July Runner of the Month: Gilbert Quioan
Gilbert joined NBR in February 2015 to gain a new community and find a sense of belonging. “My entire family resides on the West Coast. When I first moved to New York, NBR was just what I needed.” He didn’t know anyone in Brooklyn but after joining the club suddenly had a whole social group. You can find Gilbert co-leading Monday Night Plyo providing participants with post-workout snacks or volunteering at many of the NBR events.
What do you do when you're not running?
Family first! There is nothing more that I cherish than spending quality time with my son, Greyson. Whether we are traveling, riding bikes, playing catch, touring baseball stadiums, playing Uno, watching a movie or eating pizza together.
How did you initially get into running?
When my Mom passed away I was having a difficult time coping with the situation. I wanted to do something I never did before to honor her. At the time, I weighed 240 lbs and couldn’t run a mile. I signed up for the 2008 Los Marathon, googled a marathon training plan and went to work. Once I crossed the finish line, my life completely changed at that moment.
What is your favorite race distance?
I love running in general. Having completed the United Airlines NYC Half and RBC Brooklyn Half this year, I have to say that running 13.1 miles is a distance short enough where you’ll be done with your race and showered up in time for lunch. Half marathons obviously take half the time (actually less than half the time) but they also won’t wipe you out as much as a full marathon.
Best running memory?
I have 3 of them.
Completing my first marathon (2008 Los Angeles Marathon)
Running the 2018 Brooklyn Mile with my son, Greyson.
Just recently, running through Times Square at United Airlines NYC Half.
Favorite running route in NYC?
I’m an evening runner, so running on the Manhattan Bridge when the sun is setting. You can’t stare at a sunset and not dream. If I’m going on a long run. I enjoy running along the Westside. You don’t have to stop at red lights and worry about getting hit by a car or a electric scooter.
Any running-related superstitions?
I wear a red bracelet Greyson made for me or wear something red (it’s my favorite color). Red also represents happiness, success and good fortune in the Chinese culture. I have a small (very small) percentage of Chinese in my roots. I’m also a huge Bruce Lee fan.
What has running taught you or changed about you?
Running has taught me to be patient, consistent and committed. It has also changed my lifestyle and my nutrition.
Favorite post-race food?
Anybody that knows me, knows that I LOVE food. After a race I like to indulge into a hamburger (a BIG hamburger) and french fries. A burrito with chips and guacamole is my second choice.
Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
Having 5 siblings and being the youngest in the family, my genre of music is very diverse. One song that really gets me going when I hear it is Everlong by the Foo Fighters.
Favorite running social media account?
I have a few… Shalane Flanagan, Sara Hall, Grayson Murphy, Eliud Kipchoge, and David Goggins
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
I don’t think or feel there is a worst part about being a runner or running. You just need to be diligent on planning your day or week. Especially when training for a marathon that can consume 4-5 months of your life.
Best advice to running newbies?
My advice is to stay consistent. Don’t compare yourself to other runners and their paces. Be patient and enjoy the journey.
Current running goal?
My current goal is to stay healthy and toe the line at the 2022 Chicago Marathon start line. Also to not break any bones this year.
Any other fun running facts about you?
Not running related, but I climbed Mt Fuji when I was stationed in Japan for the Marine Corps.
