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.