Running a marathon — or a half-marathon, for that matter — is one of the most physically and mentally challenging endeavors a person can undertake. The weeks of discipline and preparation alone are enough to wear down any aspiring runner. Add kids and a demanding career to the equation, and plenty of women would be asking themselves why they ever signed up in the first place. On Sunday, April 13, more than 10,000 women will run 13.1 miles in the 11th Annual More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half-Marathon in Central Park. We asked a few of those ambitious runners to share what keeps them going.
A new mom doing it for mom
Name: Lisa Gootzeit
Age: 33
Home base: Upper West Side
Stats: Height 5’7; Weight 145 pounds.
After going through a difficult C-section birth at the end of 2012, Lisa Gootzeit was determined to get back to her pre-baby weight. It’ll be her first time running since she gave birth. “It was tough getting back into the swing of things,” she says. “I was out of shape due to being pregnant.” Another motivating factor for the 33-year-old was the recent death of her mom. “I’m doing this marathon because it’s the only way I can commit to training and exercise,” she says. “Also, my mom passed away last month and I feel like I’m running in her memory.”
Shedding those happy love pounds
Name: Sandra Garcia
Age: 27
Home base: Harlem
Stats: Height: 5’2; Weight: 133
Sandra Garcia, 27, wanted to whip her body back into shape after she packed on a few pounds when she moved in with her boyfriend. She also faced a transition period in her career when she gave up her marketing position at a magazine for a more demanding opportunity. “I moved in with my boyfriend and started cooking and eating late,” she says. “Of course I started gaining weight.” After implementing a training plan, she lost 15 pounds.
First all-women race
Name: Alyssa Marderstein
Age: 25
Home base: Murray Hill
Stats: Height: 5’2; Weight: 110
Alyssa Marderstein is no stranger to running. The 25-year-old made a pact with her friends to stay in shape by signing up for races on a quarterly basis. This time is a little different with it being her first all-women’s half-marathon. “I haven’t done one yet that’s all-women,” she says. “I’m excited about bringing women from all different backgrounds together.”
Don’t do lunch, will do runs
Name: Adelaide G. Nardone
Age: 56
Home base: Murray Hill
Stats: Height: 5’4; Weight : 110
Adelaide Nardone, 56, is the face of motivation. She started running in the half-marathon a decade ago and despite having three children and a booming career as an OB/GYN, she’s exhibited no signs of ever slowing down. In fact, her motto for hanging out with friends is, “won’t do lunch, but will do runs.” As a busy professional woman, Nardone appreciates the practical aspect of running. “I have to say that it’s motivating knowing that there is a focus in the spring to keep going to get through those 13.1 miles. Running has always been a tremendous de-stressor. I get a sense of euphoria.”