I have often thought that each race we run provides a lesson, not only in terms of our running, but in life as well. My first 5K was a Trick of Trot Halloween race. Prior to this, my running consisted of my getting up at 4 a.m., and heading out the door. I didn't want people to see me run, because I thought I looked horrible.
What I learned in this first race, is that nobody, but a Kenyan, looks like a Kenyan when they ran. I saw people stomp their way through the race. I saw prancing. I saw run/walking and walk/running. No one looked especially graceful. Then again, I was towards the back, maybe all the Kenyan like folks led the darned thing. Still, I valued the lesson that I no longer had to be ashamed of what I look like running, and to this day, know I look kind of silly running, but who cares?
My first half marathon was a different lesson. I learned not only could I do long distances, but the long distance race can be emotional. Now to be fair, I was running in my hometown of South Bend, IN, and running into Notre Dame Stadium. Still I learned that these milestones can sometimes me very emotional. I got choked up as the stadium came into sight. I got chills as I ran through the tunnel. I WAS Joe Montana running into the stadium, and I was thrilled beyond belief.
The marathon, each one I have run, poses a different set of lessons. The marathon is about seeing how far you can push your body, and what you can take. None of the marathons I have run have been easy. The first one, proved I could do it. The second one showed me that even under adverse weather conditions, sometimes it's best to call it a day. The third one showed me I could go faster, and more importantly share my love of the race with others. The fourth was a true lesson in endurance, and how hard the distance can be.
All of these races have a common lesson though, once you put your mind to something, you can accomplish anything. It may not be pretty. It may not be glorious. Sometimes it hurts. In the end though, you can do it.
Charlie
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
31 Days ...
We are now 31 days until the marathon. Within the next week, I will need a really long run, so I am figuring when to do that. In the meantime I have maps of the course, and trying to figure out the places Mark can meet me along the course.
I am also doing something different this time as motivation. I will be dedicating various miles to various people. If you are interested in having a mile on the course dedicated to you, let me know. I have already dedicated the first, 13.1 and final .2 miles, which I will talk about as the month goes on.
I'm feeling fairly good at this point. I am relatively healthy. My runs, for the most part have gone well. I think I have a handle on the race nutrition. So far so good as the saying goes.
At this point in race training, it's a matter of getting mentally strong to endure the 26.2 miles.
31 days and counting....
Charlie
I am also doing something different this time as motivation. I will be dedicating various miles to various people. If you are interested in having a mile on the course dedicated to you, let me know. I have already dedicated the first, 13.1 and final .2 miles, which I will talk about as the month goes on.
I'm feeling fairly good at this point. I am relatively healthy. My runs, for the most part have gone well. I think I have a handle on the race nutrition. So far so good as the saying goes.
At this point in race training, it's a matter of getting mentally strong to endure the 26.2 miles.
31 days and counting....
Charlie
Monday, August 19, 2013
NB 880v3 vs. Brooks Dyad 7
As I became more serious about running, there have been two brands I have been able to wear somewhat consistently; New Balance and Brooks. Because of the various issues with my feet, and the fact they are extra wide, very few companies make shoes I can wear. These two brands have been pretty good for me.
Over the last three years I have been strictly Brooks. The reason being that as New Balance has tinkered with old standbys, I have found their shoes to be too narrow, or in the case of the last shoe I wore, the heel broke down in 7 runs.
Now there is a new version of the NB 880v3 out, and I was given a pair, so it's time to compare shoes....
On the right, we have my current shoe - Brooks Dyad 7. One the left - NB 880v3.
Let's look at the make of the shoes. First of all the Dyad runs a bit longer than the 880. It isn't by much, but there is a touch more length.
The stability pods on the Dyad also make it a wider shoe. Both have a wide toe box which is very important to me, as that is where I am widest.
Not many people think about depth in a shoe, but the move these days is to have a shallower shoe. This helps make it a lighter shoe. In this case, the NB 880 is much closer to the foot than the Dyad.
Both shoes have the 12mm drop from heel to toe. These are more traditional, as the move is the have 4mm less heel to tow drop. Thank you barefoot movement.
So how do the shoes compare running?
The Dyad 7 has Brooks DNA cushioning in it, which has been in several of their other shoes like the Adrenaline or Glycerin. It is designed to make Brooks shoes even softer. For the record, Brooks shoes have never been known for their pillowy feel, and to be honest, I don't like a softer cushion. I find over time my feet and ankles hurt with more cushion, because I'm not as firmly planted on the ground, or so I feel.
NB 880v3 uses Abzorb for it's cushioning. Again, this is not a pillow to run on, it is a pretty firm shoe. They have also added ActevaLite which is a premium lightweight midsole, for an additional cushion.
Yesterday I ran 5 miles in the NB 880v3. Here is what I liked. The firm feel. While Brooks has made the Dyad feel softer, I liked the firmer feel of the New Balance. I felt I could push off from the ground better, like I was more in control of planting my foot. The New Balance is also lighter. The Brooks Dyad can sometimes feel clunky. Now this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes I want more flex in my shoe. While the 880 felt narrower, I never felt the width was a problem. To be fair, I would need to do a longer run, and allow my feet to swell before I made a final determination.
What I didn't like... The shallow depth of the shoe was an issue. I felt it pressing on the top of my foot, especially on the left foot, to the point I felt some pain. I thought this was odd, because my right foot is the wider. I did loosen the shoes laces, and alleviated some of the pain. The pain though, lingered through the rest of the evening. The shoes laces on the 880 are very thin, and it can lead one to tie them too tight for fear they may come undone. I am going to re-lace them a bit differently on my next run to see if there is still the issue.
My other concern is the heel. After my last NB shoe, I am a bit leery of the heel strength. Again, further running would need to be done before any durability can be discerned.
Overall I really liked the 880v3. Am I going to give up on the Dyad? No. I think it's good to have another shoe in the arsenal. I am going to run a few more times before I decide which one I want to use on race day.
Charlie
Over the last three years I have been strictly Brooks. The reason being that as New Balance has tinkered with old standbys, I have found their shoes to be too narrow, or in the case of the last shoe I wore, the heel broke down in 7 runs.
Now there is a new version of the NB 880v3 out, and I was given a pair, so it's time to compare shoes....
On the right, we have my current shoe - Brooks Dyad 7. One the left - NB 880v3.
Let's look at the make of the shoes. First of all the Dyad runs a bit longer than the 880. It isn't by much, but there is a touch more length.
Not many people think about depth in a shoe, but the move these days is to have a shallower shoe. This helps make it a lighter shoe. In this case, the NB 880 is much closer to the foot than the Dyad.
Both shoes have the 12mm drop from heel to toe. These are more traditional, as the move is the have 4mm less heel to tow drop. Thank you barefoot movement.
So how do the shoes compare running?
The Dyad 7 has Brooks DNA cushioning in it, which has been in several of their other shoes like the Adrenaline or Glycerin. It is designed to make Brooks shoes even softer. For the record, Brooks shoes have never been known for their pillowy feel, and to be honest, I don't like a softer cushion. I find over time my feet and ankles hurt with more cushion, because I'm not as firmly planted on the ground, or so I feel.
NB 880v3 uses Abzorb for it's cushioning. Again, this is not a pillow to run on, it is a pretty firm shoe. They have also added ActevaLite which is a premium lightweight midsole, for an additional cushion.
Yesterday I ran 5 miles in the NB 880v3. Here is what I liked. The firm feel. While Brooks has made the Dyad feel softer, I liked the firmer feel of the New Balance. I felt I could push off from the ground better, like I was more in control of planting my foot. The New Balance is also lighter. The Brooks Dyad can sometimes feel clunky. Now this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes I want more flex in my shoe. While the 880 felt narrower, I never felt the width was a problem. To be fair, I would need to do a longer run, and allow my feet to swell before I made a final determination.
What I didn't like... The shallow depth of the shoe was an issue. I felt it pressing on the top of my foot, especially on the left foot, to the point I felt some pain. I thought this was odd, because my right foot is the wider. I did loosen the shoes laces, and alleviated some of the pain. The pain though, lingered through the rest of the evening. The shoes laces on the 880 are very thin, and it can lead one to tie them too tight for fear they may come undone. I am going to re-lace them a bit differently on my next run to see if there is still the issue.
My other concern is the heel. After my last NB shoe, I am a bit leery of the heel strength. Again, further running would need to be done before any durability can be discerned.
Overall I really liked the 880v3. Am I going to give up on the Dyad? No. I think it's good to have another shoe in the arsenal. I am going to run a few more times before I decide which one I want to use on race day.
Charlie
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Saying Goodbye to a Friend
Last week I talked about one of my favorite customers JB. In keeping with the notion that I can't mention specific names, today I want to talk about AS. AS is another young man who I have helped now for a few years.
When I first worked with AS, he was looking for shoes for hist first marathon. AS comes from a very nice family, so I got to know his mom as well in the process. She would talk to me about his goals, and how she wanted to encourage him. I offered advice to both. I figured the runner not only needs advice, but the support crew needs some too.
For his first marathon, his mom was going to follow him around the course on her bike, but she knew she couldn't go everywhere. She made a sign with his name on it, and asked if I could hold it up and cheer him on race day. We had a cheer section, so I was happy to do it.
On race day I saw him coming down the road. We were at mile 15, so I figured this would be a tough stretch for him. I got the sign, the cowbell, and the the crew ready to cheer him on. He flashed a smile and a wave as he went by.
Later, not only did his mom thanks us, but AS came into the store to tell me that he was at a low point in the race when we saw him, and that cheering section boosted his spirits, and he was able to keep going. I thought that was awfully nice of both of them to thank me. I was happy to do it.
Months later, AS ran Chicago. This time, his mom was worried about how to get around. I went over the course map, and where along the route she could easily get to. Again, another successful race for AS. Again, I was thanked for my help.
Since then, AS comes in to order his shoes, and talk a bit about his running. His mom comes in from time to time, and catches me up on his progress. I have made a point of telling her over time that I think she has raised one of the nicest boys I have ever met. I know that makes her feel good.
Every now and then I see AS running, or run into him at the grocery store, and he always asks about my running and progress. Yes, we check in with each other on our running. I think it's cool that he inquires about how I'm doing.
Now we come to yesterday. AS came into the store. I knew he bought shoes a few weeks ago, but this was a different visit. He wanted to tell me he is heading off to college this week. He wanted to come in, say good bye, and thank me for all the help I have given him. I told him it was my pleasure. I asked how his mom was doing. She's been a bit emotional, because now both her kids will be out in the world. He assured me he would be back at Thanksgiving for new shoes, and to catch me up on life. We shook hands, and off he went. I went into the back room and cried a bit. It felt like an old friend was moving on.
Again, I write a story like this, because I think those of us in the running specialty business have a unique relationship with our customers. We are advisor, coach, friend, sales person, and so much more to a good many folks. I doubt we have this kind of relationship with the folks at a big box store. We form a bond which is special, and it is truly one of the best parts of my job.
Whether he runs marathons, does Tris, or just jogs now and then, I hope AS does well with his running. I know he will do well in life. He is a good guy, with a level head on his shoulders.
Charlie
When I first worked with AS, he was looking for shoes for hist first marathon. AS comes from a very nice family, so I got to know his mom as well in the process. She would talk to me about his goals, and how she wanted to encourage him. I offered advice to both. I figured the runner not only needs advice, but the support crew needs some too.
For his first marathon, his mom was going to follow him around the course on her bike, but she knew she couldn't go everywhere. She made a sign with his name on it, and asked if I could hold it up and cheer him on race day. We had a cheer section, so I was happy to do it.
On race day I saw him coming down the road. We were at mile 15, so I figured this would be a tough stretch for him. I got the sign, the cowbell, and the the crew ready to cheer him on. He flashed a smile and a wave as he went by.
Later, not only did his mom thanks us, but AS came into the store to tell me that he was at a low point in the race when we saw him, and that cheering section boosted his spirits, and he was able to keep going. I thought that was awfully nice of both of them to thank me. I was happy to do it.
Months later, AS ran Chicago. This time, his mom was worried about how to get around. I went over the course map, and where along the route she could easily get to. Again, another successful race for AS. Again, I was thanked for my help.
Since then, AS comes in to order his shoes, and talk a bit about his running. His mom comes in from time to time, and catches me up on his progress. I have made a point of telling her over time that I think she has raised one of the nicest boys I have ever met. I know that makes her feel good.
Every now and then I see AS running, or run into him at the grocery store, and he always asks about my running and progress. Yes, we check in with each other on our running. I think it's cool that he inquires about how I'm doing.
Now we come to yesterday. AS came into the store. I knew he bought shoes a few weeks ago, but this was a different visit. He wanted to tell me he is heading off to college this week. He wanted to come in, say good bye, and thank me for all the help I have given him. I told him it was my pleasure. I asked how his mom was doing. She's been a bit emotional, because now both her kids will be out in the world. He assured me he would be back at Thanksgiving for new shoes, and to catch me up on life. We shook hands, and off he went. I went into the back room and cried a bit. It felt like an old friend was moving on.
Again, I write a story like this, because I think those of us in the running specialty business have a unique relationship with our customers. We are advisor, coach, friend, sales person, and so much more to a good many folks. I doubt we have this kind of relationship with the folks at a big box store. We form a bond which is special, and it is truly one of the best parts of my job.
Whether he runs marathons, does Tris, or just jogs now and then, I hope AS does well with his running. I know he will do well in life. He is a good guy, with a level head on his shoulders.
Charlie
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Long Run Quest
My quest for a good long long run during this training is still elusive. The goal this week was a 5 hour run. The result was a 2 1/2 hour run. My right knee was bothering me this week, and gave me some trouble of the run. I could feel the adjustments I was making was hurting my hips, so I ended the run 1/2 hours into it. Still I am pretty happy I made it 9 miles in that amount of time.
Time to let the knee feel better before the next really long run. Shorter runs don't seem to be a problem.
Charlie
Time to let the knee feel better before the next really long run. Shorter runs don't seem to be a problem.
Charlie
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Encouraging the Next Generation
How do we encourage the next generation of runners? This is something I deal with fairly often. In my community there are strong running programs in schools and churches for young runners. In one area school, there are over 100 kids on the track and field and cross country teams(note: only a few get to compete). I am very fortunate to work with some wonderful kids who come in for shoes and advice.
There are some kids I have special affection for. These are the ones who so truly love running and everything about running. They are the running geeks who can tell you what time Pre ran in the 1972 Olympics. It's very cool to help these kids year after year. They are respectful, fun and you can see the love of running in them.
Let me tell you about JB. JB lives in a small town in Indiana. He runs track and cross country for his local high school. He is very good, and is always striving to be better. He comes in every couple of months, and he specifically wants to work with me to get his shoes. Why me?
I take the time to listen to what he wants to accomplish. I'm able to verify or correct something he has learned about shoes. I check his gait(even though he doesn't need it). He is a guy who loves running, and wants to work with someone who loves running. All I want to do is encourage him.
Yesterday he and his mom came in. Seems they called ahead to see when I would be working. He wanted to get some shoes, but he also wanted to talk about his summer vacation. As he wore his Pre shirt, he told me about the journey to Eugene, OR to visit Haywood Field - hallowed ground for track and field guys. Seems the day he visited, the gates to the field were closed. Soon he was talking to a grounds worker, who let him into the stadium, and JB got to run on the track that so many tracks greats have run.
JB was so thrilled to do this, and as he told me, I felt just as excited for him. How great that someone let him do this. How great that someone would encourage him like this. I too wanted to do something for him, and I did.
Recently we found a box of old track and field magazines. Someone had left them in the store(who knows why). When I say old, I mean these were from the 1970s. We found a home for the box, but kept one in the store. As JB told me his story, I knew what I wanted to do. I found the copy of that magazine, which by the way had a cover story on Steve Prefontaine, and told JB he could have it.
JB lit up and looked so thrilled to get this. His mother told me I didn't have to do that. I told her the groundskeeper didn't have to let him into run, but JB is such a good kid, I just wanted to do something nice. As he thumbed through the magazine, JB told me how he had been getting faster, and mixed in more stories of the trip to Eugene. He was on Cloud Nine.
We eventually figured out which shoes would work for his cross country season. As they left the store, he turned around, and thanked me for everything. JB is a senior in high school this year. Next year he will be off to college. I've watched many a kid come and go in my store, some I miss a great deal, because they are such good kids. JB is one I will miss very much.
I tell you this, because I am hoping that if there is a young runner out there, please find a way to encourage their running and love of the sport.
Charlie
There are some kids I have special affection for. These are the ones who so truly love running and everything about running. They are the running geeks who can tell you what time Pre ran in the 1972 Olympics. It's very cool to help these kids year after year. They are respectful, fun and you can see the love of running in them.
Let me tell you about JB. JB lives in a small town in Indiana. He runs track and cross country for his local high school. He is very good, and is always striving to be better. He comes in every couple of months, and he specifically wants to work with me to get his shoes. Why me?
I take the time to listen to what he wants to accomplish. I'm able to verify or correct something he has learned about shoes. I check his gait(even though he doesn't need it). He is a guy who loves running, and wants to work with someone who loves running. All I want to do is encourage him.
Yesterday he and his mom came in. Seems they called ahead to see when I would be working. He wanted to get some shoes, but he also wanted to talk about his summer vacation. As he wore his Pre shirt, he told me about the journey to Eugene, OR to visit Haywood Field - hallowed ground for track and field guys. Seems the day he visited, the gates to the field were closed. Soon he was talking to a grounds worker, who let him into the stadium, and JB got to run on the track that so many tracks greats have run.
JB was so thrilled to do this, and as he told me, I felt just as excited for him. How great that someone let him do this. How great that someone would encourage him like this. I too wanted to do something for him, and I did.
Recently we found a box of old track and field magazines. Someone had left them in the store(who knows why). When I say old, I mean these were from the 1970s. We found a home for the box, but kept one in the store. As JB told me his story, I knew what I wanted to do. I found the copy of that magazine, which by the way had a cover story on Steve Prefontaine, and told JB he could have it.
JB lit up and looked so thrilled to get this. His mother told me I didn't have to do that. I told her the groundskeeper didn't have to let him into run, but JB is such a good kid, I just wanted to do something nice. As he thumbed through the magazine, JB told me how he had been getting faster, and mixed in more stories of the trip to Eugene. He was on Cloud Nine.
We eventually figured out which shoes would work for his cross country season. As they left the store, he turned around, and thanked me for everything. JB is a senior in high school this year. Next year he will be off to college. I've watched many a kid come and go in my store, some I miss a great deal, because they are such good kids. JB is one I will miss very much.
I tell you this, because I am hoping that if there is a young runner out there, please find a way to encourage their running and love of the sport.
Charlie
Monday, August 12, 2013
A Multitude of Thoughts
I haven't posted in a while. To be honest, I didn't feel like writing, but today I have quite a bit to say. This is a series of random thoughts.....
1) 40 days until the marathon - so how has the training been going? I had a horrible 4 hour run attempt a couple weeks ago. Still the running has gone well. This week the goal is to run a 5 hour run. I know I am over a month from the marathon, but I also know my body. In a couple weeks, I will try another 4 hour run, before a true taper.
2) Running stores as a community center. Yes, the basic fact is a running store is a retail business. Everything they do is designed to generate business. In addition though, it can serve as the heart of the running community. Training programs, fun runs, workshops, all bring people together. Running stores make a mistake when they take the community for granted. A community is more than Facebook or Twitter postings, it how you actually relate to the community.
3) Watching runners. Every Saturday I head out on the Monon and pass out water to runners. I love doing this. It gives me a connection to the folks out there running. It allows me to just watch. I like to see how people are running. I try to figure out what their goals are, how they run as they are running. It's very exciting to me.
4) Enjoying running. It has taken me a while, but this year I am enjoying my running again. I spoke with a 63 year old man the other day, who had taken time off from injury. He told me how discouraged he is that he isn't the runner he used to be. I told him that is something I have struggled with. At 50 I understand what diminished running can be. At some point though, you accept the runner you are, and stop fighting the runner you were. As I told the gentleman, we are still out there running, which is better than most of us.
5) I love the Monon Trail, but after a marathon training all summer, I'm a bit tired running on it.
6) I love the Canal Towpath. It is ideal if you want a slow run.
7) While I don't miss living in Chicago, I do miss the Lakefront Path.
Charlie
1) 40 days until the marathon - so how has the training been going? I had a horrible 4 hour run attempt a couple weeks ago. Still the running has gone well. This week the goal is to run a 5 hour run. I know I am over a month from the marathon, but I also know my body. In a couple weeks, I will try another 4 hour run, before a true taper.
2) Running stores as a community center. Yes, the basic fact is a running store is a retail business. Everything they do is designed to generate business. In addition though, it can serve as the heart of the running community. Training programs, fun runs, workshops, all bring people together. Running stores make a mistake when they take the community for granted. A community is more than Facebook or Twitter postings, it how you actually relate to the community.
3) Watching runners. Every Saturday I head out on the Monon and pass out water to runners. I love doing this. It gives me a connection to the folks out there running. It allows me to just watch. I like to see how people are running. I try to figure out what their goals are, how they run as they are running. It's very exciting to me.
4) Enjoying running. It has taken me a while, but this year I am enjoying my running again. I spoke with a 63 year old man the other day, who had taken time off from injury. He told me how discouraged he is that he isn't the runner he used to be. I told him that is something I have struggled with. At 50 I understand what diminished running can be. At some point though, you accept the runner you are, and stop fighting the runner you were. As I told the gentleman, we are still out there running, which is better than most of us.
5) I love the Monon Trail, but after a marathon training all summer, I'm a bit tired running on it.
6) I love the Canal Towpath. It is ideal if you want a slow run.
7) While I don't miss living in Chicago, I do miss the Lakefront Path.
Charlie
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