On March 20th, Row New York staff and supporters will take to the New York City streets for the annual United Airlines NYC Half Marathon! Only a little over a week away, our runners are pushing through the final moments of training. Their fund raising efforts are helping to support Row New York’s free rowing and academic programs for under-resourced communities, and our free adaptive rowing programs for youth and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.
Today we are highlighting two seasoned runners – both will be participating in their third half marathon next week. Read on to see what motivates them to keeping running through the Big Apple and why they chose to support Row New York.
Joanna Weber
Why are you running on behalf of Row New York?
I will be running for Row New York because I know the amazing power rowing has to change your life. Row New York teaches kids the importance of teamwork, and it’s a team I am very proud to support.
What’s your favorite song to train with?
All of Paul Simon’s Graceland.
The best place to go running in the city?
I love running along the Hudson River. The view of the water keeps me going.
Guilty pleasure?
The beach.
Is this your first 1/2 marathon?
This will be my third half marathon. My first was the New York Half Marathon last year, and I am hooked! I love the distance – a full marathon still really intimidates me.
Anything else we should know?
Rowing and running have been my two outlets for years now, and this is a phenomenal way to combine the two. I am so excited to run the NYC Half Marathon on behalf of Row New York.
[button color=green size=giant url=”https://www.crowdrise.com/RowNewYorkNYCHalf16/fundraiser/joannaweber” ]Support Joanna’s Fundraiser! [/button]
Kate Brewster-Duffy
Why are you running on behalf of Row New York?
The day the the email went out that Row New York had spots, I thought it would be good if I challenged myself to another half marathon. It seemed fate that I should run for Row New York. Having been involved with with the organization for a few years now, I have seen the program grow to involve more athletes. It makes me proud to see these athletes joining the amazing rowing community. I hope running and raising money for Row New York will help bring awareness to the great organization that is Row New York.
What’s your favorite song to train with?
I run to a lot of country. Right now my playlist starts off with Drunk on a Plane by Dierks Bentley. It puts a smile on my face for the start of a run.
The best place to go running in the city?
I love the East River. I live in alphabet city so I love using the bridges as points of reference for the miles I’ve logged.
Is this your first 1/2 marathon?
This will be my third NYC Half Marathon. I love running through my fav city!
[button color=green size=giant url=”https://www.crowdrise.com/RowNewYorkNYCHalf16/fundraiser/katebrewsterduffy1″ ]Support Kate’s Fundraiser! [/button]
