How a Lifelong Runner Transformed Miles into Meaning, and Stride into Strength
For some, running is a sport. For others, a hobby. But for Chad Pratt of California, running is a lifelong companion—one that has shaped his body, his spirit, and his entire approach to life. His journey, spanning decades, continents, and profound personal challenges, is not about speed or finish lines. It’s about what happens when you keep going, especially when life gets hard.
From setting high school records to racing in England, from grieving a personal loss to raising children with unwavering love, Chad has kept moving—step by step, mile by mile. His story is not defined by medals, but by meaning. Not by fame, but by faith.
The Early Strides: Loyola High School and a Fast Start
Chad’s relationship with running began at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, where he proudly represented the Cubs in both track and cross country. With personal bests of 4:45 in the mile and 9:56 in the two-mile, Chad stood out in Southern California’s intensely competitive high school athletics scene.
“I fell in love with the rhythm,” Chad recalls. “There’s something about running that teaches you to listen—to your breath, your thoughts, your body. That stayed with me.”
These early performances didn’t just earn him accolades—they built the foundation for a lifetime of consistency, focus, and resilience.
Collegiate Competition and Deeper Lessons
Chad continued his academic and athletic journey at Santa Clara University, where he competed on both the track and cross country teams. His time there solidified his love for running as more than a sport—it became a mental practice, a personal teacher.
One race, in particular, left a lasting impression: the Notre Dame College C.A.T. Kiki C Championship in 1982.
“That race was hard,” Chad says. “But it taught me how to dig deeper. When your legs are done, your mind has to carry you.”
This theme—of endurance through the mind and spirit—would echo throughout Chad’s life.
Across the Pond: Durham University and a Personal Best
After college, Chad’s running story continued at Durham University in England, where he studied and competed for the university’s track and cross country teams. He found himself training through rain and mist, on fields steeped in history.
“It was humbling,” he says. “Running in a place that old, you feel connected to something bigger.”
His proudest athletic achievement came at Crystal Palace in London, where he ran his personal best mile time of 4:35. And in an unforgettable moment, he outran Olympic medalist Steve Cram—a feat that still brings a smile to his face.
“Even if it was just once,” Chad laughs, “it was mine.”
A New Race: Fatherhood and Faith
The most defining chapter of Chad’s life began not on the track, but at home—when he lost his wife and became a single father of two. The grief was overwhelming. The responsibility, enormous. But once again, Chad turned to running.
“It saved me,” he says. “It gave me structure when everything else was chaos.”
Running became a ritual of survival and strength. It gave Chad a place to think, to pray, and to find clarity. His children became his top priority, but he knew he could only care for them well if he also cared for himself.
“I kept moving forward for them,” he says. “One mile at a time.”
Rooted in Faith and Service
Chad’s resilience is rooted deeply in his Catholic faith. An active member of his local parish, Chad serves faithfully as an usher and is a Knight of Columbus, participating in acts of charity and community outreach.
“Faith gives me purpose,” Chad explains. “Running gives me the discipline to live it.”
He often uses his runs as a form of prayer, reflection, or gratitude. Some of his most profound moments of insight have happened while running before dawn, long before the world wakes up.
The Steady State Philosophy
Now in his 50s, Chad Pratt of California no longer races. Instead, he focuses on steady state running—maintaining a consistent, moderate pace that supports long-term wellness and mental clarity.
“I’m not interested in being fast anymore,” Chad says. “I’m interested in being well.”
Steady state running, backed by research, is known to improve cardiovascular health, lower stress levels, and boost fat metabolism—all without the strain of high-intensity workouts.
For Chad, it’s not just effective. It’s sustainable.
“I can do this for the rest of my life,” he says. “That’s what matters.”
Wisdom from the Road
Chad is quick to offer encouragement to anyone who wants to begin running, especially those who feel intimidated by the sport.
“Forget speed,” he says. “Forget comparison. Just get outside, move, and breathe.”
His key lessons?
- Start small – Even a 10-minute jog counts.
- Be consistent – Show up, even on the tough days.
- Make it yours – Your pace, your path, your purpose.
Running, for Chad, is not a contest. It’s a conversation—with the self, with God, with the moment.
Looking Ahead: A Life in Motion
Chad continues to run four to five days a week in his California neighborhood. His children are growing, and his life has changed in many ways—but the miles remain a steady thread, woven through the seasons.
“I’m grateful every time I lace up,” he says. “Because I’m still here, still moving, still able.”
In a world obsessed with rushing, Chad’s life offers a different model: go steady, go deep, and never stop showing up.
Whether on the track, in his community, or through personal trials, Chad Pratt of California has proven that true endurance doesn’t come from speed. It comes from faith, heart, and the courage to keep running—no matter what the course may bring.