March Runner of the Month: Claire Crossman

Claire joined NBR in November 2018 after Shawn Young reached out to her looking to build up the Women’s Grand Master’s team. “I was running NYRR races unaffiliated and am glad I joined!” Although she wasn’t sure being part of a team was for her, she has loved meeting people with different backgrounds and running with NBR. You can find Claire as one of our run leaders for the Saturday Bridge & Coffee run as well as attending Thursday Night Track or Sunday Funday when she can.

What do you do when you're not running?
I work in technology as a Product Manager building Tax Software for Thomson Reuters which has included a decent amount of traveling when we were doing that pre-Covid. I enjoy traveling and especially to new places where I can enjoy local cuisine and see the sights. I also love to ski both downhill or nordic and wish I could do it more often.

How did you initially get into running?
[I] started running at around 10 years old with my Dad, we would run around the Central Park Reservoir before school most mornings. None of the schools I attended had track teams, but I had running positions in Lacrosse and Field Hockey so I was always running. [i] started running NYRR races out of college and signed up for the marathon on a dare.

What is your favorite race distance?
15K is probably my favorite right now - I can push myself and challenge, but still walk down the subways stairs with some dignity.

Best running memory?
Running my first marathon with my friend Kevin - it was pre-internet, GPS etc. and he helped me train, kept me calm before and was the reason I got through the wall and over the finish line.

Favorite running route in NYC?
That is really hard to say. [I’ve] lived in & run around NYC my entire life. I guess you like where you started so I will say Central Park, but I am also a big fan of routes that go along the water and I have learned to love the bridges.

Any running-related superstitions?
I don't buy any race merchandise before finishing the race - I bought something once and got sick and had to drop out before the race, never again!

What has running taught you or changed about you?
[I] used to think running was keeping my body in shape and I have learned it is much more valuable in keeping my mind healthy.

Favorite post-race food?
Beer tastes even better to me after a race, but I also love pizza or a bagel to replenish all those carbs.

Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
Beastie Boys Body Movin' - I can be out of energy and if I hear that song I am back to full power.

Favorite running social media account?
I don't have one, but 2 independent people recommended for me to check out Andrea Caselle Kooiman instagram @runcoachkrun so maybe that will become my fav.

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
UTS (ugly toe syndrome) is probably the worst part for me. There is very little to enjoy about slogging through bad weather to get your miles in for the week - but you are happy you did on race day.

Best advice to running newbies?
On race day, something will not go as you planned it - don't worry that is actually really part of the plan, now see how to have fun during the race despite it.

Current running goal?
BQ, longevity may pay off as I age into a time I can achieve. I did curse myself when I initially saw age bracket times and said I am going to have to keep running until I am 80 to qualify - hope I can make it sooner.

Any other fun running facts about you?
I have run 15 marathons and all but 3 in NYC - 1990 I finished 10,112 of 23,739 and in 2021 I finished 10,684 of 24,950 - 31 years and I am still in about the same place. It has been great running marathons as more women have joined - in 1990 19% of the field were women and in 2021 it increased to 45%.