Joining the NBR ranks in September 2022, Karyn Fender kicked off with the Monday Night Easy Run and quickly became a regular at Narwhals, Sunday Funday, and all the delicious food runs (bagels, anyone?). She’s eyeing the famous Saturday Bridge Run next!

Though she ran sporadically as a kid, it was NBR that truly sparked her running love. The 10k is her favorite race distance, and finishing the Chicago Marathon tops her best running memories.

Running has taught Karyn about breaking limits and self-perception. Her next goal is to achieve Wave 3 for the 2024 NYC marathon, and to keep running long-term, however it shapes up.

Karyn’s advice for new runners is be kind to yourself and ditch comparisons. She also finds joy in Runday Scaries and Laura Green’s social accounts, if you’re looking for some new running feeds!

How did you initially get into running?

I dabbled in running for exercise since I was a kid but really didn’t begin to enjoy the sport until I joined NBR. I have made some incredible friends through the club and learned so much about myself.

When did you join NBR and why?

It’s been a little over a year now. I joined in September 2022.

In what ways have you been involved with NBR?

Monday Night Easy Run was my main NBR start. Since then I have been going to Narwhals, Sunday Funday, and just about every food run (high motivation for bagels!) - I still need to make it to the famous Saturday Bridge Run!

What do you do when you're not running?

My day job is Event Sales and Planning for hotels but my main hobbies surround our dog, Sherlock. And you can just about always find me planning my next scuba diving trip.

What is your favorite race distance?

The 10k. Long enough to not be a “sprint” and short enough to not need a full fuel plan.

Best running memory?

Finishing the Chicago Marathon. This was my first marathon and is one of the few times in my life I have experienced, what felt like, every possible emotion in a “short” window of time.

Favorite running route in NYC?

Central Park with WSH (going North) as a very close 2nd.

What has running taught you or changed about you?

Everything. Most importantly, I have learned that I can do things that I previously perceived as impossible. I have learned that my perceived limits today are just that; A perception.

Favorite post-race food

Smoothie.

Favorite song to run to make you want to run?

Big fan of songs by Tropkillaz and Apache.

Favorite running social media account?

Runday Scaries is hyper local so always on point! I also really enjoy Laura Green’s account. Any account that keeps running light and fun.

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?

The grocery bill. I could have fed an NFL linebacker with the amount of food I ate during marathon training!

Best advice to running newbies?

Be kind to yourself. Every runner is playing by a different set of rules. A different body, a different training background, a different life schedule, a different mental game, a different past, different goals etc…. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else.