June Runner of the Month: Alex Penn
Alex joined NBR last July just after moving to New York from California. “I was looking for a way to make friends in the neighborhood…and guess what it worked out!” Since then, he has jumped straight in to getting involved with the club. You can find him co-leading the third Friday Ice Cream Social run, as well as joining our Gear Team doing distribution. “Quick plug: please schedule & pick up your gear that’s occupying a whole corner of my room!!”
What do you do when you're not running?
In the winter, snowboarding and skiing! Otherwise, climbing…and lots of eating 😋
How did you initially get into running?
One of my friends back home convinced a bunch of us to do a spartan race in 2019 that turned out to be a half-marathon distance. Even though there were multiple pauses due to the obstacles, I wanted to be able to run most of the course — so worked my way up to 5-6 mile runs. But then I stopped during Covid until I joined NBR!
What is your favorite race distance?
TBD since I only started racing this year. But I had a blast doing the 4x400m relay at the NBR track meet!
Best running memory?
This year’s Gala, if that counts? The day after, probably my worst running related memory.
Favorite running route in NYC?
Any route that takes you over the K-bridge during sunset, unless it’s TNT hills 🫠
What has running taught you or changed about you?
Running has been really empowering, in showing me what I’m physically and mentally capable of. Growing up, I was one of those kids who couldn’t run a mile continuously in P.E. When I joined NBR, I was intimidated by long runs, thinking I could never do a half or a full marathon. But once you actually do it, you realize these are all artificial limits that you put on yourself.
On the flip side, it’s also helped me deal with disappointment in a healthy way. You can’t always run your best race; you have good days and bad days. And that’s totally OK!
Favorite post-race food?
Bagel sandwich. Croissants. Omelettes. Wait are we limited to just one? My stomach turns into a black hole after a long run.
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Talking only about running
Best advice to running newbies?
Just keep showing up, consistency is the most important. And don’t try to compare yourself to everyone else. There’s always someone faster or training harder…move at your own pace or else it’s easy to get injured (ask me how I know).
Current running goal?
Running my first marathon – NYC! And staying injury free throughout the training cycle.
Any other fun running facts about you?
I sometimes wear mismatched colored shoes (it’s 2 separate pairs that I swapped), which was inspired by Mark Seiter, who was inspired by the OG Molly.
