May Runner of the Month: Jose LaSalle
Congratulations to our May Runners of the Month! During this difficult time, we are featuring two of our runners who are essential workers here in NYC.
Jose first joined NBR in the Fall of 2010 and ran The Jinle Bell Jog under NBR that December. He was a long time resident in the Greenpoint and Williamsburg area and was happy to see a local running team. "I enjoyed the camaraderie I saw on Thursday night track when Jennifer, Ken, and Linda would shout out splits for the NBR crew." Jose has been an active member of the NBR team, volunteering as a Thursday Night Track run leader and helping to lead our Mile 12 Support Station during the NYC Marathon!
What is your job and where do you work?
I oversee the daily operations of New York City Transit Subways. My title is General Superintendent at the Rail Control Center. In a nutshell, any incident that occurs during my shift [1500-2300] my team and I implement a service strategy to get service to the affected lines and try and get our customers to where they have to go. I deploy personnel to the scene of the incident, I notify our Digital Communication personnel of the nature of the delay and have them post to our website, and I keep senior staff updated on real-time conditions. On a close to home note, during the 'L' line shutdown I was the Canarsie Coordinator and had to make sure all the work trains got to their respective work locations on time so that the contractor could get the work done and the tunnels opened as promised by the Governor. We are located in Midtown Manhattan.
How is your daily life right now?
My wife is currently working from home so I spend the mornings with her trying to overcome any software issue she tends to have with Cyrtix on a daily basis. I'm happy that we can spend more time together these days. I usually get ready to go to work at about 1PM, and she has lunch ready for me which is an added benefit. I try and avoid the news so I'm watching lots of old Seinfeld episodes.
Has running helped you cope during these scary times?
Truth be told, it been difficult getting motivated in part to all the races being canceled but easy to go to work. I've lost 3 co-workers who have been part of my working life for the past 27 years. The closet of which died on May 3, 2020, after he was intubated for 3 weeks. He was a mentor and friend, and his friendship can never be replaced. I've run a few times, but running with a mask, while necessary, is difficult on some days and I really don't want to run on the courses I've covered countless times which tend to be current havens for those looking for a reprieve from their 4 walls. I've had the opportunity to go upstate and run on the trails that I know and that has been great. I've been trying to average 3-4 runs a week as a way to stay in shape and keep my weight and mind well.
What's the one thing that keeps you going?
During life's difficult moments taking time to look inward, for me it's running [meditation, yoga, strength training for others] is what keeps the mind and body right. Running has never left me feeling bad. While we may lack motivation once we get out the door and start moving we always feel better.
Any inspirational thoughts or uplifting stories to share?
I need to take my own advice but yes, “Get out the Door, get moving, and don't stop till you cross the finish line."
Anything else you'd like us to know?
Yes, It's been almost 10 years that I've been a member of NBR. North Brooklyn Runners has afforded me the opportunity to meet some of the most generous, caring, smartest, and funniest people in the community and I'm grateful for that. Given my work schedule, I usually log most of my miles alone but these difficult times have left me hoping for the days when I will be able to run with teammates again, I look forward to that day!
Thank you Jose and the rest of our essential workers who are making huge sacrifices for the community.
