Art Runner Spotlight: Les Boadu

Dec 18

Les at Bushwick Art Run. Mural by Gumshoe Art. Photo by Filles Garcons Photography.

What got you into running?

One of my best friends Hakiem Simmons got me into running. He convinced me to sign up for the Rock N' Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon in October 2015. I had no idea what I had got myself into. I remember getting to mile 10 and I was ready to quit but the cheers from the spectators kept me going. It’s funny because my Mother had volunteered for the NYC Marathon numerous times in the past. She would always come back after volunteering and mention I should run it one day but I simply ignored it. A few years later, who knew that statement would actually come into fruition. Now I can’t stop running!

“My first Art Run in Bushwick was simply amazing because as a NEW YORKER we are always in a rush. Sometimes we forget to stop and take a moment to observe the work done by the creative beings that decorate our city.”

— Les Boadu

How did you find Runstreet?

I found Runstreet through a hashtag. Yes, I simply searched #ArtRun and boom Runstreet popped up. I followed the Instagram page and decided to do some research. For months, I kept trying to figure out which Art Run I wanted to sign up for. I had a hectic race schedule, so every single Art Run fell on a day that I had a scheduled race. Finally, the summer arrived and I simply had all the time in the world - the perks of being a Special Education teacher. My first Art Run in Bushwick was simply amazing because as a NEW YORKER we are always in a rush. Sometimes we forget to stop and take a moment to observe the work done by the creative beings that decorate our city.

What do you enjoy about running?

When it comes to running, I simply enjoy the fact that you have potential to make progress with every run. I enjoy the sounds that my body makes as I indulge in long runs. I love the fact that running allows you to take control of your actual pace. Running allows you to be your best self. I simply love the fact that you can wake up any time and simply go for a run.

What keeps you motivated to run:

My motivation to keep running comes from my family, friends, students and those that aren’t able to run. I simply run for those that can’t. I appreciate my God given legs because I’m constantly exploring this world with them. I would be lying if I said medals don’t motivate me to run because it definitely motivates me to cross that finish line at every race.

What have been some of your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenges when it comes to running has to be being consistent with fueling my body with nutritious foods to keep me going. I tend to battle fatigue during runs at times and all the signs have pointed to a bad diet, therefore healthy choices are the way to go. I’ve also dealt with struggling to get a full night’s rest before each race.

How do you get through these challenges? I found that meal prepping is the solution to making sure that each meal contains the necessary nutrients to keep me going on my runs. There are so many factors that lead to me failing to gain a full night’s rest. In order to improve in this area, I’ve decided to work on setting a mandatory bed time the night before each race. Also reciting the 5P’s - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance - before bed helps me lol!

Name: Les Boadu ( @les_runs)

Hometown: Yonkers, NY

Currently Living: Queens, NY

Favorite Artist: Pusha T

Favorite Race: Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Miler

Favorites Place To Run: My favorite place to run is simply the streets of NYC. I simply get lost and always end up finding a new part of the city that I haven’t discovered yet. I love running the West Side Highway Greenway.

Favorite Quote: Everyone can't be the best. Challenge yourself to defeat yourself. That way, competition will stare at you fighting, instead of paying attention to what they’re doing. And then, everybody will look at you and see your true potential. You’ll then be the best, without trying to be the best. – Mickey Factz

How many races you've run:

According to ATHLINKS I’ve ran 36 races. This year I ran 3 marathons and 12 half marathons.

Favorite distance to race:

My favorite distance to race is the half marathon.

My proudest running accomplishment: My proudest running accomplishment would have to be running the NYC MARATHON! It’s an experience you have to face yourself.

What is my next big running goal:

My next big running goal is to run all six of the world major marathons. I’ve conquered Chicago and New York City so far. My goal is to run marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, and Berlin in the near future.