Nadia Neophytou
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
On who you are…
I'm a journalist who loves running. When I'm not interviewing movie stars or musicians, I'm running!. I am From South Africa, I currently live in NYC where I run with BlackRoses NYC, and take part in a bunch of other social runs too. I'm Greek as well, which explains the surname.
On Running…
I was one of those kids who hated running growing up. Strongly hated it. But when I saw SA photojournalist Joao Silva complete the NYC Marathon for the Wounded Warriors, in the handcycle division, a year after he lost both his legs stepping on a landmine in Afghanistan, I became inspired to run it for charity too. All I wanted was to finish the marathon, never mind anything about how long it would take.
Through training for the marathon, I came to rely on the routine that running provided for me, as a freelance journalist who works funny hours and travels a lot. I also grew to love the outlet it became for a lot of my worries and anxieties - again, about living in a new city, far from family and best friends, figuring out how to create a life for myself. I also learned that I am not as slow as I thought I was and have found great pride in the races I've run so far.
On your First Run...
Very first run I remember is a school race, I must have been about 6 years old, and I was going to win it but the girl next to me tripped me. The teacher didn't see it or believe it, so I think that's where the dislike began!
On Street culture…
I'm from South Africa so the street culture there is an amazing mix of influences. But living in NYC means I get to walk - and run - city streets a lot and so I'm constantly fascinated by how people express themselves, which has made me become more comfortable in how I dress too.
 |
| Photo Credit: Stefania Curto |
On Running culture…
I love it! It's opened a world of friendships, travel, inspiration, motivation, positivity and just so much love. I hold very dear the fact that I can be travelling to a city for work and reach out to run with a crew there. Bridge the Gap is real and alive and it moves me!
On gadgets…
A year ago, I finally gave in and got a Garmin, but I'm still pretty bad with numbers so I just use it to guide me where I can. I sync to 3 different apps (Garmin, Strava, Nike) and sometimes they all give me different info so who knows which one is right. Nothing beats running on feel!
On injury…
Injuries are annoying and frustrating and irritating and so many other things, but they also are a chance to slow down and reconnect with the way you train and the care and attention you provide to your body.
On achievements…
I've run 4 marathons so far, and my best time is 3:35:39. I missed qualifying for Boston by 39 seconds in Paris last year.
On future goals…
To qualify for Boston, to run the world majors, and to continue to raise money and awareness for charity through running. And to reach an audience of like-minded people with my You Tube video
series, The Rundown -- I aim to inspire and motivate a love of fitness
through culture and entertainment. Check it out: YouTube.com/NadiaNeophytou
On your social media…
Social media is a skill that I don't think many people have mastered. For all its faults though, it has helped me meet some amazing people around the world and stay in touch with their lives.
On Pink…
Pink is always fabulous!
Pain is part of growth and growing is what we are here to do, right?
On women’s running...
The first time I ever ran 20 miles (from the Upper East Side to Coney Island, I realized that my legs were capable of more than just what they looked like; they could carry me all that way, safe and sound. It was a game-changing moment - and that's why I'd tell women to run! Or do any other sport that makes them feel invincible.
 |
| Photo Credit: Stefania Curto |
On your past self...
You got this! You may not appreciate it now, but when you're ready, running has so much to teach you.
When I die…
I want to be happy in the knowledge that I lived the best life I could and inspired others to do so as well!
#RunRevolution
0 comments