Mike Saes | founder Bridge Runners NYC

We all have our reasons, why we ended up being a runner and for most people - being addicted to it.
All different personal stories that we would like to share with you.
This time we have met with one of the founding fathers of the BTG movement and Bridge Runners in NYC - Mike Saes.

- Mike Saes
- New York City - United States
- Runner and founder Bridge Runners NYC - @bridgerunners
- IG handle @mikesaes
- Photo credit: GNP photos @gnp_photos

When did you start calling yourself a runner?

"Probably in 1994 when I started running a 1 mile out and back in my AirMax95´s along South Beach Miami, I loved the hard sand. In 1995 I found a Nike marathon glove along the route in BRooklyn and decided I wanted run it"

How does running affect your life?

"It's the most consistent habit that happens to be healthy. I have been running every Wednesday for almost 16 years now. Maybe missed a dozen or so. I look forward to every Wednesday knowing I will crush personal doubt and at the same time showing strangers an alternative to traditional running. I know once people run with the BR's they will open their senses to the surroundings. Thoughts change from pain to pleasure and the dark unknown looks and smells appealing."

What does the phrase "running culture" mean to you?

"I believe we added "culture" to running. "RUNNERDS" have running customs, some fun like beers and themed races but most of them take it too seriously. Not sure the last time someone brought a headlamp or heart monitor to BR? I believe more people show up in basketball kicks and cotton t-shirts than those that come runnerded out. While eliminating the status quo traits of the running world we built a community based on inspiration through art, music and sometimes speed. Because we are not solely based on speed our runners interact more and unlike the normal laundry talk I hear from traditional runners we talk more about traveling to meet other runners. For us it is a lifestyle that includes new friends and #BTGfamilia. It is more about PBR's than PB's or PR's."

New running communities are popping around the world these years, why do you think this is happening?

"I see that the most productive workouts are in a group activity. This is obviously because of the strength of many. The trick is to make it fun so normally captains are very charismatic and want to show off their City. It is also a lot cheaper than joining a gym so more people are down to try it. One you are hooked it changes your lifestyle for the better."

Do you have any specific core values for your Bridge Runners?

"No judgements. Finish Strong and mostly I would like to think they could lead an inspiring run if I am out of town. We try to lay out the blue print for crew running and to keep the #BTGmovement growing. So basically our job is to Bridge Runners."

A transition can be defined as a training program, where your mileage and speed are build to peak at race day. Have you experienced such a transitions or do you prefer to run with the flow?

"I love runners to flaunt their speed, we are gonna start trackwork again soon but on Wednesdays it is more about absorbing your surroundings. This is why many of our fast runners stray towards more structured workouts with other crews. This is fine because we still have #Squadspeed in full effect and out track coaches are next level."

One of my favorite authors, Haruki Murakami, wrote a book called: "What I talk about, when I talk about running" So let me ask you; what do you talk about, when you talk about running?

"Hmmmm. I guess about who is coming to town or where you are going or how can we help? One you are on or close to the level of running I am on running becomes selfless and you receive satisfaction through others accomplishments. It is all about the push or pull to the finish line so i guess I just try to trick people into not realizing they just ran 7 miles #OnaWednesday. A lot of trickery or shall we say slide of foot?"