Jess joined NBR December 2018. “I stayed because of the supportive, amazing community, I especially LOVED coming to Tuesday AM with TigerWolves!” Jess typically frequents the TigerWolves and HellKatz runs, and has volunteered for the NBR water station during the NYC Half-Marathon.

What do you do when you're not running? I am currently a full-time software engineer student so a majority of my time is spent trying to tell computers what to do.

How did you initially get into running? I started running officially when I moved to NYC in 2014. After long and exhausting days at work, I searched for ways to release stress and get some alone time. When I found running, I quickly realized there was no better feeling in the world than starting up my favorite playlist, floating along the East River, and focusing my attention on the blurry city light's reflection along the water.

My runs started off very slow and most of the time it was a run/walk. I continue to love the challenge and continue to push myself even when I am entirely fatigued. To this day, running is one of my biggest passions in life!

What is your favorite race distance? There is something magical about the mile. Circa 2019 5th Ave Mile- this distance feels so short, yet so long at the same time. Your legs are moving faster than you ever imagined them to. From a familiar distance, you hear your name shouted along the course. Your heart rate maxed-out, a breathless feeling takes over. Before you know it, you cross the finish line gasping for air. All you can think about is doing it all over again.

Best running memory: Running the White Face Mountain Vertical race. It's basically a race straight up a ski lift and back down again. It was the hardest thing I've ever physically done before. My legs were reduced to Jello, my lungs completely worked, but when I took a moment at the top of the mountain to stop and look up toward the sky it was an indescribable moment of bliss. I can only describe it as an out-of-body experience- I was able to dig deep for endurance I didn't know I had. Every step running down that mountain was surreal.

Favorite running route in NYC: Along the East River! I always feel nostalgic and peaceful running along the river underneath the bridges.

Any running-related superstitions? I read once in Phil Knight's Shoe Dog . (Romans in the age of the Caesars believed that putting on the right shoe before the left brought prosperity and good luck.) So now I ALWAYS put on my right shoe before my left (same with my gloves!).

What has running taught you or changed about you? Running is really special because its meaning to me evolves depending on what I am currently going through in life. Running makes me realize how important the present is. No matter what I’m going through or struggling with in life, it all just feels a little less significant when I am out there simply focusing on the air in my lungs and lactic acid slowly building up in my legs. I appreciate every single small thing I have in life and am constantly reminded that running itself is a gift that I am so appreciative I get to experience.

Favorite post-race food? Life Cinnamon cereal. YUUM.

Favorite song to run to make you want to run? Dog Days Are Over by Florence And the Machine

Favorite running social media account? Alexis Pappas! I've always been inspired by her topknots and inspirational quotes! One of my favs: "Be as kind to yourself as you are hard on yourself."

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner? Life is too short to think there is any worst part about being a runner ;-)

Best advice to running newbies?

There is no such thing as "too slow" to run.

There is no such thing as a "runner's body".

Run because you love to run.

Current running goal? Would love to stay healthy/injury free and PR my current 5K time!