What is your name (and social handle)?
Sean Zaleski
Tell us about you! Where are you from? What do you do for a living?
Grew up in Perry Township. Graduated from Perry High School. Went to college at The University of Akron for Mechanical Engineering. I have been working for TimkenSteel for the past 16+ years. I have held roles in metallurgical test labs, quality assurance, and currently work in technical services where I help our customers.
How did you get into running?
After high school I signed up for a couple 5k’s. I couldn’t seem to get faster than 20 minutes no matter how hard I tried. Spoiler, I was training wrong. Fast forward I decided I wanted to do an Ironman so I signed up for a 70.3. Along the way I had to run so I did my first 13.1.
Tell us about your biggest running successes, and/or running goals.
Ironman Louisville 2018 in extremely heavy rains and 50F temperatures in summer gear. Haunted Forest 26.2 – 2:59:48 Ran a half PR during that marathon at 1:28:XX. Green Turkey Trot 5k – 18:30 Qualified for Boston 2024 and guaranteed Chicago 2023.
If you could go on a run with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I’m a solo runner so that’s an interesting question. I also don’t get hyped up by celebrities, but with that said I can think of one runner that’s just such a positive person. I’d have to say Casey Neistat.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
Doing something active.
Where is your favorite spot to vacation, or somewhere you would love to travel to?
The mountains. I went to Switzerland for work. I want to go back and actually hike. It’s be amazing to go out there during UTMB.
Name a book that everyone (running related or not) should read.
I really wish I read more.
Favorite food:
Chipotle – it’s a primary food group just below the USG’s Fruit Loops and Lucky Charms.
A genie grants you three wishes. What would they be?
I’ve thought this through so many times. Many people would say to be rich or win the lottery. Sure that’d be cool, but you’d get bored. Trust me you would. 1). To become wealthy by creating a business I truly loved and was passionate about. 2). My wife and I to have optimal health where we never become sick or hurt. 3). For my dog Charlie (beagle) to live in his prime for the rest of our (my wife and I) lives.
What is your best advice for fellow runners?
Listen to your body. Get a coach. Focus on recovery. Skipping a workout can be absolutely necessary when fatigue gets too high. Reduce greatly or ditch the alcohol. Want to see a clear sign it affects you? Watch your resting heart rate when you drink versus don’t. It’ll have a big difference.
