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We come in all shapes and sizes, but run long enough and the sport shapes us. Running molds the human form in ways both beautiful and grotesque. From powerful glutes to black toenails, bulging calves to skinny biceps—the miles mark us as one of the tribe. This is the runner’s body. A photo essay by Reed Young.
The athletes featured belong to Central Park Track Club. Founded in 1972, the club serves more than 400 competitive runners of all ages.
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A Runner's Back
Media Platforms Design Team
Rolanda Bell
Age: 26 Years Running: 18 Average Weekly Mileage: 65 Mile PR: 4:43 5K PR: 16:24.75 10K PR: 36:27 Half Marathon PR: 1:20:48 Favorite Distance: 3,000m steeplechase Favorite Workout: A Part of Hearst Digital Media Strength: Athleticism
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A Runner's Quads and Legs
Media Platforms Design Team
Julius Mutekanga
Age: 26 Years Running: 8 Average Weekly Mileage: 35 400m PR: 46 800m PR: 1:46 Favorite Distance: 500m Favorite Workout: 200What Exactly Is a Tempo Run Strength: Speed
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A Runner's Jump
Media Platforms Design Team
Harrison Hunter
Age: 20 Years Running: 7 Average Weekly Mileage: 50 400m PR: 48.1 800m PR: 1:51.64 Favorite Distance: 800m Favorite Workout: 4 What Exactly Is a Tempo Run Strength: Kick
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A Runner's Abs
Media Platforms Design Team
Francyna Evins
Age: 23 Years Running: 11 Average Weekly Mileage: 5 55m PR: 7.15 60m PR: 7.61 400m PR: 55.68 Favorite Distance: Sprints Favorite Workout: Core workouts Strength: Force application
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A Runner's Back Side
Media Platforms Design Team
Bill Wells
Age: 30 Years Running: 16 Average Weekly Mileage: 70 800m PR: 1:58 Mile PR: 4:24 5K PR: 16:07 10K PR: 34:51 Half Marathon PR: 1:21 Marathon PR: 3:11 Favorite Distance: 800m Favorite Workout: 3 A Part of Hearst Digital Media Strength: Competitiveness
Meggie Sullivan
Age: 26 Years Running: 18 Average Weekly Mileage: 45-50 Mile PR: 4:48 5K PR: 18:30 Favorite Distance: 1500m and 1K Favorite Workout: 12 x 300m Strength: Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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A Runner's Flex
Media Platforms Design Team
Sue Pearsall
Age: 48 Years Running: 18 Average Weekly Mileage: 50 Mile PR: 5:48 5K PR: 20:00 10K PR: 36:27 Half Marathon PR: 1:32 Marathon PR: 3:32 Favorite Distance: 1500m on the track; cross country (any distance) Favorite Workout: 3 Health - Injuries Strength: Tenacity
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A Runner's Legs
Media Platforms Design Team
The athletes featured belong to Central Park Track Club. Founded in 1972, the club serves more than 400 competitive runners of all ages.