Corey Foote

Year: Senior

Hometown: Mayfield, Pa.

Studying: Secondary Mathematics Education

Q: What made you and your friend, Steve Skierski, decide that you were going to run in the Steamtown marathon together?

A: I ran the last two Steamtown marathons, so I definitely wanted to do this one. Steve and I always talked about running one together and making it a huge competition between the two of us. When he decided not to run cross country for Marywood, he said he would run this year’s race with me.

Q: How long have you been running?

A: I have been running since March of 2004, so more than eight years.

Q: What sparked your interest in becoming an active runner?

A: I started running track for Lakeland High School in the 7th grade because it was a sport where every athlete was able to participate. I knew if I played basketball, which was my original passion, I would just be riding the bench. I wanted to run the Steamtown Marathon in 2009, but I had a stress fracture in my foot from my senior track season, which prevented serious training. I took a year off from competitive/serious running and I decided I really missed it. I also knew that I wanted to become a cross country and track coach someday, so I figured running marathons would provide a great experience for me.

Q: What would be some good advice you have for runners who would like to run in a marathon one day?

A: Before starting a training program for the marathon, they should run consistently for a year. It is all up to them if they will make it. As long as they put the work in, they will be fine. They should do at least one long run every week or two where they gradually increase their mileage until they are running between 18 and 20 [miles] for their long run. That should be their main focus, but other shorter runs and speed workouts should be implemented so the runner can actually make the 26.2 mile distance in a decent time.

Steve Skierski

Year: Sophmore

Hometown: Justus, Pa.

Studying: English Secondary Education

Q: What made you and your friend, Corey Foote, decide that you were going to run in the Steamtown marathon together?

A: Corey and I used to race each other on the track because we were the only two guys on the team who would willingly compete in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. I never beat Corey in those races, despite coming close on many occassions. He became very cocky about his wins, even calling himself a “Legend.” After not running against eachother for three years, we have faced off in two five-kilometer footraces this summer. Corey is two years older than me and has run in the marathon twice. I ran one marathon, the “Run for the Red” marathon in the Poconos.

Q: When and where is the Steamtown marathon?

A: The marathon is October 7. It starts at Forest City Regional High School and finishes a grueling 26.2 miles later at Lackawanna County Courthouse.

Q: What sparked your interest to become an active runner?

A: I ran cross country and track in high school and I thoroughly enjoyed the rush running provides. It not only sheds calories and defines muscle groups, but it also frees the soul and helps one find inner peace.

Q: What would be some good advice you have for runners who would like to run in a marathon one day?

A: Train hard, believe in yourself, and eat lots of oranges.