Running America 2008 may be over but the goals will live on. My goal of changing America’s attitude towards childhood obesity will continue until the job is done. My personal goal of exploring my physical and emotional limitations will continue. And my goal of breaking the Trans Continental record will live on until I am successful.
Running America 2008 was a complete success on many fronts. We touched thousands of lives as we crossed the country. We visited towns and schools that we will always remember. We saw landscapes and sunrises that are now etched into memory. Running America was never about running for me. It was about having an experience, learning more about myself and interacting with Americans. Running is the selfish part that is necessary for me to forge ahead. Having a goal is critical. Reaching it is not so important. My goal was to set a new record. That didn’t happen this time. Maybe I will reach this goal next year.
Optimism abounds in America right now and I plan to remain optimistic about my chances of breaking this record. I made many mistakes in planning for RA08. The work load leading up to it was overwhelming. I was exhausted even before I started running. Thankfully Marshall was able to benefit and fight thru to the finish. He has run for a very long time and he truly deserved this opportunity.
That’s it for today. I will continue to post blogs here every couple of days for the time being I will be announcing my next adventures in the very near future.
As always, thanks to all of you who have tracked this journey and helped me along the way.
Charlie
Charlie, we will always remember you too! We were so fortunate to have been one of those towns and schools that you visited! We anxiously await another visit from you! The students have collectively logged approximately 900 miles as of this past Monday! We are still going strong!!!
Comment by Mrs. Wehling and Students at Sidney (IA) Elementary — November 7, 2008 @ 9:57 am
Depsite your difficulties, I am very proud of you! Atleast you have the courage to trek on, even if it is on bicycle! Many people, at the point of being defeated in their personal goal, would give up. You did not and I commend you for that!!
I assume you finished the last 500 miles on your bike?
Comment by Wendi — November 7, 2008 @ 11:56 am
Charlie,
Here’s to squeezing the most out of this Grand adventure of LIFE. I am motivated by your indefatigable optimism and commitment, no matter what, to press on. It’s less about where you get, and more about the process, that makes us who we are. Your life and exploits are a constant reminder and (at the risk of too much hyperbole) inspiration to me.
dk
Comment by Dean Kolbinsky — November 7, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
Hey, Charlie, Congrats on your finish! I met you in Sidney, IA…I was the one on the Sidney square w/ my husband & 3 daughters. We talked running for a few short minutes & I ran w/ Marshall the day before you were in Sidney. The impact you made on the kids in Sidney was amazing! I’m sure you impacted many more on your journey. I had read about you in Runners’ World Magazine & it was truly an honor to meet you (& Marshall)…Celebrities! I think your determination to make a difference in the lives of people is commendable. Your dedication & will to keep going is amazing to me. You had a good finish, even if it didn’t turn out the way you had planned. I look forward to reading about your next adventure & I hope we can meet again (maybe on your way through America next year?). Take care & may God bless you.
Comment by Wendy Doty — November 8, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
can’t wait to hear about where the next journey’s going to take you!
Comment by Liz — November 10, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
Hi Charlie;
I just recently became acquainted with your exploits when I saw “Running the Sahara” on the Showtime network. I am a member of the running community in Flint, Michigan. Though not in your class I certainly gained inspiration and confidence fom seeing what you and your friends put yourself through by pushing your mind and body to new limits. I think that is what running is all about. I am 55 and have only been running for a little over 3 years but it has changed my life for the better. I have finished 3 full marathons and am currently training for a 4th. I wish I had known of your run across American sooner because I would have loved to run with you for a while. I wish you good luck on your next venture and we in Flint will be watching. Thanks!! -Jerry
Comment by Jerry Myers — January 9, 2009 @ 3:51 pm