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Singer Charles Costa completes his run from Canada to Mexico: ’90 marathons in 90 days’

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Singer Charles Costa completes his run from Canada to Mexico: '90 marathons in 90 days'

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for the extraordinary and the resilient, I find Charles Costa’s story to be a riveting blend of music, adventure, and personal growth that unfolds like a captivating cinematic masterpiece. The British folk-pop singer’s life journey, much like a well-crafted screenplay, is filled with unexpected twists, poignant moments, and a climax that leaves one in awe of the human spirit.

36-year-old British artist Charles Costa, previously known as King Charles and specializing in folk-pop music, embarked on a journey across the United States along the Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico, starting on July 20. However, it wasn’t until recently that he encountered his greatest challenge: a scorching heatwave in the Mojave Desert.

It was well over 100 degrees,” explained Costa, as he completed his 90-day marathon challenge in Campo, California on Wednesday evening. He mentioned that this grueling run has thus far collected approximately $190,000 for James’ Place, a British organization dedicated to preventing male suicides, and the JED Foundation, an American nonprofit focusing on assisting suicidal adolescents in the United States.

In his own words, Costa expressed that his team members were concerned about his wellbeing as I wasn’t feeling well, and the cause was unclear. While seeking a camping spot, we happened to run into some firefighters who examined my vital signs and warned us about the risks of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

After listening to the advice given, Costa headed to a hospital. There, they administered an IV drip to help restore his depleted fluid levels.

Costa remarked, “I stumbled upon a fortunate meeting,” then went on to share that he seized the moment to converse with the firefighters about their personal experiences, hardships, and the psychological hurdles they confront.

2021 saw Costa embark on a 39-day run across the entire United Kingdom, commencing at John O’ Groats in Scotland and concluding at Land’s End, England’s southernmost point. The funds he collected were donated to Regenerate, a charitable organization supporting youth in London. However, nothing could have prepared him for the grueling altitude changes and extreme temperature fluctuations encountered on the Pacific Crest Trail.

A year ago, I dreamt about visiting California, and the Pacific Crest Trail seemed like a divine destination. Last week, that dream became a reality as I embarked on this journey with my friend handling logistics and another managing social media. The miles of running and climbing have made it incredibly exciting, and in the past three months, I’ve witnessed more sunrises than ever before in my life.

Costa’s current life isn’t what he might have envisioned way back in 2009. That year saw him clinching the International Songwriting Competition, a contest resembling Eurovision and based in Nashville. Subsequently, his song “Love Lust” was selected as the grand prize winner in the rock category by judges Jeff Beck, Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn, and Jerry Lee Lewis. This recognition led to a record contract with Universal Music.

Originally from southwestern London, with a middle-class background, he spent his youth honing his skills on the cello at school and lending his voice to a choir. However, he didn’t foresee a career as a professional in these areas. That all changed when Bob Dylan came into his life.

On my 15th birthday, someone gifted me ‘Blonde on Blonde’ by Bob Dylan, which was like an opening to a new world for me. Listening to that album was a profound moment, as it helped me understand what it means to be unique and grasp the possibility of maturing into a complete individual.

However, in the year 2010, a tragic skiing incident occurred in Austria for Costa. Airlifted from the mountain, he spent five days in an induced coma due to the accident. The brain injury he sustained made him feel like a changed individual during the production of his debut album titled “LoveBlood.” This album peaked at number 40 on the U.K. charts in 2012, and two more albums were released under the moniker King Charles. He embarked on tour as an opening act for Mumford & Sons, and in 2016, Marcus Mumford produced his album “Gamble for a Rose.” Medication has helped him maintain balance while running, he mentioned, and songwriting has been essential to his mental well-being.

Costa expresses his enthusiasm for both running and singing, stating that they provide a unique connection to the world around us. He describes the exhilaration of having one’s heart race and breath quicken while using the body as an instrument to produce music and move through space. He finds this primal and elemental experience deeply satisfying, making it his primary passions. On Thursday, he will release a new single titled “Nothing at the Most,” with his self-titled album following on Jan 24th.

Coping with his injury through music and miles has had a profound effect beyond songwriting.

He shares that it’s made him more attuned to life’s fundamentals and our mortality, and more emotionally perceptive. One key lesson he’s taken away is the ability to adapt. Regardless of what one chooses to commit to, it’s possible to change one’s approach.

Another thing he’s learned along his journeys? Patience.

A single moment can feel like an endless eternity, and it seems as if the day will never pass, making everything seem unbearable,” he explained. “But then, when you reach your destination – the campsite – and take a moment to rest, the beauty is breathtaking. As you continue moving forward, one step at a time, you’ll eventually arrive at your destination.

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2024-10-17 13:34

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