When did you join NBR and why?
I started running during the pandemic as a way to get outside and stay healthy. When things started opening back up, I looked for a group to run with in Greenpoint and ended up at my first NBR Run - Narwhals on May 8th, 2021 (Paul was there!). I ran with a group that claimed they would run 8:15 pace and we averaged 7:45 (some things never change).
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
My most important role is Unofficial Indoor Track Czar, but I was on the board for two years, Team Captain for one year, and am currently a Membership Coordinator and Men's LC Captain. When I lived in Greenpoint I was a regular at Doves but now that I live further away I tend to only make it to AnD and the LC Long Run (which I lead with Hope, Danielle, and Patrick, and recommend you come to!).
What do you do when you're not running?
Last year I had a pretty brutal injury with the silver lining of ending up with enough energy to actually ride my bike as much as I would like to, as well as to finally try open water swimming at Brighton Beach with CIBBOWS (it's great, the trail running of swimming in every way, including wildlife). Outside of exercise, I like to cook and bake, take photos of buildings, go see live music (when I moved here all my favorite bands played tiny indie venues like Silent Barn but now they play places like Forest Hills Stadium, am I getting old?), go see movies at BAM, go see comedy at Union Hall, and read books from the library (I like that they come with deadlines so I actually read them instead of admiring them on the shelf before watching TV). I also have a day job as a software engineer.
How did you initially get into running?
During the pandemic, I stayed in Richmond for a few months and I really wanted to run the six mile trail loop through the James River Park System but it was two miles each way to get there so if I wanted to do it sustainably I had to build my mileage up a lot. The soft surfaces helped me do that safely and I've been a 60 mile a week runner ever since.
What is your favorite race distance?
Definitely the ten mile. It's long enough that I don't have to push nearly as hard as in a 5k or mile but short enough that I don't have to worry much about my stomach. Plus the Bronx Ten is a great course! Maybe I'd like the 10k if NYRR offered one that wasn't on a go-kart course in the middle of the summer but it always feels like a double length 5k. I'm not sure if the 3k is a short 5k or a really long mile.
Best running memory?
There are so many! Just in the last few months: I did a long run with my cousin on gravel roads in the mountains in Western North Carolina that ended with a jump into a mountain lake and I did a long run with all my pals to Rockaway Beach where when we got there there were DOLPHINS playing in the surf. Running can have incredible peaks but it's also just something I enjoy every week.
Favorite running route in NYC?
Past the Navy Yard to Dumbo and the Piers in Brooklyn Bridge Park, up Union to Grand Army Plaza, then back down Underhill to Washington to my apartment. Great views of the skyline, nice downhill -> flat -> big hill -> downhill finish to naturally progress over the course of the run, plus more and nicer public restrooms on the route than on any other I know of. Can even extend it out to Red Hook if I need more mileage.
Any running-related superstitions?
Not really. I am pretty neurotic about what I eat the day before a race but for the 2023 NYCM I got dressed in the dark and put on a sock with a huge hole in it so maybe I could be a little more uptight about race preparation.
What has running taught you or changed about you?
It has taught me that I can do quite hard things, both one minute at a time and over the course of months and years. It has changed me by making eating out more expensive.
Favorite post-race food?
Running all out can interfere with my appetite but I love finishing a long run at the farmer's market and buying myself a little chocolate milk. Once the appetite comes back, sausage egg and cheese sandwich + pancakes or a waffle "for the table".
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
I run with only my watch, keys, water bottle, and a few cards, so I've never listened to music while running. This will sound trite but I really value being present with myself and/or the people I'm running with during runs, it's the only waking time of the day that I'm cut off from screens and it's really nice! I do listen to music during indoor bike workouts and Amethyst by Deafheaven feels like a cardio cheat code.
Favorite running social media account?
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
I had a stress fracture for the first (and hopefully only) time last year. Without exaggeration, the worst month of my adult life. If the pain gets worse after you warm up instead of better, stop running!
Best advice to running newbies?
You don't have to run a marathon to be a runner. In fact, it's probably better for your long-term fitness if you don't! Find a sustainable weekly practice and grow it as much as you'd like to.
Current running goal?
Not lose to any high schoolers in the 10k Turkey Trot I'm running on Thanksgiving Day. You're on notice, teenagers of the Richmond Virginia Metropolitan Area. There is nothing more incredible than being most of the way through a race and knowing in your heart that you will beat your A goal, the only question is by how much. Hoping for more of that in 2027!
Any other fun running facts about you?
I used to run around Newtown Barge Playground then Newtown Creek Nature Walk as my recovery route and my dad noticed that it looked like an outline of Shrek's head. He complained whenever Shrek's ears changed shape due to construction. Last year Evan made a route for Doves that filled in Shrek's facial features. I'm excited to see what will happen next in the Shrek running space!
