Road Runners: Social Set Preps for the Marathon

The fall social season isn’t the only marathon in town. This Sunday, members of the chic set will compete in the actual ING-sponsored 26.2-mile race. From eating special diets to staying away from the Boom Boom Room, these high-energy folks share their training tips with WWD.


YIGAL AZROUEL, designer

Motivation: I decided at last year’s marathon that it would be a great goal and challenge for the year ahead.

Footwear: Asics

Uniform: Usually a long-sleeve running shirt and running shorts with a hat or headband. I wear a lot of Nike, but I’m testing out some Lululemon Athletica and really like it.

Accessories: Pedometer, heart monitor and a water bottle belt with five mini bottles.

Soundtrack: “Under Pressure,” Queen; “Around the World,” Daft Punk; “Bonnie and Clyde,” Jay-Z and Beyoncé; “7 Nation Army,” White Stripes.

Running Partners: Two good friends.

Training Diet: Lots of carbs and protein, but I started off with Kathy Freston’s Quantum Wellness Cleanse.

Sacrifices: I can’t really have any vices now. A good night’s sleep is so important, so no more late nights and no alcohol.

Post-Marathon Celebration: My goal is to finish in three hours and 15 minutes — basically to qualify for Boston. I guess the training is addictive.



OLIVIER MULLER, executive chef, db Bistro Moderne

Motivation: After seeing last year’s marathon passing by my apartment, the idea of doing it started to grow on me.

Footwear: Asics T9A3N

Uniform: Shorts with T-shirts from Lululemon and Nike.

Accessories: A Garmin watch with heart rate monitor and pedometer.

Soundtrack: “Don’t Phunk With my Heart,” Black Eyed Peas; “One,” “Master of Puppets,” Metallica; any songs by Bob Marley.

Running Partner: I run alone, but for the marathon, I’m part of the Malaria No More team.

Training Diet: Vegetables, potatoes, rice and fruit. I choose lean meat and tend to use a little more olive oil than butter. I make myself a nice pasta plate almost every night. I’ve also designed a runner-friendly menu that I’ve been serving this month at db Bistro Moderne; part of the proceeds will go towards Malaria No More.

Sacrifices: Sleeping in and late nights out. I also had to cut back on alcohol, but allow myself a good cocktail or glass of red wine on my days off.

Post-Marathon Celebration: A big brunch at my place with friends, Champagne, Bloody Marys and red wine along with some cheeses, charcuterie, coq au vin and short ribs.

VERONICA WEBB, model

Motivation: I’ve wanted to do this for 15 years.

Footwear: Asics

Uniform: Under Armour Accessories: Fuel Belt water bottle and a Timex.

Soundtrack: Jay-Z, Alice Smith, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Robin Thicke, Kanye, N.E.R.D.

Running Partners: Team Apollo for HarlemUnited.org.

Training Diet: My friend and nutritionist of 17 years, Oz Garcia, has me on a diet that’s really effective. Fruits that are rich in antioxidants: all berries, açaí, pineapple, papaya, melon, apple, pomegranates, kiwi. Fish that are rich in Omega-3 oils and are low in calories: salmon, halibut, mackerel, sole, bluefish, tuna, mahi-mahi, whitefish, grouper, monkfish, sea bass. Probiotic yogurts, and feta, goat and sheep cheese.

Sacrifices: Complaining! And yes, drinking [alcohol] slows you way, way down. I did have a glass of red wine to deal with PMS last week. I’m still human.

Post-Marathon Celebration: Having earned the right to call myself a marathoner. Then a pedicure and a margarita.


EUAN RELLIE, man-about-town

Motivation: To be thin, good looking and healthy, like everyone in the fashion industry.

Footwear: Brooks Racer ST 4: strong enough for 26 miles, but light. Apparently they will shave minutes off my time.

Uniform: I’m ashamed to admit I wear stretchy shorts when training on the West Side Highway, and a sleeveless running shirt. I get funny looks dropping my sons off at school.

Accessories: Garmin FR60 watch with a foot pod, to measure distance and speed.

Soundtrack: None. I clear my head.

Running Partner: It’s all about me.

Training Diet: Coffee, water, bananas. Spaghetti, apples and green vegetables in the lead-up to the race.

Sacrifices: I have not smoked a cigarette for three months. And I have generally, but not totally, avoided the Boom Boom Room.

Post-Marathon Celebration: Not aching any more. But I’m going to do more of them.


JENNIFER CREEL, socialite and sunglasses designer

Motivation: I am running with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center team because I lost my cousin, Virginia, two years ago to cancer and I wanted to do something in memory of her.

Footwear: Asics

Uniform: Black leggings, top and a zip-front jacket from Ralph Lauren and Nike black, blue or green long-sleeve shirts. Also Nike socks, black or white. Accessories: Nike + iPod — it calculates everything you need and then you can download it on your computer to keep a chart.

Soundtrack: U2, Depeche Mode, Beyoncé, The Cure, Jay-Z, Dave Matthews.

Running Partner: My trainer, Toby Tanser.

Training Diet: Lots of hamburgers and french fries, fish, spinach, fruits and chocolates.

Sacrifices: It’s just made me more conscious of my daily routines and how to take better care of myself.

Post-Marathon Celebration: Hanging out with my children and thinking about what is going to be my goal for next year.