For our eighth and final episode of Habitual Routine, we chat with Lauren Nazarieh.  Lauren, a lifelong New Yorker from Kew Gardens, Queens, began running through circumstance. With gym closures and indoor activities non-existent, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed athletes outside creating a whole new group of people discovering the transformative power of running. After her grandfather passed away due to COVID-19 and the stressors of a pandemic, Lauren was looking for an outlet to help process the difficult emotions of a turbulent world. After her first race at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K in June of 2021, she was hooked and decided to take on the TCS New York City Marathon, only a year after taking her first running steps.  We talk to Lauren about the journey of finding running, her deep roots as a New Yorker, and the excitement and emotions around running a marathon in her city.  Thanks to Mastercard for supporting this episode of the podcast. Mastercard wishes runners of the TCS New York City Marathon a wonderful journey to the finish line. Your determination inspires us all to Start Something Priceless! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/habitualroutine/message