The running community its deep. We feel connected to strangers from the mere word of “PR”. The connection between runners goes beyond the confines of gender and class. I am very fortunate in my journey to have met some beautiful souls, amazing people along the way. In the tradition of paying it forward, i wanted to continue the Questions to my former self series. Today we catch up with Aaron Lucci. For the last few summers my main man, Coach Perry Pappas of Wakefield HS XCTF here in Mass, always talked highly about the kids who were amazing runners, leaders and teammates. Lucci was one of those kids, who is now a college graduate.
I was fortunate this past summer Year 5 for me but first time attending week one at Foss Running Camp this is where I got to see and experience the legend of Lucci
Question to my Former Self with Aaron Lucci:
Social Media
Instagram: peachylucci
Twitter: @Green_Lucci
Facebook: Aaron Lucci
First & Last name: Aaron Green Lucci
Age: 23
HS Graduated & year graduated: Wakefield Memorial High School 2014
College & Year of Graduation: The University of Vermont 2018
Running Club: Battle Road Track Club
Events:
PR’s 8kxc 25:04 3k 8:30 mile 4:11 1500 3:51
DATG: Who are your biggest influences in your life and why ?
Aaron Lucci: My two biggest personal influences are defiantly my parents Pam & Rob. My mother ran at Wakefield High school (with coach Deke and Duff) and still runs now, completing her first half marathon this past year(2019). Her parents both started running during the jogging boom of the 1970s, and ran into there late 60s. My grandfather completed his first marathon in the 1980s and my grandmother completed her first half marathon a few years ago 2008 when she was 67 . From day one I have been so fortunate to have overwhelming support from them. My dad did not play any sports in High School (also Wakefield High School) but began running in his late 40s as my sister and I became involved in the sport. My father has had a much bigger influence on my musical tastes. Giving me all of his records, and buying me my first iPod in 2008 (which I still have). He first introduced me to Jazz, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix. I still remember him pulling out Jimi's "Electric Lady Land" Album when I was in 5th grade. Later when I was starting to play bass in school Jazz band he gave me Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters" album, and Charles Mingus's "Mingus 5x" album. Both parents have given me the tools and inspiration to become the runner and musician I am today.
DATG: Who do you listen to or what artists gets you in the zone before competition or do you have different warm up routine ?
Aaron Lucci: I typically do listen to music on the way to competition, but as soon as I am out of the bus or car my ears are out of the headphones. In high school and college I would always try to be a good team member and not isolate myself in a meet setting. I remember Mike Rutt (current UML coaching staff) talking about how he used to do his drills listening to music, but stopped at some point and found he was more relaxed and raced better. I have continued to try to be in the moment in the hours before competition. However on the way to the Battle Road Workout tonight I hope to listen to Mac Demarco.
DATG: if you have a chance to go for a run with anyone in the world who would it be and why ?
Aaron Lucci: I would go for a run with my old roommate Pat Coppinger (Lowell, UVM) because he has the most interesting stories.
DATG: What inspired you to start Vlogging ? What’s the url address (I will Hyperlink it)
Aaron Lucci: I was inspired to start Vlogging after watching Bri Ilarda's VLOG about training and her day to day life. I have always loved taking pictures and this feels like a natural extension of that.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMFDT3NJ7G80FfLCnYccCw?view_as=subscriber
DATG: what’s your go to cereal ?
Aaron Lucci: Cheerios
DATG: What was it liked being Coached by Coach Perry Pappas ?
Aaron Lucci: I got to see Pap turn the program around. He was an assistant until my junior year at which point he became the head cross country couch. I can still remember him explaining what the difference between an aerobic and anaerobic run to us, using a white board as we sat on the outdoor track. I always felt like he could explain why we were doing the workouts he gave us, and he was always learning something new. I had complete trust in him as a coach, and I think that is one of the most important things an athlete can have.
DATG: what advice or experience would you like to share to the future Freshmen who will be entering Wakefield High School and they are interested in running?
Aaron Lucci: I almost played soccer the fall of my freshman year, and making the decision to run cross country was the best decision I have ever made.. Ill say it again running Cross Country was the single best decision I have ever made. My advise , Don't Quit.
DATG: When & Where did you run your personal Best in your most memorable race
Aaron Lucci: A race I will never forget is the America East DMR Indoor 2018. I ran the 1600 leg smart and we finished 2nd. Awesome race, and the only conference medal I got with a relay team in College.
DATG: When did you first started running competively?
Aaron Lucci: I won the middle school mile in 8th grade. That's the first race I can remember being excited leading up to it, hurting during, and feeling exhilarated after.
DATG: Where do yourself in five years ?
Aaron Lucci: In five years I hope to have lowered all of my college PRs. Everything else is out of focus, but I will probably still live in or around Boston, and call my grandparents on Sundays.
DATG: Why do you keep coming back to Foss Running Camp ?
Aaron Lucci: Foss is the first place I met a group of adults who all ran in college and put running first in there day-to-day. Not to mention all the friends from different towns I made in High school who became role models and future teammates. I keep coming back because I know I can pass on that focus and hopefully inspire some high-school kids to run in College. On a selfish level, its the best week of training I get all year.
DATG: why are you still running as a Post Grad ?
Aaron Lucci: The desire to improve my PRs, a love of racing, and a love for training. The first two I have had since day one, running the mile in middle school gym class. Its only been in the past four years I have slowly come to realize just how good it feels to be in great shape and to strive for that feeling. Once you are in love with the process there's no turning back.
DATG: Why battle Road Club
Aaron Lucci: After College I reached out to a few clubs in Boston and Battle Road was the first club to get back to me. Now that I know more about the other clubs around Boston I am glad I am here, because there are no hobby joggers on the team. There is a diversity in ability, but all the people on the team seem to be focused on running. It is also great to now train with a bunch of guys from America East I used to race. (and who used to beat me) I also like that we are underdogs and not too big. USATF Club Nats is next week in PA! (dec14)
Great Questions, I can't wait to hear from other athletes and coaches!!
Best