When did you join NBR and why?

I moved to Williamsburg in March 2023 and joined NBR shortly therafter. I have been running since high school and didn't find a club while in Manhattan. On runs around Williamsburg previously, I would see a large group of people running and would always try to see what club they were. I finally got a good look at a shirt and after a quick Google of "North Brooklyn Runners,” I joined the Google Group. It took a few weeks of getting emails to muster up the energy to show up to a Monday Night Easy Run. I am more a morning runner and love all dogs so when the [unofficial] AnD email came through that quickly became my regular run thanks to the company both human and 4-legged.

In what ways have you been involved with NBR?

I have recently been named a Narwhals run leader after 2 years of Saturday longs with them (which I originally got coerced into by the AnD folks training for Berlin in 2023). I was an inconsistent Doves runner until I needed the motivation and company for marathon training and have been a regular since. If I am in town, I never miss an AnD run as who would pass up the opportunity to run with great company, dogs, and catch-up coffee on a WFH Friday?

What do you do when you're not running?

In the winter I can be found skiing. I try not to get injured in the other injury-prone sport, soccer. Currently, I can be found balancing wedding planning, keeping up with my annual book quota, attending EDM festivals and shows, and watching Duke basketball or tennis slams.

How did you initially get into running?

Like many folks, I was a convert from soccer to XC at the end of high school. I then joined the Duke Club Running team in college where I met two of my best friends. It made running social and fun again. I since have been on-and-off again running and always using it as a way to see new places when traveling. NBR has made me the most consistent with my running and was the biggest support group for marathon training after I weakly caved to the pressure to do a marathon (and now I sadistically enjoy long runs). However, what else am I supposed to do when my fiancée leaves at 5 a.m. most days to go on endless bike rides.

What is your favorite race distance?

Probably has to be anything but a 5K. PTSD from high school XC. I had the most fun at the Bronx 10 Mile last year running with Paul, Cait, and Ben so maybe 10 miles?

Best running memory?

Pre-NBR probably would have to say running the Aruba Half Marathon in 2013 as it was the most thrown-together event where the water stations were locals at the end of their property with a cooler of waters, definitely no fuel stations, and oh our team captain was doing it "on a budget" so we ate rice, beans, and hot dogs to fuel in the week leading up. Oh, and we started before 5 a.m. because it was Aruba in March aka hot. Plus, my parents came "to cheer" but mainly as an excuse to go to Aruba--to be clear no other family members came along--but it was still great to have them.

NBR race has to be the 2024 New York City Marathon, which was my first marathon and I had Jay keeping our pace in check and vibes high for the first 14 miles. My friends and family every few miles kept me smiling for most of the time, minus when it looked like I was flipping off Ken while trying to wave while getting a gel. I am not the most consistent with pace, ever, so the fact that my 5K paces for the marathon were roughly the same even without the masterful Jay to guide me for the second half was a miracle. Fifth Avenue was as hard as advertised but my best friends, brother, and fiancé at the top made it all worth while.

Favorite running route in NYC?

Favorite route is probably either the waterfront route to Red Hook as that was one of my first runs over a half marathon and is always fun to run under the bridges. Or just because I know it ends in dog pets, coffee, and a pastry-- the AnD route will always be a favorite.

Any running-related superstitions?

I always have.a banana before a race but that isn't just for running -- that’s everyday. I recently got a PR on little sleep (thanks to Duke losing the Final Four at midnight the night before) and Popeye’s fried chicken for dinner at the watch party, so I am now open to any suggestions for what’s best because I no longer know.

What has running taught you or changed about you?

Running has made me better than others...just kidding. It has always brought me amazing friends. Running friends are what makes running fun and they keep you entertained on the endless miles around repetitive streets

Favorite post-race food?

Santa Fe potato breakfast burrito (thanks madam president for the find)

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

Honestly just anything with fast BPM so a lot of EDM but no particular song

Favorite running social media account?

NBR? It's only 1 of 2 I follow. Or all the Mormon Utah runners who somehow have a numb body and lungs of steel as they run up and down the mountains by Provo in matching sports bra and shorts in sub-freezing temperatures while I’m layered looking like the Abominable Snowman and sometimes still saying its too cold--so I find them fascinating and I saw the one girl, Isabelle at the New York City Marathon start

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

Ooof, where to start? Unknotting my rat’s nest in the summer for 20 minutes after each run is probably the worst part, if not for remembering to drink water to stay hydrated, chaffing, blisters, or the constant temptation to buy more and newer running clothes. A weird benefit is when you only have six toe nails, painting them takes a lot less time.