Habitual Routine

For our eighth and final episode of Habitual Routine, we chat with Lauren Nazarieh. 

Lauren, a lifelong New Yorker from Kew Gardens, Queens, began running through circumstance. With gym closures and indoor activities non-existent, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed athletes outside creating a whole new group of people discovering the transformative power of running. After her grandfather passed away due to COVID-19 and the stressors of a pandemic, Lauren was looking for an outlet to help process the difficult emotions of a turbulent world. After her first race at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K in June of 2021, she was hooked and decided to take on the TCS New York City Marathon, only a year after taking her first running steps. 

We talk to Lauren about the journey of finding running, her deep roots as a New Yorker, and the excitement and emotions around running a marathon in her city. 

Thanks to Mastercard for supporting this episode of the podcast. Mastercard wishes runners of the TCS New York City Marathon a wonderful journey to the finish line. Your determination inspires us all to Start Something Priceless!

For our seventh episode of Habitual Routine, we chat with two runners: Sara Kate Gillingham and David Kane.

On Valentine's Day 2017, Sara Kate became a living donor when she gave 60% of her liver to her friend David. Because of this donation, David, a lifelong athlete, runner, and triathlete, was able to regain his life after a form of cancer had sidelined him and prompted an immediate need for a liver transplant. More than four years after the surgery, they will be running the TCS New York City Marathon together.

Prior to her surgery, Sara Kate was always a more casual runner, but she decided to take on this marathon alongside David. She hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to consider becoming a living donor.

We talk to Sara Kate and David about the journey of giving and receiving a transplant, the feelings and concept of gratitude on both sides, and why running the TCS New York City Marathon will be an incredible experience for both.

Thanks to Abbott for supporting this episode of the podcast. There is nothing more breathtaking than running the streets of Manhattan and finishing off a 5K at the most iconic finish line in the world! Run the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K on Saturday, November 6 with NYC cheering you on.

Registration is open for anyone, and this race is a 9+1 qualifier. Not able to make it in-person for the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K? No problem. You can still join the 50 Years Running celebration wherever you are in the Virtual Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K Powered by Strava happening right now through November 7. Visit NYRR.org and sign up today.

Thanks to Michelob ULTRA for supporting this episode of the podcast. Michelob ULTRA is proud to be the official beer sponsor of the New York Road Runners and the TCS New York City Marathon. There’s no better way to celebrate the TCS New York City Marathon than with an ice cold Michelob ULTRA.

Join us on race day in NYC at Ryan’s Daughter, Murphy’s Law American Trash, Bar Coastal and Finnegan’s Wake or in Brooklyn at Charleston Bar, The Gibson, Lake St., Turkey’s Nest, Kilo Bravo, Propaganda Bar, and Irish Haven.

It’s only worth it if you enjoy it! Drink Responsibly.

For our sixth episode of Season 3, we chat with Intisar Abdul-Kader. Intisar is on a mission to prove that Black, Muslim, hijab-wearing woman can do anything, and is living proof of that mission. The London-based runner has already completed four marathons and climbed 5,364 meters above sea level to Mount Everest’s base camp. She joined a Facebook group called Surviving Hijab after its founder reached out to her and she feels hijab-wearers need to be more seen than ever. Intisar also lives with multiple sclerosis and is running for the MS Society.

We chat with Intisar about her journey as runner, how she believes running can continue to be a more inclusive space, and how her journey living with multiple sclerosis has never slowed her down. Spoiler alert: She just ran a half-marathon personal best!

Follow Intisar.

Thanks to Tata Consultancy Services and Honey Stinger for supporting this episode of the podcast.

Tata Consultancy Services is proud to be the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, and the first-ever Premier Partner of New York Road Runners. Download the official app, powered by TCS, for exclusive race content for both in-person and virtual runners—including “Marathon City: 3D Map,” a new AR feature that allows runners to view the course, the change in elevation, and projected finish times.

Honey Stinger is proud to be the Official Nutrition Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon. Honey Stinger provides the fuel you need to push harder and go farther before, during, and after training and race day. Their great tasting products are made with honey and are rich in carbohydrates and antioxidants. Shop at home with 30% off all Honey Stinger products. Use code RunNY2021 at checkout and tap into natural sport nutrition to help you prepare, perform, and recover daily. *Applies to one-time purchases, one use per customer. Code is active through November 14, 2021.

For our fifth episode of Season 3, we chat with Maria Solis Belizaire. Maria is the founder of two nationally known run clubs; Latinos Run and Latinas Run. Launched in New York City, Latinos Run is an international organization that promotes running as way to improve physical and mental health in the Latino community and has a global audience serving over 25,000 runners.

Latinas Run was created as a safe space for Latinas to connect and inspire each other through running or other fitness related activities. This free group is a platform to empower one another and have healthy dialogues and is open to women of all colors and backgrounds.

We chat with Maria about how an unbought URL inspired a club that now serves tens of thousands of people, how representation is a catalyst for movement, and why she believes the TCS New York City Marathon is the best marathon in the world.

Follow Maria.

Follow Latinos Run.

Follow Latinas Run.

Thanks to Volvo Cars for supporting this episode of the podcast. Register today for the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon and Run for Volvo Cars Sweepstakes. Whether you participate in-person or virtually, you can enter for the chance to win your dream Volvo. Learn more at www.runforvolvocars.com

For our fourth episode of Season 3, we chat with Maria Jose Estrada Martinez. The 50th running of the New York City Marathon holds extra significance for Maria, as it also marks the 25th anniversary of her grandfather, Luis Martinez Nuñez, completing the marathon. Since a young age, she has treasured the stories her grandpa shared of his running experiences.

Never a runner herself, Maria was motivated to take up her grandfather’s passion as a way to relieve stress induced by the challenges of raising two young children while isolating at home during the pandemic. Until her grandfather passed early this year from COVID-19, he served as her inspiration and running coach, helping her through the early parts of her marathon training.

We talk to Maria about the excitement of being a new runner, the impact her grandfather had on her running journey, and how one race can connect and strengthen two generations of a family.

Thanks to New Balance for supporting this episode of the podcast. Celebrate the 50th running of the New York City Marathon with exclusive New Balance gear. For those colder running days, consider the warmer jackets and vests made with New Balance Heat technology to help keep you warm. There are plenty of offerings to meet every runner's needs shop the black and gold collection now – visit newbalance.com.

For our third episode of Season 3, we chat with Danny Su. Danny Su is a resident of Brooklyn, New York and is running this year’s Virtual TCS New York City Marathon. After getting into running following a difficult breakup, Danny used running as a way to find balance, manage depression, and set a goal. Professionally, Danny is a parks architect and has designed over five New York City parks. He discusses his passion for helping create and build recreation space for New Yorkers.

We talk to Danny about the role of running in maintaining his mental health and well-being, how his love of running and being outside translate into creating recreation space for New York City communities, and his unique and exciting plans for his Virtual TCS New York City Marathon.

Thanks to Gatorade Endurance for supporting this episode of the podcast. Think all hydration & nutrition products are the same? Think again. Backed by over 50 years of research, Gatorade Endurance delivers the fluids and nutrients that athletes need to perform at their peak. As a proud sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, Gatorade Endurance has our athletes covered to keep you hydrated and fueled while training and racing. It’s not just fuel, it’s fuel to unlock your best, start to finish. Want to know where to buy locally? Visit the store locator at GatoradeEndurance.com.

Welcome back to Season 3 of Habitual Routine! For this season, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto will be focusing on telling stories of runners who will be joining us for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon.

For our second episode of Season 3, we chat with Thomas Valles. Thomas was the top runner on the 1987 McFarland High School cross country team, a team that overcame the odds and significant challenges to win the 1987 California state championship, a story portrayed in the 2015 Disney film McFarland, USA.

We talk to Thomas about what it’s like to see your life in film, why mentors are important, and why he’s excited for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon as he raises funds for Team Sam, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's fight to end Duchenne, a progressive, fatal muscle disorder for which there is no cure.

Thanks to Hospital for Special Surgery for supporting this episode of the podcast. Hospital for Special Surgery is proud to be the official hospital of the New York Road Runners and the TCS New York City Marathon. Looking to set your next PR this TCS New York City Marathon? HSS can help! Check out their performance services and special NYRR member discounts on the NYRR member discount dashboard or check out hss.edu.

Welcome back to Season 3 of Habitual Routine! For this season, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto will be focusing on telling stories of runners who will be joining us for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon.

For our first episode of Season 3, we want to honor and memorialize the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We speak with David Drake, a Battalion Chief for the FDNY, and hear his story and journey of running as he prepares for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon.

In fall 2001, David had just gotten married and had a newborn daughter. He was working as a firefighter, training for his FDNY lieutenant test that October. But then September 11th occurred. His lieutenant test was postponed until the following February, and he was called in to work as a member of the World Trade Center Recovery Team for the entire month of November.

For 12 hours every day that month, he dug up and cleared rubble where the towers once stood, finding bodies and much more. The 2021 TCS New York City Marathon will be David’s third New York City Marathon and we discuss training, his time in the FDNY, and why New York is the best marathon in the world.

Thanks to New Balance for supporting this episode of the podcast. New York business doesn’t stop for the weather. Take a modern approach to cold-weather solutions with the adaptable, all-day comfort of HeatLoft and Heat running apparel. Lightweight, heat-retaining, and fast-drying performance for real life conditions. Visit newbalance.com to grab your 2021 Official TCS New York City Marathon gear.

In recognition of Pride Month, on the final episode of season two of Habitual Routine, the NYRR team celebrates and discusses the ways to support transgender and gender nonconforming runners. While it may feel like rainbow flags and celebrations much of the time during the month, the team wanted to bring continued attention to the unfortunate discrimination occurring for transgender and gender non confirming athletes particularly in youth sports.

In our ‘HOW ‘segment, Annick and Roberto chat with Lauren Lubin. Lauren is a Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Expert and most recently an Executive Producer of We Exist: Beyond the Binary, an award-winning documentary that promotes gender identity awareness and equality specifically for gender non-confirming individuals.

And in our ‘WHY’ segment, Shaquana chats with Caleb LoSchiavo, a public health PhD candidate, LGBTQ health advocate, and transgender athlete about how he uses running in his life.

Follow Lauren and check out We Exist: Beyond the Binary.

Follow Caleb.

Thanks to Front Runners New York and Mastercard for supporting this episode.

Front Runners New York is a running club for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and those who are allies. Celebrate your pride and show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community by participating in the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 6K in Central Park on June 26. If you're not in the New York area, sign up and run the Virtual Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 5K anytime, anywhere June 25-30. The first Pride Run held in Central Park in 1982, was a landmark race and marked the start of an enduring collaboration among Front Runners New York, New York Road Runners, and the City of New York. The race continues to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride and the ongoing movement toward equality, diversity, and inclusiveness. Find out more at www.nyrr.org.

Start Something Priceless by securing your entry to the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon with Mastercard. Visit www.priceless.com and search ‘Marathon’ to learn how you can participate in the 50th anniversary of this race and join other runners in achieving a major life goal. Plus, 100% of sale amount will go to Conservation International, a US 501 (c)(3) organization in support of the Priceless Planet Coalition.

This offer is exclusive to US Mastercard cardholders. Terms and conditions apply. Quantities are limited.

In celebration of Global Running Day, we share why the world runs—literally. Annick, Roberto, and Shaquana share stories from runners across the globe covering all seven continents (and even dabble in some outer space running from our friends at NASA) to explore the many reasons why humans run.

We all know running is transformative but hearing runners from every corner of the globe and beyond puts into perspective the unbridled power of simply putting one foot in front of the other.

Storytellers:

Dinée Dorame, Tiwa ancestral territory also known as Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, North America (Follow Dinée & Grounded Podcast)

Luisa Ines Rivas Diaz, Santiago, Chile, South America (Follow Luisa)

Runar Gundersen, Dramman, Norway, Europe (Follow Runar)

Rethabile Qekisi, Soweto, South Africa, Africa (Follow Rethabile)

Batkhishig Lkhagvadorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Asia (Follow Achilles International Mongolia)

Christie Dawes, New Castle, Australia (Follow Christie)

Sha Jessie Mao, Beijing, China telling the story of Antarctic running

Sunita Williams, NASA astronaut telling the story of running a marathon in space (Follow Sunita)

Join NYRR and thousands of people around the world that share your passion for the sport and run our free one-mile virtual race. Run the Virtual NYRR Global Running Day 1M Powered by Strava anywhere, anytime between June 1 and 6. Visit nyrr.org to sign up now!