Q: What’s NBR?
A: We’re a supportive, low-pressure community based running group. Our runners are beginners and experienced, fast and slow– and everything in between. We are focused on promoting a running community in North Brooklyn through weekly group runs, track workouts, club races, and social events.
Q: What do we do?
A: Well, in addition to our weekly group runs, participating as an NYRR recognized team at road races, we have regular social activities (picnics, brunch, bar meet-ups) and are committed to community service and action in the neighborhood– we’ve participated in Williamsburg Walks, It’s My Park Day, NB Compost Project, and support locally owned small businesses.
Q: Can I run with you?
A: Yes! We want to run with you! No matter your pace or experience level–or even if you just want to help out (timing, volunteering, planning events, etc.) whatever you’re here for is great. Click the link on the left for our detailed weekly group run schedule, as well as road races we’re planning to participate in as a group.
Q: Okay, well how do I join?
A: There’s no official form or anything. Just start showing up to group runs, races, and our other events. You’d be best off also signing up for the Google Group to keep in the loop with all of our discussions, etc. and you can join the Facebook group too, if you’re into it. To get in our database and/or to address any of your questions or concerns, email Sherry, our Membership Coordinator.
Q: What’s it cost to be in NBR?
A: $0. We do not charge any membership fees, and we hope to keep it that way! In exchange, we do hope that our members will give back to the group or the community by participating in volunteer opportunities, events we host, or taking on varying kinds of leadership roles. Aside from occasional, optional purchases of t-shirts, singlets, and the like, we’d rather you kept your money for race fees, running shoes, and rent.
Q: But, I don’t live in North Brooklyn, can I still run with you?
A: Yes! While the majority of our members live in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Bushwick, we have members in Long Island City, Ridgewood, Park Slope, Bed-Stuy, and a handful of proud satellite members outside of the metro. We don’t really mind where you live. Just run with us already.
Q: I’m injured/out of shape/no longer running and/or just like to hang out with runners. Can I still be in NBR?
A: Absolutely! We have opportunities for members and friends to help out with various things on a regular and occasional basis– from timing us and encouraging us on Speedwork days, to support with volunteer projects and events, to cheering us on at races, we can always use extra hands. Click the “Help NBR” link to the left to see what we need now. Email us if you’re interested in something specific or have some ideas.
Q: How do I keep up with NBR goings-on?
A: We are all over the internet. The Google Discussion Group and our Facebook group are the best ways to stay in the loop. We also Twitter or you can always Email Us! Talk to you soon!
Q: Are you very competitive?
A: Yes and no. We are not competitive in the sense that we take ourselves so seriously. There are some of us who are competitive by nature and enjoy races for that energy, but mostly it’s because we’re competing against ourselves as singular individuals to push hard or reach a PR. But if you’re not competitive, that’s okay too, everyone is welcome and much encouraged to run with us during the week and at races no matter your motivation. We’re just here because we like to run. With you.
Q: What’s a “Club Points” Race?
A: Through New York Road Runners, NBR is an officially recognized team, which means when you register for races, you can affiliate with our team! NYRR designates certain races each year (usually one a month) that are club points races, meaning, they are specifically targeted for teams to compete against one another. The better your top 5 men and 5 women do in these races, the more points we can earn. All the points are totalled at the end of the year to rank the teams. It’s mostly just for fun, for us anyway! More info on club affiliation and races.
Q: What’s a fartlek, and do I have to?
A: Don’t worry, a fartlek is only a fun, Swedish word meaning “speed play.” And it is fun, actually! Essentially, its an unstructured training method that has you speeding up and slowing down at random intervals during a run. We incorporate this into one of our weekly workouts to increase our aerobic capacity, and work on both endurance and speed in one workout! You don’t have to, but try it, you might like it. More on fartleks.
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