February Runner of the Month: Carly Lissak
Carly joined NBR in the Spring of 2017, after newly moving to the neighborhood. She was looking for a local community that she knew she would have at least one thing in common with. Carly mostly gets involved with NBR by just showing up and having fun, “plus”, she says, “I'd like to think I'm a bit of a social media contributor. “
What she does when she’s not running: “When I'm not running, I'm usually sleeping or spending time with my girlfriend and family. I'm also always (running or not) on the lookout for cute pups to pet!”
How she initially got into running: “I started running my senior year of high school, but after running a little too much I had to take a break for a couple of years, to my my return in 2012 at the Austin Marathon.”
Favorite race distance: “M A R A T H O N”
Best running memory: “Very hard to choose! Big moments I would say were my recent PR at the Houston Marathon (3:22:49) because my brother flew in to pace me the whole race, and my parents drove down from Dallas with our Golden Retriever puppies to cheer me on. The little memories are regular weeknights or long runs with NBR peeps — always a highlight of the week.”
Favorite running route in NYC: “I'm a big fan of the west side highway — running straight up from Battery Park to Harlem and then looping Central Park.”
Any running-related superstitions: “Surprisingly, no.”
What has running taught her: “Running has taught me so many things, some about hard work and dedication and some just about the simplicity of resetting my day (or week) by lacing up and getting out the door for some new perspective. Running has changed me for the better, it's constantly reminding me that I am strong and capable.”
Favorite post-race food: “Pancakes!”
Favorite song to run to make her want to run: “I have been jamming to Maggie Rogers lately, really love ‘Back in My Body’.”
Favorite running social media account: “@northbrooklynrunners duh!”
Worst part about being a runner: “Always being worried about injuries.”
Best advice to running newbies: “Keep going! The first few weeks are the hardest, it keeps getting better!”
Current running goal: “I ran the Boston Marathon the year of the bombing, and since then it has been a goal of mine to get back to the starting line. I was lucky enough to clinch my BQ in January so now I'm focused on enjoying the rest of my races this year and staying healthy. Also crossing my fingers for a lottery spot in NYC this year!”
Other fun running facts: “I’m trying to do a marathon in every state, so far I'm 7 for 50.”
