Runner Chronicles: Aaron Gilliam
The Runner Chronicles
Aaron Gilliam, better known as the Skeleton Runner, grew up skateboarding but turned to running as a way to stay out of trouble. This soon escalated to becoming a D1 athlete and gaining a scholarship. Aaron is a runner you can find on the track but also training for a marathon. So, a runner with many experiences in different miles.
We connected with Aaron for the latest edition of The Runner Chronicles, and it was a blast. He’s a passionate and driven athlete who’s dedicated to inspiring others to take up running and discover the joy that the sport brings. Aaron believes that running is one of the most rewarding journeys anyone can take, and he’s on a mission to help others discover that for themselves. Get ready to be inspired, pick up some tips along the way, and maybe even lace up your shoes for the funnest road in the sport.
When did you first realize your passion for running, and how did it all begin for you?
I got into running around middle school. I found myself going down the wrong path and needed something to help me get through school a little easier. A couple of friends motivated me to join and become a sprinter. I started off doing the 4x400m relay and the 4x100m but realized pretty quickly I wasn’t a sprinter. The coaches noticed I could run farther than some of the other athletes and suggested I try distance running.
I kind of knew I could hold a good pace for distance running—being the fastest at getting away during ding-dong ditching or running from the police after trespassing and skating on unfinished skatepark pools. Once I started winning distance races, I found my passion for it! From there, I was able to go to high school, compete at state and nationally ranked events, and earn a full ride to a Division I school in Louisiana, McNeese State. I moved up the ranks, kept lowering my times, and after earning my bachelor’s degree, I had an extra year of eligibility from COVID. I used it to get my master’s degree and finish my NCAA running career at Tulane University.
Now, I’m outside of school, trying to make a splash in the big pond. I want to see how far I can go. I’ve never been the guy to win big races or a top NCAA athlete, but I’ve got a lot of motivation and passion for the sport. I love how everyone in running is tied to the same feeling, and it’s been a great journey to share with others and help them get motivated. I’d love to keep growing and inspiring others.
You started as a skateboarder and were even sponsored by Zoo York. How did you transition from skateboarding to competitive running?
Was starting the early stages of becoming a pro skateboarder, started off sponsored by a local skate shop called “ Crooks”, they ended up helping me get flow by Zoo York. The transition was pretty uncommon, had a bad ankle break that put me out of skating for a bit and lost filming opportunities for me. Was on a unknown path and got into trouble for no reason just being a kid. Around that time of getting in trouble track season started and couple of friends motivated me to do it with them.
Tell us the story about the transition, do you still do it? How were things different if you kept going with it?
I still skate here and there. My coaches were really against me skating because they know how I get, haha! If I had kept going, I know I could’ve gone pro or at least been close to it. I don’t know if I would’ve finished school, and I don’t know if I’d be on drugs. The area where I’m from isn’t the best, and it’s easy to fall into the wrong path with drugs, get in trouble with the law, or even experience fatal accidents.
You race everything from the mile to the marathon. How do you structure your training to balance both speed and endurance?
I just love a challenge. I want to be a runner who can do it all—anywhere from the mile to even ultra running. With longer races, it’s much more about mentality, staying focused for all that mileage, and fueling your body. For the mile, it’s quick and intense, so you’re able to hold a fast pace for that short time. Mile training involves shorter, quicker workouts, while marathon training focuses more on longer runs and building mental strength for the miles.
You have an ability to take on a broad range of distances. Are you truly more a runner for one of the distances or do have different beliefs?
It’s a little tough to say. Back in college, I would specify whether someone was a sprinter or a distance runner. But these days, I see running as running, no matter the distance. Distance runners can sprint, and sprinters can run distances—it’s just about what you want to do with running. We all share the same pain and journey. It’s like street skaters and vert skaters—different types of skaters, but at the end of the day, it’s still skateboarding.
With mile training, you’re trying to work your anaerobic pace a little more since you’re running close to all-out. With marathon training, you can include some anaerobic work, but it’s mainly more aerobic and volume running. My first marathon experience was a little brutal. I went out a bit too hot and didn’t take any nutrition, which locked up my legs and completely drained me.
What role does social media play in your journey?
I feel social media helps explain my journey to others and allows me to look at the things I’ve faced and overcome. I never thought it would grow into what it is now, and I’ll forever be grateful for the fans and supporters. I want my social media to help others not put limits on themselves and to always push forward on their dreams no matter how crazy they seem.
I wouldn’t say it puts pressure on me or holds me accountable—everyone has been really supportive, even on my bad races. It’s definitely helped me not take running too seriously and enjoy it a lot more. I’m having a lot more fun running, and if I can help grow myself and motivate people, that’s as good as it gets.
What advice would you give to younger athletes trying to go all-in on running?
Enjoy the smallest moments, enjoy your journey and don’t worry about what others think. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Keep dreaming and doing what you want to do! Listen to your bodies and rock out. Challenge yourself and keep dreaming on.
What do you think is the ‘right’ mindset for running?
The right mindset for running would have to be a positive one. I know and have seen some runners who are hard on themselves and expect to do good, and if it’s not good, it’s not enough. I feel like I see that a lot in track running. I know because I used to be like that—used to get really upset when I had bad races and would question if I should continue. It can be a hard phase, and every runner will go through this.
The way I changed it is I stopped caring so much. Don’t get me wrong—I care—but I narrowed it down in a simple way. I’m alive, I’m healthy, and this is all for fun. Whether I have a bad race or a good race, I’m just thankful to be alive another day and to be able to do this. I’m still going to be me, and I’m more than just a runner. At the end of the day, it’s just a race on an oval or a road. There are always other opportunities and races to do.
So, you have to convince a non-runner into running. What would you say?
Oh simple! DON’T RUN!!! It’s hard!!! I’m just kidding—I would say running can take you to places you’d never imagine. Not only can running help you health-wise, but it can also relieve your stress or worries by simply going out for a stroll. Grab a buddy or some music, and go out there and explore!
And how would you explain running to a person who doesn’t get it and even hates it?
I feel where they’re coming from. Running isn’t always fun, but you can make it fun. It can be a complicated thing sometimes. I would explain running as something that’s therapeutic for me. Running outdoors and running with people helps me see how beautiful life can be. No matter your experience, running helps tie those feelings and connections to others. We all breathe heavily and feel pain. It helps remind you that you’re human and shows you how great a tool your body is. I’d recommend joining a run club and getting into it. You’re missing out for sure!
Any running guilty pleasures?
Maybe not knowing different carbon plated shoes that are going to come out! Got to have that money haha.