Community – Page 11 – Carrboro Run Club

Tag: Community (page 11 of 19)

Oliver Lamb

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.

Robin Richardson

January 15, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? I was born in Traverse City, Michigan and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How long have you lived in the area? I’ve been in Chapel Hill for 23 years.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Organized, Perseveres, Willing [to try]

Why do you run? I run for my health: physical, mental and social. I believe that health is a balancing act of these areas. Running helps me clear my head. I often talk aloud to myself while running - practicing a conversation, problem-solving or just thinking things through. I feel liberated while running.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? The Station Pub Run is a great public health initiative! It brings people together doing an activity to improve their individual health, while promoting social networks. I love that the Station Pub Run gets us out and running in rain, humidity, snow and dark of night.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? The friendly people. The routine. The route.

Describe the most recent (appropriate J) photo you took with your phone: Pretty holiday decorations over the city streets for members of the public to enjoy.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? My father used to tell me: everything in moderation. I love this because it means you don’t have to say “no” to things, like dessert. You can enjoy, in moderation. I also like this advice because excess can ruin a good thing.

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 like to be able to apparate. Apparition is a wizarding skill from the Harry Potter series that allows you to instantly move from one location to another, anywhere in the world.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I like to clean out the house - to simplify. When I come home after a trip, I get rid of knick-knacks and clutter.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I recently ran my first marathon with goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. While I was training, a good friend told me that I could not quality for Boston with my first marathon… that I had no idea what I was getting myself into…that I had no idea how hard it was to run a marathon at all, let alone try to quality for Boston. I’m proud to say that I did quality for Boston in that first marathon. I’m most proud that I don’t let others get inside my head or disrupt my own ideas about what I can achieve.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: #BeYou

Tom Arnel

January 8, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Originally from Long Island (Woodmere, New York), moved with family to Chapel Hill in 1977.

How long have you lived in the area? Besides going to Appalachian State University, have lived in the area for over 41 years.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Strange, one of a kind.

Why do you run? For the journey, for the friendships, for the races, for feeling better, plus it’s a full participation sport.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? The friendships, the acceptance of all runners. the fun! Many of my friends from other pub runs decided to make The Station Pub run home. I find this run one of the most engaging and fun runs in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. Just a good group people!

Describe the most recent (appropriate ☺) photo you took with your phone: Literally of my good friend finishing her first marathon ever!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? It’s all about the journey.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I played the national anthem on clarinet with my Junior High School Band terribly at Yankee Stadium.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? Just finished the Richmond Marathon with a 15 minute PR. Love the Galloway run/walk method. Love to find ways to remember things about what people are interested in and to help them out. I am proud of being interested in many different things. Being eclectic.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “The reason mainstream is a stream is because of its shallowness.” -- George Carlin

Lara Ingram

January 1, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? The Woodlands, Texas, which is a Pleasantville-like, master-planned community north of Houston. My high school, having 3000 students, produced some pretty good athletes like Danny Amendola (2-time Superbowl Champion), Kyle Drabek (MLB), and Laura Wilkinson (gold medal Olympian diver).

How long have you lived in the area? In 2015, I moved from Boston after my PhD with (then boyfriend, now husband) Theo for my postdoctoral research position in the Neuroscience department at UNC. Carrboro has been a fun, new home for us, so we got married last November locally at the Barn at Valhalla in Chapel Hill.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Upbeat, driven, bubbly. Lab mates have deemed my spirit animal as a quokka. They’re small marsupials that smile a lot.

Why do you run? I run to stay fit and keep in weekly touch with friends. I’m a soccer player and a sailor, and sailing is a bit more difficult to come by during the week (unlike Boston), so running was a nice alternative to social exercise mid-week after a sedentary science day. Also, I like how running is inclusive on shape and ability while being a sport that you can improve upon, too.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? Lab mate Dan, aka Dantelope, recommended Station Pub Run to us. Then, when the Binkleys gave the stamp of approval, we knew it would be a good time!

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? We are sticking with it because the community really likes running and drinking. But the beer raffle and Crossties punch cards (especially a pooled family card) are additional perks!

Describe the most recent (appropriate ☺) photo you took with your phone: On Monday I took a photo of a spool of tungsten wire for making brain stimulating electrodes. For context, I’m a neuroscientist who researches how alcohol and stress interact in brain circuits using mice as models. We can electrically evoke currents to measure synaptic strength, so I sent my science friend a photo of the wire that we use.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” My high school world geography teacher gave me a paperweight with the saying on it. I like the bold statement about courage.

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 polyglot, for sure. I speak Spanish and can understand some Tagalog (Philippines). Duolingo was good for learning basic French and Italian for international research conferences, but it would be a secret weapon to know the world’s languages while traveling. Gotta know all the local foods and drinks.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: In high school I was our region’s president of the National Charity League for mothers and daughters, becoming a “debutante” presented in a white ball gown equipped with manners and service to Texan society. Our emcee of the event was my influential high school teacher that eventually became Theo and my wedding officiant 12 years later.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I just published my first, first-author paper of my postdoctoral research here at UNC. It describes how a single exposure to a fox scent, a threatening predator odor, for mice can have significant alterations in excitatory neurotransmission in specific neurons in the prefrontal cortex, an area that can deteriorate after chronic stress. We can reduce the stress signals on the brain and distress behavior by applying a drug that blocks receptors for a stress hormone.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: My daily mantra is, “work hard, play hard.” I must say that this lifestyle almost killed me in college due to lack of sleep, so I have revised to “everything in moderation, including moderation.”

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! In my first year of graduate school I published a protocol that encourages mice to voluntarily drink large amounts of alcohol. It’s currently being used around the world to study the biology of alcohol drinking, and has over 100 citations (when others reference your work, not fines issued by law enforcement).

Carrboro Run Club

Tag: Community (page 11 of 19)

Oliver Lamb

Heather Bucurel

Tom Soth

Chris Lock

Robin Richardson

Tom Arnel

Lara Ingram

Fullsteam Brewery, Durham, North Carolina

Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock, North Carolina

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

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