Henry Street Runs the Marathon
By Henry Street Settlement
The first Sunday is a very special day for some New Yorkers. It’s a holiday like no other: you prepare for months in advance, get yourself into peak condition, and by the end of it you’re exhausted, clamoring for a glass of water and a reconstituted goop of calories called a gel. Yes, it’s marathon time!
Two Henry Street staff members – Jeremy Reiss, Deputy Officer, Development and External Relations, and Kasia Gladki, Online Communications Manager – will be run the 2013 ING New York City marathon on November 3.
We sat down and talked about what inspires, motivates and compels them to run 26.2 miles through the streets of New York City.
Is this your first marathon?
Jeremy Reiss: No — my third!
Kasia Gladki: My first New York. I was planning to run the New York City marathon last year, but then Sandy changed everything. So instead, I ran the Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) marathon. It was great – a little less inspiring than New York, perhaps, but still really fun.
Why did you start running marathons?
JR: I’m on a running team. I really love half marathons, and somehow I got peer pressured to try a marathon. I don’t love marathons, but I love the training and the camaraderie that goes with it. And somehow you selectively forget about the pain you experienced when you sign up for another one.
KG: I’ve always been a runner, and four years ago started to do some races, like a 10 mile and a couple of half marathons, but never thought I would want to commit to a marathon. But when I watched the New York marathon a few years ago — and was blown away by the good energy of the entire event — I decided to enter.
How long does it take to train?
JR: I follow an 18-week plan, but week one assumes you can already run a half marathon. I’m pretty much always training.
KG: I don’t have a strict schedule. Throughout the year I’ll run eight miles at least twice a week. In June I begin doing longer runs and paying more attention to my mileage.
Where are you in your training right now?
JR: I’m at week eight – the marathon is only 10 weeks away.
KG: Again, I’m not that systematic, but I’m up to about 17 miles for a long run. By mid-September, I’ll start hitting the 20+ mark.
Don’t you get bored running for so long?
JR: I almost always do my long runs with teammates. My most social hour has become 7 a.m.
KG: Sometimes. I usually run by myself, without music or any other distraction. When I get halfway through a long run, I’m ready to quit, but can always push myself past this lull. I convince myself that running is the fastest way to get home, so I might as well just do it.
What’s the hardest part about training?
JR: Very early starts during the summer. I am perpetually trying to catch up on sleep.
KG: Not getting injured. Running that far and that often is really hard on your body. I try to do everything I can to mitigate the risk of injury, but it’s always a nagging fear.
What do you hope you’re finishing time is?
JR: 3:05
KG: I’m hoping for a round 3:20. Not sure if I can do it this year. My training hasn’t been as consistent as last year.
What’s your go to pre long-run meal?
JR: Burritos or pasta and chicken parmesan.
KG: Baked potatoes and stir-fried greens.
What does marathon day look like?
JR: I have to be on the Staten Island Ferry by 6 a.m. I’ll meet friends at the ferry, and then head to the staging area by 7a.m. I’m in the first wave of runners, which starts at 9:30, so we have a lot of time sitting around waiting. You try to just relax and eat, and forget about the craziness. Once you get to the Verrazano Bridge for the start, it’s a different story – the energy, with runners from all over the world, is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced.
KG: I’ve never done New York so I don’t know the logistics. I know that we have to get to the race site around 6 a.m. That means I probably have to get up at 5. But early mornings are fine for race day, as long as you got a lot of rest the week before.
What do you enjoy most about the marathon?
JR: The energy and intensity of the other runners and the city is amazing. I love running through so many neighborhoods, through major streets and over bridges.
KG: The sense of accomplishment. I am competitive so I also like to pick a person in the race that I want to try to keep pace with – it’s not about beating them necessarily, but using them to push myself to go as hard as I can.
Are you inspired by anything or anyone?
JR: I think I’m most inspired by the city itself – the energy, support, and sportsmanship of the runners, spectators, and the city itself is amazing. There are 40,000+ runners, with 40,000+ stories. I’m just in awe of the whole thing.
KG: I agree that the energy of the city on marathon day is just amazing. I remember watching spectators stand on the sidelines for hours cheering on marathoners they had never met: “let’s go Joe, you’re looking good,” “keep it up Laura,” etc. I guess that was my initial inspiration and I’m sure it will be even more inspiring as a runner.
Anything else?
JR: I’m really excited to be running the marathon to support Henry Street’s PROJECT PROTECT program. HIV rates are way too high among young men of color, and our program provides peer education, case management, and key connections to our education, employment, and health programs to break this cycle and to promote economic empowerment and security, and long-term success.
