A Memory Run

Yesterday morning was a warm, slightly humid day in South Bend, IN. We were in town for my father's memorial service. Dad, as most of you know, died last August. Loved ones gathered this weekend for our formal goodbye.

While Saturday was the service, Sunday was a day for me to have my moment, and I chose my run. I drove over to the University of Notre Dame campus. My love for Notre Dame is well-known. My parents raised me on Fighting Irish football, and it seemed fitting that I would run on campus, and think about those times.

I started at the Irish Green, which is more or less an official entry to the campus, and headed to the Golden Dome. Several other runners were out and about, and everyone passed along their good mornings as I continued to run.

I've run on campus a couple of times. Notre Dame was the finish line of my first half marathon, the Sunburst Half Marathon. That race finishes on the 50 yard line in Notre Dame Stadium. I've also run the 10K of the Holy Half Marathon, a student organized fundraising race through campus. My favorite part of that race was the run along one of the lakes on campus - St. Mary's Lake,  so that is where I headed next.

I got to the lake, and I stood for a few moments and looked out over the peaceful scene. I thought about how special it was for my folks to take me to games. Our seats were on the 45 yard line, behind the team. They were ideal seats to watch the Irish take on USC, Michigan, Miami, Navy, Purdue, and so many teams who entered the hallowed stadium. I've had my share of joy and heartache in that stadium, but it was always a wonderful experience to be in the place that Rockne built.

I thought about the marvelous Caramel Corn my mom and I both loved, that they sold there. I thought about the tailgate parties I would see, and always remember asking Dad why we didn't do that. I never really got an answer to that. I thought about how I would sit in the stands with my folks and cheer or wail, sing the Victory March, and just simply watch good football.

My most favorite memory is 1980, ND vs Michigan, and things look grim for the Irish. Dad doesn't think ND can do it as they are pretty far from the goal line. We begin to head out, as Harry Oliver lines up to attempt a 51-yard field goal. We stand at the opening to the stair area, and watch the ball sail into the air, and go through the goal!!! ND WON!!! Dad and I cheered so loud, and we so thrilled, it was all we could talk about on the 1 mile walk back to the car.

At the lake, I looked out, and I thought about how both my parents and my brother are gone, and now it is my sister and me. I choked back a bit of a tear. I didn't want to get emotional on the run. I did think though, that there was some comfort knowing that the family who adopted me was now, finally together. David left us in 1968, Mom in 1997 and Dad last year.

I soon went back on my run, finishing strong back at the Irish Green.

I'm not a fan of cemeteries, as I have spent a lifetime visiting them, and to be honest, I don't like the idea of someone "visiting me" in a field of other graves. I don't want someone to feel they have to take care of a headstone. This lake, looking so peaceful and quiet, yet witness to excited football fans, seems like a wonderful place for me. When my time comes, I think I would like my cremated remains to spread out by this lake. It's in a place which has always meant joy for me, and I can always be near my Irish. Besides, I am fairly certain, the university would say no to the 50 yard line.

Charlie

On Pace

Today's 3 mile run was an important step for me. Pacing is an important part of training. My goal today was to finish and keep as even a pace as possible. I accomplished both.

My overall pace was 16:43. My first mile was 16:19. Mile 2 I was at 16:40. Mile 3 was 16:48. In my mind, that was a fairly even pace. I didn't go over 17:00/mile, which made me even happier. The run today was a rolly one, so this pacing is even better for me.

I preach often about negative splits on runs. You want to come back faster than you went out. While I didn't have the negative splits, it also wasn't a blowout the other way. This tells me I am getting stronger, and my stamina is getting better.

We are about to go on the road to Indiana and Chicago, so I may not get four runs in this week, but they will be quality runs.

Charlie

My Gay Moment

As usual readers of this blog know, every summer I have my gay moment. It's that post in my blog, where I cut loose as a gay man, and just talk about what looks hot to me in the running world. As always, if you don't to share in my gay moment....move along, nothing to see here.

This year I would like to salute what I consider this year's sexiest athletes. The criteria is that these athletes have to at least have some running in their workouts, if they aren't full on runners. These men are not ranked, but I hope you enjoy the fact there are some hot men out there, moving right foot, left foot, repeat....

Ashton Eaton - Decathlete

Tom Daley - Diver

Brazilian 2016 Olympic Gymnastics Team

I do confess to one all time favorite....... Nick Symmonds - Track

Sigh....I love the annual gay moment.

Charlie

The Move

Most everyone at this point knows we are moving to North Carolina. In a sense I am going home. I will be working with Fleet Feet Sports in Carrboro, NC. Anyone who has read this blog knows I started with Fleet Feet in Chicago almost 10 years ago, so I see this as a homecoming of sorts.

In my new job, I will be doing community outreach and training programs for the flagship store in Carrboro. Fleet Feet offered me this opportunity or a floor manager position in Menlo Park, CA. In the end, I felt more drawn to this opportunity. This also gives me a chance to learn more of Fleet Feet's processes so I can eventually be on a path to ownership.

I've been cautious in talking about my time at Providence Running Company, and with RSG/Jack Rabbit. I did not leave in bad circumstances. There was no ill will, or bad feelings. I felt Fleet Feet offered me another chance to grow, and to eventually own my own running store.

I will say this about my former company, I believe there is a trend in the industry to make running specialty, less special, and more about selling stuff, and RSG is leading that trend. Everyday I was asked point blank why I wasn't directing more people to the online business, or why I wasn't doing more to sell waterproofing products to people. At times, I was left with the impression that if I didn't do these things, I was somehow a bad manager. Sorry, I am not a bad manager for not selling enough of a product that is actually counter intuitive to what runners know about their products. I had also heard stories of managers being threatened for not selling enough magazine subscriptions.

Now, I don't feel the blame is on the higher ups of the company. I think the blame is on over eager district managers who are more interested in pumping their numbers and saving their jobs. They were too busy doing a job, they forgot to do their jobs, which is empowering managers and staff to deliver outstanding service. RSG is owned by Finish Line who has shareholders they answer to. I get it. I get bottom line philosophies. What I don't get is almost weekly job threats. Instead of threats, how about working with your people to improve the bottom line, and don't just dictate?

Ok....rant over. The point is people will come to our stores because of our people, and the trust that we will offer the best service, do the best job, and make honest suggestions for the customer. I think some people in the corporate group think lost that notion.

I'm not saying anything in this blog, that I have not expressed to my former company. We parted amicably, and I am on to great things.

Fleet Feet understands what I want to accomplish, and I understand what they want to accomplish, and I could not be happier with the decision to head over to them.

North Carolina also holds a special place in my heart, as I attended drama school in Winston-Salem for three summers, and have nothing but wonderful memories from that experience. While I know North Carolina is nothing like Rhode Island, I am looking forward to being reacquainted with the state.

In a few weeks Mark and I will head to North Carolina to look for a new home. It's a busy and exciting time for us, and I will share what we find.

Charlie

Training Update

I am a few weeks into training for the Royal Parks Foundation Half and the Philly Marathon. I know I haven't talked much about it, but I wanted to let you all know how things are going...slow and steady.

I had been trying build a base the first month, but running three times a week. I was doing a couple of miles at a time, nothing big. I just wanted running under my belt. Last week I expanded to running four times a week, and did well. My long run was over 4 miles, and I felt good following the run, which is always a key.

I'm taking this training far different from any other training I've done. This is my first serious training since my heart attack in 2014. I don't run like I used to, and I have gained a lot of weight, but I am not deterred. I can't run thinking about the runner I used to be. I have to focus on the runner I am now, and go from there.

Each week I am building on the miles, so I feel comfortable running longer distances. I'm not going to work on speed until mid-July(during the heat - oh goodie). Since last week's long run was over 4, I would like to approach 6 miles this week for my long run. I need to find a flatter place to run, because the hilly nature of where I've been running has been a mess for me.

I'm also working on my mental toughness. That has been a problem with me, as I have been dealing with a good many emotional issues this year. I'm trying to turn those hurtful things into something positive, and making sure I am finishing my runs as I intend.

Today I ran 3.22 miles, and I was good at the end. I didn't feel overly tired or sore.

I have a lot coming up in the next couple weeks. The challenge will be to maintain the running.

Charlie