One Week to Go

Last night I was going through pictures for a birthday project for my dad. He turns 90 on Saturday. As I was going through the pictures, I kept looking at me through the years. I smile in almost all the pictures, but then I cam across the picture of my cousin Polly and me, taken at the Green Bay Half Marathon this year. I radiated in that picture.

I look so different today than I did just a few short years ago. It used to take an effort to get in and out of my car. Today I run marathons. It used to be embarassing to go to the clothes store and see I had gone up a size. Today I can walk into any store and buy the clothes I like!

I have come so far. I wrote about the journeys we take to get to the start line. No matter how many races I run, I feel the journey has been a lifetime in the making.

No matter what problems I may have in life....I see what I have accomplished, and it reminds me I can handle pretty much anything thrown at me.

We are one week until the race. I am ready to give it my best. At the start line I will think about where I have been...and the course which lies ahead of me. AND I WILL DO IT!!!

:-)Charlie

I Am a Runner...No Matter What Pearl Izumi Says

Shoe/clothing company has an ad which differentiates runners from joggers. You can see it at www.wearenotjoggers.com. It describes joggers as some how half heartedly running, and they real runners are endangered. If you were to watch me run, you might be tempted to call it jogging. I am not fast, and there is no gazelle like quality to my form. Believe me though....there is NOTHING half hearted about what I am doing on the road. I am running!

And if I "jog" now and then so what? Who cares? I'm still moving. I'm still pushing my body to a limit it did not know before. Arrrgh! Marketers!

Today I had a pre-marathon massage. It felt good, and now I am ready for my light running for this week. 8 days to go.....

Charlie

9 Days...and Counting...Deciding to Run

In a past posting, I asked who inspires you, and I developed a list of people who inspire me. I want to add to that list. I would say anyone who makes the decision to run inspires me. Note, I did not say decides to run a marathon.

Everyday I work with people who are just starting to run. Almost immediately these people tell me they aren' t running a marathon, they are "just running." I smile and tell them I think they are doing great to run 1-3 miles, or however far they want to run. At least they are trying.

I have found the decision to run is a big for most people. Deciding to run means you are taking an active part in your body to make it healthier. That's important, and not to be minimized.

As many of you know I started running, because I had been walking, trying to lose weight. I walked so fast, I thought, "Why not run?"

Some people end up loving running. Others not as much.

So to those who make the decision to run - congrats! You have made a major step in your life, and I am inspired by you.

We are at 9 days until the marathon. No running today. Tomorrow will be an "easy" 6 mile run.

:-)Charlie

Congrats and More

My cousin Polly who ran her first half marathon earlier this year with me, set a new PR this last weekend in her second half marathon. She ran 2:07. Way to go Polly!!!

So now we are 10 days until the marathon. I feel good about my Yassos from last night. I am going to head out for a little bit of a run this afternoon if the weather cooperates. All in all I feel good.

My fellow marathoners agree it is time to bring on the race. We are ready and raring to go on Oct. 7. One guy told me yesterday he is tired of training. I hear that, but it still needs to be done. Another runner told me he won't run until the race and eat whatever he wants. Note to self...stay clear of the puking man during the race.

Scott has asked us to figure what to wear on race day. I am waiting to see what the weather reports will be before I decide. I know I won't load down with a belt like I did in Phoenix. I didn't like that. I will depend on the water stations and my support crew. I do have my gel figured out - Gu's Chocolate Outrage. If I have to have something, it might as well taste like chocolate.

I have been looking over the course map again and again. I want to know what to expect. The marathon website has a video tour. That helps as well.

So 10 days to go...and all is well.

Charlie

Yasso 800s

Tonight I did my Yasso 800s. This is 10 x 800 m. I run 10 1/2 mile sets at near race pace. This is used to predict my marathon time. Scott said based on my performance tonight I would run the marathon in 5:54. This is under my goal. He believes I will actually go faster on race day and get closer to 5:45.

Runners World writer Burt Yasso created this program. My friend Spencer and I joke that when you are done, you are to yell, "YASSO!!!!!!!!!!"

YASSO!!!!!!!!!

:-)Charlie

The Journey

Training for a marathon is a journey. I think the journey starts when you make the decision to run one of these races. I have heard people tell me they thought long and hard on it, others have told me they made a bet with friends. No matter how much or little thought went into it, you knew you were heading on a journey. You just didn't know what kind.

When I made the decision to run my first marathon, I wanted to see if I had one in me. I did. Now that I know I can do it, I want to do it better. I made this decision as soon as I crossed that finish line in Arizona!

This journey has been more physical for me. It has also felt like I have sacrificed a bit more. By sacrifice I am mean I have lost out on meeting up with friends, so I could train. For the most part my friends understand.

I would not trade my marathon training experience for anything. It allows me to see how hard I can push myself physically and mentally. It shows what I can accomplish. And when that medal is placed around my neck, it is pure joy, because I know it was all worth it.

I talk to people all day who think it is worth it all. Others think we marathoners are nuts. Both are correct. :-)

Charlie

Feeling Good

The taper is a good thing. Today I took a nice easy 4 mile run on the treadmill at the gym. Nothing to strenuous, just easy. Tomorrow night is my last speed work...thank goodness! I have to say I don't always enjoy the speed work, but I give it a good shot.

I'm still eating well. No slouching during the taper period. I think I have done well during the training, and look forward to a post race pig out...hehehe.

People coming into the store are happy and excited about the race coming up. So I can only feel pumped.

:-)Charlie

Nervous?

Yesterday three people asked me if I am nervous about the marathon. I would not say nervous, like scared. I would say I am ready for this, and now I have nervous energy about getting started.

I feel my training has gone well for the most part, and am in better condition for this race, then I was for the Phoenix race. I'm more excited than anything.

At the start of this I wanted to set a couple of goals. I wanted to run 5:59:59 in the marathon, and I wanted to lose some weight. Goal #2 is done. I started the training at 210 lbs. I am now back down to 199 lbs! So I am a leaner running machine! Now all I need to do is the goal time.

Soon I will be writing about my strategy for the race. I have been thinking long and hard - as well as staring at the course map. Yeah....I'm a geek.

:-)Charlie

Saying Thanks to Anne

This is a special blog post for me. It was on my mind during my long run today, and when I got home I knew I wanted to write this.

When my sister Anne and I were kids we always found ways to get at each other. It was not always pretty. I think a couple of times our dad actually swore at us in order to get us to behave towards each other.

As siblings do, we grew out of it. Anne got married and had kids. I came out, and tried to make my own life. Even though we had very different lives, we always found a way to bond, through the good times and the bad. There were plenty of both.

When I made the decision to lose weight and become healthier, I have no idea what my sister thought as I took up running. I do know she supported me 100%. After a good run, or a race we would talk, and she would tell me how proud she was of me.

As I got more insane with my running, Anne helped fuel the addiction even more. She got me my first subscription to Runner's World. She got me a pair of shoes, a watch to time my runs, and my first IPod Shuffle. She also just sent me a replacement shuffle - as my first one met an untimely death in the washing machine.

Anne was with me when I finished my first half marathon in South Bend last year. She was at the half way mark with pom poms cheering, and she was in the stands when I ran onto the field at Notre Dame Stadium. She also was the one who made the rule that I could wear my race medals for a day...maybe into the next day - not after that though.

Sadly Anne won't be at the Chicago Marathon, but she will be with me in spirit. She is on my short list of people to call during the race for a quick pep talk during the tough miles.

I value her support and am so grateful to have her for my sister. Anne manages a cleaning business and is a mother of three. She has also taken up aerobics in an effort to get healthier. She has a lot on her plate, and I am amazed at how well she succeeds. I may be biased, but I dare say she is the best sister a guy could have.

I believe it is important to thank the people who love and support us runners. I will be writing about other folks in the future. For now though... thanks Anne for all your love and support! It means the world to me.

:-)Charlie

Dean and Me

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago I met Dean Karnazes, ultramarathoner, and an idol of mine. We had a picture taken at the expo. Thought I would share it. Sorry for the odd look. It was meant to look like a magazine cover, but the photo people messes it up.

:-)Charlie

Running in Evanston

One of my favorite runs is through Evanston. I ran a nice 5.04 miles today in 1:00:15. That's a great time. I felt good, and it was a beautiful run. There are beautiful homes, nice people, and a great lake front path. It all makes a very enjoyable run.

So now we are 17 days until the marathon. I am feeling better about things since I have recovered from the 20 mile run last week. I am actually looking forward to the 13 miles on Saturday.

Saturday we will talk a bit about race strategies. Should be an interesting chat. I've been thinking alot about this. I need a decent start...not too fast. I also need to stay energized during the race. I worry about the more desolate areas along the course. Need to stay motivated during those portions.

I will be getting a new IPod Shuffle soon, so I will use that during the quieter portions of the race.

:-)Charlie

Spirit of the Marathon

"Spirit of the Marathon" is a documentary which will premiere in Chicago the weekend of the marathon.

http://www.marathonmovie.com/home.html

If the film is as good as the trailer, this will be a must see for all runners. I got chills just watching the trailer.

Charlie

3 Quality Miles

Yesterday I ran a short 3 miles. It was a decent run, just enough to keep me going. I have started the taper.

Tapering for those who don't know is what you do between your longest run and the marathon. You still run, but the miles decrease. You can breathe a little easier knowing you don't have more long, long runs in training. All you do now is anticipate the race.

I took in too much sodium yesterday, my ankles are swollen and hurt this morning. Someone brought peanuts to work, and we nibbled off and on during the day. I can always tell when I have had too much sodium....darn that swelling.

Otherwise all is going well for my training. I have 13 miles on Saturday, and we are going to talk about our race strategies.

:-)Charlie

Looking Ahead

Last night I was trying to figure out what my next running challenge will be. I know I don't want to do another marathon for a bit.* I was looking for some interesting half marathons or 10Ks to do.

I know my main objective after the marathon will be running just for fun and fitness. I won't be in training mode, but will look to just get back to the casual nature of running. I say this now, but I am sure there will be something down the pike which will get me back into training. Hehehehe...

Curious what running goals people have out there?

Charlie

*Note: The blogger reserves the right to change his mind about marathoning if the right race comes up.....;-)

I'm Fine With My Running!

“When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers.”

- Joan Benoit Samuelson 1984 Olympic Women's Marathon Gold Medalist

When I first started running I was horrified at the thought of people watching me. I would head out at 5 a.m., so no one would watch. I thought I looked pretty bad. That changed after my first race. It was the first time I really watched a group of people run. After that, I felt I looked fine.

When I watch people run in our store, sometimes I get the person who feels embarassed to have someone watch them. We all run differently. I will never have a gazelle like run. I know that, and am ok with that.

I also know I will never be as fast as those Kenyans! But I take comfort in knowing every time I put on my shoes and head out, I give my run a good try. Some days are better than others, but I am just so glad to be out there.

:-)Charlie

3 Weeks Away

We are now 3 weeks from marathon day!

:-)Charlie

Not Pretty, but Done

Today was a 20 mile long run along Lake Michigan. It was a stunning morning. The day started in the upper 30's and was sunny.

I didn't sleep well. I had nightmares all night, so my head was not in a good place at the start of this run. I was slow all day. All I wanted was to finish and come home. That is what I did.

We started at the Mile 4 marker and headed north. All was fine. I was never fast, but I was not that slow either. After hitting the 0 marker, we headed south. Our path went to the Shedd Aquarium. Again, I thought it was a stunning day, but I was not in my run. I was hoping to finish in 4:15.

I knew that time flew out the window around mile 14. Pain was beginning to set in, and I was walking more. I was giving myself a good chewing out, which anyone running by would have heard. I'm sure I looked like a mad man.

I took many walk breaks, as I felt cramps coming on. I worked them out, and started running...jogging. I eventually made it back to the start - 4:35:06. Not a great time if I am hoping to accomplish a sub 6:00 marathon, but I have three weeks to make some changes.

I was down the whole ride home on the EL. Now that I have had a few hours to think about it, I am not so down. I ran the race of my life last week. It is only natural that this run would not be the same calibre - I'm not Lance Armstrong...hehehe. So I have a good sense of what to plan, and will be working on it this week.

20 miles are in the bank!

:-)Charlie

Support

I would like to say that a marathon is an individual goal, but that goal is not achieved individually. We runners value the support and encouragement of our friends, family and loved ones. I was reminded of this last Sunday during the half marathon.

My friends Sarah and Mark brought their girls out to cheer and support me. Mark brought the bike so he could meet me at various mile markers to give me Gu or water. Sarah had the girls out to cheer me on. Cecilia, their oldest (3), looked so happy to see me at the mile 3 mark. She was beaming as I waved at her.

Mile 10 though was the key for me. They there were again. This time they had a sign cheering me on. I gave Cecilia a high five, and she looked so happy!

I was also happy to see my other Mark. He says he saw me at Mile 11, but I did not hear him. I saw him though once I crossed the finish line. A smiling face is always a joy to see at the end of a race.

So now we come to the marathon. I am developing my plan for the day. I have some friends who will be my road crew. I just have to figure where to have them meet me. I also have some friends ready to pop out and cheer me on. This is a major reason why I want to do Chicago - that hometown feeling, and all my friends will be there.

The people in our lives may not always understand this insanity we call running, but one thing is for sure, they know what it means to us, and we are so glad they are there to cheer us on! Thanks to those wonderful people.

:-)Charlie

Slow Run and Strategy

After my fast half marathon, I wanted to be sure I had an eye on this week's 20 mile run. So last night's run was short and slow. I ran about 5 miles at a 12:36 pace. It felt good. I knew I didn't want to push myself. My body is still coming back from Sunday's race.

The 20 miles will be a good chance for me to see how the race distance will really feel like. I am working on my race strategy at this point.

Overall I feel pretty good. My body is recovering well from the long runs. I feel I am in decent shape. Emotionally I am excited about the marathon. I think about it everyday. I think about how I want to pace myself; where I will need my support crew; whether or not I should take water with me. Lots to plan.

24 days away...

Charlie

25 Days Away

I got my confirmation ticket and booklet for the marathon. Now I feel like I am officially entered. A co-worker and I were acting like kids waiting for Christmas talking about the marathon yesterday. I have taped the course map up at work, and we have talked about strategy.

This has been a fun experience. I talk to runners everyday, so my excitement is up for this. You get a sense that this race is what the runners in Chicago really are gunning for.

So here is what I need now....words of encouragement. I felt good after the half marathon, but I see the 20 mile run looming, and I am a bit worried. I really want to finish this long run. So any words you folks can give....I will appreciate.

Charlie

Medals and Pet Peeves

So I have a nice collection of medals in my posession. I have to say everytime I earn one in a race, I really feel like I have earned it. :-)

Ok...now for a couple of pet peeves from yesterday's race.....

1) IF you have to stop during the race - MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT AND GET OFF THE COURSE!!! I can't stress this enough. I can't tell you how many times I almost crashed into someone because they were listening to their music, and just STOPPED to either stretch or just rest. That is a horrible accident waiting to happen.

2) I appreciate all the people who volunteer during a race. The most important ones are those at the water station. So please....make sure you have water and drink somewhat ready. I can't tell you how many times I stopped at the station and had to wait as they poured drinks. That kills me.

Still feel good about yesterday's race. Feeling very good about a sub-6 hour marathon in 27 days!

:-)Charlie

Chicago Half Marathon

Yesterday was the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon. It was a bright and sunny day. Temperatures were warm in the 60's at the start - not a cloud in the sky. 12,500 started the race. The race goes through the Jackson Park/Hyde Park region of Chicago, starting at the Museum of Science and Industry, then along Lake Shore Drive, then back to the museum.

As I waited for the start, a woman came up to me. I had sold her shoes months ago. She was hugging me, and tell me how much she loved her shoes, and that this was her second half marathon, and will shoot for the Chicago Marathon next year. I thought that was sweet.

A few minutes later a guy tapped me on the shoulder. Sure enough I sold him a pair of shoes a few months ago. He too was telling me he was feeling good, and wished me luck.

The gun went off, and the race was on. I will admit, I went out way too fast. I thought I was going slow, but at mile 1 - 10:13. NOoooo! Too fast. My next mile was 12:05, much better.

At mile 3 I was greeted by my crew - Mark, Sarah, Cecilia and Chloe. I have known Mark and Sarah for 12 years. The girls are their delightful daughters, age 5 and 6 months. They were a welcome sight!

Soon the course headed out of the park, and on to Lake Shore Drive. It was a lonely stretch of road, few people, but there was the occasional rock band. At mile 5 Mark met me with water and a gell. I screwed up opening the package, and got gell on me....yuck. At this point I was under an hour and feeling good. Mile 6 and 7 were ok. Mile 8 I was feeling very dehydrated. The sun was hotter than I had thought. I could feel a burn coming on. I called Mark, and told him I needed him at mile 9 and not 10.

He biked over and met me. I kept the water this time, and had better luck with the gell. He rode along side me which actually helped. I felt like I had company. At mile 10 the girls were there with a big sign wishing me luck. I gave Cecilia a high five! I told them I would see them at the finish, and off I went.

This point on I took far more walking breaks than I like, and my pace had slowed a bit. For a good portion of the race I was running near the 2:30 pace group. Way too fast for me.

At mile 12 I decided to kick it into gear, and I did some speed work(which would make Coach Scott pretty happy). At this point all I wanted was the finish line. Soon enough I saw it, and I powered my way to it.

I crossed the finish line at - 2:45:04 - a new personal record! The previous mark was 2:59:59.

At the finish I met up with the crew, and my other friend Mark was there. He was cheering me on at mile 11....never heard him. Still it was good to see the group there at the end.

I feel great about this race. Learned some good lessons for the marathon - take water and avoid the early water stops; start slower; take walk breaks before I NEED them; make sure I see the support crew more often.

So another successful race in the bag....this week I have a 20 mile long run! OY!

:-)Charlie

Meeting a Hero

It isn't often we get to meet our heroes. Today I met one of mine. I went to the expo/packet pick up for the half marathon. As I walked by the Nissan booth, there he was - Dean Karnazes!

Those who read here regularly know who he is. Dean is an ultramarathoner. His book "Ultramarathon Man" should be required reading for runners. I stood in line where he was signing copies of his book. I own the book already, but when I found out the books were free....bam I was there. I was the last in line.

Finally I got my chance to talk to him. I told him he is an idol of mine, and we talked a bit about my running. He told me it is people like me who inspire him. WOW! We posed for a picture, and he wished me luck on Sunday. He is running the race as well.

Dean is a nice guy, and while I am sure he tires of the promotion work, he gives his all to those he talks to. I feel so blessed to meet him today. It made my week!!!

www.ultramarathonman.com

Charlie

T- Minus One Month

One month from today - The 30th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon!

:-)Charlie

Catching Up

Folks, sorry for not posting. We are having internet issues at home, so I am unable to access the blog at home for the time being.



Wednesday I met an incredible woman named Katherine Brooks. She was my last customer of Wednesday. She was limping and had a brace on her right leg. When she sat down we talked about what she needed shoes for. She is running the Lung Run 5K this weekend. She has not run in a year and 3 months. Katherine suffered a stroke, which left her paralyzed on her right side. She used to run marathons. This 5K is her first race back. Her ultimate goal is to get back to running a marathon.

She and I talked for a while about the normal feeling we have when we run. She told me how un - normal she has felt since she had the stroke, and her training has made her feel whole again. Her goal for the 5K is 1 hour - 1:15. She will have her PT, husband and doctor running with her.

I headed out on a 6 mile run after work, and thought of Katherine as I ran. It was hot and humid, and I barely made the 6 miles, but I kept what Katherine has been through in my head, and that got me through it.

The Chicago Half Marathon is Sunday. I am going for a PR. The course will begin to close at 2:50. I am going for a sub 2:40 time. I think I can do it. I of course will keep you all posted.

:-)Charlie

4 Miles...and I Feel Good!

Sorry for not posting more. We have no internet at home this week.

Today was a 4 mile run to Evanston. Excellent run and I felt great. I ran the 4 miles in 45:40. Great time for me. The weather is getting warm and humid again. I am really hoping for a nice 45 degree day on race day. :-)

I am sending a big shout out to the person who is reading this blog in Belfast. Don't know who you are, but I appreciate your periodic reading. Hope you are finding it entertaining or interesting. I have been to Ireland many times, I just not have not made it up to your area.

One day I will.

:-)Charlie

Long Run to Evanston

One of my favorite runs is to head north to Evanston, the suburb just north of Chicago. It is a nice change of pace from the lakefront path. Today the run was 6 miles. Yes...a cut back week. I felt really good on this run. Though it was cooler than it has been, it was still humid out there.

I ran the 6 miles in a terrific 1:05:21. That is mush faster than race pace. Still I enjoyed myself out there. Lot of friendly folks running and saying good morning! I like runs like that.

So now I begin to get ready for the Chicago Half Marathon. That will be next week's long run.

:-)Charlie