FRANCISCO BALAGTAS

Running Coach, Running Consultant to MOTIVNY Physical Therapy Studio, Race Organizer

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE OVERNIGHT BREAKFAST FLAVOR?

Peanut Butter Banana. Believe it or not, I like a stock setup for my Overnight Breakfasts. The flavors come through really well. I am working on experimenting between different milk types. Stay tuned on that one.

Buy Peanut Butter Banana

What initially drew you to the running community in New York?

I was drawn to the NYC running community because I was inspired by the different types of people here. I am continually inspired by runners' stories and goals and their approach to running. Maintaining a connection to the community is important. I think we have a lot to learn from the community, but I also think we have more to give back to it. It's an ecosystem of sorts that I think people need to give back to when they take something from it. The running community has given me so much over the years: Friends, races, experiences, work. And I feel it is my duty to give just as much back.

Morning routine?

I like to get up early everyday. My alarm goes off at 5:00AM, including the weekends. My morning routine consists of more “non-sport” type elements. My actual “go-to” exercise in the morning to wake up is washing the dishes from dinner the night before. It’s one of the things I do to turn my brain on early hours. The calmness or the water running over my hands and motion of it all really helps. Then I pour myself a cup of coffee and sit for about an hour catching up on the news and social and allow myself to power up.

IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING (MONEY DIDN'T MATTER), WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I would love to be able to travel to different cities every two weeks and explore them by running, meeting new people along the way and never having a fixed address.