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coach CHUCK HARGROVE
Chuck Hargrove is a native Nashvillian. Chuck ran cross country and track for Bellevue and Hillwood High Schools, and later at Belmont College. He and his teammates enjoyed unprecedented success at state and national levels.
Now, as a masters (over 40 years old) and Clydesdale (over 200 pounds) runner, Chuck qualified for and ran the 2009 Boston Marathon.
Following Boston his training focus changed to ultra marathons. He won 2009 men's overall Nashville Ultra 60K (37.3 miles) and completed Florida Keys 50 miler May 2010. His coaching experience includes four years covering six seasons with East Nasty Running Club. Their plans for aspiring half-marathoners and novice 5k runners yielded noteworthy success.
Expect a coach who is upbeat and motivational, yet challenges (in a positive way) your inner strength and desire to succeed.
COACH DAN CHAPUIS
Daniel Chapuis grew up in Nashville and ran cross country and track at Bellevue High School. He began road racing in high school and ran his first marathon at the age of 16!
Daniel joined the Army upon graduating from high school and did not begin racing competitively again until his mid-40s. Although he gave up competitive racing for almost three decades he never stopped running for enjoyment. He now competes in marathons and half marathons as a grand master (over 50 years of age).
As a coach Daniel wants to pass on his passion for the sport and make training an enjoyable experience for those he mentors. For the last two years he has volunteered as an assistant track coach at Franklin High School in Franklin, TN.
Team Challenge National Head Coach Dave’s May Tip
Stress + Rest = Success. Hard work is important, but it’s the rest after that work that allows your body to rebuild and adapt itself into a fitter, faster you! In addition to getting enough sleep every night, do everything you can to enhance recovery. Eating enough carbs (and some protein) after workouts, drinking enough water, immersing or showering your legs with cold water for a few minutes after workouts, and treating yourself to an occasional (or more frequent!) massage are all ways to enhance recovery.
Team Challenge National Head Coach Dave’s FAQ
Q: I’m not currently running or walking more than a mile or two at a time a few days per week. How will I be able to finish a half-marathon?
A: Your coach will design a program for you based on your current level of fitness, whatever it may be. You’ll gradually build your mileage over the course of the coming months until you can walk or run (or with a combination of walking and running) a ten-mile workout. From there, well over 99% of our participants complete their half-marathons.
Q: What kind of shoes do I need?
A: Everyone has different feet and biomechanics. The staff at your local running/walking specialty store will be able to fit you for these needs, as well as your mileage level, and the surfaces on which you train. To find a local specialty store, head to www.runnersworld.com/store-finder
Q: What’s a “GU”?!
A: “Gu” and other sports gels (PowerGels, Cliff Shots, Hammer Gels, etc.) are concentrated forms of carbohydrate about the consistency of honey. They are an alternative to sports drinks and are designed to provide athletes with energy for endurance activities. Each gel contains about 100- 110 of concentrated carbohydrate. Many half-marathons will provide gels in the later stages (around mile 10) to give runners and walkers an energy boost for the last few miles. Although they are generally pretty easy on the stomach, especially when taken with water, it’s always a good idea to try gels several times in training first before using them on race day.
Q: I had to miss three days of training. How do I make up the lost days?
A: You don’t! If you’ve missed anything less than a full week of training, just jump right back into the schedule. If you missed more than a week, talk to your coach about modifying your schedule to get you back on track.
Q: My fingers swell during my training walks. What’s going on?
A: Your heart beats harder and faster when you train, so blood is sent more forcefully to the extremities. Muscle action helps to return blood back to the heart, but many walkers don’t pump their arms very much when they walk (they should!), so blood pools in the fingers. Swollen fingers are more common with changes in temperature, during pregnancy, and when electrolytes are out of whack. Clenching and unclenching your hands, or shaking them over your head will help to pump the blood out of your swollen fingers.
