September Runner of the Month: Jim Meadows

Running has taken Jim Meadows full circle.

That’s both a literal statement — from his time as a track runner in high school to his loops around Central Park early in his career — and a figurative one. He met his wife in a run club, and he found NBR returning to New York City to be closer to his kids as they embark on their own journeys. Running has been a constant in his life - and now he’s a constant with the North Brooklyn Runners.

You’ll find him at the Saturday Morning Bridge Run - and maybe on a long run on with the Sunday Funday gang. And now - he’s one of our September runners of the month.

When did you join NBR and why?

March of this year.  My wife, Karen, and I were looking for a running community as we moved to New York City to be near our kids (our son works for a consulting firm in Manhattan and our daughter clerks for an appellate judge in New Jersey). The plethora of group options, seven days per week, was an initial draw, but the welcome we received sold us.  I feel like we have acquired more running friends through NBR in 6 months than we acquired in 15 years running in Florida (where we moved from).

In what ways have you been involved with NBR?

We are regulars for the Saturday Bridge Run and Sunday Funday, and I have volunteered for the water table for the Brooklyn Half Marathon (on Kent) and the finish line for the Corporate Challenge in Central Park.

What do you do when you're not running?

As a semi-retired attorney, I still practice a bit of law, and do pro bono (volunteer) work through the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A and for the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program.

How did you initially get into running?

I started running track and cross country in high school … in 1976 … and have been running pretty much ever since (i.e., 48 years).

What is your favorite race distance?

Half marathon. Training for marathons has gotten more difficult over the years, although I might do one or two more.

Best running memory?

My wife and I met through a running club in Atlanta.  On the morning of our wedding, we hosted a 5K in our neighborhood for our guests and a few other friends, with t-shirts and everything.  They say it is bad luck to see the bride before the wedding … I don’t know, but we have been married for 31 years.

Favorite running route in NYC?

Central Park 6-mile loop.  I lived near Columbus Circle when I started my career out of school 37 years ago, and I enjoy the loop today as much as I did then (running that loop most every day).

Any running-related superstitions?

I never wear my race shirt until after I have completed the race.  If for some reason I wind up not running the race, I either refuse to pick it up (even if I paid the registration), or I donate it unused afterwards.

What has running taught you or changed about you?

Runners are the best people!  They respect their bodies and are into fitness.  They are interesting (as you get to hear all of the stories on a long run), and they are fun to hang out with – most are happy to throw down a beer at a post run gathering.

Favorite post-race food?

Pretty much anything, as everything tastes better after a hard effort.

Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?

Good question and I have an interesting answer.  I have never run with music … ever.  I started out competing, so I was always listening to my body, and as I slowed down, I never had the urge to put on headphones or ear buds, so I just focus on the sights and sounds around me.  Of course, if the race is playing “Gonna Fly Now” (Rocky’s Theme) as I approach the finish line, I’m sure it will knock a couple of seconds off my time.

Favorite running social media account?

Strava

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

Getting up extra early to get in a run (or race) on a hot Summer morning.  Of course, New York is better than Florida!

Best advice to running newbies?

Setting a goal (e.g., completing a 5K) is nice, but take it slow and steady and enjoy the experience and your fellow runners.  Times and other goals will come.

Current running goal?

Mostly to keep running and racing as long as I can.  Also, I reset my PRs for every 10 year age bracket, so I hope to set a few more Great Grandmasters PRs in the next year or two.  I think my half marathon and marathon PRs might be in range … New York City 2025?

Any other fun running facts about you?

When I lived in NYC in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I enjoyed unique experiences, so my races included the Empire State Building Run-Up, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge (yes, through the Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey and back, starting and ending at Port Authority), and the Wall Street Rat Race (it was a 4.01K on April 15th, and you had to run in a business suit and carry a briefcase).