Today's Run

This was not a long run. It was a bit chilly, but I did manage to run outside. I headed to the Loyola track, and ran 5 laps then ran home. Overall it was a 2.73 mile run. Yes, a short one, but I wasn't in the mood for a long, long run.

So what did I accomplish today? I thought about how I should train for the marathon in October. I am still unsure about a training group. I do with I had someone to train with. I have been unsuccessful in my attempts to train with someone.

My goal was to really not think about the sick people in my life. When my mother was ill, I found that I needed time away from everything to be on my own and do something good for me. I find this has served me well.

Tomorrow....a longer run.

Charlie

Running With Issues

Today I need a run. Later this morning I will head out for a run. Running helps me cope. I make it clear I am not running from stress or problems, I run to cope with them.

Here are the two main issues:

My friend Mark had two seizures on Sunday. His family relationship is a bit strained, so another friend of his I were the ones who took him to the hospital, and argued with the doctors when they said they could not figure out why he was having seizures. He needs a specialist to learn more. I won't even get into how angry I am at his parents.

My dad is in the hospital. Seems he is having high blood pressure, and the red flags were for some more serious issues. He is 90, so health concerns will always be there. Still you hate the thought of a loved one being in the hospital for any reason.

So how does running help? It helps me clear my mind, then focus. I am focusing on the breathing, the running, then I can meditate and things appear clearer to me. We have had rain/snow mix so I am thinking of heading to the gym for a run. I'll let you know how it goes.

Charlie

A Race: The Other Side

Yesterday I was a course marshall for an area 5K race. Let me tell you it was an interesting experience. As course marshall my job is to make sure traffic does not get through on the course. I also am supposed to make sure no one bothers the runners.

For this race there was 3500 registered runners. In Chicago, anytime you have a street event, it is city law that No Parking signs are posted. The signs are posted two days in advance. If you violate those orders, your car is towed. What no one told me is that as course marshall you bear the brunt of neighbor anger. One man got into my face and was cussing at me because his car was towed. I told him over and over how sorry I was, and that he needs to call the city to find out where it is. He ranted and raved and got a camera. He started taking pictures of trees with signs on them. The signs he took pictures of were no parking signs for street cleaning on Monday. The traffic control guy and I told him he was taking the wrong pictures, and he got angrier.

I dealt with the woman who lived on the street and just wanted to go home. She screamed at me how unfair this was. Right behind her...a vacan parking spot. I told her she could park there and walk the block to her home. She refused and screamed some more.

One woman was angry because she had movers coming that morning. I told her the street would be open in 2 hours. She cried and told me this was not right.

The runners came by, and they all seemed so happy to be out running and racing. It made up for all the anger I had thrown at me. Still there will always be some bitter folks.

Charlie

What Died?

Whatever I had started in my sinuses, and has worked it's way to my stomach. God I hate this feeling. I'm sure my co-workers are tired of me being sick this week. I'm sure a few will "thank" me when they get it. Ugh!

So no running as of now.

Charlie

Start and Stop

I really hate it when I feel I am getting into a groove with my running, then something happens. I was coming down with something the other day. Well it is working through my body. Yesterday I felt faint most of the day. Bad sinuses too. Today diarrhea. I really hate this.

I feel the body was getting better as far as heal and knee....now this. God I hate this!

Charlie

Impressive Weekend

Boston was the center of the marathon universe this weekend. Deena Kastor really pulled it out to win the Olympic Marathon Trials. Dire Tune won the Women's Boston Marathon is dramatic fashion, finishing 2 seconds ahead of Alvetina Biktimirova. Robert Cheruiyot won his 4th Boston Marathon, winning over two minutes ahead of second place finisher. WOW!!!

Of course the great Steve Runner finished with a great time - 4:44:13. While that is no PR, it is an amazing accomplishment!

Charlie

Sick

Well I felt it coming yesterday. I am sick. Stuffy news....scratchy throat. I feel gross.

Charlie

Amazing Spring Run

It is a gorgeous day in Chicago. Temps are in the 60s, and I headed up to Evanston. I ran along the lake, then headed into downtown Evanston, then looped home. 6.23 miles altogether. I ran it in 1:13:41. Darned good I would say.


I felt pretty good during the run, and really enjoyed the sights. People were friendly. Many said hello. One guy gave me a thumbs up and told me, "Go man go!" I love stuff like that.

The only problem I had was I feel I am coming down with a cold. So I was sniffly, and felt bit gross. Still I pressed on. I listened to Steve Runner's interval, so I was running while he had been toiling away in Boston today. I am assuming he finished. Way to go Steve!! I felt if Steve could run on a bum ankle, I could run with an oncoming cold.

So today was a good run. Now I will take it easy the rest of the day and hope this cold does not in fact get worse.

Charlie

Time for a Change

I just got an email showing me pictures from the 10 mile race in D.C. , and I thought, "I am too damn young to look that damn old. So I made a change. Tell me what you think!

:-)Charlie

That Push to Run

You never know where a push to go running will come from. A couple days ago, my friend Mark told me he wanted to go running with me. Mark is not a runner, but he has told me in the past that he would like to take it up. So Friday morning, we walked to the track at Loyola University Chicago.

On the way to the track I told Mark we would take it easy. No need to full out run. The track is about 200m around. So we stretched, and then went on a brisk walk on the track. At one point I suggested we run a bit. Mark took that, and RAN! Now, I should tell you he wasn't dressed for running, and if he reads this, I know I will get hell for this. He was running in camoflage shorts, a cotton shirt, and a cotton sweatshirt. The pants needed a belt, because he had to keep them from falling down as he ran. He bolted, and it was quite a sight.

He walked after a bit. I told him there was no need to sprint. Mark altnernated from running to walking. I decided to do sprint work. I was pleased with my efforts. After our track workout we headed out for breakfast.

Mark told me his lungs hurt. He has been a smoker, so no doubt his lungs hurt. But the good news is he wants to run some more.

Flash to yesterday. I thought I would run, but it was a day I thought, "Do I??" I was talking with Mark and he said, "You know it's 6 months until the marathon. You want to do well...go run." So I did. My left IT band has been a bother of late, so I ran 2.5 miles. Not pushing anything. I felt pretty good.

So I guess Mark will be a running buddy/get out there and train guy. Every now and then we need that push to run.....

Charlie

Joan Benoit Samuelson

This Sunday the U.S. women will line up in Boston for their Olympic Trials. One woman of note in the pack, who has little chance to qualify for Beijing is Joan Benoit Samuelson. Most who read this know who I am talking about. For those who don't, here is a bit of history.

Joan is best known for her historic performance in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This was the first time women were allowed to compete in a marathon at the Olympics. The fact that it had been less than 20 years since women were allowed to run in any marathon, this was a huge deal. I still remember watching TV, and seeing this little woman come into the L.A. Colleseum wearing a white cap. I don't remember seeing anyone else following her into the stadium. Others in the field for that race included Rosa Mota, Ingrid Kristiansen, Lisa Martin and the great Grete Waitz. What was so stunning about this victory is that a couple weeks before the 1984 Olympic Trials Joan had arthroscopic knee surgery.

Her other wins included the 1979 and 1983 Boston Marathon and the 1985 America's Marathon(Chicago).

She has gone on to become an incredible ambassador for this sport, and for health and fitness. She is a true pioneer in women's sport in particular, and a great sports figure overall.

In the last few years she has been in the news for pacing Lance Armstrong in his first NYC Marathon, along with Alberto Salazar. Not bad company.

Joan is 50, and this will be her final competitve marathon. She will not win these trials, nor do I expect her to place in the top three. Thanks to her efforts though, the currnt crop of women have her as a role model, and strive to meet the standards she has placed in the marathon.

Deena Kastor will most likely win these trials. Ironically she is the only American women since Joan to win an Olympic medal in the marathon - Bronze - 2004 Athens.

Good luck to Joan!

Charlie

Congrats Drusy

Fellow runner, blogger and known reader of this blog, Drusy, from the UK, successful completed the Flora London Marathon on Sunday. She finished in 4:51:27. I know that was not her ideal time goal, but she finished under 5 hours, and that is quite an accomplishment. I am very glad for her. Way to go!!!!!

http://drusy.blogspot.com/

Charlie

Evanston Trail Run

It was a sunny and warm morning. Temps were in the upper 40's as I headed on a 5.36 mile run to Evanston along the trail at the lake. I love this path, and it was a great day to be running.

My left IT Band was letting me know it is a bit sore, but I took a nice steady run as I went along. Several folks were out running, and I got plenty of "Hellos." I always appreciate that.

My time - 1:08:17. Not a stellar time, but my goal was to up the mileage and increase stamina. Time is not the important factor at this point. I felt good when I got home, and my post-tax mood improved.

:-)Charlie

20 Years Have Past

Over the weekend I observed an anniversary of sorts. It was April 12, 1988 when I hit rock bottom in life. I was at a place where I thought I had no answers to anything. I was 25 and thinking I could not cope with life. So that evening, I tried to kill myself. I drank a gallon of wine and took about 200 sleeping pills.

As you can assume, I was not successful in my attempt. I realized after I done this how stupid it was, and I got friends to rush me to the hospital. It was a long, exhausting night, and one I never want to duplicate.

I have not been in that place since, nor can I imagine myself in that kind of darkness. I have found so many better ways to cope with issues in my life. Obviously running is one of those methods. I feel down if I have not run after a couple days....as I feel this morning.

There are so many young people out there who feel all is lost, and do look at suicide. I wish we could reach them and let them know suicide is a final solution to temporary problems. It is not the answer. We need to give young people the tools to work through problems, cope with issues and understand things are not always so dire.

My friend Mark is going through a difficult time...nowhere near where I was though. I have suggested that he take up running. He wants to run with me and see if he likes it. If so, he would like to run a 5K. I think that is a great goal, and one I am happy to help with. Who knows, maybe he will find running a great way to clear the mind, and help him focus on issues.

Charlie

Flora London Marathon

This was an amazingly fast marathon. Martin Lei won the marathon - 2:05:15. That is the 5th fastest marathon of all time. In fact 5 of the fastest 22 fastest times in a marathon happened in this marathon. American Ryan Hall finished 5th with a PR - 2:06:17.

This makes for an incredible setup for the marathon at the Bejing Olmypics.

Charlie

Oooooh....Clutching Stomach

So here is the deal....do not run after eating Black Bean Buffalo Corn Chili. It is tasty. It is good for you, but if you run, even if several hours after eating it, you get Gastric Distress. That was my issue today. I ran 1.75 miles, and thought I would die.

So lesson learned right!

I feel much better now - a few hours later.

:-)Charlie

Lessons Learned

I always try to take something away from a race. While I consider my 10 mile race a success, here is what I need to work on this year.

1) Upping the miles each week. Now that I feel better, it is time to increase the miles.

2) Getting back into good physical condition. My body ached after the race. Time to work on the body.

3) Better food. Case in point....more bananas and spinach. Bought some nice ones tonight!

So there are the three lessons I learned. Time to work on a plan of action.

Charlie

So Where Did I Place?

Here are some stats from the race.

In the Men's Division I placed 5795th

In my age group I placed 563 out of 569.

Against the bus I finished first.

Overall...I did not come in last.

:-)Charlie

Man vs. Bus - Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race

The 2008 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race is in the history books. What a race and experience for me.

Let me say off the bat if you ever want to combine sightseeing with running, this is the race. This was one of the most beautiful courses I ever ran.

So now as you know my goal was to beat the bus. The course had a strict time limit, and if you were above 14 minutes a mile, then the bus would pick you up. Sunday was in the low 40's and rainy. It was drizzly with an occasional wind. I, being the weather wimp felt like, "Oh God no!"

My friend Kelly was kind enough to drive me down to the start area, and found parking! WOW! It was hard to get warmed up in this weather, and I had a feeling of dread. Still I got to my starting coral. There were around 12,000 runners. This race is the kick off of the running season in D.C.. The waves started, and I was in the last wave. Soon we were off.

The first 3 miles take you towards Hains Point, along the Potomac River. This area is flooded with cherry blossoms. They were in full glory, and I wished I could slow down and be a tourist, but I had a bus to beat. I was feeling ok, not great. I felt very out of shape and sloppy. No wonder, I have hardly trained this year!

I got to the mile 5 marker - 58:59. I was doing pretty well, but knew my body would start slowing down, and it did. Mile 6 was a bit of a struggle for me. I knew I had gone out too fast, but I actually planned that in case I slowed down. Not smart strategy. Just beyond the mile 6 marker were...the buses. They were menacingly lying in wait for slow poky runners. I knew they would soon hit the road.

The course went along the river to the Kennedy Center. This was a touch hilly, on an otherwise flat course. I chugged a bit, but made it to the Kennedy Center, just beyond it was the Watergate Complex. I gave a Nixonian peace sign and went on to the turn.

After the turn, maybe .2 miles away...they were slowly moving down the road - THE BUSES!!! A woman running a bit ahead looked over her shoulder at her friends and screamed, "It's the buses! Let's go! RUN!!!" Her friends looked like they were ready for the buses, but I wasn't. I picked things up a bit and headed to the Memorial Bridge.

Mile 8 was the middle of the bridge. I could Arlington National Cemetary ahead, and felt I could finish. I made the loop, and headed back over the bridge. There were the buses, hazard lights on, creepy like a spider towards its prey. "Not today buses," I thought. "You won't get me today." I moved a bit faster and got over the bridge. I ran past the Lincoln Memorial, and then by the Korean War Memorial. There were more and more people along the sides cheering us on.

I was physically tired. My shoulders hurt. My feet hurt. I wanted a hot shower. Still I ploughed ahead. Finally I saw the finish area, and I put the pedal to the metal. I knew at mile 7 I would not break 2 hours. So my goal was 2:05. I ran like a man possessed, and hit the finish line - 2:04:36.

I BEAT THE BUS!!!!!!!!!!

My friend Kelly met me at the finish line gave me a hug, and we cheered at how I beat the bus!

This race was a great lesson in what I need to do to be in shape this year. The gym and I are about to become really good friends.

No matter what else I do this year, I will take great satisfaction in knowing I beat the bus!

Charlie

Cherry Blossom Time

Washington, D.C. is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms. The weather here has been wonderful, through every day there is a threat of rain - especially tomorrow for the race.

I went to the expo today, and I have to tell you it was horribly organized, crowded, and very lame. I am spoiled because I have worked some excellent expos in Chicago, and those folks know how to do it. This one was a mess....a mess! The number and chips are in one area, the t-shirts and expo are in another room, so it was crowded and messy. I kept bumping to people and apologzing. YUCK!

I am assuming the race is better organized....we'll see.

Tomorrow 12,000 folks will line up, and are under strict instructions to run this race in under 14 minutes of the bus gets you. I think I will be fine as long as it isn't a driving rain. Pray for good weather.

Also....

Today I found a new cafe. Cafe Roma is new in my friend Kelly's neighborhood. It is THE find in D.C. , a true Italian cafe, and very reasonable. $1.35 for a large cup of coffee. Take that Starbucks!

So tonight I am resting and hoping for good weather. Tomorrow....the race report.

Charlie

You Wanna Piece of Me???

Yesterday I worked with a couple, and I swear the guy was trying to pick a fight with me.She complained that her 2120's gave her a blister and her knee was bothering her. He muttered under his breath, but lough enough to be heard, "He'll tell you it's the shoe and try to sell you something." I told her it could be the shoe, but asked about the knee. He said, "He'll tell you he doesn't know why it hurts." She told me the issues. I told her there are many reasons we get knee pain, while I am NOT a doctor, here is what it sounds like, but I would go get it checked.I measured her foot, then watched her run a bit. She was in the right stability shoe. I got shoes.

When I came back he said, "The Old Town store watches her run, he won't watch you." Of course I watched her. He then told her, "He won't let you run outside like the Old Town store does." I said, "If you would like to go outside, why not, it's a sunny nice day." She declined.

While she was running in the various shoes he said, "Oh I bet you won't let me try on swim goggles." I looked at him and said, "Sir if you would like to try them on go right ahead." He did.She bought shoes....Nike's, and off she went.

A couple hours later he called complaining about the shoe and that no one would watch his GF run. He came in. He tried to tell the associate that the guy helping would not watch her run.

Because I have to approve returns, I said, "Sir I did watch her run, and this is the right stability, what is wrong with the shoe?" He told me her toes hit the front of the shoe. I told him we could get a larger size, or she could come back in and I would start over again.He said, "At the Old Town store they watch you run outside, you didn't do that." I calmy told him I watched her run in every shoe, and they SHE said she didn't want to go outside.

He then told me I would most likely not give him his money back. I said, "Sir if you want your money back, I will be happy to refund it." We did the return, he looked at me and told me I had been very helpful and left.

Arrrrrrrrrrgh!

I felt like he was passive aggressively trying to fight with me.

Charlie