Happy Monday, Runners! This week’s Member Spotlight Monday is Brian Jung! Read below to learn more about Brian’s journey with running and BWRC!
Q: How long have you been a runner?
Brian: My defining moment as a runner came in 2014 as I struggled through a solo training run after signing up for my first half marathon. Along the trail, a group of cyclists called out “runner ahead” as they approached. I looked around to see who they were talking about. It was me…I was the “runner”!
Q: Why did you start running?
Brian: High school cross country and track had long passed and an annual Turkey Trot 5K had become the extent of my yearly exercise…I needed to get into shape!
Q: How did you find BWRC?
Brian: Soon after catching the running bug, my wife and I registered for our 1st Chicago Marathon in 2015 and signed up to train with CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) at Busse Woods. Even though I was slow and out of shape, I was welcomed! At the time I didn’t know it, but my ‘one-and-done’ marathon would turn out to be only just the beginning!
Q: Why did you join BWRC?
Brian: After taking the winters off between my summer marathons, there was much room for improvement; I was looking to start running year-round with a group of like-minded individuals. While many in the group had different goals and levels of experience, the common thread that bound us was our passion for running and the joy that we got out of helping each other succeed.
Q: Why do you run?
Brian: What began as an exercise ‘chore’ has evolved into a healthy and rewarding lifestyle. Running has helped me to lose weight, improve my overall health and focus, provides structure in my day, goals in my life, and through it I have formed long lasting friendships with incredible individuals who I may have otherwise never met!
Q: Do you have any upcoming races or goals we should know about?
Brian: I am registered for the Carmel Marathon in March, Ragnar (a 200 mile, 12 person relay from Chicago to Madison) in May, the Chicago Marathon for the American Brain Tumor Association’s charity team in memory of my dad in October, and the Tunnel Hill 50 mile ultra marathon, which will be my first, in November!
Q: What does BWRC mean to you?
Brian: BWRC has become like a family to me. There is a feeling of pride in seeing each other work hard and succeed. I am grateful for the knowledge and experience that I have gained from so many talented members of this club and hope to one day be able to pay it forward and inspire others whether it be as a pacer or simply as proof that you don’t need to be fast and fit to begin your running journey!
