The Let Down

It had to happen, and today it did. I came down from my marathon high. Just feeling low today, trying to figure out a running/training schedule. Add to that it is FUCKING COLD(excuse my French) outside. We have been around ZERO! And are headed further down the themometer. Brrrr!

So I have thinking about running goals for the year. I know I want to do two half marathons. The first will be in May in Green Bay, WI. Not sure about the second one. My next marathon? I am thinking I want to head back to Phoenix next January, and work on bettering this year's race time. I feel I have some unfinished business out there.

So while I am feeling very good about how I did a couple weeks ago, I think there is a natural let down after working so hard - and it hit me today. I'll be fine. I guess I have to go through this.

I am trying NOT to eat as I would when I am emotionally down. That is a bad thing...as you all know. So I am making sure whatever snacks that are around do not come near me, or vice versa.

So while today is a blue day....I know eventually I will get past this feeling. It just sucks today.

Charlie

Support

Over the weekend I waited on parents who brought in their kids who are in track. The track season is coming up, and they were helping the get ready. That's great! At one point I found myself envious that I had not done track in school. I was not a sports person. My clubbed feet, and weight situation made any sports impossible to do. I was the singer/performer. My parents supported me in that, but it was not the same thing. Then again, I think that had to do more with my parents. They are not the most demonstrative people.

As I come into the athletic world later in life, I find tremendous support for my endeavors. There are times I feel like a geek for going on and on about running, but everyone seems to put up with it pretty well. I appreciate that very much! Now I just need to get some of these people running! :-)

:-)Charlie

New Shoes

This has been a really cool week at work. As I have been learning the fitting process, my manage has showed me how ill fitting my shoes have been...for a long time. It's amazing I can run!

Saturday the rep from Brooks told me about shoes I should try. What I did not understand was Brooks is GIVING me a pair of shoes. This happens when shoe companies want associates to try their shoes, and give feedback. How cool - I am going to get a new pair of shoes.

Have I mentioned how much I love this job!

:-)Charlie

Group Run

Three times a week my store sponsors a fun run. This is a group of people who meet at the store, then head off on a 2-6 mile run. You can run as much of the course as you like. Afterwards people gather at the store. Sometimes there is refreshments. Sometimes it is a quick talk or presentation.

I joined in yesterday for my first group run. My manager and another women, with her 8 month old dog, ran with me. We broke no records, but that was not what this was about. I am not great at the running/talking thing. Still I managed to have a conversation, and run 2 miles.

Coffee and bagels followed. Plus a representative from Brooks was there to talk about the 2007-2008 shoes. I was even paid for all of this - bonus!

I am sure I will head out on more of these. If there is a group run in your area, I suggest it as a diversion from training.

:-)Charlie

New Look

By now you have noticed I made some changes to the look of the blog. I thought this format made for easier reading. I have also added my picture, and listed blogs and other faves.

Hope you like it.

:-)Charlie

Back in the Saddle

Yesterday I went on a 2 - mile run on the treadmill at the gym. The first mile was on a hill setting. Wanted a light, but not too light workout. The second mile was an interval run. I kept it at an easy pace. I felt really good running. The blisters are healed, and I felt no pain.

Now I am trying to figure out my race schedule for the year. This way I can form a good training program. I know I wll be in Green Bay May 20 for a half marathon. My cousin Polly and I will run together. Hope she's training!

I figure Iwill need a good summer and fall race to make it all good for the year. Iwould like torun the Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon, but it is in August. Chicago in August???? Blech!

I have a strong desire to run the Chicago Marathon. The problem is that is a blackout date for my work at Fleet Feet Sports. I will be needed to work. We'll see what I can do.

Anyway, glad to be running again.

:-)Charlie

Compassion

Generosity is something not typically seen in the retail business. The bottom line is the priority, especially when you are selling high priced items. This weekend I was reminded that business can do the right thing when it is needed.

On Saturday a couple of track coaches came into the store with a list of show sizes for their team. My manager Sarah and I went into the stock room to fill the orders. She told me that quite often school teachers/coaches come into the store to buy shoes for their athletes. These are kids who can not afford running shoes. This had happened earlier in the morning. A coach came in with a kid to select a pair of shoes. I should note that in these cases the teachers/coaches are paying for the shoes out of their own pockets. No one is being reimbursed. NO ONE!

In the case of the two coaches, we first looked in the clearance bin to see what we could find. Then we looked for inexpensive shoes, or at least as inexpensive as possible. We were looking for about 14 pairs of shoes. Yes…14 pairs. The teachers were going to split the cost of the shoes.

When we rang up the shoes, the total came to over $1450. I watched Sarah as she thought about what she could do. Without saying a word, she immediately gave them a 50% discount. She told them the shoes would cost approx. $725. The coaches, while looking appreciative knew they did not have that kind of money. Sarah got on the phone to check with the owner, and came back with a 70% discount. I’m sad to say the coaches decided they just could not afford the shoes. It was hard putting the shoes back in the stock room.

Still though, it is not the typical business which would think with its heart. Kudos to my manager Sarah!

:-)Charlie

A Week Later

A week ago today I crossed the finish line, and I am still on cloud nine. I don't know how many people read this blog. If you have run a marathon, there is an incredible high you feel for this accomplishment.

This week I told many people my story again and again. Each time I got goose bumps talking about it. I helped many people at the store this week who have registered for the Chicago Marathon. Many of these folks are first time marathoners. So several asked me what to expect. I didn't sugar coat, but I did explain that they will feel so good for doing it.

So how do I feel? No pain. I am a little stiff, but nothing horrible. I will try to run tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone who wrote me this week. I really appreciate the notes I got.

I feel I can accomplish anything these days, so I hope this feeling lasts a long time.

:-)Charlie

Great Podcast

I am now the proud owner of an IPod Shuffle. How the hell did I live without this thing. I love listen to music and podcasts while running. I found a great running podcast called Phedippidations. You can download it at ITunes or at - http://www.steverunner.com/

Steve takes the runner through all aspects of running. I love it very much. Give it a listen.

No running for a while until my blisters heal. That is really all the pain I have now. Hopefully I will get back on the road next week.

:-)Charlie

For the Record

Just an FYI - I placed 6,894th overall. Approx. 15,000 started the marathon. I was 598 in my age/gender division. Official time 7:26:21.

Now I have a goal to improve on.

:-)Charlie

Lessons and What's Next?

It is a cliché to say that running a marathon teaches you some important life lessons. They are clichés for a reason, because they are true. So what have I learned?

For years people have told me they think of my as a strong person. I have never really thought that about myself, until now. I am strong as hell for what I endured during those 26.2 miles. I thought about that at the 23 mile point. No matter what my pain is, I need to finish. That is strength my friends.

I learned that while I am not always fond of training, I need to make sure I am 100% committed to it, so I can do my best. Now some folks think I am beating myself down when I say that I want to do better next time. No, not the case. There will be a next one, and I will make sure I am better prepared for the task at hand. It is the nature of the athlete to become better, or at least strive to be better. I am no different. I am, after all, an athlete.

I have been reminded how much the love and support of family, friends and loves ones is to me. I have no idea what Marshall thought as he saw me struggling those last few miles, and then at the end, but I was so damn happy he was there, and making sure I was ok. I was so happy that Q talked me through the 24th mile, especially, when I said, “Oh fuck there’s a hill ahead of me.” He knew I could do it.

So what is next? Well no marathons in the near future. I am running a half marathon in Green Bay, WI in May, with my cousin Polly. She and I have talked a few times about running together, and now we can. I am really looking forward to this.

As for a marathon, eventually I would like to run the Chicago Marathon, but just not sure when I will tackle that. I know I will never qualify for the Boston Marathon, but would love to see it sometime. I will find my next marathon though, and will share the experience with all of you.

:-)Charlie

2007 Rock n Roll Marathon - What Have You Done Today to be Proud?

There are tests in life, and there are tests, which push you to your limit. Yesterday I was pushed to a point I had never been.

Race day started very cold – 28 degrees! When I got to the start area, I took advantage of the free coffee and bagels. Of course I had more coffee than bagels. I did not really ue the coffee for drinking. I was trying to stay warm.

I knew I would need extra stretching with the cold. I plugged in the IPod, and found a spot to do some stretches. I was wearing my tights, with shorts underneath, two shirts, one longsleeve, and a sweatshirt. The sweatshirt was going to be tossed at the start of the race.

I got to my corral, and was busy moving around, and talking with fellow runners. Everyone seemed very eager to get going. May have had more to do with the cold. One gentleman chatted with me about this being his first marathon. I told him it was mine as well. He was 65, and his family was so excited for him.

The race started at 7:40, and it took about 10 minutes for my group to get to the start line. Once we got there, people were flying off. That was not my plan. I just got a nice jog going. I knew I did not want to start fast, or I might have nothing left at the end. Not many people were along the route for this part of the race. So a lot of runners were talking amongst themselves, especially the Team in Training People. These folks were everywhere!

I was doing a good job of running 4 minutes and walking 1-2 minutes. Only problem was my fingers were numb, and did not warm up until 2 miles into the race. I was wearing gloves, but still, they were not warm. I figure the blood had gone to other areas to keep me warm.

I think there are two races in a marathon. There is the first 13 miles, and then the test of the last 13. I was ready for the test. I had Gatorade and a Gel. My friend Marshall was going to meet me at mile 13 for restocking, and give me a bit of food. So I was eager to see him as I approached. I did well at this point. I did the 13 miles in 3:05, a few minutes of my 13 mile PR, but I was not going for speed. I got to mile 13 – no Marshall. My mind went into panic mode. I had the cell phone and tried to call, but my phone was so cold it was not working.

A couple came by and asked me if I was ok. I explained what happened, and they were very nice to give me some Gu. They told me I looked great and expected me to finish. I thanked them as they went on.

I finally got a hold of Marshall. He was at 13, we just did not see each other. So he raced to mile 15 to meet me. He gave me a Power Bar, and refilled the Gatorade. We agreed to meet again at mile 20, and off I went. I was a little sore, especially in my right heel, but thought I was good.

Mile 16 changed the race. I stopped at the restroom, and my heel was in more pain now, so I went to the medical tent. I had a blister, and it needed to be popped. The medic was very nice, and took good care of it. He drained the blister for what seemed forever. I told him to leave me some blood. He laughed. He patched it up, and off I went. I started walking to get used to the patched heel, then I ran again.

Mile 17 I could tell I was in trouble. My legs were hurting more now, and I had been running a little differently due to the blister. I was now walking more than running, but I was ok with that. This changed at mile 18. Mile 18 I was in quite a bit of pain, so I was power walking. People were passing me and telling me I looked good. While I appreciated it, I was feeling horrible. I still smiled and told them thanks.

At this point I called Marshall and told him I was hurting, and that I really needed to see him at Mile 20. He told me he was there and waiting. When I saw him there I was in tears from all the pain I was in. He gave me a hug and told me I was doing great. I told him I was worried about finishing. We agreed we would meet up at mile 23. Off I went.

At this point there was no running on my part. I was intent on power walking, but I could tell I was not as powerful a walker as I wanted. I was now averaging 17-20 minutes a mile. I was worried there would be no finish line for me. For most of this stretch I was alone. I had the IPod, which kept me going. Now and then a walker from Team in Training would pass me.

At mile 24 Q called to check on me. I was in tears telling him about my pain, and I saw a hill ahead of me. He told me I had come so far, and he knew I could to do….just push a little more. I did. At this point I was not walking pretty. People would ask if I was ok. I lied, and told them I was great. I was doing all I could not to fall down. Also I was developing a cramp in my left thigh. I drank the hell out of my Gatorade, and went on.

Mile 25 to the end was the longest distance of my life. My fear of them closing the finish line was spurring me on. I was also told that I may have to move to the sidewalk soon. I didn’t want to do that, so I went ahead. Right after mile 26 a Team in Training coach told me I did not look too good, and did I need anything. I said, “Yes the finish line.” He smiled and told me I would make it.

As I got closer to the end, I was getting emotional. People were cheering me on, and I had tears in my eyes. The pain was unbearable. Still once I saw the finish line, I was determined to run again. I ran the last 100 ft. to the end. I had started the race running, and I was going to finish running. They announced my name as I crossed the line. Marshall came up to me, and I just cried in his arms. We stood like that for quite a while.

He helped me over to a woman who put my medal around my neck, and then I got a mylar blanket. I walked around for a bit, and then we headed home.

There was a song I played over and over in my IPod during the race – Pride. One of the lyrics is, “What have you done today to be proud.” I can say I finished my first marathon, no matter the pain, or bad I wanted to stop. While my time – 7:26:21 sets no records, I look at this medal, and I think of what I accomplished, and I am so proud of myself.

1 Day - Rest and Go-Go Boys!

Today has been the all important day before the race. Marshall has been a good support team for me thus far. We had breakfast this morning. I had whole wheat pancakes with Crasins...YUM! From there we met up with Carolyn from Marathon Kids, the organization I am working with. She brought me gifts and good wishes from the Marathong Kids staff and Kay Morris, the founder of the organization.

After our meeting Marshall took me around the 26.2 mile course. There are no steep hills, and all looks good for tomorrow. Oh one thing...it is cold here in Phoenix. All day it has been cloudy and in the 40's. Brrrr... It makes trying to figure out what to wear a bit of a chore.

We did stop at Goodwill so I could get start line clothes. A sweatshirt and sweat pants - for $4! Not bad. I will wear them until start time, then shed them.

Next stop? Cruisin on 7th. This is a funky gay bar in town. At 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, they have go go boys. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a succker for a good go go boy. There were two Marshall and I were fond of, and they were very attentive to us. :-) Amazing what a well-placed dollar bill can do. :-)

Dinner was soup and salad. Nothing heavy tonight. I will go to bed shortly, and Marathon Day will begin at 4:45 a.m..

As I write this I am aware of how I got to this point. All the training this last year. I am aware this has been an important goal of mine. Now all I have to do is run 26.2 miles. I am a winner for getting to this point. I know that. I know though I will feel even better once I cross the finish line.

I have gotten so many good wishes from people the last few days. Thanks for all the support. It is truly appreciated.

Talk to you after the finish!

:-)Charlie

2 Days - Expo

Hello from Phoenix!

Today I made it to the expo to pick up my race number, chip and goddy bag. Plus I love wandering through the expo to see what free stuff there is. I love being arond runners. Everyone at the expo was so happy.

I was interviewed by the film crew. Specifically they wanted to know about my running and raising money for CARE. I talked about CARE's work, and the importance of their work. It was very cool.

Tonight my friend Marshall and I go out. Tomorrow...rest!

:-)Charlie

3 Days - Off to Phoenix

Later this afternoon I am off to Phoenix. There are two days I have been eagerly waiting. Race day, and the day I head off to Phoenix!

I will stay with my friend Marshall, who will be the support crew/cheerleader on this adventure. Glad to know he will be there!

Yesterday I was contacted by the racing organization. They have a film crew and would like to interview me about the race. Months ago they asked for our story about why we were running the marathon. My story was one of 10 selected. So I will be interviewed on Friday I think. Very exciting! MAKEUP!

I will post while I am in Phoenix...stay tuned.

:-)Charlie

4 Days Away - A Reminder

Empowerment is an amazing thing. You can do big and small tasks if you feel you have the tools. For many people in developing nations, poverty prevents them from living productive lives. Poor sanitation, lack of food, prevalence of disease, lack of economic opportunity and specter of war denies millions of people the opportunity to lead better lives.

For over 50 years CARE has been providing the tools and assistance to those who need them so desperately. It comforts me a great deal organizations like CARE are out there:CARE tackles underlying causes of poverty so that people can become self-sufficient. Recognizing that women and children suffer disproportionately from poverty, CARE places special emphasis on working with women to create permanent social change. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

Not only does CARE provide need assistance, they also work at the grassroots level through the CARE Action Network (CAN). Through CAN, CARE donors can communicate with and educate their political leaders on issues related to poverty: HIV/AIDS, nutrition, clean water, etc... I am proud to be a CARE donor and CAN member.

Because I have been empowered to accomplish so many things through my running, I want to use my running to help CARE. On January 14, 2007, I will be running in the P.F. Chang Rock N Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ. This is my first marathon. I am using this race to raise money for CARE, so they can continue their work.

I have an ambitious goal - $2620. I chose that figure, because a marathon is 26.2 miles.

I hope you will join me in my support of CARE.

There are various levels of giving:
____ Marathon Level $100 +
____ Half-marathon Level $75 - $99
____ 10K Level $50 - $74
____ 5K Level $25 - $49
____ Other Amount (Please Indicate) _________________

You can send your donation to:

CARE
Attn: Andrea Porth
70 E. Lake St.Suite 1430
Chicago, IL 60601

Please indicate in the memo portion of the check the Rock N Roll Marathon. This way we can keep an accurate count of how much has been raised.

Also if you are interested in the CARE Action Network (CAN), include a note indicating your interest, with your name, address and email address.I appreciate any donation.

For more information about CARE, go to www.care.org

If you have questions about CARE, please feel free to leave a comment to this post.

Thanks,Charlie

A Boy's First Marathon

There is something special about your first marathon. The training is like nothing you have gone through. The anticipation of the event is a combination or nervousness and excitement. You also tend to bore anyone around you who will listen as you talk about what you hope to accomplish. This is my life this week. God help those who are around me as I go through this.

I am told at this point I should be enjoying myself. I suppose I am. I have course maps everywhere; on my desk at work, on the fridge at home, on my screen on the computer. Everywhere I look it is the race. Geek? Yes. Obsessed? Maybe. Psyching myself up? Oh yeah! The marathon is both physical and mental. I know I can do it physically. Now is the time to get the mental game in gear! I listen to inspirational music. I am reading all things running. I also write down lists of what to take to AZ, as well as jotting some strategies for the race.

Good lord…I AM an athlete!

:-)Charlie

5 Days - Coins

Last night I had dinner with a friend, who gave me an envelope before we parted. He told me not to open it until I was on my way home. When I got on the bus, I opened the envelope and inside was a card and two coins.

The card was a good luck card, which I thought was very sweet. One coin had a shamrock on it, and the other had Chinese writing on it. These were good luck coins. I thought that was incredible sweet to give me. I sent him a text thanking him so much.

The support I have gotten from friends, family and loved ones has meant so much to me.

Yesterday I ran 1.5 miles and biked 3 miles. Felt good.

:-)Charlie

7 Days - Sidewalk Art

A week from today I will navigating the streets of Phoenix. Today though was a day of encouragement from my co-workers at Feet Feet.

At one point my manager told me I should go outside because it was warm, and I needed fresh air. I thought, "It's in the 30's, I don't need THAT fresh air." I wondered what was up, but I went out anyway. I came back in, and she and a co-worker looked all silly. No clue what was going on.

A few minutes later, the co-worker told me I needed to help her with a customer outside. She was going to watch ehr run to fit her for shoes. We went outside, and she said, "Don't you see it?" She had to point to the ground. On the sidewalk was written, "Good Luck Charlie, 26.2 miles!"

I just smiled. You have to love encouragement like that.

On the stomach front, I am a bit better today, but taking no chances. I need to be healthy!


:-)Charlie

9 Days Away...and Trouble

I have been sick now for the last couple of days. I am having problem reminiscent of my trip to Ireland a few years ago. Food is not staying down. No doctor can see me until tomorrow. You can only imgaine how freaked out I am about this.

More to come...

Charlie

10 Days - Uh Oh!

10 days before the race, and I am sick. I think I have stomach flu, that or I ate something horrible a couple nights ago, and it is still with me. All I know is my stomach hurts, and I have been sick(will spare the gorey details).

All Iwant is to be better. At least I am not well this week, as opposed to next week. Add to that I HATE being sick. Arrrgh!

:-)Charlie

11 Days and the Running Community

Before I head out for my run this afternoon, I just wanted to get the countdown going. 11 days from today I will blaze a trail through Arizona...or something like that.

What I really appreciated today was a nice email from a woman in AZ, associated with Marathon Kids. www.marathonkids.com As you know I am part of a grioup forming a chapter here in Chicago. The woman wrote me to wish me well, as she heard I was running the race from Marathon Kids founder Kay Morris. She also offered to meet up with me so we could talk more about the organization.

One of the things which really impresses me with running is the strong sense of community. I tend to forget about it since running can be a solitary thing, but the support of other runners is amazing!

My co-workers at Fleet Feet Sports are supportive. My boss at Columbia, a runner, is supportive. I get tips and advice too. It is all greatly appreciated.

So as I inch closer to the start line, I really feel the support of my fellow runners.

:-)Charlie

First Run of 2007

2007 started with a 2-mile run. I am taking it easy leading up to the marathon. This is taper time, so long....long runs are not in the cards. My longest run will be 5 miles or so.

So my only resolution this year is to become a better runner. Better nutrition, and cross training will help.

Any resolutions out there?

:-)Charlie