Community

MY Sports Club Story: Mashud

Oct 26, 2026

Meet Mashud Ahmed, a 16-year member of NYSC at our Astoria, Queens location. This year, he trained to run 26.2 miles in the TCS NYC Marathon for Make-A-Wish, Mashud’s fitness journey is a testament to consistency, community, and training with purpose. Learn how his local gym community keeps him grounded and how he integrates NYSC strength, cardio, and recovery into his marathon prep.

How long have you been a member of NYSC?

I’ve been a member of NYSC for 16 years, joining shortly after graduating high school in 2010.

What is your favorite thing about your local NYSC community or facility that keeps you coming back year after year?

I was born and raised in Astoria, Queens, so the NYSC community here is really an extension of the neighborhood I grew up in. The diversity is unmatched, and it feels like everyone is a friend or a familiar face. I also appreciate how the facility continues to improve and evolve.

You’re running this year’s TCS NYC Marathon for a special cause. Can you tell us about the organization/charity you’re supporting and why it’s so meaningful to you?

I’m fundraising for Make-A-Wish, supporting children living with critical illnesses. This cause is especially meaningful to me because I personally know children facing serious illnesses, and I’ve seen firsthand how important hope, support, and meaningful experiences can be during such difficult times. Being able to contribute to an organization that brings joy and creates unforgettable memories for these children and their families makes this marathon about so much more than running.

What does a typical week of marathon prep look like for you, and how do you incorporate NYSC (strength training, recovery, cardio, etc.) into your schedule?

My training schedule keeps me active seven days a week, with five days dedicated to running. My runs include easy runs, tempo workouts, interval and speed sessions, and long runs to build the endurance needed for 26.2 miles.

I also incorporate three strength-training sessions at NYSC, split into push, pull, and leg days, to build strength and help prevent injuries. The gym is an essential part of my training. I also use the Star Trac treadmills because I can track my mileage and connect my workouts to my watch—that was especially helpful during the summer when the heat made outdoor training challenging. Recovery is just as important as the training itself, so I take full advantage of the recovery room whenever I can.

Want to support Mashud and his cause? Donate to Team Make-a-Wish using his fundraising link!

Do you have a story about how our Club has helped improve life outside our Club? Submit your MY Sports Club Story here.