Watching the Runners Go By

During the training program I coach, I have, from time to time, the honor to head out on the trail and provide water or Gatorade for the runners. This morning I headed out with Gatorade in the jug, and I camped out on the Monon Trail.

Of course anyone is welcome to have something to drink. We don't limit it to just those running in our program. What is fun to do is watch the runners go by. Sitting on the sidelines, watching, gives you some interesting perspectives on running.

There are the gazelle like runners. This morning, these were the high school boys and girls, out for a workout. The weekend runners is the person who may or may not run on a regular basis, but they head out for a run on a Saturday. These folks look like they are pouring all their effort into this one run. Moms and dads go by with strollers or dogs, or both. Older runners are running with the determination that they want to do this as long as they can.

The runners in my program are a mix. I gave all of them some encouragement. I chatted a bit with a couple of them. One woman and I have agreed that when we die, all our running medals are coming with us. I think this will make me the Jacob Marley of running. One woman talked about how she won't run the Mini now that her son has backed out, but she loves running with the group, and always appreciates my words to her.

Watching these folks, how can you not fall in love with running? Greeting each person with a "Good Morning" is a way of life on the running trail. The head nods, the friendly smiles, the camaraderie, really show you how special running is.

This is the kind of experience which reminds me why I love running.

Charlie

I Need MO Cowbell

I love Cows! I think just about anything involving a cow is funny. I collect cows. I have thought cows were funny since the day first read about cow tipping. One of the funniest movies I ever saw was "Top Secret" starring Val Kilmer. It's a combination Elivs and Nazi movie from the makers of "Airplane." There is a scene where two resistance fighters are disguised as a cow and break into a Nazi prison. Funny.

For those who like their pop culture references more recent - Saturday Night Live has a classic skit with Christopher Walken, about Blue Oyster Cult's recording of their classic, "Don't Fear The Reaper." In the scene the recording is constantly being stopped because Will Farrell's character is playing the cowbell in a raucous manner. Other band members object, but not producer Walken. The classic line is, "I gotta a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell."

When I first started working in running specialty I was asked if I had seen the SNL skit. Nope. Gasps all around. I was quickly educated, and was told it's a running thing. When someone is ringing a cowbell at a race, you are supposed to yell that you need more cowbell. I don't get it, but it's funny.

When planning my races for the year, I stumbled across a race that tickled my Bovine Funny Bone - The Mo'Cowbell Half Marathon. The race takes place in St. Charles, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis.

www.mocowbellmarathon.com

This race it all: a 13.1 distance, a relatively flat course, cowbells. Yup everyone gets a cowbell, runner or spectator. They try to set the record for most cowbells rung. Now really who wouldn't want to run this.

I'm registered. It will be my fall half marathon, and I am really looking forward to it. If you want to run a race which involves cowbells...look no further.

Charlie

Running and the Media

One of my running pet peeves has to do with the media. When I day media, I don't mean Runner's World or Running Times, I mean the day to day media. As a rule the media ignores running unless there is a major marathon going on, or its the Olympics, or when there has been a death at a marathon.

Sports writers are not necessarily athletes; sort of those who can't write kind of thing. Phil Hersh of the Chicago Tribune likes to take shots at Ryan Hall. Ryan Hall is one of this country's best marathoner. While it's true Hall hasn't won a major marathon, or an Olympic medal, he is an amazing runner. Hersh bashes Hall for not winning a major. What he fails to understand is that running is not like the NFL, NBA, or other professional sport. Who we expect to win a race, doesn't always win. There are too many variables in running. As someone who has run many a race, you can only deal with what the day has for you. You can be perfectly trained, and someone out runs you at the end, or you trip on someone's foot, or you miscalculate a pace. What if it rains that day? Too many variables.

The New York Times, as it gets closer to the NYC Marathon puts out articles on running, which drive me nuts. A couple years ago they wasted newsprint on an article detailing how those who run 5+ hour marathons are not really running them. On this blog, I ranted and raved for quite a bit of time on it. I felt the writer did not understand what those of us towards the back of the pack are doing or accomplishing. Only citing a running coach who backs their ill informed position is not very good reporting in my opinion. There should have been some balance.

The other big news is when someone dies during or after a race. All of a sudden questions are raised if the average person should be running a marathon. I find these articles poorly researched and sensational. While it's tragic when someone dies at a race, it is not the race's fault. The runner has to take some responsibility. Most races have a check off on the registration that you are healthy enough to run a race. The man who died in the 2007 Chicago Marathon had a heart condition and probably should not have run that day(in that heat). Reporters made it seem like the marathon and weather was the reason he died. Blaming the race is not correct in this case.

Maybe these reporters are runners and run races, but they don't write like they do. Maybe some Runner's World writers need to offer their services to the mainstream media when big races approach, then we could get more sensible reporting.

Charlie

Enjoying Spring

Today was my first run since the Holy 10K. A bit creaky in the feet, but off I went this morning. I was in Carmel running on the Hagen-Burke and Monon Trails today. It was an ideal day. Sunny in the 60s, and a bit of a breeze. Yes my feet were still a bit stiff, but once I got going things went well.

It's so nice to see the colors coming for Spring. The green leaves are coming in, flowers are popping up. Nature has said goodbye to Winter, and hello warmer days. There are the days I like running at the gym, but there is nothing like being outside in the world, and seeing everything.

People on the trails were in good moods. Lots of moms and babies out there today. There were the occasional runners and bikers too.

Today's run was 4 miles. That's a good follow-up to the 10K last weekend. About to plan my next race, and it helps to be out in the world to get me head sorted on which one to do. I'd like to do one around the first of June. I know it will be warmer then, but I want to get a half marathon in before the heat of Summer gets here.

A good run, and a good day.

Charlie

How I Select a Race

I go through a pretty involved process to decide the races I run. I spend hours online looking at race websites to see which ones I would like to run. So what exactly do I look for in a race?

Distance - This seem obvious, but it depends on when I am running, and how I think training will go. For races like half marathons or marathons, I plan far ahead, or as far ahead as I can. This way I can have a training schedule in mind. 5K-10K are more spur of the moment.

Course - How flat is the course? I can't do hills or trails, no matter how appealing they sound to me. So I look at course and elevation maps. The Holy 10K gave little info, or I would have known part of the course was on trails. Now I know for the next time.

How many? - Is it a big or small race? If I am going to do a 20,000-40,000 person race, it better be a long one. Thousands running smaller distances makes it tougher to spread out on a course. I don't want to be bunched up in a 5K. Also....is there a chance I would finish last? If so....I won't do the race.

Time Limits - some races have course time limits. If it is a pace I can realistically do, then I'll sign up.

Location - I would not run a race in Kansas. I want to run in a place I really want to see. No offense to the good people of Kansas, Nebraska, and most of the South, I just don't want to run there.

Weather - Chances are I won't want to run a marathon in July or August. Shorter runs are ok in summer, but not longer ones. Also...I don't want to run in rain or snow. Yes - I am a weather wimp.

Medal - Is there bling? I like races with medals.

Now I know this is not a scientific method, but it has worked for me.

Charlie

Shoes....and Their Color

I'd like to continue the shoe discussion that I started last week. Previously I talked about the life of a shoe. This week's topic covers the more cosmetic aspects of shoes. On a daily basis I hear various comments on the look of a shoe. The most common phrase is, "Does this come in another color?"

What I am about to say may rankle some of you, but so be it. I have to get it off my chest. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT COLOR YOUR SHOE IS!

Phew....I feel a bit better already.

You should all know that for starters I think almost all running shoes are pretty ugly. I learned though, the function of the running shoe is not to be pretty. It's to get you from point A to point B. If the shoe is green, it doesn't indicate how it will feel for you as you move through space and time. If the shoe is purple, it won't help or hinder your marathon running time. In fact, and this is a promise, at mile 20 of the marathon, the color of your shoe will be the LAST thing you think about.

Yes, shoes come in various colors. In a running specialty store, you are pretty much given one color for a six month period. Then the next color comes in. Some companies make two colors for the six month period. Nike spoils everyone by making a bazillion colors a day. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration.

There are people who find a shoe that fits so well, and can help them with whatever is bothering their running, but will walk away from a shoe if the color is not just right for them. My inner voice screams at these people.

I don't want to seem heartless. I understand the desire for a pretty shoe. I am a gay man after all, and there is a time and place for style. I just don't think it's on the road or trail. You can still get cute and pretty clothes. I like a dash of color in my running shirts. But I know that for the next few months my Brooks Dyads have red in them....and I live with it.

So color conscious people, please have an open mind, and focus on how the shoe feels. Don't worry, if your shoes doesn't come in pink now, it will soon.

Charlie

Post Race

One of the harder things I endure with running is the pain associated with longer distances. Arthritis is no fun, but after a race, I am sore and stiff for a good day after. I'm used to it by now, but I don't like it. What I really don't like is when people notice the limping of the slowness of my walk. I suppose it's vanity, but I don't like attention on it.

One of my co-workers told me one day, "Gee it must suck to get old." I replied, "No it sucks to be in pain." Big difference.

So why do I put myself through this if I know how I will feel. The benefits of the running outweigh the pain I endure for a day. Heck, this was only a 10K. Can you imagine the pain I go through with a marathon? OUCH!!

Still, I know this means my longer distance days have a limit. I am trying to hold off as long as I can, but I know it's out there. Limitations of the body suck.

Charlie

Holy 10K Report

There are mornings when you get up, look out the window, and tell yourself you have to run right then and there. This was one of those mornings, and the good news was I was running - the Holy 10K. For those who have never been to the University of Notre Dame, let me tell you, it is the quintessential college campus. Lots of Gothic looking buildings, with plenty of green spaces. Throw in a famous stadium, and you have a great setting for a race.

The weather was ideal. Temperatures were in the upper 50s with fog, so it was humid, but not bad. Spring was in the air. The campus was beginning to burst with green.

Mark, Friday and I got to the campus early. We hung out with the runners and their family/loved ones. As the half marathon got closer, we were treated to the greatest college son

g of all time - The Notre Dame Victory March. Members of the band were on hand to perform, and of course the Leprechaun was there to cheer on the runners. Most people were there to run the Holy Half Marathon. About 160 folks were running the 10K. The half marathoners headed out, and soon it was my turn to toes the line for the race.

Soon we were off. I was pretty much the back of the pack, but didn't care, I was happy to see the sights of the campus. The course weaves around the various buildings, athletic facilities, quads, and two lakes. The volunteers were friendly. The fellow runners were friendly. I have to say it was the friendliest race I have ever run.

I was clearly an older member of the group of runners. This race is a campus fundraiser, so most of the runners of Notre Dame

students. That didn't deter me from running.

I was typically running with this one woman, who was walking more than running. We traded places, and both looked to each other when the course was not marked well, so we would figure where to go. We didn't speak to each other until about mile 5, but we were aware of each other the whole time.

The biggest surprise on the course was when we went around the two lakes on campus. The path around the lakes is crushed stone and mud. Yup...we were off-roading. I wasn't prepared for this, but I was game and enjoying the lovely scenery.

At one point I came around a bend, looked to my left and saw a scene just like this....

I was in awe. It was one of those scenes you would think you would see in a movie. I wanted to stop and take it in, but that would have killed the momentum I had.

It was around the lakes that the lead pack of the half marathon came up to me. So many of the runners commented that I looked good, and most said, "Keep it up!" You have no idea how big a boost that is when your energy is sagging.

My running was pretty good. I was keeping under 14 minutes up until the lakes. The mud/stone combo slowed me down. Prior to the race I told Mark I would be happy if I ran 1:30. As I got out the lake area, I felt I had that time in my grasp, so I was able to pick up speed.

Through the faster pace, the semi-regular high fiving I was doing with volunteers, I got to mile 6, and told myself to just go! I picked up speed, and was energized by the crowd at the finish line cheering and yelling. I finished in 1:31. My prediction was good.

I loved everything about this race. I especially loved the fact I didn't have to do another lap today, but maybe next year. I highly recommend this race. The campus is stunning. The volunteers are fun. The fellow racers are friendly. Best of all - it's at Notre Dame.

Charlie

The Trip Home

Tomorrow I will be running the Holy 10K at Notre Dame. You all know by now that I am one of the world's biggest Fighting Irish fans. Notre Dame happens to be in my hometown of South Bend, Indiana. This will be my second race in South Bend. The first, the Sunburst Half Marathon, was my very first half marathon, with a finish on the 50 yd line in Notre Dame Stadium. This race will run around the charming campus, but not in the stadium.

I have been to South Bend just a few times since I moved when I left for college in 1981. The city was once a vibrant industrial town, with car and tire makers their homes there. Most notably, the old Studebaker plant was there. South Bend was on a decline when I moved. When I have gone back, I see lots of vacancies where business used to be. To be fair, I don't live there, so I don't know what the current business climate is like. I just know what it used to be.

Growing up, I didn't like South Bend. All I wanted to do was leave it - and I did. I found the town boring. I didn't feel like I belonged. I most likely didn't belong.

Now I am going back, and I see things a bit differently. Time has a way of doing that. I will show Mark and Friday places I used to haunt. We'll see the old neighborhood. We will visit the cemetery where my mother and brother are buried. There will be some emotions.

Still this visit is about the race. Originally I was going to run the half marathon, but I am not there yet. I could do it, but it would be physically painful for me. There will be other half marathons. I am hoping to come run it in under 90 minutes. There is a chance of rain - my arch enemy. Most of the runners are Notre Dame students. Who knows, maybe I'll win my age group. HA!

Charlie

Shoes...and Their Life

A fairly typical scene for me is someone who comes to me and asks if their shoes still have life in them. It is pretty common for me to hear the following, "You know since I paid over $100, these shoes last me years." I have to tell people everyday that running shoes do not last for years.

Here's the deal.....

The life of a shoe can range from 3 months to a year. Most typically I tell someone a shoe's life is 6-8 months. There are a lot of factors that go into the life of a shoe. The runner's weight, how often they run, do they use the shoes as everyday shoes, the types of surfaces they run on, the kind of shoe, and many more factors determine the life of a shoe.

Here is something else to consider. Shoes are made with oil, rubber and foam. These are not indestructible resources. Look at the tires on your car. They don't last the life of your car, they need to be replaced as you wear them down.

I work with people who have had the same pair of shoes for years, and tell me they hate running because of the pain they deal with. A new pair of shoes can go a long way to getting rid of the pain.

The elephant in the room is the cost of shoes. I understand that paying $100-$150 twice a year can be costly. Yup...I get it. I also get that if you suffer from physical ailments the health care costs will be substantially more. Physical therapy, orthodic insoles, doctor visits all cost more than the pair of shoes.

Now I know you are thinking, "Charlie, you work for a running store, so you get shoes pretty cheap, but what about me?" I do, no doubt about it. My recommendation is if you have a pricier shoe, put a little money aside for shoes. I do that, even if I am paying less than the average runner. It's my running account.

The fact is running is still one of the cheapest sports out there. The equipment is minimal, and the benefits to your life are so amazing. It's all an investment.

Charlie

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st day of the third month of year to symbolize a third copy of the 21st chromosome in Down syndrome. This year is especially exciting as is it the first year that the date is officially recognized by the United Nations! One of the highlights of last year was my involvement with the National Down Syndrome Society(NDSS). Raising money to raise awareness and programs to assist people with Down Syndrome and their families, became particularly important for me as I ran in honor of my youngest niece Sabrina. Through the generosity of family and friends, I raised $2000.

Today the United Nations is having a conference on Down Syndrome as the world comes together to work on issues which will help millions of people worldwide. Last month was the annual Buddy Walk lobbying effort in Congress, to promote programs which help Americans with Down Syndrome.

This week as you go on your runs or walks, I am asking each of you to dedicate that run to wonderful people like Sabrina. Think about how you can make a difference. Supporting NDSS is one way. Volunteering with Special Olympics is another. Maybe volunteering in a special education class?

Thanks,

Charlie

Nice Kid

I work with a lot of kids this time of year - track season. Most kids are ok, the parents sometimes though.... There is one kid in particular I like. He comes in every couple of weeks just to look around and ask questions. Yesterday he came in to look at Nike shoes, which he never wears.

He told me he will be running for Wake Forest next fall. I knew he has considering Wake, IU, Duke, and Clemson, so I was curious where he would go. Most high school runners I have met seem a bit cocky, but nice. This guy though is genuinely nice, well mannered(as I sound like my mom for a moment), and really has a good head on his shoulders. It's refreshing to see a kid like this.

I spent about 45 minutes with him as he tried various shoes. He talked about his running this season, and what he hopes to accomplish. What threw me was he asked about my running. Most kids couldn't care less about my running, but he remembered I ran Portland last fall, and asked how I was doing running wise. I let him know the Holy is coming up this weekend, and I may end up doing the 10K. He listened and seem interested.

In the end, he bought nothing, but he did what so many runners do....talk running with their running store guy. Nice kid.

Charlie

New Shoe Run

For a runner new shoes are like getting a Christmas present. When you get them and take them out of the box, you get a little thrill, just like you were opening that one gift at Christmastime you knew would be awesome. On Friday my new shoes arrived, and yesterday was my first run in them.

Most runners know that shoes last on average 6-8 months, depending on how often the are used, the surfaces you run on, weight of the runner, etc.. I am a bit different. The most I can run in a pair of new shoes is 3 months. Because I supinate, the outside of my shoes wear very quickly, and I know be feel when I need new ones. I needed new ones about 3 weeks ago, but I got them now, and that's all that matters.

I laced up my new Brooks Dyads and off I went on a 4 mile run on the Monon. Because we have had temperatures in the 70s, everyone was out. It was nice to see the leaves beginning to come in on the bare trees. People seemed happy to be out. I even saw a flower or two.

The shoes were fine. Everyone will tell you about the feeling they get when they first run in new shoes. The cushion feels good. The support hasn't broken down. They're clean. Sometimes you even smile more when you are running in a new pair of shoes.

Now I am set for the race this weekend. I got my new shoes. I have my race plan in my head. I am keeping an eye on the weather. I'll get one more run in before the weekend. New shoes really help you have a happier perspective about your running.

Charlie

The Solitude of Smaller Races

This time of year in Indianapolis, runners get ready for the Mini Marathon. If you haven't run it, it involves about 33,000 of your closest friends all running 13.1 miles, including running on the track of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Every day I talk to people who tell me they love running in the race, because of all the people(I promise you it isn't the scenery).

I can do the mega-races, and have. I like the solitude though of the smaller races. I like the feeling that is just me and a few folks out there. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the big races, but there is something nice about a smaller race. It feels more like a community of runners who just want to go out on their run.

In these races I can focus on my breathing, listen to my footsteps, take some time to enjoy looking around. I like the solitude. I don't have to listen to the group of people who are being loud and talking about what they did last week on vacation, or the highs and lows of the stock market, or whatever it is they are socializing about. Because I don't run fast, I hear those conversations for too long.

This is one of the reasons I am looking forward to the race in South Bend this week. There will be about 1,000 runners, mostly students, and it will be quieter and give me some time to enjoy the campus.

Ironically I am considering doing the Chicago Marathon next year. Talk about the reverse of what I just wrote. Chicago though is a different beast, and it is the one race which sticks in my craw(2007 still burns in my mind).

In the meantime, I am going to be running some smaller races and taking some time to enjoy the solitude.

Charlie

If It Isn't Fun...Don't Do It

This is the time of year I work with a lot of kids running in track. I ask them the same thing, "Do you enjoy running track?" Most of the time the kids say yes. Now and then I get the kid though who is clearly living their parents dream. I know this, because the parent is usually the one answering all my questions, and the kid is sitting there, not really wanting to even look at shoes.

I tell them running and track should be fun. I want kids to love running. I understand though that not every kid dreams of winning the 100m, or setting a world record. I know there are kids just happy to be in a sport and being part of a team. Woe to the kid though with the sports booster parent who is pushing their kid.

I spoke with a parent today who was telling me he and his son are working on lowering his(the kid's) mile to a sub 7:00 mile. This boy was 12. The entire time I worked with him, he never smiled. His dad was beaming and boasting about the 5ks and how fast the boy is.

I don't like it when parents push their kids in sports. It should be something kids enjoy. If they aren't enjoying it, they need to find something they do enjoy.

I think about this in my running. These days I am enjoying running. It doesn't seem like a chore. It's getting back to a place I want to run, and just be out there. Yesterday's 3.4 mile run was nice and easy. I felt good, happy to be outside.

I got a new pair of shoes yesterday, so I am looking forward to trying them tomorrow.

Charlie

The Next Race is Holy

If you know anything about me, you know about my love for the University of Notre Dame. As a kid I grew up going to the football games. My idol to this day is Joe Montana. My first half marathon ended on the 50 yard line in Notre Dame Stadium. I'm pretty sure I bleed Blue and Gold.

Next weekend if the Holy Half Marathon and 10K. Originally I was going to do the half marathon, but my body isn't ready for that. Instead I will run the 10K. The race goes through and around the campus. For those who haven't been to Notre Dame, it is a lovely campus. There is a lake, lots of trees, and cool gothic looking buildings. I'm looking forward to running this.

My body is comfortable right now with distances up to 7 miles, so I am good to do this one. I know the half would have been hard for me, and I would have gotten down on myself. So on to South Bend, where I will run with the ghosts of football past.

Charlie

The Shoe Guide

Every few months running magazines like to publish their shoe guides. You folks know what I am talking about. It's those articles where they tell you what shoe updates are, and how they might work for you. We all read them, and I loathe them

For someone in the running shoe business the shoe guide is something we roll our eyes about. We deal with the customer who comes in, sometimes with the guide in hand, and tells us they want this shoe, because they article says the shoe is perfect for them. Nine times out of ten - it isn't.

On a daily basis I work with people who think the following:

Overpronation is bad.

Overpronation means they roll to the outside.

They roll to the outside because their heel is worn.

They have a high arch or are flat footed.

Amazingly enough most people get their issue wrong, but they read these articles and assume if it worked for this person, it must apply to them. Again, it usually doesn't.

Pronation is what it is. Whether you overpronate or supinate, or are neutral, your mechanics are your mechanics. There is no judgement call on them.

Your heel is worn, because most of us heel strike, and that is the part of the shoe we wear down first.

Arches can play a roll in the kind of shoe, but it is not a given.

What is good about these articles is they expose people to shoes, the technology going into them, and how they can help some types of runners. What you don't know is the shoe companies pay big money to have those shoes reviewed. Have you ever read a review that was horrible about a shoe in Runner's World? Doubtful. Some reviews may not be glowing, but I have yet to read a review which said NOT to buy a shoe.

Take these reviews with a grain of salt. The shoe that will work best for you will be the shoe which fits the best, and feels the most natural.

Charlie

Marathons of Memory and Life

I read this article this morning, and wanted to share.

http://www.ou.edu/worldlit/03_2012/essay-robinson.html

The author talks about how running, marathons specifically bridge life, from the horrors of war, to a celebration of peace and reflection. I have always found running to be a way to handle the difficult times in my life. When I have been down, it is simply amazing how much a good run can turn things around, or help me put things in perspective.

Running metaphorically helps us break free from the burdens, problems and issues we have. The author makes an interesting point. We don't have races or runs at a funeral. That is not to say though we can't organize a memorial race for those who are gone.

Would be curious about your thoughts on this article.

Charlie

Reboot!

Welcome to the return of Running With Coffee.

I have been away from blogging for a while, as I was working through, not only some issues, but if I wanted to still blog. I do, and I thank you for your patience. I am starting up the blog and writing again. So you may wonder what has been going on since I last wrote....

Well I am felling better. I thought it best not to turn this blog into my personal bitch session. I know I don't like reading that, so why should you. I am ready to focus more on running and get back to sharing all things running with you.

To that end, I went on a 7 mile run today. It was an easy run, but I figured since I had not done serious miles(by serious I mean over 5 miles), I would not work on speed. To be honest, I can't do speed right now. I am not in speed shape. So for now, I am working on the miles.

I ran on the Monon Trail. It was a sunny day in the 70s - just a nice Spring day. It felt good to be in a shirt and shorts, and not layering with winter duds. Lots of people were out enjoying the day. I got the familiar nods from fellow runners. I always like that.

At the end of the run, I was tired, but not beat tired. This bodes well for me. I have the Holy Half Marathon coming up soon, but I think I will do the 10K instead. I am not in half marathon shape right now, but I know I can do a decent 10K.

Going forward I will be sharing more running things, and not just about my running. I want to make this blog fun, informative, and yes....about running with coffee.

:-)Charlie