Looking Back...Looking Ahead

2006 was an amazing year for me on the running front. My first big race of the year was the Shamrock Shuffle, which I ran with my friend Kelly! We had a ball doing the run. So many people out and running through Chicago.

Training hit high gear as I trained for the Sunburst Half Marathon in South Bend. My sister was my support system for the race. I still remember enduring the hills at miles 3 anf 4, and thinking how I had to make it to mile 5 so I could see her. There she was with pom poms, cheering me on!

I remember thinking about my mom at mile 9, and how I hoped she would be watching over me as I headed towards the stadium. When I saw the stadium, I began to tear up. People were encouraging me as I got closer to the tunnel. I was in tears as I entered the tunnel and heard the Notre Dame Victory March. Those tears turned to chills as I heard my name announced once I entered the stadium. I still feel that was such a triumph for me. Even now I get emotional as I write this.

Summer meant getting ready for the Gay Games. The Games were an incredible event. The 10K was brutal in the heat and humidity. I was running in what felt like 100+degrees. I was exhausted at the end, but loved the community and spirit of the race. The 5K was easier, but also very full of spirit among the runners.

As I have documeted, I feel I am undertrained for what lies ahead, but on the filpside I am not as undertrained as I think. I have logged approximately 600 miles this year. I have proven I can run long distances.

Two weeks from today I will embark on a 26.2 mile journey in Phoenix. I am nervous, excited, and looking forward to this race. My best friend, Marshall will be my support crew for this adventure. Lord knows I will need support!

Typically I do not make respolutions, but this year, I will. My goal is to become a better runner, and keep focused on a healthier lifestyle.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Peace,
Charlie

Easy 5 Miles

Today was my first run with my new IPod Shuffle. I have to say it made my run seem easier. I tried not to crank it up so I could still hear traffic around me.

As for the run, since I am"tapering" Iwill not be doing huge long runs at this point, but this 5 miles felt good. Very much looking forward to running more with my IPod!

:-)Charlie

So How Goes It?

Life is good! I am running better, which gives me confidence for the up coming marathon. I am really enjoying the job at Fleet Feet, and have been treated very well, and gotten some good tips already.

Today I ran a nice easy 2 miles on the treadmill. That puts me at 8 miles for the week. The New Balance shoes are working out great, and I know they will do well by me during the marathon.

So I am wondering who is out there reading my blog, and how are you doing?

;-)Charlie

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

:-)Charlie

New Job

So my new job at Fleet Feet is in full swing. I have to say this is certainly an adventure! So far everyone has been incredibly nice to me. They are all interested in getting me aquainted with everything so I can do a good job. This is a MUCH better experience than Macy's.

I tried to sell shoes today, since there were only a couple of us in the store, but the manager really wants me to shadow, until I learn their FIT process. That is fine with me. What got me today was the number of people who came in today wanting to but shoes for loved ones, and not knowing anything, but size. I suggested gift certifiicates, this way the person could come in and try on shoes.

Needless to say I am really liking this place...ok, I needed to say it. Heck I think I am even running better.

:-)Charlie

Marathon Decision

I have been in a quandary about whether or not to run the full marathon based on my training. I sought the advice of fellow runner, and have gotten varying advice. So I have weighed everything, and I have decided that I am committed to completing the full marathon. This was my goal, and I am going to see it through.

As someone pointed out, my theme is “I am powerful…” I believe I am powerful enough to finish. I may crawl to the finish line, but I will make it to the finish line.

I could easily do the half marathon, but that was not my intention in starting this journey. The Galloway run/walk system is designed to get me to the finish line, and that is what I will do.

Full speed ahead!

:-)Charlie

Long Run and More

Yesterday I ran almost 9 miles, or as I told people, I ran from home to the John Hancock Center. It was a pretty good run, though not what I hoped for. My goal was 16+ miles. This was going to be my last really long run before the marathon, and now I am at a cross roads. I have been here before.

During my training, I have not been able to run past 15 miles. Ankle issues, shoe issues, work schedule, all created chaos with my training. So now I do not feel physically able to complete 26.2 miles. I am also worried that I am not mentally able to do it either.

Yesterday I was fine, but I began to think. I tried all the tricks I have learned to block out the bad voices on runs, but to no avail. I stopped.

Is it wise for me to go on with the marathon, or do I switch to the half marathon? I know I can complete the latter. I have serious doubts about the former. I welcome any input on this.

On a brighter note...today I start at Fleet Feet. While I am sore this morning, I think I will be ok to do the fun run tonight. Looking forward to my new adventure.

:-)Charlie

When it All Comes Together

As I mentioned in the last entry, I was interviewing for a job with a running store. As of today I am no longer a Macy's employee, which means I got the job!

I will be working for Fleet Feet. I have to say I am already impressed with the owner. He interviewed me first, then I met with the manager. After a series of phone tag conversations, I talked with the owner. Of course this was AFTER I quit Macy's. The owner and I chatted briefly Wed. night, and he told me he wanted to hire me. Today was the formal offer call.

He was impressed with me off the bat he said. He said I was very much a people person and customer service oriented. Add to it my love of running, and he was sold. He was also impressed Scott, the manager of my gym, put in a good word for me.

I start Monday evening. He told me to come to the store (the smallest of the three), and he would meet me there to welcome me to Fleet Feet! WOW! They are having a fun run, and told me to bring the running gear so I can go out with them. Double WOW!

Iam a happy guy. I can run and work at the same time....kind of.

:-)Charlie

Stuff

1) I will be the first to admit my marathon training has gone poorly. Fits and starts have kept me from putting in the miles I need for the marathon. Yet, I am determined to do this. I need encouragement folks. Start sending positive vibes my way.

2) I just want to thank my good friend, and Shamrock Shuffle partner, Kelly for sending me the care package of Biofreeze. This stuff is great for aches and pains. I met a women a couple weeks ago who uses it before every race. She swears it limits pain during the race. Thanks Kelly!

3) Job interview. Why would this merit mention on this blog? I'm interviewing at a running store. My first interview was with the owner. Next I meet with the store manage. This would bea very cool job.

4) New shoes. My New Balance shoes are working great. No pain after my runs. They fit. They're comfortable. I think I am in love.

:-)Charlie

Marathon Kids

I wanted to intorduce you all to an organization I have begun to get to know - Marathon Kids.

Their Mission:

Marathon Kids® is a ten-year-old, nationally recognized, copyrighted, trademarked, incremental school-based fitness program. It is a free, endurance-building running/walking/nutrition/gardening program for kindergartners through 5th graders.

Our mission is to build joyful community around children and be quickly accepted into public, private and home schools as a free, innovative celebratory fitness and nutrition program, resonating with the child… and with the child’s family. The goal is for the child to develop the love and habit of moving through space and to carry forward the power of muscular, nutritional and psychological well being.

I first learned about Marathon Kids and its founder, Kay Morris, a year ago while reading Runner's World. This organization is dedicated to bettering children's health. Considering the obesity problem in our country, I think this is a worthy group, so much so, I have been in contact with them about starting a chapter in Chicago.

Please check them out. www.marathonkids.com

:-)Charlie