CROSSING THE FINISH: ATHLETE Director Dave's Blog

This month's EVERYDAY ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT -- submitted by ATHLETE subject, Carrie -- is on Chuck, a 39-year old physical therapist from Liverpool, New York (just outside of Syracuse). He is training for his very first Ironman in Lake Placid in July. We had a chance to interview Chuck about his involvement with endurance sports, both as an athlete and as a medical professional.





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ATHLETE MOVIE BLOG: Is Ironman Lake Placid your first endurance race?
CHUCK: No, I have completed several sprint triathlons, half Ironman triathlons, and several marathons.

When did you get involved with endurance sports?
In 1993. After getting out of the Marine Corps, I attended college in Utica, NY. Most athletes in the upstate New York area are familiar with the Utica Boilermaker. It is a 15k road race, actually the largest 15k in the nation. So if you have even a slight bit of athleticism in you, you will most likely do the Boilermaker.

From there, it was sort of the idea of the “dangling carrot” and the question of “is it within my reach and do I have what it takes to get it” seeming to always be present.

What do you hope to achieve at Ironman Lake Placid?
Finish. I’m hoping to feel as good as I can the entire day. I hope to be able to run the entire marathon portion of the race. Of course to hear the announcer say “You are an Ironman” and to see my family at the finish.



How challenging is it to balance training, work, and family?
It has to be the single most difficult part of this experience. Though you try to minimize the conflicts by training early in the morning, the long duration training needed for an Ironman easily takes up half of a Saturday and/or Sunday.

You feel guilty for missing family events and leaving your spouse to go it solo with the kids. I am VERY fortunate to have such a supportive wife and family. Though there are times she wishes the races were over already. How do I let her know that there will be more in the future?

How much time do you currently devote to training each week?
10-15 hours.

Do you have any specific endurance sports goals over the next year?
To stay healthy and injury free. I see many athletes in my office with injuries and I see how it affects them both physically and psychologically because they can’t train.

What aspect of endurance sports do you enjoy the most?
The lifestyle is great. I have met some incredible people over the years because of running and triathlons. I definitely get a “runner's high” when I train. Setting goals, working towards them, and achieving them is great.

Does being a physical therapist give you a different perspective/advantage as a participant in endurance sports?
I am so blessed I get to do what I do every day. I have dissected the human body. I feel that anyone that has the gone through gross anatomy has a new perspective on the human body.

I get to spend my days helping others achieve their “athletic goals”. Therefore, I get to continuously immerse myself in literature, products, techniques that help these individuals achieve their goals. There is no separation between my work and what I truly enjoy doing.



What is your definition of an athlete?
Speaking from a purely physical point of view, I define an athlete as anyone that has set a goal for them self to achieve that requires some form of physical conditioning to achieve it.

Some would be described as an industrial athlete because they lack the physical capabilities to return to work.

Others I would describe as a community athlete because they lack the physical abilities to go about their activities of daily living (climbing stairs, grocery shop, etc.)

Then there are endurance athletes that strive to go a bit farther or a bit faster who may lack the physical ability to achieve this goal. But with a good plan in place, most will achieve their goals.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Volunteer at a local race -- you’ll be happy you did. Become actively involved in your local tri-club -- your input will be greatly appreciated. Support local businesses -- the added costs are well worth it.

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Best of luck in Lake Placid Chuck!

If you know of an everyday athlete with a great story for the SPOTLIGHT, email us at spotlight@athletemovie.com.

DLM

"Blood. Sweat. Tears. Heart."

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