July Runner of the Month: Bill Hanff

Bill joined NBR in 2019 when he was training for the NYC Marathon. His PT told him he should join a running club, which up until that point Bill had thought of running as a solo sport. “Running with a group has changed my whole perspective on running, and running with NBR is what got me back in the habit post-pandemic where I let it fall off.” You can find Bill as our Volunteer Coordinator, which he has kept doing because he finds it to be a rewarding way to give back to NBR (hint for any of you the next time we are looking for people to sign up).

What do you do when you're not running?
I work as a web developer, which means I spend far too much time staring at a computer with bad posture (despite sitting on an exercise ball while I work). Outside of that I have a wife, 2 kids and a dog that adequately fill up the rest of my time.

How did you initially get into running?
I am a "late in life" runner. I started running in my late 20s a year after I quit smoking, but that feels like ages ago now. I ran off and on for years but did not really realize how rewarding it was until I signed up and did my first race (Brooklyn Half 2016). Since then I have only gotten sucked deeper into the abyss.

What is your favorite race distance?
It must be the half marathon because it is the distance I have done the most by far, but I like that different race distances put you in a different mindset and all are worthwhile.

Best running memory?
I have a few (too hard to choose just one)...

The freshest memory, doing my daughter's first 5K with her this past month, the McCarren 5K. She loved it (the first mile of it at least), and I am sure I will be able to convince her to sign up for another one soon.

The biggest memory, the first time I ran the marathon in 2019. That felt like a victory on a lot of levels, having to defer from the year before because of a "severely herniated disc" being the big one. I was not sure how my back would fare through the training process, and I am happy to say it went well and my back is (mostly) fine now. Also, having family and friends out there and even having a friend hop in and run a mile with me when he saw me struggling. Everything about that day was so special and is seared into my memory.

Non-race memory, running while on vacation in the Italian countryside over Christmas vacation right before 2020 (we came back a week before Italy shut down altogether). Air was clean, the road stretched as far as I needed, and the views were stunning. Going back there on vacation soon, but I will not be quite as fond of running it in the heat.

Favorite running route in NYC?
I have been doing a figure-8 loop a LOT recently that I really like... across K-Bridge, up and over to Hunter's Point, up to the Pepsi sign, then loop back down across Pulaski Bridge and home. I like it because it has some elevation, great views, very few traffic light stops, and it is pretty easy to modify to be a 6, 7, 8 or 10 miler for me.

Any running-related superstitions?
I can't wear a run-shirt from a race I did not run in. Speaking of, I still have a NYRR Queens 10K singlet from 2022 if anyone wants it (had to sit it out last-minute because of hip issues).

What has running taught you or changed about you?
There are 2 lessons that I have gotten from running that are most important.

Firstly, running (or any physical activity) has a huge impact on your mental health. When I stopped running in 2020, I ended up in a really negative headspace and often depressed. I did not even realize how bad it had gotten until I started running again, and it was like taking a deep breath after holding it for a long time. My general attitude and outlook are far better when I am sticking to a regularly active schedule (although I am still not considered an optimist). It is something I have heard over and over again, and always sort of dismissed. I did not realize how much of an effect it had until I stopped and then started again.

Secondly, it taught me the importance of good habits and the detriment of bad ones (still working my way through a lot of those bad ones). That should be pretty obvious, but there is a definitive difference between doing something every now and again, and doing it regularly. Running regularly, even when I don't have a specific goal I am looking to reach, clears my head and gives me focus that is good for the rest of my day as well. Also, by extension running helps create other good habits for me, like daily stretching and regular strength work, which help with a lot more than just running performance.

These are lessons that have carried over into the rest of my life, and I am thankful for running (and NBR for that matter) for teaching them to me.

Favorite post-race food?
Family brunch as soon as I get home (whatever it may be).

Favorite song to run to make you want to run?
I have a variety of punk rock from my youth in my running playlists that keeps me going.

Favorite running social media account?
Michael Ko (@kofuzi). I started watching his videos specifically for shoe/gear reviews, but I like all the content he puts out.

Also, I recently started listening to the podcast Fast & Loose by Bandit, and it is a good one while working (local to Brooklyn too).

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
The incomprehension of non-runners of "why you do it".

Best advice to running newbies?
More than anything, stick with it. I have seen several people start, get frustrated and just drop it altogether. I understand frustrations but it is valuable to keep going. I have seen the huge impact it can have, and it always is a positive one.

Current running goal?
My goal is a Boston Qualifier time. That is not going to happen this year (I just started training for the NYC Marathon), but I want to qualify before the finish time goes up again in a few years. So, I am on the clock (excuse the pun).

Any other fun running facts about you?
I very much prefer running in colder weather, and if I complain far too much about the heat and humidity.

You can usually find me at Plyo, MNER, WNRR, or Hellkatz (although I might be missing those for next few weeks), those are the ones where I am "a regular". However, I am always looking for more runs to join in on, depending on scheduling.