September Runner of the Month: Karen Meadows
Karen Meadows has found community, coffee and running fun at NBR.
She joined the club this year and quickly became a fixture at Sunday Funday and the Saturday morning bridge runs. A former track runner and triathlete, she knows the power that our sport gives you (when you embrace the pain that comes with it). And even years after lacing up for her first race, she’s still looking to make moves at her next marathon.
And that’s why she’s one of our runners of the month.
When did you join NBR and why?
I joined NBR in March of this year! I was looking for a group to run with so that I would have a community fairly quickly upon moving to Brooklyn. I love runners and the positive energy they bring, and when I reached out to NBR while still in Florida, I immediately bonded with Sarah Trigg, who I'm sure everyone knows is an amazingly talented masters runner, but also she was so very helpful giving me a list healthcare practitioners and dentists (so necessary when you move) as well as so much support when I moved up!
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
I have been regularly going to the Saturday Bridge run. The amazing leaders, Claire and Jennifer have really helped me feel at home with NBR! I love the coffee meet up after that run which is such a great reason to get out of bed on a Saturday morning. I also have been attending the Sunday Funday runs where I met Brooke, Nina and Jo among so many other wonderful people, who have supported my long runs so many times with great conversation and friendship!
What do you do when you're not running?
When I am not running, I am thrifting or shopping at the farmers markets. I currently have tried out 3. I wish I was more of a reader, but I love to be outside and I love to explore new areas of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
How did you initially get into running?
I got into running when I was in high school. I was too slow for the track which I desperately wanted so I joined cross country. I was never in the top group, but I was consistent and I also threw the discus which is a "fun fact":-)
What is your favorite race distance?
I love the 15k! I feel you can ease into it and still run relatively fast. I've never had many "fast twitching" muscle fibers😂
Best running memory?
When I first qualified for Boston! It was such a feeling of accomplishment. I love that race more than any other.
Favorite running route in NYC?
I love running around the Central Park carriage trails! It's truly beautiful and the soft surface feels good on the legs.
Any running-related superstitions?
I don't have many superstitions, but I never were a race shirt until after the race. I'm sure I'm not the first person who has said this.
What has running taught you or changed about you?
Running has taught me that consistent work can pay off - not always, but it can. I also think I learned that betting on yourself is key to reaching your performance goals. I learned to embrace pain like a lover, it means your body is performing for you, so I try to think about a body part that is not hurting. I usually think about my ears. The distraction takes my mind off the discomfort.
Favorite post-race food?
I love wine and French fries post race. Of course, I also love them in the buildup too😂
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
I love listening to Tom Petty "Running Down a Dream"and weirdly the musical Six playlist! It is distracting.
Favorite running social media account?
I like following my friends on Strava and giving them kudos!
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
The worst part about being a runner is the sore and heavy feeling in my legs in a marathon build up especially. I always wonder if I overdid it in the taper a few days before the race. Usually I don't do that, but the cumulative fatigue is real.
Best advice to running newbies?
My best advice to new runners is to enjoy their first marathon. I think it's important to do that. I also think it's important to take the easy run days easy so the hard days can be hard. So many of us run in the grey area so we are never fully recovered for our quality workouts. It's hard to let go of the Garmin and pace, but running by feel and making sure it's conversational pace on easy run days, is important so you can nail your next workout.
Current running goal?
Right now, my goal is to run a sub 4 marathon again. It gets harder and harder to chase, the older I get.
Any other fun running facts about you?
I don't have many fun facts, but I was a triathlete for about 14 years until about 2019. I did a couple of Ironman distance races and tons of 70.3s and interestingly, it took me awhile, but eventually my cycling got about as good as my running. I am not a strong swimmer as swimming is so technique driven. I do miss cycling a lot.
