RCTC athlete James Healey: running “lays you bare”

Tell us about your running origin story!

I grew up playing soccer competitively from a young age and had dreams of playing in college, but plaguing injuries and mediocre skills had me rethink my athletic future. Running is foundational to soccer and it never dawned on me that I had both a talent and passion for running until I gave up soccer and took up track and cross-country my junior year at Western Washington University. A friend on the team suggested I try out and I have been stoked on running/racing ever since.

Why do you continue to run?

Running has kept me mentally and emotionally healthy for the past 20+ years. It helps me shed stress, stay fit, and I love the community around running. Some of the best conversations I have ever had with my wife and closest friends have been while out on a run. There’s something visceral, spiritual, and emotional about running that lays you bare and brings out your truth. Also, I need to burn off the beer.

What inspired you to join RCTC?

My life is pretty busy between family and work, and while both fulfill me in many ways, I still crave community. My passion is running and I wanted to find kindred spirits. Folks that enjoy early morning runs in the dark, people still pushing themselves to get faster, go further, or be more consistent. People who are kind, courageous, and diverse. RCTC has all this and more and the club pulled me to it like a moth to flame.

It looks like fatherhood is an important part of your life. Can you talk about training as a parent?

Being a parent is all about showcasing what a well functioning and content human looks like. I can try to tell my 10 year old daughter what to do all the time, but I find showing is much more effective. I personally benefit by exercising regularly and I hope that by making this a consistent and meaningful practice, it will teach my daughter that movement should be key to her self care routine too. Running 100% cannibalizes time I could be spending with her, but it also makes me a better parent/human. This helps me balance the guilt I feel when I’m out training when I could be with her, and hopefully will make activity core to her life too.

You recently finished an epic adventure! Tell us about your Mont Blanc experience.

We celebrated my wife’s 40th birthday last month by running the Tour Mont Blanc over 7 days. It was absolutely magical to run 105 miles through France, Italy, and Switzerland, climb 33,000+ feet of elevation, and do it all with the love of my life. We covered ~15 miles and 4,800 feet of elevation gain each day, ate our weight in cheese, bread, and pasta, and stayed in some of the most idealic and cozy refuges. We set our own pace and marveled in the endlessly beautiful scenery as we made our way each day to the next hut. We enjoyed long conversations and long silences, and came away from the experience with a deeper appreciation for each other and for running. We are already planning our next runcation, and running UTMB has become a bucket list goal for me.

What’s a piece of training wisdom you wish you knew earlier?

Find people to run with. They don’t have to be a teammate, a best friend, or the same person everyday, but find people who are committed and show up when and where they say they’re going to regardless of whether it’s too cold, too hot, raining, or if Jupiter is ascending. These folks are priceless. Show up for them too.

What are some non-running hobbies/interests of yours?

During the pandemic I started learning to play guitar. I love all kinds of music and can’t sing to save my life, but have always wanted to be in a band. I’ve been taking lessons for over a year and play daily. I’m still mediocre, but I am loving it.

Now that the pandemic is behind us, I am starting to travel again, which my family and I are passionate about. We moved to Portland from Berlin in 2020 and have traveled to 20+ countries and 5 continents over the past 5-6 years. Next up for us is Japan this spring for Sakura (and food on a stick).

Any goals this year?

I am going to break 3 hours in the marathon this coming year in Chicago. That will set me up to run even faster in Boston in 2024.

Anything else you’d like other people to know about you?

I live in NW Portland, a few blocks down Thurman from the Lief trailhead. If you ever want someone to run with on trail or road, short or long, please hit me up! I would love to log some miles with you and to hear your story!