Tiffany Negri: Runs the Race to Remember Her Father

Tiffany Negri (left), a compliance coordinator at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, at the 2015 Front Runners New York Pride Run with her wife, Marley Dowell.

Tiffany Negri, 29, ran her first marathon last year, close to the two-year anniversary of her father's death. He had run the NYC Marathon, so while on the course, she knew she was literally following in his footsteps. 

When did you start running, and why? And what’s the longest distance you’ve run? 

I started running races in elementary school because my dad was a runner and I loved going to his races. I ran my first race when I was nine because my dad, who was a marathon runner, entered my siblings and me into the race.I won third place in my first ever race and I’ve been hooked ever since!

I’ve always done it for physical fitness and stress management. But when my dad suffered a stroke and he couldn’t run anymore, it was the most devastating thing for him. Seeing that happen to him made me want to run more. I think I’ll be running as long as I can physically do it. 

 The longest distance I’ve run is a marathon (NYC 2014).

 Why are you running the NYC Marathon? 

 I’m running the marathon in memory of my father, but also because running the marathon last year was one of the best experiences of my life. I like to constantly challenge myself and running is fun for me.

 

What’s your goal on race day?  

  My goal on race day is to finish, feel great, and take everything in…it would be nice to PR too! :) 

 Does this distance— or this particular race— have any special meaning for you?

This distance and race mean so much to me because it was the only marathon my father has run, and he always talked about it as I was growing up. I will be running in his footsteps, literally.

What gets you through your long training runs?  

A good playlist and mixing up the locations of my runs gets me through. While I love running in the city, it’s nice to venture out and run near my Mom’s house in Connecticut. I also love running most of the cities bridges to get in some hill training.

 Have you had any particularly special moments during your runs? 

Seeing my family and friends during the NYC Marathon last year was very special. I stopped to hug them every single time I saw them. It didn’t help my time, but it was so exciting! Also, hearing “New York, New York” playing at the start of the marathon was amazing because I remember my father talking about it when I was a kid.

Do you see any relationship between your work and your running?

I feel extra motivated at work if I can get some good long runs in. Meeting my fitness goals helps me feel more confident with accomplishing other achievements.