Name: Justine Bello
Self-described age group: 30s
Residence: Kingman Park, Washington DC
Occupation: Conservator at the National Park Service
Why you run: I love working hard: it brings me joy and satisfaction. I am my best self when I run.
When did you get started running: I was a middle distance runner in high school
Have you taken a break from running: I stopped running through college and graduate school, but started again when I moved to DC (2007)
Training shoe: Brooks Ghost 12
Coach or training group: Self-coached? Due to my crazy schedule I mostly run solo, but I run with Summit to Soul or Pacers when I can for the great company.
The hardest race you’ve ever run: It will be the Antelope Canyon 55k I’m running next weekend.
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: I committed to becoming faster than ever after two pregnancies, and I did.
Running mentors: Personally? I’ve never had one. In the public running world, I deeply respect and am inspired by Rob Krar and Kara Goucher.
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: I work at the National Mall, so running there is pretty special to me. I highly recommend running to the Lincoln Memorial at night.
Favorite local trail: The Western Ridge/Valley Trail loop in Rock Creek Park
My best race was: Tie between the Richmond Half Marathon 2019 and the Courage to Run 5k 2019 (1st place female!)
Favorite local race: the Potomac River Run Marathon
Ideal post-run meal: After long morning runs: breakfast tacos, coffee, and a really soft, yeasty doughnut
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Cinnamon Honey Stinger waffles
Pet peeve: Having chips but no salsa, or having salsa but no chips
Goals: To have an incredible experience at my first ultra next weekend, and to infuse a life-long love of running in my two young boys.
Your advice for a new runner: Play the long game.
Favorite running book: Born to Run
Song in your head during a run: “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys or “My Shot” from Hamilton
Have you dealt with a major injury: I’ve been fortunate to stay exceptionally healthy, although building back my base after pregnancy was tough.
Running quote: Get comfortable with discomfort.
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: The variety and opportunities to run in D.C. are nearly endless. Whether you like road or trail running, solo or group running, day or night running, DC has you covered. It keeps running both accessible and inclusive: whoever your running people are, you’ll find them here.
Recent Stories
New RnR course, Chocolate City Relay applications open, PVTC finishes second at masters indoors, Shoemaker sets 3k AR, DRC starts up again Wednesday.
Runners from local clubs raced the RRCA Club Challenge Feb. 26 in Howard County, Md.
Divided lanes coming to Hains Point, safety measures in the works for the Mount Vernon Trail, three locals make national high school XC meet, local collegians race at NCAAs.
St. Albans and GVS’s Vivian Kelly won their first DC cross country titles while St. Johns’ girls and St. Albans’ Pierre Attiogbe repeated.
Hero Dogs 3rd Annual 5K9
The in-person event at the historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC will include a 5K and 1K fun run. There will also be a virtual option for supporters outside the DC area. Race week festivities will also include an amazing
George Washington Patriot Run
Join George Washington’s Mount Vernon for a 10-miler and 5K race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This race is live and in-person, with a virtual option for those who prefer to run at their own pace and schedule.
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