Back Into Running

I have been dealing with ankle pain the last week, so my running was suspended. I did run 2.8 miles on Friday, and felt good. This happened during the training for the half marathon, and I took a week off. I know many runners would consider that taboo, but if you are hurt, you are hurt.

My roommates laugh at me wearing my running tights....they can lauch, but I'll be warm. :-)

Still on a high from the marathon experience yesterday. Watching a race, and hanging out with other runners really gets me motivated.

:-)Charlie

2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

It was a frosty early start to the annual marathon through the Windy City. I got up at 3 am, to be at the race area at 5: 00 for volunteer duty. 40,00 people ran today's race. I volunteered. CARA(Chicago Area Runners Association) members served as Runners Info people. My spot was at the start line with the elite and preferred runners. I had to direct them to their start area and gear checks. For this work I got a nifty jacket and cap. I needed it.

The temps were in the upper 30s at the start of the race. Stiff winds came off the lake. The race started without a hitch. The ending....was a different story.

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_295072418.html

Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya slipped and fell as he crossed the finish line. At this writing he is in stable condition in the hospital, but did suffer a brain hemorrage. Scary stuff.

I enjoyed talking with fellow runners this morning. Several people are running the NYC Marathon in a few weeks. I asked what time they were shooting for, I got the same response, "Fast enough to beat Lance Armstrong." Armstrong is running the marathon. So people are setting sights on him. Of course it isn't like they are riding bikes against him.

The marathon always inspires me to run. I am sure I will get up, and head out in the morning for a brisk run.

:-)Charlie

3 Months From Today

Three months from today I run the Rock n Roll Marathon in Arizona. Wow! Got a lot of work to do. This week's long run will be shorter, since I hit 10 miles last week.

The yoga and strength training is going well. I do needto eat a bit better, but that will come.

Big thing this coming week? I volunteer at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon! Woo Hoo!

:-)Charlie

Dedicated

I ran 2 miles and bile 2.7 miles at the gym today. A good workout for me. Afterwards, in the locker room, a guy came up to me, and said, "You seem so dedicated. I've watched you since you started coming here, and it really shows."

I smiled and thanked him. He went on to tell me it makes him want to work out more. I told him it all takes time, but I enjoy working out and running. He told me that shows as well.

Before he left he told me I probably know how well I'm doing. I told him it never hurts to hear it from someone else.

:-)Charlie

Two Long Runs in One Week?

Yes, you read the title right. I ran a long run today. I know I ran 8 miles last Monday, but my work schedule won't be long run friendly this week, so I chanced it. I ran 10 miles.

My route was from my current home, to my former home. I ran along the lake, and it was a gorgeous day. Sunny and in the upper 60s-low 70s. Great running weather. I felt good most ofthe run. I didn't push myself.

On the way back I was glad to see Loyola University. That meant I was less than a mile from home. I drank plenty, and snacked along the way. My legs are a bit sore, but I'll live.

All in all - good run!

:-)Charlie

I'm a "Professional"

Yesterday was my training session with Josh. This was a grueling one. I noticed on my sheet, he has me listed as a level 2. Not sure what it means. I think it means..."give me 10 more." :-)

Chin ups, push ups, lots of arm exercises, and work on my back, was the order of the day. I feel it this morning, though not as bad as last week.

I really feel this core work, along with the yoga will help with my running. After myworkout I ran 1.25 miles. That's nothing big, but after a hard workout it felt like 10 miles.

At the end of the session, Josh told me I did 45 reps of all he had me do. He told me professional athletes usually do that in an hour session. He told me I'm a "professional athlete." I do all the work, I just don't get paid.

:-)Charlie

8 Miles andYoga

Yesterday was an 8 mile run on the treadmill. Not my favorite way to run, but it does allow me to closely follow the 4-5 min run/1min walk. I thought it was a good run, though I got very tired towards the end.

Tonight I attended my first yoga class. It felt like ballet all over again. I was the only guy, and I was wearing tights. I liked the class quite a bit. I wasn't very pretty in any of my moves, but I gave it a good effort, and that was the important part.

I look forward to next week's class.

:-)Charlie