August
2019
Steve Esposito
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
A: I’m a mixed bag. But, Binghamton has been home for 7 years, and I absolutely love the big town/small city vibe. I’m proud to be a part of this community. I work like crazy to enjoy the simple things, and some people would describe me as a minimalist.
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Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: I’ve been running for 15 years. I got started because a pretty girl on the cross country team said I should try out!
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Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone? Trails or road?
A: I love both [grouping running and running alone]. You get so much from running and working out with a group, but I also find that the alone time on the track, or on the road puts you in focus and prepares you for the next race; or, grounds you for your day to day struggles. I’m a road runner. I feel that my best running comes off the roads. However, there is something to be said about all the different types of terrain that we encounter…road, trail, track, cross country…Trails are so much fun, but I can never get the trail running “rhythm” down. So, I stick to what I’m used to.
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Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
A; The 5k was my distance in college and I have always loved it. I really like the burn you feel from 5 miles to 10K too. But, my favorite distance would have to be 15K. In a 15k, you get everything – it’s a true runner’s race and I wish there were more 15k opportunities available.
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Q: What's the most rewarding thing about running and how do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A: The people you meet and the places you go. This thing we do has changed my life for the better and is always giving me opportunities to meet people and travel to new races and places. It’s a way of life for me. I always want to run. My problem is not being able to run enough because of time constraints. I work around that with a high quality regimen. It keeps me sharp, and yearning for more. There is little monotony to it, and it’s always interesting. High quality = high oxygen, and we could all use more of that.
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Q: What is your favorite running memory and any goals for the future?
A: I could not recount one single memory…this has been a lifetime of fun. Races, weddings, volunteering, banquet dinners, board meetings, cookouts…the fun never ends when you are with good people. I hope to continue to run well and have fun as I age. We may not realize it, but running is the fountain of youth.
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Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?
A: YES. White rice (from a Chinese venue) and pedialyte. Trust me.
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Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: NEVER stop. This is the gift that keeps on giving. Make it a part of your life and it will pay you back, with interest. I'm inspired by anyone who grinds out their days for their end goal. Running takes time, patience, and sweat. If you can juggle that with full time work and responsibility, you are my hero.
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Running Strong for over
50 years (1971-2021)
