Interview With Mr. B

I consider Richard Bernstein a very admirable person. His admirable qualities are numerous, but one stands out more than the others: his ability to use his positive attitude to instill a sense of confidence and drive in someone. This is something he does as a guidance counselor, and as the coach of the Cross Country team at Ithaca High School.

            Originally Rich wanted to play basketball. He tried out for the basketball team at the college he attended, Syracuse University. Today the Syracuse University basketball team is considered one of the top college teams in the nation. So, even though Rich didn’t make the team, the attempt is still impressive. He kept playing basketball though, and participated in an intramural team. He continued to live in Syracuse after graduating and taught, and was introduced to an activity that would soon become a new passion; jogging.  He joined the Syracuse track club, and began running over 100 miles per week. “I kinda fell in love with the sport.” Bernstein reminisces.

            After getting married, the Bernstein’s relocated to Ithaca, New York, where Rich applied for a job as the assistant track coach on the Ithaca High School track team. To his surprise he was given the job of the head track coach! Soon after beginning work he realized his passion was geared more towards strictly distance running, and so two years later, Richard Bernstein became a cross-country coach.  

            Mr. Bernstein has established himself as respected guidance counselor and well loved cross-country coach, and has a great schedule set for his runners. “For 4 to 5 weeks it’s just easy running; getting a base in about 30 to 45 minutes a day. Then there are long runs, a tempo work out, and one speed work out a week. The boys take a day off every ten days and girls take a day off every week. Some cross train, and flexibility is key.”

            Rich says that one of the most gratifying parts of his job is hearing back from a previous high school runner. “Getting a message from a past cross country kid saying “I ran my first marathon!” – That’s what makes my day.” “My goal is to have this as their life support…to have a passion just to run,” he says.

            Richard Bernstein’s positive attitude and passion for the sport certainly shine, and his passion is contagious: he has made me more and more excited to continue the processes of becoming a runner.

            “If you’re stressed, just put on your shoes and go for a run.”