Bed-Stuy's NYC Marathon Runner: A. Omar Almodóvar

Name: A. Omar Almodóvar

Age: 34 

Hometown: Brooklyn

How long you've been running: 6 Years

Why you are running: 

I run because I was told I was not able to do it, and it helps me help others through charity or inspiration. Running is not easy on the body but its awesome for the soul.

What Inspires You: 

It’s easy enough to fall into the push and pull of everyday life, just trying to get through the day and hoping for the best. There are so many things that inspire me! My adoptive family that has taken care of me and has supported me with everything is a great inspiration. When it comes to the running world, its just seeing myself being able to do something that I would never thought I'd be able to do. Running is rewarding to me. Seeing all types of people running is priceless. It's a feeling that you can only feel and not express.

Training Routine: 

Right now I'm training for the Nautica Tri in August which means I wake up at 4:21am. Then, I've got to get to Central Park, bike 25 miles then run 5 miles. I'll be done by 7am, get back home, shower and be at the office for my 8:00am shift. My friends ask me when I sleep, I tell them from 10pm to 4:21! It can be done! Also, Tuesdays, I run with Paragon Sports free group 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Running has its perks, we are a happy family.

Other Tidbit: 

I went to school at P.S. 81 and running was something my doctor said I couldn't do because of asthma. I used to run from Lewis Avenue to the fire house 217 trying to beat the B38. I also played tennis, but I would run home because the kids made fun of me. After that, I went to J.H.S 57 near Mike Tyson's house and went to college in the City at BMCC. I just recently bought property thanks to the Spike Lee conversation at Paragon in which he guided me to Habitat for humanity NYC. Volunteering and running has so many rewards!