Pub Runner of the Week – Carrboro Run Club

Tag: Pub Runner of the Week (page 1 of 4)

Julia Brickey

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and did my undergrad at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Don’t miss the heat but I do miss the cacti!

How long have you lived in the area and why did you move here? I moved to Chapel Hill in the summer of 2018 to start medical school at UNC. My parents and most of my extended family are from North Carolina, so I was happy to be closer to them.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Spunky, driven, and loyal.

Why do you run? Running keeps me (somewhat) sane and is a fun way for me to challenge myself. I am hoping that this will be the year I run my first full marathon!

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? My wonderful friend/roommate Chelsea introduced me to it. We have since recruited several more med students and have made Station Pub Run the ~official~ UNC med school running club.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? I never thought I enjoyed running with other people until I joined the Station Pub Run, but it’s so motivating to have a group of people to challenge/support you. And the beer definitely doesn’t hurt.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: A picture of the sunset from the fifth floor of Davis library.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? When I was growing up, my dad always told me “Don’t wish your life away – it goes faster than you think.” I hate to say it, but he was right.

Favorite book? How about a book you think everyone must read? (They can be different.) My current must read is Educated by Tara Westover, but my favorite book would probably be All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I am also a Harry Potter nerd and have read the whole series multiple times. It gets better every time!

What is your most primary mode of transportation currently? (I like to think all the Pub Runners are smart commuters.) I used to walk to class but have recently taken up biking, which I am really enjoying it! It’s better for the environment & I hate driving, so it’s a win-win.

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 love to be able to speak any language. I have been studying and practicing Spanish on-and-off for years and still find it challenging, but it is so valuable to be able to communicate in another language.

If you could eat only one meal (not just a single food) for the rest of your life, what would it be? Thai red curry with veggies, fried tofu, and sticky rice. The sticky rice is essential.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Seaweed out of the ocean when I was kayaking near the San Juan islands. Probably would not recommend to a friend.

Do you collect anything? I have a fairly extensive shot glass collection from different places that I have traveled.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I am a certified scuba diver!

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I am taking my first board exam for medical school in mid-February (yikes)!!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Cheesy but true.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! I’m very grateful for all the crazy Pub Runners out there for making Tuesday my favorite weekday!

Angela Fruik

June 11, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? I grew up in a small town outside of Frederick, MD. My high school was surrounded on all four sides by corn fields!

How long have you lived in the area? I moved to Carrboro in summer of 2016 to go to UNC for grad school, and then my husband and I decided to put down roots! We both love it here and have no plans to leave any time soon, even though that was our original plan!

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Dedicated, energetic, and organized.

Why do you run? It started out as just another form of exercise. Now, it’s a combination of so many things: something I love, a social outlet, cheap therapy/stress relief, a way to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things, an excuse to travel, something to keep me healthy, and a reason to drink beer on a Tuesday. 😉

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? I was recruited by Melissa Jensen. 🙂 We ran together in the Fleet Feet marathon training program, and she told me about SPR!

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? It’s a great group of people! I also love running in Carrboro, so the routes are a bonus! And, of course, the beer.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: I take a LOT of food pictures, so it’s surprising that my last photo isn’t of something I made/ate. But, it’s a picture of a lovely dirt trail along a creek in Umstead, where I ran on Sunday morning!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? I have no idea who exactly instilled this value in me, but I’m sure it’s actually been more than one person. “If it doesn’t make you happy, why are you doing it?”

There are plenty in things in life we HAVE to do – pay taxes, do laundry, take our car to the shop, clean our shower (anyone else hate that?) – that aren’t super fun. The choices we can make, like what we do for a living, the people we surround ourselves with, the things we do in our free time; these should be things that genuinely bring us joy. Otherwise, why are you doing them? Get rid of the bad energy and choose happy!

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? 100% it would be teleportation. Imagine being able to go to Italy for a weekend with no travel time or costs!

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I studied abroad in Russia in 2010, and now I’m really judgy on vodka.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I graduated from UNC with my Master of Public Health in December and passed my exam to become a Registered Dietitian in February!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! I just ran my first 50k earlier this month, and I can’t wait to do another one!

Corrine McCarthy

June 4, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Orland Park, IL (Southwest suburbs of Chicago)

How long have you lived in the area? 2.5 years

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Dorky, profane, hungry

Why do you run? To socialize, to stay fit, to justify my love of potato chips.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? My friends from the DRG (Doug’s Running Group) were doing it, and I followed them.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Winning all those raffles (jk lol)! For real, it’s all of the friends I’ve made.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: I took a picture of my homemade crispy tofu with broccoli. It’s very sexy for a vegan dish.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? “Just sign up for the full. The half will be too easy.” – Anne Mandeville-Long

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’d like to be able to make anyone laugh on command.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I have a phobia of stickers and wet paper. That is why I will never carry a route on a run, unless I take a picture of it with my phone.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I convinced a group of people to sign up for a 50k in the mountains! Then I did the thing. The convincing part was what made me most proud, though, because I am an introvert.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “Dare to be legendary today!!!!!”

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! Thank you to Steph for organizing this wonderful group. It is truly the highlight of my week.

Kevin Field

May 27, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? West Orange, NJ

How long have you lived in the area? Almost a year! I moved down at the end of last June.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Nerdy, nice, and kinda crazy

Why do you run? Running is a fun way to clear my head, and a lot healthier than my other hobbies.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? Rebecca Rubinstein told us about it, and I’ve been coming ever since.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? It doesn’t matter how much you run, everyone is incredibly encouraging. It’s a supportive environment that welcomes newcomers.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: A picture of the stage at the oddest concert I’ve ever been to (Superorganism).

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? Do what you love, because you’ll have to work hard no matter what you choose—my undergrad lab manager.

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? Playing the piano—you can play any kind of music on it, and I’m a huge Billy Joel fan.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I was a few credits short of a history major in college, and almost went to grad school to get a PhD in Jewish History.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? Running the tobacco road half marathon and actually training for it!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh (or A.A. Milne if you insist).

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! Pub run has been a big part of making my life in Chapel Hill great! It’s always fun to head out and see everyone, and it’s great motivation to get a run in even when it’s pouring rain.

Andreas Jozwiak

April 22, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Corpus Christi, Texas

How long have you lived in the area? 5 years

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? (hopefully) fun, extroverted, and ambitious

Why do you run? It’s the best way to decompress after a long day of looking at a screen and get some sun.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? Because Steph is the best! But also because I like the social part of the run – it’s much more fun to share a passion with others.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Beer, obvi. (Also, I met my partner at a pub run – and even though we didn’t start at the Station, we still run with the Station!)

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: A picture of a friend working on building her tenth cheese and salsa taco during Sunday funday. 😉

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? I’ve gotten a lot of unwanted advice about how to be successful in graduate school. But there are a lot of paths to success so you shouldn’t compare yourself to what others have done.

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? Fly a plane – I always wanted to be a pilot

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I already gave away the best fun fact that I met my partner at a pub run….but probably that I love the outdoors (especially mountains!). I’m always looking up new hikes to do around my parents’ home in Washington state.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? I presented the first article of my dissertation at a conference in Chicago last week. As of this morning, I am the proud parent of some basil seedlings that I hope make some yummy pesto in the next weeks.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “The mountains are calling and I must go."

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! I’m honored to be pub runner of the week. 🙂

Dan Hirschman

April 1, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

Where are you from? Gastonia, NC

How long have you lived in the area? About 17 total years in the Triangle, with a few breaks sprinkled in. The current streak is 12 years.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Lost in space? Or maybe furry, convivial, and kind?

Why do you run? Few things in life are as simple, unadorned, and natural. When I run, I feel completely free and it gives me great joy.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? I just blindly follow Steph.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Camaraderie, community, and beer.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone: I took a picture of my Nike Flyknit Vaporfly 4%s. Mmmm…shoe porn.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? This advice wasn’t given directly to me, but I heard it nonetheless and I think it’s great: “The secret to a long and healthy life is to be stress-free. Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative, stay smiling and keep running.” —Fauja Singh

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? Photographic memory would be pretty useful.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I’m a character in an award-winning novel.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? The Boston Marathon, which depending on when this is published, I will have either just done or will be about to do for the first time.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “There’s a bit of Pub Run in all of us.” (Thank you Sloganizer.net for the help on this one).

Anything else you’d like to share with us?! Math is not my forte. My 11 year-old son now regularly beats me in H-O-R-S-E… and it’s not like I don’t have game. My favorite band has always been and will always be R.E.M. I wish Pub Run was on Wednesday night. Late night conversations at a bar, whether with friends or strangers, are a totally underrated experience. That covers it for now.

Sarah Brnich

March 24, 2019 / Steph Bryant / Comments Off

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!

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

Carrboro Run Club