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38
Years of
Vic Williams, age 50, is TeamCCO's veteran marathoner. He is one of a pastoral team for the inner-city intentional community, Jesus People USA (affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church).
Q: What led to you becoming a runner? A: As a young teenager, I would go on long walks to get out of the house and burn some energy. Within a few weeks the walks turned into long runs. I actually began regular training the summer before going into 7th grade. I also enjoyed not being limited, physically. I could jump into a local 'pickup' game, ride a bike for 20 or 30 miles and not feel exhausted. Q: How long have you been running? A: Ever since that 7th grade beginning, about 38 years. Q: How many marathons have you run? A: I have never actually counted. I would guess around 30 completed marathons, four or five completed 50 milers and two 24 hour races. Q: What helps motivate you to run? A: After this many years it has become a pleasant necessity, much like taking a shower. Sometimes it is a 'spiritual' experience and other times it's a dose of medicine. However, it is always a loss when I have to skip a few days. Q: Why are you running for Cornerstone Community Outreach's TeamCCO? A: I believe and want to support what CCO is doing. They are not simply providing a temporary shelter and meal for folks down on their luck. In addition, they are providing a much-needed opportunity for people to improve their lives (through education and job services) and thus, learn to support themselves and find a better quality of life. Q: What running-related literature, book, or magazine is a favorite? A: I don't read very many running books or magazines these day. Most seem to lean towards a holistic health, tofu with granola lifestyle. I still think of running as more of a sport, with health benefits on the side. But for a sentimental flashback, my favorite magazine was the New York based Runner (which was eventually bought out by Runner's World). The Runner was a well written, street-smart monthly which never took running too gosh awful serious (the New York attitude came through clearly). Q: What famous runners are heroes of yours? A: Frank Shorter -- I watched him as a kid when he ran for the University of Florida. Also Dick Beardsley. Beardsley was a national level American runner who later was seriously injured in a farm equipment accident which then got him addicted to pain pills. The hero part for me is that he made his addiction public on his own and then got help to turn his life back around. That reflects some true character which is not often found in celebrities or sport stars today. Q: What little tricks or techniques do you use to help you get out there and run when you're not in the mood? A: I'll agree with myself to only do a short speed workout. Somehow the rush of adrenaline feels better than a long slow workout and I am out and back sooner. I also incorporate lots of cross training -- swimming, gym workouts, stair workouts, etc. I think I'd go nuts if I only ran. If I'm really desperate in Winter, I'll take public transportation to one side of town and run home. The change of scenery and constantly moving toward home seems to work. Q: Where do you usually run? A: Along the lakefront bike path of Chicago; it's only a half mile away. Q: What was your favorite, and your least favorite, race? A: I have several favorites: the [LaSalle Bank] Chicago Marathon, the Bastille Day (mid-July in Chicago), because they are more like events than races. I also like any race run anywhere if it's in the evening. My least favorite was the Pauvo Nurmi (forget how that's spelled) marathon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Wonderful scenery, great people, but the longest hill workout I've ever done. Q: Since you started running, what has been the best thing or things you've gotten out of it? A: A good foundation of physical stamina and a firm grip on mental health (running is a great stress release). It's also kept the door open for me to enjoy many other group activities (i.e. wilderness hiking, soccer, etc.) which would have slowly faded with time. Frankly, I don't care if running has added more years to my life; it's been a blessing by increasing the quality of my life. If you can help Vic raise money for TeamCCO, please visit his donor page. Donating online is very easy, and the money goes directly to the Cornerstone Community Outreach shelter programs. All Vic gets out of it is one more motivation to run! |
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