Cross Train - Next Year's Goal

I was going to run at the gym today, but it was packed. I mean packed. There was a line of people for the treadmills(go figure). So I hopped on the bike and the elliptical. Overall I did 6 miles. I felt pretty good, but it seemed obvious I am not in top shape.

During the workout I thought about my weight goals for next year. I am now at 210 lbs. I would like to get back below 200. I think this is very realistic. I don't eat poorly, but I could eat better. I want to increase my veggie and fruit intake.

I will write about it in the coming year, and keep myself open here on my blog.

Charlie

Edison Park Turkey Trot

You got to love a good Turkey Trot. People come out from all over to run. Some are hardcore runners. Others are casual. Still others run once a year - Thanksgiving. About 3,000 showed up in Edison Park today to run one of the Chicago area Turkey Trots. Mark and I ran as well.

Everyone comes out for this race. Mom, dad, the kids, grandma. Heck today the Chicago Fire Dept. had they cadets run the race. It was chilly, a touch rainy, and we had a lot of fun. Mark and I ran together for about the first mile, then he had me go on. I had a good time out there seeing neighbors come out to cheer their friends. Of course with all the people running, I was surprised to see anyone was not running.

The time in a Turkey Trot is not the reason to run it. Running with family and friends is the reason. I did well enough time wise - 38:03. Mark finished in 44:17. The real fun was seeing people celebrate Thanksgiving with a run.

Charlie

Running With Mark

Today I got Mark up and out the door for a 4.3 mile run. Now I should note, this was not a training run. This was not a let's run and check our time. In fact I stopped the watch, because it was pointless to time the fun we were having.

We headed to Evanston, and did a run/walk combination. A little more walking than I do, but Mark has Achilles issues, so he needs to walk a bit more. Still it was a joy to run with him. At one point we stopped at a park and chatted with a lesbian couple, who were out with their dogs. They talked about trail running, which I wish I could do. I just don't have the feet for it. They made it sounds delightful though.

I can tell Mark enjoys running. I think he tries to beat me though. I keep reminding him this is about endurance and not speed at this point. He told me he prefers the fall weather to summer running. I agree 100%.

At the end of the run, the mist turned to sprinkles. Even that did not diminish the run.

Charlie

Community

One of things I love most about running is the sense that there is a running community out there. Yes, running can be a very solitary activity. It is that activity that brings so many people together. You see it at races. You see it a local fun runs. You see it online through the ever expanding RunNet Community. People come together over running. It is a pretty amazing thing.

In my almost 3 years working for Fleet Feet Sports, I have had the honor to meet so many fellow runners. Some I see on a regular basis. Others I see from time to time at races. I may not remember names, but I remember them, and they remember me. When we talk, it's like we are old friends.

Now it may be different at the competitive level. I don't know. I have never been at that level. :-) I do think though people who run are not only happier in life, but they spread that happiness through the rest of the community.

Today I got an email from a woman who is a regular at our store and fun runs. She and her husband come every week to run. I love talking to them, and have become friends with them. Her email was an invitation to a choral concert her husband is in. He sings! This a way we runners bond. We bond over running, and that expands into our lives. I love it.

Online, there are runners from all over the world, coming together to form the RunNet Community. These are people who blog, podcast, post about their running. It is using New Media to spread the our love and passion for running and to encourage others to get active and join us. Steve Runner, and other fellow runners are starting this movement, and I am a proud member of it.

Now community may not be your cup of tea. No worries. I'm not saying you all have to be part of the community. I am saying it is good to know that one more thing to love about running is that it encourages community.

Charlie

Musings on a Fall Run

Today I ran 5.4 miles to Evanston and back. Here are the very random things I thought along the run.

- It is a gorgeous 55 degree day. Just perfect.

- I have Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do" stuck in my head.

- Stopping at Murphy's Fit for a break. Never been to this running store. Guy tells me my shoe - The Brooks Dyad is only worn by 1% of runners. Makes me special.

- So many folks out running. I have said "Hi" at least a dozen times.

- What to bring to Thanksgiving dinner?

- Wishing Mark were out running with me.

- A little tired after getting up at 4 a.m. to deal with a false security alarm at work. Oy!

- Happy to see my friend Krys along the route.

- What should I run next year?

Lots of things occupied my head during this run. Darn that Janet Jackson song though, that was in my head the entire run.

Charlie

Working Through Disappointment

As you know I work in a running store. Yesterday I got the news - I was not promoted to store manager. I really wanted this promotion, and it was a hard pill to swallow when I got the news. I got lots of encouragement though. I was told I am outstanding in customer service and sales. They want me to develop customer service training for our employees. It would mean working in both stores. My general manager pulled me aside and told me he thought I was one of the classiest guys he has met - I am all class.

While I appreciate the comments, I am saddened.

We don't always win. I understand that. You can't always PR in a race. The bottom line is I still have a job I love. Every day I get to work with runners. Every day I get to share my passion. So in the end I am not really losing anything. I have to focus on that as I get over this set back.

Charlie

The Holidays

The holidays are upon us, and by the way - where did the time go? With the festivities comes food. Runners, like everyone else love to eat, and the temptation during this year is to over eat. Parties, dinners and gatherings mean LOTS of food. So what's a runner to do?

I love holiday food. I love the Egg Nog. I love the Yule Logs. I love it all. Like I have for years, I indulge. Let me re-phrase - I partake. The point is not to over eat. Have a glass of the Nog. I have a piece of the cake. Don't go back for seconds. Also make sure the serving you have is not the world's largest piece of whatever.

Also....if you are going to parties, know this, you don't have to have full meals or servings at every party. Have a little bit. All of those bites add up. If there are healthier alternatives have those. That chocolate mousse is a treat, make sure you are treating as such. Make it the exception and not the rule during this time of year.

It is so easy to gain the pounds during this time of year. If you are smart, you can have your cake, eat it too, and not gain the weight.

Charlie

Time to Lace Up and Run

Yes I ran today. Mark and I headed to the gym. The raw, windy, rainy weather just did not appeal to me. So we headed to the gym, where I got on the treadmill, turned on the Food Network and ran 3 miles.

I have to say it felt so good to be running again. I did not push and I did not speed. I just ran at a nice pace, watching "Everyday Italian." I not only ran 3 miles, but got an idea for Thanksgiving Turkey. Who knew oranges and lemons would be good to put in the bird?

I was a bit rusty, but after the first mile, I felt that rust fall off. So it was all good. Next week I am running a Turkey Trot, so I am looking just to be in the swing of things, so I can run with Mark on Thanksgiving.

Charlie

Back to the Run

This week I will run again. Did I mention I miss it. It's been tough this week helping people with their running, and not being in shape to run.

That changes this week. I am going to lace up the shoes and go for a run. Oh it won't be a long run. It will be long enough for me to enjoy it. I'm thinking Tuesday. We'll see....can't wait.

Charlie

So Now What?

The marathon is over. So now what do I do? Well once I get running again, I think the goal will be to have fun with running. Now that I am not training for anything, I can cut loose and not worry about time and how I am doing. I can just run. That is a liberating feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love to train, but I love to "just run" a bit more.

I do want an eye to the future though. Next year there won't be a marathon. I do want to do a couple half marathons though. Do I run one I have run before? Do I go for something different? Mark has a goal of a half marathon. Do I help him with that? Or do I just focus on my running? In January No Boundaries starts again. I will have a focus on that for 12 weeks. Gotta love running in winter. :-)

I've got plenty of time to think and plan for 2010. Still resting....but you can tell I am getting ready to get off the couch.

Charlie

Rest and Recovery

I have not run since the marathon. I can tell I am ready to get back to it, because today was the first day I wanted to run since the marathon. I am holding off though until sometime next week to run. I want to heal and recover from the race last week.

This is not always an easy time for me. I am used to running, so not running annoys me. When I'm not running, I feel I am losing out on something I need - that time to myself, to get away from the world. I will gradually get back to running. Soon I will come up with my next goals. For now...rest.

Charlie

47

Today is my birthday. While turning 47 is not a milestone, it is a time to reflect and look ahead. The last 47 years have had their share of joys and sorrows. I think what makes me especially good about reaching another year is that I have good health and love.

I was asked the other day what I wanted for my birthday. I actually didn't need anything. Don't get me wrong, I would love a new TV, a new IPod, some books, and a trip around the world. Those things, though, pale in comparison to being in good health and having love in your life.

Other than arthritis, I am good health. The doctor has been pleased with everything. I feel good, which is even better. Could I be about 10-15 lighter? Sure, who couldn't, but I am not complaining.

As for love, my life with Mark is a good one. People who know us would raise an eyebrow considering the odd home life we have(roommates from HELL), but in reality, we are good. We are supportive of each other, we take care of each other, we share a good life with each other. I will take that over an IPod that might break any day.

So what is ahead for me? Running is still ahead. No marathon in 2010, but there will be a half marathon or two. I will be coaching in the coming year. I love coaching the 5K group. Running with Mark, and encouraging his efforts. He has a goal of a half marathon....will help anyway I can.

At work, changes are ahead as we move into a larger space, and make some changes at the store - an exciting time.

Hopefully as I move ahead, I remember lessons of the past, make good decisions, and if I fail, try to learn from those mistakes.

Peace.

Charlie

Reflection

People have been asking me how I feel about my marathon. My thoughts are that this was perhaps my best marathon experience. Yes, I didn't hit my time. I can live with that. Yes, I walked a good portion of the course. I can live with that. What made this experience so wonderful was a combination of the people who were with me and where I ran.

My friends Kris and Mike are good people. I have known Kris since I was a student at Indiana University. I have always been close to her family. I was a grooms man in their wedding. They came to my college graduation. I have attended her sister's wedding. While we have not spent as much time together in the last few years as we did back then, these people are important to me. Now they have children, who are a great group of kids.

Together with Mark, they made such a terrific crew for my marathon. The kids had signs ready to cheer on "Uncle Charlie." I have not spent a lot of time with Kris and Mike's kids, but I have taken to them, and them to me. They also adore Mark. So we are uncles now.

Indianapolis holds an important part of my life. I lived there twice in the 1980s. It was where I started college at Butler University. It is also where life took a dramatic change for me. It was in Indianapolis where I received an HIV+ test result. As many people know, 2 1/2 years later it would come out that had been a false test result. Still Indianapolis is where I first dealt with who I was as an adult - facing possible death does that to you.

Also - I was reminded during this race, that runners don't want anyone to fail. Jon Cook from Puma really helped me when I needed it. No nutrition in my pouch. No NUUN in my bottle, and he happened by when I needed someone to, and got me Gatorade and a Power Bar. This is what I love about the running community, runners want everyone to cross the line.

All of this was a recipe for success in my mind. I will have other chances at my sub 6 hours, but I will never have another experience like this year's Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.

Charlie

Pictures From Marathon Weekend

Ideal setting for the race. The weather was good. The course was good, and I had a terrific crew. As you can see, some of the crew got me to the finish!

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Today was the day I trained so hard and long for. It was a clear and chilly morning in Indianapolis. Temps were in the upper 40s. I was ready for this race. I signed up with a pace group. Due to limited option, I chose the 5:30 group, though I knew I would be slower than that.

Mark and my friends Kris and Mike and their kids were the support group. I gave Mark a quick kiss before I got to my start corral, and waited for the race the begin. At 8:00 a.m., the horn blared, and we were off. The first mile takes your around downtown, and soon you are heading north. Having lived in Indianapolis many years ago, I was eager to see the city. It had changed a lot, but I really liked the changes.

There was little crowd support for this 2nd annual event, so I used the IPod. I was glad I did. The neighborhoods were nice, but one word to the homeowner at mile 9 who was BBQing - stop making runners HUNGRY! I met the crew at mile 5. The kids had a sign cheering on "Uncle Charlie." It was so sweet and I was very touched. The next goal was to meet them at mile 10.

I was feeling very good at this point. I did not go out fast at all, so I felt strong and good. The only thing worrying me was the temps were getting hotter. By the end of the race, it was in the mid to upper 60s. Off I ran towards mile 10.

Mark let me know they were caught in traffic and having problems getting to the meeting spot. This did mess with my head a bit, because I used my NUUN and Gu. My mind was trying to figure it all out. Close to mile 11, a voice - "Charlie how are you doing?" It was Jon Cook the Puma rep I know. He was on a bike following runners as Puma was the shoe sponsor for the race. I told him what happened, and he was on it. He got my a bottle of Gatorade and a Power Bar. I am forever grateful for that kindness.

Mile 14 I was hurting. My quads were in a lot of pain, so I took to speed walking. It was also at this point hills appeared. YIKES. Mike met me around mile 15 and told me the gang was waiting for me. There was food and NUUN for me, and I asked Mark to get me through the next 5 miles.

Off we walked. We went through Butler University. I was happy to show Mark my old school. We went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which is in an amazing park. I was so glad Mark was there with me. He helped me speed up from an 18:20/mile to a 16:42/mile. Sadly he told me the last pace group was approaching. Bless his heart, he was blistering and struggling to be with me, so he let me go right before mile 21.

At mile 21 Kris and Mike's kids greeting me with goodies and drink. These kids are a lot of fun, and I was so glad they were there to cheer me on. Off I went, telling them all I would see them at the finish.

On my own, my thoughts turned to my mom. Today is also the anniversary of her passing, so I dedicated this race to her. I took this time to talk to her, and I feel she was watching me. I would even go so far to say that when it looked like I wanted to quit after mile 10, she sent Jon from Puma to me.

I talked to her about how I missed her every day, and how much I love Mark, and what he means to me. I also decided that while I was dedicating the race to mom, I was dedicating the last 1.2 miles to Mark.

At mile 22 the last pace group passed me. I should be clear, there was no group, just the pace leader. I told her I was dreading this moment. She told me the course would still be open a while, but I was close.

These last 4 miles were hard. I was in a lot of pain. My legs and feet were killing me. Medical personnel circled me a few times to make sure I was ok. I assured them I was . At mile 24 Kris called, the kids wanted to know if they could finish the race with me. I said that would be fine.

At mile 25, I noticed just a few people behind me, and the clean up truck. I was at the end of the pack. I tried to run, but it was so hard. Still I ran and walked when I could . I rounded Monument Circle, and made "sped" up in the last mile. Before the turn to the finish I saw the kids. Daniel, Lia and Tori, all greeted me, and proceeded to run with me. The only thing I asked was they let me cross the line first - they did.

I finished the marathon in 6:41:07 - a new PR! Not the sub 6 hour I hoped for, but I will take it. Mark waited for me at the finish, and I was in tears as I hugged him. I have a darned big medal around my neck as I write this. My place was 1976 out of 1978. Yes...I kept my record in tact, I was not the last finisher.

My reward for the race - Steak n Shake - YUM!

I had the best crew I could imagine. Thanks to my Mike, Kris, Joel, Lia, Daniel and Tori, and my beloved Mark. They were great, and I was so glad they were a part of this day.

I am pretty sore now, and not ready to talk about my next race. I am just so glad I finished this one.

Charlie

Training is Done

This morning was my last training run before the marathon. I ran 4 miles in 48:41. It was a cool cloudy morning, as I headed from home down along Sheridan, past Loyola University, to the Edgewater area.

This was not a hard run at all. It was meant to be easy and relaxed. It was. I felt a bit stiff and awkward at the start, but after 1 mile I got into the groove, and enjoyed the run. I did not really think about much on this run. I figure I will have 26.2 miles and under 6 hours to think about stuff on Saturday. No, this was just an easy run.

It has been a good training for me. I never felt like I was straining during training. My only "bad" run was the 16 mile run. I have liked the 3 days a week running, but will confess, I wish it had been 4. I like have one extra day of running.

Bottom line I feel ready. Can't wait until Saturday.

Charlie

3 Days and Counting - What to Wear?

This is not about fashion, this is about being comfortable during the marathon. As of this writing, the weather in Indianapolis on Saturday is sunny, and 40s in the morning, and 60 by mid-day. This seems pretty darned good to me.

This helps me figure what to wear. You always want to be sure you are comfortable for your race. It should be something you have been running in, and not new for race day. So forget the new outfit you want to buy at the expo. You want to be comfortable, and have no surprises with your clothing.

So what will I wear? For most of my long runs, I have been wearing a Pearl Izumi sleeveless shirt. I love this shirt. It wicks away the moisture, and dries very quickly, so I never feel like I am wearing a sweaty shirt. I have tights I like wearing quite a bit. They are shorts, so yes, I may look like a ballet dancer in them, but I don't care. The problem I have with running shorts is the same problem millions of other have - they rise up in the crotch area, and look like an upside down "V". That is annoying when I am running. The tights don't rise up, and the issue of chaffing is greatly reduced. NO ONE WANTS TO CHAFE.

I will have a hat - just need to figure which one. Because it will be cool in the morning - arm warmers. I swear by them now. My shoes are the Brooks Dyad. Socks....typically I wear Balega. My other sock of choice is Feetures. Of course NO ONE should run without Body Glide - trust me on this.

Got the clothes all set....next I figure the nutrition and hydration.

Charlie

4 Days and Counting - A Good Day

Today was a pretty darned good day. It started with a meeting with a rep from Asics to ask for feedback on prototypes for 2011 shoes. It was fascinating to see what the future Asics shoes could look like, and how the public might respond to them.

At work, I had the joy to help a woman who is new to running. She seemed so happy to get new shoes and really give running a try. I love helping new runners. They seem so excited, and I am so happy to talk to them about their goals and dreams.

I thought about these things as I ran this evening. The sun was down, the moon was rising over Lake Michigan, and I loved my run. I ran through Rogers Park, and eventually headed out on a pier going out onto the lake. I stopped for a couple minutes. The moonlight was shining on the dark lake. The light formed a V as it went out towards the horizon.

My thoughts turned to the marathon. I am ready for it. I have no idea what the day will bring, but I am ready, and I know what I need to do to have a successful day. It all seemed so clear to me as I was looking out over Lake Michigan.

The 3 miles I ran was easy and nice. A good way to end the day.

Charlie

5 Days and Counting - Mark's 5K

Today has been a day of conflicting feelings. On the joyful side, I was so proud to watch Mark run his first 5K. He ran the Hot Chocolate 5K. He was originally supposed to run a 5K earlier in the year, but he had a seizure a couple weeks before the race, and was in a great deal of pain afterwards.

All summer he trained. He went to the gym, ran outdoors, and developed better eating habits. As a result, he was so happy to be out running today - 28 lbs lighter. He is so happy, and I am so proud of him.

Watching him take off with thousands of other people, and then finishing about 45 minutes later made me feel so happy for him. He looked good out there, and when he finished, I could tell he felt he accomplished a great deal.

Our happiness was tempered once we got home. Sadly Mark had a seizure. This was a short one, about 5 minutes. It kills me to see him go through this. Afterwards he is in a lot of pain, and so unhappy.

I love him so much, and this is so hard to watch him go through the seizures. He is not there. I don't know where he is, and he blackouts, so he is not aware what is going on. He looks so scared and sad when he comes out of it.

So today I am conflicted, I am both happy and sad for Mark.

Charlie