Interview with a Runner

This week we're highlighting someone extra special, Jessica's dad, Dennis Elliott.  Dennis inspired Jessica to start running at a young age because it was a way for her to spend time with him and he made it look so cool. With a marathon PR of 2:47, this dad of six is one natural born fast runner.  One of the best parts of moving back to Oregon is getting to run with this guy again!

When did you start running?
I started running during my first year in law school. I had a friend who introduced me to it as a way to stay in shape. I needed something to counteract my part time smoking habit. It actually worked.  I quit smoking after law school and kept running.

What inspired you to run?
I spent a lot of time in Eugene, Oregon in the mid 70s, and it was a hot bed of distance running. The crowd I hung out with was into marathons. I ran to keep up with them. I'm still trying to catch them.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
My favorite running route is Tryon Creek State Park in Portland, Oregon. It is shady and cool in the summer, full of color in the fall and awash with trilliums in the spring.

Favorite post-run meal?
Margarita on the rocks, no salt.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Train on hills. It gives you twice the workout in the same amount of time.

Are you running for fun or sport? 
Six years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I now run to help keep the disease at bay. My pace and distance have reduced considerably, but I still enjoy running (flat and short).

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
An intense game of family pickleball. I spent years purposely losing to my kids. Now that they're grown up, they never let me win.

Interview with a Runner

This week's runner is as dedicated as they come to her running AND her cross training! Nicole Steele is a Seattle native, but has lived in Los Angeles for 13 years working at the same post production company for 12 years (she's now VP of Production!).  Living with her boyfriend in Silver Lake with their cat Vinnie, Nicole's obsessions are traveling, book club, wine, Vinnie and her recently planted garden.  And of course running... We'll be cheering for her this weekend as she takes on the Pasedena 10k! 

When did you start running and why?
I started running off and on in college, mainly because it was a cheap way to get in shape. Over the years I've gotten bored or hurt, and strayed from regular runs, but I always came back. After a disastrous first half marathon, I even swore off running forever! Famous last words!

What inspires you to run?
Any strong woman, whether they are Olympic athletes, my friends that are runners, or the chick that's passing me at the lake.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
Probably my most frequent route, which is around Silver Lake. It has varied terrain, nice views, and a really nice bathroom. Also amazing people watching...hipsters wear the most insane work out gear (jean shorts??).

Favorite post-run meal?
A fresh kale protein shake, with the kale from my garden. I'm living the dream!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don't run every day! For years I felt nagging guilt if I didn't run daily, but that guilt made me hate and resent running. Also I got hurt. A lot. Now running is something I look forward to, rather than dread.

Are you running for fun or sport? 
I run for fun, but signed up for a 10k to keep me focused on my goals. My current goal is to finish my 10k strong and uninjured, and to get faster.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
I really enjoy the Bar Method and spinning. They push me to the limit both mentally and physically. I have a love/hate relationship with the pain and sweat!

Interview with a Runner

There's a lot of adjectives to describe this week's featured runner: fast, determined, fun, fast - did we mention that? Kim Levandoski, a Brooklyn Heights resident for 8 years and NYer for 12 years, came to us in December with a goal. She's going to kick that goal's ass this weekend at Grandma's Marathon.  In her downtime, she works for LinkedIn selling talent data solutions to big companies, skis and takes running vacations that make us jealous!

When did you start running and why?
My running career started in 2003 with a 5K race in Central Park. I remember 'carb-loading' the night before at Grimaldi's petrified about the next day. I started running because my friend EJ said a bunch of folks would run these races then meet up afterwards for brunch. The brunch part sounded appealing.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
The 5.1 mile loop from Fulton Ferry Landing down into the Red Hook piers and back. The water and skyline soothe me.

Favorite post-run meal?
Recoverite. It's magic powder. After I have that, I really don't have a preference for what goes into my belly.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Drop the shoulders and chin up. (Thanks Meghan)

Are you running for fun or sport? 
Oh depends. I tend to confuse the two.

Who would you love to run with and why?
Joan Benoit Samuelson - Olympic gold medal winner and a fellow Mainer. Solid combo.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Love to ski.

Interview with a Runner

This week's runner is Ashley Combs. Ashley hails from sunny Florida. She works as a real estate development consultant - that is, when she is not traveling or running! She and Meghan trained together to qualify for Boston and then ran it together in 2008. Some of Meghan's fondest running memories are with Ashley and getting up at 3:30am to run 20 miles before the Florida heat set in.

When did you start running and why?
I started running when I was in college and the freshman 15 found me. I grew up a competitive swimmer, softball player and golfer - not sports that were sustainable as a college student. Running allowed me to get back in shape and gave me new challenges to achieve.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
My favorite running route is a peaceful route along a dirt road in the North George Mountains. My family has a vacation home up there on the Taccoa River and it is truly the most peaceful place in the world. And the mountains provide quite a challenge as well!!

Favorite post-run meal?
On my daily runs, I enjoy a protein shake with frozen banana and blueberries but after a loooong run, it has to be an omelet and a huge cup of coffee (I obviously run in the mornings!). I particularly enjoy thinking about that post long run meal at about mile 15!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don't run so many miles!! I went through a time when I was running a few marathons a year and kept getting injured (and running anyway). By reducing my miles and make them count, I have remained injury-free for over a year now. That and the old adage "listen to your body"...there is some truth behind that!

Are you running for fun or sport? 
I run mostly for fun but do enjoy racing and beating my own goals. I find running a form of therapy...I can think out any issue, problem or stress in my life - even what I am going to wear for the day, haha!

Who inspires you to run?
Although I have not seen her in years, I attribute the beginning of my love for running to my college friend, Nicole Goodman. Nicole encouraged me to run my first competitive 5K in Tallahassee (go Noles!). It was a point to point race and I remember observing the college runners adding on by running back to the start -in effect completing a 10K - and exclaiming how crazy I thought it that they were running 6.2 miles!! It seemed so far to me at the time. Now that is a normal Tuesday morning training run for me! Ha!

Who would you love to run with and why?
I would love to go for a run with my grandfather that I never met. I find a run the best way to catch up with a friend or to bond with a new one and I have so many questions for my father's father!

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
I still enjoy swimming as my second favorite cardio sport but I often find myself in yoga classes, barre fitness classes and a crossfit-style bootcamp (sans the Olympic weight lifting!).

Interview with a Runner

This week's runner is Terence Gerchberg who lives in NYC (Chelsea to be precise). Terence is one of those people you always want on a run with you, because he'll entertain you for hours. From stories of his time on wall street, to being on the show The Amazing Race, to his Guiness Book of World Record title to what happened to him the other day, "T", aka "Coach Amazing", is someone who keeps us laughing, reminds us to always have fun and pushes us to run faster. He coaches for Team Terrier and is the Union Square lululemon running ambassador.

When did you start running and why?
I really started running in 2002 while I was in a gambling rehab center in downtown Baltimore. My buddy called me to tell me that we both got into the NYC Marathon. Since I was changing my life & not taking shortcuts I figured I should if I was changing my life & I need to train & do it correctly.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
Anything near water. I'd have to say the West Side Highway (WSH) around SUNSET!!! It is the perfect 4-7 miles. I've ran there more than any other place in the world. It really never gets old or boring. If I want 15 miles, George Washington Bridge & back. A great 13 miles, up to 59th St. then to Central Park (CP), one full loop of CP, then back down the WSH.

Favorite post-run meal?
Anything vegan & yummy :). If it's an early morning run, I make awesome steal-cut oatmeal with raisins, bananas, blueberries (sometimes), walnuts, pumpkin seeds, Maca, honey (I know, not vegan - it's from my beekeeper hippie friends Anita & Arthur from Oregon).

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Put one foot in front of the other & repeat.

Are you running for fun or sport? 
I run for more reasons than you can list.

Who inspires you to run?
Everyone, young & old. Kids, they make it look so easy, fun, & effortless. People that can't run, I want show them that they too can run. Disabled people they remind me how able I am & to be grateful for what I've got & they show me just how able they really are.

Who would you love to run with and why?
I've ran with many of the people that I've wanted to. This list changes based on who is inspiring me. These people that are still alive = Frank Shorter & Kilian Jornet. No longer with us = Pre Steve Prefontaine.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Yoga lately, I want to be more flexible. Bikram Yoga is instant sweat. I like biking too.

Interview with a Running Coach

To celebrate National Women's Health Week, we interviewed ourselves. Learn a few juicy tidbits about your Hot Bird Running coaches, Meghan, Jessica and Caitlin, and find out what inspires them to run.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
MEGHAN: I wanted to be a Fly Girl on In Living Color growing up. I'm known to dance in the grocery store or in the middle of a run.

JESSICA: I have 5 brothers, no sisters. I don’t think I wore a dress until my first junior high dance and I definitely didn’t start shaving my legs until that time.

CAITLIN: I was a child actor for about half a second - I have the headshots and Microsoft promotional video to prove it.

When did you start running and why?
JESSICA: Grade school because my dad ran and I wanted to be like him. Running was “cool” to me. Plus, I really enjoyed it and found out it was something I was good at during a grade school field day running event.

MEGHAN: High school to stay in shape for soccer.

CAITLIN: College to lose weight and train for a 5k with a friend and I have never looked back!

Who or what inspired you to run? 
CAITLIN: Running taught me how to push my own limits beyond what I thought was possible for myself - this keeps me inspired every day, both in running and in life!

JESSICA: My father inspired to me to me to start running at a very early age as a way to get out and see the sights of my own city or while traveling. After college, my cousin inspired me to develop my running into something more than a healthy way to sweat teaching me that the personal challenges offered in running are limitless and running friendships last a lifetime.

MEGHAN: I've had a lot of different sources of inspiration over the my running career. Most recently, it's the ability to unplug and not have to think about anything other than running!

What is the best piece of running advice you ever received?
MEGHAN: The best advice I've ever received is from my Dad. It's not really specific to running but it definitely applies and I think about it all the time - "Champions adjust."

CAITLIN: It doesn't matter how slow you go, just don't stop. My friend (and complete badass ultramarathoner) Tom told me that at the bottom of a particularly treacherous hill on a trail and I think back to that moment often when I find myself backing away from a tough moment on a run.

JESSICA: Two pieces: When I was 9 or 10 years old, my dad caught me trying to copy his stride (he’s 6’3"). I remember him telling me to shorten my steps and find my own rhythm and to stop exaggerating everything (basically, stop flailing my arms). That was my first form lesson and it sticks with me to this day.  Of course the other piece of advice is from my cousin, who taught me to always run in a good outfit because no matter how bad of a run you are having, at least you look good (a little bit of confidence can go a long way!).

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
CAITLIN: SoulCycle and hiking.

JESSICA: Skiing! I don't mind running in the cold, wet winter because it means snow in the mountains!

MEGHAN: I LOVE a good, hard spin class or a vinyasa yoga class

Interview with a Runner

This week's runner is Robin Arzon. Robin, also known as RobinNYC, is a corporate lawyer turned fitness journalist and ultramarathoner. This May, she is running 5 marathons in 5 days - yup, you read that correctly! She's taking part in the MS Runs the US and raising money to stop MS. She writes about her running and street style on her blog. We love Robin's sense of style, her running determination and her sense of fun. Every mile counts and every mile is another moment to appreciate.

When did you start running and why?
I had been running recreationally for years during law school before I decided to run my first marathon in 2010 to raise money for the MS Society. Endurance racing and getting to know run crews around the world really deepened my love of the sport. It changed my life. So much so that spandex is business casual for me now after leaving law to pursue freelance writing, coaching, and fitness apparel design.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
The Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges dubbed "the Triple Bypass" by my friend Mike Saes. Any combo of the three bridges gets me hill work, Brooklyn flavor, and ridiculous views of Manhattan. I'm a downtown girl. I like to stumble upon new street art and explore the crevices of NYC.

Favorite post-run meal?
Lately, immediately after a run I've been drinking kombucha. I also love brunch food (eggs, toast, blood marys!) I'm pretty obsessed with hot sauce, so I pretty much eat food as a conduit for consuming sriracha.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
"Nobody ever won a training run." Jonathan Cane told me that when I was trying to learn pacing before my first marathon. It was a great reminder to trust the pacing and let out the speed on race day.

Are you running for fun or sport? 
I run for life. Running for me has been at the intersection of a lot of worlds thanks to the amazing people I've trained with who come from outside of the traditional running community, so it's fun, sport, art, music, fashion, everything. Running keeps me hungry for challenges, endorphins, connections, and competition.

Who inspires you to run?
I run for my mom, who took up running and continues to astound me with her positivity and light. Growing up my mom, a refugee from Cuba, always told my sister and I that we come from resilient stock. I have a tattoo on my ribs that says “resilient stock” and with every personal best and every goal I set for myself with running, I tap into that well of confidence and bring it into other areas of my life.

Who would you love to run with and why?
I would have loved to run with Flo Jo. Her story, her swagger, her vibe. Even a photo of her inspires me to this day. She was unapologetically herself on and off the track. I have an affinity for Flo Jo like many do for Marilyn Monroe.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Spinning. I'm Soul Cycle obsessed and I have my Schwinn teaching certification. That's my favorite way to cross train. I've also been known to burn down a dance floor until sunrise.

Interview with a Runner

This week's runner is Lauren Shekari, a Texas native who's lived in NYC for the last 10 years. She currently lives in Long Island City, Queens with her husband and their grumpy French bulldog. Lauren has finished 3 half-marathons over the past 1.5 years and isn't stopping anytime soon! She is dedicated to speed training and never misses her workouts. We've loved seeing Lauren become a faster and more confident runner over the past year and a half.

When did you start running and why?
I started running four years ago in an effort to lose weight before my wedding. I had never run in my life and between being in a happy stable relationship and recently quitting smoking (which tells you something about my activity level) I had put on a some extra pounds. With a demanding work schedule I thought running would be the best calorie burning exercise I could fit into a short amount of time. At first I could barely make it one block, so I did a run/walk 5k plan. I didn't lose any weight immediately (although later I lost about 20lbs with diet and exercise) - but I totally got hooked on running!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
"It never get's easier, you just go faster." That's a quote from cyclist Greg Lemond that my husband told me when I started running. I struggled a lot feeling intensely self conscious for being slow. I thought there was some magical place people got to where they automatically run 7 min miles without breaking a sweat. Maybe that's true for a few Kenyans, but, for me, running is tough physical work. My legs are short, my gait is a bit wonky, and I never ran before my late 20's, so in many ways the odds are not in my favor when it comes to running. I am OK with that, I just needed to understand that what I was feeling was normal and as I have stuck with it I have gotten much stronger and been able to pick up the pace.

What are your current running goals? Are you training for anything? 
My long term goal is always to run faster and longer. I just ran the NYC half (my third half marathon and my fastest yet thanks to Meghan - hurrah!), and I am itching to try my hand at the full marathon. My average pace in the NYC Half was 10 min/mile so I need to get a bit quicker before I dive into a full, but I'm headed that direction. Right now I am taking a few months mental break from the obsessive focus of training. I'm doing lots of cross training, allowing myself to slack off if the weather is gross, and remembering what it is like to run for fun without my Garmin!

Who inspired or inspires you to run? Or who do you love to run with?
My husband inspires me to run. He is an avid cyclist (of the spandex, clip in shoes, and shaved leg variety). When we started dating I was mostly an avid knitter, reader and eater - all great things but not especially physical endeavors. Hanging out with him made me want to keep up and it encouraged me to be more physically active in all areas of my life. He never pushed me to run, but once I started he became the biggest supporter of my efforts and cheers me on through the months of training and at all my races. I won't ever be able to compete with him on a bike, but now I can leave him in the dust on a run!

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
I love yoga and the way my body feels relaxed and aligned after. I also do a lot of spin classes because it is convenient and a nice cardio alternative to running. My absolute favorite thing is to be outside - so a bike ride, hike or trail run are all at the very top of my list. I love to get out of the city for some fresh air and trees!

What is your favorite running workout?
I really like the long slow distance runs (preferably somewhere pretty - Central Park is great). I pick a route, put some good music on my ipod, and I go. I might not be the fastest, but I can go and go. I get in a really zen zone on long runs. Its my time to be totally present in my body, focus on my breath and movement and forget about all the silly day to day stuff I might have going on. It keeps me sane. Also, as an added bonus, when I'm done I feel no guilt about eating like a champ and taking a nap (two of the best things ever).

Interview with a Runner

This week's runner is Carolyn Hagen. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Hell's Kitchen with her fiance and English Bulldog. After Sandy sidelined her first full marathon goals last fall, she set her sights on the NYC Half Marathon shaving off 34 minutes from her time last year. With a new half PR behind her, she's getting ready to take on the NJ Marathon this spring for her first full marathon ever! 

When did you start running and why?
Last year, living by the West Side Highway I saw a ton of runners so I figured I would give it a try! However, to get myself committed to running I signed up for a race so I would have a goal to work towards . . . the goal was NYC Half Marathon because that's what most people do when they decide they want to start running, right? Oh and my fiancee is an avid runner.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don't over train and listen to your body - this whole running thing is supposed to be fun and release stress, not something to cause stress.

What are your current running goals? Are you training for anything? 
NJ Marathon on May 5th - 1st marathon ever!

What/who inspired or inspires you to run?
My fiancee - Ironically, he likes to run alone so that means I run alone. I enjoy it though because I can zone out and listen to music.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
It used to be hot yoga but due to training I've scaled back - so regular yoga is now my fave!

What is your favorite running workout?
Weirdly enough it's the long runs - I like to know I'm about to accomplish something major and it feels phenomenal when it's completed.

Interview with a Runner

This week's runner is Matt McGeough, a new father who works in finance and lives in Brooklyn Heights. This spring he's finally getting his chance to show Boston who's boss after qualifying with his time in the NYC Marathon a few years ago. Thanks to some Hot Bird Running cross training and his commitment to early (really early) morning runs, he's ready to dominate Heartbreak Hill on April 15th.

When did you start running and why?
I became a cross country nerd my sophomore year in high school because I stopped playing soccer and my parents made me find another fall sport. Going in I figured I'd quit after a few weeks of getting in shape but I actually liked it. I've been running pretty consistently ever since.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
The good ladies at Hot Bird Running taught me that a running workout shouldn't involve only running. I thought I was in decent shape going into my first workout with Jess and Meghan but the mix of running and strength training crushed me. This training season, I've been able to avoid annoying injuries that have bothered me in the past by mixing stretching, core and lower body exercises into my workouts.

What are your current running goals? Are you training for anything? 
I qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2009 and after two aborted tries I'm finally planning to run it this year. I don't think this is the year but I'd like to eventually re-qualify at the new times.

What/who inspired or inspires you to run?
I run to challenge myself now that I'm an old man and have outgrown most competitive sports. I like the feeling of accomplishment after a long run and it helps me clear my head before or after a day of work.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Basketball. I play in a men's league every Saturday and have somehow managed to avoid serious injury before Boston.

What is your favorite running workout?
Any kind of interval workout. The NY winter has forced me to move a lot of my workouts indoors and the only thing that helps me keep my sanity on a treadmill is changing up speeds. I've adopted this on some of my longer outdoor runs and it makes the workouts go a lot faster.

Interview with a Runner

Our runner this week is Whitney Norman. Whitney works at a veterinary clinic in Portland, Oregon and lives along the Willamette River in John's Landing where she has access to fantastic city river runs with mountain views right outside her door. In the beginning of 2013, she started working with the Hot Birds to whip her fitness and nutrition habits into shape. Whitney doubted that she would ever be able to say that she truly enjoyed running, but, as she told us this week, "[She's] now been converted to one of the fortunate ones that truly gets to enjoy getting out there and running." Keep it up, Whit! 

How do you know us - Hot Bird Running?
I have the pleasure of knowing the Hot Birds through my fiancé, Match, who happens to be Jessica’s youngest brother. Match and I are getting married in the winter of 2014 and I wanted to start getting in shape for the big day. Lucky for me, as an extra bonus, I will be inheriting a fantastically motivating running coach as a sister-in-law and the Hot Birds!

What are your current running goals? Are you training for anything? 
I haven’t ever been driven by the idea of running, but, unfortunately for me, I also know it’s the best way to get in shape for the wedding. In January of this year, I started Hot Bird's Running and Nutrition Program.

Who or what inspires you to run?
I use to describe myself, "I’m not the most enthused runner," because for the first two months of training I had to literally shove myself out the front door with the image of myself in a white dress posing for eternally existing photographs to get started on my run. I have been very fortunate to have Jessica as a running coach. She is really what has inspired me to keep going. It’s been an unbelievable help for someone like me who struggles with running, to have someone to talk to when frustrated with my progress, or to get that extra boost of confidence in my ability to keep on.

In the last month I’ve really started to enjoy my running experience. I think the first time I truly had fun on a run was last month when Jess, Match and I all went for a run in Tryon Creek State Park. It was one of the most challenging runs I’ve been on to date, but it was also the most rewarding. It was truly a running breakthrough for me and since then I’ve felt fantastic while running. I’m so grateful to have had the team of Hot Birds at my back to keep pushing me on. I truly don’t believe I would have gotten to this point without their support.

What is your favorite running route/place to run?
Now that I’m off and running, my favorite route has become my run in Tryon Creek State Park. I’ve gotten the opportunity to go several times a week and it is always as challenging as it was the first time. There’s something great about running in the woods that keeps you watching your feet while dealing with the changes in hills. I always feel completely beat at the end but in a satisfied and happy way.

Who is your favorite person to run with and why? 
I also love the Tryon run because it’s one that I get to do with my fiancé, Match. It must be something that the Elliott’s do, because they are some of the most motivating people I’ve ever met. My experience as a runner has been short with a bit of a rocky start but I feel so blessed to have had the support of both Match and the Hot Birds to keep me on track. I would have never been able to get to where I am now without them.

What is the best piece of running advice you ever received and who was it from?
The best piece of running advice I’ve ever received was to run in run/walk intervals. I purchased a GymBoss at the beginning of my running program, and it has been such an enormous help. It was great training for me starting at the beginning because I wasn’t discouraged about not being able to run far. I could have breaks and continue on again until I had reached my goal. For me it essentially took away quitting when I was tired as an option.

What is your favorite running gear/piece of clothing?
Apart from the GymBoss as being my favorite accessory I would have to say that I absolutely love the Ta Ta Tamer sports bra from lululemon. I am fortunately well endowed in the chest region and as a runner is was a painful experience at first. I really do love the support that it gives me while taking away the massive shoulder pain.

Interview with a Runner

Jaema Berry, is a dancer and choreographer in New York living in the greatest borough [her words!] - Brooklyn - in the Prospect Heights neighborhood.  During the last couple years as the assistant manager for the lululemon athletica Brooklyn Showroom, she turned into an awesome runner willing to try out any running or cross training workout we throw her way! 

How do you know us - Hot Bird Running?
I met the Hot Bird ladies through work at lululemon. Meghan and Jessica led the run club at the store, and after months of me protesting, saying "I'm not a runner," they got me to hit the park with them. That was almost two years ago!

What are your current running goals? Are you training for anything? 
Last year I ran my first real race - a half marathon in Vancouver [the SeaWheeze Half Marathon]. It was a blast! Right now my goals are to keep up consistent moderate running (10-12 miles a week) all through the winter, and to ramp up and run another half in less than two hours. My first one was a 2:09:56, so I just gotta get a bit faster!

Who or what inspires you to run?
When I started, running was about the personal challenge. I HATED running growing up. As an adult, I still hated it - I'd try to run every couple years and my knees would swell, my joints would be painful, etc. My efforts never lasted more than a couple days. Learning how to use my body effectively in running was so inspiring to me personally, and what a fantastic challenge after 20 years of refusing to take it on!

Now, though, what keeps me going is the opportunity to be outside! I have never been for a run indoors - the longest time I've spent on a treadmill is the five minutes of intervals in a Barry's Bootcamp class - and I want to keep it that way! I grew up skiing and playing outdoors, and running is a way to get out, see the city, feel the sun (with sunscreen, naturally!), and breathe some fresh air.

What is your favorite running route/place to run?
I like to switch it up! For a longer run, I love running the bridges - over the Brooklyn Bridge and back on the Manhattan Bridge. Especially if it's first thing in the morning and I've beat most of the traffic. It's challenging on the inclines and the view is incredible. I also love a run in the park with some trails mixed in - the northeast part of Prospect Park is fun to get lost in, and the bridle path on the north end of Central Park was one of my favorite training spots when I lived up there last summer.

Who is your favorite person to run with and why? 
The Hot Birds, of course! (For real!) Other than those ladies, I love running with my fiance in Prospect Park and stopping for a cup of coffee after at Sit and Wonder on Washington Ave. My brother, Ivor, is a fantastic running buddy, too. He lives in Seattle so we don't get to run together very often, but when I visit we take his Labradoodle for a run. Ivor was my partner in crime during the Sea Wheeze in Vancouver - he ran ten miles of it with me without training! He's a tough cookie.... but he was much more sore than I was the next morning!

What is the best piece of running advice you ever received and who was it from?
Don't start too fast. This was such a game-changer for me, and it's hands-down the advice that got me started on a running routine that lasts. This is what Meghan told me during my first runs - run/walk, run slowly, keep it comfortable and build strength. Even now, if I'm having a tough running day, it's liberating to know I can just slow down and keep going. I may slow down, but I don't stop!

What is your favorite running gear/piece of clothing?
My lulu bright yellow "What The Fluff" pullover! I love that its light enough to not be bulky and warm enough that it kept me running outside all winter. And I will run every race I do in my Inspire Crops. :)

Interview with a Massage Therapist

Jennifer Mayer is our featured runner of the week. She is the  owner of Mama Moon NYC which is her private practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Birth Doula. She has been our go-to massage therapist for the past few years. She's healed many an aligment! She loves helping her clients feel better, manage stress and birth babies! Just from talking to her, you know she loves her job!

Why do you like working with runners?

It’s rewarding to help my clients reach their training and racing goals. My clients tend to be very motivated and fun to work with. Massage therapy is effective in injury prevention and healing, and I can see results pretty quickly in athletes. I’ve helped runners with super tight calves and hamstrings, injured runners prepare for an upcoming marathon, and then of course, helped runners recover after the big event. Working with each client on his or her goals is exciting, to be part of their team and help them achieve what they are working towards.  

If you could tell a runner one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stretch! Many times I have runners come into my office who tell me all about their training, and the miles they are getting in, despite being busy at work or taking care of kids. And, really, it’s impressive how my clients can get everything done. One thing that many runners confess to me is that they don’t stretch. Period. I hear from them that there’s no time, or they forget, or they don’t like it. But please, make time to stretch, your muscles will thank you! 

What is your go-to fitness activity and why?  

For the past three years I’ve enjoyed private Pilates sessions as my go-to activity. The Pilates work helps keep my posture in alignment, which keeps my body healthy. It also focuses on weaknesses in my core and structure, so my body becomes stronger and works more efficiently. The Pilates work has greatly improved my running. Due to injuries in my shoulder and rib cage from a ski accident in 2003, it took me a few years to become comfortable running again as I would develop back pain after a certain amount of running. The Pilates work has really helped stabilize my core and even out some imbalances in my body. I really feel like it keeps me going, so I can enjoy running pain free now. 

What is your favorite post workout meal?  

Something quick, easy and nutrient dense. Lately, I've really been enjoying a sliced banana with cinnamon sprinkled on top with a tablespoon of raw nut butter on the side. I mix it up between almond and cashew butter. Yum! I also love green smoothies, filled with fresh pineapple, frozen mango, fresh kale and almond milk- maybe some additions of bee pollen or hemp seeds.

Jennifer Mayer's Green Smoothie Recipe:

• 3/4c fresh (or frozen) pinapple
• 3/4c frozen mango
• 3-4 stalks of kale, stems removed
• Handful baby spinach if it's on hand
• 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Sprinkle of bee pollen
• Enough almond milk to make it blend

When did you start running and why?  
I started running when I was twelve years old. I grew-up on a farm in upstate, New York and running was the quickest way I could get from one side to the other. As a child I never enjoyed “round ball” or team sports. One day I asked my father “Why can’t there be a sport where all you need to do is run? That would be really fun, and I think I’d be good at that.” My dad said, “You could be a harrier! And run cross-country!” I had no idea that running was a thing. Well I looked into this whole running thing and joined a community Track & Field program for children 5-12 years old. Eventually, I joined the modified Cross Country team at school, and, in 8th grade I made the varsity Track & Field team.

Running became a huge part of my high school experience. I loved going to practice every day, our team was a lot of fun to be around. I enjoyed racing and being part of the team, but I also liked setting individual goals for myself. Throughout high school I ran Cross Country in the fall, our coach hosted a winter training daily workout in the winter, and I ran the 400 Hurdles, 3000 meter steeplechase and 4x800 relay in Track in the spring. My Cross Country team even competed twice in the New York State Championship meet. Being part of the Track and Cross Country teams was a wonderful experience, and I feel like it’s given me a strong foundation for health and fitness that I’ve carried into my adult life.