Runner’s World+ Member: Kevin Chupka

Photo credit: .
Photo credit: .


“Hearst Magazines and Verizon Media may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.”

Photo credit: .
Photo credit: .

Kevin is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.



I hated running for 39 and a half years of my life. Something clicked during the summer of 2020. Running has not only helped me lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, but it has acted as therapy allowing me invaluable time with my thoughts to work through life’s challenges both big and small. Now a day without running feel incomplete.

I run to stay healthy. I run to raise my fitness level and prepare to run longer and faster. Soon after I started running I began training for a virtual half marathon. I completed that and signed up for two more. For years I have watched the NYC Marathon run through my neighborhood and thought, I’d love to do that but I hate running. Now that I’ve fallen in love with it I am motivated to run that race someday (soon). I am also motivated by the fact that I have yet to run more than a 5K in person. I look forward to staying fit and getting involved with in-person runs when they come back.

I love running near the water. I am lucky to live right near the Brooklyn waterfront and my typical route takes me up and down the East River with views of Manhattan. I live in Brooklyn Heights and so I am guaranteed a nice hill late in my run that tests me—which is also good to keep me on my toes.

I splurged on the Nike NSRL running jacket and I am completely obsessed. It does everything as advertised in cold weather. I will miss it when spring comes...but not really. I also love my Tracksmith shorts and can’t wait to run in them all spring/summer long!

In high school I was once on TRL sitting right behind Britney Spears #freebritney.

NYC Marathon 2021 (or whenever I can get in and do it in person).



You Might Also Like