Monumental Runner – Brian Kapur

Name: Brian Kapur

Self-described age group: 31

Residence: Arlington

Occupation: Operations manager at a dental office and freelance journalist 

Why you run: I run for the physical and mental health benefits. It helped me reverse several health problems and lose 65 pounds. In addition, the thrill of pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible.

When did you get started running: I started running in the summer of 2015.

Have you taken a break from running:  No

Training shoe: A mix of the Hoka Clifton (distance), Brooks Launch (speed and race) and New Balance Vongo.

Coach or training group: Lauren Cramer and More Miles To Go Run Squad

The hardest race you’ve ever run: Marine Corps 50k last fall. It was my first ultra and I had to overcome heavy rain, high humidity and hot sun all in one race.

Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: It was the Disney Dopey Challenge in 2019 (a 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon over four straight days). But now, with the spring race schedule wiped out, I have started a running streak — at least a mile every day. And I’ll continue it until one of my races happens this year.

Running mentors: Lauren Cramer and Kevin Cuozzo

My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is:  The Arlington loop. I live a quarter-mile from four mile run and can easily hop on to the 16 mile loop and with marathon training, I can add mileage or clip it shorter as needed. The views, elevation and paved path can’t be beat.

Favorite local trail:  When I managed the Sterling Road Runner Sports, the  Algonkian Trail became my favorite off-road route

My best race was: My first sub-2 hour half marathon at the now-defunct Navy-Air Force Half Marathon 

Favorite local race: The Crystal City Twilighter. The night time setting is just so different and it’s always a fun challenge dealing with the heat. Plus once the race is over there’s some great spots to grab a post race meal

Ideal post-run meal: After any long run my immediate go-to is a donut. For Half marathon or longer? All you can eat Korean Barbecue. And anything short, typical breakfast food.

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: GU Cherry Lime Roctane. Also tropical flavored Nuun.

Pet peeve: Cyclists.

Goals: I am currently working towards a sub-5-hour marathon (I’ve finished four marathons, but haven’t solved it yet) and a 1:50 half marathon.

Your advice for a new runner:  Get fitted for shoes and insoles and wear non-cotton apparel and socks. That would’ve saved me a lot of pain. Also sign up for a race, that makes it real and gives you a goal.

Favorite running book: Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance

Song in your head during a run: Taylor Swift – Shake it off

Have you dealt with a major injury: Some bad cases of peroneal tendonitis.

Running quote: “We all have two battles or two enemies going on. One with the man across from you. The second is with the man inside of you. I think once you control the one inside of you, the one across from you really doesn’t matter. I think that is what we are all trying to do.” — Tony Romo.

It’s a quote from an NFL player, but it really resonates with me as a runner because most of us are chasing our own PRs rather than the tape.

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner:  You can prepare for any type of race — trail, road, hot, cold, snow, etc — sometimes in the same week. My favorite trails — Four Mile Run, Custis  Trail, W&O D and Mount Vernon are all versatile for any distance.