July Runner of the Month: Molly Mearns

Molly joined NBR in August 2021 right after moving to Brooklyn. “My mom used to tell stories about her time living in NYC in her 20s/30s and how she made some of her closest friends through running groups, so I figured I’d try one out.” You can find Molly as on of our Wednesday Night Road Run leaders or getting involved at some of our volunteering and community outreach events.

What do you do when you're not running?
I’ve been trying to get back into reading, when I’m not stuck studying for actuarial exams. Otherwise, you might find me baking a cake or going to concerts.

How did you initially get into running?
My parents were both very good runners, so it’s just what I knew growing up. But also I have absolutely no coordination, so despite my best efforts, I really had no other options for sports in school.

What is your favorite race distance?
I haven’t really run any longer races, so I think I’ll have to go with the mile.

Best running memory?
I have a lot, so it’s hard to choose…
In middle school, I really wanted a cell phone, but I wasn’t allowed to get one. My dad made a bet with me that if I won a cross country race that season, I could get a phone. He typically doesn’t make a bet that he thinks he’ll lose, so I don’t know what that says about his confidence in me… but sure enough, I won the first race of the season! As I was catching my breath after the race, the first words out of my mouth were “so when do I get my phone?”
He kept his word, but my three older sisters were not happy that I got a phone earlier than they did.

Favorite running route in NYC?
Admittedly, I don’t run much outside of NBR runs, so that’s what I’m most familiar with. I do love a sunrise run around the Reservoir in Central Park - I used to run it with my mom when I would visit NYC growing up, and I’ll still meet my dad for a morning run there when he’s in town.

Any running-related superstitions?
Nope - what will be, will be.

What has running taught you or changed about you?
I’m sure running has taught me a lot, but mostly it’s allowed me to meet so many different people. I’ve run on school teams, with clubs in college and abroad, and now with NBR. I think it’s so special getting to know people I might otherwise have never met if it weren’t for running.

Favorite post-race food?
Always a greasy burger

Favorite running social media account?
NBR Instagram, of course

Current running goal?
Just have fun!

Any other fun running facts about you?
Back in my glory days (early high school), I once held 4 school records - XC 5k, 2 mile, 1 mile, and 4x800m relay. I think I might still hold the 5k record, but I’m too scared to check.