It's the day before the marathon. Goals today are to tour the course to see what the heck I have gotten myself into, go back to the expo(went to get the packet, but didn't explore the expo, hang with the cousins. Plan the race.
Not sure how this one will go. Mark's ankle looks like it will keep him from going around the course. I'm thinking maybe seeing him at the start, and then at the end. He just can't get around. I know there are people out there who run these things with no support crew. Maybe this is my time to go solo. We'll see.
I start at 6am, in the early start. I anticipate the rest of the runners will start as I head into mile 4. I expect to be passed, and I'm ok with that, afterall I'll have been leading for a while, about time someone came by to take over the pace if the race. :-)
Tonight a pasta dinner, then an early bedtime. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Charlie
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Countdown to the Marathon - 2 Days
On to Wisconsin is the rallying cry today. Very excited about the race. Very excited to see my cousins. Very excited to get cheese curds(if you don't know....it's ok).
The road to a marathon is full of highs and lows. Trying to put the last month out of my head(back, cold, Mark spraining his ankle). Time to focus on the 26.2 miles ahead. It won't seem real until I get to the expo tomorrow. That's when you know it's happening.
Weather still looks great for Sunday.
:-)Charlie
The road to a marathon is full of highs and lows. Trying to put the last month out of my head(back, cold, Mark spraining his ankle). Time to focus on the 26.2 miles ahead. It won't seem real until I get to the expo tomorrow. That's when you know it's happening.
Weather still looks great for Sunday.
:-)Charlie
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Countdown to Marathon - 3 Days
Today we pack for the journey to Wisconsin. This is important. I can forget a lot of things: the shirt I want to wear for dinner one night, the jeans which fit pretty well, toothpaste. What I can't forget is the running gear. Clothes - check. Shoes - check. GU - check.
A glitch in the plan. Mark has fallen and sprained his ankle badly. This makes things difficult for race day. I am hoping a cousin or two will be able to help me out on the course. I can do it on my own if I need to though. My worry is his ankle, and how he sees this as a set back.
On the health front, my back is mostly better. My throat has been sore for a while, and it gets worse the more I talk. Good news, I don't have to talk to anyone during the race.
So 3 days out....wish things were better, but I am packing and ready to go.
Charlie
A glitch in the plan. Mark has fallen and sprained his ankle badly. This makes things difficult for race day. I am hoping a cousin or two will be able to help me out on the course. I can do it on my own if I need to though. My worry is his ankle, and how he sees this as a set back.
On the health front, my back is mostly better. My throat has been sore for a while, and it gets worse the more I talk. Good news, I don't have to talk to anyone during the race.
So 3 days out....wish things were better, but I am packing and ready to go.
Charlie
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
How I Run - Comparison
There is a big difference between how I think I run....
....and I most likely run....
:-)Charlie
....and I most likely run....
:-)Charlie
Countdown to Marathon - 4 Days
I haven't written much this year about being 50. Truth be told the year has sucked, but besides that, how does it affect my running? Yes, I am slower. I can work on speed, but I won't be the runner I was 7 years ago, unless one of you has some magic pill.
The recent problems with my back allowed me to examine more how I move. I have to be more deliberate with my movements. For example, when I get out of bed, I have to move carefully, and before I stand up, I sit for a moment and make sure I'm not making any odd movements. I don't know how I got the muscle spasm in my back, but I know it started when I got out of bed, so whatever it was I was doing - I don't, or at least try not to do.
Running means I have to watch what I am doing. Because my feet are the way they are, I notice oddities. My feet don't respond to curves in the road. Now we all think roads are flat, but they aren't. The flattest part of a road tends to be the center, then there are slight curves to the sides of the road. I assume this is so when it rains, the water can quickly go to the sides, and into drainage. My feet feel that slight bend. I try to stay close to the center.
Yes, I know this makes me sound like someone who is say....60 or 70. I want to continue to run then, so I think it's important to be even more aware of my body now. As I get closer to this race, I am aware that my body is not at ideal marathon shape. Part of that is cross training - specifically strength training. I am going to work on this. The problem is money is tight, and joining a gym is not possible now. When it is....gym time.
Don't get me wrong, the goal of finishing can still be met. I just have to take more care now.
Charlie
The recent problems with my back allowed me to examine more how I move. I have to be more deliberate with my movements. For example, when I get out of bed, I have to move carefully, and before I stand up, I sit for a moment and make sure I'm not making any odd movements. I don't know how I got the muscle spasm in my back, but I know it started when I got out of bed, so whatever it was I was doing - I don't, or at least try not to do.
Running means I have to watch what I am doing. Because my feet are the way they are, I notice oddities. My feet don't respond to curves in the road. Now we all think roads are flat, but they aren't. The flattest part of a road tends to be the center, then there are slight curves to the sides of the road. I assume this is so when it rains, the water can quickly go to the sides, and into drainage. My feet feel that slight bend. I try to stay close to the center.
Yes, I know this makes me sound like someone who is say....60 or 70. I want to continue to run then, so I think it's important to be even more aware of my body now. As I get closer to this race, I am aware that my body is not at ideal marathon shape. Part of that is cross training - specifically strength training. I am going to work on this. The problem is money is tight, and joining a gym is not possible now. When it is....gym time.
Don't get me wrong, the goal of finishing can still be met. I just have to take more care now.
Charlie
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Countdown to Marathon - 5 Days
What to wear? No, I'm not being a fashionista this morning. You have to figure what to wear on race day. "Come on Charlie - shorts, shirt, socks, shoes - duh," you may say. Well....yes....and no. Always keep an eye on the weather when figuring out your race day wear.
Right now the forecast for race day is sunny, low of 46, high of 62. Now, for me that is ideal, but how do you dress? As the days turn colder, you want to dress in some sort of layers. Now in this case, I have to think about when I will run the majority of my race.
I will start at 6am. The sun won't be up yet. A short sleeve shirt and shorts won't do. A long sleeve shirt will work, because I can always later roll up sleeves as the race goes on. I might want a jacket at the start, but I know that will come off fairly quickly. As for the bottoms, I am looking at 2 in 1 shorts, or I have longer running tights, that are light enough, that it wouldn't be a problem in the later stages.
Half the race will be run before 9:30am, so the coolness will be a factor. Remember, as you run your body temperature is 15 degrees warmer. So when it does it 62, it will feel like 77. I might not want those light tights at that point. I do know as the race goes on, my pace gets slower, so if it is chilly, I will feel it more in those later stages, so I can still opt for the tights.
See I told you this wasn't about being a fashionista.
Socks and shoes are a breeze. I am planning on Fits Merino Wool Socks and of course my Brooks Dyads. Hat - Boston Red Sox Cap. I may wear wicking clothing, but my hat is always a cotton. Call me nuts, but I like that on my head.
Body Glide is a must for long distance running. Chaffing is NOT fun during a race.
It's always best if one or two of your runs is done with what you are planning to wear. This way you'll know if there are seams in the clothes which may bother you. Or, you may find out it just doesn't work. Race day is never a good day to figure out something isn't working.
Planning things like this is key to a good race.
Charlie
Right now the forecast for race day is sunny, low of 46, high of 62. Now, for me that is ideal, but how do you dress? As the days turn colder, you want to dress in some sort of layers. Now in this case, I have to think about when I will run the majority of my race.
I will start at 6am. The sun won't be up yet. A short sleeve shirt and shorts won't do. A long sleeve shirt will work, because I can always later roll up sleeves as the race goes on. I might want a jacket at the start, but I know that will come off fairly quickly. As for the bottoms, I am looking at 2 in 1 shorts, or I have longer running tights, that are light enough, that it wouldn't be a problem in the later stages.
Half the race will be run before 9:30am, so the coolness will be a factor. Remember, as you run your body temperature is 15 degrees warmer. So when it does it 62, it will feel like 77. I might not want those light tights at that point. I do know as the race goes on, my pace gets slower, so if it is chilly, I will feel it more in those later stages, so I can still opt for the tights.
See I told you this wasn't about being a fashionista.
Socks and shoes are a breeze. I am planning on Fits Merino Wool Socks and of course my Brooks Dyads. Hat - Boston Red Sox Cap. I may wear wicking clothing, but my hat is always a cotton. Call me nuts, but I like that on my head.
Body Glide is a must for long distance running. Chaffing is NOT fun during a race.
It's always best if one or two of your runs is done with what you are planning to wear. This way you'll know if there are seams in the clothes which may bother you. Or, you may find out it just doesn't work. Race day is never a good day to figure out something isn't working.
Planning things like this is key to a good race.
Charlie
Monday, September 16, 2013
Countdown to Marathon - 6 days
In the past I have dedicated my run to various people or causes. I had thought I wanted to dedicate each mile to various people, but in the end, I decided to go a different route. On the journey towards a marathon, there are a lot of people who show support and are there for you. They support you are you train, as you run the race, and as they follow you virtually.
During this training, I have received wonderful support from my friend Kris, who has been out there during one of my longer runs, being a support crew. I have gotten lots of encouragement from the staff of my store. These people mean a lot to me. One associate brought in his office chair I could use at my desk, so my back would feel supported. Another has made sure I have been getting enough nutrition and hydration. All have asked how I am doing, and am I ready. Mark always makes sure I am feeling good. He's been patient as I've gone through my back issue. He'll be out there race day with a cousin or two I imagine making sure I'm ok. I'm looking forward to seeing various cousins out there cheering me on. I rarely get to run with family watching, so this will be fun. I'm also grateful to the people online who have sent me messages of support. It means a lot to me.
This is the year of the support network. I will carry all of those messages, offers to help me, run with me, etc., with me during this race.
There is another group though, that I am also dedicating this race to. Since April, I have thought a lot about those who suffered in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Some died. A good many were badly injured. Mostly, people endured a horrific event, that we need to be sure doesn't happen again. I will be wearing my Boston Red Sox cap to honor these people. I will be Boston Strong as I make my way to the finish line.
6 days to go....still feeling good.
Charlie
During this training, I have received wonderful support from my friend Kris, who has been out there during one of my longer runs, being a support crew. I have gotten lots of encouragement from the staff of my store. These people mean a lot to me. One associate brought in his office chair I could use at my desk, so my back would feel supported. Another has made sure I have been getting enough nutrition and hydration. All have asked how I am doing, and am I ready. Mark always makes sure I am feeling good. He's been patient as I've gone through my back issue. He'll be out there race day with a cousin or two I imagine making sure I'm ok. I'm looking forward to seeing various cousins out there cheering me on. I rarely get to run with family watching, so this will be fun. I'm also grateful to the people online who have sent me messages of support. It means a lot to me.
This is the year of the support network. I will carry all of those messages, offers to help me, run with me, etc., with me during this race.
There is another group though, that I am also dedicating this race to. Since April, I have thought a lot about those who suffered in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Some died. A good many were badly injured. Mostly, people endured a horrific event, that we need to be sure doesn't happen again. I will be wearing my Boston Red Sox cap to honor these people. I will be Boston Strong as I make my way to the finish line.
6 days to go....still feeling good.
Charlie
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Countdown to Marathon - 7 Days
A week from today I toe the start line, and head off on a 26.2 adventure. Today I ran a nice 3 mile run. I felt good. No signs of back issues, though I have been dealing with a cough and sore throat for a a couple weeks. Nothing though seems to bother my running.
So how am I feeling? Nervous. Training has not been what I would have liked, but that seems to be the norm. When you work in running specialty, you never get to run as much as you would like, or can. Still what I have been most proud of during this training is the fact I have stayed on pace. The goal is to finish in seven hours. My long runs have been pretty close to race pace. Now, will I be able to do that over the longer distance, that I don't know.
I've been asked what my race plan is. I half joke that the plan is to run, until I can't run anymore, then I walk until I finish. I would say if I can sustain a good run/walk pace over 16 miles, I am in good shape for the last 10.
The test is always between miles 18-20. That's when I mentally break down. I typically call my sister at that point. Note to self....remind Anne to have phone ready.
So now I get ready for the big day.
Charlie
So how am I feeling? Nervous. Training has not been what I would have liked, but that seems to be the norm. When you work in running specialty, you never get to run as much as you would like, or can. Still what I have been most proud of during this training is the fact I have stayed on pace. The goal is to finish in seven hours. My long runs have been pretty close to race pace. Now, will I be able to do that over the longer distance, that I don't know.
I've been asked what my race plan is. I half joke that the plan is to run, until I can't run anymore, then I walk until I finish. I would say if I can sustain a good run/walk pace over 16 miles, I am in good shape for the last 10.
The test is always between miles 18-20. That's when I mentally break down. I typically call my sister at that point. Note to self....remind Anne to have phone ready.
So now I get ready for the big day.
Charlie
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Being the Good Samaritan Cost the Long Run
The goal this morning was to run for 4-5 hours. My opportunities for this run are running out, and the marathon is 2 1/2 weeks away. I gathered my gear, and headed out solo.
About 2.5 miles into the run, I saw a sight which made me stop running. There on the trail was an elderly man in his 70s sitting, holding his right ankle, and looking sad. I noticed that two women had been with him, but were now walking away. I stopped to make sure he was ok.
He had tried to find a gap in traffic to cross the street, instead of waiting for traffic to clear. He went across the street, off the trail, jumped over a small wire fence, and his foot landed in a hole. He was lamenting that he probably broke his ankle. I asked if I could call anyone for him, or try to get some help. He explained that the women who had just gone had called his wife. I offered to stay with him until his wife arrived.
He didn't want to interrupt my run, but I told him I would feel better if I stayed and made sure help came. He thanked me, then told me about his past ankle problems, and how this was going to put a crimp in his running. I listened, and told him he would run another day, the important thing was to get to a doctor.
He then said, "May I ask you a question?" "Sure," I answered. He asked, "Is it true Brooks is doing away with the Trance?" Of all the questions in the world, that one was not what I expected. I had helped this gentleman a few times in my store, and now he wanted to talk shoes. I laughed and told him the Trance would be leaving by Spring, and the Transcend would take it's place. He noted that I suggested a lighter stability shoe, like the Dyad, but he really liked the Trance. He also told me how nice one of my staff has been to his son.
The gentleman has a good memory. He asked if I was ready for my marathon. I told him I was doing a long run today. He felt bad about my stopping. I told him it was nothing to worry about. The wife and her friend had not arrived, and by now he wanted me to call her. He laughed and said his wife sometimes thinks he is joking about things, and I was to call her and tell her it was no joke. I looked down the trail and saw two women and a Cocker Spaniel heading our way. Help was about to arrive.
Both women are nurses, and the wife began to scold him for what he did, "How the Hell old are you?" She was smiling, so I knew it was a husband/wife thing. He introduced me as the owner of his running store. I gently corrected and told her the manager. She was happy I had stayed. Soon I headed off on the run, he thanked me, and told me he would be in soon for a pair of Brooks Trance.
I was with him for about 25 minutes. As you can imagine, it's pretty hard to restart running after not running for a a long period. I felt pretty good though. Still I didn't know if I could finish what I started.
I would find out later I couldn't do it. I tried, I did. In the end I ran 1:33, and did 6 miles. Nope, not good for a long run. And my long runs are running out. My original thought was to transfer to the half, and just focus on a marathon next year. Nope - the half is sold out. So now I need a plan B. I think that plan will involve more walking than I would like. I know at this point I can do a decent half marathon. The finish it, I have to more frequent walk breaks. I also felt under nourished and hydrated today. So I need to kick that up a bit.
The last few weeks have been horrible for me. A combination of a cold, and muscle spasms in the back have knocked me out of running. Maybe that was my taper, and now I build to the marathon?
Oh this marathon may not be pretty, but I will do it.
Charlie
About 2.5 miles into the run, I saw a sight which made me stop running. There on the trail was an elderly man in his 70s sitting, holding his right ankle, and looking sad. I noticed that two women had been with him, but were now walking away. I stopped to make sure he was ok.
He had tried to find a gap in traffic to cross the street, instead of waiting for traffic to clear. He went across the street, off the trail, jumped over a small wire fence, and his foot landed in a hole. He was lamenting that he probably broke his ankle. I asked if I could call anyone for him, or try to get some help. He explained that the women who had just gone had called his wife. I offered to stay with him until his wife arrived.
He didn't want to interrupt my run, but I told him I would feel better if I stayed and made sure help came. He thanked me, then told me about his past ankle problems, and how this was going to put a crimp in his running. I listened, and told him he would run another day, the important thing was to get to a doctor.
He then said, "May I ask you a question?" "Sure," I answered. He asked, "Is it true Brooks is doing away with the Trance?" Of all the questions in the world, that one was not what I expected. I had helped this gentleman a few times in my store, and now he wanted to talk shoes. I laughed and told him the Trance would be leaving by Spring, and the Transcend would take it's place. He noted that I suggested a lighter stability shoe, like the Dyad, but he really liked the Trance. He also told me how nice one of my staff has been to his son.
The gentleman has a good memory. He asked if I was ready for my marathon. I told him I was doing a long run today. He felt bad about my stopping. I told him it was nothing to worry about. The wife and her friend had not arrived, and by now he wanted me to call her. He laughed and said his wife sometimes thinks he is joking about things, and I was to call her and tell her it was no joke. I looked down the trail and saw two women and a Cocker Spaniel heading our way. Help was about to arrive.
Both women are nurses, and the wife began to scold him for what he did, "How the Hell old are you?" She was smiling, so I knew it was a husband/wife thing. He introduced me as the owner of his running store. I gently corrected and told her the manager. She was happy I had stayed. Soon I headed off on the run, he thanked me, and told me he would be in soon for a pair of Brooks Trance.
I was with him for about 25 minutes. As you can imagine, it's pretty hard to restart running after not running for a a long period. I felt pretty good though. Still I didn't know if I could finish what I started.
I would find out later I couldn't do it. I tried, I did. In the end I ran 1:33, and did 6 miles. Nope, not good for a long run. And my long runs are running out. My original thought was to transfer to the half, and just focus on a marathon next year. Nope - the half is sold out. So now I need a plan B. I think that plan will involve more walking than I would like. I know at this point I can do a decent half marathon. The finish it, I have to more frequent walk breaks. I also felt under nourished and hydrated today. So I need to kick that up a bit.
The last few weeks have been horrible for me. A combination of a cold, and muscle spasms in the back have knocked me out of running. Maybe that was my taper, and now I build to the marathon?
Oh this marathon may not be pretty, but I will do it.
Charlie
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