Downpour 4 Miler

Today the goal was to time my run between the rains. I looked at the radar, read the reports, and figured my time to run. Off I went. What the heck to meteorologists know? It rained.

At first it was misty. I can handle misty. About 1.75 miles into the run, it rained a bit harder. At the halfway point the heavens opened and the rain came down.

I chose the route I took last week on my longer run, so if it rained there would be tree cover. It helped - sorta. I stopped the GPS a couple times as I took shelter from the downpour. I finally figured I needed to get out there and get back to the car. Off I went, and the rains kept coming down.

Ironically as the rains came down....I got faster. I wanted to get out of the friggin' rain! As I crossed the bridge, which is .30 miles from my starting point, the rains stopped.

The actual run was fine, and even though every inch of me was wet, I thought is was a really good workout. I just wouldn't want to run every run in that rain.

Charlie

Race Rules

I have long thought that races should offer a booklet of rules to runners, so the race experience will be easier and safer for everyone. Here are some I would add.

1) If you wear an iPod and you need to tie your shoe, slow down, and move off the course. DON'T stop in the middle of the course and bend down. You will be run over.

2) When you take water/Gatorade and you are throwing the cup, please be aware of the people behind you so you don't splash them with left over drink.

3) Stick to your pace corral. If you are a 15min/mile pace, get out of the 6 min/mile corral.

4) Slow runners/walkers on the right.

5) Don't shove at the start.

6) If you are in a group, try not to be 5-10 across.

7) Don't smoke or drink alcohol on the course.

8) Be courteous at the finish line.

Anyone else have some race rules?

Charlie

Feeling Good

Starting week #4 of marathon training, and so far so good. Last week I didn't make the three runs. On Sunday, my feet were feeling achy, and I couldn't shake it, so I didn't head out. Still overall I am feeling good so far.

This morning I headed out for 45 minute run, and did 3 miles in 44:14. I'll take it, as it was a humid one out there. The Monon was pretty active for a Tuesday. A few walkers out there.

Since I have started dedicating times to run, I am feeling better physically and mentally. Though, the mentally could use a bit more work. :-)

All in all a nice run. Have to figure when my longer run will be this week.

***Note*** On the webpage for this blog, you now see a coffee cup with wings running. My friend Kris' very talented daughter drew this for me, and I thought I would highlight it on the page. I really like it.

Charlie

Track Time

This morning I just didn't want to go for a run. Sometimes I dread getting in the car and figuring out where to run. Our neighborhood is not a running neighborhood, so getting up and going for a run is more of a process. Problem was solved today with the track.

There's an outdoor track at a local middle school near me. I got to the track as the sun was peering over the tops of the trees. I did a short run - 2 miles. I hadn't been on a track in over a year. While it isn't my favorite way to run, it isn't a treadmill. I may be going in circles, but I'm going somewhere.

I enjoyed the run. Another run joined me on the track, and zipped around me a few times. No worries, it didn't deter me from my pace or anything. Working hard to keep the pace sub-15min. I did two miles with a 14:44 pace. Pretty happy with that.

Run #2 for the week is done. That leaves tomorrow for me to squeak run #3 in for the week.

Charlie

"The Look"

I have touched on this before, and yes, I am going to touch on it again. I know what I look like, and I know I don't look like a runner. I look like a 50 year old guy, with arthritis, deaf in one ear, plenty of grey hair, and overweight. I also run. Most of my customer don't look like what one might expect a runner to look like. Still I get "the look."

"The look" is what I get when someone meets me, they know I am in running specialty, and they are sizing me up, and giving me an odd look, all the while, they think they don't know I see them doing it. It happens with vendor reps. It happens with my operational manager, and it happened with staff associated with the new owners of my store. I am what I am. I may get thinner. I may get heavier, but I am going to be me.

I'll make a deal with these folks, if they don't give me "the look," I promise not think they jerks.

Am I being harsh? Yes I am, but if someone is going to take the time to sneak "the look" at me, I get to think what I want back.

Just sayin'.

Charlie

A Long Run Turns Into a Nice Run

A run doesn't always need to act like a training run. Sometimes, it's just a really nice run. Today was a nice run. which happened to be a long run.The Monon Trail has lots of portions to it. I headed north to Westfield. I had done this a bit, but not as much as today.

Here is what I encountered on the run.

This is a really quiet part of the Monon. A lot of people use the Indianapolis and Carmel portions, but I was virtually alone today. Simply lovely out there. I started just south of 146th St, and made my way past 161st St. At one point you leave the paved part of the trail, and it's crushed limestone. I love trails like that. I don't fun fast on them, but I enjoy them.

I felt good on this run. When I got out of the car, I realized I forgot the GPS. So I estimated my time out there, but that didn't matter during the run. This is one of those times the run is the important factor, and the watch is just in the way. A long run shouldn't be about time, but about endurance and stamina. I ran 4.5 miles and felt great afterwards. I estimate my run was 1:13, not a speedy run by any means.

This is going to become one of my favorite ways to go when I hit the Monon. I look forward to seeing how far north it goes.

During the run, my thoughts ranged from how to organize a 5K to wondering about Buddha. Yes, that is quite a range. The majority of the time was spent just simply enjoying the run....which is how it should be.

Charlie

Parents

I have talked about them before, but it's time to talk about them again. Parents, I think it's great you encourage your kids to run. I think it's great you take them to their meets and cheer them on. I think parents who encourage kids to be active is a good thing.

There is a line though and it's right about here ---------------------------------------

Now this line divides encouraging, and getting WAY too involved, like it's your activity. We know who these parents are. These are the ones who get into every coaches face to complain about why Billy isn't in varsity, running the 100m. These are the ones who go into a running store, and not only grill the poor employee about every aspect of the shoe, but they take charge of fitting their child. "No honey, not Nike, they pinched my toes when I was young, so you can't wear them."(You think I make this up....I don't).

Now if you are reading this, and you are wondering if you have crossed the line, ask yourself the following.....

Do go onto the track and proceed to coach along side the coach, who clearly doesn't know how special my child is?

Do I attack the running store guy because they don't have 1/4" spikes in stock until Tuesday?

Am I living too vicariously in my child's running life(Yes WE got a medal)?

If you answered yes to any of these.....you are one of those parents.

Remember, this is a FUN activity. It isn't life or death.

Charlie

World Peace Reminder

This morning on my long run, I thought about two things, the state of the world, and my breathing. Yeah, I know the two don't go hand in hand, but I'll explain. During the first part of my run I thought I about the recent Boston Marathon attacks. I thought about how people, like me, just want to run and enjoy our run. Someone has to ruin for purposes we don't always understand.

There is a lot of bad in the world; fighting in Syria, anti-gay attacks in Eastern Europe, building collapses in Pakistan or Bangladesh. There are people who want to do harm. We can't let these things take over our lives. We need a big step back, and more thoughts of peace. Seems these days, few want to come together.

So what does that have to do with my breathing? I have often used the mantra "World Peace" to settle and regulate my breathing. I typically say or think "World" on the inhale, and "Peace" on the exhale. I make sure the exhale is a tad longer than the inhale. This settles me into my breathing and pace.

I also feel that in a meditative way, I am sending out the desire for World Peace into the world. That somehow this will settle things down in our world. Yes, I know how that sounds, but I don't think my doing this bothers anything, and it is also trying to do something positive.

The run itself was a good one. I had negative splits today, so I came home a bit faster than I went out. I thought I would cover 1:05-1:10 today. With my speedy return, I did 1:02:25. I covered 4.17 miles. A good effort today, and one that I am happy with.

Charlie

My Feelings on Running

I will be the first to admit I have had issues with running for a while. Battling injuries, and personal issues, has left me feeling blah about running. That has changed though over the last couple of months. What has changed? Possibly I have changed.

For starters, I am running more. I am finding the way to get out there 3 days a week, even if it is a shorter than I like run. What the run yesterday reminded me was that getting out and running, is better than not running. I didn't accomplish anything more than right foot, left foot repeat for 40 minutes yesterday, but I think that is better than sitting on my butt, wishing I was running.

I am also enjoying the runs more. I'm not tinkering with time at the moment, so I am able to enjoy the run. I think this is key. A friend of mine ran the recent Mini Marathon, and she told me this wasn't her best race, but it was her favorite, because she just had fun.

So this is my attitude now....to enjoy the run, and let other things take care of themselves.

Charlie

Better Run

Today was a much better run than yesterday. Probably helps I had a better day. I ran late in the day, so it was pretty hot, and I had been on my feet all day. So I didn't run as long as I would have liked, but I got out there, and that is the key.

I felt good for most of the run. The heat began to come into play and I was walking a bit more. We haven't a lot of warm weather, so I am going to chalk it up to a need to acclimated. At least that's the story I'm sticking with. :-)

So one more run for the week, and I need to plan well for it, because I work all weekend. If only work could be planned around my runs.

Charlie

Angry Run

The worst run of all is an angry run. This is when you are in a bad mood, all you do is think about the bad mood on your run, and then you just run angry. I hate it, and that is what happened today.

The goal today was to run over an hour. Because of situations at work, I have had to sit by a phone all day to see if I need to go in. To be honest, I still don't know if I need to go in, but I most likely will.

I was angry at work people most of the day. Now for the record, it's not anyone fault I have to go in emergencies happen. Everyone has issues with work, and I won't bring them here. Needless to say, I carried this anger on my run.

As a result I ran 26:05 minutes, and trust me, I ran hard...not fast but hard.

I hate angry runs.

Charlie

An Excellent Cause: A Century Ride

I have written about my friend Mike before. In the past, I have talked about how I admire what he has gone through to keep on going. There are people in this world who are warriors. Mike is a warrior. Mike has Myeloma, and what you should know is that the survival rate for this Cancer is poor, very poor. I read at one point once a person is diagnosed with Myeloma, they have 5-7 years. Mike is on year 8.

Mike has fought every step of the way. He has excellent days, and he has horrible days. Through it all is his determination that he is not going out without one heck of a fight. His wonderful wife Kris, and his three children are incentive enough to keep going, but I know deep inside, Mike has more incentive than those four excellent reasons - he wants to live and enjoy life to the fullest!

One of his passions, other than trains, wine and coffee, is biking. He loves hitting the road and going out for a few miles. As a runner, I understand his need to get out. It takes him away from the stresses in his life. It reminds him he is alive and vital. It is a meditation and a therapy.

Mike is turning this passion into helping others now. In September he will participate in a Century Ride(100 miles) in Door County, Wisconsin. He is raising money for Team in Training(TNT). Runners know this organization well. They are a constant at various races all over the world. TNT has raised millions to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma, and so many other blood Cancers. They are a blessing in the fight against Cancer.

Mike's goal is $4,000. I am asking and encouraging you to give towards his cause. Here is his fundraising webpage.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/in/docoride13/mbierma7kv

There is no donation too small to fight Cancer. We all know someone who has battled, or is battling Cancer. I know all of you get requests. This may be another request, but this one means a lot to me.

I was grooms man at Kris and Mike's wedding. Mark and I have celebrated birthdays, holidays and anniversaries with them. They are family, and I am asking you to help my family today. Thanks for your consideration.

Charlie

Week #1 - Done

This morning ended week number one of marathon training. This morning's run was supposed to be an 1:15 run. I will admit, I slept it, and paid for it. I got up and headed out. If I had gotten up when I should I have I could have walked around a bit, and loosened up. I didn't, and my run turned into a walk. My right foot felt stiff, and the feeling never went away.

Still I got out there and put some time on the road. For the week I did 2 hours, 28 minutes, for a total of 9.48 miles. I'm pleased with this as I move into the second week of training.

Week 2 has two 1 hour runs and a 1:30 long run. Because I didn't do the 1:15 this week, I may alter that to a 1:20 run. We'll see how I feel.

Ok....on to Week 2.

Charlie

Queer Running Eye for the Straight Runner Guy

Every year I write about my gay running moment, and that will come once Summer is in full swing.  This though is a gay runner's bit of advice to the heterosexual men who are running fashion challenged.

1) Shorts - Let's be clear, this is a pretty important part of the running wardrobe. Choose it carefully. Think about your body shape and size. A 200+lbs man should not be wearing skimpy 1979 running shorts. I'm not talking about how it looks. I am talking about chaffing. Those thighs are NOT going to like you after a 3 mile run, no matter how much Body Glide you put on. I recommend a 2 in 1 short. These are shorts which have a compression short inside. Trust me, your thighs will thank you.

2) Shirts - Ok...here is where I can bit a bit gayer. Not everyone looks good in singlets. Heck even most cross country guys don't look good in singlets. Match your body type. If you have a "fitted" body, wear a more fitted shirt. If you have a boxier look, wear a fuller looking shirt. STAY AWAY FROM COTTON. Cotton will absorb moisture, but not wick it away. Your nipples will be raw if you wear cotton. Trust me guys, no woman wants to look at her man with bloody nipples.

3) Shoes - As always, go for the fit. This year color is all the rage in shoes. Ok...I know the Big Bird Yellow Mizunos look silly, but if they fit you, who cares what they look like. You get one set of feet. As RuPaul says, "Don't F%# it up."

4) Sweatbands - Please, these look horrible. Wear a hat or visor, heck even a bandana looks better than a terri cloth headband.

5) Sweat pants - Again this is not 1979. Big heavy sweatpants in fall and winter look bad. They are baggy. They don't wick. And it is the equivalent to that thug look(you know where guys hold up their pants with their hands and don't use a belt.).

6) It doesn't have to match - No really it doesn't. At mile 20 of your marathon, you will not care what your shoes look like, or if your shirt and shorts clash. You will care if your thighs and nipples are raw.

There you have it. Take my advice, and you will have better runs out there.

Charlie

Today's Hour Run

Run #2 of the week is done, and it was a pretty good one. I started on 96th St. and headed north on the Monon. I wanted to make this a faster run, and I think I did a good job.

Mile 1 - 14:14
MIle 2 - 14:35
Mile 3 - 14:49
MIle 4 - 15:23

Yes, I got slower, but I kept my overall pace below 15:00, which was a goal today.

The trail was fairly busy. There was the usual runners, walkers, bikers, and then there was my arch nemesis....the evil snake. Yes, one of those nasty black things slithered across the trail near the Monon Center. Note to self....no camping around the Monon Center.  I know it plotted against me, but the coward that it is got off the trail.

At the turn around point I felt good, and just wanted to keep the pace I had going. That went well until the last mile. I was running a bit low on energy. Note to self...get Gu and take water or NUUN.

Overall I am pleased with today's run.

Charlie

Battling the Older Self

There is one thing I battle when I run, and I have to get over it. I am battling a younger thinner version of myself when I run. I compare how I run these days to how I ran a few years ago, when I was at my thinnest. It isn't a fair comparison, but I've noticed other runners do this.

We runners want to compete against what we have done. We don't like to take age into consideration, but we have to. I am 50 years old(yes I know I look 25 - I said 25!). I am not in my early 40s trying this out and going for the gusto. Now I have to stretch more, take more time, and understand I am slower.

The slowness comes from lack of running and my weight. I am much heavier than I was. I understand I can lose weight and be faster. I also know that takes time. The temptation is to be down on myself for not being the 11:00/mile pace I was. I am more a 14:00/mile pace, and for now I have to be ok with that.

So while I am working on being ok with slowness, I found during my run the other day, I was focusing on form. I examined how I was moving through space. I was holding my arms too tight....gotta loosen the arms. I was running very choppy-like. So I eased up a bit, and felt more comfortable as I ran.

Yes, I was still running against my 40something self, but at least I was more aware that I was trying to figure out how the 50 year old runner was doing.

Charlie

The Road to Wisconsin Begins

Today was the start of a 20 week marathon program I developed. The goal today - run for 1 hour. I headed to the Monon Trail at Roher Rd. and off I went. When you head south from this point, you are heading into the center of Carmel.

Not many people were out on the trail. Being a Tuesday morning, I wasn't too surprised. Still it was a sunny pleasant morning as I trotted along.

I know I went out too fast. Made the mental note not to do that on the next run. I felt good out there though. I wanted to keep my pace around 15:00. Because I went out too fast, I knew that I might be fatigued at the end.

At 30 minutes, I turned around. I was just past City Hall at this point, and back I went. I stopped for water a couple of times as it was getting warm out there. When I was 1/2 mile from the end, I felt a bit tired, and I walked more, which slowed my time. Still, when I was done. I felt very good at getting this first run under my belt.

The first training run is in the books.....next up, another 1 hour run.

Charlie

Developing the Plan

At this point it is 20 weeks until the marathon. All day today I have been working on my marathon running plan. Because of my schedule and knowing how my body is, I am running 3 days a week. I have also decided to go all in on the time based training. I'm not going to worry about achieving miles, but focus on my running, and how during the time I am out there.

Each week will start with a 1 hour run. The other two will be a gradually increasing mid-week run and long run. The 1 hour run will serve as a recovery run from the previous long run. I am hoping to be joined from time to time by friends and Mark(on a bike I think).

I am trying to figure a cross training workout. I don't belong to a gym at this time, so it's hard to think of something. I'm sure I can dust the bike off, since I haven't used it. Biking is good....or so some friends tell me.

I think I have a decent plan. I will put it into effect tomorrow.

Here we go......

Charlie

Nervous

I was actually shaking a bit as I committed to Community First Fox Cities Marathon yesterday. It's one thing to say you are going to do a marathon, it's another to register for it. So I am in. 6:00am on Sunday, September 22, I will head off on another marathon journey.

Mark had to give me the pep talk about working hard and how I can do this. I can. Still, this means I have to run now....I mean run. I'm nervous anytime I sign up for a marathon. I know what it entails, and I know what to expect. A marathon is not an easy race for me. It's a challenge. I just want to be sure I am up for the challenge.

I'm looking forward to this race. I have many cousins in the Appleton, WI area. So I know I will have support out on the course. The course looks good to me. September is a good time of year for a race. All should be good.

In 141 days we will see how this all plays out. Time to get running.

Charlie