In December I will be celebrating two milestones. First will be my eighth year in running specialty. Next will be my new adventure. We are moving to Providence, RI so I can work in a running store there. This will be a truly exciting adventure as it's a new store, so I feel I will have a blank canvas to work with, and create something special. I can't go into details, but trust me this will be great stuff. So now Mark and I begin our packing and our figuring out where to live, etc.
I'm going to enjoy getting to know the Providence running community. There are major colleges in the town, and I know there are more than a few running groups. I also have New England to explore, including a little two about an hour away called Boston.
Over the next month, I will also look back at my time in Indianapolis. I have wonderful running memories here, and treasure them.
For now though, we are looking ahead to the next adventure.
Charlie
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
I Don't Get It
Occasionally I talk with someone who tells me they don't get running. Yes, someone in my store, being fit for shoes will tell me they don't get it. They've heard about the high runners get. They've heard about the joy it can bring(sounds like they read this blog). Still, they don't get it.
This week I spoke with a woman who is certainly giving it her all. She's been running since June. She wanted to lose weight, and her daughter encouraged her to run. The daughter runs, and is planning on a 5K with the mom. So this woman is doing her best to do a 5K with her daughter.
She asked me when is she "supposed to get it." I told her, and will tell you all, there is no easy answer for that question. Running can mean different things to different people. The high some runners get can be due to any number of reasons, which may not have to do with running.
I've written extensively on the joy running brings me(including a post last week). So I tried to explain to this woman what running does for me. I could tell she still looked a bit perplexed. So I brought it to something she could understand.
I asked her why her daughter runs. She told me it's just something she's always done. I asked if the daughter enjoyed it. "Oh yes," she said, "she's run since middles school and loves it." I found how to get through to her. I suggested maybe her daughter just wanted to share something she loves with her, and have a bonding or shared experience. Maybe this was a way the daughter wanted the mom to feel connected to her.
You can assume, and you be correct, that a light went on in the woman's head. She hadn't thought of that. I told her she may end up not liking running, or maybe not experience that high. She will, though, experience a moment with her daughter that they can talk about for years.
I told her my sister doesn't run, but my wonderful memory is her being out on the course for my first half marathon, and then meeting me at the finish. She didn't have to run with me, but I still shared that moment with her. It's one of my best running moments.
I told her running itself is right foot, left foot, repeat. What gives us the feelings are the moments we live through while running.
The woman bought new shoes, socks, and went away with a new appreciation for what her running was for. Maybe she got it.
Charlie
This week I spoke with a woman who is certainly giving it her all. She's been running since June. She wanted to lose weight, and her daughter encouraged her to run. The daughter runs, and is planning on a 5K with the mom. So this woman is doing her best to do a 5K with her daughter.
She asked me when is she "supposed to get it." I told her, and will tell you all, there is no easy answer for that question. Running can mean different things to different people. The high some runners get can be due to any number of reasons, which may not have to do with running.
I've written extensively on the joy running brings me(including a post last week). So I tried to explain to this woman what running does for me. I could tell she still looked a bit perplexed. So I brought it to something she could understand.
I asked her why her daughter runs. She told me it's just something she's always done. I asked if the daughter enjoyed it. "Oh yes," she said, "she's run since middles school and loves it." I found how to get through to her. I suggested maybe her daughter just wanted to share something she loves with her, and have a bonding or shared experience. Maybe this was a way the daughter wanted the mom to feel connected to her.
You can assume, and you be correct, that a light went on in the woman's head. She hadn't thought of that. I told her she may end up not liking running, or maybe not experience that high. She will, though, experience a moment with her daughter that they can talk about for years.
I told her my sister doesn't run, but my wonderful memory is her being out on the course for my first half marathon, and then meeting me at the finish. She didn't have to run with me, but I still shared that moment with her. It's one of my best running moments.
I told her running itself is right foot, left foot, repeat. What gives us the feelings are the moments we live through while running.
The woman bought new shoes, socks, and went away with a new appreciation for what her running was for. Maybe she got it.
Charlie
Sunday, October 12, 2014
A Joyful Run
Today was one of those days you just feel joyful running. Temps were in the 50s and the sun was shining. I was on the Monon Trail, with Fall colors coming through. I liked everything about my run. I liked the pace. I felt at ease. Runners and I exchanged plenty of hellos. Days like this are what give me so much joy running.
I headed south from the Monon Center, and got to 96thSt, and then headed back. Seems simple enough. Of course, I take nothing for granted, nor do I find it simple. A heart attack make you think about your running a bit more. You think about how you are feeling quite a bit. I felt great.
While I was out there, I thought about what I want to accomplish over the next year of running. First step is to run a bit more. I try to do 3 days a week. I would like to get to 4 days a week. Next, I want to enter a 5K. I can do it at this point. This time next year, I would like to do a half or full marathon. That will be more of a process, but if I build a good base/foundation now, there is no reason I can't.
Making these goals brought me even more joy today. All in all, a great day running.
Charlie
I headed south from the Monon Center, and got to 96thSt, and then headed back. Seems simple enough. Of course, I take nothing for granted, nor do I find it simple. A heart attack make you think about your running a bit more. You think about how you are feeling quite a bit. I felt great.
While I was out there, I thought about what I want to accomplish over the next year of running. First step is to run a bit more. I try to do 3 days a week. I would like to get to 4 days a week. Next, I want to enter a 5K. I can do it at this point. This time next year, I would like to do a half or full marathon. That will be more of a process, but if I build a good base/foundation now, there is no reason I can't.
Making these goals brought me even more joy today. All in all, a great day running.
Charlie
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Review Time: Hoka Clifton and TomTom Runner Cardio
There are a couple of items I'm excited about reviewing. I haven't reviewed running items in a while. Then again, running hasn't been a priority until recently.
FYI - today I ran 4 miles. Yes, 4 miles. That is officially the longest I have run since my heart attack in July. I felt terrific!!!
On today's run I got to try two different items. I ran in a pair of Hoka Cliftons and I used TomTom's new Runner Cardio GPS. Yup a twofer!
First let's look at the Cliftons. This is a very lightweight shoe from Hoka, masters of the maximally cushioned shoes. I have run in the Bondi, and have tried out the Conquest. The Clifton is a lighter, smoother version of Hoka. First thing I noticed once I slipped on the shoes was how incredibly light these shoes are.
Don't mistake lightness for lack of cushion. This shoe has a lot of cush to it. I felt nothing but a cushy feeling every time I took a step. I also felt freer moving in this shoe. I didn't feel like I was using a lot of effort in the Clifton.
Now, here's the deal. I wear a size 8.5 4E. This is a D width, but it can accommodate my foot for a time. I don't know if I would run a marathon in it, but I could do 5Ks with this shoe. It is very snug, close to be tight, but not there. This should tell the average medium width foot person that there is plenty of room in this shoe. I really enjoyed running in this shoe quite a bit. John, the Hoka rep is loaning me these shoes for a few weeks. They are testers he uses, and he came by my store last night for a fun run. I got more Hoka info, and really feel this is a strong brand with some great shoes.
Garmin has long been the king of the GPS and Polar has ruled the Heart Rate Monitor world. Here comes TomTom to take them both on with their Runner Cardio GPS.
This GPS has a built in HRM with no strap for your chest. The HRM is part of the wrist piece. An infrared sensor monitors the blood flow in your wrist to let you know your BPM. Because I am now an expert on my heart, I know what I've been doing in rehab and the gym, and let me tell you this HRM is pretty darned accurate.
The GPS is easy to use. There is one button that you can use to toggle around and make your settings before you go. Whether you are going on a run, hitting the treadmill, or just needing a stopwatch, this computer can do what you want it to.
During the run, it's easy to toggle and see your real time pace, overall pace, heart rate, miles, etc. The face is big enough to read at a glance. The computer looks bulky, but I found it comfortable. One of the features I haven't tried yet is race pace, where you can race against a previous run, and you can see how you compare.
All the info can be downloaded and you can keep track of it all on TomTom's website. This GPS is $269.99. There is a multi-sport version for your biking and swimming needs as well for $300. I think this piece is worth the price.
www.hokaoneone.com
www.tomtom.com
Charlie
FYI - today I ran 4 miles. Yes, 4 miles. That is officially the longest I have run since my heart attack in July. I felt terrific!!!
On today's run I got to try two different items. I ran in a pair of Hoka Cliftons and I used TomTom's new Runner Cardio GPS. Yup a twofer!
Don't mistake lightness for lack of cushion. This shoe has a lot of cush to it. I felt nothing but a cushy feeling every time I took a step. I also felt freer moving in this shoe. I didn't feel like I was using a lot of effort in the Clifton.
Now, here's the deal. I wear a size 8.5 4E. This is a D width, but it can accommodate my foot for a time. I don't know if I would run a marathon in it, but I could do 5Ks with this shoe. It is very snug, close to be tight, but not there. This should tell the average medium width foot person that there is plenty of room in this shoe. I really enjoyed running in this shoe quite a bit. John, the Hoka rep is loaning me these shoes for a few weeks. They are testers he uses, and he came by my store last night for a fun run. I got more Hoka info, and really feel this is a strong brand with some great shoes.
Garmin has long been the king of the GPS and Polar has ruled the Heart Rate Monitor world. Here comes TomTom to take them both on with their Runner Cardio GPS.
This GPS has a built in HRM with no strap for your chest. The HRM is part of the wrist piece. An infrared sensor monitors the blood flow in your wrist to let you know your BPM. Because I am now an expert on my heart, I know what I've been doing in rehab and the gym, and let me tell you this HRM is pretty darned accurate.The GPS is easy to use. There is one button that you can use to toggle around and make your settings before you go. Whether you are going on a run, hitting the treadmill, or just needing a stopwatch, this computer can do what you want it to.
During the run, it's easy to toggle and see your real time pace, overall pace, heart rate, miles, etc. The face is big enough to read at a glance. The computer looks bulky, but I found it comfortable. One of the features I haven't tried yet is race pace, where you can race against a previous run, and you can see how you compare.
All the info can be downloaded and you can keep track of it all on TomTom's website. This GPS is $269.99. There is a multi-sport version for your biking and swimming needs as well for $300. I think this piece is worth the price.
www.hokaoneone.com
www.tomtom.com
Charlie
Thursday, October 02, 2014
What Do I Love About Running?
This morning I helped a woman who is trying running for the first time. I asked her how it was going so far. She told me she hasn't felt that "high" everyone keeps talking about. She then asked, "What do you love about running?"
I smiled, and I told her it was a pretty long list. Specifically I told her, I love the peace that running gives me. I love to be able to run in beautiful spots that take me to nature....or I find some coolness in the city. I love the fact I can clear my mind, or really think about things with no interruption. I love the fact that I can just have time for me, and not worry about anything or anyone else for a while. I told her it was "Me" time.
"So you don't get that high?" she asked.
I have, but it hasn't been a feeling of euphoria. It's just been a feeling of normalcy and peace for me.
Now, I have no idea if that was the answer she was looking for, but it's the answer she got. She thanked me for helping her, and told me she hoped she would like it more. I hope so.
Charlie
I smiled, and I told her it was a pretty long list. Specifically I told her, I love the peace that running gives me. I love to be able to run in beautiful spots that take me to nature....or I find some coolness in the city. I love the fact I can clear my mind, or really think about things with no interruption. I love the fact that I can just have time for me, and not worry about anything or anyone else for a while. I told her it was "Me" time.
"So you don't get that high?" she asked.
I have, but it hasn't been a feeling of euphoria. It's just been a feeling of normalcy and peace for me.
Now, I have no idea if that was the answer she was looking for, but it's the answer she got. She thanked me for helping her, and told me she hoped she would like it more. I hope so.
Charlie
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