By Richard Estime, Senior, Medgar Evers College
The 35th Annual Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration 10K Run, a part of the Bed-Stuy Alive! weeklong calendar of activities, is this Sunday October 11.
Leading up to the race, we are spotlighting a different runner who will be participating to find out why they run.
Jen Brown, 29
1.What made you sign up for the race?
I loved the idea of getting to run a challenging but also manageable distance right in my own neighborhood.
2. How long have you been running? Do you exercise regularly and if so, how often? Are you involved in other sports?
Running has been a part of my exercise routine for years, but I've only recently started participating in races. I'm not fast (at all), but it's great exercise and having a race to work toward keeps me motivated. I try to exercise a few times a week -- usually running or at-home workouts. It can be hard to find time to work out, but when I can do it a few times a week it makes a big difference in how I feel. Other than running I swam in high school, but not since then.
3. How do you get yourself prepared for the race? Have you made any changes in your diet to prepare?
I'm going to do a long run (6 miles) once a week for the next few weeks. I haven't run that far since the spring, so we'll see how it goes! I haven't made any changes to my diet.
4. How do you think this race will positively impact the community/neighborhood of Bed Stuy and what do you think would be a good strategy to help people within the community become healthier and exercise more often?
By getting a lot of people together in one place, the race is going to give the whole community a chance to enjoy the neighborhood together and show people who are coming in from elsewhere to participate how great this area is. Whether people are running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, it'll be a great opportunity to enjoy the neighborhood and the people who make it special. I'm not sure if it's possible to do races like these more often, but it would be great to have another race during the year, maybe in early spring. Having an event to work towards is great incentive for regular exercising.
5. How will the race benefit you personally?
I will be receiving a great workout and a Sunday well-spent. And a good excuse to get a HUGE brunch somewhere in the area like Peaches Hot House or Eugene & Co. Now I'm doing some serious meal planning...
6. Would you run the race again? Would you recommend the race to others?
As long as I'm living in the area, I will definitely participate in this race. I would absolutely recommend the race to others.
**There is still time for you to register to run, walk, or bike ride; The deadline has been extended until Friday, October 9, at 12:00noon. BK Readers will receive a $15 off registration at www.nycruns.com with discount code BKReader**
