Small Business Spotlight: Run Street
GET IN TOUCH: RUNSTREET WEBSITE / RUNSTREET INSTAGRAM
RunStreet is an NYC-based conglomerate of personal training, curated 5k Art Runs, and a running/wellness blog all ran by (no pun intended) powerhouse, Marnie Kunz. Marnie, founder of RunStreet, creator of Art Runs and the founder of Body by Runstreet workout programs, is a lifelong runner, writer, traveler, dog lover, and a RRCA- and USATF-certified run coach and NASM-certified personal trainer.
She believes running is a very powerful form of self-care and would like to share why, as well as share some running tips for beginners. Enjoy!
Q + A with Marnie
1. Can you tell me a little bit about you and your company RunStreet?
Yes, I started RunStreet as a blog actually because I was freelance writing a lot and wanted to create my own site about something I loved, which is running. I've been running ever since I competed in track and cross country in high school and college. I became a running coach when I started my blog in 2010 so that I would have more authority for my training articles. Since then, I started a Brooklyn running group and created Art Runs as a fun way for runners to get in a workout while socializing and learning about the beautiful street art in our communities.
2. What’s the advantage of working with a personal trainer?
A personal trainer can create an individual fitness plan to meet you where you are at with your fitness and help you reach higher levels. Many people do workouts on their own but without a strategy and then get stuck in a fitness rut, or worse, stop doing the workouts entirely. A trainer can help you stay motivated and accountable and help you meet your fitness goals.
3. What makes you/Runstreet different from other personal trainers?
I offer a supportive and encouraging program that is also based on science and lots of first-hand experience. Growing up as a female athlete, I've had many friends and teammates who experienced eating disorders and body image issues, so I am particularly sensitive to helping people reach their fitness goals in a safe and supportive space. Physical and mental health are closely related so I also take people's mental states, and stress levels into account when I create a training program for them.
4. How do you usually motivate yourself and your clients to go on runs?
I schedule my runs each week and encourage my clients to schedule theirs too. When you make time and put workouts on your calendar, that helps you stay on track with your workouts and lessens your chances of getting sidetracked. I also have people figure out and then record their Main Goal and stay focused on that. Your Main Goal is your biggest fitness goal and I have clients go through a process of measuring the goal and breaking it up into milestones to help them accomplish it.
5. What would you say to someone who is interested in taking up running, but is a little out of shape and is intimidated by running in a busy city like New York?
I would say start small. Many people get excited and think they have to run hard and fast when they first start running but that often leads to burnout and injuries. Take small, consistent steps and you will make lasting progress. If you are just beginning running, for instance, start with a run-walk program and run for 2 minutes, walk for 2 minutes for 20 minutes. Over time, add more running time and less walking time until you can do a whole 30 minutes of running. Also, going with someone—a friend or your dog—can be a great motivator and less intimidating than going on your own.
6. What would you say to the person who says they don't have time to work out?
Sit down and look at your schedule (or make one if you don't have one) and you will be able to find 30 minutes a few times a week to exercise. Even 10 minutes a day to start will give you physical and mental benefits, and soon you'll want to make exercise a top priority in your schedule.
7. What are your 3 golden rules when it comes to getting in shape (or around running)?
Be consistent but gentle. Everyone misses a workout once in a while but don't let it derail you—get back into your workout program the next day.
Have fun. Pick exercises you generally enjoy and you will be much more likely to stick with your fitness program.
Set measurable goals. Many people say "I want to lose weight" or "I want to get fit" but they never know if they reach that because they do not quantify the goal. You do not need to become obsessed with numbers on the scale but think of a way to measure your progress—maybe you want to run your first 5K, bench press a certain amount of weight, or be able to run a mile. Making your goals measurable will help you succeed.
8. It's about to get real hot in New York. What are some running tips you have for the summer time?
Stay hydrated by drinking water often—carry a water bottle with you everywhere. Also, avoid peak heat times and exercise before 10 am or after 6 pm. Always use sunscreen for your skin's health too.
9. How do you find running affects your mental health and overall well-being?
Running is the best thing I do for my mental health. It has helped me to deal with my anxiety and the stress of living. There are so many times when I leave for a run feeling anxious and stressed and when I return, I feel relaxed and happy that I accomplished something. Running and exercise in general releases endorphins, which makes you feel good.
10. We learned about your Art Runs from your website and love the concept. Could you tell us a little more about it and the impact it's had on the community?
Thank you! The Art Runs have been a really fun way I've been able to build a running community in NYC, Chicago, and other cities. I created the Art Runs when I was moving around Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan and finding lots of great street art on my runs. I would post the art and people would ask me where I found it. So I decided to lead a 5K Art Run and show them the art and tell them more about the artists behind the walls.
The first Art Run was in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This caught on quickly and a friend in Chicago invited me to do an Art Run there, and now we have a whole Chicago team who leads Art Runs as well as Art Runs in NYC and sometimes special events in LA and other cities.
The Art Runs are a fun way to get in a 5K run while meeting people and learning more about our communities. I've partnered with many charities in the past for Art Runs and we've raised money for community art initiatives, animal rescue, LGBTQ+ health care, and environmental groups.
“We have an Audubon Murals Art Run and Walk coming up in NYC and I am really looking forward to it. Half of the ticket proceeds go to the National Audubon Society's Bird Mural Project, which raises awareness about climate change's impact on birds. You can see all of our upcoming Art Run events at www.Runstreet.com/events.”