October Runner of the Month: Ken Allen
Ken joined NBR specifically for a Tuesday Tempo run on March 2nd, 2010. He had been racing in NYRR since 2008 but couldn’t find any running clubs in North Brooklyn. “I thought, "I should start my own running team in North Brooklyn!" A year later, I learned that there was a NEW running club in the Neighborhood.” He officially affiliated with NBR in 2009 for the Ted Corbitt, but took some time before joining for an official run.
When Ken met the NBR Founder (Aja Marsh), he told her he had thought about starting a running club. “…I just thought about it, and she did it. I admire her for that and for her leadership over the years.“ Ken has been involved in the clubs leadership in many ways. He was our original Treasurer, has led Thursday Night Track, and most recently leads the Nite Owls when the Crownimal calls.
What do you do when you're not running?
I have a five-year-old daughter (she's the oldest NBR baby), and spending time with her is my favorite thing, even more than running. I'm dreaming of that first race we will get to run together. I also run a small business doing fine art printing and digitizing museum collections.
How did you initially get into running?
I always loved watching and cheering at the NYC Marathon, often shedding a tear from emotions and thinking, "I couldn't do this." I yogged a few miles a week for fitness. Like so many others, NBR turned me into a runner and marathoner.
Best running memory?
On one of the H2H relays, we left McCarren at 5 am for a 90-mile relay to the Hamptons. My first leg was along the main road through Long Beach, but I wanted to run along the beach, so I took a detour toward the shore. When I got to the boardwalk, a group of people were lined up in running gear. I asked, "What are you doing?" They said, "We are running a 5k race along the boardwalk." I asked, "When?" the reply was, "Right now." So I joined in and got third place. I couldn't stay for the award ceremony; we had another 70 miles to go. When I met my team at the checkpoint they asked, "Where did you get the race bib from?"
Favorite running route in NYC?
For short runs the WNRR South Williamsburg Curl is a favorite. For long runs I like any runs that end at a beach.
Any running-related superstitions?
I don't trust or care to look at GPS-generated pace. I'll only use lap times in a race.
Favorite post-race food?
I wish they had a raw oyster stand at the end of every race!
Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
"Bullet In the Head" Rage Against the Machine.
Favorite running social media account?
I started many years ago on Runkeeper on my iPhone (still alive?) I loved it because it saved run basics to my calendar, which I saved for posterity. When I was first introduced to Strava, I thought, "I don't want people seeing where I run!" Attitudes have changed, and now Strava is my favorite social media app.
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Why can't we have pretty toenails?
Best advice to running newbies?
Running for exercise or to test yourself is ok. But a running lifestyle has a huge amount of super fun aspects to it. Races, yes, themed relays, running tours are a blast, and it can be very meditative so good for the mind. It has long-term health benefits (this statement has not be approved by the FDA... or maybe it has?) My bet is that if you keep it up your doctor will love you.
Current running goal?
I measure myself by AG% instead of time. It's easier to score high with that metric on shorter races so I favor those. I'm trying to hit the 80% AG (Nationally Competitive)... I have some work to do. With that said I'm also gunning for top 10 in my AG for Grandmas Marathon in June 2023.
