August Runner of the Month: Liz Shea

Liz joined NBR in June of 2017 after running the Newport Liberty Half Marathon in Jersey City. Although she had been a Williamsburg local since 2004, Liz was a bit nervous to join NBR. "After completing [the Half Marathon], I started to gain more confidence and also the desire to improve. Hence, I finally joined NBR and haven’t looked back." Liz has been one of our Thursday Night Track run leaders for the last 3 years and urges everyone to come try it out. "It has such an encouraging vibe for runners of all abilities and it’s a surefire way to improve your speed. Plus team building drinks at the Nest after, what’s not to like? (shameless plug)"

What do you do when you're not running?
For my career, I purchase and develop furniture for a design firm that stages high-end residential properties. I’ve been in the interior design realm in some capacity for the past 17 years and I feel so fortunate that I get to work in a field I’m super passionate about. When I’m not working or training I prioritize rest and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. I love spending time with friends trying new restaurants, grabbing drinks, and enjoying fun conversations, laughing as much as possible. On the flip side though, I am a bit of an introvert so I require a good amount of alone time. I relish nesting at home doing yoga, reading, and tending to my many many plants.

How did you initially get into running?
I was born running! I was an extremely hyper child, as Gordy would say, I had a case of the zoomies. I would run back and forth constantly so my family put me into running programs as early as I can remember in an effort to burn off all the extra energy I had. I grew up in Flushing, Queens, during a time with no internet or smart phones, and we would all play in the street. I was a total tomboy and I remember racing all the neighborhood kids, beating most of the boys and being all cocky about it. My whole life I have continued to have an on-again, off-again, but somewhat consistent relationship with running. In high school I joined track, my events being the 800 and 1600. If I’m being honest I was probably one of the worst performers on my team. My heart wasn’t really in it at the time, but the discipline stuck with me. I love the simplicity of being able to lace up some sneakers and go out for a run whenever, wherever and it’s always been part of my fitness routine.

What is your favorite race distance?
I’d say the 10 miler. Threshold pace is my happy place. I haven’t done this distance in a while but I signed up for the Bronx 10 Mile in September. It’s one of my favorite NYRR races and I’m excited to do it again.

Best running memory?
The NYC Marathon in 2018. It was my second marathon and I was so excited to run my hometown race. I had a great training cycle, no injuries, and was feeling strong. I was in the last corral of wave 2 but I knew I was going to finish way faster than my placement predicted. I wound up passing people the whole time, which fueled my competitive spirit and honestly, made me feel like a badass. The crowd support was unlike any race I’d ever participated in. Mile 12 was particularly incredible with your whole team shouting your name. I ended up finishing with a 14 minute PR from my first marathon. I was so blissfully happy. I’ll always be chasing that high I think.

Favorite running route in NYC?
Since I moved to Sunnyside 3 years ago I have fallen in love with Central Park. I frequently run over the Queensboro Bridge, do a full loop of the Park and back which is about 13 miles. I have a love / hate thing with hills. Where I live now it’s unavoidably hilly so I’ve learned to embrace them and on the plus side it has made me a much stronger runner. Hills pay the bills.

Any running-related superstitions?
More of a routine than a superstition, I always eat pasta the night before any race, even if it’s just a 5k. It never messes up my stomach and it leaves me feeling nice and fueled. That and a cup of coffee in the morning and I'm good to go.

What has running taught you or changed about you?
Through running, I’ve learned how to be patient, disciplined, and to believe in myself. Seeing all the tangible results and improvement since I started training regularly I’ve surpassed what I even thought possible. Four years ago I was in I corral, and now I’m in C. It’s given me the ability to dream bigger than I have before, not only in regards to running but in all facets of my life.
Additionally, the running community is amazing. There’s no shortage of people to push you, cheer you on, or pick you up when you’re down. It gets increasingly difficult to form friendships as an adult, but through NBR I have made the most solid group of friends that I’m so grateful for. I couldn’t write this without dropping a shout out to Carrie (Bear), Spicy, Seth, Natalie, James, Mary Kate, Sara, Cait, and Thomas. It would take too long to say how much you guys mean to me, so I’ll spare everyone and just say you’ve enriched my life in uncountable ways. Also special thanks to Becca who has been a huge running inspiration as well as a constant giver of tough love and real talk. I’ve learned and continue to learn so much from you.

Favorite post-race food?
Waffles, although I don’t eat them nearly as much as I’d like.

Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
So many! I don’t run with music ever but I do listen before races or tough workouts to get me pumped up. My top songs in heavy rotation are 1000 Dreams by Miss Kittin, Be a Body by Grimes, Formation-Beyonce, Raingurl by Yaeji, and a whole lot of Die Antwoord.

Favorite running social media account?
I recently discovered ebibs and I find it hilarious. It’s totally my sense of humor, raunchy and at times offensive, but hits home so many times on things unique to the runners experience. I also appreciate how, unlike so many other running accounts, it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Definitely the constant laundry and always looking like a disheveled mess. I’m regularly very meticulous about the way I put myself together and my hair, and after a sweaty run, forget about it. Frizz city.

Best advice to running newbies?
You have to crawl before you can walk. Behind every person who looks like they are effortlessly crushing it, is someone who is working extremely hard, making consistent training a priority. Also stay sexy, don’t get injured. Be patient, build slowly, listen to your body and don’t run through pain. Little things become big things if you run through them and it's better to lose a few days or a week than a month or more. I'm unfortunately speaking from experience. Which brings me to, don’t skip cross training and stretching. It’s as important as the running itself. Change your shoes regularly. Oh and have fun. Unless you’re a pro runner, we’re doing this because we enjoy it, so I think that helps keep things in perspective.

Current running goal?
I would like to qualify for Boston. I signed up for CIM in December and hoping to make it happen there, fingers crossed.

Any other fun running facts about you?
I like to chant the names of my friends when I run with them. I also tend to make up stupid songs and tell dumb jokes during my long runs.