Name: Palaniappan (Pal) Nagappan

Town: Lebanon, New Hampshire

Where are you from originally and what brought you to this area?
Born and brought up in India. I moved to the USA for my MS in Northeastern University and then moved to Lebanon NH for my first job.

What do you do professionally?
Work as a Quality assurance team lead for a Software company (Ansys).

How long have you been running?
6 months

Why do you run?
For a long time I preferred playing sports in general (love Volleyball, Wallyball, Pickleball etc), but with covid these went slowly out of existence with my usual group of players. Wanted to challenge myself again, with the hope to be physically and mentally fit again with the help of running.

Recent memorable moment while running?
Finishing the Hanover 5k Turkey Trot at a time better than my previous 5k race.

If you like to race, favorite race distance? Why?
Have tried only a 5k so far and would stick with it :)

If you like to race, notable race moment? OR most memorable race?
Shamrock Shuffle Lebanon NH, special one because it was my first race.

Training partners?
Lebanon recreation’s Couch to 5k group. Special mention to our coaches Robert Jones, Keriann Ketcham, Scott King and Matt Sherman.

Cross training activities?
Any outdoor sports activity or playing with my kids during summer time.

Favorite local running route?
Lebanon rail trail.

What made you start running?
Lack of physical fitness and the motivation to challenge myself made me start running.

Why did you join UVRC?
Hoping to meet, learn and enjoy running with the help of UVRC members.

The only running shoe for me is…
Kalenji Active, Jogging Shoes.

Hot or cold weather runner?
Hot weather runner

Morning or evening runner?
Morning

What is your motivation?
Run a 10k without getting injured. Physical fitness and mental well being.

What is your diet like?
Vegetarian, trying hard to cut down on junk food.

If you could run with anyone, who would be the person?
Any or everyone of my running partners from couch to 5k.

Additional input or comments? People to mention?
Robert Jones, Keriann Ketcham, Scott King and Matt Sherman - thanks for being an amazing coach.

Aside from running, what are your hobbies?
Watching and playing sports.