January Runner of the Month: Joe Chan
Joe first joined NBR in January 2015 when friend and co-worker, Justin Ginsburgh, said it was a great team and it would help him get faster. According to Joe, “He was right on both 😊.” Although he lives up in Westchester now, Joe tries to link up with the Masters and Grandmasters teams to get in some runs. “I am very excited for my first year on the NBR Grandmasters team. I think we will be very competitive within the NYRR standings. Gregg will make sure of that…”
What do you do when you're not running?
My work involves overseeing the design and construction of new YMCA’s in NYC. We just opened one in the Northeast Bronx that is spectacular. And we will be working with Two Trees to build one at the River Ring site just north of Domino Park in a few years.
How did you initially get into running?
I started running with my uncle, who ran marathons in the early 80’s. I kept running sporadically from then til age 40. One of my regrets was not doing XC or track in HS or College (I wrestled during both.) When I turned 40, I wanted to try to break 1:30 in a half. I hired a coach and I did. I’ve pretty much been obsessed since.
What is your favorite race distance?
Anything 15k-Marathon
Best running memory?
Walking through the post finish-line cattle chute after Berlin Marathon 2018. I had just run a seven-minute PR and was already ecstatic. Then I saw a volunteer holding a handmade cardboard sign that read “New WR. Kipchoge 2:01:39!!!” There was something about the simplicity of the sign and the collective excitement for Kipchoge’s historic accomplishment. It was exciting to be in the same race (albeit 48 minutes behind.)
Favorite running route in NYC?
Either Central Park Bridle Path or anything on Bk waterfront between Greenpoint Landing and Red Hook.
Any running-related superstitions?
Yes but I’m too superstitious to share 😊
What has running taught you or changed about you?
It has taught me to be a little bit more mindful. It can be hard to truly live in the moment—except when racing or running a hard workout.
Favorite post-race food?
Ethiopian food. I love the hearty stews and the injera bread. Helps replenish carbs lost. And I harbor unrealistic hopes that eating it will make me faster 😊
Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
“Body of an American” by the Pogues. It’s a beautifully written song that starts slow, then picks up gives you a kick in the as*. Kind of like moving from a warm up into a speed workout.
Favorite running social media account?
Strava. I love to see how my friends and competitors are training and enjoy the virtual community experience.
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Getting up early. I am not a morning person…
Best advice to running newbies?
Find what best motivates you—whether it’s running a certain time, running with others or achieving a certain fitness goal, then find ways to make yourself accountable (in a fun way) using that motivation.
Current running goal?
Running a marathon PR at 50. I am heading to Rotterdam in April with that hope and intention.
Any other fun running facts about you?
My picture was featured in the NY Times Sports Section in two separate years. It was a stock picture of me opening a port-o-potty door during the 2009 NYC Marathon. Each time it accompanied an article detailing the Herculean effort of placing thousand of port-o-potties along the course.
