September Runner of the Month: Stephen Johnson
Photo by Sam Su
Stephen joined NBR around Christmas of 2021. He was new to the city, a Brit arriving from Aotearoa New Zealand, and had never run with a club before. He started by attending the PPTC Turkey Trot and realized he wanted to meet more people to run with. “I started going to Thursday night track, and then learned there were loads of runs I could join!” In his own words, Stephen has run, raced, cheered, volunteered, and drank with NBR. “All of it has been fun!”
What do you do when you're not running
Largely working (which I love! I work for a tech company in product sales, helping people bring their ideas to life), I also run a platform for charities in New Zealand, Chive. Around these you’ll find me watching English football (an avid Portsmouth fan), finding the best eats (I’m vegan and NYC is a goldmine for plant-based goodies), reading, and traveling.
How did you initially get into running?
I’ve run on and off over the years as a way to cross-train, but really got into it here in NYC. I wanted to explore the city, have fun, keep fit, and if I’m honest, not pay a gym membership to do so. I broadly believe running is one of the most accessible ways to achieve this (acknowledging all the other privileges I have that make this accessible for me).
Running is a sport that puts me physically and mentally on a positive high vibe, disproportionately to any other sport I’ve done. I wanted to foster more of that in my life and share that with others, so it made sense to run more and find a community that can create that feeling.
What is your favorite race distance?
Either the mile or 5k, both are spicy.
Photo by Austin Lo
Best running memory?
Probably a recent race I ran, the Al Goldstein 5k. I vividly recall getting 2k and feeling so alive, and fast! I rode that high to the finish line.
I also loved volunteering at the NYC half. It made me appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes and the diversity of runners out there, all of them crushing it.
Favorite running route in NYC?
Has to be a classic loop of Prospect Park. Hills, nature, other wonderful runners, it’s got it all.
Any running-related superstitions?
Not sure if it’s a superstition, but I always brush my teeth before I run, is that normal?
What has running taught you or changed about you?
Running has changed my perspective on sports and why I do it. I love to run fast, but I run because I love to run, and I think meeting so many other runners in the NYC community, is why they do it too. It’s my number one priority, and putting that first feels so good.
Favorite post-race food?
Love a bagel. A cheeky 2-for-$5 can at the Turkeys Nest after Thursday Track is a great liquid alternative.
Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
If we’re going hard, The Difference, Flume & Toro y Moi
If we’re cruising, Spanish Sahara, Foals
Best advice to running newbies?
Take your time and know that there is a community out there for you, regardless of your pace.
Any other fun running facts about you?
I still don’t really understand how my Garmin watch works
I run in KM’s, not miles. Any pace that somebody says to me in miles goes straight over my head
I often run my hat under cold water to keep me cool in a run, so if you see a guy in a soggy hat and it isn’t raining, it’s probably me
