We had to have a plan, right? RUNNING AMERICA required a very extensive plan. The reason that we all make plans is because it gives us the impression that we are in control of our lives. Or at least we like to feel in control of the current situation. Not that we ever really have control of anything but having a plan gives us the illusion of control. So if that’s the case, then RUNNING AMERICA has all been an illusion for me. From the first day, nothing went according to plan.
In my opinion, the greatest skill that a person can have in life is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Everything changes and there is no stopping that. People that are inflexible and unwilling to adjust are usually very frustrated and angry. From time to time, I am one of those people. During RUNNING AMERICA, I have been forced to adapt to the changing circumstances or risk imploding. It has been a true struggle for me in every way. Physically of course, mentally for sure. But emotionally I am still fighting and probably always will be. All I can do is keep moving forward and trusting the process. Things will work out if I just let them.
The past few days have served as a reminder of just how much (or little) control I have over my current situation. On Monday, I had an incredible day with another group of kids. I also met the folks that own and operate News-2-You. It all makes sense now. They are a family that is dedicated to publishing this fantastic media for the benefit of the special needs community in the US and Canada. After spending time with them, I realize that they are truly passionate about what they do and the service they provide. I will continue to work with them for as long as they will have me.
After leaving the school on Monday, the fun really began. My goal was to get on the bike and ride the final 500 miles to NY nonstop. The weather had other plans for me. A major early season snowstorm hit us almost right away. I found myself riding on roads with no shoulder and crazy traffic and slick roads. I usually just plow ahead and trust my instincts to get me through. Normally I ignore warning signs and just assume that I will be fine if I keep paying attention. I have never been hit by a car while riding a bike or running. And it is not because I am lucky. In many people’s eyes I am a risk taker. But I really only take certain risks. If I am ever going to die during an adventure, I want it to be because I screwed up and not because I put myself in a position to be victimized by someone else’s mistake. That is the long way of saying that I put the bike in the RV and rode the rest of the way to NY in the relative comfort of the RV.
Normally, I would have stopped and waited for the weather to clear but that was not possible this time. This is where fantasy meets reality. The fantasy is that I get to make the best decision for me all the time. I want to do what I want to do. (Don’t we all?) In this case, the reality is that out RV had to be returned by today or we would face a big penalty. We are on a very tight budget so there was no choice. Adaptation is a skill I am still developing. I didn’t like this but I had no choice.
But the story doesn’t end there. I must finish this journey and feel like I did everything in my power to connect the dots. In this case, it means that I will ride my bike and cover the 500 missing miles somehow. I will do this even if I have to ride 75 loops around Central Park. Why would I do this? Does anybody really even care at this point? Frankly it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I have to finish this thing. I have to feel like I did everything within my power to complete my quest. It will never be exactly what I set out to do. That ended in Utah. But it will be something. I will not appreciate everything that happened until much later but I have to believe that I have changed and grown during this crazy trip to NY. Otherwise, what was the purpose?
I am still determined to run into the city tomorrow. At some point I will cross the George Washington Bridge on foot and enter New York City. I will run to Central Park and spend a little time with friends. Then I will continue to City Hall and stay for a few minutes to reflect on my journey. Then I will go home. Good enough.
Before I leave the city I will spend some time with my sponsors and partners and friends. I will run with a group from Super 8 and there will be a celebration on November 3rd at the CHAMPS in Times Square. MISSION PRODUCT will be there. Vitamix will be there to make smoothies for everyone. I will make a visit to the AXA Financial offices also. And a CROCS visit will be on the schedule too. I do all of this so that I can say thank you to these companies for their support. I really do it though because these are not just companies, they are friends. Real people that have decided that they want to be a part of what I stand for.
Before I ever enter into a relationship with a sponsor, I make one thing perfectly clear. I am doing this for myself. Not for the sponsor or the money or even the friendships. Some people don’t understand but I explain it this way. It is my goal to attempt nearly impossible physical tasks in order to better myself and make me a more useful person in the world. I try to align myself with sponsors that want to help me achieve those goals. In turn, I do my best to be a good representative for their brand. Simply put, if I am doing it for them or because they put money towards the project, then it would be a false situation and I would be way off track. If a sponsor has decided to support me and my projects, they know that I will do absolutely everything within my power to represent them to the fullest. My supporters (all of you reading this blog) should know that if I have partnered with a company, it is not for their money. Yes we have to have real money to do these real projects. But it is truly because that company believes in what I am trying to do. I am not bought and paid for. That never works for me. If I am sponsored by a company, it means we are true partners with similar beliefs and goals. I genuinely feel that the sponsors involved in RUNNING AMERICA are the best in their industries and should be supported by all that believe in me. If you believe in me then it means that you believe in them.
To all of the schools across the country that I visited, you are still with me every minute of the day. I am always with you too. For those tracking me on line, maybe I will come to see you next year during RUNNING AMERICA 09. Either way, just keep running and exercising. And always remember that if you just keep moving forward, things will always work out. You can’t always get what you wanted, but you always get what you need. (Thanks Rolling Stones)
Okay, time to get in some miles on the bike. It may be in a circle around the Super 8 parking lot but that’s okay with me. See you along the way.
Charlie
Hey Charlie-
Thanks for your inspiring words and life! I know things in our lives don’t always work out the way we always planned and hoped for, but they work out for the best. It’s been great tracking and reading RUNNING AMERICA 08, it’s definitely motivating! Have a fabulous day!
All the best,
Lori B.
Comment by Lori Bonham — October 29, 2008 @ 10:19 am
Charlie
I am working in New York in mid town. Call me to go for a run or to have dinner. I ran this a.m. at 5:00 and traffic wasn’t too bad.
Comment by Terry W. Simon — October 29, 2008 @ 11:16 am
Charlie,
“The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”
— Benajamin Mays
Best of luck in your next adventure! I’ll be following you!
Comment by Jim McCord — October 29, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Charlie~
You have often shared that… “In your (my) opinion, the greatest skill that a person can have in life is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances”…
Skills require decided action and as well, you have often said, that all we can DO…“Is the next right thing”…
Although uncomfortable and painful at times, it has been a gift to watch you doing the next right thing, one diverse and unexpected challenge at a time. Ok. Maybe not so much for you… but from here… it has been pretty humbling and inspiring!
Kevin had mentioned in one of his earlier blogs that he was asking people what they thought about what Marshal and you were doing. Their responses varied as they seemed to look over his shoulder for awhile, way down the road, at you running. Some laughed and likely thought that you were one sick individual (paraphrasing with editorial liberty). Some stood blankly as if in disbelief. And a few, who for a moment maybe wondered what would be possible, if he put his mind to something.
Maybe it is like something often shared in recovery. That by our “DO-ing”, we sometimes unknowingly, hold a mirror up to the rest of the world. This makes some of us very uncomfortable at times. But that is good. I know for me, when I am most uncomfortable with self reflection, I likely have something that I was already uncomfortable about… and have been desiring deep down to change.
The easiest thing at times is to do nothing because the pain to change seems greater than the pain to stay the same. Or so we think and we choose to continue to sit in our “dirty diaper”. (Sorry about the visual but thought the relation to bodily functions would work as example with your followers by now;-)
It is beyond understated to say that you have been challenged to adapt to changing circumstances pretty much from the first mile of this expedition. Fully being pushed to become comfortable by being uncomfortable. And… you continued moving forward anyway. You kept your head down and followed all the way through.
Thanks for sharing your honest journey along the way. I know it is not yet over… but I already miss your daily voice/blog/random thoughts. Maybe you need to start a Running America 08 support group next?
See you tomorrow. Wow. Tomorrow!
xo
Diane
Comment by Diane — October 29, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Charlie-
You have made such a positive impression on our students. They continue to walk and talk about your visit! They want you to come back as soon as possible.
Thanks for helping our kids to see that reaching your goal is not always the goal you set out to reach. Look for the positives in everything, and learn from the negatives, but don’t dwell on them.
We’ll be reading your blog to learn about New York City, and following Marshall the rest of the way!
Comment by Mrs. Laughlin's Class — October 29, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
Way to keep up a good attitude through some tough times. Good example for all. Good luck with your next challenge.
Comment by Brian — October 29, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
You are “wild” Charlie,
(more than any of the Stones). Glad to hear that you have that finishline in clear sight. Congratulations to your achievement. kram /elisabeth
Comment by Elisabeth — October 29, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
“The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make heaven of Hell, and a hell of Heaven.”
John Milton, Paradise Lost
Charlie, it certainly seems as though you have made more than the most of this adventure throughout every step (or pedal) of the way - not just for yourself but for so many others along the way. I’ll bet they consider themselves fortunate to have encountered you - just as you describe your energy and appreciation for having encountered them. Glad to know you are safely on the other side of the country and looking forward to learning about the next chapter!
North Carolina is looking forward to having you home
!!
Comment by Lisa — October 29, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
If life has taught me anything, and it has, it’s that the only thing that is certain is change and it’s how we adapt that makes us stronger, more loving, more compassionate and the ability to share those experiences and translate the journey so everyone can feel what you feel is truly a gift.. you are truly gifted Charlie…and sharing is a good thing
Now about Chuck and the hot tub 
Tomorrow? Time? Hopefully in the afternoon…
I am to be counted among the rest…I have to have my nightly cup of Charlie…always prolific, honesty flows from your words, and the good that you do will live long after you’ve have passed each one of those towns across this amazing nation…the kids’ lives you have touched, and you have left an indelible mark on their souls and minds… it’s a great legacy Charlie…so you did actually reach your goal, just not in the same way as you first thought you would…you cup runneth over Charie…
I am so poroud of what you have accomplished, the man that you are, and the human being you become with each step you take….literally…
L., Joy
Comment by Joy Taylor — October 29, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Well done. And yes, ride those last miles around central park. They will ease the niggle in the back of your brain and continue to teach you that hitting the goal even an adapted one, is virtuous indeed.
When I was a triathlete I taught myself to always finish EVERY workout. If I had a goal of riding 100 miles and I got back to my car with 99.6 on my bike computer, I’d ride around the parking lot until it turned over 100. Its these little things that shape us, give us a sense of belief in self - a sense of purpose. Even if the workout felt like crap, I still had control over finishing a modified plan of action and that helped me sleep better at night. Ride on, and sleep well. You’ve got it all right - you just need to occasionally remind yourself that you believe fully in yourself. Rest assured hat all you’ve touched on your journey does!
xoxo
Terri
Comment by Terri Schneider — October 29, 2008 @ 11:15 pm
There is really only one thing left to say is that I AM SOOOO PROUD OF YOU.
P.S. Okay more than one thing left to say, I too will be missing the runningamerica08 blogs. But I do look forward to runningamerica09.
I hopefully will see you and the boys soon,
Your sis,
Dina
Comment by Dina (Charlie's sister) — October 30, 2008 @ 12:27 am
Hi, I signed up to run but was overlooked, oh well…
Maybe you will consider helping with the teen obesity epidemic by making a statement on my website? I am donating 100 mindful eating bracelets to an organization called teenpeace.net. They are doing a campaign for teens called “what’s eating you?”
You have outdone yourself in every possible way, you are an inspiration to the universe!
Comment by shirley kessel — October 30, 2008 @ 7:54 am
Charlie, we are SO VERY PROUD of you! We absolutely love your determination and courage. We will certainly be following you on your next adventure! We readily admit that we will miss our daily check ins! You and your journey have become such a wonderful teaching/learning opportunity for us! The kids wanted to tell you this:
I miss you and hope you can come back soon! -Hailey
You are my hero! -David J.
We hope you don’t ever get hurt again. -Logan
You have earned your Halloween candy! Eat up! -Devin
Go home! Have fun with your kids! -Jay
Go get some rest! -David G.
Comment by Mrs. Wehling and Students at Sidney (IA) Elementary — October 30, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Congratulations Charlie,
You are almost to your goal. We know you can make it! (even if it is a million times around Central Park or Super 8!!!) Adaptations and modifacations are the name of the game!
We are still doing our best, running and exercising in P.E.
Ashley has ordered salad for lunch every day since your visit. She says she misses you!
Anthony wants you to have a fantastic weekend!
Shatorie has had a friend walking with her every day during P.E.
Victoria wants you to have a good Halloween!
Miranda is not here today, but I am sure she would tell you about how hard she works during “Fitness Days” in P.E.
Charlie, we just want to thank you again, for being so kind, so motivating, and so compassionate.
Good luck in your life’s journey,
Mrs. Bohl’s 6th grade class
Parkside Junior High School
Comment by Mrs. Jodi Leary — October 30, 2008 @ 10:03 am
Hey Charlie
Wish I could be there for the party. Shouldn’t you wait until Marshall finishes to have the party. After all, he is a major part of this.
Best,
Chris
Comment by Chris Frost — October 30, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
Well, Charlie, the time is near that you will be here, able to rest your head and relax those feet and take a few sighs of what I hope is relief. I could only imagine this journey of yours and all the ones before. Whatever it is that you have that drives you to “just keep going” needs to be bottled and sold. Whatever it is that you have that just won’t let you quit, needs to be packaged and given away. On the pavement or on a peddle you still put one foot in front of the other and kept it moving! You are one in a million.
See you soon luv ya
Tracey
Comment by Tracey — October 31, 2008 @ 11:55 am