Running and Prayer

Those who know me well know I am a spiritual person, but do not push my religious beliefs. This entry is not intended to be anything more than sharing.....

This entry is dedicated to my friend, and former pastor Rev. Ken Harrington, at Hope United Church of Christ in Alexandria, VA.

This last week I spoke to my friend Ken about life and the trials we go through. He told me how impressed he was with my running and weight loss. What I forgot to tell him was that I also use my running as a way to be closer to God. I have read "Running the Spiritual Path" by Roger Joslin. This book is about how to use running as a time for prayer. I have found it an excellent way to have my one on one with God.

I time everything with my breathing, and focus on that. This becomes a meditation for me. While I do this I am aware of other thoughts which come into my head. I acknowledge those thoughts, and then get back to my breathing/meditation.

I usually use a chant or saying as I breathe in and out. Mine is "World Peace." I learned this while taking yoga last year. Inhale - world - exhale-peace. It really helps with focus and with meditating. I also run a bit easier.

Some people have actual prayers they say. Others just use a word like Christ, God, or Believe. I suggest toying around with phrases or words until you find one which works for you.

I have little time to go to church, so I find this one on one time while I run really helps me. I would be interested in hearing if other people do this, and how they feel.

:-)Charlie

Easy Run

Today was an easy4.16 mile run to Evanston. I felt tired, but good. The ankle was ok, not great. I took a few walking breaks which helped. Not bad for a first run after a race. It was a hot one out - 85 degrees! I think this will be a hot summer!

:-)Charlie

Cellcom Green Bay Half Marathon

It was a dreary, windy cold day yesterday, as my cousin Polly and I started our 13.1 mile trek through Green Bay, Wisconsin. The race started at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. There was about 6500 people gathered for the marathon/half marathon/5K.

The race started at 7 am...and off we went. No complaints about the first mile. We ran it in 11:49. Mile 2 though we needed the port-a-potty. There was a HUGE line for 3 of those things. This slowed us down quite a bit.

Polly kept asking how my ankle was. Keep in mind, I had not run a step in 3 1/2 weeks, and had a bum ankle. I was clearly running slower though. Polly and I ran together for a few miles....but there was one problem....I KEPT HAVING TO PEE!!!!!

I stopped at mile 2, 3, 4, and 5....The funny thing is I drank nothing in the morning. I think the cold, and the gatorade just cut through me. I was trying to keep up with Polly, but it was a losing effort. I let her go.

As for the ankle. It was ok until mile 9-10. I felt it was stiff, and could go either way. I made the decision to walk more, and hope that would help. It did.

What also helped at mile 10 was the cookie break. Two ladies where there passing out chocolate chip cookies to the runners. It was MUCH appreciated.

At this point I knew I would not be making a PR, but I thought it would be close. Mile 12 took a turn towards Lambeau Field, and I went into the tunnel, and out to the field. After a lap around, back into the tunnel, then on to the finish line. They announced my name as I crossed the line.

My time was - 3:03:44. My PR was 2:59. So for as little running as I have done, and as bad as the ankle has been, I think I did well. Polly finished around 2:41. Very good for her first race.

The race had some issues....

Poor port-a-potty planning.
A boring route.
A small expo.
I will cut some slack on the weather.

The volunteers were great and always cheerful. I liked that! I also loved the post-race brats! Mmmmm!

Many thanks to Polly for running the race with me. I had fun.

Also....BIG thanks to my cousin Ruth for getting up at 4:30 am to make us oatmeal! YUM!

Chicago Marathon training begins the first week of June! I will be detailing my journey on this blog. Keep your eyes peeled.

As for my ankle? It feels good, though I am sore today.

At least I got a shiny medal for it all.

:-)Charlie

2007 Chicago Marathon Training Schedule

Last night was the orientation meeting at my gym for the marathon training. All I can tell you, if I have not already, this training will be an ass kicker!

There is plenty of running challenges - tempo runs, speed work, hill work, and of course the weekly long runs.

There is also yoga, pilates, nutrition class, and strength training.

Scott, the manager of the gym asked us to write a bit about our running history and health issues. I detailed my foot history. So they are aware, and adjust things for me if need be. He told me he thinks I will do great with the program.

We were also asked about goals and what we hope to accomplish. I have two. I want to be a more efficent runner, and I want to be fitter.

Do I have a goal forthe marathon? Yup! This one is not about just finishing. Time to set a PR - Personal Record. Knowing my race history, and with this training, I am shooting for a sub 6 hour race. I think this is realistic with the kind of training I will have.

Here is what June looks like training wise:

Mondays - Pilates
Tuesdays - Yoga
Wednesday - Shorter runs 4-5 miles + strength training
Thursdays - Runs on my own
Saturdays - Long tuns + 1 nutrition class

This will change in July, and I will talk about that then. I will also detail here what I am doing and feeling as I go through this training process. It is going to be one interesting ride.

:-)Charlie

About to Crank It Up

First the good news - my ankle is better, and I am ready to run this weekend in Green Bay. As promised, I have not run the last couple of weeks. I have been biking and doing the Elipitical. Not the same, but I get a workout. Looking forward to the race.

So....it is time to get ready for the Chicago Marathon. I have found a training program. I believe it will KICK MY ASS! My gym offers a very comprehensive training program. Tempo training, hill training, strength training, yoga, pilates, and of course the long runs, are all a part of the deal. I will be lean and mean and ready to set a PR at the marathon. Hooyah!

The down side these days...I have gained some weight. Sadly I have put on about 6 lbs. I am sure it is from the lack of running. The good news is that is all about to change!

:-)Charlie

Biking and Swimming

While my ankle is healing, I am doing some other cardio. I biked at the gym the other day. I rode 12 miles. Last night I swam a few laps. Both felt good. I really am looking forward to lacing up the shoes and running again. This drives me nuts.

I am also beginning to plan my marathon training. It's clear I need to work on my core, and get this body into shape! Also time to re-exmine the diet.

Now if only the ankle would heal.

Charlie

No Running!

Well it is less than 2 weeks before Green Bay, and now I have been told to lay off the running! Today I went for a massage. My right ankle was still in pain. The massage therapist had me see a physical therapist at the gym.

The PT is stunned I can run. I explained my history, and she was shocked at the fact I run. As you may know, I have next to no range of motion in my right foot. The clubbed feet and the corrective surgeries have made this so.

She suggested all my issues have caught up with me, and I might not have had enough rest after the marthon. So she thinks my training until the race should be on a bike, or do weights. She also thinks I am going through my running shoes faster than the average person.

I will give it a try. I am tired of hurting.

Charlie

My First Marathon

I am a HUGE fan of the podcast, "Phedippidations". It is a main staple on my longer runs. Steve Runner is 40something, middle of the pack runner, who voices "thoughts, opinions, observations and rambling diatribes, during long runs." This is my favorite podcast!

This week's episode is on people's first marathons. Steve asked listeners to write about their first marathons. I wrote about the Rock n' Roll Phoenix Marathon. As I listened to his podcast today, I got very emotional as I heard him talk about my marathon! Yes...he used my story!!! I felt like I was re-living it.

Steve, I don't know if you will read this, but I want to thank you for highlighting my story. I was very moved.

Steve makes a good point in the show, and it is one I talk about all the time. You don't have to run a marathon. If all you do is get off the couch and walk, I think that is great. However, if you can develop a healthier lifestyle, which involves exercise, the quality if your life will be so much better.

People tell me often, "I don't want to run." So don't run. I love running with all my heart. But if your exercise is swimming, biking, walking, or skipping rope, more power to you.

My races are what help keep me motivated. I like being in training for something. It keeps me focused.

For those who have not heard "Phedippidations" give it a listen. Steve is funny, warm, and an all around great guy...at least for someone who drinks Sam Adams Beer. Sorry Steve, I'm a Guinness man!

www.steverunner.com

:-)Charlie

Food

Before I get into the post, I want to say my sore ankle has kept me from running this week, so nothing to report there. I was told by the massage therapist I have a compression injury. I need to ice it, and alternate with heat. It kills me not to run, but it hurts more TO run.

Every month Runner's World magazine publishes healthy recipes. Thought I would share a couple I want to try.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

3 oz uncooked, skinned chicken breast
1 diced medium onion
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 stalks diced celery
3 sliced carrots
7 cups water
1 pkg long grain & wild rice mix
2 cups skim milk
2 tbsp corn starch
2 tbsp water

Combine chicken, onion, bouillon, celery and carrots with water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Remove chicken, then add rice to water mixture. Simmer 25 minutes or until rice is tender. Add milk. Remove bones from chicken. Dice chicken and return to soup. Mix corn starch and water to make a paste, then add this to soup to thicken it.

Serves 8.

Nutrition information per serving: 136 calories25.3 g carbohydrates7.7 g protein.8 g fat (5% of total calories)672 mg sodium1.7 g dietary fiber
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Flour's Famous Banana Bread

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 1/2 bananas, very ripe, mashed
2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Preheat oven to 350?F. Sift together first four ingredients. Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy. Drizzle in oil. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla. Fold in flour mixture and nuts. Pour batter into a buttered 9" x 4" loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Makes 12 servings.

Lower-fat version: Reduce oil to 1/4 cup, add 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (260 calories, 9 grams of fat).

Calories: 310 Fat: 15 g Carbs: 41 g Protein: 4 g


YUM!
Charlie