April Runner of the Month: Henry Yu
When did you join NBR and why?
I joined NBR shortly after moving to Williamsburg. I’d been running solo for about a week and figured I should find a run club — so I Googled one. I was also looking to meet people outside of work, and honestly, it’s been such an awesome experience since. I started with Wednesday Night Beginner Run.
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
I try to make it out to as many runs as I can if I didn't have a race coming up or a race the past weekend— Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Easy Night Track (Nickname I give Thursday Night Track), and sometimes Saturdays too. I also love the social events! It’s been great getting to know other runners and meeting new folks who are just getting into the sport. TNT (Tuesday Night Tempo) is hands-down my favorite.
What do you do when you’re not running?
I’m a ig foodie, and I love TV, movies, and Broadway — so New York City is the perfect place for all of that. I also volunteer with Minds Matter most Saturdays (about 20 times a year). It’s a program that supports underprivileged students with academics, college, and future career planning.
How did you initially get into running?
I started running in high school but stopped after senior year—burnout from competing in races, and senioritis got the best of me. I picked it back up about a year ago after seeing runners around the neighborhood and feeling that little spark (and a bit of jealousy). I told myself I’d start again — and I did, the very next morning at 5 a.m. on April 2, 2024.
What’s your favorite race distance?
Always been the 5K. It’s short enough to push hard but long enough to test your pacing. It’s a weirdly fun challenge—and to be honest, it’s all gas, no brakes.
Best running memory?
Racing my first 5K again at Prospect Park with NYCRUNS Falling Leaves. It was such a full-circle, bittersweet moment to be back out there racing again.
Favorite running route in NYC?
I’m terrible with directions, but running through Domino Park at sunset? Unreal. That view never gets old.
What has running taught you or changed about you?
It’s taught me patience. The more time you put in, the better you get. Progress isn’t overnight—it’s all about the journey and putting in the time. Also, it taught me that I can be decent at something besides work!
Favorite post-race food?
If it’s a race: give me an apple, a bagel, water, and then coffee to actually wake up because I’m definitely not a morning person.
If it’s a fun NBR run: pizza and drinks.
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
Eye of the Tiger, but honestly, I’d rather chat with someone during a run or just run with someone without music. When I do run solo, I’ve got a go-to playlist that I shuffle through—it’s a little over an hour long.
What’s the worst part about being a runner?
Getting injured is way too easy. Also, running in winter or peak summer can be a mental battle—layers, sweat, and just convincing yourself to get out the door.
Best advice to running newbies?
The first few months are brutal. Everything hurts, you’re tired, and quitting feels way too tempting. But if you stick with it and give it time, it really does get better. That first breakthrough moment makes it all worth it and then it’ll become fun.
Current running goal?
Trying to hit 1:33 in the half marathon and sub-19:00 in the 5K. Basically trying to chase the fitness I had back in high school. It’ll most likely take another year or more! Besides that, I just want to continue to have fun with running.
Any other fun running facts about you?
I just hit my one-year run-versary! (Not counting high school running, of course.)
