November Runner of the Month: Margaret Bernstein
When did you join NBR and why?
My first NBR run was to the Rockaways in the summer of 2022. I was training for the Philly Half, and Alex Campili and Amanda Steigman (hi prez!) somehow convinced me to join them for the ~15mi adventure when the farthest I had ever gone at that point was 9mi. Interesting choice on my part, but I still remember it as one of my favorite runs of all time. After that I was hooked.
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
I design the club swag as a part of Gear Masters. I love watching these designs come to life — nothing will beat seeing the 60 checkered marathon singlets running through NYC during the marathon this year (or in the NYT Style section on Kathleen Zhou- *pinch me*). That was pretty special. Outside of Gear, you can most often find me at Narwhals, with the occasional AnD, MMER and TNER when I can swing it.
What do you do when you're not running?
I am the Design Director for Nike and Converse Boys apparel for a licensing company (hence my role on Gear). Aside from work + running, I spend most of my time binge-watching tv, doing DIY home projects, and playing with my dog. I just finished my marathon training block so I too am trying to figure out what else I do with my time besides running. You guys get it.
How did you initially get into running?
My high school was a sports-focused school so we had to pick one sport each trimester to play. I sucked at field hockey, so I gave cross country a shot in the Fall and wound up in a very serious love-hate relationship with running. My best friend and I used to spend most of our time running together trying to figure out what blind spots we could walk in, how to make practice end faster, and ultimately how to make it more fun. Ironically, she now works for On Running, and I am running marathons, so the sport has clearly played a huge role in both of our lives since the dreaded high school days.
What is your favorite race distance?
It's an odd choice, but I think it's a 10 miler. Not too short, not too long. It's the Goldilocks of distances.
Best running memory?
I think it was the Rockaway run at the end of last summer. I wound up running most of it with Alex and Amanda and the vibes were immaculate even though I wiped out about half way through the 20 miles. It was such a sunny, happy day, and taking the ferry back was the icing on the cake.
Favorite running route in NYC?
I love a good loop over the RFK and around Randall's Island and back. Highly underrated route in my opinion. It is also a great place to do long intervals since the island is a 5mi loop, and the bridge has the best sunrise views.
Any running-related superstitions?
I have one pair of shorts that I will never race in again. The last time I wore them I had an absolutely atrocious race that was almost certainly the heat's fault and not the shorts' but I can't separate the two.
What has running taught you or changed about you?
Running taught me that success isn't the only thing you can or should celebrate. Running is humbling as hell and sometimes on race day it just isn't your day, and that's okay as long as you still give it your all. It has taught me to celebrate every big effort in life, whether you hit the goal or not. I think the saying is "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
Favorite post-race food?
A cold beer. Gotta celebrate the achievement! (plus it’s usually all I can stomach)
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
Damn (You've Got Me Saying) by Galantis + David Guetta
Favorite running social media account?
Laura Green hands down.
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
It's either the black toenails or the fact that we don't know how to talk about anything besides running.
Current running goal?
I really want to crack my half PR from a year and a half ago. That one is haunting me.
Any other fun running facts about you?
A lot of people know this, but I love running with my dog Pepper. She is a BIG fan of AnD, but that's mostly because she likes to beg for pastries and eat Nick & Sons baguettes.
