2013 Looking Ahead

I am ending the year answering all important running questions like, "What is the best shoe?" Of course there is no such thing. That's like asking, "What's the best song in the world?" No definitive answer. I much prefer questions like, "What are your running goals for 2013?"

Why thanks for asking. My goal is to finish my marathon, and be strong doing it. Training is always hard for me to do. Despite working in the running industry, it is very difficult to fine time to get training runs in. That is one goal though. The other is to do some smaller races. Mark thinks I should find some nice 10Ks to do. I imagine I will run some.

I also want to explore some running topics of interest to me, that I want to share with all of you.

As we head into the new year, I wish you all good health, strong running, and enjoy life.

Happy New Year everyone!

Charlie

Top News Stories of 2012

Runner's World has listed the Paul Ryan did he or did not not run a sub 3 marathon as the top story of the year. As you remember, Rep. Ryan lied about his marathon running in an interview....oops, sorry I meant he mis-remembered his marathon time. The story was one of many missteps by the Romney campaign this year.

I thought about it some, and I agree it probably was one of the top stories, because it really brought to attention how important time in a marathon is to runners. I was upset that he lied, because I just know runners now down to the millisecond what they run in races, and this lie belittled what we do.

I think the top story of the year was the NYC Marathon/Hurricane Sandy story. The running world and non-running world seemed to be divided whether or not the race should go on. I fell on the side of, it should not go one. What came out of this story was the generosity of the runners present to go do some good in the areas hardest hit by the hurricane.

This reflected the best in running, and that we are more than just running for PRs. It should be noted though, the initial decision to run the race was a terrible one(IMHO). It should a certain amount of greed and shallowness on the part of the NYRR. Yes, I know, the city needs to show it is resilient, but not while people are without power, shelter or food.

At the end of the year, there is a titillating story of former Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton's past as a paid escort. While this won't be a reflection on the sport, it worries me that a runner of her ability felt she had to do work like that.

The most uplifting story has to be the London Olympics. Mo Farrah's amazing 5000 and 10000 double, Usain Bolt again proving he is the fastest man ever, Meb coming form way back to almost get Bronze in the marathon. So many amazing performances.

2012 was a fascinating year for the running world, and I am hoping 2013 is even better.

Charlie

2012: The Year in Review

As 2012 winds down, as many people do, I am looking back on my year in running. As always there are some highs and some lows.

The Treasured Moment of the Year - Running with Pennsy in the Monumental. This is a man who I have known for about a decade in the virtual world. He has battled weight loss, Cancer and depression. Through running, he has discovered a joy and a sense of purpose, much as I have. We finally met and ran the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon. It was a good race made better by running with the delightful Pennsy. My only regret is that Mrs. P couldn't make the trip.

The Discovery of the Year - I can run, and put together a running plan. I had felt over the last two years my running was blah. I rediscovered the joy in running, and put together a plan which saw me through my half marathons.

The Product of the Year - Brooks Dayd 7. Lord knows I have the New Balance a try, but their heel collapsed and was in some pain in those shoes. The new Dyad has turned out to be a great shoe for me.

The Worst Race Experience EVER - I have run races I didn't care for. I have run races which were poorly managed. Nothing prepared me for the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon this year. You all figured this would be listed in a year end report right? What a mess. Stopping the race at Mile 10, and violating their own rules, and then not owning up to their mistake, then finding out they do this on a regular basis. I don't and won't recommend a Rock n Roll series race.

The Most Interesting Race  of the Year - Mo' Cowbell Half Marathon. This is a great race, well organized. Good volunteers, great medal, and of course the cowbells. Would be great to see more crowd support. I'm still curious what the reason of running through a family farm was....there were no cows around.

The Race of the Year - Holy 10K. If you ever have the opportunity to run the 10K or the half marathon....do it. The course winds through the University of Notre Dame. The students are upbeat and very helpful. This student run race is typical of most activities organized on campus - well organized, and a lot of fun. The campus is stunning, especially running along the lakes. I wish I had run the half, but that will be for another time.

Looking ahead.....marathon time. March 17 I will run the Shamrock Marathon. Running has not gone well this last month as I am working through an IT Band issue, but I will do my best to be ready. Will talk more about 2013 goals in the next week.

Charlie

Six Years

It was six years ago today I started working for Fleet Feet Sports, and a career in running specialty began. I had been trapped in a job at Macy's(formerly Marshall Field's), and the chance to work in the sport I loved came along. I didn't even give two weeks notice at Macy's. "You won't be eligible for re-hire," said the HR shrew. Oh well....there are some bridges you can burn in life.

It's not just selling shoes in this business. It's about fostering community. It's about sharing your goals and hopes with other like minded people. Through this community I have met people I never would have met. I have made incredible friends. I have encountered some of my idols.

I am always grateful to Dave Zimmer for hiring me, and getting me started on this path. My gratitude extends to Bob Kennedy and Ashley Johnson who gave me the opportunity to show what I could do in this field. I would like to thank Sarah Cathcart, Jeremy Schapiro for being such good mentors. I want to thank my first family at Fleet Feet Sports Chicago(the Lincoln Square crew) for being so supportive. I want to thank my current crew of Gary, Melissa, Angela, Angie, Greg, Brandon, Hunter and Denise for being the best group I could imagine managing. Thanks to Janet for always being the supportive cheerleader.

The best part of this career has been, I have been able to walk in every day and like everyone I have worked with(or at least 99.99999% of of the people I have worked with). Not too many people can say that.

The next six years? I swear if I can combine coffee and running, that will be what the future is. For now, I am very glad to be where I am.

Happy Anniversary!

Charlie

Shoes for Christmas

This is the time of year people go to a running store, because they have someone in their lives who runs. This could be a dad, aunt, favorite sibling, co-worker, anyone who runs. When they walk into a running store, they think they want to get this runner shoes for Christmas. This is great IF they know which shoe, or type of shoe their runner wears. If they don't I don't recommend buying shoes, just so the runner has a shoe box to open on Christmas Morning.

I probably just ruined someone's great idea for Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I think getting the runner in your life shoes is great. I just want you to know what you are getting. In the past I have talked about getting properly fitted shoes. If you walk into a store, and buy a cool looking shoe, without knowing if it works for the runner, I can assure you those shoes are coming back.

Some running stores have reward or frequent shopper programs. They may have an account of the shoes they wear, or at least can guide you to the stability category of shoes. Of course you could always ask your runner, but then they get a heads up on the gift. Maybe someone who knows the runner's running habits can give you a heads up on the shoes?

Don't assume when it comes to shoes. Also, be open to other gift ideas. I have mentioned socks. Runners LOVE socks. Maybe a running top? Hat? Water bottle? Gift card? There are a lot of options.

Running store employees have a ton of information, and are more than happy to help you with gift ideas for your runner. Use them, they are the experts.

Charlie

A Simple 5K

Today I headed out to run a simple 5K. I headed out on the trail on my own, just running along. I saw the leave-less trees.  I saw the occasional person go by. I crossed a creek, and saw the water flowing. All of that was on the outside of my head.

On the inside of my head, I wondered about where life is taking me. I thought about the struggles other couples or families go through when dealing with Epilepsy. I worried about friends and family who have suffered recently. I thought about how to get through another month of bills.

The outside seems so simple, the inside is where the complexities take place. That's ok though. If all that crap was happening outside of my head during a run, I probably wouldn't want to run. The running on the trail eventually brought me peace - after I got all the stuff out of my head.

One thing I miss is time to myself. So I truly enjoy my runs, because that is my time. I can be alone with the good and the troubling thoughts. I can think through things. I can ponder on the meaning of life. So while today it felt all messed up inside, the run helped me cope and just have ME time.

Just a simple 5K.

Charlie

With Age Comes.....

Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking to a senior citizens group about getting a properly fitting shoe for being active. I love talking to groups, and this was my first time talking to senior citizens.....or as I call them, "my peeps." Now you may wonder how active these folks are. One gentleman told me he is 87, runs the "Mini" every year. That's pretty active to be 87 and running a half marathon.

What I liked was the attitude of the group. These folks don't just sit and watch life go by. They have aqua aerobics, a walking program, a weight room, nutrition classes. These folks get it. Several came and spoke to me after my talk. One gentleman, 92, told me he needed a new hip, but his doctor told him he was told old to get one. He was sad as he told me he could do more if he had the hip. I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on TV, but who knows, maybe the new hip would help?

The point is, age doesn't mean we just sit and wait for the grim reaper. We live. I wish some younger folks could have been in the room with me, and I am talking to those folks who would only go for a run if they were being chased....and even then I'm not sure they would run.

With age comes a sense of priorities....staying active is a way to enhance you later your years. Get off the couch!

Charlie

Hi Charlie

When I lived in Chicago, I would be stopped on my runs from time to time by people wanting to talk shoes with me. I'll be honest, I didn't like that, because my running is my own time. Talking shoes is when I am at work. I was never rude to anyone though, and I would talk to them.

When I run on the Monon, I increasingly encounter people I help who run by me, pass me, or just spot me running. Now I get, "Hi Charlie" quite a bit. No one talks shoes with me(thanks). They are just being friendly and saying howdy. At most I get, "Are you training for anything?"

This is what I like about runners. We are a friendly group of people, and encourage each other. Yesterday at the end of a run, I encountered a high school student I help frequently. He saw me in the distance, met up with me, and just wanted to talk running. It's cool. He's training for a tri.

Running is part sport, and part community. I think that is what I like most about it.

Charlie

What to Get That Runner

This is the time of year people ask me what should they get the runner in their lives for Christmas. There is so much out there. I am going to cover some basics.

1) Socks - I know, I know, when grandma gave you socks as a kid, you thought it was the dumbest thing in the world to get. Now that you run marathons, you appreciate a nice technical sock, with no cotton, which will help reduce the chance of blisters. Runners love socks.

2) Runner's World Subscription - While the more seasoned runner might not like it, the average runner like you and I love this magazine. It has lots of great info, tips, stories. Just ignore the shoe guides.

3) Gloves and a Hat - This time of year you need to keep your head and extremities warm.

4) GPS - I put this on this list, but I do so with a warning....really figure out what your runner needs, not what you think they want. If all they want is a basic speed and distance GPS, get it. Don't get the GPS with all the bells and whistles. If they only need one bell, don't buy them the bell choir.

5) Gift Cards - I can hear some of you scream, "But Charlie, I want them to open something." Well a gift card to your local running store is a terrific gift, because it gives the runner the chance to get what they really need. Put the card in a box, or maybe toss it in with the socks you bought them.

So there you have a small list of basics....what? What did I forget? Shoes? Oh no, I didn't forget shoes, I don't put it on the list, because unless you know exactly which shoes the runner wears, don't jut go buy a pair of shoes for them. 99.999% of the time they return those shoes. Do this instead.... get them the gift card for the price of a pair of shoes (avg. $110), take them to the running store, and really make a fun time of it. Have them get their gait analyzed, or re-checked. Afterwards take your runner out to lunch. Now there's a nice gift.

If you have specific questions....ask.

Happy shopping.

Charlie

World AIDS Day 2012

Today I went for a 4 mile run. My thoughts were on World AIDS Day, and the many lives the horrible disease has affected. As readers know I endured a period where I was diagnosed as HIV+. For two years I had time to think about life, what it meant to me, and how I should live. The discovery that I wasn't HIV+, was a blessing, and the ordeal I went through made me the person I am today.

When my friend Dave Wagle died of AIDS related causes, there was a void in my life. My childhood friend, who always challenged me in singing, must have gone through the same kind of realizations as he dealt with his illness. When you are dying, or believe you are dying, you not only get your priorities, straight, but you find you who the true loves are in your life.

For those not old enough to remember, having AIDS in the 1980s and 90s was a death sentence, and there was a huge stigma, more so than there is today. I made a point of spending time with Dave. I noticed few people would visit him. He told me many of his friends were positive, and they didn't want to see what would happen to them. I could never wrap my head around that at the time. This was my friend, and it didn't matter to me what he had, he was sick, and he needed a friend.

I miss Dave. I miss his pretentiousness, his humor, his smile but most of all his friendship. I have dedicated every writing I have done on this day to him. I know he is watching me from Heaven, and smiling down.

My run was a quiet time for me to think about where we have been with AIDS, and how different the disease is now. Still AIDS kills people, and we need to work just as hard today as we did then to defeat it.

Charlie