Back on My Feet

Looks like I successfully faught off the cold. I felt better today I headed to the gym for a 3 mile run. I have to say I felt great running. I ran at a good pace- 34:22. Not too many folks were at the gym, so it felt like a private club today.

So I am less than 2 weeks away from turning 45. Yes...45! Whodda thunk I would make it to this point? So what I am doing now is assessing what I want to do running wise next year, and then will make my plan final on November 12.

:-)Charlie

Under the Weather...and Cold Weather Running

Sorry for the lack of writing. I have been a bit under the weather the last couple days, and I feel it getting worse. I'm fighting the Fall Cold. It started in my sinuses. I have a raw throat, and I feel gross! Yup....getting sick. Typically I don't run when I am sick. I know heartier people out there run in any condition - I'm just not one of those people. By the way....how do those people do it?

Work is going well. The post-marathon season is a slower time for us, still we have people coming in for their fall/winter gear. I knowthis will sound like a sales person, but I am also a runner, so this is coming from a fellow runner.

If you live in colder climates make sure you are layering as you run outside. Pants or tights, a good base and a jacket...no cotton! Make sure you cover your head, and of course gloves of some sort. I being the weather wimp am a big fan of layering. I want to be as warm as possible out there. The layers mean you can adjust to the weather as you run.

:-)Charlie

Wonderful Fall Run

This morning I ran a lovely 6.12 miles to Northwestern University and back. It was a sunny cool day....ideal fall weather. I LOVE running in the fall! Everything just looks so pretty outside.

The run itself was great. I felt good the entire time. I was never tired, and felt my pace was good. I finished in 1:10:07, a terrific time for me.

I listened to my favorite podcast - Pheddipidations. Steve Runner set a new marathon PR - 4:12:55, Congrats Steve. I know that sub 4 hour marathon is coming up! You train so hard and deserve all the success you earn. For those who have not heard his podcast...you are missing something terrific. wwwsteverunner.com Listen and I promise you will love it!!!

:-)Charlie

New Position

As many of you know I work for a running store - Fleet Feet Sports! This week I was promoted to assistant manager of my store. This is a really exciting opportunity for me. Part of my duties will be working with community. I will be working with the local chamber of commerce.

I will also be working on the Lesedi Project, which I mentioned in a previous post. I am really looking forward to that. The Lesedi Project benefits the Ethembeni School in South Africa.

http://www.ethembenischool.org/

So all in all very glad. Now I am heading out for a run!

:-)Charlie

Olympic Marathon Trials Preview Part Two

Here are a couple more people to keep an eye on at the trials on Nov. 3.

Alan Culpepper -

2007: 4th in 10,000m at US Outdoor Championships (28:34.01)…USA Cross Country champion (27:09).
2006: 5th at Boston Marathon (2:11:02)…1st at Denver Half-Marathon (1:04.52)…ranked #5 in U.S. in marathon by T&FN…bests of 2:11:02 & 1:04.52.
2005: 4th at Boston Marathon (2:13:39)...12th at Chicago Marathon (2:13:20)ran 13:25.75PR at Norwich Union Grand Prix...ranked #2 U.S. marathoner in U.S. by T&FN...bests of 2:13:20 & 13:25.75.
2004: Olympic Trials marathon champion (2:11:42)12th at Olympic Games (2:15:26)...ranked #2 in U.S. by T&FN...best of 2:11:42.

Ryan Hall -

2007: 7th at US Outdoor Championships 10,000m (28:51.77)…1st at USA Half-Marathon Championships in Houston (59:43AR).
2006: USA Cross Country Champs long course champ (34:38)…3rd at USA Cross Country Champs 4 km (10:57)…43rd at World XC Champs (37:29)…8th at AT&T USA Outdoor Championships 5,000m (13:40.55)…ran 20 km AR (57:54) in Debrecen, Hungary…4th at adidas Classic (8:26.26)…10th at Heusden (13:38.89)…ranked #8 in U.S. at 5,000m by T&FN…bests of 13:38.89, 8:26.26.
2005: 3rd at USA Outdoor Champs 5,000m (13:16.03 PR)1st at NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships (13:22.32 School Record)6th at Mt. SAC Relays 5,000 (13:31.58)2nd at PAC 10 Championships 5,000 (13:37.45)ranked #5 in U.S. by T&FN...best of 13:16.03.
2004: 1st at the NCAA West Regional Cross Country Championships2nd at PAC 10 Cross Country Championships...best of 13:45.0.

These two are definite favorites to be in the top 3 to qualify to go to Bejing.

Charlie

Short Run

Today was an amazing Fall day. Temperatures were in the 40s when I headed out the door. This was a short run before work. Nothing major. I ran to Loyola University Chicago. They have an outdoor track there. So the run there, then a 1/2 mile around the track and home was 2.78 miles. Just wanted to do a run before work, and I was glad I did. Felt good.

Loyola University Chicago is where I got my B.A in 1995. www.luc.edu if you would like to learn more about it.

Charlie

Should You Run a Marathon?

After the debacle in Chicago a few weeks ago, there were conversations in the running community about the preparedness and fitness of some runners, particularly the slower runners. I am not a fast runner by any means, but I work hard and do my best. The issues being raised though are interesting. Should people run the marathon?

For the novice runner here is my suggestion. The marathon should not be your first race. Ifyou are starting out, you need to see first if you like running? But if a race is your initial goal, start with a 5K(3.1 miles). I think it is a great distance, manageable, and a good chance tosee what a race is like.

As you progress in your running, you can work up to a marathon. I did 5Ks and 8Ks until Ifelt ready for a marathon. Even then, I changed my mind and ran a half marathon. Iwas glad I did that.

The marathon is grueling. The training is long and demands dedication. You can't half train for a marthon, or you can do some physical damage to your body.It is also time consuming. A good program will have you train 4-6 days a week. That is time away from family, friends and loved ones. So you need to be ready for that.

Can anyone do the marathon? No. Realisitically I don't have the body for lots of marathons. I am finding the half marathon is a preferred distance. It is enough of a challenge for my mentally and physically. Only you can determine if your body is ready for a marathon. But my opinion is you can't really know that until you have tried longer distances.

The marathon is an amazing goal. If it is something you truly want to do....make sure you are ready for it!

:-)Charlie

Balega

I get asked about socks all day long at the store. What do I recommend? I recommend Balega socks. They are the best darned sock I have ever had on my feet. They are the only sock I run in. If they made dress socks....I would be in sock heaven!

www.balegasports.com

They have no inside seams....so less chance of blister. Add to that they are so amazingly comfortable, and you too will be in sock heaven!

Charlie

Olympic Marathon Preview Part One

There is a resurgence in long distance running in the U.S. Americans are beginnning to get back into the thick of things. For decades now the Kenyans and Ethiopians have been dominant, with the Brazilians and some Europeans in the mix.

2004 was a big step for American running Meb Keflezighi took the Silver Medal in Athens in the Men's Marathon and Deena Kastor took the women's Bronze.

Now attention is focusing on Bejing in 2008. The men's marathon qualifying race will be Nov. 3 in New York City, the day before the NYC Marathon. Then men will start in Rockefeller Plaza, head to Times Square, then on the Central Park, for 5 loops.

I'm going to spend a few posts on who will be in the mix for the three qualifying spots.

12 of the men gunning for the spots come from the Hansons-Brooks Team.

http://www.hansons-running.com/odp/about_us.htm

The Hansons brothers operate running specialty stores in Michigan. They have developed a team of men and women to live and train together.

The approach realized in the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project incorporates the following four principles:

Create an opportunity for successful college athletes to continue training beyond their college years.

Provide an environment in which training can be the focus of those post-collegiate athletes (without the financial necessity of working full time or chasing after money in road races).

Develop a center for those athletes to train together as a team.

Incorporate the team members in local community activities to foster an excitement in the sport of distance running, and motivate future distance runners.


Of the 12 men competing in the trials the best shot is Brian Sell. Here is a sample of Brians accomplishments in the last few years:


2nd at USATF Championships 10 mile (road) 2005
1st place Shamrock Shuffle (2004/2005)
1st place USATF 25K (2005)
Member of the 2005 USATF World Championships marathon team
1st place US Half Marathon 2006
4th place Boston Marathon in a PR 2:10:55 2006
Reed’s Lake 10k Champion 29:02 2006
Chicago Distance Classic Champion 1:04:25 2006
6th place Chicago Marathon in a PR 2:10:47 2006
1st place USATF 25k championships 2007

Pretty impressive. Sell will be a top contender for a spot to Bejing.

Charlie

Evanston

This morning I ran a lovely 5.6 mile run up to Evanston. The air was crisp, with temps in the 50's. MUCH better than a couple weeks ago. I love running in this weather.

I found this picture of one of the parks I run through in Evanston, and thought I would share it with you.

Evanston is home to Northwestern University and is a really lovely town just north of Chicago.

http://www.cityofevanston.org/

As I said it was a great run. I ran at a 12:00 pace, and was very comfortable.

Charlie

Sabrina and Me

I thought I would share this picture.

This is me with my niece Sabrina!

Great Run

Today was a really nice 4.33 mile run to Evanston and back. Iran the route in 49:20, which is a great pace for me. I felt good the entire time. Part of it felt like a run, and not a training run, so I felt more at ease.

I help a lot of people who tell me they run, just to run - no races. That may be the best kind of running. We who race get caught up in the training and the routine, we sometimes forget that the actually run is what makes us happy!

Sometimes we need to leave the watch or heart rate monitor at home....and just go run!

:-)Charlie

My Marathon Aftermath

So in the week following the Chicago Marathon, I have recevied very nice comments, notes and a gift, all of which has made me feel very good about the marathon.

Yesterday at work I was presented a card and a gift - a new gym bag! The card was made for me, and says on the outside, "When I grow up I want to run just like Charlie!" Inside were wonderful comments from my co-workers. Inside were touching comments like, "We're all inspired by your bravery," "The physical and mental endurance you showed was stellar by every stretch of the imagination," " We know you are MORE than capable of finishing 26.2 whether they stop you or not." I was and continue to be touched by the people who have given me such comments.

I have made peace with how the marathon ended, and once I feel ready to tackle it, I am going to go out to where I was stopped and finish the race. While I think the decision to end the race was a good one, I would like to go and complete it.

Charlie

BURP!

This is truly a heart attack waiting to happen....

From Runner's World:

by Mark Remy

Feeling a little peckish this morning? Try Hardee's new Country Breakfast Burrito. According to CNN.com, that's:

…two egg omelets filled with bacon, sausage, diced ham, cheddar cheese, hash browns and sausage gravy, all wrapped inside a flour tortilla.

…Brad Haley, marketing chief for the St. Louis-based fast-food chain, said the burrito offers the sort of big breakfast item normally found in sit-down restaurants with an added advantage. "It makes this big country breakfast portable," he said.

Unfortunately, the Country Breakfast Burrito will make consumers a little bit less portable: The behemoth contains 920 calories and a whopping 60 grams of fat. "This," says Haley, "is really designed to fill you up." No kidding.

By the way: If all that cheese and gravy, you know, jams things up, maybe you could pick up some All Bran. Apparently it really gets things moving.



Ugh....this just sounds like you would waddle after finishing eating.

Charlie

Fast 5K

I headed to the gym for a fast 5K on the treamill. Fast it was - 35:20. It felt so good to run again. My legs felt good. My pace felt easy even though I was going at a good clip.

I am back in the saddle again. I want to come up with a good running schedule, so I can have a solid base of running in me. Ideally I like the idea of one long run a week, with a few shorter runs. That served me well in training, and I think it would serve me well with my overall running.

Charlie

So What's Next?

Quite a few people have asked me what's next on my race plate. This is the time of year when race are slowing down. So no definite race plans. I am thinking of a couple of races though.

I always enjoy the annual Turkey Trot 8K on Thanksgiving. It's a good way to start the day, and I feel like I earn my big meal with that run.

I am also looking at running the Naples Half Marathon. No...not Naples, Italy. Naples, Florida. I thought it would be fun to run a race near my family. Marco Island is about 20 miles from Naples, so they could come out and cheer me on!

One race I will never do is the Olympics.....good lead in....the U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials are Nov. 3 in New York City. This is going to be one amazing race. After a loop through the Times Sqaure area, the runners do 5 loops around Central Park. Favorites for the trip to Bejing include Brian Sell, Ryan Hall, Alan Culpepper and 2004 Olympic Marathon Silver Medalist Meb Keflezighi. The top three go to Bejing in 2008.

The trials are the day before the NYC Marathon. The women's qualifier will be in April, the day before the Boston Marathon.

Going to try to run today. Need to get back into the swing of things around here running wise.

:-)Charlie

"You Look Like a Real Runner"

Spending time in Florida with my folks has been an interesting experience. I'm sure some of the people who know me well are giggling at that comment. Still it has been interesting to hear what my folks and their friends have to say about my running and weight loss.

Last night we had a party for my dad. He turned 90 this week. The first guests arrived, old friends of our family. The wife said she wanted to hug the skinny guy. So she did. During the evening though she made a point of telling me several times her salad dressing was lo-cal for my diet. I tried to explain I wasn't on a diet, but she really paid no attention.

Next was the doctor down the street. I haven't seen him in several years. He told me he barely recognized me. I explained how I lost the weight, and he said, "Wow...that's great. What diet were you on?" I just explained I wasn't on a diet.

Of course talking about the running gives people a glazed look on their faces. They politely listen, but really don't know what to say to a guy who runs long distances. They smile a lot, and tell me that's great, but they could never do it.

My step-mother had the comment of the week. Before I headed out for my run the other day, she saw me ready to go and said, "You look like a real runner." I said, "I better, because you can't fake a marathon."

I'm wondering what other runners experience when they talk about their sport to non-runners? Do they get the same glazed over looks?

Charlie

More from Florida

Today was another relaxing day in Florida. I took a drive up to Naples, which is about 20 miles from my folks home. Of course I went to the local running store - Naples On the Run. It's a tiny store, but the owner and I talked for a while. We chatted about the Chicago Marathon, the topic of the week in the running world. He hopes this will mean a crack down on the more casual runner - those who take 7-8 hours to complete a marathon. He also talked about the Naples Half Marathon in January. Might be something to consider.

I came home and did 30 laps in the pool today. The pool is half the length of an Olympic pool. So if we are translating into hard core swimming, I did 15 Olympic lengths today.

Tomorrow is a fun filled day. In the morning I am watching my oldest niece, Mary play volleyball. In the evening a group is gathering to celebrate my dad turning 90 years old!

Enjoying the time off....this must mean when I get back I will have a ton to do!

:-)Charlie

The Other Goal

It gets lost in all my talk of running, but I do have weight goals. Keep in mind, I have no ideal weight I would like to be, but I do feel I can but fitter. My worry on vacation is that I would eat a lot and gain some weight back. That is to be expected, and I know I can't beat myself up over it if it happens.

I did weigh myself this morning, and I have to say I got a shock. When I started losing weight over 3 years ago, I was a little over 300 lbs.. At my lowest I got to 197 lbs. Before the marathon training I was back up to 210 lbs. As of this morning I weigh.....195lbs.! You could say I have reached a new low. Hehehe.....

This is an awesome feeling to know that my hard work has paid off. As I look ahead to the winter, when we all typically gain some weight. I want to figure out how to minimize that gain. So now is the time for me to look and see what running goals I have for next year, and incorporate that into a plan. I think that will help me a great deal.

Still this is a great day for me. 195! Wow!

Charlie

4 Hot Miles

I went on my first post- race run today. Four miles around Marco Island. It was a hot one out there. I ran it in 48:35. Not a bad time. Mostly I just wanted to get back to running. I took a bottle of water with me, as it was 90F when I headed out. Yup not too different from Sunday's marathon.

I hear Chicago is in the 50's. Oh where was that weather a few days ago?

Tomorrow will be a swimming day. We have a wonderfully heated pool. Of course with the warm weather, it feels like a warm bath. Ahhhhhhh!

:-)Charlie

Taking it Easy

I am told that taking it easy is what one does on a vacation. Well I am doing just that. Yesterday was a quiet day. My sister arranged for a massage by her friend Nancy, who is a massage therapist, and avid reader of this blog - Hi Nancy! I give Nancy a thumbs up. Very relaxing massage! Lord knows I needed one.

I also swam yesterday. I did 24 laps in our pool. Forgot how nice it is to swim. Few opportunities in Chicago to swim, and I don't count Lake Michigan as an opportunity. :-)

I am thinking of a late afternoon run today, just so I don't get out of the habit. Not training for anything, so I need to plan my next race. Any suggestions?

Charlie

Thanks

By the way I want to thank all the wonderful people who have sent me very nice notes following the marathon. I got lots of encouraging emails from all over, and I truly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Charlie

Resting in Florida

Hello from Marco Island, Florida. I am here in SW Florida helping my dad turn 90!!! I went from a sunny and hot marathon to a sunny and hot Florida. Hehehehe.

I am taking it easy this week resting and recovering fomr Sunday's race. Not really much to recover from. It feels like I did a tougher long run than a marathon. I am still really angry at the press and race officials blaming runners for the water situation on Sunday. Plus I feel like someone owes me 10 more miles.

I am thinking about going back to where I was pulled off the course, and finishing the course. Anyone up for a 10 mile run?

Today my sister has scheduled a massage for me. Woo Hoo! I could sure use it.

I will run some while I am here. Just no intense running. I am also thinking about what races I would like to do next. Friends are already asking about next year's marathon. One told me he would like to run it with me. Very cool.

For now though, just out there running and staying fit. That's enough work for now.

:-)Charlie

The Chicago Marathon - What Went Wrong?

The race started ok. For my part I felt it was very warm standing in the start area with thousands of people. Because I was way in back of the pack, there was confusion about where to line up. The line actually curved and was not a straight starting line, but most people did not see that, and there were not a lot of volunteers around to direct people...that I could see.

Once the race began I felt fine. I felt very hot as we went under the first underpass. It was so humid in there. I was already sweating up a storm. I felt a bit better once I was outside a bit more.

As I got to the first aid station, I wanted water, not Gatorade. So I took a cup of water and off I went. That would be my last water until the 3rd aid station. Why? As I approached the 2nd aid station, I saw the port-a-potties and used one. When I came out, I looked for the aid station, but could not see anything. I saw the signs and all the cups on the street, but NO aid station.

Mentally that was tough. So now I had to think about whether or not there would be water at the next station. There was. The problem was I needed electrolytes in me. When I got into the Boystown area(gay area of Chicago). One grocery store came out with bottles of water for runners. They could have easily sold those, but were kind enough to bring the bottles out.

At this point I was dragging a bit. I called the crew and asked them to meet me sooner than hoped. I met them at Mile 9 and got a banana, and felt a bit better. I told them I needed Gatorade, and they said they would have some at our next meeting. On I went.

I was walking more at this point. I knew the sub-6:00 was no longer an option - I wanted to finish. The next aid station had Gatorade. It was run by Fleet Feet - my store! Woo Hoo! I felt ok as I headed back into downtown. By this point I was walking with running breaks.

Once downtown, the runners I was with were really going slow. A few would sit along the curbs to rest a bit. As I passed a church, the priest and parishoners were outside giving us bottles of water. Very kind!

I met the crew at Mile 14 and got some Gatorade. It was the best Gatorade I ever had. I was running more at this point and was feeling ok.

The race ended between Mile 15 and 16 for me as police were out telling us to walk to the park. Why? We got various answers. Lots of chaos. Eventually we understood the race was over.

Marathon officials are saying there was plenty of water and cups. They try to point the fingers at those who took more than one cup of water. Shame on them. There obviously was not enough. I saw people picking up cups from the ground to use. If it weren't for the good people of Chicago who came out with water and hoses for us, I bet a lot more people would have been dropping.

I agree with the ending of the race. Conditions were not good. However...these people knew for a week what the weather was going to be, and should have upped the amount of fluids to be served.

As runners we run in all conditions. We are a hearty group of people. For some in this case, it was their first marathon. Probably not the best experience for them. Lots of rookie runners who may not have trained in heat like this or knew what to do.

Last year I ran in 100+ degrees in the Gay Games. I felt this was worse weather conditions. Had I not hydrated as much during the week I might have dropped out of this race a ways back. I was ready. I just don't feel the Marathon organizers were as ready.

Charlie

Marathon Recap - Sometimes the Journey is Enough

Today's Chicago Marathon was not the best of experiences for me. As feared the heat would take it's toll. I just did not know how much it would affect everything.


You should know at the start, the race was called after the mid-point for me, due to excessive heat. I could see something was not right when water stations starting at the 3rd one were running out of water and Gatorade. I did not have any Gatorade until the Mile 10 water station. That is how bad things were.


What I did not know is that 320 people were rushed to the hospital, and one runner died today. I am sure there was no choice but to end the race. 24, 941 finished out of over 36,000 at the start.

My race was going well until after mile 3 when I really needed water and Gatorade. Then I began to wear down. I joked that I was taking running breaks during my walk. I know I could have finished the race. I was clearly slower than my goal pace, but I knew if I wanted to stay in, I couldn't go fast.



Between Mile 15 and 16 we were told by police the race was being called, and to begin the walk back to Grant Park. We were on the west side of the city, so it was quite a hike.



At first I was upset. I wanted to finish this. I called my sister and she reminded me that even getting to where I am is a huge accomplishment, and that I have nothing to feel bad about. I wondered if I was getting a medal, and if so, did I deserve it. She told me of course I did as a reward for my hard work.


What the race officials could not do, the wonderful people of Chicago did. Many people came out to bring us water and to hose us down . One grocery store brought out bottles of water for us. The fire department opened hydrants to cool us off.


I'm not going to go into my thoughts about the management of this race. I will save that for another day.


Instead I am going to thank Krys, George, Matt and Mark for being my trusty road crew today. They got me food, Gatorade and water, and I really appreciate it!

I am sore, but ok. I got my medal, and now I rest. I'll go into more about the race tomorrow.

Charlie

Marathon Morning

It's almost 4 a.m. - I'm up. I'mo not quite awake mind you, but I am up. Making oatmeal, and a bit of toast. Soon I will walk the dog, then head off to the race. Race time is 8 a.m.

I feel pretty good! I had a good night's sleep. I am a bit nervous, but I think that is to be expected.

I think I am great shape. My weight this morning is 199 lbs! Under 200 and FABULOUS! I weigh that in spite of the terrific pasta dinner my training team had last night. :-)

I trainied hard and well for this. I have studied the course map and talked to countless people about the race. I think I know what to expect. I also know how my body and mind will work today. So I am prepared.

So at this point all I can say is .... BRING IT ON!

See you all at the finish line!

Charlie

One More Day - The Plan

The training is over. The packet has been picked up. I have my clothes and bib number ready. All there is to do is run a race called the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, and I will - tomorrow.

I do have to work a short time today. I also have a pasta dinner tonight. So it should be an easy day.

So how am I planning the race to go?

The key for me will be a moderate start. Not a fast or too slow start, but a good moderate pace. If I see anything faster than 11:15 at the 1st mile, I will have to slow down. I would like to be at the 5 mile mark around 58:00. The 10 mile mark around 2:00. 13.1 miles I would like to be at 2:30-2:50 range. My worry is the last half. At this point the temps will be in the 80's. Chicago is headed for a record heat day.

My road crew will be meeting me starting at mile 11, then mile 15, 19, 23 and the finish. I will have slowed quite a bit by mile 16, so I will need to stay focused. I am counting on the energy from fellow runners and the crowds to see me through this.

At mile 18 I would like to be at 4:20-4:30. If I can do that, I feel a finishing time of 5:45 is within my grasp. Of course the goal is 5:5:59, but I will be thrilled with the 5:45 time.

I think this quote sums it up best.....

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop.
- Lewis Carroll, from “Alice in Wonderland”

I have really enjoyed this training process. The folks at FFC, my gym, have really put together a good plan for the marathon. Now I just need to run the race.

I am also blessed to have supportive family, friends, co-workers and the many people who read this blog and have wished me well. It all means a lot to me, and I will have those good wishes with me tomorrow.

Of course I will let you all know how it goes.

Charlie

2 Days Left

Today I went to the expo. I love the expo! So cool to see all the running stuff. Yes...I'm a geek.

So how do I feel? Still good. Not happy about the hot, humid weather predicted, but darned little I can do about it. Two women came into the store puzzled about what to wear. One woman said. "I was prepared for colder weather, what will I wear now?" How about what you wore all through training? Good lord!

The city is buzzing with the marathon. So many people are coming from all over the world to run it.

Today I met people from Italy, France and Spain who are here to run.

Tomorrow I work a few hours, then I have a pasta dinner with my training group. Looking forward to it.

Charlie

Marion Jones Cheated

Marion Jones has admitted to steroid use. I am not surprised at all by this. What always gets me is when they use the ignorance defense.http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2007/10/marion-jones-fall-from-grace-now-complete/



Jones is still, however, insisting upon using the ignorance defense, claiming that she thought she was taking flaxseed oil, a nutritional supplement, even though she “said she noticed changes in how her body felt and how she was able to recover from workouts.”



Maybe the average person will buy that load of doo doo, but as someone who trains like I do, I am aware of everything I put into my body. I know she knows what she took at the time she took it. She is lying again.My feeling when it comes to the drugs in sports is either crack down HARD on it, or make it legal.

A coach friend of mine tells me performance enhancing drugs is rampant in colleges. He told me there was a lot of pressure on him to use drugs, but he never did. I can only imagine when Olympic glory is on the line how tough it is not to take them.

Still Marion Jones ia a cheat, and she lied. This diminishes anything she accomplished on the track IMHO. She should return her medals.

Charlie

Donation Reminder

My friend and co-worker Spencer is busy rasing funds for the American Liver Foundation. If you are so inclined, please donate to his marathon effort!

http://www.active.com/donate/run2007/alfSWillba

Thanks!
Charlie

So How's That Weather Looking?

Ideally I would love to run in 45 degree weather on race day. That won't be the case this year. Sunday is shaping up to be 69 at sunrise and 86 by nid-day, sunny and a bit humid. I am downing water now so I will be hydrated come Sunday. I'm leaving nothing to chance.

Gotta remember to put the sunscreen on, wear a hat, and leave the cold weather gear at home!

Charlie

The Last Training Run

Tonight I ran 4 easy miles along the lakefront. It was my final run before the marathon. I felt good and ran the 4 miles in 47:00. Not too bad.

So the weather forecast has changed again. Previously it was rain with temps in the 70s. Now it is sunny and mid 80s. I'm not happy about either forecast. I would love sunny and 45! Doubt that will happen though.

Before my run I talked with Scott. He believes I can run the marathon in 5:42! WOW....that would be great.

4 days to go.....

Charlie

The Course

The marathon is 26.2 miles. I try not to think about that distance, but there is no way not to. So where does the course go in Chicago?

The race starts in Grant Park, along Lake Michigan, and heads north. We weave our way around the north end of downtown, before heading north to Lincoln Park. We run through the park, past the zoo, and head up to the Lakeview area, home of the Chicago Cubs(who will be playing a playoff game that day - maybe). This area is well known in the marathon for the aid station sponsored by the Frontrunners - the gay and lesbian running group. They always win the "Best Aid Station" Award. So runners do not be surprised ifyou see the happiest drag cheerleaders in the world cheering you on. At this point we are traveling south, We are heading back to the Lincon Park region, and into Old Town. There we will be greeted by the Fleet Feet Sports Aid Station. This is my co-workers and volunteers cheering us on!

By now we have passed the 10 mile point and are heading back to downtown. At the halfway point we are heading west. On the western part of the city we will encounter Greektown and Little Italy! Once we get past Little Italy, we are heading to Mile 18. Mile 19 is the Pilsen area. This is the traditional Hispanic neighborhood. I am told it is a very festive atmosphere there. We will need as much festive feelings as possible at this point. After Pilsen we head south to Chinatown. We continue going south towards Mayor Daley's neighborhood, Bridgeport. We are beginning to head north once we see the home ofthe Chicago White Sox home, U.S. Cellular Field.

Our trek back takes us through the Prairie District. A mix of older homes and upcoming condos! We are now a stones throw from the finish, but we have one more thing to tackle. It's what I call, Mount Roosevelt. There are no hills in this race, but you would swear there is a hill at the finish. Roosevelt Rd. take an uphill climb. Just what you need after 26 miles. Once you get up the "hill" it is a mad dash to the finish, back in Grant Park. Phew!!!

So that is a brief summary of the course. How will I get through it? I will write about that withing the next day or two.

Charlie

The Almost Done Training Run

Tonight was my second to last training run - 5 miles. I ran it on the treadmill at the gym. I felt good and easy, and went at a good pace. I finished the 5 miles in 58:44. Faster than race pace, but it felt good. Body feels good. All systems are go at this point.

Really thinking about the race strategy over the next few days! Will also be meeting with my race crew this week to go over when I will need to meet them during the race.

:-)Charlie

September Wrap Up

Welcome to October! September was my month for the most miles this year - 82.91. My average time was 12:28/mile. This is very much in line with my racing pace for the marathon. If I can stay between 12:00-12:30, I will be in great shape.

I was pleased with my running in September, especially my Chicago Half Marathon and new PR of 2:45.

Now I look to October....which means we are 6 days away from the marathon. Woo Hoo!

Tonight is a 5 mile run with my training group. Should be a very easy run.

Charlie