Member Linda Ferraro
Hi, my name is Linda Ferraro, and I have been the coach of the bi-annual North Jersey Masters Beginner 5K Running Program since 2015, shortly after retiring from a long career in operations and product management.
Becoming a running coach was never on my radar, but as the saying goes, timing is everything. I discovered running almost by accident after attending The Ridgewood RunÂŽ to watch my brother-in-law race. Although I grew up in Ridgewood, I had never attended the event before. As a spectator, I was captivated by the excitement, the diversity of ages, body types, and cultures, and the joy on the faces of people crossing the finish line.
At the time, I was an exhausted mother of two and a busy professional, longing for a source of energy and fulfillment. Having grown up before Title IX and never having had the opportunity to participate in competitive sports, I found running to be an appealing outlet. It offered the chance for some much needed "me time" without requiring a significant investment in equipment. Best of all, it was flexibleâI could run anywhere, at any time, and fit it into my life more easily than I could commit to more structured activities.
Three months later, I completed my first race, a 10K. I cried like a baby when I crossed the finish line and, in that moment, discovered a passion that would lead my life in directions I never could have imagined.
Shortly thereafter, I joined the North Jersey Masters Running Club, a welcoming community of like-minded runners that nurtured my new hobby and opened doors to opportunities such as group training, team racing, and volunteerism. As a nonprofit organization, NJM is built on the strength of its members giving back to the sport and to one another.
Over the next twenty-five years, I served on the club's board and committees, became a USATF and RRCA Level 2 Certified Running Coach, and achieved many personal milestones, including completing my first marathon at age 60. Most recently, I completed two full terms as President of the clubâthe maximum allowedâand I currently serve as Race Director of The Ridgewood RunÂŽ. One might say I have come full circle.
Coaching the North Jersey Masters Beginner Running Program is my way of paying forward the opportunities and support I have received through NJM. I am proud to have introduced more than 1,500 adults, children, grandparents, families, and workplace teams to the sport of running. Every runner has a unique story about their inspiration to run, and it has truly been my privilege to play a small role in their journey and to meet so many wonderful people along the way.
Anyone can learn to run. It is as much a lifestyle choice as it is a sport. Running benefits not only our physical health but also our emotional well-being. It has the power to change lives, and each of us has the ability to step outside our comfort zone and discover the limitless possibilities within our reach.
A few words I try to live by:
Be grateful for your ability to get up in the morning and move.
Running is a gift that keeps on giving; nurture it.
There is strength in community.
Doing a little bit of something every day is better than doing a whole lot of nothing.
Appreciate the moment you are in, because life can change in a heartbeat.
Show up. Consistency, hard work, determination, and patience are the keys to success.
Success is personal.
Be the best version of yourself.
In my âspare timeâ I am a mom to two daughters, have two awesome son in laws, and a grandmother to four grandkids ages seven and under, and love to run with my dog, play pickleball, garden, bake sourdough bread and travel with my husband Mike.
The next session of the North Jersey Masters Beginner Running Program starts on August 19th 2026. We offer midweek and weekday class options and flexible scheduling. We also offer weekend and weekday group runs and track workouts for more experienced runners. Come run with us!
www.njmasters.com
https://njmasters.com/beginner-program/
