Last summer Niles and Cara from EFC came out hard, as cheer squad leaders and runners in our summer series. They are two of the captains of Electric Flight Crew, who will be our host for the first bridge of our 2018 summer series. EFC was founded by friends Josh, Dan and Jono in LA, before eventually having Niles and friend Tom start up a crew here in NY in the summer of 2016. We meet up with EFC captains this past week to hear more about how they are translating EFC to our NYC vibes, and how they are integrating themselves in the NYC running culture.
EFC NYC CAPTAINS:
Niles Vu, Tom Flaherty, Cara Enright, Ryan Welsh, and Marissa Bass
TELL US HOW EFC CAME TO NYC, AND THE PURPOSE BEHIND IT.
Josh and the other founders asked Tom to start the NYC chapter initially through the form of monthly pop-ups before becoming a full fledged site. We always felt that NYC was built for something like EFC, and we wanted to bring new, fun innovative ways to connect people together through the sport of run and fitness in NYC. What better way to do this than evangelizing this than in the form of miles on miles the road & track, kick-ass workouts and "no shower happy hours"?!
WHAT SETS THE NYC CREW APART FROM THE LA FOUNDING CREW?
The work hard + play hard mentality and fast paced environment (literally and figuratively)
DOES THE NYC CREW PLAY NICE WITH THE LA FOUNDING CREW?
Yes, we do events together. Only a few weeks ago our west coast brethren flew out from California to join us here in NYC to celebrate national running day, kicking off the day with a midnight run in Brooklyn, followed by a no shower happy hour. We have running events throughout the year, including mountain races in Copper Mountain, Colorado, and Killington, Vermont.
BUT EFC IS "NOT JUST A RUNNING CREW"?
Our normal monthly calendar comprises about 40% - 50% running. Out of the 4-5 workouts that we have each month, there would be one speed workout and one or two road runs. The others are a circuit workout, a strength-based cross training session, and an in-door studio workout. We're training our members to become a balanced, well-rounded athlete, rather than just a runner.
SO WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL WORKOUT LOOK LIKE?
We start every workout with a huddle to bring the team together, to introduce both new and current members, and to hold space for everyone to show up as who they are. Then, we offer a weekly fitness tip along with motivational words of wisdom that helps serve as a guiding mantra for that day's workout and that week. Afterwards, we bring everyone back together for a post-sweat huddle, followed by our signature "No Shower Happy Hour." #RunHard #PubHard
FAVORITE RUNNING WORKOUT?
60-second hill repeats on the Williamsburg Bridge.
FAVORITE SPOT FOR A POST RUN BEER ("NO SHOWER HAPPY HOUR")?
Blue Haven on Houston: the beers are cheap; the vibes are strong; and fun times are always had. Try the "Good Boy" Salad!
