Charles Perry (UMS-Wright): Male Athlete of the Week
Charles won the Faith Academy's Boardwalk Challenge on Saturday in 15:39
Congrats on a big win yesterday. What was your goal entering the race and how do you feel you executed?
Going into the race my only goal was to pick up my first win of the season. I feel like I controlled the race from start to finish exactly how I had planned. It was a fun race with some good competition.
It seems you've had a slow start to the season but in the last two weekends are putting it together. What do you attribute that to?
At the beginning of the season, I had some issues with my foot and sickness. The credit for getting back goes to my coaches and their guidance. Also, some great physical therapy. Every day is important for me to get back to my normal self and shape.
What was the course like yesterday?
Overall it was a pretty flat course, but it had a ton of turns. The terrain was very bumpy and uneven but that's what makes for a fun race. The last mile through the woods is my favorite part of the course.
How did you get into running?
My older brother, Joseph, is the one who got me into running. Growing up and being able to watch his success is what inspired me to follow in his footsteps.
What made you and Joseph choose to be coached by Run CCG?
Joseph was one of their first athletes in the program. I joined after he did at the start of my freshman season. We heard of them through some other athletes from the Mobile area and the rest is history.
What's one of your core running memories?
My favorite running memory has to be my first individual State championship. It was the outdoor 800m of my freshman year. I had a huge kick in the last 200m that brought home the win and it was a surreal moment for me.
Have you begun the college recruiting process?
Yes I have and it's been fun so far. There's definitely some schools that I am interested in and I'm excited to see what the future holds.
What's your pre-race routine like?
Usually I wake up around 2 hours before the race. Then I'll eat a bagel or a protein bar. Then just chill out and listen to some music. Try to stay as relaxed as possible.
What's your music of choice?
My music taste is all over the place because I enjoy all types. If I had to choose one, though, I would say Country. Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, and Cody Johnson are some of my favorites.
What motivates you on the hard days?
Seeing my competitors and their hard work motivates me on the hard days. Those guys make me want to get better every day and give me something to chase.
Is there a specific high school athlete who you know is going to bring their best every time, which will then make you bring your best?
Definitely would be Mac Conwell. I've been racing him my whole high school career and he always is on his A game. My respect for him is very high. Our high schools have a huge rivalry too which makes it even better.
What's your favorite training shoe and racing shoe?
My favorite training shoe is the Nike React Infinity and racing shoe would be the Nike Dragonflys. Both are very reliable.
Who is the most famous person you've ever met?
Charles Barkley. I met him at a restaurant in Auburn. I got a picture with him and he was a very nice guy.
What's the hardest workout you've ever done?
14x400m at mile pace was a pretty workout that I've done. I love doing 400m repeats, though, so I had some fun with it.
If you were stranded on an island and could bring one current male teammate, who would it be and why?
I can't choose only one but it would be Alex Gamble and Joe Hand. Those two are freshmen on our team that have really shown up this year. I do a lot of my runs with the two of them and we have become very close friends over the past couple of seasons. Alex would be the one who keeps things under control and in check. Joe would most likely be messing around and joking too much, but that's why we love the guy.
What's your favorite cheat meal?
I don't have anything specific but if I had to choose it would be Waffle House. Bacon Patty Melt with hash browns, one waffle and bacon.
If you could have a superpower (excluding super speed) what would it be?
Definitely teleportation.
Lastly, what's something you and Joseph disagree with on who is better?
We used to disagree on who was better at the 1600m/mile. Until outdoor this past year, he had beaten me in the past two State Meets and I had gotten Runner-Up. Finally, in his last 1600m ever, I beat him and got the win. Our skill sets are pretty different. I'm more of a mid-distance guy with him being more long-distance.
