Team Run Hub: Charlie Just

Leading up to the Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon, we are featuring a few of our Team Run Hub athletes who have been training with the group since the end of January. If you’re interested in joining a future Team Run Hub training group, click here. Our next training program starts in August for the EWEB Run to Stay Warm. Registration will open in July.

Meet Charlie Just, started running 2 years ago and excited for his 2nd Eugene Half Marathon

Why did you start running? And how long have you been doing it?
I started running in January 2016 at a Run Hub Community Run one Wednesday evening because I was new to Eugene and didn’t know very many people. Prior to this I hated running. I always wondered why anyone would run when you can go faster and farther on a bike. That first run was terrifying. Really though, I was doing something I didn’t like doing, while trying to hang with people I didn’t know and wearing clothes that didn’t help me feel confident. I really didn’t want to go back but I stuck with it and have made a lot of good friends and many more connections through the group. When running went from something I did for exercise to something I did to socialize, it became more fun and meaningful.

Why did you join Team Run Hub?
The decision to join Team Run Hub was mostly fueled by the social aspect of seeing teammates more than once per week. Other perks include becoming a better runner through experience and coaching.

Which race are you training for? And what’s your goal for race day (could include time, feel, effort, experience, etc.)?
Eugene Half Marathon 2017 was my first half marathon ever, and I’d like to beat my time by just a little bit in 2018.

What motivates you to run?
The social aspect of group runs, ability to clear my head and de-stress on solo runs and just getting outside.

What stands out as your favorite aspect of the training program so far?
The coaching and advice from really good runners is extremely helpful. They’re able to make recommendations for me as an individual that are based on years of experience and scientific research.

What is your favorite midrun fuel? Post run recovery meal?
Hammer Gels are my favorite. Specifically the espresso flavor. It tastes remotely like my morning coffee in the middle of a long run and is my reward for getting about half way done. After the run is over it’s time for a cup of real coffee and pastries.

Do you have a running mantra you repeat in your head when things get tough?
Marry the Night… as in my favorite Gaga song. It’s about committing to life’s struggles and I can relate that to running some days.

What is your biggest running mistake that you have made and would caution others to avoid?
Not resting or stretching enough. Sometimes I want to run every day or get faster every day, but it is important to slow down sometimes and rest when you’re supposed to. I’ve quickly learned that running is different from cycling in that I have to grow new parts rather than simply go into the shop for a new part when something wears out or breaks. Rest days and long slow runs aren’t always what I want to do, but they are better than getting hurt and taking a lot of time off due to injury.

What is another activity you enjoy when not running?
Most anything outdoors. Hiking, skiing, mountain biking or camping.
I also like to cook and running allows me to eat pretty much anything I feel like making.

Do you have a most memorable run or workout? Or favorite place to run? If so, tell us about it. 
I live on the Willamette River path and like running it during practice or on my own. I also travel a lot for work and really enjoy carving time out of my day to find routes in new cities.

Good Luck, Charlie! We hope you’re able to beat your time from last year.