MEMBER: Steve Hallman
Name: Steve Hallman
Hometown: Langhorne, PA
High School: Neshaminy High School
Occupation:
Personal Bests:
Career Highlights:
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
By: Kevin Brandon (03/04/19)
Steve, thanks for taking time to speak with us. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you end up in Philadelphia and running with PRTC?
Hi Kev, I`m originally from Langhorne, right outside the city, and moved to Philadelphia for the cheap property, Well, cheaper than were I grew up. I actually ended up joining the PRTC because every once in a while Paul would show up at a local 5k and consistently out kick me at the end. So there's that kind of, can't beat them, join em’ mentality going on there.
When did you first become a runner? Did a specific event compel you to take on the sport?
I started running because my oldest brother, I am the youngest of 4 boys, was a very successful high school runner, so naturally I wanted to be like him, Unfortunately I was not a miler, but I was too small to continue playing hockey, so I stuck with running.
Once you began running, how did your career develop? Take us through day one to today.
I started running in Jr high up until my junior year of High school, where I broke 16 min for the 5k and qualified for states xc. Unfortunately I got hurt before my senior year and actually didn't run a single day again until I was about 26 years old. I knew I was more of a long distance guy and really my only goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon, Now I have goals of qualifying for the OT.
What is a favorite running accomplishment or moment?
Favorite Moment? Probably Qualifying for Boston, mostly because it was my first race back in 8 years. And it was just exciting to see my progression, to be able to break 7 min, 6 min and 5 min in the mile again and really work at everything from scratch. It was fun.
How about a not-so-great moment?
A not so fun moment has been this past couple months dealing with achilles/ piriformis/ sciatica pain. It was tough not knowing how long this would take to heal and to remain positive about the situation.
Regarding your running future, what are your near and long-term goals?
Well, going through what I just went through, my short and long term goals is to just stay healthy, but time-wise to hit the olympic trials qualifier. 7 more min to shave off at this point is a lot, but it keeps me going.
Can you share with us what you're currently up to professionally?
Professionally? If you consider plumbing a professional job, haha. I work for the Union doing commercial plumbing and some residential stuff on the side.
We recently had a discussion about working at heights. I'd personally be terrified. How do you handle being assigned to projects like the new Comcast Technology Center (at 1,121 feet!)?
Yea heights never bothered me. Maybe its genetics? Most of my family are Ironworkers so possibly its in my blood. Also, its how I make a living, so I cant afford to be scared of heights, haha.
You’re a new homeowner in Brewerytown. What attracted you to the neighborhood and how do you like it so far?
Home owning is fun, I chose this neighborhood because it felt like the right time to buy in, hopefully my home value just keeps going up. Plus its within a half mile of the Schuylkill River Trail, obviously that was a plus too.
Any non-running related hobbies, hidden skills or talents we may enjoy hearing about?
Well, most of you guys have seen my passion for eating a lot in a small window of time. But other than that, I love snowboarding and rock climbing, which I’ve recently gotten into. Also traveling, absolutely love traveling. I kind of use running as an excuse too travel. I've done the Dublin marathon, Amsterdam marathon, and am going to Berlin this fall as well. And kind of tour the countries afterwards. If I don`t qualify for the trials this year, I’ll be heading to Tokyo marathon next march for that marathon as well. I am trying to put together a trip to run a marathon, snowboard and rock climb all in the same week.