July Runner of the Month: Phoebe Ward
When did you join NBR and why?
I joined in March 2025 because of the people, who are welcoming and warm (the lack of club fees is also nice).
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
I attend LC practices on Tuesday in Prospect Park, and Thursday Night Track at McCarren. I’ve worn the NBR uniform at the Brooklyn Half, the other Brooklyn half, Run as One 4 Mile, and Prospect Park Summer Series 5k.
What do you do when you're not running?
I draw cartoons/comics on Instagram, write a humor newsletter on substack, and work as a production assistant.
How did you initially get into running?
As a kid, I liked to bike next to my dad and talk to him while he ran. We started racing local 5ks together when I was 8 or 9. He'd bring a juice box and hold it in one hand for when I got thirsty. The first "big" race I ever won was the mile in 5th grade, but didn’t join track until 8th grade, when the XC coach convinced me to make the classic pivot from soccer to running.
What is your favorite race distance?
3 miles and above (anything long)
Best running memory?
Any day where I got to do a long run on a dirt road followed by diner food with friends is my favorite day.
Favorite running route in NYC?
The Central Park loop never gets old.
Any running-related superstitions?
I wear a lucky sports bra and socks, and I’ve eaten chicken parm, garlic bread, and salad for pre-race dinner for the past 10 years. I also plan out every detail of race day beforehand with timestamps (“eat bagel 9:40am” “brush teeth 10:10am” etc).
What has running taught you or changed about you?
As my coach at Carleton College used to say, “you always have another gear.” Running is the pursuit of excellence. Running forces you to acknowledge that you are stronger and more resilient than you think, and that you are capable of excellence, whatever that means for you. Competition and racing are opportunities to display your strength and resilience.
Favorite post-race food?
Burrito (and beer)
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
It depends on the intention of the run, but two recent favorite running songs are Million Dollar Baby by Tommy Richman and I Wanna Be Sedated by the Ramones.
Favorite running social media account?
@ alexi pappas and D3 glory days
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
The worst parts are the times I feel like a logistical burden for my family and friends. I feel selfish when the hour and half I carved out for running messes with other people’s schedules.
Advice for new runners?
You can’t count on feeling good during a run, but you can count on the endorphins afterwards.
Current running goal?
My goal is always to PR, which currently means break 17 in the 5k and 1:19 in the half.
Fun running fact about you?
Last summer, I found myself standing behind Kamala Harris as she gave a speech the day after Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential election. I was standing there as a team representative. My college XC team was at the White House to attend an event honoring the NCAA team champions of 2024, and somehow my face ended up getting broadcasted to the entire United States of America. I felt like Forrest Gump.
