1. What made you decide to run the Wild Miles Relay? And if you're returning, what made you want to return?

Always looking for a challenge, in August 2005 I was doing some internet searches for Adventure Races in the San Diego area and turned up the Wild Miles Relay site. Since, at that time, the clock on the site was ticking down to 272 days, 19 hours, 4 minutes and 23, no 22, wait 21 . . . well you get the idea, seconds until the start of the 2006 race, I immediately shot a high priority email to several racing buddies. As Lee said, we were looking at having a 5 person team, but as it came down to the wire, a couple of our teammates got hurt, so Lee got on the Wild Miles bulletin board and we were able to hook up with a bunch of other people to become the Team Thrown Together at the End of the Road.

After racing last year, it was a good thing we were a 10 person team, because if we had entered as the initial 5 person team, I don't know if I could have finished 6 racing legs - so things happen for a reason. We hooked up with a great bunch of people and had a lot of fun running through the desert.

2. Tell us a little about you.

First of all I need to set the record straight. Lee Hoedl said in his intro that "Chuck and I are definitely the oldest ones on the team, checking in at a middle-aged but healthy 44 years old!" Let it be known that I am only 43! Married for nearly 19 years (my anniversary is on the Monday right after the race), with 3 kids, one of whom will be joining us this year for Wild Miles as my Assistant Driver (although Julia is only 8 years old and can't drive).

And, I might add that we will be driving the "G" rated van and Housch and Caskey will have to put up with twice the debauchery. But we'll bring along plenty of Disney and Girl Scout sing-along tunes to motivate you.

3. What motivates you as a runner?

I just want to stay in shape and be able to keep up with my kids for as long as possible. Also I want to be in shape so that when opportunities like Wild Miles or climbing Mt. Rainier or backpacking the Grand Canyon or Yosemite present themselves, I am able to partake without having to plan it a year or more in advance to get into shape.

4. What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Work must be one of them, because I certainly spend a lot of time there. Also video editing, gardening, bicycling and now that my son is in Boy Scouts I'm enjoying that taking up a lot of my time.

5. What do you hope to get out of the Wild Miles Relay?

I know it will be an enjoyable time. The team spirit and camaraderie are great. Because of numerous scheduling conflicts with my wife and kids I couldn't commit to the team until late in the game, so I'm just driving this year, but may run a few miles here or there just for fun. Hopefully I won't be as sore on Monday morning as I was last year!