2021 NYC MARATHON: Meet the Marathoners
Our special preview of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon kicks off with our “Meet the Marathoners” series. Over 60 New York Harriers are signed up for the race. Read below on how some of them are training and preparing for the big day — and how they plan to celebrate crossing one of the world’s most iconic finish lines!
DIANE KENNA
When Diane crosses the finish line in Central Park, she will be marking off a pretty major milestone in her running career: her 29th New York City Marathon and 70th marathon overall. “I am lucky enough to have run a marathon on every continent,” she says.
This longtime member is known to many Harriers as the start van-organizing guru, where many a bleary-eyed runner would show up at her Upper West Side apartment in the wee hours of that special November Sunday morning to be transported to the start line in style. This year, things are a little different, and for the first time, Diane will gather with tens of thousands of other runners onto the morning ferry.
Diane has been a member of the team since she met them at Flemings bar in 1989. She says she ended up joining because the Harriers “do more training in bars than on the road!” (though perhaps 69 marathon finishes belie that claim).
She reports her training cycle is going well, despite breaking her elbow in mid-August. “I’m excited,” she says of the big day. “It’s always one of my favorite days of the year.” She recalls seeing her parents and aunts cheering for her in the streets of Brooklyn in the 90s. “I miss seeing them along the way,” Diane says. This year, she’s looking forward to the support of her three sons on the course -- “if they get out of bed!” she adds.
Post-marathon, she plans to celebrate with (what else) a beer and some chicken wings. Her inspiration for her lifelong running habit is simple: “Love of life,” she says. “Running is a great way to form friendships and see the world!”
ANDY SCHWEHM
Andy joined the Harriers just over a year and a half ago, specifically for marathon training and the community support. “I wanted to join a team that could mix both,” he explains, “and the Harriers have been perfect for that.”
This will be Andy’s first in-person marathon, having run the NYC Virtual race last year with the help of some of his Harriers teammates. “I'm super excited to run this one with spectators and get the support of the whole city!” he says.
Training started off slow, he admits, coming off a leg injury after the marathon last year, “and with the heat and humidity that didn't make me feel any better.” But things have been improving steadily the past few weeks: “It's starting to finally feel like all the speed work has paid off,” though notes his favorite Harriers workouts include “anything not involving the words ‘cat’ or ‘canova’!” With a few big runs still looming, Andy is feeling optimistic about hitting his time goal.
During this past year, running has provided Andy with an outlet for exploration and self-care. He says some days are tougher than others, “especially while recovering from injury and never knowing how the leg will feel from one day to the next.” But for Andy it’s also “the only thing that’s kept me from going insane!” His long runs take him on new routes through the outer boroughs, as he listens to his favorite music, which includes early 2000s punk. But he’ll likely ditch the earbuds for race day. “I'm thinking I'll go without so I can experience the crowds.” Andy will also reflect on the past year. “I used to run in this cemetery in Oakland when I lived out there,” he says. “It was so beautiful. I started running for those who could no longer run, dedicating my runs to those who have passed away. It's a good reminder to be grateful for the ability to run.”
As for race morning, he says he has one strategy in mind: “Beat Molly Seidel!” he jokes. “Just kidding. Run my own race. Try to have something left in the last few miles in Central Park to finish strong.” He’ll lean on his running mantra (“don’t die”) during the rough spots. And he’ll be looking for on-course support from his wife cheering near their apartment at mile 17 and the Harriers cheer squad just a little ways up from there.
For inspiration, Andy says he turns to his teammates. “I'm constantly in awe of them,” he says, and credits the evening crew for keeping him going. He looks forward to some post-race pizza -- “and sitting” after he finishes.
STEVE LUNSFORD
Steve has been running, training, and hanging with “the best running club in the Northeast” for the past four years after reaching out to Coach Scott and joining the evening team for a workout. “It was a no brainer,” he recounts. “The Harriers just seemed like awesome people who are not only competitive, but supportive and seriously fun to just hang out with.”
Fresh off Chicago, Steve is ready to tackle his seventh marathon with New York City, which he calls his favorite. “Nothing compares to running through the boroughs with masses of encouraging spectators lining the streets,” he says, recalling his first New York City marathon two years ago, where he landed his 3:24 PR -- enough to BQ, but “not enough to make the cut. So the quest continues!”
For Steve, training has been challenging, especially getting out the door on those dark, cold mornings. “There’s been a lot of solo miles and hitting the track without support,” he says. He and his wife, Meredith, also moved to Boston last year. He laments missing the morning crew, but still feels a part of the family. And he’s ready to see his training pay off in Central Park next month. “I will do my best to rock the H!”
When he’s not running, you can find Steve traveling. “Nothing better than getting to new places and seeing all they have to offer,” he gushes. His passion for local breweries and saisons have even led to him trying his hand at brewing himself. “It’s definitely not ready for primetime,” he says of his efforts. “I’ll probably stick to my day job.”
On race morning, Steve likes to go over all the reasons he didn’t sleep the night before and focus on not going out too fast. During the race, he’ll revisit all of the days and miles he spent to get to the starting line. Meredith, who he calls his inspiration, will be out there cheering for him. He’ll also be thinking of his two kids, Isaac and Allie, both grown and living in Arizona. “It’s my hope that my life and my running inspire them to always give everything they do 100%,” he says. Afterwards, he’ll reconnect with his Harriers crew and raise “several good pints” in celebration. We can’t wait!