Name: Carter Jones

Born: July 14, 1937

Hometown: Piedmont, Al.

Marital Status: Married

'Sláinte!'
Pronounced 'slawn-cha', meaning 'Health!'  It is a common toast in Ireland, the equivalent to "Cheers!" and a fitting introduction for our Irish-loving, spotlight runner of the month - Carter Jones.  While most 69-year olds are beginning to slow down, Carter has been busy speeding up!  Mr. Jones, who is the director of Jacksonville's Senior Citizen Program, just completed his very first marathon - The Mercedes!  Completing a marathon before the age of 70 has been on his to-do list for almost ten years.  It was not until a flyer from Team In Training arrived in his mailbox that he began to get serious.  Carter, who is no stranger to running, began increasing his mileage in order to accomplish this goal.  With the constant encouragement from family and friends, he finished the Mercedes Marathon and was able to cross it off his "to-do" list! 

For those of you who have never met Carter - allow me to share.....  A member of the Anniston Runners club for the past 10 years, Carter is simply wonderful to be around.  Armed with a million dollar smile and a heart the size of an Irish pint, Carter is every runner's friend.  He is a shining example of how to live a life full of purpose and direction as he gives back to the community everyday.  In doing so, he is helping to build a better today while building a legacy that his family (and friends)  will never forget.  You may never see Carter laying down a 6 minute mile and will probably only see him following the leader.  That's okay with him!  Carter is much more focused on living in the minute and loving the people around him.  We would all do well to live by this Irish saying: "Your feet will bring you to where your heart is."

Twenty (26.2) questions

We know he can run 26.2 miles, but can he handle that many questions?

1)  Can you tell us about your life?

My life has been wonderful!  Briefly, I was born and raised in Durham before moving to Chattanooga.  From there I served in the Marine Corps reserves for five years and the Air Force for 22 years.  Mostly, I was a navigator and command post controller in Military Airlift Command and was blessed to fly all over the world for free.  I had tours in Texas, California, Japan, New Jersey, Vietnam, and Germany.  After retirement, I worked for the state in New Jersey in the Cultural and Heritage field.  Further retired, I came to Alabama and began working for the city directing Senior Citizens programs. 

2)  Can you tell us about your family?

Lots of family!  I am blessed with wonderful children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-grandchildren, etc....  I am active in Church, community and kept busy by a loving wife.  My sister, Julia, was my best friend growing up - full of life and love.  I lost her to Hodgkin's disease at age 44.  She left behind five children. 

3)  How long have you been running?

I started running in 1997 for my personal health.  Around that time, I began to think about the Alzheimer's disease that affected both my parents.  I remember starting in May of that year with the anticipation of running in the Woodstock 5k.  I ended up running in 1 or 2 races before that, having found that I could.

4)  How/when did you learn of the Anniston Runners club?

I believe it was at the Woodstock 5k.  Ellen Cannon, president of the club, gave me a little sales pitch for the club and I was sold!  Yes, it was Ellen who snagged me...

5)  What was your first race?

I believe it was the Gadsden Spring run.  I'll have to check on that...

6)  What is your favorite race?

Definitely the Killarney 5k in Ireland.  My brother and I were in Ireland on a sight-seeing trip which lasted 11 days.  We spent one evening visiting old castles (and old pubs) and heard of a 5k race that was to be held at 7:00 in the evening.  We didn't run all that fast.  We just ran it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.  I would like to do it again.

7)  Are there any races, records, or accomplishments that you are especially proud of?

The Mercedes Marathon!  I must have trained well.  The 26.2 miles was comfortable and I never found "the wall".  Birmingham was hilly, beautiful, and their were wonderful people all around.  It was a beautiful day.  Along the run there were bands playing, families cheering, and plenty of water stations.  It was a wonderful experience!

8)  It is obvious you like competition.  Here is a tough question:  Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I like to do my best.  For years I have been chasing Yo Setser.  If I win, it is usually because I am the token in the age group. 

9)  What are your PR's?

Oh, I don't know.  I have them written down somewhere.  Off the top of my head...

5K (26:15)  10K (55:45)  Half Marathon (2:20)  Marathon (5:10)

10)  What is the longest distance you have ever run?

  A marathon.  However, I did run 28 miles in one day.  I ran to work (14 miles), worked all day, and then ran home. (14 more)

11)  How many marathons have you run?

  1- The Mercedes Marathon   <- Click here to read about it!

12)  I heard you raised a ton of money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society by competing in the Mercedes.  How much did you raise/receive?  With the help of over 100 businesses, family, and friends, I raised $8,200.  I received an award for raising the most in Alabama.

13)  How many days did you rest after Mercedes?

No chance.  The next day my wife and I went dancing.  Two days after the race, I was teaching a Seniors fitness class.

14)  What other experiences have you had with road racing outside of running?

I ran cross country in High School.  It was mandatory at my school.  I was actually pretty decent.   I finished 10th in the mid-south conference.  Outside of running, I have been the director of the Chief Ladiga Half Marathon that is held every December. 

15)  What is your favorite running music?

I don't listen to headphones when I run.  I do, however, hum tunes in my head.  My favorite is Amazing Grace.  That song works in perfect rhythm with my stride.  And, oddly enough, the theme song from Rocky!

16)  What is your favorite food?

Spaghetti

17)  What is your favorite pre or post-race food?

I eat Grape nuts or Cheerios for breakfast.  I add bananas and soy milk.  I enjoy fruit like oranges/bananas after the race.

18)  If you could turn back the years, is there anything that you would like to change or do again?

I wouldn't change much about my life because it has been good.  I only wish I had run all my life.

19)  Do you like to travel?

  Love to!   I would really like to go back to Ireland - Next week in fact!

20)  Do you have any hobbies other than running?

  Gardening and Cooking

21)  Do you have a favorite dish you like to cook?

  Yes.  Mexican, Italian, Oriental.  I can cook all sorts of Oriental dishes.

22)  What are some of your favorite running memories?

I have always enjoyed the camaraderie at the local races.  I love to revisit the courses year after year as if the course itself were a friend.

23)  What is your daily training regimen?

I wake up at 4:30 and run three to six miles every other day.

24)  Can you tell us something about yourself that people may not know?

I love social work.  It has taken me all my life, but I believe I have found my calling.

What tomorrow brings

We bid farewell to our June spotlight runner with two final questions:

25)  What are your future running goals?

My future running goals would be to just keep running.  I don't care about winning or setting PRs.  I only want to have the fortitude to keep getting out of bed for my morning run!

26.2)  Do you have any advice for beginning runners?

Yes.  Don't be discouraged if you don't kick butt at first.  JUST DO IT!

written by John Moore