Board Member Series #2: Harrison Grinnan
When did you join NBR and why?
I joined the listserv in early 2021 but didn’t attend my first run (Narwhals!) until that summer when the board lifted the mask mandate for runs. I was getting more serious about my training and I wanted to meet people, both to make friends and to train with.
How did you initially get into running?
I ran my first race (a half marathon) shortly before the pandemic, then started running a lot over the pandemic. I realized the routes were more interesting if I did longer runs so I started building my mileage. By the time I had to be in the office most days I’d built the habit!
What do you do when you’re not running?
I mostly eat, sleep, and go to work, but I love making recipes from some of the ~50 cookbooks in my apartment and I love going to movies at Film Forum, Williamsburg Cinemas, or the giant IMAX screen on the upper west side.
Which NYC store or restaurant would you choose to get a $500 gift card from?
Archestratus! The loveliest cookbook/grocery/sometimes-prepared-foods store in the world.
What was your favorite Olympic sport and why?
Obviously Track and Field! My first time off work in six months lined up with track and field week at the olympics so I was able to watch almost all of it live.
How were you involved in NBR prior to your election as a board member?
Committed attendee of several morning runs and occasional sender of enthusiastic emails to the listserv!
Why did you decide to run for the board?
I wanted to help ensure the club remains a welcoming place for runners of all backgrounds, where anyone can join and be supported in chasing their goals.
What is your favorite thing about being a board member?
With the help of the race coordinators, I set up training groups for the Brooklyn Half and the NYC Marathon. It’s been really validating seeing people encourage each other and connect for company on tough runs!
What was the most surprising thing about being a board member?
How much the club just runs itself! Your main duties on the board are to not mess up the finances and to ensure that the club receives its spots in the marathon from NYRR (trickier every year!).
What is one piece of advice you would say to someone who is interested in becoming a board member?
There are many ways to contribute to the club, some with formal titles and some without. If you want to try running for the board, go ahead! If you don’t, you can still try pioneering your ideas on your own. Start a new run! Organize a potluck! Send a bunch of emails about indoor track! The possibilities are endless.
