- 2017 ACXC result:3rd place, 30:53.4
- Université Laval alumnus
- Bronze –Pan American Games (1500m)
Heading into ACXC2018…
Hot… cold… rain… sleet… mud… snow! We have seen it all in Kingston. Which would you choose? Why?
To be honest, I love a nice hard packed grass course. I love to run in all types of conditions, but I perform very well on the track and on the roads. If we can get a dry, fast day, I’ll take it.
Flat course or hills:
We need hills for sure. Kingston is nice because it has a little bit of everything. Flats and downhills to get the legs rolling, and hills to break them.
Do you have a pre-race routine (night before or morning of)? If so, what is it?
Not really, outside of eating meals I am used to before races/hard efforts. Pancakes, cereals, sandwiches, light pasta, whatever is available... and coffee. Espresso shots to make sure the stomach feels good.
XC is a combination of both physical and mental strength. Which one do you rely on more during the race?
I am afraid I have had to rely more on mental strength in the past. I am not the smartest XC runner; I like to go out hard, race for the win and test myself. Many times, it ended up being too painful. Kids, don’t race like I do; race smart!
What are some of your favourite things about XC running?
The coming together of all runners, from half milers to marathoners... one crown for the ultimate distance runner to take. Pride is on the line!
Get to know Charles even better…
Would you rather be a famous singer/musician or the next Edison/Einstein/Gates/Jobs?
Probably a famous musician. I guess being the best in the world in track is kind of like that; having massive crowds in awe, and that’s what I’m striving for. As much as being the next big science personality brings much more to society and is incredibly valuable, it’s probably more or less my nature at the moment. Although why not shoot for both to some extent, like Sir Roger Bannister (first ever sub-4 mile and neurologist) or Sebastian Coe (two-time Olympic champion and now IAAF president) have done?
What is your most unusual talent?
My first sport used to be freestyle skiing. My best trick ever was a switch 720, for those familiar with it. I also play bass, and used to be the lead singer in a Punk band in high school.
If you joined the circus, what would your circus act be?
One of the dudes on a trampoline.
If you could go on a run with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Louis Zamperini. I am fascinated with World War stories. I find it hard to imagine people my age or younger having to go through what our veterans have lived.
What personality trait has gotten you in the most trouble?
My tendency to push too hard. I’ve had my fair share of injuries because of that.
Join us in Kingston on Saturday, Nov. 24, to watch Charles go for the title of National Champion at the 2018 Canadian Cross Country Championshipsor tune in to AthleticsCanada.tv if you can’t be there in person.
For more on #ACXC2018, including the race schedule, visit www.athletics.local/acxc2018.
