February Runner of the Month: Amanda Tomera Lakin
Meet Amanda Tomera Larkin, one of our February Runners of the Month! A ballet dancer who hated the idea of running — even after she started — she has since joined the ranks of other masochists whose favorite distance is the marathon. She’s a regular at Wednesday Night Road Run, Summer Streets, and getting picked in the NYC marathon lottery (twice in a row!). Despite doing all that, she still enjoys Polish and ballet dancing, and watching ballet performances.
When did you join NBR and why?
I attended my first NBR run in Spring 2021, not even knowing the group existed—I was just tagging along with a friend! At the time, I wasn’t exactly a fan of running, so it took quite a bit of persuasion to get me there. I didn’t officially join until Fall 2021 because, honestly, the thought of running in the summer heat felt impossible to me. I couldn’t believe people actually did that!
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
I've been a loyal attendee of the Wednesday Night Road Run (WNRR) since day one! After graduating from the Wednesday Night Beginner Run, I started showing up consistently for the 7:30 PM WNRR runs. In the beginning, I was truly in awe of anyone who could run more than two miles. I vividly remember when David Halloran was leading— he’d run the Beginner group first and then join the 7:30 PM group for another five miles. Seven miles in total! To me, that distance was absolutely mind-boggling! It felt completely out of reach, but here we are.
I would also come to tempo and Narwhals a bunch when I was training for the marathon!
What do you do when you're not running?
I stay pretty busy with my almost 6-year-old son!
I also have a love for dance and work as the Engagement Manager at American Ballet Theatre. Dance is a big part of my identity and so is the work that I do. While I sometimes feel like I identify more as a runner these days, my soul will always need to dance :)
I've been performing Polish folk dancing with the Polish American Folk Dance Company (PAFDC) at the Polish National Home (The Warsaw) since I was a teenager. As a proud Polish Brooklynite, this connection to my heritage is very meaningful to me.
When I’m not running or Polish dancing, I love taking ballet classes, watching different ballet performances, and pilates. And when I’m not doing that, you’ll find me cooking, cleaning, and keeping life moving at home!
How did you initially get into running?
A good friend of mine from my circle of mom friends at McGorlick Park wanted to get in shape and shed some baby weight! (We both had babies in the spring of 2019). She asked me if I wanted to try out a running group that meets at McCarren Park, to which I vehemently responded “Absolutely Not!” (Ironically, my husband is a huge runner, but even he couldn’t convince me to give it a try). I had a background in dance, and so my only two forms of exercise were dance and pilates. But one day, curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give the Wednesday Night Beginner run a try. I hated it! I managed two miles and thought it was the most awful thing in the world! I suffered tremendously, but kept coming back and even trying some runs on my own. There’s something about suffering, though—it can lead you to something greater. I had to dig deep, and I kept showing up, determined to understand why people loved this sport. And then, somewhere along the way, something clicked within me, something magical happened—and I couldn’t stop running!!!! And the rest is history :)
What is your favorite race distance?
The marathon! I love distance running. The ultimate test of endurance and mental strength. And you just have to love to suffer, lol.
Best running memory?
Running a part of the NYC Marathon with my husband who is also a huge runner. It will be cool for our son to know mom and dad did this cool thing together!
Favorite running route in NYC?
I love Summer Streets in Manhattan! If you are not familiar, it’s when they close down Park Avenue in both directions across three Saturdays in the summer! It’s amazing to see so many people out walking, biking, running, and just enjoying the city in a different way! I love the vibe and the energy.
Any running-related superstitions?
I’m not exactly a superstitious or overly spiritual person, but sometimes it feels like the universe really wants me to run. I’ve gotten into two back-to-back NYC Marathons through the lottery, which feels pretty incredible. I also have a good running streak with half marathon lotteries and getting those too. I don’t know, but it feels like a sign from the Running Gods to keep on runnin’!
What has running taught you or changed about you?
With consistency and showing up, things start to happen for you. Running has a way refocusing my mind and releasing any tension and anxiety in my body.
Favorite post-race food?
Beer and Shake Shack.
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
Ready for the Floor by Hot Chip
Run by OneRepublic
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
If you are running a marathon, there are no shortcuts. You really have to put in the time.
Best advice to running newbies?
Start slow and gradually build mileage. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Don’t eat nachos 30 minutes before running. Don’t eat cabbage. Find good shoes and size up!
