Runner Spotlight: Lawrence
Lawrence has been volunteering with PAWS NY for several years, as both a dog walker and as a foster volunteer. This year, he’s running the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY and we’re so excited to cheer him on!
“Growing up with a dog, I knew how important pets can be in our lives,” he said. “PAWS NY’s mission is so important to me because animals bring me so much joy that I want to help everyone else to experience it as well.”
Read Lawrence’s full Q&A below to learn more about his running journey, his favorite movie director, and his experience as a PAWS NY volunteer!
Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?
I never thought of myself as a runner; in fact, this is my first year taking running seriously. I decided to run the TCS NYC Marathon because it represents something to me. It represents a willingness to become better. No one can wake up one day and run a marathon out of thin air. It takes hard work and determination. So this is my chance to do something better for myself and PAWS NY!
What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?
My first volunteer shift with PAWS NY introduced me to a small dog named Purl, owned by Joan on the Upper East Side. Growing up with a dog, I knew how important pets can be in our lives. I saw how happy Purl made Joan and I wanted to do everything I can to help. PAWS NY’s mission is so important to me because animals bring me so much joy that I want to help everyone else to experience it as well.
Lawrence and his family with Max at Rockefeller Center
Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!
I grew up with a dog named Max, a Dandie Dinmont Terrier. I always looked forward to coming home from school because Max would run to the front door to greet me and never leave my side. He would watch me do homework, sit with me while I played video games, or wait for me to slide him food when eating at the dinner table. He got me through the best and worst times. My favorite memory of Max was when my family took him to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree. Max is a wobbly, uncoordinated dog, who also hates walking, so there were better ideas than walking him in a crowd of people. Instead, I carried him over my shoulder for more than two hours along the packed streets of NYC. He was like a celebrity because so many people were petting him. He made so many people happy as we inched closer to the tree. It was a Christmas to remember!
How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?
I have been running since January of 2023, so I’m still pretty new to this! My favorite place to run is the Hudson River Greenway. On my long runs, I like to run to the Williamsburg Bridge and loop over to the Brooklyn Bridge.
What do you do in your free time (besides run)?
One of my biggest pastimes is cooking!
Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?
When I was in college I opened a hotdog stand. I love Christopher Nolan movies. And I like ice cream even though I’m lactose intolerant.
Lawrence, we’re so happy that you’re running the TCS NYC Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY this year. Thanks for your ongoing commitment as a volunteer! Click here to donate to Lawrence’s fundraising page or support the team overall.