NEPTUNE NEWS

Jun 4

Crew Chronicles: Volume No. 2

Friends run with friends all over the world during World Run Day. The day celebrates the joy of running. Neptune Run Crew is joining the party. Members of the Crew shared their running journeys with us to commemorate the occasion. And now, we’re bringing the party to First Street — with you.

NRC x Fluid Realty x lululemon have partnered to provide the Crew with lululemon graphic tees marking World Run Day during the June 5 Happy Hour Run (followed by drinks at Pete’s).

Celebrate with us, while we celebrate with others the sport that brings us all together.

WORLD RUN DAY 2024

MEMBER PANEL

Halle Hughes (left)

Sean Springer (right)

Cameron Alvarez

Steve Lancaster

Shelby Settler (right)

(HALLE): I really got into running when I was in college after completing my first half marathon in Tallahassee. It was a great way to hang out with different types of people, explore new routes, and occupy time between classes and activities.

(CAMERON): About 3 months. I actually started on Valentine’s Day and fell in love with it haha.

(SEAN): My background is in soccer - after college, it felt natural to transition to running. Since then, it's been about 12 years on and off with the sport

(STEVE): I have been a runner for over 50 years….
(SHELBY): Throughout the years, I have intermittently considered myself a runner, mostly due to the advantageous impact it has on my health. I may not maintain a regular running routine, but I value its contribution to my physical activity levels and how it optimized my overall wellbeing.
(HALLE): I love a good challenge so when my friends were talking about signing up for a half marathon, I was like “okay why not?!” Training and creating a routine with my friends was awesome and kept me going!

(CAMERON): I read a David Goggins book and wanted to see if I could push myself. Also, the surf hasn’t been the best this year and I needed to find something to stay active.

(SEAN): Fairly typical story - a girl I liked my senior year of college convinced me to train for and run my first half marathon 😂

(STEVE): I wanted to choose a sport where I wouldn’t have to depend on a coach to put me in the game. I ran the mile in high school and later ran the first Chicago Marathon.

(SHELBY): Initially, I started running to assist cardiovascular fitness. The liberating feeling of running and the stress reduction I experience from it inspires me to include it into my regimen in general.
(HALLE): One of my favorite quotes by Jess Sims, a Peloton instructor, is “You don’t have to, you get to.” It’s such a good reminder that when you’re complaining about running or going to a workout, it really is a blessing! Also, I NEVER EVER regret going for a run or a workout class. I only regret not going! This mindset always motivates me because I know I’ll feel better afterward.

(CAMERON): I stay motivated because of the feeling you get after the run. Accomplished and proud. I get the runner’s high!

(SEAN): I have a life philosophy that if you believe in yourself and put in the work every day, you are capable of anything. Running is a feedback loop that represents that mentality well. Knowing what I'll get back with one more day; one more session; one more mile - is what drives me to lace up on my worst days.

(STEVE): I am motivated to stay in excellent physical shape as long as I can. Running has been helpful in my career. I share my passion for running with my patients and encourage them to stay active. It can be difficult to hit the pavement after a long day in clinic, but it is so rewarding to finish a long run knowing you pushed yourself to your limits.

(SHELBY): To boost my motivation for running on challenging days, I focus on the lasting health advantages such as a higher VO2 max and the great post-run euphoria I have. NRC plays a great role in keeping my drive; their encouragement and sense of unity lighten the pressure and make it something I look forward to. I try to set realistic/feasible goals for myself, try not to compare myself to others, and know each time I will progress.
(HALLE): Running has helped me wake up early and start the day off strong, as I love a good sunrise run. When there’s a race or half marathon on the books, it especially helps me develop a strong routine and stay consistent because you just know you have to train and keep going or it will not turn out well lol.

(CAMERON): Running has played a huge role in my daily routine. Whenever the surf is flat, I go run to stay in shape. It’s also a big mind game and has helped me develop a strong mindset (even outside running)!

(SEAN): Running was definitely the key that unlocked the early bird in me - my day always starts with a morning run or workout. Cuz let's be real - it is just too dang hot in Florida to be logging long runs at 2PM 🥵

(STEVE): I do my best thinking while running and have resolved issues and made many important decisions while running. I would say that running has helped shape the course of my life. It has given me discipline and an outlet for stress.

(SHELBY): Running now forms a vital part in my college and work schedule since it gives me rhythm and a mental break from studying. Managing the demands while remaining active and engaged feels possible because of the inspiration and support from being in NRC!
(HALLE): My favorite running route is probably going from Old Ponte Vedra to Mickler’s beach and then getting a ride back home ;) it’s about 5 miles from the PV club which is where we would start. I grew up in PV and love the vibes down there so running there is always a good time.

(CAMERON): The NRC Friday Morning route! It’s special to me because it was the first time I ran over 1 mile. My first ever run was 1 mile. The second run I did was the NRC Friday morning route. I was terrified that I couldn’t do it. I pushed myself and it felt amazing.
(SEAN): 1st street, Jax to Atlantic Beach. I moved to Jacksonville in 2022 and didn't know a single soul in the city. I've met so many amazing people and cultivated so many friendships jogging up and down that route - it really confirms that running is so much more than just a sport.
(SHELBY): Running before the sunrise in NYC during my high school years an whenI first started running brought me to special kind of peace because the city seemed so calm before the daily grind started. I find that comfort from my morning runs here in AB/PVB and the background is now the ocean views instead of skyscrapers. I still find that the early hours whether it’s a big city or here, grounds me.
(HALLE): I enjoy running with one other person or a couple people! It boosts my stamina and makes the run more enjoyable with a good conversation. (Although I do love a solo run where you can blast music too)

(CAMERON): I like doing solo tempo/interval runs. Other runs, I love doing it with a group. I enjoy meeting people every step of the way (especially at NRC)!
(SEAN): Group runs, hands down. Running with friends is just plain better.
(STEVE): I love running with this group. Neptune Run Crew brings people together and offers a positive experience no matter what age, sex, or mile pace. It’s the camaraderie I look forward to weekly. I meet new friends each week and recognize them around the community. It’s the NRC vibe that makes it all worthwhile. Friends running with friends.
(SHELBY): I like running alone as much in a group setting. While alone, I get to decompress thoughts and have some solitude. But while in a group, I’m provided social connection, energy from one another, and inspiration to run a little further or faster than I would alone. Both keep it interesting and varied!

MEET YOUR CREW CAPTAINS

Introducing our NRC Captains OUR NRC Captains! As our crew and event calendar grows, so does does our leadership team. These faces have helped make NRC what it is today. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been with us since the jump, our Captains are here to guide you, support you, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Dave Farraday

Hi! My name is Dave, and, while I’m originally from Pennsylvania, I have lived in Jax for 40 years. It’s my home. I love it here. I have been running for 17 years. The large and friendly running community here make this a special place.

What do you think is special about NRC?

When I think of NRC, five words immediately pop into my mind: “friends running with friends” and “community” - this is what NRC is all about! The team has stayed true to these goals, and I know it’s two of the many things that everyone running with NRC believes in and enjoys.

You are at the top of the leaderboard for the Jacksonville Grand Prix. What is your advice for those looking to get more into racing?

There are a lot of race options in Jax. Whether it’s the race location, race distance, or race gear being given away (gotta get that swag and bling), racing is a great way to stay motivated for your runs. Races also improve your running, get your competitive juices flowing, and best of all, help you meet new runners. Never be intimidated by a race. Do your best and have fun! That’s what I do. 😁