NewRo Runners: Fresh Start, Fresh Miles (Plus Weekend Routes 2/8-2/9)
In this issue: Welcome to our new Substack home! Meet our globe-trotting speed coach, save the date for Galentine's drinks, and discover what's new for our 1,800+ amazing runners. Keep scrolling!
From the Soul of My Shoe
New Year, New Moves: Your Newsletter Gets a Refresh
Your newsletter's finding its second wind.
Remember that feeling when you first switched from those ancient running shoes to a fresh pair? That magical mix of "ooh, this is different" and "wow, this feels right"? That's exactly what we're going for with your weekly NewRo newsletter.
Like any good training plan, we're taking this change one step at a time. The essentials you count on—routes, updates, race calendars—aren't going anywhere. But we're gradually adding new features (such as our "Sole Mates" interviews) to better showcase the 1,800+ amazing humans who make this community what it is. Speaking of which, don't miss our inaugural chat with speed coach Cheryl Broas, who loves running so much she wrote a book about it – more on that below!
Changes will roll out over the next few months as we find our stride. Some will work great, others might need adjusting—just like breaking in new shoes. What matters is we're moving forward together.
Talk Back to Me
You wouldn't let a running buddy struggle up a hill alone, right? Same goes here. This newsletter needs your voice to make it better. Love a new feature? Tell me. Think something's missing? I want to hear it. Have a story idea? Bring it. Email me at info@newrorunners.org – consider it our virtual water station chat.
Speaking of support... your $30 annual dues keep our community moving forward (and yes, help make this newsletter happen). Check out "Your $30 Makes Magic Happen" below to see exactly where that magic goes.
🚨 Deadline Alert! 🚨
NYRR Washington Heights Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K Entry Due Feb 9
Want to dance through Washington Heights in a premium long-sleeve shirt? We've got spots for paid members who are NYRR-affiliated with NewRo Runners.
Deadline: February 9 - Don't wait!
Happy running,
Barbara
P.S. Weekend weather forecast: 100% chance of runners. Join us!
Your $30 Makes Magic Happen
Running clubs don't run on good vibes alone (though we've got plenty). For less than the cost of those fancy running socks you've been eyeing, your $30 annual dues unlock a whole year of perks:
NYC Marathon Magic: Special access to race lotteries that could land you a spot in the big show
Safety First: RRCA insurance coverage (because sometimes sidewalks jump out at you)
Race Day Deals: Sweet discounts on local races like Paine to Pain
Weekend Warrior Support: Water and supplies for our legendary group runs
Tax Perks: Your dues count as a donation (your accountant will be proud)
Insider Access: Exclusive race discount codes landing in your inbox (like the NYRR Washington Heights Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K)
Club Cred: Keeps us in good standing with NYRR (kind of a big deal)
Don't wait - keep the magic going. Pay your dues today and stay part of something special.
Save the Date: Galentine's Social!
Friday, February 7 | 6:00 PM | Jill's, Mamaroneck
Ladies, who needs running shoes when you've got running friends? Join us for a casual evening of drinks, laughs, and zero miles.
No RSVP necessary. See you there!
Weekend Run Routes for February 8 & 9
**Watch your inbox and our feeds in case of inclement weather announcements**
Saturday, February 8, 7:50 am
Scarsdale HS Track Parking Lot (off of Wayside Lane)
Two stages: 3 and 6.5 miles
Stage 1:
Exit the parking lot and turn left onto Wayside, then right onto Post Road
Right on Post Road to Popham
Right on Popham to East Parkway
Right on East Parkway to Crane
Right on Crane to Fox Meadow
Quick left onto Fox Meadow to Olmstead
Stage 1 and Stage 2 runners split here
Stage 1 runners only:
Right on Olmstead to Brewster
Right on Brewster to backside of HS track
Run through track area back to parking lot
Stage 2 runners:
Follow Fox Meadow to Quinby
Right on Quinby and climb our favorite hill to Post Road
Right on Post Road back to parking lot
Sunday, February 9, 7:50 am
Super Sunday Bronxville Star Route
Starting Point: 45 Midland Avenue, Bronxville, NY (diagonal street parking available weekends)
7:50 start = home in time for Super Bowl prep!
Start your Super Bowl Sunday right with our morning group run in Bronxville! We call this our "Star Route" because its clever out-and-back design means runners naturally cross paths throughout their run - perfect for keeping the group connected at different paces.
Turn-by-Turn Directions:
From Midland Avenue, head west toward Reformed Church at Pondfield Road
Left on Pondfield Road, past library and Village Hall to Gramatan Avenue
Follow Gramatan over Cross County into Fleetwood to Mount Vernon Steam Academy (≈1.3 miles)
Return on Gramatan to Pondfield Road
For 2.8-mile option: Left on Pondfield, right on Midland to return to start
For longer routes:
Right on Pondfield to Route 22 (3.2 miles), return to Midland
Continue down Midland to Midland Place (4.9 miles), return to start (5.7 miles)
For 6.8-mile route: Right on Pondfield through town, left at Kraft Avenue, left on Midland to finish
For extended route: Continue on Pondfield under railroad tracks to Bronx River Parkway access
Post-Run Refreshment Options
Slave to the Grind (excellent coffee, limited seating)
Parkplace Bagels (no seating)
Your Weekday Running Menu
Because two weekend runs are never enough...
Speed Work: Weekly Fast Pass
Tuesdays | 6:15 PM | Eastchester HS Track
Want to find your fast? Join coaches Cheryl Broas and Claire Meyer for structured workouts that'll make you stronger (and maybe even love intervals). All paces welcome, because speedwork is relative and misery loves company.
Questions? Drop a line to info@newrorunners.org
Trail Junkies: Hibernating (Sort Of)
Our dirt-loving crew is taking a brief hiatus while Mother Nature does her thing. But don't put those trail shoes in deep storage - we'll be back when the mud dries! Watch this space for our spring return.
Want updates on our spring trail running comeback? Email info@newrorunners.org
Race Calendar: Where's Your Next Start Line?
Early spring races: perfect for shaking off winter and testing your training:
March: Racing into Spring
🏃♀️ NYRR Washington Heights Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K | March 2
Important Details:
Must be a paid NewRo Runner for 2025
Must be NYRR-affiliated with NewRo Runners
Entry deadline: February 9
Sign up now →
🏃♀️ ALS Crusaders 5K | March 2 | White Plains
Start your racing season with purpose
Sign up →
🏃♂️ Mudders and Grunters | March 23
Because sometimes you need to play in the mud
Get dirty →
🏃♀️ Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon | March 29
A local favorite with views worth the hills
Join the legend →
April Adventures
🏃♂️ 4 in the Forest | April 6 | Irvington
Four miles of trail running bliss in our backyard
Hit the trails →
Looking Ahead
Got a spring race on your calendar? Share your goals in our Facebook group and Instagram!
Sole Mates: Who's Who in NewRo
Because the best part of running is who you meet along the way.
Meet Cheryl Broas: Speed Coach, Globe Runner, Age-Group Crusher
When you spot Cheryl leading Tuesday night speedwork or cruising through a Saturday morning run, you might not guess she's probably got another age-group win under her belt. But that's Cheryl – quietly crushing goals while making sure everyone else hits theirs too.
How'd you find your way to NewRo Runners?
I signed up for a 5K to support New Rochelle’s Sound Shore Hospital. I arrived on the Iona University Campus and saw racers in NewRo Runners shirts everywhere!! I was curious so introduced myself, met Nina Steinberg, and signed up that week. As a side note, Darren Piester was running and cheering us in a full-on superhero costume! Talk about a welcome!
What's your ideal running weather? (Be honest - we won't judge)
45 to start, 55 to finish and overcast! This winter born Wisconsin girl melts about 65 degrees.
Most memorable running moment - triumph or disaster?
Most memorable running moment: There’s been loads, so many I wrote a book called Runabout. If I had to pick one I couldn’t… best life list marathon/ultras from the gal that’s run 145… Comrades in South Africa, after running all day then entering the new stadium to so much applause I could not hear myself think or the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland running through snow, steam vents, Rhyolite hills, volcanic ash, streams, unbelievable scenery! Both life changing experiences.
What keeps you coming back to group runs?
Coming back to group runs- I run so much better with company! I seem to push harder and run faster. The Speed Group is like family, super supportive and just a wee bit competitive. Love it!
Favorite local route and why?
I live in Bronxville so for me it’s the Bronx River Parkway. I always see NewRo friends on the path!
Solo run soundtrack? (When you're not chatting with the crew)
For years NewRo Runner/Trail Junkie Peter Gross tried to convince me to run listening to podcasts… now I’m a huge fan so no more music on my headphones! Smartless and Wiser than Me are the current favorites.
Treadmill: necessary evil or secret love affair?
I will only run on the treadmill when I’m visiting Wisconsin, we are in the midst of a snowstorm, and I’ve forgotten my gloves! -but even then, I’ll use my socks as gloves.
Know a runner with a story to tell? (That's everyone!) Email us at info@newrorunners.org to nominate yourself or a running buddy for a future feature.
This is brilliant 👏 thank you for moving us forward Barbara!