February Runner of the Month: Ally Perrin
Meet Ally Perrin: your guide to running, crafting (maybe), and healthy aging. Ally—now a familiar face around NBR—started her journey with the club in 2022 with a good old Saturday Morning Bridge Run.
She quickly became part of the crew leading Monday Night Easy Runs and answering your DMs on NBR’s Instagram.
Keep your eye on Ally as she gears up to pass her dad’s half marathon PR (!!). And read more to learn her favorite post-race meal, her advice to new runners, and her hot take on Sillybandz.
When did you join NBR and why?
When I first moved from work island to Brooklyn, I was missing my old running routes and needing some route inspo, so I figured I'd let the neighborhood pros guide me. I showed up to a Saturday Morning Bridge Run in 2022 and that was that! I was so pleased to find how quickly I felt a part of the team and have since realized all the benefits of being on a club (friends, advice, motivation, cardiovascular capacity from chatting while running, etc.) I hadn't even realized I was missing.
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
You can find me as a Run Leader with Monday Night Easy Run and on the other side of the insta DM's of @northbrooklynrunners as one of the Social Media Coordinators.
What do you do when you’re not running?
Professionally, I do clinical research in geriatrics (healthy aging), and am studying to become a nurse practitioner. Personally, I am attempting to become crafty (it's going... okay) and otherwise enjoy reading and live music.
How did you initially get into running?
My dad - there's no way I'd get up at 6 am when it's already 90+ degrees to run "before the heat sets in" during Texas summers if he wasn't there to guilt trip me into accompanying him. Now I'm gearing to pass his half marathon PR, though, so the joke's really on him.
What is your favorite race distance?
The half! It's this nicely challenging pursuit that somehow keeps feeling better each time I do it, and the time requirements needed for the race (or for its training) fit well into other aspects of life. Plus, I love the geography of running and 13.1 miles gives you a lot of sights to see, and maybe some friends along the way. It's always such a treat to recognize other runners or come across spectators along the race course. Shout out to my parents for finagling subway/taxi/run connections to hit multiple points, friends who have made Fat Heads, Cheer Squad with the flag!
Best running memory?
Those runs where your body, head, and heart all feel really good - or the run is what makes them that way. I have a couple of these that stick in my mind where even on the dreariest days or with loads of blisters, you feel on top of the world and in tune with yourself. Sometimes it can feel like a while in between them, but the next one you get is going to be that much more meaningful.
Favorite running route in NYC?
Berry nice to be Wythe you is a magnum opus, imho.
What has running taught you or changed about you?
When going through injury/illness/periods of less running and feeling bummed about not being able to do things I once could, I've found that the flux in one direction is equally a reminder of your ability to flux in the other direction. There wouldn't be a way to go down if you hadn't been able to go up before - which is such strong evidence of your ability to do it again! And it's true for any other fluctuation in life; you've already shown yourself that you can do it.
Favorite post-race food?
I always make my way to a bagel + Snapple combo, but a great appetizer is when they give you a popsicle at summer race finish lines.
Favorite song to run to?
"Supermassive Black Hole" by Muse. Immediately transported to the baseball scene from Twilight.
Favorite running social media account?
NBR's! And the assorted tidbits of advice, intriguing running challenges, warmup routines, etc. that pop up on my Explore page.
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Oof, the toenails. My trick is an opaque coat of polish, always.
Best advice to running newbies?
Running with a club like NBR or even just one other person can have a really quick, really positive impact on your running - come try it out! Also, try motivating/distracting yourself with fractions: "I've done one mile which is 25% of this four-mile run so I only have to do 3 more of what I've done and once I do one more of what I've done THEN I'll only have to do THAT one more time..."
Current running goal?
Proper warming up/warming down for each run!! Maybe even a roll if I'm lucky!
Any other fun running facts about you?
Not sure if fun or a fact, really, but I feel strongly that Sillybandz are the perfect running accessory. Bright, fun, cheap; showcase your personality on the course.
