Running Without Medals or Masks

When a conversation isn’t about PRs, podiums, or perfectly curated race days, you can feel it before the mic ever turns on. This episode of Fireside Chat is one of those moments. Host Jason Bahamundi sits down with Vittorio Aconi, a runner who doesn’t define himself by finish times but by showing up.

Vittorio’s story starts far from a start line. It begins in hospital rooms, with uncertainty, fear, and the life-altering diagnosis of his son with cerebral palsy.

In this honest, human conversation, Vittorio shares how running became a coping tool before it ever became a cause. One run led to one post. One post led to one donated dollar. And eventually, that momentum grew into Strides for Gianluca, a nonprofit rooted in consistency, community, and compassion.

This episode explores running as perspective, not performance. It’s about grief and gratitude sharing the same mile. About parenting, exhaustion, imperfect form, food debates, and finding joy without pretending life is tidy.

If you’re an everyday athlete trying to become a better version of yourself while keeping things fun and meaningful, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Tune in. Have Fun. Follow Your Own Path.

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• Strides 4 Gianluca website