Runner of the Week – Page 3 – Carrboro Run Club

Category: Runner of the Week (page 3 of 5)

Sarah Brnich

Where are you from? Ellicott City, MD

How long have you lived in the area? Since 2014

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Genuine, loyal, funny.

Why do you run? Great stress relief from grad school...and I like the feeling of accomplishment.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? My friend and labmate Daniela DeCristo was always gushing about Pub Run!

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Steph’s enthusiasm and knowing I can count on a group of friendly faces to be there to run.

Describe the most recent (appropriate ☺) photo you took with your phone: A picture of a Rosie the Riveter poster that says “Nevertheless she persisted”.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? “Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing” -- Ron Swanson

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? The ability to speak/understand all languages.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I like to bake and considered going to school to be a pastry chef before college.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I made my first layered cake! I used Milk Bar’s birthday cake recipe and it was absolutely delicious.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “Al final del día, podemos aguantar mucho más de lo que pensamos que podemos.” ("At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.") - Frida Kahlo

Nate Nelson-Maney

March 19, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

How long have you lived in the area? 7 months

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Tall, dedicated, compassionate

Why do you run? I go crazy if I can’t let out all my extra energy. I also really like to challenge myself and running is great to push myself while only competing with myself.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? Rebecca Rubenstein told me to join and I fell in love with the group!

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? I really like the people! Having a consistent group of people that I see every Tuesday really helps motivate me to keep running! It’s also a really great break from being a student.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: I went to a concert and I took a picture of the band playing on stage! It was the Mowgli’s.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? If you were able to do everything from the very beginning, nothing would be fun or rewarding! – Kelly Olsen in regard to me being bad at rock climbing.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? I would be fluent in every language, communication is so important and being able to communicate with anyone would be really awesome!

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: Most of my family didn’t recognize me with my beard. I grew it when I moved down to Chapel Hill and my extended family didn’t recognize me. They thought my family had picked up a drifter on the way…

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? This was around a year and a half ago, but I ran my first half marathon in 1:31:55!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan:

“Not all those who wander are lost”

From All that is gold does not glitter – JRR Tolkien

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! I have taken up rock climbing recently, and I have been repping the pub run at the gym! I think I convinced at least one person to come join us soon!

Tina Clossick

March 12, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? I was born in Nashville but we moved before kindergarten to Chapel Hill. I consider myself a native of of the area, but not really a southerner. My folks and extended family, both sides, are from Michigan. My father was in Nashville teaching at Vanderbilt when he was asked to come to teach at UNC-Chapel Hill. I grew up a Chapel Hill neighborhood with a very diverse group of families that also had parents working at UNC-Chapel Hill.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Friendly, competitive, talkative

Why do you run? I started running because it was the family activity. My older sister, brother, and I all joined CC Pacers back in the first years of that program. I did lots of other local recreational sports as well, but running was the only thing that we all did together. I found I could be competitive against adults in local races and loved the feeling of accomplishment when I PR’d or got an award. I continue running today because of the community of runners and the challenge that running continues to be for me. I love that if you really work at it you can get better; well as long as you don’t get hurt that is. Not getting hurt is harder as you get older- no fair!

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? Because of Steph, she rocks! I joined the first Fleet Feet running group back in the early 2000’s and made great friends there. After that I was hooked on the community runs. It wasn’t until Steph came along to orchestrate the runs that it truly exemplified the term “community run.” The fun activities, the prizes, post-run gathering, all the amazing runners, and her inspirational - “tally-ho” are why I keep coming back.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? I have a few favorite things: 1) Runners of any ability feel welcome to join us 2) I know every week I will see my wonderful running friends 3) It keeps me accountable for getting out and running. I know someone will ask me where I was if I don’t show up

Describe the most recent (appropriate ) photo you took with your phone: I took a photo last night of my son on stage during his first high school performance. He was Tom in The Great Gatsby. It was an intense part with lots of dialogue and he did amazing. I’m a proud mom.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? I don’t know about best advice, but I remember at a young age my older brother and I would play crazy competitive games together and if I tried to quit he would call me a quitter. Somehow that was the worst insult and a huge motivator.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? If it could be superpower, then teleportation- I’m very impatient and love idea of getting places instantly. Plus, I love to travel. So if not a superpower, then a wonderful signing voice- think Halsey (love) not Mariah Carey (dislike).

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: That’s hard as I noted earlier I’m talkative and I have been with this group forever. I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity whenever I can. I recently took a half-day off work to help with the Orange County Senior Living Project. This is the first senior living community by Habitat ever, hopefully it will be replicated across the country.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I’m a very community conscience people and recently created a nonprofit giving group for women that supports local charities. It’s called 100 Women Who Give Hoot and we meet quarterly to listen to 3 nonprofits and then award around $10k.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: Only one that comes to mind is “Shake it off, shake it off” it can be used in so many contexts- before you give a presentation, while running a race, when you feel judged by others, or when things don’t go as planned.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! I love television shows, mystery/action/romance books, at least one meal a day for me must have meat, life is better with pets, and my favorite place would be somewhere I could be in a hammock listening to the sound of gentle waves but at the same time surrounded by mountainous landscapes.

Henry Copeland

March 5, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Wooster, Ohio!

How long have you lived in the area? Since ‘04.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Absurdist, loyal, contrary.

Why do you run? To sweat, reboot and occassionally find nature’s rhythm.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? The random mixing of nice humans. The awesome pint cups. (Which weren't available yet, but I could sense great things ahead.)

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Though many hide it very well, everyone is eccentric and affectionate.

Describe the most recent (appropriate ) photo you took with your phone: A bunch of birds (rooks, grackles, blackbirds and crows?) outside a McDonald's in Surf City. It seems that bored locals park there and occasionally drop fries, which brings hundreds of birds who perch on two small trees and cars.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? My father’s advice when I headed to college: find a few good mentors.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? Flying, drumming, sailing or speaking Russian.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I played euphonium. In my 20s and 30s, most friends called me Hank. I spent the summer of 1983 shovelling 40,000 pounds scrap aluminum at a firehose coupling factory in Shreve, Ohio. I also learned to race forklifts that summer.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I'm proud of Racery's new English Channel Virtual Swim. It's nothing very profound, but represents us continuing to nudge an idea forward and find new angles and groups to serve.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: To accomplish something big, do a little every day. (So why don’t I already speak Russian or play the guitar?!)

Best book you’ve read recently? Yuri Slezkine’s The House of Government about the luxury apartment complex the Soviets built in central Moscow in the 1920s for intellectuals and honchos. By the end of the 30s, nearly every adult resident had been either imprisoned (some getting multiple round trips) or shot in Stalin’s purges.

What’s something about Chapel Hill not enough people appreciate? Dozens of great restaurants and bars, four great college radio stations, lotsa trails.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! Thank you Steph for making SPR and PBR happen. We're all happier because of your hard work!

Mendi Wagoner

February 26, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Winston-Salem, NC, but I live in Durham now.

How long have you lived in the area? Consistently since 2001, but on and off before then.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Loyal, dependable, happy.

Why do you run? I run for the friendship and health benefits, mostly the friendships.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? I don’t remember how or why I went to the first one, but I keep going back because the atmosphere is so happy, healthful, and energetic.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? The awesome emails from Steph and seeing so many different age groups, ethnicities, and kinds of people coming together for a healthy activity… and of course a drink! Cheers.

Describe the most recent (appropriate ☺) photo you took with your phone: I took a photo of a running light that I would like to have for Christmas. Photo because the store did not have the color I want in stock.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? Find an activity that you like and stick with it, consistency and persistence matters. Pretty sure I learned that in Take Pounds Off Sensibly, but I don’t remember the specific person.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? I would be a peacemaker and teach people they can exist with their beliefs intact while allowing others to do the same.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I did not run my first mile, despite many attempts, until I was in my 40s.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I am really proud of being part of The House That Running Built. The roof is on the first of three homes that this running and Habitat initiative are working to complete. I’m proud to be a part of a group that wants affordable housing for all and that recognizes the value in every person’s work and that the value society puts on the job should not keep the worker from owning a home.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: Nothing will work unless you do. Maya Angelou

Bonner Saylor

February 19, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Born in Texas, claim Aiken, SC as my hometown, and most recently spent six years in south FL.

How long have you lived in the area? 2 years

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Determined, loyal

Why do you run? To keep my family from killing me! I started running in high school when I joined the cross country team. According to my mom, I became a much more pleasant teenager when I did. As an adult, I have been ordered on runs by my spouse when he’s had enough of my attitude. While I love the challenge of bettering my running each year, I really keep at it because of the balance it brings my mental state.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? When I first moved to town I went to the Fleet Feet runs on Wednesdays because I was home all day with my then 2.5 year old on Wednesdays and I needed the mental release. Then the faces I was starting to recognize stopped going, so it wasn’t fun anymore. I had been on a run with SPR while on a scouting trip before moving here, and decided to join the cool kids.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? The people. And the beer. And Steph’s amazing emails!

Describe the most recent (appropriate ☺) photo you took with your phone: I do (almost) daily Christmas countdown pictures of my son to share the excitement of the season with a small child with out of town family. The current one is of his and my feet showing off our matching glow in the dark Christmas light Toms!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? “Don’t go borrowing trouble (or worry) from tomorrow.” - my mom

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? Either the ability to fly a plane or sail a boat. I have neither time nor money to learn either, but if I just knew and didn’t have to pay for it I’d never be home.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: My favorite non-technical job ever was working for the county library.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? Does June count as recently? I’m going with it anyway! We took a family vacation to Vermont in June, and the place we stayed had a mini triathlon. I entered and finished, even though the lake had massive amounts of chop and I wanted to give up not even halfway through the swim. My Achilles has hated me ever since, but that ridiculous rubber duck keychain was totally worth it!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: Same as above. It’s such a simple concept, yet so difficult to consistently follow through with. I find myself thinking “that’s just borrowing worry” quite often, and it’s usually coming out of my mouth at some point when being asked my opinion, so it’s clearly greatly impacted how I approach life.

Oliver Lamb

February 12, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? I grew up about 10 miles outside the small university town of Aberystwyth, Wales.

(High fives for anyone who can pronounce that name correctly!)

How long have you lived in the area? I moved here in January 2018 to start a postdoctoral researcher position at UNC.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Driven, silly, and err…..tall?

Why do you run? My research involves working around and on top of active volcanoes. If one decides to erupt, I need to be able to get out of there fast!

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? Having just crossed the Atlantic from my home country, I needed to find ways to meet new people. The pub seemed like an ideal place to start.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? The lack of seriousness. It’s so nice to catch up with friends over a well-earned beer after a run.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: I have an amusing photo of my cousins dog, who live in San Antonio, Texas. A super close up of his nose and face while he was paying attention to a treat behind me!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? I’ve received a lot of great advice, but my parents teaching me to be patient is probably the best. ‘Patience is a virtue’, or ‘Good things come to those who wait’ is what they would say. In hindsight, this is actually terrible advice for running.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? The ability to understand and fluently speak any language I want. It’s so frustrating not being able to speak the local language wherever I go travelling.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: When I was 17, I spent three weeks working in a glacier research station in the far north of Sweden. I met the crown princess of Sweden when she decided to do a flying visit to the site!

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? At the time of writing, I’m about to submit a revised manuscript about my work at Santiaguito volcano in Guatemala. If all goes well, it will be accepted for publication!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: I have this on the wall next to my office desk:

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you just don’t give up.” – Stephen Hawking

Heather Bucurel

February 5, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Born in Germany; raised in California and England before settling in Sanford, NC at the tender age of 10. More than two-thirds of my life has been spent living in NC so I consider myself a Tar Heel now.

How long have you lived in the area? I’ve lived in Chapel Hill/Carrboro on and off since 2002, when I first arrived as an undergraduate at UNC. Living abroad (for work) and in Raleigh (for grad school) doesn’t compare to living in the “Southern Part of Heaven”.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Motivated, Friendly, Hermione Granger (I’m told I look like her a lot).

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? I kept hearing about it from other SPR friends (shout outs to the Binkleys, Hwingrams, and my BFF Matthew McKirahan) who said I should join. My work schedule didn’t allow me to fully participate until this summer and I haven’t looked back! I make SPR a regular part of my running schedule and credit it with making me faster and stronger, which has paid off in spades with local races (like the Tour de Carrboro series, Bull CIty, Florence Forth, and City of Oaks). I’m pretty sure that my first sub-30 5K is going to be during a SPR.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? The people - I know that I’m going to see friends every time I go - and meet at least one new person who shares the same interests as me: running and beer! Steph makes SPR a place where you feel welcome no matter who you are or how fast or far you’re going on Tuesday night. She makes it a point to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments, birthdays, milestones, etc., which really brings the group together.

Describe the most recent (appropriate ☺) photo you took with your phone: My morning coffee in my new Fleet Feet mug - another vice of mine. Before that it was a picture of a beer from Haw River. I’m sensing a trend here...

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? My mom told me once that you can’t help others unless you help yourself first. Of course she was right - aren’t moms always right? I ignored the second part of that equation for the longest time; my natural instinct is to be selfless in the face of others. I finally learned that lesson earlier this year and started making changes to adopt this mindset - and it’s worked well thus far.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? I love music (singing and playing instruments) but I never had the time/money to invest in lessons growing up. Right now I sing in the shower and play solo piano or guitar, but if I could have any talent or skill it would be to play and sing more in public.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: On the heels of the previous question - most people would be surprised to know that I have terrible stage fright and a fear of public speaking, which is ironic considering I’m a teacher and spend my days in front of a classroom! It’s one thing to talk to my kids and teach them daily; it’s another to get up in front of a group to make a presentation or perform.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? If we’re speaking frankly, the thing I am most proud of is coming back from injury and recovering from depression earlier this year - thanks in part to those awesome friends I referenced earlier. Running has played a huge role in building those relationships, and when I thought I didn’t have that, they really came through to show me how important it all is. I spent four months sidelined from a moderate ankle sprain and started running again in March - it was a struggle to get started again but with their help and encouragement, I’m stronger and happier than a year ago at this time. It shows in the PRs I’ve notched this year, but more importantly in the relationships I have with the people around me.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan:

Serious - “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” - Frank DeVito

Funny - “You can’t make everyone happy. You’re not an avocado.” - Unknown

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! Station Pub Run is truly special - where else can you run, enjoy tasty food and beers, meet friends and turn strangers into friends, and enjoy camaraderie that brings you back week after week - not to mention doing all this in one of the coolest locales around? Many thanks to Steph and the folks at The Station and Crossties for all they do for us!

Tom Soth

January 29, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? According to my mother I am from her and she was traveling during conception so it’s hard to give a geographical location.

How long have you lived in the area? 20 years in Greensboro, 2 years in Chapel Hill.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Nervous, spazzy, and talkative.

Why do you run? Some days because it’s fun, some days because I like competition, and other days I am asking myself the same question.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? I blame Christen Campbell.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Running with people who laugh and talk and also run fast for fun.

Describe the most recent (appropriate) photo you took with your phone: It was a bridge in Chicago last weekend. I like bridges. I especially like running bridges. I think it’s cool to run bridges. I go to Cincinnati for work sometimes and I see how many times I can run across the Ohio River into Kentucky and back to Ohio on a run. Yup, I’m a nerd.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? Don’t sweat the small stuff. It was a present under the tree from someone who probably doesn’t like my type A personality.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? As a teacher, I wish I could be instantly liked by all students. If a student likes me, I can help them achieve wonders. It’s like once someone likes running the momentum carries them forward but until they like it…

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I talk a lot so if I haven’t told people it probably shouldn’t be said.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I walked part of the Camino de Santiago with my Dad (who is 75).

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “Some believe they can, others believe they cannot. They are both correct.”

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! Maybe my bar tab.

Chris Lock

January 22, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Greensboro, NC

How long have you lived in the area? 3 years

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Funny, skinny, anxious

Why do you run? Mostly for mental health but also it’s a good activity I can do daily so that I don’t sit all day.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? I was looking for a good group of people to run with and it gives me something weekly to look forward to.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Fun activities other than just running. Nice people to be around.

Describe the most recent (appropriate ) photo you took with your phone: I was just in Brooklyn and took a cool picture of a stairwell leading up to a row house.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? Do the best you can with what you have.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? To be a phenomenal dancer.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: Hmmmm, one has to get to know me first. 😉

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? Flew to NYC for vacation having not flown in well over a decade.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: No Past, No Future.

Carrboro Run Club