On November 1, Steve Aguirre will step to the start line of the New York City Marathon with more than 50,000 people. As one of Asphalt Green’s charity racers, Steve is racing not only for himself but also to improve the lives of New Yorkers through sports and fitness. Get to know Steve better, and find out what motivated him to run 26.2.
Q: What motivated you to run the New York City Marathon?
A: The last two years of my life have been insanely challenging. I’ve gone through personal challenges, intellectual challenges, and wanted to top the year off with a physical challenge. I believe adversity helps define your character, and running a marathon has always been a big goal of mine.
Q: How many marathons have you completed?
A: This will be my first marathon!
Q: How long have you been running?
A: I have been running on and off since I was in my mid-twenties. I am 34 now.
Q: How did you get into the sport?
A: I tried running cross country in high school, and I was pretty good at it for the two weeks I trained with the team. Then, the coach made us wear shorts that were as long as my pinky. In high school, that was a traumatic request, so I quit the team. Fast forward eight years later, I thought I would give running a try. I enjoy it because I feel I am naturally pretty good at it; I love the challenge of persevering even when you want to quit.
Q: What do you love about the sport? Who or what inspires you?
A: I am most inspired by the challenge, both physically and mentally. There are many times during a run that you feel like you want to quit or you think to yourself, “There is no way I can run another mile. There is absolutely no way!” However, when you push through, you see that you are humanly capable of so much more than you thought possible. Physically, it is fun to see your time improve and to achieve the “runners high.” Every time I run, I am grateful that I have the ability to go the distance because so many people are physically unable to do so.
Q: How do you stay motivated while training, especially during longer runs?
A: I have few strategies to stay motivated:
- Music keeps me pretty pumped.
- I attempt to pass people on runs—either in Central Park or along the river—to motivate myself to continue to improve.
- I take in the view and enjoy the sites, whether I am in New York or another city.
- I have an attitude of gratitude; I am grateful to have the ability to run.
- I play mind games and tell myself that I will not let my body win out.
- I people watch, which is always fun.
Q: What is your favorite song on your running playlist?
A: I love Milk and Black Spiders by Foals. Great song!
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I used to do stand-up comedy.
Help Steve reach his fundraising goal! Donate here.