Interview with 5K Runner and Local Business Owner Jim Barna

For the upcoming fourth annual “5K for Kindness” Race/Walk next Thursday, May 7th, the St. James Men of Charity is running a series of interviews with some of the local runners that have competed in our 5K for Charity.

Runners/walkers can sign up for the 5K and walk at: http://bit.ly/1C2C69K The event will be a festive family friendly event with food, beverages, face painting for the kids and live music by the Five Old Guys band. For our serious runners, the course is USATF Certified/Sanctioned. Early Registration by 4/28 - $20. After 4/28 & Race Day - $25 USATF Members until 4/28 - $17.

Donations can also be made at http://bit.ly/1C2C69K , with proceeds benefiting local families in need.

Today’s interview is with local runner, fellow Men of Charity Jim Barna, who is the owner of TrueLeaf Kitchens here in Basking Ridge, a great sponsor of our charity 5K.

Jim, thanks for taking time to talk. How long have you been running?

About 3 years - started with my son when he was 8 and he got into running.

What do you like about running?

Clears my mind, but spending time with my son is the best part.

Do you run to train for other sports or for running itself?

For running itself, and to help train my 11 year old son - who I cannot keep up with anymore

I know that feeling. Do you or your son train or race with others?

I run with my son. He runs with a local running club of 3rd-8th graders called Rogue Runners. Great group of kids and amazing coach.

How did you get started in running? How did you progress?

Just decided I needed to add some cardio to my weekly workout schedule in my early 40’s. Invited my son along one day and it has been amazing to see him grow into a great competitive runner. It’s key to focus on good form to avoid injury.

That’s good advice. Any near term goals, distances or races?

My son and I enjoy training for the Spring Lake 5 mile. I’d like to break 20 minutes in a 5K. I’ve run 22 minutes, but my son staring running in the 19’s at age 10. Not sure the old man has it in him to get there, but it’s a goal of mine.

Those are pretty impressive times. What is your training like?

We run 2-3 times a week. A total of about 5-7 miles during track and cross country season. 1-2 times a week in winter and summer.

Any favorite local races?

Basking Ridge Turkey Trot, MOC 5k for Kindness, Spring Lake 5, PEC 5K, and Are you Faster than a Ridge Runner

Those are great races. What is the SJC MOC 5K for Kindness course like? Any tips?

Love the course. Very challenging uphill finish. It’s one of the only, if not the only race, that runs through the streets of downtown BR.

How is the SJC MOC 5K for Kindness event? favorite thing about MOC 5K?

Love the finish, last 1K. We also really love the food and music after the race. It’s fun to spend time socializing with other runners afterward.

Are you running this year’s MOC 5K, and time you are shooting for?

We planned to run, but my son just hurt his lower leg and may not be able to run this year. I’m hoping he heals up in time to run though.

Hopefully, we’ll see you and your son there. When you’re not running, what keeps you busy?

My wife and I stay very busy designing and creating new kitchens and baths at TrueLeaf Kitchens in Basking Ridge. We enjoy skiing and hiking with our boys and spending time down the shore visiting my dad.

Anything else we should know?

Really appreciate the work the MOC does to put together the race. You do a great job and we love Bill McDermott as master of ceremonies!

We are also a big fan of Bill’s, and we are especially a big fan of TrueLeaf Kitchens and appreciate your great support.

The Men of Charity want to thank Jim for his interview and wish him and his son the best of luck next week! Local runners interested in telling us their story can email me at glenn_booth@yahoo.com

The Men of Charity 5K for Kindness will be held at St. James in Basking Ridge on May 7th, with proceeds will benefit local works of charity.

The Men of Charity, a ministry group of the St. James Church in Basking Ridge, is dedicated to performing acts of kindness and service inside and outside the St. James parish community.
The Men of Charity was formed in 2008 to engage in charitable service to the community at large, including clothing drives, volunteering at soup kitchens, and coordinating home repairs. Through the members’ fundraising efforts, the Men of Charity also make donations to individual families in time of need.