Jeff Larnard, Norwood, Massachusetts - PATH projects KREW
I'm an attorney from Norwood, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. My running journey began back in 2018 when I picked up running as a means to stay healthy. Once I raced in my first 5k, I was hooked! My desires to run faster, further and in new places quickly grew and I ran my first marathon in 2019. I found myself joining a couple of local running clubs where I fell in love with the running community and the support it provides for runners of all levels.
So far I've run two in person marathons and the virtual NYC Marathon last fall among numerous other halfs, 10ks and trail races. In addition to seeking the elusive Boston Qualifier (fingers crossed for this fall), I've also embarked on a challenge to run at least one mile in every town/city in the state of Massachusetts! Since the start of 2021 I've completed 60 of 351 towns.
Running accomplishment(s) you are proud of
In the spirit of the Boston Marathon, I took part in the #BackyardBostonMarathon organized by the How Was Your Run Today Podcast, where, in an attempt to fill the void of the cancelled Boston Marathon, runners created their own marathon-themed challenge on Marathon Monday of 2020. For my challenge, I ran a little over a mile every hour on the hour starting at midnight so that by 11:15 p.m. the following day, I ran a full marathon. While it wasn't the most taxing run I've ever taken part of, it was definitely the most rewarding! In the five days leading up to the #BackyardBoston Marathon, I raised nearly $2K which was donated to a local fundraiser that helped support local restaurants who had been hit hard due to the pandemic by buying meals for frontline workers.
Any races or adventures on your horizon and / or bucket list?
I'm looking forward to running the Mount Washington Road Race in June and then searching for a marathon to race this fall as I attempt to run a BQ! Lastly, I'm still waiting on a date, but I'm planning to run the Seven Sisters Trail Race in Western Massachusetts after it was cancelled last year and continuing to try to climb all 48 4,000-foot mountains in the New Hampshire. Lots of elevation in my future!
Your favorite PATH projects gear?
Hands down its the Pyrenees T19 Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt! It was the perfect top to get me through the New England winter and works just as well to simply lounge in after a hard run.
What do you enjoy about running?
Running is my time. My job is fast-paced, and we live in a society where many people overwork themselves, so I've made it a point to make sure that regardless of how busy my day gets, I get my run in if its on the training plan (though I do take days off!) For me, it's a time where I can think, get lost in some music, or just enjoy the scenery around me, but it's my time and my experience. Sometimes that's early in the morning, sometimes late at night, other times it's just when the weather is best that day, but ensuring that I dedicate that time to myself allows me to keep things balanced.
Advice for runners looking to improve?
Give yourself the time and space to recover. It's okay to take days off or run really easy on some days. By taking recovery days, you allow yourself to be ready to run harder and maximize your workouts.
Any running or adventure videos, or have been featured in?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3KGZgmnIvA
Social channels you are most active on?
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