April Runner of the Month: Matt Linden
When did you join NBR and why?
I joined NBR in June 2024 as one of my mid-year resolutions to stick with running. I tried picking it up several times over the years but I could never stick to it when I was running alone. I would run for a few months and then when it would start getting dark earlier and the weather started getting bad, I'd make excuses and then have to start all over again when I would decide to start up again.
I lurked in the Google Group for about a year before finally committing and it's been one of the best things I've done for myself in a long time. This group has been amazing for me and my goals, and I've seen improvements I never could have gotten alone.
Ultimately my main goal has been to run a marathon. It's a classic bucket list item. But then there's also staying healthy and meeting new people with similar interests that is a bonus to this all. It's great that there are all of these more experienced runners helping me achieve my goals, and I'd like to pass that along to the next group of runners coming into NBR.
In what ways have you been involved with NBR?
I would say that I'm a regular at MNER, Thursday Night Track, and Saturday Morning Bridge Run. I've also been going to a lot more Sunday Fundays recently as my distances increase. And of course I try to go to as many of the Friday Night food events.
I lead Fourth Friday Noodle Run (shameless plug), which really was just an excuse to get people to join me as I try new pasta-based places around the neighborhood. And also argue with people about what constitutes a "noodle".
I also try to volunteer for things when I'm not running them, like McCarren 5K and Brooklyn Experience.
What do you do when you're not running?
My oldest group of friends and I go to the movies every Tuesday. We'll see literally anything from cartoons, to horror, to comedy, to sci-fi. My personal recent favorite is Project Hail Mary. Catch that if you can.
We also go to trivia every Wednesday at a bar called Uncle Barry's in Prospect Heights. We're pretty good, but come challenge us and you might get free drinks if you win.
Doing these things weekly is like mandatory built in rest days.
I also like to just explore things around the city. I'll find random pop-ups, go to museums, or just walk around outside to get some air.
And recently I've been on the hunt for a new hobby to add to my list. Some NBR friends have suggested knitting so I'm about to give that a try.
How did you initially get into running?
There isn't any crazy story behind this. I've always wanted to run a marathon just to challenge myself but was never a big runner. I had a close friend run the 2022 NYC Marathon and then another friend sign up for the 2024 marathon and I took that as my sign to start taking running seriously.
What is your favorite race distance?
Honestly, it’s a bit shocking to hear myself say this now, but I currently really like a half marathon. That definitely isn't how I felt a year ago. But for now it seems like the perfect distance to really challenge myself and still have fun with it.
Best running memory?
I'm definitely remembering things a little more fondly now than at the moment. All of the races I've run with friends have been amazing. I ran my first 10K (Firecracker 2024) with friends that I grew up with.
I ran my first sub-1:00 10K (Citizen Queens 2025) with my buddy Young.
I ran my first sub-2:00 half marathon (United NYC 2026) with Henry encouraging me the entire way.
I got to watch fireworks (one of my favorite things) while running the Midnight Run 2026 with a friend.
And I've beat personal goals running 1 Mile and 5K races with NBR cheering me on.
I don't know if I can pick a favorite from any of those. I'll remember them forever. And I'm definitely leaving a few out to spare you all from reading a novel about my running history.
Favorite running route in NYC?
I don't know if I have a specific favorite route. But I do like anything that I can run for a while without having to stop for traffic. I never stop my watch at lights so all of that just feels like wasted time and a loss of momentum.
So any of the bridges (Williamsburg, Queensboro, Manhattan, Brooklyn), and any of the parks (Central, Prospect, West Side) are ideal. And the elevation usually doesn't get to me, except for the Prospect Park climb. That hill can go to hell.
And because of that, my favorite run is the Saturday Morning Bridge Run over the Williamsburg Bridge. I'll encourage anyone to do that one whether they're beginners or veterans. It's a great way to start the weekend, running a 5K on the bridge before most people wake up.
Any running-related superstitions?
Nothing crazy, just the basics:
Don't wear the race gear before the day of the race
Don't try any new food the night before a race. Stick to plain, simple, tried and tested food
Always take a Pepto Bismol tablet on mornings before a race
What has running taught you or changed about you?
I've learned I can really push myself further than I thought I could. Just stick with it, get past the mental hurdles, and push through.
Favorite post-race food?
I'm not a big post-race eater. Something light is great. Also anything salty to contrast all of the sweetness in the gels and Gatorade. I can only take so much fruit flavor. Maybe like a pretzel or something.
But also, just eating anything with the people who I ran with and who helped cheer me on is great, especially if it's a Levain chocolate chip cookie.
Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?
I'm running with people like 95% of the time so I'm usually not listening to anything. On the odd run that I am running solo, I'll usually put on Tyler, the Creator radio on Pandora and just let it do its thing.
I am, however, creating a playlist for the NYC Marathon. It's mostly running themed songs timed with my goal pace. So, Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush should play when I get to the Queensboro Bridge, and 5K by Matt and Kim should start as I'm starting through Brooklyn, and Party on Fifth Ave by Mac Miller as I work my way down 5th Ave.
But the first song that I added to the list, and also the first song to play is Ante Up by M.O.P. That song is such high energy it'll melt away all my nerves the second it starts.
I'm still looking for songs since I need to fill out at least 4.5 hours so hit me up with any suggestions.
Favorite running social media account?
If there's one thing I don't do, it's social media. I'm sure I've doom scrolled through some running influencers on YouTube Shorts. But I can't name any from memory. I do tend to prefer the ones that don't take themselves too seriously. I can appreciate anything that is encouraging to new runners, or anything that makes fun of Garmin being a little too mean when you have an easier run.
What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?
I need to find other things to talk about outside of running. I feel like I talk about running so much. And the irony is, when I'm running I want to talk about literally anything else.
Also, I'm usually planning my schedule around runs and races. It's definitely caused a few timing conflicts and running usually wins out.
Best advice to running newbies?
Stick with it. Progress should be slow and steady. You won't go from 5K to marathon in a month. It's taking me 2.5 years to get up to a full marathon and I think even that is a little too fast. Ramping up too quickly is a surefire way to get injured and discouraged. Enjoy the small wins along the way.
Current running goal?
I'm currently working towards the NYC Marathon this year. It'll be my first marathon so I'm just looking to finish. But, I would be thrilled to get anything under 4:30.
Any other fun running facts about you?
No more fun facts about me. But here's a random fun fact instead: mantis shrimp have 16 eye receptors compared to humans who have 3. So they can see colors you can't even imagine.
