February
2020
Philip Geramian
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
A: I’m originally from New York City, NY. I have both my Master and Bachelors in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University. Presently I work in Endicott as an Engineer at Cadence. If I find out you’re a fellow Syracuse Alum, I feel legally obligated to give you a halfhearted “yeah, Go Orange!”
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Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: I’ve been running in some sort on and off since 2011, but I really didn’t put the hammer down till January 2018, when I decided I wanted to run my first 5K, but somehow that 5K turned into me signing up for a half-marathon instead, so my first race ever was the Bridge Run Half in 2018!
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Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone? Trails or road?
A: Running in a group when training is nice, as it gives you other folks to keep yourself up with, or to keep yourself regulated to. But come a race, I prefer to get into a spot where I have some space to myself. I have never been trail running, though one of these days I’ll give it a shot, so by default, road running wins this one!
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Q: What is your favorite distance or race or running gear?
A: The Syracuse NY Half-Marathon, it’s a nice route that isn’t boring, and for most of the race, the locals really come out to cheer everyone on. The only downside is the weather can go however it feels. Running Shoes – Mizuno Wave Inspire (whatever version is current)
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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: I am certainly one of those people that gets a “runners high”, the feeling of finishing a run is awesome. One other thing that I really do like about running is I can just turn off my thoughts and clear my mind, and give the brain a nice reset from everything else going on in life for a bit. On days I am supposed to run, but really don’t feel like it, those are the days that I usually need the run the most, so I remind myself, just get moving, soon enough you’ll be going and feeling better – and most times that does happen.
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Q: What is your favorite running memory and any goals for the future?
A: When I finished my first Marathon this past year, I remember crossing the finish line in Corning and just being so overwhelmed with such feelings of accomplishment. I spent over 4 months just training for that one race and it was finally done. The funny thing was that I felt like I needed to cry from happiness, but I couldn’t, a bit later it hit me the reason I couldn’t cry was because I was so exhausted from the race and low on fluids. Still, it was such a great feeling to check that one off. [As for goals for the future,] I really want to bring my PR time down on the half marathon distance, I’m not mad at the time I have now, but I feel that there is room to be faster!
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Q: Who inspires you most?
A: Other runners, you see people of all kinds go out and run. People who you may have no other commonality with except running will be the support you need for that bit you’re on. And likewise, you can be that support for someone else, and sometimes you really need that random boost to finish.
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Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: STRETCH, don’t let your body tighten up to the point it causes an injury. Some days you’re not going to be as fast as you want to be, and that is okay, you’ll be faster another time. Enjoy every finish line, there’s no such thing as an easy race, you did it.
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Running Strong for over
50 years (1971-2021)
