Runner Spotlight: Carsen
Volunteer Carsen joined PAWS NY in honor of her childhood dog Bailey, who passed away in 2021. Now she’s running the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon–her first-ever long race after recovering from an ACL injury–on behalf of PAWS NY!
This Brooklynite is a published children’s book author and screenwriter who loves to run in Prospect Park! Read her full Q&A to learn more about Carsen and get excited to cheer her on this November.
Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon?
After recovering from a devastating ACL injury a few years ago, I’ve always had the goal of training for and completing a marathon. It’s my first long race!
What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?
My childhood dog (and best friend) Bailey passed away at the age of 16 in 2021. I joined PAWS NY as a volunteer to give back to the pets and people of my community in her honor. For me, nothing is more important than the bond between an owner and their pet.
Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!
I grew up with a rescue mutt named Bailey for most of my life. Now I have two beloved rescue cats, Goose (a 7-year-old Siamese) and Buffy (a 4-year-old tabby).
How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?
I’ve been running for about ten years. Prospect Park is my favorite running spot in the city, but back home, it’s Riverfront Park in Jacksonville, Florida.
What do you do in your free time (besides run)?
I perform live with sketch comedy team, One Bad Egg, all over New York. I’m also a published children’s author and screenwriter.
Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?
- I used to work as a zookeeper!
- I was once a contestant on Jeopardy!
What are your goals for this race?
I’m aiming to finish with a time of 4:50! I’ve been training on a six-month plan and feeling confident so far!
We’re so excited to have such dedicated volunteers running on behalf of PAWS NY this year for the Marathon. Click here to donate to Carsen’s fundraising page or support the team overall.