy by running. Since then, it has grown from five or seven members to 20-30 people who run on Saturdays starting at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Jackson Park at 7 a.m. On any given Saturday, there will be up to 40 to 50 people who join the group on a run. The Facebook Group has more than 400 members.
“Facebook has been instrumental in our progress. We talk about things related to health, weight loss, going to the doctor. We encourage our men to go to the doctor and get those numbers checked, consistently,” Lyles said.
The group also uses Facebook to encourage the members to monitor their eating, monitor their stress level through running and try not to take on too much that could contribute to their stress. Lyles is using the group also to boost morale and health and wellness of the members.
When Lyles runs in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October, it will be his 33rd Marathon.
It has always been a passion of Lyles’ to give back to the youth in the community. He wants to launch a mentorship this summer, which will pair Englewood youth and Men Run Deez Streets members. He has tutored and mentored young people.
“If we can embrace the youth and get them to fall in love with running, and get them on a healthy path and consistent habits of running, we feel they will grow into the sport and will make it a part of their daily lives. If we can get them at 16 or 18 years old and bring them around us, maybe they’ll be motivated,” Lyles said.
By getting the youth started along a healthy path of physical activity, Lyles wants to change their lives. He has seen how the body changes later in life. People who were once athletes who no longer engage in physical activity, find themselves with health issues later on. Lyles doesn’t think physical activity is a thing of the past. He wants people to see activities like running as something people should do throughout their lives.
Lyles believes that once men take the lead and focus on their health through physical activity, other people will look at the men serving as a positive example and those people will be inspired to start or continue their own health journey by walking and running.
To join Men Run Deez Streets, follow Men Run Deez Streets on Facebook.
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