Chad Seelye: Up and Running Again Participant turned coach

In his own words, Chad Seelye’s background is “full of broken relationships, pain and addiction.” He lost both of his parents to drugs and alcohol and unfortunately fell into addiction himself. But in 2020, when Up and Running Again Executive Director, Greg Clarke, came to the Portland Rescue Mission to share about the launch of another new Up and Running Again season, Chad felt inspired to sign up. In the midst of the difficulty of processing his past, he sought a challenge and hoped running would allow an outlet from the emotional pain he was experiencing. It did that and so much more!

Chad began training in the summer of 2020 and in his words, “The training was hard, but in a good way. It was nice to start the day with a run and to see the sun rise, pray together, and build a consistent rhythm of training.” When things were difficult in training, Chad continued to show-up and push himself. Then came shoe day. It was very special to Chad to receive the gift of brand new, custom fit running shoes.

Unfortunately, as Covid-19 cases continued to rise again in the fall of 2020, the race Chad and his team were training for was canceled. But Up and Running Again and the volunteers in Portland hosted their own race for the team. Race day is when it all came together for Chad. He was so touched that the volunteers would host an entire race just for him and his teammates. The support was overwhelming to him. Chad said, “My heart was so full of love after that day and I was overflowing with tears of joy.” He found confidence in completing something that previously felt impossible.

And that first race in 2020 wasn’t the end for Chad. Now he volunteers his time as the coach of the Portland Men’s Up and Running Again team. He runs ultra-marathons and works full time at the Portland Rescue Mission as the Intake and Advocacy Specialist. In addition, he is heavily involved in his church, currently attending Bible College, and working to get his Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor certificate. Chad’s life looks nothing like it did four years ago when he entered the Portland Rescue Mission.

Up and Running Again was transformational in his life. He proved to himself that he is capable of doing difficult things and gained the confidence to challenge himself to accomplish so much more. In addition, he has found that he likes running and the way it positively impacts his mental health. He said, “I will be forever grateful for this program, and the benefits go far beyond what can be seen, heard or felt. Thank you Up and Running Again for helping me see that in doing hard things, God is always there, and He will provide all that I need as I trust in Him and His people.”

We are proud to call Chad an Up and Running Again alum and are eager to see what else he accomplishes in his life!