In this episode I have a life discussion with the first man to run across the Sahara desert. We talk about his struggles with addiction, his time in federal prison and his many adventures around the world.
Running Man Charlie Engle is one of the world's top adventure racers. He has set numerous age group records at ultra marathons across the globe.
After a decade-long addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol, Charlie Engle hit bottom with a near-fatal six-day binge that ended in a hail of bullets. As Engle got sober, he turned to running, which became his lifeline, his pastime, and his salvation. He began with marathons, and when marathons weren’t far enough, he began to take on ultramarathons, races that went for thirty-five, fifty, and sometimes hundreds of miles, traveling to some of the most unforgiving places on earth to race. The Matt Damon-produced documentary, Running the Sahara, followed Engle as he lead a team on a harrowing, record breaking 4,500-mile run across the Sahara Desert, which helped raise millions of dollars for charity.
Charlie’s growing notoriety led to an investigation and a subsequent unjust conviction for mortgage fraud. Engle would spend sixteen months in federal prison in Beckley, West Virginia. While in jail, he pounded the small prison track, running endlessly in circles. Soon his fellow inmates were joining him, struggling to keep their spirits up in dehumanizing circumstances.
Charlie's story is one of heartbreak, struggle, hitting rock bottom, triumph and working to be sober day after day.
You can read about many of his exploits in his memoir Running Man here
If you would like to connect with Charlie you can visit his website to learn more.