Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Nixon.
Hi Aaron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Philadelphia running community has always been special to me. It’s guided me through a storm in some of my dark days, and has been a constant positive reinforcement when there’s nothing to feel but joy and happiness. I started running after high school as a way to stay fit. What I didn’t know then was how much running would consume my every being in the most transformative way upon lacing up those first pair of running shoes and stepping out the door. The lessons that I have learned through running—both physically and mentally rewarding—yet challenging at the same time, have become woven into every fiber of my body both on and off the road.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is anything ever done smoothly? Absolutely not. I think where I’m at now in life it’s about finding the balance of grace and accountability that I can hold for myself as an adult who has more knowledge. Forgiving yourself after error or because you may not have been your best self because you want to be a good human being. It’s a journey, but one that must be walked and in no way is it linear.
Being a teenager and then experiencing my 20’s, the struggles were always internal rather than external. Finding my voice, believing that I am capable to do anything that I put my mind to, not shrinking back and finally allow myself to be seen and heard by those that extend the same compassion and love to me that I do for them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In 2022 I had the pleasure of being published in Like The Wind, an independent running magazine where I shared my story of how I found running and the benefits it has had not only on my physical health, but my mental health as well. From that, myself & another runner from the Philadelphia running community—as a result from sharing our stories—were blessed with the opportunity to become mural subjects for a mural that now lives in South Philly. What a privilege to be part of Philadelphia history.
I think the power of impact was ignited there at the mural unveiling. Something also clicked for me: the freedom and dignity that comes from sharing your unique personal story. Now I host a pretty new podcast—only a year old—where I can give back to my community and allow others to share their story.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To trust the process, you’ll figure it out, and everything is always happening for you and not to you. It may sound trite, but everything I’ve experienced in life has lead me to something more beautiful, more expansive, more alive, even when I couldn’t see it for myself sometimes. And that comes with betting on yourself and taking a risk which can be frightening. But I’d rather take a risk on myself and lean into the uncertainty, than to have someone give me a no before I even had the chance to give myself a yes.
There’s a beautiful saying I like to live by: “You have yet to meet all of the people that will celebrate you, experience all of the places to travel to that will bring you joy, and memories and laughs that will almost hurt to try and contain to keep from smiling too hard.” I really believe that, and that quote is what keeps me going.
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