Powered by joy: Mountain Home's marathon man keeps moving

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian S. Orban
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) --  He's finished marathons, won 62-mile races up and down mountain passes and conquered 100-mile road races -- not bad for a 58-year-old.

For Charlie Francisco, it's just part of his life. Years of intensive training sculpted his massive frame into the fatherly version of a fitness club's typical poster child. His rugged, weathered features are the result of countless hours on the road, rain or shine. He approaches folks the same way he sees life in an easygoing demeanor punctuated by a charming, sincere smile and a sunny disposition.

Over the past 13 years, the base's sole locksmith continues to transform himself into the epitome of fitness after he adopted running as his lifelong ambition.

"It just comes naturally," said Mr. Francisco. "Once you get into a runner's lifestyle, it just builds on you.

A former copper miner who worked in claustrophobically confined spaces with what he called "old, crude men," his move to the open spaces of Mountain Home changed his life. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and caring people, coming here allowed him to break away from unproductive habits and pursue a dream to continuously improve himself every day.

"Becoming an active runner is not as hard as people think," he said while commenting on how he prepares for his long-distance running competitions. "If you adopt a healthy lifestyle and stay in shape, you don't need a specialized training regimen."

Because he considers himself "not a very good student," he took on the role of both trainer and trainee when he started his running pursuit. From there, simple workouts once a day mushroomed into a plan that includes eight hours of exercise broken down into sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening.

According to Senior Airman Megan Lyon, a former services Airman at the base fitness center, Mr. Francisco's eagerness to stay in shape was visible regardless of time of day.

"He would often meet us when the center opened each morning -- after, of course, his eight-mile bike ride from the city of Mountain Home to the base," she said. "We'd spot him at the gym at lunch and again in the early evening before his second bike ride back to town."

Despite his eagerness for fitness, he remains a mainstay in his squadron and the "go-to" person when people need fresh keys or door locks repaired or changed out.

"I like being in tune with my own body," Mr. Francisco said. "After I developed the runners' lifestyle, I just kept getting stronger every day."

Despite his age, his lifestyle includes a desire to prove himself. When opportunities present themselves, he signs up for various long-distance runs across southern Idaho and neighboring states. In addition to completing the nearly 62-mile Sawtooth Relay in western Idaho, he plans to run a pair of 100-mile "ultraruns" the last two weeks in August followed by a marathon in Pocatello, Idaho, a few days later.

Some people might call it a crazy life, but it's something he simply loves, Mr. Francisco said before breaking out in a fit of laughter.

His running spirit carries over into his wife, Sherry.

"I make sure he has all of his food and drinks and a ride to and from the races," she said. "I'm with him all the way, from start to finish."

The running bug even "bit" their great granddaughter, Lexi, who just turned 17 months old. Shortly before he reaches the finish line, she joins her grandfather and finishes the race with him.

In addition to strengthening the body, this lifestyle change also strengthened the couple's 32 years of marriage. Despite his intense daily regimen, the two ensure they also work in personal time together each night and every weekend.

"He loves it and I love him," Mrs. Francisco said. "He just keeps getting stronger every day. I'll support him all the way."