Always smiling, Young is one of those approachable whippets who you see at the track meets and random outings. He has been a Whippet since 2013. Besides running, you can find him hiking and snowboarding, or exploring NYC. After you read his running story, check out his upcoming event: Bayside to Flushing Fun Run (Cause Chinese Food)

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I was never athletic and never competed in any sports, but I started running after college to stop a bulge in my midsection from growing. Running soon became a de-stressor—a meditative session where I only think about my next step, my next breath. That is why I don’t like to run with music; I like to hear my surroundings, whether it is the rustle of the leaves under my feet or the jarring honk of a car that passes me by.

The cancellation of 2012 NYCM tested my relationship with running as I lost all motivation to run. I still signed up for random races including marathons, but I put in no effort in training. I needed something to break the inertia and joined the Whippets in November 2013. Given that I live in eastern Queens and worked in Stamford at the time, I liked the flexibility of the different meetups throughout the city whereas the other teams were more localized. I spent most of my first workouts at the East Side Track, and I quickly learned why people run on a team. Scott cheered me on from the very first workout, and the entire team has been cheering me on ever since.

The team inspires me and humbles me. Moreover, the team encourages me to be a better runner.

When I’m not running, you may find me hiking or snowboarding or just exploring my city. I pay my bills by being employed by an insurer analyzing risk.