NYC Marathon Team Spot Check In: Austin Lo
Tell us a little bit about how you came to be involved with NBR. What was your first run? How long have you been involved?
I started running with NBR around April 2021, when I moved to Williamsburg and was training for my first marathon (and race!). Pretty sure it was either Monday Night Easy or Narwhals. Since then, I've also taken up running photography as a hobby and been an un-official photographer for the club! Run local races and I'll probably be there taking photos!
How is marathon training going? Are there any specific workouts that are really moving things along for you? Tell the world a good NBR long run story.
It's going a lot better now and finally ramping up pace and mileage to where I want it to be. I've had a recurring foot injury that set me back from training 100% in the last few months, but hopefully we're in the clear now.
Which NBR runs are you attending regularly to train? Are there any NBR members who inspire you to train hard(er)?
My goal this training cycle has been to run alone as little as possible, so I've been regularly attending a ton of runs! I'm an evening runner (as long as weather cooperates) so I've shown up to almost every weeknight run at least once in the last few months. Monday Night Easy is still a staple. Tuesday Night Tempo as long as it's not too hot. I'm starting to go to WNRR now, and I was a regular at Thursday Track until my plan had me doing longer intervals instead of track workouts. I'll still swing by the Nest for a beer or two after though!
So many people in the club inspire me to push myself! Even the fact that I'm running 2 marathons this year I'd attribute partly to the club. Last year when I was training for my first marathon, I was convinced that it was going to be a "one and done." Everyone at Narwhals just laughed. From a fitness perspective, there are so many fast people in the club who consistently challenge me! I'm a sucker for the "8 to 8:30" pace group at MNER and Narwhals and all of the people who I've run with who challenge me to re-define what "conversational" pace is-- Sara, Kaitlyn, James, Fernando, Megan & too many others to count!
What does it mean to be chosen by your peers for a coveted NBR marathon team spot?
NBR is very unique within the NYC running community to have such an active group that is entirely free for members and community-driven. It means a ton to be recognized by such a large, volunteer run organization where so many people contribute in countless ways to keep the club running so smoothly.
What do you plan on eating post-marathon? What about the night before?
Post marathon meal is definitely pizza and beer! Maybe some Popeyes as well. I generally eat pretty healthy, but after any long run, I'll give myself a pass for the day.
Night before I play it safe with the food choices and make something at home so that I can go to bed early. Last year (and for the 2 half marathons I've done since), I did pasta with olive oil, salt and pepper. Worked well, so I think I'll stick to that.
What inspires and motivates you to run this year's NYC marathon?
The energy! Last year I was focused on finishing and hitting a time goal, but this year I'm running Berlin for time so I'll be running NYC just to soak in all of the vibes and appreciate the experience.
In your head, what animal (real or fictional) do you think you most resemble when you're running?
Oof. I've been told that I run with a very stiff upper body. Legs can move quick though. I'd have to say a duck (also to match my hat!)
