I am fortunate to have found The United NYC Half Marathon Facebook group and to connect with Cesar Trelles, its founder. On Sunday, Cesar and I will run the 13.1 miles through 5 boroughs of iconic NYC. From the ground up, Cesar has brought 1000's of runners together over the bond of running. For one I am grateful for his dedication to the sport of running and excited to meet in person. Here's a glimpse of Cesar's life and passion for running.

What inspired you to create Cat Runs NYC, a running club and furthermore, social media groups to connect runners?

I started CAT Runs NYC last November after finally qualifying for the 2018 NYC Marathon. I qualified by completing The New York Road Runners 9+1 Program which means I ran 9 of their races and volunteered for 1. Since I had never run a marathon before, I thought the road to preparing for a marathon is likely an interesting one. I figured why not document it and at the same time, inspire people to pick up running on their own. The Facebook groups I have created are simply an attempt to reach out and connect with other runners. I think the running community, in general, is a very motivational and strong-willed community, hence why I wanted to bring like-minded people together!

“We Run NYC Running Club is a running club whose simple purpose is to unite runners from all around the world with one common bond - we all love to run in NYC!" More Here

Would you say running improves your relationship with family, community, and coworkers?

I think it definitely does improve family and community relationships. Running takes dedication and motivation. If you can be motivated and dedicated to running, people will notice and appreciate your hard work ethic.

What is one thing you think all runners have in common?

Runners tend to be highly motivated people. Talk to any runner about the first half-mile, and they will tell you they want to stop. But they don’t. Runners know there are miles ahead, so they keep going and going and going till they reach their destination. Not only that, but runners strive to improve their pace and results. Runners sense of community is amazing. They are always looking to help further a runner with knowledge, tips or even physical help when a runner is down during a race. It’s a sense of community you don’t find in any other sport.

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How important is it for you and generally speaking for people to set personal goals?

I think setting goals is extremely important no matter what your status is in life. It keeps you motivated and from becoming complacent with yourself.

CESAR RUNS UNITED AIRLINES NYC HALFMARATHON

Proceeds benefit Depression2Extinction

"On March 2018 as I run the NYC Half Marathon, I want to run on behalf of “Depression 2 Extinction” to help raise awareness to this illness. Today many still suffer from it and the battle is always ongoing. Any donation you can give towards this cau… — "On March 2018 as I run the NYC Half Marathon, I want to run on behalf of “**Depression 2 Extinction**” to help raise awareness to this illness. Today many still suffer from it and the battle is always ongoing. Any donation you can give towards this cause is greatly appreciated!" Donations can be made **HERE**.

What motivates you the most?

Race Days. I am easily motivated to do training runs especially after thinking about where I was 3 years ago with my weight. Race day is something unique. The vibe and energy of the crowds can do amazing things for a runner. My adrenaline goes through the roof, all of the training I have done leading up to a race pours out of me on race day.

What is your favorite running app?

It used to be Under Armour’s, Map My Fitness but now it is Strava. The amount of information Strava provides is amazing. Plus, the community aspect of it lets you interact with your runner friends also on Strava. I think it’s pretty cool! LOL!

Can you share the most helpful piece of advice you've ever received?

Fear is your worst enemy. Conquer fear and you will conquer life. To this day I haven't conquered all my fears but each fear I face, I know I am becoming a better person!

"I am a busy person just like most of you are! But I refuse to let that stop me. Get out and make time for yourself. Exercise, run and make that the best part of your day!" -CatRunsNYC

What is your proudest personal and professional accomplishment?

Definitely, my proudest personal accomplishment is buying my own home. Growing up my mom couldn’t afford her own house. Professionally, while I have managed to land a successful job for many years, I still think my proudest professional moment is still to come. While I have done well for myself professionally, I can’t say I am passionate about those accomplishments. The best is yet to come from me!

You are established and have a successful career in finance. What's next for you?

Successful doesn’t necessarily mean gratifying. While my career has allowed me to live comfortably and reach goals I have aspired for, there is a personal satisfaction I still need to be fulfilled. I want to help others in general. I want to share the knowledge I’ve amassed over the years. Running and motivational know-how is what comes to mind when asked what I want to share. I also want to help young folks who may be misguided or not have the solid family structure to guide them. I can’t pinpoint how I will do this. Therein lies a challenge for me and right now, that challenge has been accepted!!

We Run NYC Running Club

What is your favorite motivational/inspirational quote?

““In running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.” ”

— - Fred Lebow

I love this quote because it applies to runners in general and obviously you know I love running. It also speaks to the notion of seeing things through to the end. It bothers me when people start something and never finish it. They never see their potential. And if you finish it and it wasn’t the outcome you liked, well at least you know that now and it’s onto the next thing.