This November, TrackGirlz is proud to be sending a team to New York. As they prepare for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, we are spotlighting the inspiring athletes of our New York Road Runners campaign. Among them is Alexander, a Brooklyn-based runner taking on his first-ever full marathon. For him, this race is more than just 26.2 miles, it is the ultimate test of discipline, resilience, and community.

“This will be my first full marathon, and I think I was just ready to push myself in a new way,” Alexander shares. “I have run a number of half marathons, but I felt ready for a bigger challenge, both mentally and physically. Running a marathon has always been a goal of mine, but I found it hard to prioritize the training needed for a full marathon because of other training commitments and a busy work and personal life. Now, I want to prove to myself that I can commit to something tough and see it through. It feels great to finally make that commitment, and I’m enjoying the process of this training block.”

That sense of structure is not new to Alexander. With a background in competitive sports, he is no stranger to the grind. “I’m used to structure and discipline, which has helped me stay consistent with training despite balancing travel and personal commitments,” he explains. “It has also taught me the importance of rest, recovery, and mindset, three things I lean on heavily in this marathon build.”

The path back to running was not always straightforward. After injuries sidelined him for a stretch, Alexander found himself stepping away from the sport completely. What brought him back? His friends. “Up until late 2024, I had stopped running altogether,” he says. “But seeing my friends train together for different races and marathons inspired me to try again. Their encouragement really kept me committed in the early stages, and I’m extremely grateful for that.”

That motivation has since grown into something bigger, thanks to the Brooklyn running community. “My friends and the wider running community here are the main reason I’m running the NYC Marathon. It’s an incredibly supportive group, accepting of all paces and goals. They’re the reason I get up for early runs. We cheer for each other in races, and the more experienced runners have been so generous with tips. The accountability and support make running something I genuinely look forward to.”

For Alexander, representing Team TrackGirlz at the NYC Marathon ties his personal journey to something greater. “TrackGirlz’s story and mission of community, empowerment, and representation are inspiring, and I’m proud to represent that energy. I was raised by a mother who champions these same values and has spent much of her career working with women and supporting their professional development. I think that’s why I resonate so strongly with TrackGirlz’s mission, and why it feels so special to be running alongside this team.”

With his sights set on a sub-3:30 finish, Alexander is approaching the challenge with focus and perspective. “Physically, I’m sticking to a structured plan with dedicated coaches. Having that guidance lets me trust the process. Mentally, I’m working on staying positive and taking the race one mile at a time. While I would love to hit my time goal, I know there are things that might be out of my control on race day. Ultimately, as long as I cross the finish line, I’ll be proud of what I did.”

To anyone thinking about returning to running or chasing their first big race, Alexander offers simple, honest advice: “Be patient with yourself and take it step by step. I made the mistake of trying to go straight back into the paces and distances I used to run, and it only led to injury. Start small, build up gradually, and find a support system, whether that is friends, coaches, or a local running group. That support makes all the difference.”

For Alexander, this marathon is more than a race, it is a reminder that progress is built one step at a time, and that community can carry you further than you ever imagined.