When did you join NBR and why?

I’d seen NBR logos around the neighborhood but was too intimidated to show up to a run club, thinking it would be full of unfriendly hardos. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! After a year and a half of lurking on the NBR listserv, I finally showed up to a new member run + mixer event this past February and have been coming around ever since. I was looking to make some new friends in the neighborhood and improve as a runner, and NBR has definitely delivered on both fronts.

In what ways have you been involved with NBR?

I’m part of the small but mighty NBR gear team! The club’s budget mostly comes from gear sales, which allows NBR to remain free and open to all. If you’ve purchased any NBR merch since May of this year, it was packed up/mailed from my living room closet. Give us a visit at the gear store ;)

My favorite NBR runs are the Saturday morning bridge run and Thursday night track workouts, but I’m hoping to expand my horizons this winter and finally become a more consistent early morning runner.

What do you do when you're not running?

I’m a big Broadway fan and love going to see music and comedy shows. I also love NCAA (go Hoosiers!) and NBA (go Pacers!) basketball.

How did you initially get into running?

I was a decent middle-distance runner in a past life, but settled into a pretty sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle as I got older. Then, after spectating a couple of years ago, some friends and I entered the NYC Marathon lottery as a drunken joke (???) and two of us were actually selected! It’s funny to look back on now because it totally changed my life. I was 32 the first time I ran more than a mile or two in one go, and within 2 years ran 3 marathons with a 4th on the docket for 2026. "Bitten by the bug," as they say.

What is your favorite race distance?

The humble 10K: long enough that racing it doesn’t feel like punishment for being alive, and done in under an hour. Delightful!

Best running memory?

Running through Times Square during the NYC Half (the only day besides NYE that the area is closed to traffic) was such a cool experience. It really made me appreciate running as a hobby and the privilege of getting to do it in NYC. And the NBR cheering section, of course, showed up and showed out for the race, as always.

Favorite running route in NYC?

The Central Park loop, especially when “Coach” is there to motivate. I also love NBR’s summer jaunts down to Rockaway Beach.

Any running-related superstitions?

Not really a superstition, but I eat a PB&J before every race, no matter the distance.

What has running taught you or changed about you?

I’ve always struggled to stick with activities I’m not immediately good at, but it turns out there’s no shame in being mediocre (or even outright bad!) at a hobby you enjoy. Getting into distance running as an adult has been a humbling but fun exercise in cultivating mental toughness and being a true beginner at something new. Seeing yourself improve week over week during a training block is a great feeling! At bottom, as corny as it sounds, it’s really true that every race is ultimately only against yourself.

Favorite post-race food?

2-4 single McDonald’s cheeseburgers.

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

Two songs blasted during recent races put some much-needed pep in my step: timeless classic “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado, and “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters. In general, however, like a true sicko, I don’t listen to music while running.

Favorite running social media account?

No specific accounts, but I’ve made several IRL friends in r/RunNYC.

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

My feet always look like they got caught in a Saw trap.

Best advice to running newbies?

Really, truly: the hardest part is getting started. And don’t sweat it if you aren’t as fast as some of your peers. One thing I love about NBR is that runners of all skill levels are heavily involved in the club, and the community is incredibly supportive.

Current running goal?

The elusive sub-4-hour marathon. Some of you guys make it look so easy!

Any other fun running facts about you?

I don’t want to jinx it by saying this now, but I’ve had incredible race lottery luck so far. I won the NYC Marathon lottery twice in a row: in 2024 and again in 2025, when I also won the NYC Half and Berlin lotteries.