Runner’s World+ Member: Jenn Leser
Jenn 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!
I started running as a new year’s resolution–I told myself I was signing up for a race (the San Francisco Half Marathon) and that the only way I was going to get through it was by learning to like running. To be honest, during that training cycle I didn’t enjoy running at all but I kept talking about it to keep the pressure on myself to continue. The following year I ran four races as part of a San Francisco challenge and that’s when the bug really got me. I like lacing up and going for runs and feeling confident about what my body is capable of–and nothing beats the way your mind clears once you get going.
Running is something I’m passionate about and constantly want to learn more about. Things like recovery, cross training and nutrition that don’t necessarily come with a run. I also follow a lot of professional runners and I love getting to learn about what’s happening on the elite circuit.
I run for two main reasons: the sense of accomplishment and the quiet that it brings. Racing reminds me of why I like running–the vibes, the competition, the starting sound–and I get to race because I put in the work during training. Running is also one of the only things for me where I can just run and I don’t have to think; it’s moving meditation.
I’m actively trying to become a morning person (and I get to run with a good friend if I’m willing to get up!). Right now I typically hit the road after work and start (though often not finish) with my fiance, if I can! I’m lucky enough to have Central Park as my nearest outdoor space so I run there most of the time. The reservoir and bridle path are my favorite routes since they’re easy surfaces to run on and short enough to do multiple laps. I also have a no-major-hills Central Park route that skips both the Harlem Hills and Cat Hill but still clocks in at five miles.
I rotate between two to three pairs of the Mizuno Wave Inspire (in various conditions) at any given time. It’s the only shoe I’ve found that gives me enough support to avoid ankle injuries and the model has stayed consistent throughout the years so I never need to try on a new pair. Clif Shot Bloks–Margarita flavor–are my all-time favorite run fuel. And I swear by Lululemon’s Swiftly Tech racerback tanks. They’re lightweight, layer well and have inspirational messages on the inside of the hem like ‘Will Run for Cheese’ that make me smile.
Aside from just trying to improve my PRs in all the distances I run, and qualify for the 2021 NYC Marathon, I’m trying to make myself a miler and have three mile races on deck for this year. I’m not a sprinter by any means and in the moment, it’s easily the most painful distance I’ve ever run, but for some reason it’s my favorite. Of all the distances I think it’s the one where you can’t hide–there’s no time to buildup or make up for a slow start. You have to be honest and run the whole thing hard. Getting better at the mile is going to be tough but the one I’m most excited for.
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