NYC Marathon Team Spot Check In: Shayna Braitman
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 have always run in my free time and in 2019 when my best friend and I moved to Greenpoint I wanted to get involved in some type of team sport or club. I saw NBR around the park one day and right away knew I wanted to join! My first run was a Monday night run in March 2021 post pandemic. I was so nervous and had actually mistaken the Monday night run for the Wednesday night easy run. I really struggled on that run but I made a friend who ran my pace the entire time. After the run I was a little embarrassed with how hard it was but the friendly people made me come back the next week!
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.
I’m officially halfway through training! It hasn’t been too bad so far. Everything starting this week is going to be new distances I’ve never ran before, which is so exciting! I’m so lucky that I get to train for the marathon with a friend I met through NBR. We do most of our long runs together which makes it way more fun! Last week we ran a half marathon and I was struggling towards the end, until Marielle came back and finished with me. Running with a supportive friends just makes it all the more fun!
Which NBR runs are you attending regularly to train? Are there any NBR members who inspire you to train hard(er)?
Every Monday night you can catch me at the easy run. It’s a great way for me to start my week and surround myself with some of my favorite people. When I think about who in the group inspires me I would have to say the run leaders at Monday night. Sara, Anthony, Thomas, Seth and a few more of them have honestly made me believe I can actually do this. They have seen me progress over the year and believed in me enough to give me this spot. I feel so honored to represent the club.
What does it mean to be chosen by your peers for a coveted NBR marathon team spot?
I truly can’t put this one into words. I just like to run. I’m not an aspiring speed racer or plan to break a certain time for the race. NBR from the beginning had unlocked a new level of confidence in me by just simply being there every Monday night. I was hesitant to apply for a marathon spot at first because there are so many amazing runners that deserve this spot as well. I honestly just feel blessed every single time I think about it. To have a team give me the chance of a lifetime to run my first marathon in the greatest city on earth. NBR has truly changed my life.
What do you plan on eating post-marathon? What about the night before?
The night before the race I want the biggest bowl of pasta you can think of! And then right after I want a really big cheeseburger with fries!
I’m already dreaming about these meals!
What inspires and motivates you to run this year's NYC marathon?
This year a really special year for me. August marked the 10 year anniversary of my dads passing. Running was something my sister and I did with my dad all the time. We ran races, ran in the backyard and ran for school. After my dad passed from a sudden heart attack my sister and I used running as a way to cope with the pain. I’m so lucky because this year my sister also earned a marathon spot through a charity. Not only will I have my sister next to me but I know our dad will be watching us!
In your head, what animal (real or fictional) do you think you most resemble when you're running?
I feel like I’m a little dog! Dogs run fast but then tire themselves out! They also get distracted easily like me.
