Name: Brian Kapur
Self-described age group: 31
Residence: Arlington
Occupation: Operations manager at a dental office and freelance journalist
Why you run: I run for the physical and mental health benefits. It helped me reverse several health problems and lose 65 pounds. In addition, the thrill of pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible.
When did you get started running: I started running in the summer of 2015.
Have you taken a break from running: No
Training shoe: A mix of the Hoka Clifton (distance), Brooks Launch (speed and race) and New Balance Vongo.
Coach or training group: Lauren Cramer and More Miles To Go Run Squad
The hardest race you’ve ever run: Marine Corps 50k last fall. It was my first ultra and I had to overcome heavy rain, high humidity and hot sun all in one race.
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: It was the Disney Dopey Challenge in 2019 (a 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon over four straight days). But now, with the spring race schedule wiped out, I have started a running streak — at least a mile every day. And I’ll continue it until one of my races happens this year.
Running mentors: Lauren Cramer and Kevin Cuozzo
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: The Arlington loop. I live a quarter-mile from four mile run and can easily hop on to the 16 mile loop and with marathon training, I can add mileage or clip it shorter as needed. The views, elevation and paved path can’t be beat.
Favorite local trail: When I managed the Sterling Road Runner Sports, the Algonkian Trail became my favorite off-road route
My best race was: My first sub-2 hour half marathon at the now-defunct Navy-Air Force Half Marathon
Favorite local race: The Crystal City Twilighter. The night time setting is just so different and it’s always a fun challenge dealing with the heat. Plus once the race is over there’s some great spots to grab a post race meal
Ideal post-run meal: After any long run my immediate go-to is a donut. For Half marathon or longer? All you can eat Korean Barbecue. And anything short, typical breakfast food.
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: GU Cherry Lime Roctane. Also tropical flavored Nuun.
Pet peeve: Cyclists.
Goals: I am currently working towards a sub-5-hour marathon (I’ve finished four marathons, but haven’t solved it yet) and a 1:50 half marathon.
Your advice for a new runner: Get fitted for shoes and insoles and wear non-cotton apparel and socks. That would’ve saved me a lot of pain. Also sign up for a race, that makes it real and gives you a goal.
Favorite running book: Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
Song in your head during a run: Taylor Swift – Shake it off
Have you dealt with a major injury: Some bad cases of peroneal tendonitis.
Running quote: “We all have two battles or two enemies going on. One with the man across from you. The second is with the man inside of you. I think once you control the one inside of you, the one across from you really doesn’t matter. I think that is what we are all trying to do.” — Tony Romo.
It’s a quote from an NFL player, but it really resonates with me as a runner because most of us are chasing our own PRs rather than the tape.
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: You can prepare for any type of race — trail, road, hot, cold, snow, etc — sometimes in the same week. My favorite trails — Four Mile Run, Custis Trail, W&O D and Mount Vernon are all versatile for any distance.
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Join the Officer Down Memorial Page for our inaugural HalfWay 2.5K on November 16, 2024. The HalfWay 2.5K is a fun, global, virtual run to help you prep six months out from the National Police Week 5K. Run or walk
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Inspired by the moral courage of freelance journalist James Foley, the mission of the nonprofit Foley Foundation is to secure the freedom of Americans held captive abroad unjustly by terrorist organizations or rogue states, and to promote journalist safety.
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