December Runner of the Month: Kat Moysaenko

Kat joined NBR in 2018 while she was doing 9+1 for the 2019 NYC Marathon. She had just started running longer distances and wanted some company. “My very first run was a Sunday Funday run to the track in Red Hook. It ended up being just me and Bev and we got kind of turned around so that ended up being my longest run up to that point -- 17 miles!” After that she signed up for her first marathon that fall in Philadelphia. You can find Kat as one of our Sunday Funday run leaders now or at any of our food runs throughout the month!

What do you do when you're not running?
I'm a freelance video editor so during the day you can usually find me at home editing commercials for TV. Being a freelancer means that I get to work on all kinds of stuff from networks like AMC, A&E, BBC America, IFC, and Sundance.

How did you initially get into running?
I never liked running when I was growing up! It was always the punishment for the other sports that I played. I joined the track team in high school but I did the field events, shot put and discus, and I usually tried to get out of any run that they wanted us to do. A year or two after turning 30 I decided that I should give running a shot since I was otherwise pretty inactive. I would run a mile or two here and there very sporadically -- it took another year or two after that to really enjoy it and I love it now.

What is your favorite race distance?
I think the half marathon is my favorite distance. I went from running a 5K as my first race straight into running the Brooklyn Half. I love running long distances but the half has the edge over the marathon since the recovery is so much shorter.

Best running memory?
Crossing the finish line at the NYC Marathon in 2019. Even before I started running I would go out and watch the marathon on Manhattan Ave in Greenpoint, and there is something so awesome that overtakes the city on the day of the marathon. Being on the other side and getting all that positive energy from the crowds is just incredible and being able to take part in that and finish such a tough race is a feeling I'll never forget.

Favorite running route in NYC?
One of the best parts about running with NBR is how much it's opened different parts of the city to me. I love running to the Highland Park Reservoir and I would have no idea that it was there if it wasn't for the group. I find I can really zone out and just enjoy the flora and fauna (it's great for bird watching!).

Any running-related superstitions?
I've run four marathons now and they've all been in a hat that my nephew Hudson bought me before my first one in Philly. It might be the only pink article of clothing that I own and not a 'running' hat but at this point it's pretty special to me.

What has running taught you or changed about you?
Running has taught me that I have so much more self discipline than I thought. I doubt the girl that tried to get out of running laps in high school would recognize me now.

Favorite post-race food?
Nothing can beat a hamburger and a milkshake after a long race!

Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
My "get hype" playlist is all punk and ska music that I listened to when I was younger. I'm pretty sure 99% of the songs on it came out before the new millennium, from bands like Operation Ivy, Rancid, The Misfits, The Bouncing Souls, etc. I think any song that you love and know every single word to is a good running song.

Favorite running social media account?
One of my favorite accounts that I follow is Grant Maughan on Instagram ( @dingofish_express ). He's an awesome ultrarunner and also a professional ship captain so his account ends up being this really eclectic mix of interesting races and cool places.

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
My poor toenails.

Best advice to running newbies?
Have fun. You don't have to run races to be a runner. Getting outside (or on a treadmill) and celebrating what your body is able to do is the best part!

Current running goal?
I just met a long-term goal of running a Boston Qualifying Time this fall at the Chicago Marathon. I'd like to run all the World Major Marathons but it's sure to take a while so I may need to come up with some new short-term goals to keep me going in the meantime.