February R.O.M- Aaron valandra

Congrats to the Ultimate Fit February Runner of the Month, Aaron Valandra!  He has lived in the tri-state for over 30 years and is a web developer.  Aaron currently lives in Newburgh and has been running regularly for about the past 3-4 years.  Here is more on Aaron:

What motivates you to run/walk?
The feeling I get from a good hard run. Oh, and it balances out my “healthy” eating habits. (Eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, and oh, what is that, a waffle with ice cream on it.  Yummy!)

How many races have you participated in? (Estimate if needed)
Around 40 races

What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively?
I technically started running for fun in college, but I only started to really get into it the past few years.

Favorite place to run/walk?
I love running from the downtown Y to Reitz early in the morning. Not only do you get some good hills for training, but you have a scenic view of the city when it is dark outside.

Favorite local race?
The River Run

Favorite race outside of the Tri-State?
Marengo Cave 5K

Farthest you have traveled to do a race?
Cleveland, OH – a few friends and I decided to do the Viking Dash trail race for a sword. It was a disappointment. Our trophy was the size of a paper weight.

Favorite race distance?
Half marathon

Favorite race memory?
Finishing up my second marathon around my goal time. That was the easy part. The 18-weeks beforehand were grueling as I trained with a friend. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.

Funniest race memory?
My friend getting a chalice as a trophy and drinking alcohol out of it after the race.

Craziest thing you saw at or during a race?
A guy dressed up in a Viking outfit at our trail run.

Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink?
Pre-race meal – Pasta and a coke
Post-race meal – Anything and everything

What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
Adidas – can’t go wrong!

How many miles do you run/walk a week?
I run around 30 miles a week.

What are your future goals for running/walking?
Short term – running a 3:25 marathon
Long term – running a sub 3-hour marathon

Favorite time of day to run?
Early morning

Favorite weather to run in?
Cold weather 40-50s.

Music or no music?
Depends – most of the time no, but when I am by myself or on the treadmill than yes.