Giovanni Dugay: His Marathon Running Inspires Patients to Run

Giovanni Dugay, 48, assistant professor, Columbia Nursing, gets through his long training runs with the help of a good playlist, which includes Taylor Swift, Journey, Smokey Robinson, Pitbull, and more.

When did you start running, and why? And what is the longest distance you have run? 

I've been running forever! More so since I served in U.S. Army; all we did was run. I’m terrible at it, too. Signing up for races motivates me somewhat to train and get better at it, particularly setting short-term goals.

The longest distance I've run is 26.2 miles

Why are you running the marathon? 

I have always said I'm a terrible runner, so I wanna get better and better, year after year. 

 What’s your goal on race day?  

  I want to improve time from last year, but more importantly finish and finish safely! 

 Does this distance— or this particular race— have any special meaning for you?

It's NEW YORK! Need I say more? There's nothing like it.

 What gets you through your long training runs?  

A good playlist! I shuffle all types of music: Pitbull, Journey, Lil' Wayne, Hendricks, Taylor Swift, Smokey Robinson, Lady Gaga, U2, Springsteen, Joel Osteen, etc.    

 Have you had any particularly special moments during your runs? 

The start of the race! I grew up in Staten Island, where the marathon starts, so its meaningful. 

 Do you see any relationship between your work and your running?

I work with weight loss surgery patients and so I would always mention to patients I've ran marathons in the past. Because of my build, they are shocked, of course! Then I give 'em the 'ol, "If I can do it, you can do it!" Seems to help, because it motivates them to get moving.

Running: No gym necessary.