Runner’s World+ Member: Robin Barton
Robin is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her 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 started running about 10 years ago when a friend talked some of us into running a 5K for charity—I was hooked. Less than six months later, I ran my first half marathon. 25 halfs and countless shorter races later, it’s clear that running has become a huge part of my identity. For example, most of the new friends I’ve made I’ve met through running. I’ve planned trips around races. I even have a running-related tattoo!
I love being part of my local running community, but joining RW+ is a way to join a larger community of runners.
Running keeps me sane. Yes, I also run to stay in shape and maintain/lose weight, but it’s also become my primary stress-relief tool. When I’m unhappy, over-worked, sad, angry, etc., I go for a run to clear my head. After my dog died a few years ago, I went on many teary runs to work through my grief. I have also found that I do some of my best thinking on a run—from working out problems to outlining articles I’m writing. Something about running just shakes things loose in my brain!
Prospect Park has been my favorite local running place since I started running, but since the pandemic, it’s too crowded. I miss it—especially in the fall—but I have also enjoyed exploring other parts of Brooklyn, such as Red Hook.
I sweat a lot—even in the cold—and dehydrate easily, so I always run with a handheld bottle of Nuun. Friends can always spot me as I’m the nut in 20 degree weather running with her water bottle!
I started running when my dog, Taggart, an Australian Shepherd, was too old to join me. When I get another dog, it will have to be one who can run with me—I’m thinking a Border Collie. Yes, I have a thing for herding dogs!
I’m never going to win a race outright, but I’ve won my age group several times at various distances (and have come in second and third in others). My goal is to get faster and to keep doing well in my age group.
You Might Also Like
