Runner in the Spotlight: Scott Helms

Scott Helms answers some questions for us so that club members can get to know him better!

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?

No way to list just one: Sushi 101, Rusan’s, Harper’s, Del Frisco’s, Big Daddy’s, The Penguin.

How long have you lived in Charlotte?

Born here, but moved away when I was 12 and moved back when I was 29; I’m 39 now.

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?

Peachtree Road Race (10K) in Atlanta…awesome event!

When and why did you start running?

Started in 1/09. Because I was literally 100 lbs. overweight, and I thought it would be more healthy and cheaper than golf, my first sporting addiction. Not true on the “cheaper.” Entry fees, shoes, gels, etc. etc. have insured that.

What do you love about running?

Really too much to type. The obvious benefit for me is health. I’ve lost about 60 lbs., but I have quite a bit more to go. I read a quote yesterday on the Atlanta Track Club FB page (they attributed to “Nike”):

"There are clubs you can't belong to, neighborhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open."

Finally, I like that fact that I can COMPETE as I age. I may not be the fastest in my age group or my gender or even in my household, however, there’s always a chance with work and guts that I’ll be faster than ME (in my last race). That’s my quote! J I also am inspired by the people who are really good runners who also take pride in helping newbies like myself. You don’t see that in a lot of other sports.

What’s the funniest or strangest thing that has ever happened to you on a run?

Let’s just say that it’s important to learn how to eat prior to (the night before and the morning of) a long run.

Do you lead any Charlotte Running Club group runs? What time?

No. I’m much more of a “follower” (for now) when it comes to running.

What's your most memorable race and why?

Probably the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. I was using this race as a long training run for Thunder Road with the intention of simply finishing. I did finish, but I didn’t expect to feel the sense of accomplishment that I felt when I finished. It was very emotional.

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte?

McMullen and McAlpine Greenways.

Favorite distance?

13.1 because you can race it and use it as a long training run. I love training by racing. PR for half is 1:58:56.

What’s next on your race calendar?

Columbia Half followed the next weekend by the Corp. Cup Half.

Best of luck to Scott at Columbia Half Marathon next weekend!