Name: Charlie Catalano
Location: Estero, FL
Original Hometown: I don’t have one place I call home. My dad served in the Army for 26 years, and I served, too. I’ll always consider West Lafayette one of my homes because of Purdue and the WRRC.
Professional Career: I work in corporate communications, but participating in ultra-endurance events is my passion! What I do for work allows me to chase dreams, hunt goals and inspire others outside of work!
Favorite Running Shoe: Nike Pegasus 35 Turbo Zoom X is my favorite all-time shoe, hands down!
Favorite Race Distance: Hmmm…I’m not sure that I have one. It’s definitely not a 5K! Ha! I tell everyone that I’d rather tackle an IRONMAN than race a 5K. I’m convinced the latter is more painful! I suppose I tend to gravitate toward longer distances where I can settle into a rhythm.
Favorite Personal Record (PR): I haven’t tracked my PRs through the years. The only period I’ve placed a lot of emphasis on time is when I was trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon many years ago. I credit the WRRC with helping me to finally run a sub-3:10 marathon, and I’ ll never forget our trip to Boston! It was the hottest day (at that time) in the race’s history since 1914.
Favorite Food: I love my breakfast, which consists of oat bran, honey, walnuts, mixed berries and banana!
Favorite Singer/Band: This is so hard to answer! Geez, I don’t know. Stevie Nicks moves me!
Favorite Book or Movie: This is easy! Saint Ralph is my favorite all-time movie. It’s a wonderful coming-of-age story about running, friends, family, hope and inspiring others. I also feel a special connection to the film because Ralph’s mother had cancer.
Q: Can you give us a little background on your running history? What got you first involved in the sport?
I started running to prepare for the Army. My first road race was a 10K at Ft. Bragg, NC. I was still in high school. I continued to run at Valley Forge Military Junior College–mostly to get off campus, see the community, support good causes and earn t-shirts!
Q: What are your top memories from your competitive career?
The one that always immediately comes to mind is the Annual Wild DAWG Alum Run 5K at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. My sister and I, both of whom are Type 1 Diabetics, participated in this event, which was a run, not walk. Despite the fact that this was a run, it didn’t deter my sister from walking the entire race. She started and finished dead last. I couldn’t have been more proud of her. I have a picture of us from this race that I will always treasure.
Another favorite memory is from my first long run with the WRRC. I was new to the area, and it was summertime, meaning hot and humid. We met at Purdue West and took off on a 16-mile run. Why do I remember this? Maggie, Tony and Lu Greig’s wonderful dog (and second love of my life), ran the entire way with us. I couldn’t (and still can’t) believe she did it! Maggie could flat out run, just like her dad and mom!
Lastly, when I think about the variety of events I’ve completed I’m filled with joy and gratitude. I’m grateful I’ve had the time, health and ability to complete marathons, triathlons (70.3 and 140.6 miles), ultras (50 and 100 miles) and rides (Ride across Indiana (RAIN)–160 miles, one day, one way).
Q: Who has had the most influence on your athletic career?
I couldn’t possibly say or choose. There have been so many wonderful people who have befriended and inspired me through the years, and I’m grateful for each one of them. I’ve told my wife, David “Action” Jackson and Tony Greig that my favorite and best running years were those with the WRRC. This I know for sure!
Q: What races are you preparing for and what are your goals for those races?
I’m racing the Pinellas Trail Challenge in August, a 46-mile point-to-point race in St. Petersburg, FL. I’m also considering attempting my first 48-hour ultra in November. I like to try new things!
Q: What are one or two of your favorite workouts that you are looking forward to running this training segment? My favorite workouts are the ones when my wife, Chas, bikes alongside me. It’s something special we share after 26 years of marriage. Chas often says that she’s “an IRONMAN widow.”
Q: How has the Wabash River Runners Club helped you towards your running goals?
I think one of the most wonderful things we can do in life is both give and get inspiration. The WRRC’s many wonderful people have, and continue to be, a wonderful source of inspiration for me. I’m grateful for everyone’s friendship through the years, and I’m proud of them for what they’ve accomplished both on and off the road.