Runner’s World+ Member: Chelsea Katzenberg
Chelsea is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
Ever since I stopped playing basketball competitively after graduating from college, I’ve missed the excitement I always had to step on the court, the nervous energy that kept me awake the night before games, the sheer joy of being out there. I NEVER thought running would fill that hole. For most of my life it’s been a chore, something to do to stay in shape. About two years ago, something shifted. Now I can’t sleep before races, as I think through race day logistics and the route and anticipate that feeling of crossing the finish line. Perhaps more importantly, running has given me a new kind of confidence. I think to myself: if I can do this marathon, or this early morning run after a late night, or this grueling interval run, or this run in the oppressive NYC summer heat, etc., what can’t I do?
Although I’ve been running for a long time, I haven’t considered myself a “runner” until the last couple of years. I’m just starting to understand the complexity of the sport, the training and fueling strategies, the importance of good gear, the amazing runner stories out there. Sure, running IS technically putting one foot in front of the other, over and over, but I’m learning that there are lots of ways to make that a more enjoyable process!
Because what else would I do? It’s truly become such a part of my routine, that I often feel grumpy and unmoored on days I don’t run.
I live in Bedford-Stuyvesant, which has many brownstone-lined streets. My typical run is just in the neighborhood that I mix up depending on the mileage I’m looking for, but I’m consistently amazed by just how beautiful these streets are, and I love watching the way they change during the seasons. On the weekends, I usually run in Prospect Park, which is—in my humble opinion—much nicer than Central Park (I know many would argue with me on this!). I love the run, and particularly the challenge of the hill at the very end of the loop.
My Powerbeats Pro wireless headphones are legitimately so comfortable that I forget they’re in. They were one of those pricey purchases where it took just one time using them to say “Well, that was worth the money!”
1) Run a 3:30 marathon (my first and only marathon was a 3:41, but it was far from a good run for me!).
2) Run the NYC Marathon: I’m doing the NYRR 9+1 in order to be eligible for 2020 (run 9 NYRR races, and volunteer at 1). I’ve run 6 and fulfilled my volunteer requirement, so I’m feeling good about this goal.
Most importantly,
3) Continue to love running for many years to come. I don’t want to “burn out”, or wear myself down, so I’m trying to listen to my body. This has become such an important part of my life, but I know that in order to maintain it, I have to take care of myself. Those rest days are important too!
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