RWR:MEET WILL NOONAN, ACTOR, COMEDIAN & RUNNER

"Music for me, is all about creating a feeling.  I like all types of music and feel like they all have their moment in your life."

~ Will Noonan  

Okay, so a few weeks ago I was reading this thread on, well, Threads between Des Linden and Kara Goucher.  They were going back and forth about something funny, some smokin' hot basketball player from the 80s, I think?  And three or four comments down, Will Noonan piped in with something hilarious.  And it caught my attention because it was just freaking funny.  So, naturally, I was curious about this guy who I knew right away was a comedian because his handle is @willnoonanthecomedian. No guess work there.  So I did a deep dive and learned that he's based here in Boston which is super cool.  And then, as one does, I did some more digging and after watching a bunch of video clips from his live shows and borderline crying from laughing so hard I noticed one of his photos on Instagram was at a road race.  Cue the bells and whistles.  This guy is funny and he's a runner.  As you may know,  I'm somewhat shameless about reaching out to strangers who seem interesting so I just sent him a direct message and said something like, you're funny and you're a runner, can I profile you in my RUNNERS WHO ROCK series?  And, to my good fortune, he responded right away with a resounding YES!  So here we are now telling a little piece of Will Noonan's running and music story.  But first a little background on Will the actor/comedian.  In his own words:

I've been running seriously for about 10 years (after a few misguided attempts at becoming a runner; START SLOW PEOPLE).  I've also been a full time comedian and actor for over 15 years and running has been a great way to explore the different places I've been, as well as burn off that nice unique type of show business anxiety.  Running has been around me my whole life, as my Dad was a huge runner.  He ran 16 marathons, 10 of which were Bostons. I have yet to do the big 26.2 but I have a few halves under my racing belt and am strongly considering entering Boston next year.  I think love for the sport of running has been exacerbated by the the Nobody Asked Us podcast hosted by Des Linden (who I have loved ever since she smoked the Boston Marathon in 2018) and Kara Goucher who I think knows the sport better than anybody.  And they swear a lot, and I love that.  Anyway, running rules and I'm honored to be featured here.

Take a minute to check out some of Will's shows.  I can't recommend it enough.  Especially if you need a laugh.  And if you happen to be in the Boston area, look up his live schedule as he works A LOT.  I'm going to see him perform at the end of the month and I can not wait.  Okay, enough from me, let's meet Will Noonan, a runner who rocks.

RWR: MEET WILL NOONAN

Name: Will Noonan
Where you're from: Milton, MA
Where you reside now: Boston, MA
Age (if you're ok sharing): 41
Occupation: Comedian & Actor
Blog/website: @willnoonanthecomedian

ON RUNNING & MUSIC:

What do you love most about running? 

My favorite thing about running, is that my body loves it.  I feel like between runs my body builds up stress and on the runs it releases it. 

What do you love most about music? 
Music for me, is all about creating a feeling.  I like all types of music and feel like they all have their moment in your life.  Running wise, it motivates me.  My times when I listen to audiobooks or podcasts is significantly lower than when I am cranking those 180bpm pop remix playlists and pretending I am in a Nike commercial.

WILL'S FAVORITES:
Band (current, all time or both): Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album (current, all time or both): Watch The Throne - Jay Z and Kanye West
Race venue: James Joyce Ramble, Dedham MA & Run to Remember, Boston
Music venue: The Middle East, Boston.
Race distance: 10K
Show you've seen live: Honestly, Lionel Richie was incredible
Ice cream flavor: Cookies & cream

THIS OR THAT?
Sweet or salty? Salty
Live or recorded? Recorded
Coffee or tea? COFFEE
Summer or winter? Winter
Cup or cone? Cone
 

MORE MUSIC INFO:
Which band or artist would you go see tonight if you could? Charley Crockett or the Avett Brothers
Which band or artist (wait...but no longer alive or playing together) would you go see tonight if you could? Queen in their prime
Which band or artist would you like to have dinner with tonight if you could? Snoop Dogg for.....reasons.
Which band or artist would you like to be playing alongside you during your next race (or long run)? I need that dirty, dirty rap, give me 2 Chainz out there

Queen, udiscovermusic.

LAST ONE:
Today, I feel like a…(fill in the blank): WIZARD. I timed my run to end just as the solar eclipse was happening and am convinced I have gained universal good vibes.

Top 5 Songs for running, dancing or both?
‘Till I Collapse - Eminem and Nate Dogg
Break Up The Concrete - The Pretenders
Powerglide - Rae Sremmurd
Plain Jane - A$AP Ferg
Playing God - Polyphia

Last 5 Songs you listened to today?
7 Minute Drill by J Cole
Low Down by Lil Baby
John Deere Green by Joe Diffie
Pick Up Man by Joe Diffie
ABC by Polyphia

Listen to this:

ABC by Polyphia

Polyphia · ABC (feat. Sophia Black)