Pace Setter : April 2025

Runner Spotlight: Robbie Diamond

 

 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!
I am 33 years old and work for the Town of Colonie water department—been there for nine years now. My wife is also a runner, and I’m lucky to log a lot of my weekly miles with her.

Q: How did you get into running?
I ran local 5Ks as a kid to stay in shape for basketball and baseball, but back then, I saw running as a punishment. After high school, I drifted away from sports and picked up some bad habits. I stopped drinking on September 12, 2021, and slowly started running as an outlet—both physically and mentally. Somewhere along the way, I completely fell in love with the sport, and I haven’t looked back since.

Q: Besides running, do you have any other hobbies or interests?
I love traveling.There’s nothing like exploring a new place on foot—it’s such a different experience than seeing it from a car or bus. I also lift weights, do yoga, and take mobility classes to keep things balanced.

Q: What keeps you motivated?
Where do I even start? I love the process—getting better, putting in the work, staying in shape, clearing my head, competing with local runners, and running with my wife. I enjoy having running as part of my routine, planning my weekends around my long runs. My goal is to run for the rest of my life.

Q: Do you have a favorite race?
That’s an easy one—the Arsenal City Run. I grew up in Watervliet, and my dad started that race back in 1982 when he was the City’s Parks and Rec Director. The Troy Turkey Trot is another favorite. And I have to admit, I’m a little biased toward the Philadelphia Marathon now since I just broke three hours there!

Q: How do you approach training?
I focus on consistency—running, lifting, mobility, and yoga. Most of my runs are at an easy pace, but I mix in speed work once a week. I typically take a rest day every 10 days or so and always include a medium-distance run and a long run each week. I also like racing as part of my training—it helps with pacing, race mentality, and competition.

Q: What’s your peak mileage during marathon training?
I usually hit around 55-60 miles per week. After a marathon, I’ll cut mileage for a few weeks, then sign up for the next one and get back to training.

Q: How do you handle winter running?
I’ve always been a cold-weather runner, but my wife and I finally caved and bought a treadmill this winter. I still prefer to run outside, but at 5:30 AM with snow, ice, and darkness, the treadmill is a safer option. When I do run outside in the dark, I wear a reflective light-up vest.

Q: Let’s talk PRs—what are your best times?
●    5K: 18:10 (ROTG, 2025)
●    10K: 38:34 (Electric City 10K, 2025)
●    Half Marathon: 1:22 (Helderberg to Hudson Half, 2024)
●    Marathon: 2:58 (Philadelphia Marathon, 2024)

Q: Favorite race distance?
Right now, the half marathon.

Q: Go-to shoes for training and racing?
I love the Asics Novablast 4 and 5 for training. For racing, it’s Nike Vaporflys all the way.

Q: Favorite pre- and post-race meals?
Before a race, I always have an English muffin with peanut butter and honey. After? Chipotle—no question.

Q: What’s on your race calendar this year?
Spring is coming, and I’m pumped! I’m running the Electric City 10K, Helderberg to Hudson Half, and the Walkway Over the Hudson Marathon in May. After that, I’ll gear up for the Boilermaker in July, then figure out my fall marathon plans. And of course, I’ll be at the Charlie Diamond 5K in September.

Q: Best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?
Consistency is key. Simple but true.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m honored to be featured this month! Running has given me more than I could ever imagine, and I’m just excited to keep going.