Un cuarto de milla con Staten Island Athletic Club

We are just days away from the last five-borough race of the year, the NYRR Staten Island Half. One club that will be out representing on home turf is Staten Island Athletic Club. So for this edition of A Quarter-Mile With, we spoke to one of its members.

Name: Nicole Macri

Club: Staten Island Athletic Club (SIAC)

Fartlek or tempo? Tempo. Even though they are challenging for me and I often dread doing them. But they’ve helped to improve my race performance.

Favorite NYRR race? The Popular® Brooklyn Half. I love the course and it always falls on—or around—my birthday. Last year, a PR was the best birthday gift I got.

Favorite race distance? 10 miles, but it depends on where I am with my training. It’s a longer distance, but mentally easier to get through than a half-marathon.

Favorite distance to run? Five miles is my go-to distance.

Running hero? My good friend Jenn. We started out as competitors and became training partners. She’s been a mentor to me, not only in running, but also in life. I truly admire her ability to train hard and perform well, despite the long hours she puts in as a nurse.

Post-race meal? This is a tough one because I’m such a foodie, but you can never go wrong with pizza.

Cold-weather or warm-weather running? Warm weather! I dread running in the winter.

Treadmills: yay or nay? Nay for the most part. I’d much rather be outdoors, taking in the scenery.

Most exotic place you’ve run? Hamden, NY. It’s a small town just outside of Delhi. My parents have a house there that’s basically in the middle of nowhere. The elevation makes running challenging, but the view and country scenery is breathtaking. Plus, seeing cows in the fields, passing by horse farms, and being chased by the occasional dog always keeps my runs interesting.

Race-day inspiration quote? Be grateful, listen to your body, stay positive, and enjoy yourself.

Toughest race course, in your opinion? The NYRR Staten Island Half. It’s always my slowest half. The weather tends to be hit or miss and the hills are very challenging for me.

Song that makes you want to go faster? Lately it’s been the “Higher Love” remix by Kygo and Whitney Houston.

You can run alongside any three people in the world: Who are they? I’m going to throw a fourth in here and say my sister, Victoria; my team’s vice president, Gus; my teammate David, and my best friend from college, Louis.

Best non-running account you follow on Instagram? @wwFreestyle_Fabulous. I admire the way she promotes a sustainable, healthy lifestyle by advocating for balance and reminding her followers that eating healthy can still be delicious.

Your club, in five words or less? Dedicated, supportive, competitive, passionate, and fun.