This Sunday marks the big day for our runners: the United Airlines Half Marathon! We are thankful for the hard work that went into preparing for the race, as well as raising funds for Row New York. During the past couple of weeks, our runners have shared great tips on where to run in New York City, the best jams to keep the blood pumping, and words of inspiration. It looks like Sunday will be cold (and potentially snowy), but that won’t slow us down! Help our runners stay motivated, support them here.
Today we introduce our final athletes, Stephanie, and Jennie. Both women are rowers, and Jennie is Row New York’s very own Deputy Director. Good luck ladies!
Stephanie Neul
Why are you running on behalf of Row New York?
I started volunteering as a tutor for the Manhattan varsity team in January, and I was immediately impressed by their love of the sport and dedication to improvement. I hope that by raising money for Row New York, I can contribute to providing this team with the best possible resources and to make it possible for even more kids to become involved with the sport. Also, I wanted a new athletic challenge to train for, and a half marathon seemed like the perfect opportunity.
What’s your favorite song to train with?
Ke$ha, Thinking of You.
The best place to go running in the city?
The Central Park 6 mile loop.
Guilty pleasure?
Naps.
Is this your first 1/2 marathon?
This is my first! The longest race I’ve done is 5 miles. I always preferred the erg to running, believe it or not…
[button color=green size=giant url=”https://www.crowdrise.com/RowNewYorkNYCHalf16/fundraiser/stephanieneul” ]Support Stephanie’s Fundraiser! [/button]
Jennie Trayes
Why are you running on behalf of Row New York?
This half marathon spot fell into my lap this year, and I’m grateful for it. I feel lucky to run 13.1 miles…in the snow…in 30 degree weather…for Row New York. Our student-athletes never cease to inspire me with their commitment, their hard work, their love of rowing, and their wisdom. I am running because I know what they do day in, and day out to be the best rowers and students they can be. They make me so proud and this is just a tiny way to say “you inspire me!” to all of our boys, girls, and adaptive athletes putting in work every day.
What’s your favorite song to train with?
This isn’t the guilty pleasure question I know, but anything by Pitbull!
The best place to go running in the city?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes I want to be alone and in the woods and I go with Prospect Park. Other times, I want to run down the street in the dark surrounded by people and chose Atlantic Avenue. Short answer: Brooklyn!
Motivational quote/ phrase that keeps you going?
There isn’t one in particular, but I often replay the phrases Coach Kish used when my team and I were rowing for him. Most of these involved the idea of being proud of the work you’ve put in and taking advantage of the opportunity you’ve been given (whether it’s a 5am row, a run before work, or half marathon game day):
– Approach things with a “calm confidence”
– “Keep it simple” – no room for drama or negativity…just your hard work and your focus
– “Smile at the starting line” – the time has come
[button color=green size=giant url=”https://www.crowdrise.com/RowNewYorkNYCHalf16/fundraiser/JennieTrayes” ]Support Jennie’s Fundraiser! [/button]
A big thank you to Jennie, Stephanie, and all of our runners for their efforts. Good luck on Sunday!
