One day when I ran over the bridge I spotted a really fast girl dressed in a t-shirt with a print that revealed that she belonged to North Brooklyn Runners. I have always preferred to run alone, but a club in my hood made me curious. I got hold of the fast girl, Aja, and asked her some questions about the dress code in her club.
Why did you start NBR?
I started NBR because I longed for a community within this neighborhood. And I wanted to meet the people I saw join me on the train at 6am on race mornings, those who I saw running the streets with race shirts on I recognized, and those who braved the elements (cold weather, bad traffic, tiny dogs, and speeding bikes) to get their workouts in.
What does NBR do for people in the hood?
I think NBR gives people the opportunity to develop themselves as a runner– however serious or not they are about running– as well as creating an opportunity to belong to something, to get involved, and to make new friends.
What does NBR do for you?
NBR has given me the push I needed to be active in the community. Since starting NBR I have created and joined in other ventures in North Brooklyn, rooting myself in this area that I have lived in for over 6 years.
Why is it important to belong to a club?
I’m not sure if it’s “important” so much as it is a unique experience. Some clubs are exclusive or expect certain, specific things from their members. NBR is free. NBR is supportive of everyone no matter their skill and experience. NBR is excited for people to be in the group and join in the activities, as often as possible.
How often do you run?
It varies based on where I’m at in my life at the time, but when I’m on top of things, I prefer to run 4 or 5 times a week.
Why do you run?
When I started running in high school it was initially a push from my dad who liked us all to be in some sort of sport. I worked really hard and did my best to keep up. Then I started finding a peace in it, a much needed source of stress relief. Through college and after, I continued to run for stress relief but also for fun and fitness. I think running is something that works well for my body to keep me healthy and fit and I’d like to continue to do so through the rest of my life.
Does NBR have a dress code?
Well, not officially. We have a few different shirts and singlets and accessories out there (including AA gym bags)– and as a generally accepted rule, we appreciate being stylish. Our team colors are black and white– universally flattering and matching with any other more colorful accessories you might want to pair them with. We also like the way tights make our butts look (guys and girls alike) and have a thing for short shorts (again, on guys and girls). Compression socks are also popular, as are signature statement pieces– headbands, bandanas, printed shorts, running skirts, etc. See more of our style choices on our photo pages.
How important do you think running outfits are?
I fall somewhere in the middle. I like to look put together, and as such my own running gear is mostly white and black with a few basic colors in there. I get excited about those neon high-visibility colors though, and two of my winter running clothes staples featured them to help motivate me to get out of the house on cold days. I get pretty excited about colorful sports bras though, and am looking forward to rocking NBR sports bras next summer (if not sooner). For me, I focus more on function, but pick quality pieces that will last me many miles to come!
