2018 NYC Marathon - Catherine Olsen

Name: Catherine Olsen

Location: New York City

Race History: First Marathon

Story: I joined TMIRCE in June of 2017 on a whim. I went to bRUNch one Saturday fully expecting to never go back, but was immediately drawn in by the first, “Hi is this your first run with us??” Everyone was going out of their way to introduce themselves, learn my name, and offer the first of what would turn into hundreds of high-fives.

The energy in the room was tangible and I knew I had found the right group.

I’ve always had a complicated relationship with running and exercise. As someone in life-long recovery from an eating disorder, figuring out a healthy balance with running has always been a struggle for me. I wanted to join a running club to be surrounded by positive, motivating people who would inspire me to continue to improve my relationship with myself and with running. When I joined TMIRCE I realized I found those people.

I have found TMIRCE focuses on the joys of running, on challenging yourself to improve but not being hard on yourself, and on supporting everyone in their running journey. I came to TMIRCE for the motivation but stayed for the friendships I’ve made, the laughs that have gotten me through the worst workout, and the improvement I’ve seen my relationship with myself.

26.2 is the ultimate challenge, and this will be my first marathon. Representing a group of runners who have made such an impact in my life is exactly the way I want to do it.  

2018 NYC Marathon - Jenny Zanghi

Name: Jenny Zanghi

Location: New York City

Race History: First Marathon

Story: When I first moved to the city, I was fortunate enough to find TMIRCE:NYC right away. I was searching for a fun running community that balanced my need for an accomplished sweaty workout, as well as my desire for post workout beers or brunch among friends.

TMIRCE was that place.

It was a great way to get plugged into the city and meet people with similar interests and goals. I knew I would never have to go on a long run alone if I didn't want to (sometimes that is waaay too much time inside my own head), and I knew showing up to workouts would hold me accountable.

I appreciate that TMIRCE pushes you to exceed your own expectations and then celebrates your small victories with you. Speed workouts have always given me anxiety (I still get nervous-stomach before Monday Track), but the more workouts I attended, the stronger I felt.

Since having joined, my running life has improved and I have felt more comfortable taking on harder challenges. Case in point: the NYC Marathon. Two years ago, I would have guffawed at the thought of participating in this race. Yet, here I am: excited (also nervous) and ready to put in the miles! I am beyond thrilled to be participating in an event that brings the entire city together.

Running with TMIRCE has helped build my confidence and encouraged me to set bigger goals. Yes, I found a way to incorporate running into my social life. But more than that, TMIRCE is a club that encourages its members to step out of their comfort zones and up to the plate in a space that feels safe and supportive. So, thanks for all the high fives!! #runfasttakechances 

photo credit: cheereverywhere.com

Abi VerValin

Name: Abigail VerValin

Location: New York City

Like many others, I found TMIRCE when I was new to New York and looking to meet people with similar interests. I showed up to bRUNch on a rainy morning, nervous and not sure what to expect but was met with an exceptionally warm welcome and tons of high fives.

That day I decided 2 things: 1. I was going to become a runner and 2. I was never ever ever going back to bRUNCh.

Quite frankly, shyness got the better of me and I wrote TMIRCE off completely.  I continued to build up my running independently and at a certain point thought back to that group of friendly runners, all swapping race stories and training tips.  I made my return to bRUNch….4 months later. It finally STUCK.

Since then, I’ve gone to countless bRUNches, track workouts, Fridays at the Willy B, happy hours, housewarmings, birthday parties and cheer squads. Not only have I become a better runner, but I’ve also made life-long friends.

And that is basically the strategy: Come to steal training tips and stay because the people make your life immeasurably better.

Rachel Cochran

Name: Rachel Cochran

Location: New York, NY

Sometime in December 2013, it dawned on me that I couldn't live the rest of my life like a college kid on spring break, so I made a conscious effort to discover new hobbies. I went to drawing classes, I spent mornings teaching kids to read, I joined a crossfit box in the neighborhood - nothing really stuck.

 One day, I dragged myself out of bed and shyly showed up to The Rise. Another morning, I did it again. People remembered my name, where I was from, what I did for a living. They were so friendly I questioned whether or not New York City was playing a practical joke on me. I was invited to a TMIRCE workout where the same thing happened again. It seemed like every workout I left, I also left with an invite to grab a bite to eat after or go to someone's birthday party next weekend. At first, I politely declined, assuming I was being invited because I happen to be standing there. After enough urging, I started to say yes, getting over myself and realizing that these people actually wanted to get to know me. Sometime in between Brittney's going away Wine Mile (god bless) and post-track pizza with Anthony and Jono, I realized that I was a missing puzzle piece in this community.

 I've never met a group of people more willing to do activities for the sheer love of activities. A group of 10 or so TMIRCE kids even visited my grandparents in New Hampshire with me one weekend just because I said to someone, "hey, I'm driving up to my grandparent's house this weekend, wanna come?" (to this day, a conversation does not pass without the mention of #TeamChris). Since that December, I've run races and triathlons I assumed could only be completed by the hyper-dedicated-near-Olympian athletes. I've taken more left turns around the track than I ever thought I would in my life. Exercise is cool and all, but at this point I'm really just showing up to see my friends.

Elly Stolnitz

Name: Eleanor Stolnitz

Location: East Village, New York

The reason I stuck with TMIRCE is the sense of accomplishment after finishing an hour-long track workout and seeing my mile times get faster.

 My favorite thing about TMIRCE is the community of awesome runners who always push me to go faster and motivate me to work harder, and make me wonder why I ever considered sitting on my couch instead. 

The best running advice I've gotten is to keep pushing, you can go faster than you think. 

Since joining TMIRCE, I've gotten over my fear of running in rain, snow, and sub-20 degree temperatures. And made great friends who have taught me that inclement weather can even be fun.

My favorite running accessories are the Nicki Minaj Pandora station and headphones - can't make left turns without them!

Erin Kelly

Name: Erin Kelly

 Current Location: Harlem, NY

Since joining TMIRCE I’ve… finished 8 marathons, survived a 200-mile relay race across Cape Cod without any shower breaks, helped pace an ultra marathon, gone on many road trips to run races I’m not prepared for, been introduced to the sport of triathlon, bought a bike (and in general, spent way too much money on said sport of triathlon), learned waking up early on Sundays for long runs can be fun despite your hangover if you do it with the right people, competed in a bunch of swim-bike-run events and one giant Ironman-sanctioned brick that I am still kind of bitter about, wrote a bunch of articles featuring TMIRCE members that would not have been possible without them, met some of my absolute best friends (including my roommate!), enjoyed being part of an amazing running community, and have learned that every Monday is an opportunity to have the best track workout, ever.

Sam Thomas

Name: Samantha Thoms

Current Location: New York City, New York

I’ve been running for twenty years.  In that time, I’ve ran for many reasons: as part of a high school and college team, to PR in a race, so I can keep up with my friends, to get back in shape and to tire out a little dog before taking him on a plane.  Beyond these reasons, running gets into my system and suddenly I find myself needing to go on a run to find balance, to shake off some unhappy feelings, or to burn off energy that is driving my boyfriend crazy.

Running with TMIRCE meets those needs in a warm circle of welcoming, kind, crazy people.  TMIRCE offers not just new running buddies, but a wide range of people that inspire, push and encourage.  The friends I meet through TMIRCE understand why someone would plan their weekends around their runs and why even with humidity or frigid rain, you’ll find me putting on my shoes to get to track. Not only is it good for you, you’ll also be with your friends, possibly suffering together, but also making memories and getting stronger.

One more thing… I also love TMIRCE because it is really, really easy to stick with.  It only takes three(ish) steps.

1. Show up.  Give as many high-fives as you can.
2. Run fast and take chances. (within reason).
3. Dance a little happy dance and head to the bar.