Community Corner
Bed-Stuy's NYC Marathon Runner: Stephanie Walker
Our weekly profile of local favorites running in the ING Marathon
Name: Stephanie Walker
Age: 24
Hometown: Easton, MA (but New York has been home for the last 6 years)
How long you've been running: On and off for years, but I started running steadily as of Jan. 1 -- part of a New Year's resolution and life-long goal to run a marathon.
Why you are running:
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Every year that I have lived in New York City, I would attend the NYC marathon and cheer on all the runners, and every year I would say, next year that is going to be me. Well this year I finally decided it was time to make it more than just a goal. A friend told me about a wonderful charity called Team For Kids that helps children with no access to physical education programs stay active through running. I am so proud to be running for TFK and I hope that my run inspires others to join in the race for this great charity next year!
What Inspires You:
My greatest source of inspiration are my friends and family. When I first told them back in November that I was planning to enter the 2011 NYC Marathon I was prepared for the good-natured laughs and raised eyebrows. What I received instead was unwavering support. My friends and family are constantly asking about my training and many have actually surprised me with helpful tips and words of encouragement. They are so proud of me that this run is no longer just for me or the charity, its for everyone out there supporting me as well!
Training Routine:
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As the temperature has been rising in New York I have been attempting to get up early and run before work during the week. However, I am really more of a night runner. My body just feels better and moves better after a full day of light meals. So more than likely, I will wait until the sun is setting before going on a short run around the neighborhood. On Saturdays, we have our long runs and I am so lucky as TFK members hold training sessions on these days so that we can all run together and get used to running on the actual marathon routes.
Other Tidbit:
My background is actually British. My parents met in London in the 1970s and came over to the states in the early 80s. The majority of my family still lives in the UK and I actually just got back from a recent trip from the UK. It is such a beautiful country, and one day I actually hope to go over and live there as well.
