July Runner of the Month: Jenny Goldstick
Jenny joined NBR in October of 2022 while looking for a community during the post-pandemic time. Although she claims she was not a runner and had no fitness goals, she was looking for something to get her out of the house and into a new community of people. “I hit the jackpot, as NBR is unbelievably a free and volunteer-run organization that provides so much to those who participate.” Jenny has gotten involved with NBR though many of our volunteering and community outreach opportunities, participating at the NYC Runs Brooklyn Half, McCarren 5K, and The Longest Day!
What do you do when you're not running?
When I'm not running, I'm either working at my day job as a data visualization designer, teaching adjunct at School of Visual Arts, or drawing or creating or something. Earlier this year, I was able to combine my running and artistic interests when I sold made-to-order illustrations for my charity entry into the NYRR United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. In total, I raised almost $3500 for Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of my Dad.
How did you initially get into running?
By showing up at NBR!
What is your favorite race distance?
I am still new to racing so I don't feel experienced enough to have a fully educated opinion on this, but the NYRR NYC Half in March was my first half, and that actually does feel like a great distance for me. I'm going to try the Bronx 10-miler in September and curious how that will pan out – it could be a new favorite distance. Stay tuned.
Best running memory?
This is both a best and worst memory. Very early on when I joined NBR and I hardly knew anyone nor did they know me, I was running with a friend who fell and got hurt. That was pretty scary, but what was so amazing was that our pod’s run leader and another NBR runner did not hesitate at all to jump in and help, firstly using their skill of running to quickly locate the closest urgent care before it closed, and then helping us get there and making sure they got water and anything else they needed. I mean, these people didn't even know our names at that point, and yet they were ready to help. I consider it a pivotal memory because it showed me that the NBR community is an A+ group of humans and it kept me coming back.
Favorite running route in NYC?
At Wednesday Night Road Run, we have done a route that goes over Grand Street bridge, which I would never think to cross over otherwise–great view of the Kosciusko.
Any running-related superstitions?
Not yet, should I have one?
What has running taught you or changed about you?
I think running has really improved my mental health and it helps clear my head. I can be a classic overthinker about many things in life, but it’s not really possible to do this during a run. There aren't enough brain cells firing to overthink much of anything!
Running has also taught me the importance of having an open mind. I really would not have expected to enjoy running or run club at all; when I was hustling as a freelance designer and artist throughout my first decade in NYC, everything in my life was all about that. To become a part of something completely separate from my career has been super refreshing. I’ve met so many cool and interesting people from different backgrounds who I would not have otherwise met (but mostly software engineers, let's be real :) ).
Favorite post-race food?
I’ve tweaked the traditional BEC to perfection: turkey bacon, egg, and swiss with arugula on a whole wheat everything bagel toasted, ideally from Brooklyn Standard.
Favorite song to run to or make you want to run?
I actually don't listen to music while I run. For me there is already too much sensory stuff going on with all the sights, sounds and smells of NYC both good and bad.
Favorite running social media account?
@northbrooklynrunners!
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Two things: Firstly, I need to do way more laundry, and secondly, injury prevalence
Best advice to running newbies?
I am a running newbie, so speaking to fellow newbies, I would say that it seems like all you really need to do is show up consistently and put one foot in front of the other at first, and it actually is that simple. I remember the first day I showed up at Saturday bridge run, I had a million fears and hesitations going through my head. For example – Am I even capable of running the WIlliamsburg Bridge there and back? What if I’m too slow? What if I have no one to run with? Do I have the right gear? What if I get lost on my way to get coffee? Etc, etc. However, I almost immediately realized that none of this actually matters. No matter what happens on the run, you get the benefit of putting forth the effort of doing something good for your body and mind, and that consistency of simply showing up, at least for me, has really seemed to pay off in terms of building endurance that I didn't know I was capable of.
Current running goal?
Now that I’ve “found my footing” and feel more comfortable in the sport, I think I'm ready to start incorporating more speed work into my weekly runs. I haven’t really gotten into shorter distance races or running faster speeds yet.
Any other fun running facts about you?
Will run for food, will run for laughs, will run for vibes. Will run to see sights, will run for beer. Won’t run if AQI is over NBR-unsafe levels of 150 (but would still consider the so-called “dreadmill”…maybe).
