In my college experience I had run 10 K’s in the track. It
was 25 laps on an oval and often times in the heat of the day. Torture
has few other forms on this earth. Sure death of a loved one, divorce and
the ever so popular Chinese water torture. Each of which I would like to
forever more avoid. Some may call running 52 marathons in a year torture
and someone who does it purposefully might be called insane. I prefer the
term Maniac or just The Junkie (thanks Mark). When choosing my race this
weekend I didn’t intend to run the most insane of the four. But other
than the foul weather in the U P of Michigan I
think the Carrollton
County Charity Race would
rise the top of the insane list. The course is essentially 9 out and
backs. And who better to run this insane race than Mr. Insanity
himself…me. Joy! Notice I said insane and not bad. In
fact this race along with my first thon in Humbold,
Texas were two of the more fun
races I have done. While neither of them were great personal performance
for me, I had the opportunity to meet some many great people. Two the
these guys posted comments on the website and I thought I would share them with
you:
Chuck--nice work yesterday. It was exciting to see you battling
back to nearly take second place. Turns out this is the second marathon you and
I have done together this month.
-Don Kern Grand Rapids, MI USA
Monday July 31, 2006 at 10:54:16 (ET)
A few minutes of glory on the gridiron for 40 years of pain
I met Chuck at Carrollton
Charity Races today, where he ran his 31st marathon this year. Chuck is truly
an amazing young man. I related to him how my running has been hampered by the
flare up of a 40 year old knee injury sustained playing football in high
school. What Chuck wanted you to hear is this: If I had only been aware as a
young man the punishment football was inflicting on my body and the long term
cost, I never would have played. I encourage parents, running coaches,
educators and anyone who has influence with young people; counsel them, direct
them, guide them, persuade them, with all of your abilities to seek other
athletic outlets.
-Ron Butterfield Millington, MI USA
- Sunday, July 30, 2006 at 23:26:16 (ET)
I will let the above comments stand as is. If more
elaboration is needed zip me an email.
Other runners showing their faces at the race were Mike Aldrink,
who would go on to win the event in what seemed to be a very comfortable
pace. Watch for Mike A. to smoke the Chicago
this year. If temps are cool enough I think he could crack the OT
standards. He looks very fit. The second place runner was Mike
Ermantrout (sp?) In 2003 we ran at Tybee and I had the upper hand that
day. Today these guys both left me at mile 14 and while I made somewhat
of a comeback with a 10K to go my legs began to cramp and I fell apart during
the last 2 miles. I had caught Mike E only to watch him quickly pull away
as my legs quit working. This was a similar feeling to what I experienced
in New Orleans
in 2003. In 03 I kissed a girl at mile 13 and fell apart shortly there
after. With no one to kiss today…I could only blame my lack of proper
hydration for the bonk. I managed to hobble across the line at the
insistence of SAM THOMPSON who is running fifty 26.2 mile runs in 50 states in
50 days. Sam caught up to me as my cramps had force me to slow jog, stretch
walk mode. Sam, who has the endurance of the Arctic Turn, shouted
nothing but positive thoughts to me as I went on to the finish line. He
makes what I am doing seem rather normal now doesn’t it. I actually felt
lazy when meeting Sam a month ago.
The race had ample water and plenty of support. I just
should have taken better advantage of the amenities. The course was also
the flattest race I have done. Foot Traffic Flat and Tybee are still flat
but this one clearly takes the cake. My polar 625X showed about a 5 foot
fluctuation during the whole race. Now that is flat.
If you are looking for a small no frills race that gives money to
a good cause then head up to Michigan.
31 down and just a few to go. Juneau,
AK is next….any takers?
MJ