Running and the New York Times

Every year it seems, the New York Times like to piss me off. They seem to do it around NY Marathon time. Maybe this is the only time the fine folks at the paper think about running. In the future....my suggestion is lay off the articles where you are trying to make a point, because it strikes me that you are clueless.

Last year they wrote about slow marathoners - the 4+ hour folks. They worried that the popularity of marathons for people who run 4, 5, 6 hour marathons were taking away the presige of the event. Remember how angry I got? I'm still angry.

Now they write this article -

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/23/health/23patient.html?scp=1&sq=running%20shoes&st=cse

The article makes the case that yes, you do need a good fit, but the cheap shoes are just fine. You don't need high cushioned, more expensive shoes. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Geez Charlie, stop talking like a guy who sells running shoes." Nope....this is not about buying high priced shoes. It is about getting the right shoe for you.

Do you need a $180 shoe? Maybe, maybe not. I don't need a $180 shoe. Someone does though, and for that person, that shoe is ideal for them. What if you don't have $180, and that shoe works? Well now that is a different story. If you don't want to pay for the shoe, try to figure out what worked on that shoe, and then find a lesser priced one. By lesser priced, I don't mean the $30 special at the outlet store. That is an old shoe, and it will do more harm than good.

Let's say you like the Asics Kayano. It works for you, but it is $130. The Asics 2100 series is very similar, and is less cushioned, and is $100. Oddly enough I have customers who will tell you the $100 shoes feels better than the $130. Terrific.

Here is another thing which the article mentions which pisses me off. They indicate that the higher priced shoes, with more cushion, could lead to injury. I promise you that most of the people who come in with injuries, and blame the shoes, soon are telling me what really happened, and it wasn't the shoes' fault. One man in particular in the past has blamed the shoe "I made him buy"(you know that is not true), gave him a stress fracture.

The real story was he went on a 15 mile run in shoes he had never run in before, on rocky terrain. Was it the shoes' fault? I think it had more to do with what he did. Still he wants to blame the shoe and me....fine.

If the NYT wants to write about running, that is great. The sport needs the exposure, but not at the expense of writing stuff which makes it sound like they are breaking Watergate wide open. Come on.

Charlie

Early Morning Run

I made Mark kick me out the door this morning for a run. I told him if I didn't run this morning, I had not business trying to train for Boston. His response - go run! Out the door I went on a chilly October morning.

I headed on my 2.6 mile trek along 96th St. This is rolling terrain. The first half is generally uphill and slower for me, the return, downhill and quicker. I was feeling "lumpy" this morning. I feel like I am carrying an extra 25 lbs, and it is not a comfortable feeling. Still I put my self pity behind me, and off I went. The rolling uphill part of the route did not feel labored, which is a good thing. Oh I huffed and puffed, but now that I have done this route, my body is getting used to it, so it does not seem do hard.

I got to the Starbucks, and I thought, ok....time to head home. Some cars buzzed by me, but at this time of morning, it was dark, stars will still out, and really no one was around. As I went by the small airport, I did think all the flashing runway lights looked cool.

As I headed home, my one goal was to be faster. I was. It took me 16:03 to get to the half way point, and 15:29 to get back. Not too shabby. I wanted to run about 30 minutes this morning, so it was all good.

I felt great on the run, and could have done a little more - if only I didn't have to get to work.

Charlie

Cemetery Run

Yesterday I tested a theory of mine - running in a cemetery. I wondered the other day if people ran in cemeteries. People I work with told me they do it all the time. So I tried it. I had a nice run.

Here was what I thought: the road in the cemetery is not busy, so I can relax with few to no cars going by; the grounds are lovely; it is peaceful; and in the case of this cemetery, it is a gently rolling road. I liked it. I wondered if anyone would stop me and ask what the heck I was doing. Grounds people watched me, one waved. No one wondered what a 47 year old guy was doing in a brisk wind running through a cemetery.

The peacefulness of the cemetery gave me time to think about things. Mostly my mom was on my mind. It was 13 years ago to the day I had my last conversation with her. A few days after our talk, she had a stroke, and would die within days. So I thought about that last conversation she had with me. I told her I was thinking of taking a trip, but worried that now was not the time. She reminded me that I needed to see as much of the world as I could, and should not let anything stop me. I got a bit emotional on this run.

The run itself was very slow, as I was just taking in the area, and trying to figure where to run - lots of roads to choose from.

I will add the cemetery to my routes, as long as no one seems to mind.

Charlie

50 Minutes - It Works

Today was a bit of a departure for me. I used the alarm feature of my watch instead of timing a mile. I set the alarm for 50 minutes, and I ran. For the first two miles I ran on the track at the gym. I felt good during the run. I wanted to stay focused on what I FELT was an even pace. When I stopped my track portion, I had run about 12:35 a mile. That was what I was shooting for.

The treadmill was a bit harder work. I wanted to run on a rolling hill program. My highest incline was 2.5%. I worked a little harder at the treadmill portion, since hills were involved. I felt darned good though. When the alarm went off, I saw I ran 4.07 miles. My pace was 12:17 a mile. I bit quicker that I wanted, but I can live with it.

On the run, I thought about my niece Sabrina, and what I hope to accomplish for people with Down Syndrome with my marathon(once I find out I have gotten an entry). I thought about how I might approach my fund raising. My sister will help in Florida. I have a letter to send to friends asking for donations. Of course I will share all of that with you readers when the time comes.

At the end of my run, I was tired, but felt I could have gone another 10 minutes. My next run will be a shorter one, then I will tackle a 1 hour run later in the week.

Charlie

Fishers Run Part 2

I realized after I finished writing my initial post that I neglected to talk about what was on my mind during the run. Simple - Boston. I got a book this week where a multi-time runner of the Boston Marathon has written a guide to the course. Of course I focused on the chapters which involve hills.

I thought about hills as I was running up one, and his advice to look down, and not at the top. From his standpoint look at what you still have to climb can make things mentally tough for you. Looking down focuses on the here and now. I tried that, and really it made going up seem easier. Whether it was easier is not the point. I seemed easier.

I think this plays a lot into the mental games we have to do when we run a marathon. For a challenge like Boston, it is both a physical and mental challenge, especially with the difficult route. Might as well start doing what I need to do for my mind as well as my body.

Charlie

Fishers Run

This morning I headed on a 45-50 minute run. I headed north to Fishers. Fishers, IN is a community north of Indianapolis. Fishers is actually across the street from my apartment complex. So off I went. I went past the cemetery, and wondered if it would be wrong to run through there. I don't know if I have ever seen anyone run through one. Nice road, very quiet. Are there rules about this?

I headed to a neighborhood, which had a winding road heading uphill. At the top of the hill, I turned around and headed back to Allisonville Road. I headed north further towards the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport. This is an airport for small private planes.

The weather was overcast and in the 60s. It felt very good out there. So how did I do? I turned around at the 23 minute mark. My overall time 45:31 got me 3.30 miles. Not a speedy pace by any means. I was just glad to get out there and enjoy a fall run.

Charlie

One More Take on Boston

Ok, I promise this will be the last I write about the Boston Marathon Registration issue. I have now read many blogs, articles, posts, rants on the subject. Mostly I have read the people who did not register. I don't know how many people have BQ times. I am 100% sure though that there are more qualifiers than spots available in the race.

So what do those folks do who are shut out of the race in years when it doesn't sell out in 8 hours? Do they complain as much as the ones I have been reading this week?

I don't want to diminish the anger some of these people feel, but on the other hand, races sell out. That is a fact. For years I listened to people complain in Chicago about not registering in time. This would be in April, and the marathon would sell out in 3 months. They couldn't log in and register within that amount of time?

I have missed being in races because I was too late. Yeah, it sucked, but I figured there will be other times, other races.

Qualifying for Boston never means you automatically get to run it. Some people sound like it is a given they would be in it. No givens in life.

Am I sounding harsh? Perhaps. I am still stinging a bit from the anti-charity comments I have read online. Really? A runner should be ashamed to run Boston as a charity runner? Ouch? No shame on my end if I am granted a spot. I would consider it an honor.

So to the folks who did not get in Boston this year - there is next year. Log on early and keep trying until you get in. If you worked hard to qualify, work just as hard to get in.

Charlie

Boston and Charity Runner - My Take

As many of you now know, the Boston Marathon opened registration yesterday, and it closed 8 hours later. Many runners were upset about this. I read this all over the web. Some of that anger has spilled on to the notion that people who run for charities in the marathon are "taking" spots away from them, that are "entitled" to.

Readers of this blog are not going to be surprised when I say I have to disagree with that notion. Of course I have a vested interest in this, as I am trying to be a charity runner for the race. Aside from that, I have been a long supporter of the charity program. The program generates millions of dollars for very worthy causes. This is money and exposure that some charities might not get it if weren't for this program.

It is not a cheap proposition to be a charity runner. In some cases, you have to raise almost $5000. That is not easy, and for those who sign up, you agree to make up the difference between what you raise and the goal.

There seems to be an issue out there that people who run for a charity are not running the race. Au contraire - while we might not be the fastest runners in the race, we work hard and train hard for this run. Boston is a huge test of physical endurance, and those who take it on, don't do it lightly.

So what is the real issue? I'm sure I won't please many people, and may lose some readers when I say this, but here it goes. No one is "taking" your spot. You worked hard, and qualified, and registration closed early. Getting rid of the charity program is not going to magically give you "your spot" in the race. It won't keep the race from filling in 8 hours. So please stop blaming people like me, because you couldn't get into Boston.

Controversies like this tick me off, because it divides runners. I went off last year when I read articles about runners complaining that marathons are not for 4-6 hours finishers. This is snobbery bothers the heck out of me.

This is a sport that anyone, and I mean anyone can do. Right foot, left foot, repeat. We all work towards our own goals in running. My dream has been to run Boston. Due to my physical issues, I can't qualify. I can run a good marathon though, and I feel people like me have every right to run the race.

My incentive to really push me through is my wonderful niece Sabrina. By raising money and awareness for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, I am helping people like her, and families with Down Syndrome. They need support and encouragement. If I am granted an entry, I will have to raise $3250. That is not small feat. I will train as hard as I can, and work as hard as I can to achieve these goals.

So to those who did not get registered - I'm sorry. People like me though are not keeping you out of the race though, so stop blaming us.

Charlie

The Road to Boston Begins Today

Today marks 6 months until the Boston Marathon. Registration begins today for those who qualify. Later this week I will be interviewing for my charity spot. If all goes well I will be running Boston. To kick things off on a positive note, I went out for a 45 minute run.

96th Street is a rolling straight line, and for now it is a challenge I like tackling on my runs. I wanted to run a good pace in the12:30-13:00 pace. I achieved that with a 13:00 pace. I ran 3.44 miles for almost 45 minutes.

I felt good out there. Whatever stiff feelings I had yesterday were gone, as I ventured down the road. The first half I did in 23:06. The out portion of the run is mostly uphill. The return trip was in 21:45. You can tell that is the downhill portion. I don't think that is too bad. I want to be a bit faster coming back without going crazy. I succeeded.

During the run I was trying to imagine what the course might look like. Anyone reading this who has run Boston want to share what I might see. 96th St. is not very attractive, so I wanted to think of a lovely fall day in New England. :-)

I was pretty happy with the run. While I am not in outstanding shape at the moment, I felt very good out there.

Charlie

The Body's Not Willing

This morning I wanted to go on a simple 30 minute run. The body said no. My legs were feeling tight, my left shoulder has been hurting of late, not sure what that is about. I had an overall tired feeling. Of course working about 24 hours in the last two days would make one tired.

So.....I get a do-over tomorrow.

Charlie

How Do You Do It?

The latest issue of "Running Times" has a terrific article by Eric Grossman which deals with developing intrinsic motivation. In the article he details 12 steps to help with motivation. His article is in the Trails Section, but I believe it can be expanded to any running. There is no link, so I am going to list the 12-steps(paraphrasing Grossman's article):

1) Dismiss distractions - whatever may be distracting you from running - dismiss it(easier said than done at times).

2) Observe yourself and accept what you see - work on accepting who you are. If you carry extra weight, ask yourself why and accept it.

3) Continuously re-center your story - what do you say about yourself? Who are you in the story of your life, and how is running involved?

4) Allow others to observe you - links to #2. Don't wear baggy clothes. Be yourself. Don't get in shape first then run with others. There are so many shapes and sizes out there. Go be a part of it.

5) No excuses - period.

6) Plan for improvement - answer the question "How can I do better?"

7) Observe others - what is that person doing? Can I learn from him/her?

8) Don't let others off too easy - if a buddy skips a run, or is running slower than normal - call them on it, and they will do the same in return.

9) Acknowledge effort - we can all do better, give yourself and others credit for the attempt.

10) Give yourself no choice - do it no matter what.

11) Be attentive and responsive, not passive and reactive - get engaged with life, running, don't sit back and observe.

12) Make friends with time - enjoy each run. Reflect. Watch others and revel in their accomplishments, and they will do the same for you.

This list is going on my fridge.

Charlie

Running for Pace

Today was an experiment. My goal was to stay as close to a 12:30/mile pace as I could . My initial run was on the track at the gym. I went too fast. My first mile was 11:46. I then headed to the treadmill, and set everything for a 12:30 pace, which in treadmill speed was 4.8.

My next 1.5 miles was on a rolling program, with an incline max set at 3%. This was a tougher part of the run, but I was able to really work on the 12:30 pace I wanted.

The other part of the experiment was to not run for speed or miles, but to go at a certain pace for 40 minutes. For 40 minutes I ran 3.23 miles. My pace for the run was 12:18. So why am I going for a certain pace. This is for the possibility of running Boston. 12:30 takes me under 6 hours which is the cut off for the marathon.

I think my biggest problem is marathons, or half marathons for that matter, is I go for speed. I have to force myself to go for endurance and pace. If successful the speed will come to me, and I can do some speed work in my training.

Now I have to develop a training plan.

Charlie

Why?

Yesterday I helped a woman with shoes who was interested in getting back into running. She had stopped after she had her children and has missed it. At one point she asked me why I work in a running store, and if I enjoy it. I smiled and told her I absolutely love what I do. for whatever reason this puzzled her.

I told her that it isn't very often that you get to utilize your passion in your work. If you love your work you will succeed and have a terrific career. I told her running brought all kinds of joy to my life, and I don't even want to think of a life which doesn't include running. The bonus is I get to share that passion and joy with people every day.

I asked her what she did. She raises her kids at home. I asked if she loved that. She smiled and said yes, but she wanted to do more, and I felt she wanted something more. I hope she finds that. In the meantime she is going to start running again. I told her running is a terrific opportunity for some alone time, and time to be with your thoughts. Maybe she will figure out what that something more is.

Charlie

A Run in Familiar Territory

This morning I went for a 35 minute run along Lake Michigan. You read that correctly. I was in Chicago overnight. Mark and I were visiting his parents. This morning I took a very warm run up to Evanston. I had not expected to be back in Chicago this soon, but Mark has missed his family and it was important he see them.

I was feeling conflicted the whole time I was there, until I went on my run this morning. When I left Chicago, I was not have warm fuzzies at the end of my time there. I was more than ready for a change in my life. Indianapolis has provided it.

I did this trip for Mark. He has not enjoyed his time here, and has had some issues at work. Sometimes we have to do things we might not always want to do for the people we love. On my run I listened to Bruno Mars sing "Just the Way You Are." Hearing this song reminded me of all the things I love about Mark. I was glad I took him to see his folks.

The run a warm one, and I wasn't hydrated. In 35 minutes I ran about 2.7 miles. I felt lethargic and not really being efficient in my running. At least I got to see a glass like calm Lake Michigan.

Charlie

Running Alone

I am going to paint two different pictures, but they are both the same. This morning as I walked the dog, I saw a runner in the darkness, reflectors showing that it was indeed a runner. He was on his very early morning run. This is how I view running. You and the road/trail, alone with your thoughts.

Today is the Chicago Marathon. 45,000 runners are entered to go in a few hours. Even in a mass group like that, you are still a runner alone. It is you, it is the road, and it is your thoughts. Running is not a team sport. You have to face the elements and the road on your own.

You also have to deal with whatever is in your head. I have dealt with meditation, thinking about joys, thinking about sorrows. I have run an entire marathon with my head wrecked, because someone dumped a lot of anger and hurt on my the day before. That run is your time to deal with whatever is going on - for better or for worse.

Being mentally tough, especially during a marathon is so important. If I hadn't been stronger than I thought I was, I might not have finished that marathon I mentioned.

I would go crazy if I couldn't have those runs. I need to think things through. Sometimes I just need things out of my head, and running helps me get them out.

Best of luck to the marathoners today. May your thoughts be about finishing, and being strong.

Charlie

Terry Fox and How I Move Ahead

A few nights ago I watched an ESPN documentary on the amazing run Canadian Terry Fox ran in 1980. Fox, who had a leg amputated as a result of Cancer, embarked on an ambitious run across Canada. His goal was to run a marathon distance a day from East to West Coast. Along the way he would raise funds to fight Cancer, and bring awareness to millions. Sadly his Cancer came back and forced him to end his cross country run when he got to Thunder Bay Ontario. He died not too long after his famous run.

Fox's endeavor is a testament to the will that some runners have, or aspire to have. I am nothing like Terry Fox. I do have my physical limits though, and I know it will be some time when some doctor may tell me I can't run. As you know(or may not know if you are new to the blog), I was born with clubbed feet. My right foot has never been perfect, and the doctor believes that the way I walk has led to the beginnings of arthritis in my hips. When I run long distances, like a marathon, it can by physically difficult and painful in the latter stages of a run, but I push through. I have a strong will, and determination to finish, and finish I have.

As I look to possibly running Boston, I see lessons in Fox's story that I can use to inspire me as I train and race. Giving up may be an option, but it is the absolute last option. You have to be strong.

Charlie

Missing the Chicago Marathon

Every year for the last 8 years, I have looked forward to the Chicago Marathon, either as a spectator, runner or volunteer. This year I'm not in Chicago, and I am going to miss it. I look forward to seeing the many happy people running the race. I look forward to the very energetic crowd which encourages the runners. I look forward to it all. This year.....will feel strange.

Don't get me wrong, I am very happy to be in Indianapolis. I like it very much here, but there is not the sense of spirit in the marathons here as there is in Chicago. About 1,000,000 come out to support the 45,000 runners. It is exciting to see the crowd. It's even more exciting as a runner.

This year I will be with my marathoning friends in spirit. Good luck to them.....

Charlie

Important Day

Today was a good day on the running front. We headed to NIFS for a workout. I rant 2 miles on the track, and then did a rolling 1 mile run on the treadmill. I got as high as a 3% incline. A good solid workout. I felt like I did some strong work. It was tiring going up those inclines, but I need to build my strength on inclines. I ran in 36:03, and it felt good.

In other news I sent in my application to be a charity runner for MDSC today. Yes, I have made the commitment to raising money and training to run Boston. Now I have to be accepted. Keep fingers crossed. This was an important step for me. The idea of running Boston would be a dream come true. The challenge is to work on hills, time and of course raising money. If accepted, trust me you will read all about my plans to raise the money for this worthy cause.

Charlie

Rolling Rolling Rolling

Today's run was my first since the 1/2 marathon. I did not have a lot of time this morning, so I wanted to get at least 20-25 minute run in. I chose the rolling path near my apartment. I wanted a vigorous run and I think this is it. I felt pretty good out there. I did not set the world ablaze with my running, but right now I am looking at miles in the bank, and getting back into the swing of things.

All in all a good solid run.

Charlie