June Runner of the Month: Ben Chertoff
When did you join NBR and why?
I joined in the fall of 2022. I'd raced road bikes for the decade prior (competitively, but amateur), and I'd run on and off during the off seasons and mix things up. But I broke my sacrum in a crash in July of 2022, and decided I'd bounced off the pavement too many times and it was time to hang up the bike. I started running as soon as the doctor would let me, but I missed the comradery of my old bike racing teams, so I decided to show up to a Saturday Morning Bridge Run and I was hooked. It is such a warm and welcoming group!
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
Officially, I've volunteered at my share of water tables in North Brooklyn for the New York City Marathon and I'm one of the Monday Morning Easy Run leaders (big plug for that run!), but in general I just try to be a part of the team, whether that means repping an North Brooklyn Runners singlet at races, or blowing out my vocal cords cheering.
What do you do when you're not running?
Timely question! I'm a documentary filmmaker and I was just the victim of corporate restructuring and was laid off from my full time job as a video editor, so please, if you have any opportunities for what I can do with my time send them my way! Otherwise, I walk around taking pictures and videos of things, and help raise a very lazy dog with my wife.
How did you initially get into running?
Growing up I had asthma and I HATED running. But after a really taxing season racing bikes I was getting burned out, and I wanted to see what all the running fuss was about. Turns out my bike fitness translated a little TOO well to running: My second run ever was 10 miles in old shoes and I couldn't walk for a week after that.
What is your favorite race distance?
I love the mile and the 3,000 meter, but mainly because they're over quickly. I think the half-marathon is the longest distance I actually enjoy "racing" in the sense that I'm pushing hard the whole time. But I love a weekend long run, especially with good conversation.
Best running memory?
Running in the woods discovering new trails! There's nothing better than trail running. But in terms of a specific memory, probably running down the northside section of Bedford Avenue in the NYC Marathon last year. The crowd and the energy were unreal.
Favorite running route in NYC?
So many! But the Roosevelt Island loop is special.
What has running taught you or changed about you?
That persistence pays off, and to not be discouraged if I feel off one day, or I have a terrible race.
Favorite post-race food?
Funnel cakes after the Brooklyn Half.
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
Any basic eurotrash EDM is great for intervals. Beastie Boys Paul's Boutique is always great for an hour of solo running.
Favorite running social media account?
@HotBoysWhoRun (and @NorthBrooklynRunners, duh)
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
Grocery bills, and getting too sleepy to do anything after 9:30pm. That's also a good part.
Best advice to running newbies?
Give it time! The last time I started running again it took almost two months before I had that moment when I realized I was really enjoying my run. And don't get caught up comparing your running to others - the very fact that you're out there running is amazing. Oh, and don't do too much too fast - you're not an exception, you will get injured (I still have to tell myself this all the time).
Current running goal?
Running a strong NYC Marathon this year without getting injured.
Any other fun running facts about you?
I was a bit of an over-indulgent partier in my early adulthood, and I smoked for years and definitely didn't treat my body well. I'm so grateful that our bodies can heal and change and grow, and every day that I can get up and go for a run is a reminder of that.
