On Sunday, November 3, six athletes ran the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon for Team NYC Outward Bound Schools! The challenging, 26.2-mile race through all five boroughs of the city is an exercise in believing that you are capable of more than you think — a classic Outward Bound lesson. Meet the marathoners who ran in support of our mission to help NYC young people develop the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenge, and live fulfilling lives.
Meet our Runners:
Daniel Cellars
What is your connection to NYC Outward Bound Schools?
Throughout my life I have committed to providing time and resources to education. I see it as the best way to gain control and opportunity in one’s life. This is something that I have done since college, mostly focusing on coaching first generation college students with their homework and SAT prep. Now, as the husband to a teacher and father of two (4-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl), I have also seen firsthand that education extends beyond traditional classrooms, and believe in the value of experiential learning, outdoor activities and physical engagement. NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission to incorporate these elements, especially within NYC public schools, resonates strongly with these feelings and beliefs. I am thrilled to be supporting such a great cause.
What feels most exciting about running the NYC marathon? What motivates you to run?
I was first motivated to run the NYC marathon after watching it in 2021. The energy of the crowd, the ability to push your physical limits and supporting a good cause are what keep me motivated each year. After my first year, I also realized how much I truly enjoyed the training. The routine as well as both the physical and mental benefits are truly incredible. It gives me more energy to keep up with my kids and helps me stay routined in my personal fitness journey. My goal is to make it long enough to run one with my kids!
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
There are countless times I don’t want to run. Running with others is a great remedy as the accountability extends beyond yourself. I also frame the training in my mind not as an option but an obligation, so I can’t skip if it’s raining or if I am tired. Even if it’s not the best run I’ve ever had, I try and remember that it always feels better to get out than to not.
What music do you listen to while you run?
This is something I am continually working on. The music motivates me the most but it’s difficult to listen to that much music. I usually try and do the first half of my runs without noise or with a podcast. I’ve recently been listening to the Acquired podcast as well as Peter Attia.
Do you have any tips for people who are interested in running but don’t know where to start?
I would suggest starting with a concrete goal of a certain number of runs per week, and pick the days before the week starts. Then, just do it. Once you start you can iterate on the best structure (days, miles, type) and goals (time) for you personally, but the key is just to get out there and start making it a habit.
What are your go-to meals pre and post run?
My favorite pre-run food is an english muffin with banana and honey, sometimes jelly too. Post-run, I’m usually looking for electrolyte ice water followed by either a chicken cutlet sandwich or cheeseburger.
Ilan Halal
What is your connection to NYC Outward Bound Schools?
Running the marathon was a personal goal of mine, and being able to connect that goal with a charitable effort was an added bonus. I was educated in the New York City public school system, and connecting with Outward Bound gives me the opportunity to help provide today’s students an enhanced educational experience.
What feels most exciting about running the NYC marathon? What motivates you to run?
Working towards a goal that always seemed near impossible is the most exciting part. This is my first marathon and once you tell enough people that you have set this goal, it’s incredible to see how invested they become in your training and progress.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
I try to keep it simple and not get overwhelmed by the overall training schedule. Most runs are on the shorter side and not a big time commitment, so I just focus on one day. The longer runs I view as an experience and challenge. I find myself looking forward to those.
What music do you listen to while you run?
Lots of Classic Rock and 90s Hip Hop.
Do you have any tips for people who are interested in running but don’t know where to start?
Start slow with short mileage. This will help you avoid prolonged soreness or injury and allow you to make running a routine.
What are your go-to meals pre and post run?
Pre-run, I like coffee and water for any short morning runs. I’ll add peanut butter and banana on toast for the longer ones. Post-run is usually whatever protein is in the fridge.
Laura Senra
What is your connection to NYC Outward Bound Schools?
I serve on the New Leaders, the junior board of NYC Outward Bound Schools. I’m always so impressed by the mission of NYC Outward Bound Schools and the incredible work the organization does to bring equitable and joyful learning to students in our city.
What feels most exciting about running the NYC marathon? What motivates you to run?
The NYC marathon is my favorite race. It’s my hometown race and I love the energy on race day. It’s exhilarating for participants and spectators alike, and it brings out the best of New York. It’s a hard race with lots of elevation changes, but it’s incredibly rewarding! I’m also truly excited to run the race in what hopefully will be cooler temperatures compared to last year.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A training plan helps keep me accountable and on track. I try to remember that for every hard, long run, there is always an easy recovery run around the corner.
What music do you listen to while you run?
I am a big fan of podcasts and audiobooks to get me through races. Right now I’m enjoying the Pivot podcast and the Elon Musk biography.
What are your go-to meals pre and post run?
I love graham crackers for pre-run fuel and pasta is my go-to post-run meal.
Gary Smith
What is your connection to NYC Outward Bound Schools?
I have always been intrigued by Outward Bound. I learned of it years ago through my boss Norman and all the good the Schools do.
What feels most exciting about running the NYC marathon? What motivates you to run?
I am looking forward to the 2024 NYC Marathon as I will be 70 years old and it’s been a while. I ran my first NYC Marathon in 1977 — the second year of the five boroughs.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
I always want to run, so no issue here.
What music do you listen to while you run?
I never listen to anything while running outside, as I enjoy the sounds of the area. While on the “dreadmill” doing hill or speed work, I listen to the Stones, or Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
Do you have any tips for people who are interested in running but don’t know where to start?
Get a good pair of running shoes from a knowledgeable running shop. Ask them if there is a running group you can join and then just run.
What are your go-to meals pre and post run?
Pre-race, I like 2-3 sandwiches of Nutella and cream cheese (yup!). Post-race, a burger and a few Cokes before a beer.
Josh Spiro
What is your connection to NYC Outward Bound Schools?
My wife has been a teacher and administrator at an Outward Bound school for many years, and in that time I’ve seen how experiences such as camping trips, fieldwork, and focusing on real world problems in the classroom can bring shy students out of their shells, help students imagine career paths they never would have known existed or thought possible, and teach kids how to connect with the environment, and be leaders in their communities.
What feels most exciting about running the NYC Marathon? What motivates you to run?
The energy and enthusiasm at last year’s race is part of what inspired me to run, but running has also helped improve my health so much, and I see running the marathon as a culmination of that journey.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
I used to hate running. At some point though, a switch flipped for me where the rewards, both in terms of energy and endorphins, made it an easy decision.
What music do you listen to while you run?
When I’m training, I usually listen to podcasts, but for the marathon, I’m working on a multi-hour playlist with suggestions from friends and family and a vibe change for each of the boroughs I’ll be running through.
Do you have any tips for people who are interested in running but don’t know where to start?
Start small. Run back around your block. Track what you do, and try to do slightly more each day or even each week. Consistency and listening to your body will get you a long way (literally and figuratively).
What are your go-to meals pre- and post-run?
Before a run, I keep things simple with a banana and a cheese stick. After a run, I’ll eat half of whatever is in the fridge.
