Wear My Shoes Training Programs Edition #2 - John Painter

Meet John Painter - 10K Training Programs Success Story!

"My name is John Painter, I enjoy being outdoors, walking and running.  I have been a Chaplain at the VA Medical Center for 21 years.  I run to de-stress and enjoy the outdoors.  I am also an Air Force Reservist, and we are required to complete two fitness tests annually.  My run time had never been very fast, but wasn’t improving any despite regular practice.  I signed up for the Cooper River Bridge Run 2019 training program.  It was a challenge, but each week I learned something new, either about myself or about running.  I learned pace, cadence, and nutrition, all of which improved my performance.  The best lesson was realizing how much my performance improved when I ran with a group.  The group members, Alicia, Carolyn, Traci, and Debbie, encouraged me each session.  Just when I thought I could go no further, one of them would say something encouraging, or funny (or crazy) and we would keep moving.  Before I knew it, I was running faster and my endurance had increased.  On my most recent fitness test, my run time improved by a minute and thirty seconds!  My plan is to continue with these training programs each year when they are offered, and participate in Monday Runday at the Mount Pleasant Fleet Feet location."

For details on our Fall Training Programs click HERE. 

FF: Of all the shoes you wear, which are your favorite and why?

JP: I love my Brooks “Ghost” running shoes.  It took me years to find a pair of shoes that worked perfectly for my foot and gait -- these have worked for me year after year.  I wear running shoes or tennis shoes as my standard footwear.  I’ve never been much of a sandal wearer, which I know makes me an oddity here in the Lowcountry.

FF: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it? 

JP: When I was a student at The Citadel in the late 80’s, I worked as a Student Trainer for the football team.  The Head Trainer, Andy Clawson, called me “Gadget” because he felt I shared the features and mannerisms of the 80’s cartoon character “Inspector Gadget.”

FF: What was your first job?

JP: My first job was mowing lawns in my neighborhood; I was 8 or 9 years old when I started.  My most interesting job title was given to me when I worked for Stouffer’s Frozen Foods in Gaffney, SC.  I ran a machine that tenderized chicken breasts and had the title “Chicken Massager.”

FF: What’s your favorite family tradition?

JP: My favorite family tradition is celebrating Christmas.  My in-laws, nieces, and nephews gather at our house for a great meal; each family contributes several home-made dishes.  We attend church services, watch “White Christmas,” open gifts, and spend several days together enjoying each other’s company. 

FF: Aside from necessities, what’s something you can’t live without?

JP: I was going to write, “My wife, Stacey.”  However, I called her and asked her what she thought I couldn’t live without.  She said, “Trains; especially your railroad radio which you use to track the location of trains.”  She knows me better than I know myself. 

FF: If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?

JP: I would find the nearest railroad and watch trains.  I grew up beside the railroad and I have loved all things railroad-related for as long as I can remember.   

FF: If you were Waldo, where would you be?

JP: I would be outside -- walking, running, working in the yard, or watching trains.  I am usually only inside when I am sleeping.  I love being outdoors.