Perez Madison
M/F: Male | Age: 57 | Shirt Size: M – Large 
What motivates you to run?
I run now because of my passion for it. Also, as I age, running helps keep me active and fit both mentally and physically.
What is your goal for this year?
My number one goal is to test my limitations while staying injury free.
What are you most proud of in your athletic endeavors?
Just that I have the courage to try what I once deemed impossible.
What is your go to workout song?
I rarely listen to music on my runs. Nevertheless, I often wear my headset as backup. I really can’t pinpoint a single song, however, one of my favorite albums to listen to on the run is Slave’s “Stone Jam”. It was released in 1980 and it never gets old to me.
Where is your favorite place to workout?
Well, my favorite place to run is just about anywhere in San Diego, CA. Closer to home I would say either Eagle Creek Park or Ft. Harrison State Park.
What’s your favorite hydration product?
Gatorade. Although, on an extremely hot day, nothing beats a well placed water fountain.
What is your favorite in race nutrition?
My go in race nutrition was PowerBar “Power Gel” but, I believe my particular flavor is being discontinued so I am presently experimenting with e-Gel “Radical Raspberry”.
Phone or no phone on your run? 
Phone when running over 6 or 7 miles – you never know when you will need that ride back to the start.
When is your favorite time of day to run?
I seem to do better on the morning runs.
What is your favorite memory during a race or training?
Without a doubt, my fondest run memory came during my race through the giant sequoias in the 2015 Avenue of the Giants Marathon, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California. I experienced extreme euphoria for about 5 or 6 miles straight during that race through those huge redwoods. It was as though I were effortlessly gliding along and was able to take in every majestic moment. I cannot remember ever having a “runner’s high” for such an extended period. For that matter, I have only had this sensation a handful of times during any run and only in brief spurts. So, the forest run is my all-time favorite.
How often do you race/how many races have you done?
I would say I probably average about 12 to 15 races a year.
I am not sure of the exact number of races I have finished but I would guess around 160 total. I do know the exact number of full marathons to be seven. Somewhere around 40 half marathons, numerous 5ks and other distances.
What is your favorite running group and why?
Currently I participate in three different running groups – Carmel Runners Club, Hills for Dinner, and Black Men Run (BMr) Indianapolis. I hold a great appreciation for each. However, BMr is attempting to offset some of the ill-fated health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, that stricken the black communities today by promoting a culture of running to stay fit. Being able to represent a positive, healthy, and active lifestyle in the African American community has been an uplifting experience unlike any other.
I would just like to express how grateful I am to be able to partake in this great sport of running. I started my run journey at the age of 40. This would prove to be a crossroad in my life. Till this point I had been in an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and tobacco. I drank whenever possible and consumed at least two packs of cigarettes daily. What had started in my teen-aged years occupied me for the next 21. Through the help of immediate family, and my total commitment to a better me, I was able to overcome these two very damaging afflictions. I immediately gravitated to running as an inexpensive alternative. On August 11, 2001 I entered my first road race – “Care 4 Kids” 5K. That is when I discovered that I really enjoyed pushing myself to see what I could achieve.
Additionally, it has now been 17 years since I dropped those vices, laced up and hit the pavement. So far, it has been a wonderful journey. Although, I was 51 years old before attempting and finishing my first full marathon – Indianapolis Marathon 2012 – I have since ran races I would have never imagined before – Boston 2014, Chicago 2015 and I am scheduled to run New York City 2018.
Finally, as a challenge from one of my running group comrades, I started a run streak challenge on Memorial Day 2017. That challenge ended on Independence Day of the same year. However, I am currently still on that streak. Today was day 427. I guess the reason I continue is, for now, I can. I do not know when the streak will end but I will stay on course for as long as possible, or until I reach the finish line.