Runner’s World+ Member: Karen Murray
Karen 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!
Runners are so inspirational!! Fast, Slow, any distance runners! Being around runners and like-minded positive people creates happiness and I love spreading happiness! Running has helped my self esteem and confidence in so many ways!
The feeling of helping runners accomplish races is a big motivator for me! Right now, I’m training 2 morning groups for the New York City Marathon. These groups motivate me to get out the door! I want to be there for them! When I take a first time marathoner over the finish line, there’s nothing like watching the expression on their face.
I love hearing other inspirational stories and learning about other runners. I know that everyone runs for a variety of reasons! Whether it’s for weight loss, exploring their inner self, achieving goals, or dealing with stress. No matter the reason, we all have a common goal of running, and no matter where the journey takes us, it’s always positive and gives us confidence to take on the world!
NewRo Runners puts on a great half marathon trail race - Paine to Pain - that covers the entire Colonial Greenway! It’s amazing in the suburbs of NYC that we have these trails! The Pinebrook Blvd Loop is also near and dear to me. It’s where I meet the most amazing runners and train. It has a nice wide shoulder for a 6 mile loop, and there are plenty of hills.
They have a zippered pocket at the waist where I keep my wallet and key, and a big pocket on each leg in the skort where I keep my phone and nutrition. I feel very self supported. I don’t always get to look at the course description, so it’s nice to know I have everything I need. I like carrying my phone for safety reasons or in case I need to assist another runner in need, etc. Also, I have extra electrolytes to hand out to others.
I’m hoping to present a workshop all over the country that teaches exercises that help raise everyone’s happiness set point! Life is full of ups and downs, but these exercises will teach a happiness mindset to be able to cope better!
Currently, I run 2 morning groups at 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. Running in the morning before work is energizing and sets me up for a productive day! Some mornings I’m so tired and want to bail, but I know when I’m finished I will feel great!
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