What a glorious, but darned chilly morning it was in the Chicago area. All over the country people are running Turkey Trots, or whatever Thanksgiving themed runs there are. Mark and I participated in the Edison Park Turkey Trot 5K. I ran. Mark walked. I would say between 3,000 - 4,000 were on the streets today.
If you want to PR, don't plan on doing it a race like this, unless you are in front and will stay in front. I felt ok running today. Clearly I did not set the world on fire with my time - 38:02, but all the while I thought about how great it was to be running in a race again. I have missed races.
I did take walk breaks, and I felt ok about doing that. I took more than I normally would, but this may be the way it has to be for me to be running.
The people running were in great spirits. Families ran together. Lots of folks with dogs and baby strollers. Everyone was having a blast.
I felt good as I crossed the finish line. Once I crossed, a woman tapped me on the shoulder. "You sold me a pair of shoes two years ago. I told you I wasn't a runner, and you told me you hadn't run long. Now I am a runner, and I love racing. Thanks so much, " she said. I told her that was great, and it was so wonderful to see her out.
Next I waited for Mark. Mark wants to run at some point, but before you run, you have to walk. I waited about 8 minutes, then I saw him heading to the finish line. I greeted him at the finish line with a hug and a bottle of water. He seemed pleased he completed his first 5K. Next time though....he wants to run.
Overall a great Thanksgiving run!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Charlie
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Long Road Ahead
This time next year I should have completed my 2009 marathon(to be named later). I was thinking about this last night; it seems like that is a long way off, but it will come quickly. What will be the long part will be the training. Am I ready for it?
At this point I'm obviously not ready for a marathon. No one would be ready running 2-3 miles at a time. This is going to be a slow climb back to the kind of running I did. I hope I have it in me.
I clearly have the plan at this point, thanks to Scott. The hard part is getting my butt in gear and doing it. Of course it is tough in the coldest part of the year to say...."Charlie get out there and run." That is what I will have to do, so I can get a base going. Ideally I want to run close to 4 miles a day, three days a week. So I have a bit of work to do.
I have to get in my head not to focus on time. Time will come into play later. Now I have to get the miles in. If this means I go at a slower pace, as I have of late, then so be it. I can pick up speed later.
So while calendar wise, I think time will fly, but in the road of training, that is a long so uphill climb. As always I will detail that road. Typically I name my journeys, "The Road to..." This journey may be nicknamed, "The Road Back." Never fear though, I will figure out a marathon soon.
Charlie
At this point I'm obviously not ready for a marathon. No one would be ready running 2-3 miles at a time. This is going to be a slow climb back to the kind of running I did. I hope I have it in me.
I clearly have the plan at this point, thanks to Scott. The hard part is getting my butt in gear and doing it. Of course it is tough in the coldest part of the year to say...."Charlie get out there and run." That is what I will have to do, so I can get a base going. Ideally I want to run close to 4 miles a day, three days a week. So I have a bit of work to do.
I have to get in my head not to focus on time. Time will come into play later. Now I have to get the miles in. If this means I go at a slower pace, as I have of late, then so be it. I can pick up speed later.
So while calendar wise, I think time will fly, but in the road of training, that is a long so uphill climb. As always I will detail that road. Typically I name my journeys, "The Road to..." This journey may be nicknamed, "The Road Back." Never fear though, I will figure out a marathon soon.
Charlie
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Fall Run Through the Neighborhood
Today I went on a 2.58 mile run through the neighborhood. Very brisk outside. Temperatures were in the 30's. I headed west from East Rogers Park where I live towards West Rogers Park. It was sunny and as I said brisk.
It has been a while since I ran for longer periods in the cold. I forgot how difficult it can be to breathe in this weather. It was a bit of a struggle. I was breathing pretty hard out there. I handled it pretty well though.
For the week I have run 6.80 miles. Not bad for getting back into things. Next week, I am looking at running a bit more. I want to increase it in small increments so I am not over doing it. The general rule is 10% increase. I am running a 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, so I know the miles will be upped a bit.
All in all, happy to be out running.
Charlie
It has been a while since I ran for longer periods in the cold. I forgot how difficult it can be to breathe in this weather. It was a bit of a struggle. I was breathing pretty hard out there. I handled it pretty well though.
For the week I have run 6.80 miles. Not bad for getting back into things. Next week, I am looking at running a bit more. I want to increase it in small increments so I am not over doing it. The general rule is 10% increase. I am running a 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, so I know the miles will be upped a bit.
All in all, happy to be out running.
Charlie
Friday, November 21, 2008
Slow, but Good
It seems odd not to be writing about all the miles I run. These days a good run is if I can run 3 miles. I am happy that I am running, but now I want to notch it up a bit. I would like to get to running 4 miles a day, three days a week.
Physical wise, I think I can do it, my body is out of practice of that kind of running. So I need to build slowly. I am not good at the building slowly thing. I want to run the longer distances at the pace I used to, and I can't right now. That is a definite source of frustration.
I know this all takes time, and I have to remember that. I would like to try 4 miles tomorrow. We will see what happens.
Charlie
Physical wise, I think I can do it, my body is out of practice of that kind of running. So I need to build slowly. I am not good at the building slowly thing. I want to run the longer distances at the pace I used to, and I can't right now. That is a definite source of frustration.
I know this all takes time, and I have to remember that. I would like to try 4 miles tomorrow. We will see what happens.
Charlie
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Economy of Running
Hi Folks....
Sorry it's been a while since I last posted. Lots has gone on. Just to catch up, I was out of town for a few days last week. I was in Portland, OR. That is one nice place I have to say. While I was there I turned 46. 46? Wow......good thing I look 26. :-) I have run some, a few miles here and there, and I feel good for the most part.
Today I want to address the state of our economy and running. Our store is feeling the economic pinch. Folks are buying shoes, but it is tougher to sell that $50-$80 technical shirt. I am wondering how people are coping with their running in this economy. Are runners looking at what races they can and can't afford? Shoe wise are you looking for less expensive shoes?
I know Steve Runner talked about gift ideas for the runner on his latest podcast this week. I will add my .02. Socks are a great gift for a runner. My two favorites are Balega and Feetures. Balega especially is the most darned comfortable sock I have put on my feet. Running books are a good idea. I have landed an early version of "Once a Runner" which will be published next April. Our store got early copies and are selling them. I will give a review once I am done. Gift cards. I know this seems like a cop out, but really get your runner a gift card, and let them wander through a running store. It's like kids in a candy store, and gift cards are like free money to spend.
So there you have it for now. Sorry it has been a while since I posted. I will post more often now.
Charlie
Sorry it's been a while since I last posted. Lots has gone on. Just to catch up, I was out of town for a few days last week. I was in Portland, OR. That is one nice place I have to say. While I was there I turned 46. 46? Wow......good thing I look 26. :-) I have run some, a few miles here and there, and I feel good for the most part.
Today I want to address the state of our economy and running. Our store is feeling the economic pinch. Folks are buying shoes, but it is tougher to sell that $50-$80 technical shirt. I am wondering how people are coping with their running in this economy. Are runners looking at what races they can and can't afford? Shoe wise are you looking for less expensive shoes?
I know Steve Runner talked about gift ideas for the runner on his latest podcast this week. I will add my .02. Socks are a great gift for a runner. My two favorites are Balega and Feetures. Balega especially is the most darned comfortable sock I have put on my feet. Running books are a good idea. I have landed an early version of "Once a Runner" which will be published next April. Our store got early copies and are selling them. I will give a review once I am done. Gift cards. I know this seems like a cop out, but really get your runner a gift card, and let them wander through a running store. It's like kids in a candy store, and gift cards are like free money to spend.
So there you have it for now. Sorry it has been a while since I posted. I will post more often now.
Charlie
Saturday, November 08, 2008
500
Milestones are a time when we reflect, and then take a look ahead. This entry is my 500th on this blog, so it is a milestone for me.
So if I were to take a look back at the previous 499 entires, I would see that I held true to what I wanted to accomplish - writing about my running and my weight loss. Of course it isn't as simple as that. I have shared my hopes, dreams, goals and some of my life with you. I have shared my highs and I have shared my lows.
In looking at my running accomplishments, I hold two races as my ultimate highs to this point. First was the 2006 Sunburst Half Marathon. For those who have not heard of it, the Sunburst races are held in my home town of South Bend, IN. The races start at the College Football Hall of Fame and end on the 50 yard line of Notre Dame Stadium. I grew up spending my Fall Saturdays in that stadium, watching Notre Dame football. Over the years I got to see greats like Joe Montana play , the amazing Ara Parseghian coaching on the sidelines, and thrill to the Notre Dame Victory March.
I remember choking up as I approached the stadium. My sister was inside waiting for me. I called her to let her know I was on my way. People cheered as I ran around towards the tunnel area. As I headed into the tunnel, the Notre Dame Victory March was playing. I came out of that tunnel, and heard my name over the sound system - Charlie Colpaert from Chicago, IL! To this day I STILL get chills thinking of that moment.
My first marathon was the Rock n Roll Phoenix Marathon, January, 2007. As I have told in the past, things were going pretty well until I developed blisters on my heels. My best friend Marshall was there. I remember meeting him at mile 23, and he told me I only had 3 miles to go, and he knew I could do it! I struggled those that 3 miles. I was walking hard at that point. Running was not on the agenda. When I was at mile 26, a Team in Training Coach saw me and said, "Dude, you don't look too good. What do you need." I said, "I need the frickin finish line." He laughed and told me I was close. When I saw the finish line, I was determined to run to the end. I did. Marshall was there to give me a hug as I was very emotional and so incredibly proud of what I had done.
I would say the low point started with the 2007 Chicago Marathon and has gone on all year. While I was able to run some races, especially the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile in Washington, D.C. I am also thrilled that I got to coach a group of women to their first 5K race. It has been a year of injury and adjustment for me.
As I have shared I am in the early stages of degenerative arthritis. I have no true idea what this will mean for my running future. For now though I am being encouraged to run as long as I am able and comfortable. I feel with a good plan for training, I will successfully finish a marathon next year. The marathons I am looking at are the NYC Marathon, the Portland Marathon, and possibly the Chicago Marathon. We will see.
So what is the future? My goal is to run as long as I am physically able to. I love running. I hope to share more of my passion for running, because it brings me so much joy.
I have been told by several people who read this blog that I have inspired them in some way. I am truly honored that anyone would find inspiration in what I do. I also feel very humbled by such comments. I am not always sure what to do with praise like that, except to simply say thank you.
I would like to share for a moment some people who inspire me:
Dean Karnazes - the amazing ultramarathoner. He keeps on going, and bringing new people to running. His determinitation, and wonderful spirit is the essence of a great runner.
Joan Benoit Samuelson - the first Olympic Women's Marathon Champion. At age 50, she set a new record for her age group at this year's Olympic Trials. She is not only a terrific ambassador for running, but a noble spirit.
Oscar Pistorius - the South African runner, who uses prosthetics. While he did not qualify for this year's Olympics, his desire to compete at the highest level inspires me.
Steve "Runner" Walker - the host of "Phedippidations" podcast. For those who have not listened to this podcast, Steve is the ultimate running partner. His rambling diatribes keep so many of us going on our runs. We are not only educated by him on the topic de jour, but we feel we have a real friend running with us. One of my long range goals is to go for a real run with Steve. I would slow him down, but I hope he would enjoy a run with me.
So there it is - #500. Not sure what the next 500 entries will be like, but I will be here sharing all with you.
Peace,
Charlie
So if I were to take a look back at the previous 499 entires, I would see that I held true to what I wanted to accomplish - writing about my running and my weight loss. Of course it isn't as simple as that. I have shared my hopes, dreams, goals and some of my life with you. I have shared my highs and I have shared my lows.
In looking at my running accomplishments, I hold two races as my ultimate highs to this point. First was the 2006 Sunburst Half Marathon. For those who have not heard of it, the Sunburst races are held in my home town of South Bend, IN. The races start at the College Football Hall of Fame and end on the 50 yard line of Notre Dame Stadium. I grew up spending my Fall Saturdays in that stadium, watching Notre Dame football. Over the years I got to see greats like Joe Montana play , the amazing Ara Parseghian coaching on the sidelines, and thrill to the Notre Dame Victory March.
I remember choking up as I approached the stadium. My sister was inside waiting for me. I called her to let her know I was on my way. People cheered as I ran around towards the tunnel area. As I headed into the tunnel, the Notre Dame Victory March was playing. I came out of that tunnel, and heard my name over the sound system - Charlie Colpaert from Chicago, IL! To this day I STILL get chills thinking of that moment.
My first marathon was the Rock n Roll Phoenix Marathon, January, 2007. As I have told in the past, things were going pretty well until I developed blisters on my heels. My best friend Marshall was there. I remember meeting him at mile 23, and he told me I only had 3 miles to go, and he knew I could do it! I struggled those that 3 miles. I was walking hard at that point. Running was not on the agenda. When I was at mile 26, a Team in Training Coach saw me and said, "Dude, you don't look too good. What do you need." I said, "I need the frickin finish line." He laughed and told me I was close. When I saw the finish line, I was determined to run to the end. I did. Marshall was there to give me a hug as I was very emotional and so incredibly proud of what I had done.
I would say the low point started with the 2007 Chicago Marathon and has gone on all year. While I was able to run some races, especially the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile in Washington, D.C. I am also thrilled that I got to coach a group of women to their first 5K race. It has been a year of injury and adjustment for me.
As I have shared I am in the early stages of degenerative arthritis. I have no true idea what this will mean for my running future. For now though I am being encouraged to run as long as I am able and comfortable. I feel with a good plan for training, I will successfully finish a marathon next year. The marathons I am looking at are the NYC Marathon, the Portland Marathon, and possibly the Chicago Marathon. We will see.
So what is the future? My goal is to run as long as I am physically able to. I love running. I hope to share more of my passion for running, because it brings me so much joy.
I have been told by several people who read this blog that I have inspired them in some way. I am truly honored that anyone would find inspiration in what I do. I also feel very humbled by such comments. I am not always sure what to do with praise like that, except to simply say thank you.
I would like to share for a moment some people who inspire me:
Dean Karnazes - the amazing ultramarathoner. He keeps on going, and bringing new people to running. His determinitation, and wonderful spirit is the essence of a great runner.
Joan Benoit Samuelson - the first Olympic Women's Marathon Champion. At age 50, she set a new record for her age group at this year's Olympic Trials. She is not only a terrific ambassador for running, but a noble spirit.
Oscar Pistorius - the South African runner, who uses prosthetics. While he did not qualify for this year's Olympics, his desire to compete at the highest level inspires me.
Steve "Runner" Walker - the host of "Phedippidations" podcast. For those who have not listened to this podcast, Steve is the ultimate running partner. His rambling diatribes keep so many of us going on our runs. We are not only educated by him on the topic de jour, but we feel we have a real friend running with us. One of my long range goals is to go for a real run with Steve. I would slow him down, but I hope he would enjoy a run with me.
So there it is - #500. Not sure what the next 500 entries will be like, but I will be here sharing all with you.
Peace,
Charlie
Friday, November 07, 2008
The First Eleven Weeks
As promised I am going to share the initial part of the marathon training plan that Scott, my former marathon coach came up with.
Week
2-Mar 3 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 3 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 3 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
9-Mar 3 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 3 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 3 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
16-Mar 4 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 4 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 4 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
23-Mar 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
30-Mar 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:30 min/mile
6-Apr 5 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
13-Apr 5 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
20-Apr 5 Miles - 11:30 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:30 min/mile
27-Apr 6 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 6 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 6 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
4-May 6 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
11-May 6 Miles - 11:30 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:30 min/mile
As you can see it is a slow progression of miles, all done in a time frame that is comfortable for me to run. My average pace is in a 11:00-12:00 min/mile, so Scott has made plans for that. On a couple of the says I am not running, I would be cross training. The next step of the plan would involve a 4th day of running, but that would be it. So at this point there is no traditional long run day. Each day I run it is the same miles, just the pace differs. As per the doctor's orders, there is no speed work or hill training.
I will share this with Dr. Natarajan. I think he will be pleased with this.
Now all I need is the fall marathon, and I am set.
Charlie
Week
2-Mar 3 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 3 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 3 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
9-Mar 3 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 3 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 3 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
16-Mar 4 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 4 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 4 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
23-Mar 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
30-Mar 4 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 4 Miles - 11:30 min/mile
6-Apr 5 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
13-Apr 5 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
20-Apr 5 Miles - 11:30 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 5 Miles - 11:30 min/mile
27-Apr 6 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 6 Miles - 12:00 min/mile 6 Miles - 12:00 min/mile
4-May 6 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:45 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:45 min/mile
11-May 6 Miles - 11:30 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:00 min/mile 6 Miles - 11:30 min/mile
As you can see it is a slow progression of miles, all done in a time frame that is comfortable for me to run. My average pace is in a 11:00-12:00 min/mile, so Scott has made plans for that. On a couple of the says I am not running, I would be cross training. The next step of the plan would involve a 4th day of running, but that would be it. So at this point there is no traditional long run day. Each day I run it is the same miles, just the pace differs. As per the doctor's orders, there is no speed work or hill training.
I will share this with Dr. Natarajan. I think he will be pleased with this.
Now all I need is the fall marathon, and I am set.
Charlie
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Worked Out!!!!!
Today was an ActivTrax day. MAN did I workout. I did a half hour resistance workout designed for the whole body. I'm still a bit sore from all the pulling and stretching I did.
For the cardio, I ran. My idea was to get the three days in, as I am not sure what the weekend will hold for me. Work and weather are looking like it would be tough to get a run in. So I ran a strong 3 miles. To tell you I am tired is an understatement. I AM TIRED!!!
I felt great though. For the week I ran 7.4 miles. This is more than I have run in a couple weeks.
Also....Scott has sent me the first 10 week schedule for my marathon plan. I will share it later. I like what I am seeing. Very doable, and will still be a gradual climb in miles.
So the phrase for this workout is - tired, but I feel GOOD!
Charlie
For the cardio, I ran. My idea was to get the three days in, as I am not sure what the weekend will hold for me. Work and weather are looking like it would be tough to get a run in. So I ran a strong 3 miles. To tell you I am tired is an understatement. I AM TIRED!!!
I felt great though. For the week I ran 7.4 miles. This is more than I have run in a couple weeks.
Also....Scott has sent me the first 10 week schedule for my marathon plan. I will share it later. I like what I am seeing. Very doable, and will still be a gradual climb in miles.
So the phrase for this workout is - tired, but I feel GOOD!
Charlie
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Finding What I Lost
Today I had a talk with Beth, my physical therapist. She asked me how much I ran last week. I ran darned little as I have of late. Mostly the problem is I feel I have lost how to run. Injuries, the arthritis, no sense of purpose with my running. It all has brought me down. She reminded me she thinks I am doing great. It sure has not felt like it.
After PT I ran at the gym. Mark told me I needed to get my butt running, and do three miles. I did. I have to say it felt great. I needed a really good run to get me going. My time was 35:49. No, not the fastest ever, but the accomplishment was running the 3 miles.
So how do I find what I lost? Is it as simple as setting my next goal? Is it just making sure I get out the door and run?
Next week I will be going to Portland, OR, a running mecca. Perhaps I will find what I lost there? Maybe being in a different running environment will get me going.
Charlie
After PT I ran at the gym. Mark told me I needed to get my butt running, and do three miles. I did. I have to say it felt great. I needed a really good run to get me going. My time was 35:49. No, not the fastest ever, but the accomplishment was running the 3 miles.
So how do I find what I lost? Is it as simple as setting my next goal? Is it just making sure I get out the door and run?
Next week I will be going to Portland, OR, a running mecca. Perhaps I will find what I lost there? Maybe being in a different running environment will get me going.
Charlie
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