Starting out as a runner in middle school, Sarah has found running to offer strength and community throughout the years. Read on to find out why she loves the 10k, who she “owes my [her] life of running” to, and how her brother nudged her in the direction of PPTC .

How did you get into running?
I started running cross country and distance track in my small public middle school outside of Boston. Through runs on the local trails with my co-ed team, I learned the power of gender equity and the wonders of nature. In high school, we even made it to the state championships a few times! Since then, running has remained a source of community and of strength throughout life’s transitions.

Why did you join PPTC?
I moved to Brooklyn after spending a decade in between Jerusalem and Morningside Heights (long story!) for a job at the NYC DOE. My brother reminded me of the warm and inviting atmosphere of the Al Goldstein 5k series he participated in years ago. So, within 2 days of moving to Brooklyn, I joined the club for three reasons:

1) Brotherly advice
2) To make running buddies and general Brooklyn buddies!
3) To build accountability for speedwork and long runs after years of running recreationally

What is your favorite club event/activity?
I participated in Noah's Wednesday evening speedwork sessions pre-pandemic, and really enjoyed the support and additional motivation to set renewed goals for competition. Getting out to run on cold, dark winter nights is so much easier when you know teammates are waiting.

What distance do you most enjoy about running/racing? Why?
10k – the happy medium :)

Sarah sporting some club pride with her PPTC sweatshirt.

Has the pandemic changed how you run/race at all? Why?
Pre-pandemic, I was aiming to participate in the Eugene Marathon. I run for the foliage in all seasons, and for the deep thinking and dreaming that long runs allow. I recently transitioned from work in restorative justice at the central DOE offices to work in an international youth conflict transformation organization.

Amid the injustice exacerbated by COVID-19, I am grateful for my daily runs to literally and metaphorically run away from reality or to run right towards it, depending on the day. I've been dealing with a nagging injury these past few months, and I've reached the conclusion that a visit to Prospect Park or to the Pier (hopefully with some new PPTC running buddies?) is the best medicine for the soul, if not for the body.

What is your favorite [running] memory with the club?
A few weeks ago, I participated in the local leg of the 50 mile run for justice protest. I had the privilege to run back towards home with Will and Regina. Regina gave us a spectacular historical tour (both personal and political) of Ditmas Park and Flatbush, while sharing inspiring stories of her trailblazing as a female runner back in the day. I owe my life of running – starting with that 6th grade co-ed track club back in 2000 – to incredible women like Regina, and to communities like PPTC.

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PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to celebrate the diversity of our club and membership, and encourage everyone to share your stories with us.

Text & Photo: Sarah Stone
Edited by: Rachael DePalma
Produced by: Alison Kotch

Member Spotlight: Sarah Stone