Charlie Engle: Running The Sahara

Charlie Engle is a man who’s gone through a lot and done a lot, probably more than you and I. He’s been addicted to alcohol and drugs, but now he’s sober He’s spent 18 months in a federal prison as a felon where he learned a lot about himself He’s an ultrarunner who starred in […]

Charlie Engle is a man who’s gone through a lot and done a lot, probably more than you and I.

He’s been addicted to alcohol and drugs, but now he’s sober

He’s spent 18 months in a federal prison as a felon where he learned a lot about himself

He’s an ultrarunner who starred in the movie Running The Sahara where he and 2 other men ran across the Sahara Desert in just 111 days.

His journey is one of perseverance, and he tells all in this episode of The Power To Change

Welcome to episode 36 with Charlie Engle

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Here’s the trailer for the movie Running The Sahara

How he was able to run marathons including qualifying for the Boston Marathon while still being addicted to drugs and alcohol
How he used running marathons to cover up for his addictions
The effect that Charlie’s addictions had on his relationships and friendships
What purposeful suffering means and how it helped Charlie
How it took gunshots to his car and the birth of his son in 1992 to finally get sober
Why he still goes to AA meetings, over 20 years after he got sober
Why he and 2 other men decided to run across the Sahara Desert and how they overcame their own physical and political demise and used the mantra “just move forward” to help them complete their mission.
How he mentally prepares for an ultrarun
What he learned about himself while serving 18 months in federal prison for mortgage fraud, and how he got through that tough time
How he was able to run for hours while still in prison
Why he does all his training based on time and not miles
His keys to staying healthy after all these years of running
Why to be successful you have to be accountable
Charlie’s thoughts on whether he is addicted to running and whether he’s replaced one addiction for another
And much more

Want More Charlie?

Charlie is in the middle of writing a book called Running In Place.

You can keep up with him and his book on Facebook, Twitter and his Website

Did you enjoy the podcast?  What was your biggest takeaway?  And if you’re a runner, please share any races that you are doing this year.  Just leave your comments below.