Westchester Track Club member since: 2009
Occupation: Special Education Teacher, PS691/Bronx Little School;
Coach (volunteer), Bronx Little School Stingers, after-school Rising New York Road Runners program funded by NY Road Runners
PRs (since returning to running in 2009 at age 48, after not racing in over 20 years):
5k: 22:35 (2012)
10k: 47:00 (2009)
15k: 1:10:35 (2010)
Half Marathon: 1:42:00 (2012)
Marathon: 3:42:57 (2010)
Recent results:
Brooklyn Half: 1:49:00 (May 2018)
Philadelphia Half Marathon: 1:54:56 (November 2018, post-injury)
2019 Goal: Run at least one marathon again and qualify for Boston
What was your most challenging racing experience so far?
The most challenging racing experience(s) I’ve ever had were during the period of physical decline that I experienced from late 2013 through 2016 when I was eventually diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a condition that is supposedly genetic, but I didn’t develop symptoms until later in life. I kept trying to race even though my symptoms were getting progressively worse to the point of being unable to walk up a flight of stairs without getting severely short of breath. I had to drop out of several races, and even a 5k became a huge challenge. Luckily, heart surgery (a septal myectomy) fixed all that, and I feel much better now!
What has been your greatest racing or running experience?
By far, the greatest racing/running experience of my life was when I ran the 1982 New York City Marathon with my dad. It was the first time I ever ran a marathon, and I had never run longer than 12 miles, but it was exhilarating. Even back then, the energy was incredible, which got me through it, and it was such a nice bonding experience with my dad.
Favorite place(s) to run?
Since discovering the trails at the Rockefeller Preserve about ten years ago, I have to say that is my favorite place to run because of the beauty, peace, and tranquility. We are so lucky to have access to “Rockies”.
Do you participate in any other sports for fun or cross-training?
I also like cycling, and I like to do it as a cross train, mostly when injured, or for pleasure with friends. I used to do a lot of long, multi-day rides (I rode across Ireland for 10 days once), but I haven’t done it in a long time, and would like to do it again. I also swim, usually when injured and can’t run. I tried a duathlon recently, and would definitely like to do one again. I’m not so sure about a triathlon because I’m not a good swimmer, but I’ve been thinking about doing a short one just to try it once.
Anything else fun or significant you’d like to add about your running or healthy lifestyle?
My response to this question is not meant to be preachy, but just a personal statement. I have to say that since deciding to become vegetarian and give up alcohol, I feel better than I ever have. I know it’s not for everyone, and I’m not sure if it has contributed to any improvement in my running (which was not the intention), but I feel like I have a lot more energy than I used to, and I’m enjoying new experiences like juicing and cooking plants that I’ve never heard of, like jackfruit!
Any advice to someone who wants to start running?
I coach kids, and I always tell them that running is a sport that anyone can do, and it is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind, and soul. I also tell them that if they keep pushing themselves in their running, and don’t give up, they will develop grit (they like that word!), which will serve them in all aspects of their lives. I have a big poster hanging in the gym where we practice that says, “Running is the greatest metaphor for life because you get out of if what you put into it”. That is the message that I want them to remember.
Favorite workout: WTC Saturday morning hill workouts with as many Stingers as I can bring!
Those medals show that good running runs in the family!
We have a WTC club banner! 