Been Down

I have found when I am not active....I feel low. This has been a low week without running. My schedule has not allowed me to go to the gym this week either....that is until tonight. I will do some bike work I think.

Sorry the posts have been so infrequent.

Charlie

Funny Quote

From Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts -

"Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed."

:-)Charlie

OW!!!!!

Well I have it - plantar fasciitis.

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00149

I felt this coming on for a while, but I thought I did something else. Yesterday I felt horrible. This morning, not so bad. So I will be working on getting better. Most likely no hard running for a time. I will most likely swtich to cross training. I am not happy about this.

Arrrgh!

Charlie

Tis the Season

Yesterday was Black Friday in our store. Now there is no way we will be confused for a Wal Mart where thousands of shoppers will come in and shop, but we were braced for the day after Thanksgiving crowds.

We were busy with people mostly shopping for themselves. There was one man shopping for his wife. You ladies will appreciate this.....

He knows he wants to buy some clothes for his wife, but is unsure of her size. I suggest a gift card so she can pick out her size. Nope...she has to open something. So he starts grabbing for all the small clothes. Then he picks out a size 38DD sports bra. I asked if he knew her size. He told me, "She looks big to me." Size small running clothes are usually VERY petite. I have to question the bra choice, except to chalk it up to wishful thinking.

The day went well...I was tired at the end of the day. No running yesterday or today as I am opening and closing both days....long days!

Charlie

Happy Thanksgiving!

A snowy 4.33 mile run was the order of the morning. Yup...s-n-o-w! It was in the low 30s and snowing outside. I ran to Evanston and back in 46:19...that is fast.

I am thankful for a good year of running, my family and friends, a job I enjoy, and having good health.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Charlie

Refreshing Run

I have really enjoyed the Fall runs this year. Today I did my 4.3 mile trek to Evanston. Foggy, misty, and temps were in the upper 40's. Ideal running conditions for me. I had a great run. Other runners greeted me which I always like.

I ran the loop in 48:03! That's a great run for me. I got a bit tired towards the end, but felt good during the run.

Still not sure if I will be running a Turkey Trot this year. I may decide on Thanksgiving. Typically it is my favorite race, but money is an issue this year, and I can't spend a lot of cash on race registrations. So we will see.

Charlie

Duel 3 Miles

Tonight I ran for three miles, then I biked for three miles at the gym. The run took 37:01 and the bike ride was 8:36. Not too bad for my first effort at combining them.

I worked up a pretty good sweat and felt great afterwards. I thought I should train at least once a week running and biking to see how I feel doing them together. It's tough, and I think I have a long way to go until I feel I am doing well enough for the indoor tri.

Now I just need to figure out how to train for swimming? My gym doesn't have a pool.

Thoughts?

Charlie

New Pic

Hey Folks....

The picture on the blog is me at the Rock n' Roll Marathon in Phoenix this year. Would love to tell you that was me at the finish....it was me at Mile 19....the finish was ugly!

:-)Charlie

Working on Hills

Today I got the energy to head to the gym for a run on the treadmill. I ran 3 miles on a hill program. It felt tough. Remember when 10 miles was tough? That's how out of it I have been lately.

I tend to go through a down period on running after a major race. I think part of the problem is I have not committed to a race yet. I have plans, but until I have paid money it isn't a done deal. On that note the Marine Corps Half Marathon sold out before I could register....darn it!

I was hoping to run a Turkey Trot this week, but money is an issue these days. So entering races is low on the list.

I have felt down...which means I have not made good eating choices. I am working on it though. Dinner tonight is a turkey burger with a potato.

So there it is for now. Am hoping to go out for a run in the morning. We'll see how I feel.

Charlie

Tri Help

So now that I am committed to the indoor triathlon series early next year, what should I be doing to train? Any advice from the tri-folks out there?

Charlie

Birthday Run

For my first run as a 45 year old...and in a week, I ran my 4.33 mile loop to Evanston and back. This seemed fitting since Evanston is my birthplace. It was a terrific afternoon. Sunny and temps in the 50's. Very comfortable.

I felt a bit sluggish, but seeing as I had not run in a week that is to be expected. Overall a good run!

Charlie

45 and New Goals!

Well folks I have made it to 45, and I have to say I feel very good today! In fact I would say I feel great!!!!

44 was full of accomplishments, and I wanted to make sure 45 will be a happy and healthy year for me. So here are my goals and races. Note...all races are tentative at this point.

My main focus will be on half marathons. I think a break from full marathons will be good for me. So I look at getting a PR in the half marathon. Ideally I would like to hit a 2:30. I believe I can do it.

I also want to focus on better cross training. Something which will help will be an indoor triathlon series my gym hosts. I don't want to do a full triathlon, but a smaller indoor one will work for me.

Finally, I want to be more mindful about what I put in my body. Tough as we head to the holidays, but manageable. I am going to work on an eating plan which will mean a healthier me.

So here is my tentative schedule for the year!

February 9 - FFC Indoor Triathlon Series

March 8 - FFC Indoor Triathlon Series

March 29 - FFC Indoor Triathlon Series

May 18 - Marine Corps Half Marathon (D.C. Area)

September - IU Mini Marathon (Bloomington, IN)

October - Duke City Half Marathon (Albuquerque, NM)

The latter two races will be hilly and the New Mexico race will be in a higher altitude. So there will be a challenge in those.

Of course there will be other smaller races during the year. This is all tentative, and I will work hard on these.

:-)Charlie
...45 and FABULOUS...

My Last Day as a 44 Year Old

Tomorrow I turn the young age of 45. Today though I think about this last year, and what I have accomplished. I mentioned in a previous post how happy I am with my running. A completed marathon and two half marathons is terrific. I was also glad to go throught he marathon training for the Chicago Marathon. What an incredible experience that was. I learned so much about what my body can and can't do.

I am also blessed to be working in a place which allows me to share my passion for running with other people. I love the interactions with people who run, and love running as I do. I will be working today, spending the day with fellow runners. A good way to spend my last day as a 44 year old.

Tomorrow I look ahead. I will have a tentative list of my race goals and what I hope to accomplish.

Charlie

In My IPod

As I run, I am plugged into my IPod Shuffle...the best invention since toast! :-)

I love to listen to podcasts, and thought I would share some with you all. Feel free to give these fine programs a listen.

There are a couple of running specific ones I love. First and foremost is "Pheddipidations." Steve "Runner's" "goofy little podcast" as he calls it, is an ideal running companion. His topics range from profiles about Jesse Owens and Dr. George Sheehan, to health issues and nutrition. In between we hear about his goal of the 4 hour marathon, and the humorous interactions with his son John(a favorite part of the show in my opinion). Steve encourages all of us to not only run, but to enjoy running. You HAVE to listen to this one. www.steverunner.com

I also listen to Nigel in England as he runs through the countryside at "Running From the Reaper." www.runningfromthereaper.blogspot.com

Music wise, my favorite is the "Irish and Celtic Music Podcast" hosted by Marc Gunn. This is all new celtic music, and Gunn is a funny guy who is a member of the band, The Brobdingnagian Bards. One of their CD's is called "Irish Drinking Songs for Cats." You gotta a love a band with a humor like that. You will discover some great bands and outstanding music with this podcast.
www.celticmusicpodcast.com

On a more serious note...I love "Speaking of Faith" public radio's weekly conversation about religion and faith. Krista Tippett hosts this brilliant show. She looks at topics from science and faith, to a conversation with President Jimmy Carter. There is no preaching on this show, and it is the most rational and thought provoking conversations on religion I have ever heard.
www.speakingoffaith.publicradio.org

There are other shows I listen to, but these will get you started. Give them a listen. I would love to know what you all think.

Charlie

Running?

I'll be honest, I have not run in the last few days. I know...I hear the gasps around the world. I haven't been sleeping well lately, so I really haven't had much energy to run. This means I have to be extra careful about my eating. Doing my best.

I've been reading up on triathlons. I am interested in trying an indoor triathlon my gym has. Any triathletes out there who can give advice? What about my friend in NZ?

Charlie

10 Years Ago

It was 10 years ago my mom passed away. So as you can imagine this is not a great day for me. My mom and I were close, and she was always in my corner behind most endeavors I undertook.

In the years since she's been gone, I have been on a pretty good journey. As a boy I wanted to be an actor. I learned though I just did not have the strength to handle all the rejection, so I gave up that dream. After mom died though, I felt I had unfinished business. So I took classes at Second City - the improv company which produced so many memebers of Saturday Night Live. I even got to perform on stage. So I feel I have completed that. Mom would have been happy about that.

Now my goals are running oriented. I think she would be very happy at the healthier me, and what I am doing. She might not understand all the races I run, but I know she would be cheering me on.

I rarely feel that presence that so many people say they feel when they have lost a loved one. The closest I felt was when I ran the Sunburst in 2006. I felt during that race she might be "near."

So as I continue my trek in this world. I know she would still be cheering me on, and that makes me smile on this rather sad day.

Charlie

Yesterday

I hopped on the treadmill at the gym and ran 4 miles ...pretty fast. Was working on speed, and was happy with the result.

So I have a good sense of what my races and goals for next year will be. I will announce them next week. I can tell you the focus will be on half marathons, and I may even dip my toe into a triathlon. Hmmmmm......how's that for a tease?

Charlie

Amazing Weekend

I can't let too many days go by without talking about the huge running weekend this last weekend.

NYC Marathon - Paula Radcliffe was amazing in her comeback race following her having a baby - 8 months ago(2:23:09) . Martin Lel won the men's in 2:09:04.

Olympic Marathon Trials - For the record, Ryan Hall's time was 2:09:02. See the time above and make your own comparisons. :-)

We are still awaiting word on the cause of death for Ryan Shays. At this point it is assumed to be heart related.

All the running was inspiring. Hmmmm...better hit the road.

Charlie

A Week of Reflection

The week before my birthday is always an odd time for me, or at least has been in the last 10 years. I usually do a lot of reflection, especially since my mother died 10 years ago this week. I will talk more about that later this week, but I wanted to talk about some things in my head today, as it relates to my running.

This has been an incredible year running wise for me. I accomplished an important goal - I completed my first marathon. As you all know I almost completed two, but I won't go into that. This year I became a better runner. I learned from my mistakes of last year, and learned how to train better and smarter.

I sill have issues with eating. I always will. I don't always make smarter choices. All I can do is work on doing better the next day. Yes, it truly is one day at a time.

My other accomplishment was completing two half marathons. While I am still working on my goals for next year, I can tell you I plan to focus on the half marathon and improve my times there.

This has also been a year of meeting more and more fellow runners. Whether it be in the store every day, or online through Pheddipiations or the Motely Fool, I have forged some good relationships with people who share a passion for running.

The running year was a success, and I can only hope running at 45 will be even better than running at 44. Until next Monday(my birthday), I have some more running to do as a 44 year old, and I will make the most of it.

:-)Charlie

Historic Fun Run

Our store has periodic historic fun runs. This is when a group gors out on a running tour with a guide. Today's theme was the Chicago Fire of 1871. 166 people came out....out largest one ever. My job was to make sure no one was left behind. Time is not of the essence in this run. So my 5K time was slllllooooow. It takes a couple hours to do the tour, but it was fun. Perfect weather. Temperatures in the 50s an sunny.

Highlight of the tour? We were in the Old Town area, near where some horses are kept. We were in front of a fenced area where three horses were grazing. As the guide spoke....very suddently, the male horse mounted one of the females...and had one minute of "fun." Talk about wham bam thank you ma'am! I was laughing until I was in tears.

:-)Charlie

What Does Age Mean?

I'm told I'm a master. Well, true I have a master's degree, but in running circles I am a master based on my age. Once you are over 40, you are categorized as a master. Wow...I didn't even earn the title. Hehehe....

Getting older has been on my mind a lot lately. I turn 45 next week. I have never been concerned about aging. We all do, so there is nothing to be done about it except to accept it with style, and I try to do that. What I do think about is how my age will affect my running and being active. With age comes diminished abilty...or so I am told. I want to run the rest of my life, but I know the opportunities to PR will lessen with time. So I want to make the most of my racing while I can.

It took me so many years to get to this point, and I want to ride the running wave as long as I can. My goals will change, but my overall goal of running and having fun won't change.

So what does age mean to you as you run?

Charlie

Olympic Men's Marathon Trials

As I watched the stunning race of the Men's Marathon Trials, I was saddened to learn that one runner had died.

Ryan Shay collapsed at the 5.5 mile mark this morning, and was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was 28. Shay was a 2002 graduate of the UNiversity of Notre Dame, and a national champion at many distances. Results of an autopsy will be announced tomorrow.

In happier news, Ryan Hall was simply amazing to watch. I know of Hall from following his career this year, but I had never watched him run. Simply awesome to watch. Such grace in his running. Hall pulled away from the pack at Mile 17 and never looked back. His winning time was an incredible 2:09:02. Joining Hall on the team will be Dathan Ritzenhein - 2:11:07, and Brian Sell - 2:11:40. I had been pulling for Brian Sell, as he is a favorite of mine. Congrats to our U.S. Olympic team, and my heart felt condolences to Shay's family and loved ones.

Charlie

Olympic Marathon Preview - Final

Tomorrow is the U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials. I have gone over some of the people I think will be key players. Here is the course.....

After starting near Rockefeller Plaza, the runners will head to Times Square, then on to Central Park. They will run five loops around the park. It is pretty hilly, and a great challenge. The Trials will start at 6:35 a.m. Eastern Time, and will be live on NBC's Today Show. The rest of the race can be seen live at www.nbcsports.com

Here is how I think will qualify:

Brian Sell

Ryan Hall

Meb Keflezighi (2004 Olympic Maraton Silver Medalist)

I am really looking forward to watching this.

Charlie

Wonderful Fall Run

I LOVE running in the Fall! It is so pretty and cool. It was sunny and clear and a bit crisp as I went on a 4.33 mile run to Evnaston. I went more residential today, looking at the pretty homes, and Fall colors. Simply stunning.

I had not run in a few days, but I felt great. My time was good - 11:08/mile. Other runners were out greeting each other - I love that. All in all a terrific run.

Charlie

Running With IPods

A very interesting article in today's NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/sports/othersports/01marathon.html?hp

USA Track & Field, the national governing body for running, this year banned the use of headphones and portable audio players like iPods at its official races. The new rule was created to ensure safety and to prevent runners from having a competitive edge.

But trying to enforce such a rule on a 26.2-mile course filled with thousands of runners may be futile. The New York City Marathon, which strongly discourages the use of audio players, will not attempt to police its field on Sunday for lack of a surefire way to carry out the ban.

I have used myIPod Shuffle in the past,. At the marathon in Phoenix this year I used it at a point where I was the only runner for blocks, and there was no crowd support. The music kept me company.

I have seen the flipside of this though. Wearing them in a crowd is bad. It's like driving with a cell phone, you aren't paying attention to the road. I almost ran into a couple of people who had them on, when they stopped to stretch in front of me, and could not hear me coming up. The good news is I got out of the way in time.

I am curious about what some of you think?

Charlie

The Book on October

Well another month is done. October was not the running month I thought it would be. Still a successful month.

52.93 miles - 12:28/mile

Obviously with the marathon over my miles have come down a bit. Running for fun is not like training runs. So I am adjusting until I figure out my plans.

This is a tricky time because I am trying not to eat like I did during training. My body knows it is hungry, but I also know I can't eat like I was the last few months. Less exercise, means less calories burned. So I am keeping an eye on things. Tough to do with the holidays coming up. I just got the new Runner's World, and it talks about holiday eating. Yikes! There are some fierce calories out there. :-)

Charlie