In 2022, we will be featuring the stories of everyday runners & asking why they started and how they stay motivated? And what advice they would offer to someone just starting out? We are pleased this week to feature Aaron Cook. Aaron, along with his wife, Emily-Rose, are also very involved with the Calumet Region Striders. You will see Aaron at many of our races. Be sure to say “hello” to Aaron when you see him. Thank you, Aaron, for what you do to help local running and in sharing your journey with us!
Why did you start running?
I started running as a means to lose weight for my & Emily-Rose’s wedding. I joined a gym roughly 1 year before our wedding date so that I can lose the weight over the course of that year. Every day I spent at the gym started off with a run on the treadmill and a weight workout immediately after. Over my weight loss journey, I have lost 60-65 lbs and I continue to go to the gym to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and to promote and improve my running.
How did you get started?
After Emily-Rose & I had moved into Crown Point, I participated in the Crown Brewing 5k in 2018, which was the first race I ever won, even though it wasn’t officially timed. At the end of the race, one of the other runners talked with us about Hometown Happenings and the Calumet Region Striders. Then I ran in the Hub Run the following month, found the Strider tent afterwards, and became part of their community ever since.
What is your favorite Hometown Happenings event? 
I’ve always loved the Public Enemy 5K, with the displays of John Dillinger and the 1930s memorabilia. I’ve been a big fan of history and antiques and one of my favorite places to visit was the John Dillinger museum. I really do miss it now that it is gone… Since the races have changed themes over the years, I would say that my current favorite Hometown Happenings event is the Donut Dash. You can’t go wrong with having a donut after going for a run!
What goal do you still want to accomplish with your running?
Since becoming a marathon runner, I have set a goal of completing a sub 3-hour marathon. I have managed to knock almost 14 minutes off of my very first marathon
time, and I am hoping to reach my sub-3 goal at the Erie Marathon in September 2022.
What are your interests/activities outside of running?
I am a competitive fencer and fencing coach at the Northwest Indiana Fencing Club in St. John, IN. I also coach at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL. I love roller coasters, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.
What is your best advice for other runners or those getting started?
Don’t worry about how fast other runners are or how easy some of them may make it look. Focus on your pace and always look for new challenges and set new goals for yourself. It’s always nice to run with companions, so be sure to make lots of friends in the running community, so you can motivate and push each other to reach your goals.