December Runner of the Month: Alex Swette
By the time Alex Swette joined NBR in late 2016, she’d been running recreationally for almost 20 years, but rarely with fellow runners. “I wanted to get faster (bust out), but I also wanted to learn more about the sport (nerd out). So, I joined a community that would help me to do both. And it did.”
As for her involvement in NBR, Alex says she’s “been a random, a creeper, a groupie, a hater, a hype woman, a fashion muse, and a run leader (HellKatz), among other things.”
What she does when she’s not running: “I work a lot. I’m a lawyer. I usually get home around 10 or 11 p.m. if I’m lucky. I don’t have as much time as I’d like for non-running activities. But when I do, I focus on golf, surf, and yoga. I like physical activities (beyond running) that bring me closer to the natural world—and to my beloved beau. My husband is a talented golfer and surfer, so I try to keep my hand in those games.”
How she initially got into running: “Growing up, I dabbled in a variety of sports (including track and cross country), but I was never particularly good at any of them. At the end of the day, I was a scrawny band geek with braces and glasses (and one eyebrow), so long-distance running was a natural fit.”
Favorite race distance: “I've always loved the marathon race distance (26.2 miles). To begin, it's more cerebral. You have to use your head as much as your legs. Beyond that, the distance begets a true meritocracy. You can't just wake up and be naturally good at running 26.2 miles. You have to put in the work. At the same time, the distance is completely unpredictable. Even if you have the best training cycle and the most favorable conditions, there are no guarantees on race day. You are at the mercy of the distance.”
Best running memory: “My first New York City Marathon in 2013. No watch, no training plan, no goals. I was just excited to be out there. Through a friend, I had gotten a spot with the NYPD Running Club. We took a police escort to the start. Our corral was right behind the pros. My husband jumped in with me for the last mile or so. I finished in 3:41, which is still a course record for me! It was pretty magical.”
Favorite running route in NYC: “Down Kent and Flushing to the Manhattan Bridge, then back to Brooklyn by way of the Williamsburg Bridge. It feels like it takes forever to get out of Brooklyn, but no time at all to get back in!”
Running-related superstitions: “Not really. I try to always stay in the middle of the road, but sometimes my mind wanders.”
What running taught her or changed about her: “I’m a high-octane, anxious, and intense person. Running has taught me to calm down and be easy.”
Favorite post-race food: “Chips. Fries. Basically, a potato but make it cute!”
Favorite song to play to make her want to run: “Depends on the day and my mood! “Late in the Evening” by Paul Simon. “Self Control” by Laura Branigan. “Eminence Front” by The Who. Basically every song on the “Days Are Gone” album by Haim. And when all else fails, I generally turn to Beyoncé or Lady Gaga.”
Favorite running social media account: “natecollins00 — it’s a post-modern critique of itself.”
The worst part about being a runner: “Perpetually tight hamstrings…or is that just me?”
Best advice to running newbies: “If Tracksmith shorts cover your ass, you’re doing it wrong!”
Current running goal: “My running goal has always been to qualify for the Boston Marathon—which, for me now, is sub-3:30. In the past two years alone, I’ve tried (and failed) to BQ in Philadelphia, Chicago, Tokyo, and Berlin. The closer I get, the farther it seems. (And I’m not just saying that. In the years I’ve been chasing this goal, the yardstick has actually moved!)
“In general, I’ve taken it all in stride. But this last miss (Berlin) has stuck with me. I’m still not really sure what to make of it all, but while I figure that out, I’m giving my goal some much needed space.”
Fun running facts: “I was once the very last person to start a race—the Puerto Rico Half Marathon in 2015.
“Also, my form is so weird. My right leg kicks out when I run. I can't tell that I am doing it, and I don't know how to stop it!”