Carl Calvert (c-squared) : Member Profile : Thoos

I first started running seriously in the summer of '96. I was teaching at a University in Rhode Island and was asked to teach a few classes in Vail, Colorado(tough decision). Having no means of transportation, I walked around Vail Village and rode the old gondola during my free time. It was then that I started investigating the multitude of trails on Vail Mountain. By the end of that summer I had jogged most of the trails.

Then in the summer 1998 while teaching again in Vail, one of my students came to class late and out of breath. When questioned about being tardy Sean Hudson replied, "I had a flat tire and did not want to miss class so I ran." I was impressed, he later explained he was a runner. After that, it was all over. Sean had me run the Vail Hillclimb, Saxon Mountain Hillclimb, Two Elk Trail, the Mt. Evans Ascent and much more.

Anne Hudson was also an inspiration to me. We ran the Firecracker 5000, Vail Hillclimb as well as the Mt. Evans Ascent. For the next year or two I was inspired to attempt more challenging trail runs. The Vail Vertical Kilometer (Twice), the Vail Half-Marathon and the Telluride Get High.

Colorado and my friends there, have left me with many fine running memories. Eventhough, I have not been to the state in many years I continue to run and collect more memories here in South Carolina.