When did you join NBR and why?

I joined in September 2023 shortly after I moved to New York. I initially wanted to play in a soccer league, but the league was filled so there were no spots left. I still wanted the chance to do sports in a group setting and via Google, I found NBR.

My first run was the Wednesday Night Beginner Run.

In what ways have you been involved with NBR?

I’ve been one of the New Member Coordinators since October 2024. Aside from that, you can usually find me at our weekly Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday night runs with occasional appearances at our Saturday morning bridge runs.

What do you do when you're not running?

Explore the city, travel, try food I’ve never heard of, and have my emotions be determined by the success or failure of sports teams from the University of Kentucky 8 months of the year. Go Cats!

How did you initially get into running?

I wanted to try something new.

What is your favorite race distance?

5K.

Best running memory?

So far, I think it has to be crossing the finish line at the LA Marathon this past March, which can be seen in one of the pictures I shared.

A friend from Nashville challenged me to do a full marathon instead of a half marathon and agreed to run it as well and I could choose whatever city I wanted. Being as absurd as I could, I chose LA. We both went from running for only 6 and 4 months to finishing a marathon without getting injured.

Favorite running route in NYC?

When I do my longer runs over the weekend, I like running from Bushwick to the Brooklyn Bridge follow by the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Queensboro Bridge. All four provide wonderful views of the city.

Any running-related superstitions?

Nope.

What has running taught you or changed about you?

I didn’t know how positive and supporting the running community can be. Everyone wants to see everyone succeed and accomplish their goals, whatever they might be.

Favorite post-race food?

Whatever I am in the mood for that particular day. Sometimes it’s pizza, other times it’s a burger, pasta, or Chinese food.

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

All of my running playlists are curated around Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti, particularly from the Rocky II soundtrack.

Favorite running social media account?

I don’t follow any account dedicated to running aside from NBR’s.

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

The absurd amount of laundry I have to do in a week.

Best advice to running newbies

I’d say to focus on four things:

Invest in quality running shoes. They’re going to be your best friend.
Focus on being able to complete runs and their respective distances without getting hurt, whether it’s a 1 mile run, 5K, or 20 mile run. Speed will eventually come.
Be consistent. Showing up to run is the most challenging thing about running, in my opinion.
Have fun.

Current running goal?

To be a little better than I was yesterday.

Any other fun running facts about you?

Saturday morning long runs starting at 7 am are my favorite runs of the week!