When did you join NBR and why?

I moved to NYC in early 2023 and didn’t know anybody. When I moved to the neighbourhood, I wanted to find some like-minded people with the ultimate goal of making friends. Being a runner already, joining a running club seemed like a good way to meet people. NBR offered a great variety of runs, and my first impressions were that people were so friendly, so I knew I’d picked a great running club.

In what ways have you been involved with NBR?

Like all community-led organisations, you get more out of it when you put more in. Initially, I was content to just attend runs (starting with the easy Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday runs, moving onto some of the tempo-based sessions), but after a while, I learnt that this running club doesn’t function as well as it does without an army of volunteers helping out. I volunteered at the NYC Marathon water table on behalf of the club, voted at the club’s AGM, bought lots of NBR merch to support the club, and represented the club at NYRR races. More recently, I became a double run leader; firstly at the monthly Brewery Run (2nd Friday of every month, 6:30pm start), and now weekly at Monday Night Easy Run (Mondays at 7:30pm).

What do you do when you're not running?

I recently became a Rescue Scuba Diver, of which the training was a lot of pulling “unconscious” bodies from the water and how to deal with emergencies in Scuba Diving situations. I always like to incorporate some diving into any beach holiday. On a more regular basis, I love playing tennis (although court time in Williamsburg is hard!) and I am a charity representative for the USTA Foundation. I also love my football (soccer for most people reading), and not much gets in my way of watching my team on TV at the weekend, Ipswich Town.

How did you initially get into running?

Back in 2015, my level of physical fitness had basically reached 0. I went on a skiing holiday in early 2015 and I couldn’t believe how difficult I found it. My cardiovascular fitness and strength in my legs was so poor, so I decided to do a “Couch to 5km” running program over 10 weeks. A mixture of run-walking, as well as my stubbornness, meant that at the end of the 10 weeks I ran my first continuous 5km.

What is your favorite race distance?

The 5km. It’s painful from minute 1 until minute <enter your 5km time here> but it’s so much shorter than most other distances, which means it’s over quicker and we can all go for post-race beers.

Best running memory?

Probably one of those when, in the moment, you’re absolutely hating every second of it, but afterwards look back with so much pride. I was running the London 10km and I looked at my watch with about 0.25 miles to go. My heart rate was high, my legs were burning, but I knew I wouldn’t get a better opportunity to smash my best time and hit my A-goal for the race. I rounded the final corner, passed Buckingham Palace and turned onto “The Mall” (name of the road and the same place where the London Marathon finish line is). I sprinted as fast as I could and crossed the line in a daze, exhausted. I stopped my watch and I’d done it. Sub-45min 10km. 44:57. (Never to be repeated, never will get close to that again 🤪)

Favorite running route in NYC?

I love variety in my routes, I love exploring places I’ve never been before (even if they’re objectively boring) but I never get fed up of a run around prospect park, especially if it’s off the main loop and getting lost on some of the side footpaths.

Any running-related superstitions?

Not particularly superstitious, broadly believe that over time you reap what you sow. Hard work and consistency will get you faster.

What has running taught you or changed about you?

That everybody has different measures of success. One person’s “disappointing” 4hr marathon can be the wildest dreams of someone else. It’s important to compare yourself with only yourself, because you being a better version of yourself, whether in running or any other walk of life is true progress. Comparison is the thief of joy.

Favorite post-race food?

Beer. It has carbs, it will be my food. Next question.

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

Don’t Stop the Party by Pitbull. Sticking up for my fellow baldies in this world. Dalé.

Favorite running social media account?

The Running Channel - YouTube and a Podcast. Philly Bowden, Professional British Athlete - YouTube.

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

The excessively early wake-ups on the weekend. I already get up early enough Monday-Friday for my job and you’re telling me I have to be up before 6am on Saturday to do a long run and avoid the heat. Nope, not a fan.

Best advice to running newbies?

Run at a pace where you can have a conversation. You’ll be improving your fitness and making friends at the same time. Running is one of the only times in our lives where we’re not looking at a screen these days, so enjoy that time.

Current running goal?

Finishing the 2025 NYC Marathon.

Any other fun running facts about you?

I collapsed at the 2018 London Marathon and then trained for a marathon in 2020, which got cancelled. So the marathon distance and I have beef. Hopefully, 2025 NYC will be my redemption.