April Runner of the Month: Thomas Kelsey

Thomas initially joined NBR in 2019 after volunteering at the Mile 12 water table at the New York City Marathon. “I had never heard of North Brooklyn Runners before arriving at the water station but a couple of people there spent all morning talking about the club and one member even made me commit to showing up for a group run. I followed through on that promise and showed up to Monday Night Easy Run that next day.” Since then, Thomas has been an active member of NBR, winning the 2019 Unofficial Holiday Handicap race. Most recently, Thomas PRed his marathon by 1 hour and 40 minutes to run a casual 3:41:26 at the Two Rivers Marathon in March!

How did you initially get into running?
I hated running as a kid. I don't believe I had ever run 3 miles until I was 26. But at that age I moved to a new city and found myself just sitting on the couch when I thought to myself I should walk around and check out the neighborhood. Eventually I realized I could see even more of the new city if I ran instead of walked. And then I quickly became obsessed with all the constant small accomplishments that come with being a new runner. A few months later I had run a couple half marathons.

What is your favorite race distance?
I hate the half marathon the least, so I guess that.

Best running memory?
I suppose the NYC Marathon. I was always so impressed and simultaneously confused by my aunt and her hobby of running marathons. I never thought I would do something so insane, so the simple fact that I had found myself in one was hard to comprehend. I didn't have any real goal except to finish but even that was extremely difficult because I hadn't trained properly and found myself injured for a majority of the fall. I was really hurting when I was up in the Bronx and was in desperate need of encouragement when I saw a woman with a sign offering hugs to the runners. I took that woman up on her offer and she'll never know how much that hug meant to this stranger.

Favorite running route in NYC?
I do love the energy in Central Park. I wish I could run there more often.

Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
Katy Perry's "Roar" obviously.

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Constant fear of injury.

Best advice to running newbies?
No one is judging you, your pace, your form, etc. Don't use that as an excuse to stay home.

Current running goal?
Wearing out my current shoes so I can justify buying others.