Interview with a Runner

This week's runner, Nikki Summer, can thank her dad next week on Father's Day for the gift of running! We LOVE her story about starting to run and also wish we could run with Tina and Amy. Nikki lives in Brooklyn and works at Etsy. Her beautiful, hilarious, awesome 18-month-old son loves going for runs with her in the jogging stroller. She's been in NYC for 14 years, but it still always feels new to her.

When did you start running?
When I was growing up, my dad was a runner. He would take me with him on short runs and log it in his journal (“Nikki ran with me today, good speed and endurance.”). I felt really cool, and it was this great father-daughter bonding time that I still remember well. I’ve been running off and on since. Running is my “me” time; it’s my mental therapy. I go kind of crazy when I can’t run. Going for a run also always reminds me why I love New York. An early morning NYC run before the city really wakes up -- brilliant.

Who or what inspires you to run?
My dad. He doesn’t run anymore, but now he’s a cyclist and is always doing century rides and other races. I hope I’m that active when I’m in my 60s, and I hope I can set that example for my son too.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
Any time I can get out of the city and run in the country I’m in heaven. Otherwise, my regular route along Brooklyn Bridge Park is hard to beat with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. If my son’s with me, we’ll end our run at a playground so he can get some exercise in too.

Favorite post-run meal?
I’d love to say something healthy like a protein shake or a banana, but honestly, a cheeseburger and a cold beer treat me right after a long run.

Best piece of running advice?
So many inspirational words of advice! But the most practical piece of advice was to use A+D diaper ointment for chafing. Super sexy, I know, but it works way better for me than any other anti-chafing stuff. A total lifesaver.

Are you running for fun or sport?
Mostly for fun, although I like to do a race occasionally to keep me motivated.

Who would you love to run with (doesn't have to be a runner)?
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. How fun would that be?!

Favorite way to sweat other than run? 
Swimming, hiking. Anything that can get me outside and out of my headspace for a bit.