The United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is just around the corner, and training is well underway. Each year, Row New York is lucky to have amazing people run the half marathon on our behalf. In the act of running and fundraising, they help support Row New York’s free rowing and academic programs for underserved communities, and our free adaptive rowing programs for youth and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.
We are excited to bring to you each of our runners over the weeks leading up to the half marathon on March 20th (and share the inside scoop on the best places to run in New York City!).
To kickoff our runner highlights, we present Megan and Connor!
Megan Nizza
What’s your favorite song to train with?
Top 40 hits, at any given time. And Earth, Wind & Fire, every time.
The best place to go running in the city?
Anywhere that makes me (almost) forget that I’m running in the city. Randall’s Island, East River Promenade, and Hudson River Greenway are favorites, so far.
Guilty pleasure?
Bad TV.
Motivational quote/ phrase that keeps you going?
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – my girl, Eleanor Roosevelt
Is this your first 1/2 marathon? Have you ran any other half or full marathons?
This is my first 1/2 marathon! Last year I ran a full marathon; I’m excited to see how the two races compare.
What represents your training?
A foam roller: my best friend and worst enemy during training. Working out your muscles on the roller really hurts at first but the way you feel after is a total game changer! A must after especially long runs.
[button color=green size=giant url=”https://www.crowdrise.com/RowNewYorkNYCHalf16/fundraiser/megannizza” ]Support Megan’s Fundraiser! [/button]
Connor R. Hill
What’s your favorite song to train with?
Runaway by Galantis.
The best place to go running in the city?
Although it completely lacks hills, running along either the Hudson or the East River.
Guilty pleasure?
Deciding to hang with friends rather than training…
Motivational quote/ phrase that keeps you going?
I honestly don’t have one. One of my goals is to run the NYC Marathon, so anything that keeps me going.
Is this your first 1/2 marathon? Have you ran any other half or full marathons?
I only got into running recently, beginning at the start of last summer. Since then however, I ran one half marathon in August and a full marathon in November, and aside from the United Airlines Half in March, I’m signed up for another one in April as well as May.
What represents your training?
I started running this past May, and since then have become confident enough to run a half marathon, and also a full marathon. I received the medal at the end of the Brooklyn Marathon, and by far it was one of the best feelings of accomplishment I’ve ever experienced. My current goal is to run the NYC Marathon, having lived in New York for nearly 5 years after going to school here at NYU. I currently have that medal mounted on my wall, and it constantly reminds me of that same feeling of accomplishment when I finished the marathon several months ago.
Any last thoughts?
I’m excited to run in the United Airlines Half for Row NY in March!
[button color=green size=giant url=”https://www.crowdrise.com/RowNewYorkNYCHalf16/fundraiser/connorhill” ]Support Connor’s Fundraiser! [/button]
