Stormy Day

As the road continues to beckon, despite wet weather, I’m reminded of wisdom from the many people I’ve met, read, or to whom I’ve listened. I’ve had many memorable encounters, from the late Steve Prefontaine to Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter, from Olympian Joan Nesbit Mabe to nationally-ranked ultramarathoner (and Northern HS grad) Missy Foy. I’ve also met Nobel Laureate physicist Sheldon Glashow and Royal Fellow mathematician John Conway. Most of these people will not remember me, but I’ve gained something from each of them as well, as others who have affected me in varying ways. Someone I haven’t met, but whose materials I use in my computer programming class, is Randy Pausch. Dr. Pausch, who most recently taught at Carnegie Mellon University, developed the object-oriented 3D animation programming language called Alice, which we use to introduce computer programming at Northern HS. In September, 2006, Dr. Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Dr. Pausch was given little time to live, and delivered at talk known as his "Last Lecture," entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," at CMU on September 18, 2007. Some of the statements he made resonate with achievement-oriented people:

It’s not how you achieve your dreams; it’s how you lead your life.
Tell the truth.
Never lose the child-like wonder.
Be earnest.
Loyalty is a two-way street.
Apologize when you screw up.
Focus on others, not yourself.
Show gratitude.
Be prepared.
Don’t complain; work harder.
Help others.
Find the best in everybody no matter how long you have to wait to find it.

These statements are applicable in all aspects of life, from academics to athletics to social interactions. There are many lists of suggestions for success, but this one is a great compilation for anyone, from business entrepreneur to high school student. Dr. Pausch, incidentally, has outlived his projected demise at this writing.

Back on the road tomorrow…

First Days on the Run

Welcome to my blog. My name is Charlie Payne, and I teach science and computer science at Northern High School in Durham, NC. During the next three months, summer training for the cross country team will be in the form of a virtual trip along I-40 in North Carolina. The length of the route is 420 miles. If the entire state is traversed, this will be just over thirty miles per week, a bit over 4.5 miles per day. Some may just get to Durham, 270 miles, about twenty miles per week. Some may do more, and will extend their journey to Fort Fisher in Kure Beach, NC, adding an additional 22 miles. A few may run back across North Carolina, virtually, of course!

My intention is to complete this trip also, although as a back-of-the-pack runner. Along the way I’ll discuss the local environment, as historical and scientific aspects of the places passed on this journey. I’ll also write about training and running, as well as offer some insight from my own past as a runner, teacher, and coach beginning in the 1960’s. Welcome to the journey!

During my first couple of days I’ve made it near Exit 7, Harmon Den. This is a beautiful area often called The Gorge, and, to be my corny self, it is really gorgeous! The Pigeon River runs nearby, and the area is forested and scenic. This is a well-known horse-riding area. With trails in abundance, this is equestrian paradise. With the Appalachian Trail nearby, it’s also a hiker’s haven, with miles of good (and bad) footing. I’ve had the pleasure the last two summers of proceeding west into Tennessee to attend a great workshop at Tremont, TN, nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains. This is an interesting area, with the calm and peace of GSMNP within a rather short distance of the crass and tasteless (in my opinion) commercialism of Dollywood.

Further descriptions ahead…