About me
My name is Francesca Di Matteo and I have been living in Manhattan since 2017. I am the creator, founder and President of the Italian Road Runners Club.
What do I do for a living?
I’m a TV journalist, anchorwoman, media producer, founder and CEO of a communication company in the US.
My hobbies
I have been a runner since 2019, but a sport enthusiasts since I was a teenager. When I was 16, I was already a male soccer referee and a I was also playing volleyball. Six years ago I earned my certification as advanced scuba diver. I practice meditation and I follow a healthy lifestyle.
THE FIRST ITALIAN ROAD RUNNERS CLUB IN THE US
Story of a runner by chance ...
They said that big ideas were born by change. I prefer to believe in things we are naturally drawn to. They are often connected to our path.
Everything starts the 2nd of June of 2019. Central Park hosts the Italy Run organized by Ferrero with the New York Road Runners. As a reporter of the race, I participated to better understand the spirit of being a runner. At the finish line, with sore legs and out of breath, I realized running was my sport, running was part of my life. I wanted to be a runner.
Race after race, mile after mile, I participated in my first half marathon, the Staten Island Half Marathon, held in October. My pace was brilliant, scoring 1:52’ at the finish line. In November, my 9+1 races are completed and I am qualified for the TCS New York Marathon 2020.
Am I addicted to running? My answer is not. Every time I put running shoes on, I would prefer a pair of slippers. Every time outside is so cold, I dream of a couch. So what does it push myself to go out for a run? The satisfaction at end of the race. Running becomes a trip between a personal challenge and knowledge of oneself. You can look inside yourself to know your own limits and your endless possibilities.
By running, I realized how important is diligence, perseverance, passion, persistence, determination, and focus. In other words, I realized what it means to go beyond my limits and myself.
In December 2019, many running clubs were born so I thought to create one for the Italian runners. I chose the name Italian Road Runners as a tribute to Road Runners Club of America and to NYRR with whom my story as a runner started.