Monumental Runner – Cody Uhing

Name: Cody Uhing

Self-described age group: 25-29

Residence: SE D.C.

Occupation: Press Secretary, First Five Years Fund

Why you run: There is no better way to learn about your city than hitting the streets. When I first moved to D.C., knowing no one, I decided it was time to pick a hobby that got me out of my neighborhood and into the city. Since then, I joined a running club and my motivation became running my first marathon. Like many others, that first marathon was all it took. I signed up for my second the next year. This year, I am taking my running home to Nebraska for the Sept. 15 Omaha Marathon, which is also going to be my final long training run for the MCM50K.

When did you get started running: As a high school student I was never fast enough to compete in track, and our small town had no XC team. That said, I still enjoyed the alone time I had when I would go for a run around town. Now I do it for the camaraderie and friendships I have made over the years of running in D.C.

Have you taken a break from running: In college.

Training shoe: Saucony Kinvara and On Cloudflow

Coach or training group: Capitol Hill Running Club

Running mentors: Col. Ray Celeste

My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: A tossup between the Mount Vernon Trail and the Metropolitan Branch Trail.

Favorite local trail: Rock Creek Park

My best race was: My first Marine Corps Marathon. Not because of my finishing time, but because I finished what I never expected to do.

Favorite local race: I have never run a race in D.C. I didn’t love. Whether it is the Marine Corps Marathon, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Miler, or Rock ‘n’ Roll D.C., I have always enjoyed the run.

Ideal post-run meal: I always leave a race and head straight to brunch, preferably with chicken and waffles and mimosas on the menu.

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: I carry a few packets of Welch’s mixed fruit flavored fruit snacks during my long runs and races. It’s not scientific, but it tastes great at mile 20.

Pet peeve: Dodging tourists who take up valuable sidewalk space.

Goals: BQ!

Your advice for a new runner: Never underestimate the power of good shoes. We have some amazing running stores in the DMV.

Favorite running book: The Incomplete Book of Running by Peter Segal

Song in your head during a run: Running on Empty by Jackson Browne

Have you dealt with a major injury: Luckily no…(knock on wood)

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: No matter what part of the city you’re in, there is always a runner going by. The running community makes the long slog through summer training worth it. Also, you can’t beat the beautiful scenery and amazing trails that we are spoiled with throughout the entire region.