It's All About Balance

Today was our first training session at the gym with Rob. The focus was on balance. Rob told us balance is something that doesn't get a lot of attention in training or workouts, but it is so important when building a strong core to have balance.

Balance for me is tricky because of my feet issues. I was game though, and I was doing the best I could with the various exercises. I even managed a few seconds without touching the post next to me. Rob assured me that in time I won't use the post as much. For me it's a believe it when I see it.

Runners need good balance, because it helps with form. You don't want to be hunched forward, or leaning back. You want to be straight-ish with the slightest lean forward, but not throwing your butt out behind you.

Following the workout, I hit the treadmill for a quicker mile. By quicker, I mean I wanted a faster pace. Mission accomplished as I ran a 16:16 min/mile.

A good first session. Looking forward to the next six months with Rob.

Charlie

Who We Are

My former boss, Dave Zimmer, and I share a Capraesque love of running and how we view it. To be honest, I wish more people in the running industry shared that view, and worked from that standpoint. The running store is more than a place for shoes, shorts, socks and Body Glide. It is where you go to get inspiration, advice, have running geek out talks, and share info. We in the industry are more than sales people. We are a runner's friend - it's who we are.

Over the years people have been very kind to thank me for helping them, giving advice, inspiring them, being in their corner, etc.. Here's the deal, I thought all of that was expected of me. I took it as "just doing my job."

Now I know a good many folks who work in the industry just see it as a paycheck, and a job. I feel bad for those folks, because they are missing out on some incredible experiences. Runners come to us, because we have value to them. It's who we are.

You can have the best marketing plan. You can have terrific online presence. You can have great sales people. None of that matters if you don't have heart in your business, and you share that heart with your customers. Having a heart and sharing it is also who we are. Those who don't recognize that are not very successful, IMHO.

You can have all the money in the world, but if you didn't love what you did, or how you shared that love, then all you have is money and no joy. My friends, it is true, money does not buy happiness.

To my fellow running specialty folks, remember who you are. You are part of a special group who loves running, has a heart, and can share that love and joy with customers daily. It is who we are.

Charlie

A More Tactical Long Run

Today I headed for the gym for my long run, and I decided to run in 20 minute intervals for a total of 1 hour of running. I felt that being on the treadmill, I need to make it manageable in my head to do this. So breaking it down into 3 mini runs made sense to me.

First 20 minute run I ran 1.19 miles. I started slow, and I forced myself to stay at a slower pace for this first block of time. My mistake is always going too fast at the start. To be honest, I felt like the 20 minutes would never end.

Next 20 minutes I did 1.20 miles. I went a bit faster. I started the first runs at a 3.6 on the treadmill, and got up to a 3.7. During this block of time, I pretty much stayed at the 3.7 mph on the treadmill, doing a 5 min/1 min run/walk.

For the last 20 minutes, I alternated between a 3.7 and a 3.8 mph, and finished with 1.24 miles, for an overall total of 3.63 miles in an hour. I was tired at the end, but pleased with the run.

A woman came up to me when I was in my last 7 minutes and asked, "Didn't I see you here an hour ago?" I told her I was running for an hour. She told me she teaches yoga and was impressed I ran the duration of her class, and I needed to keep up the good work. I gave her a thumbs up.

All in all a good day. I really think when you run longer distances, you need to keep it manageable in your head, and not think about the total you have to do. Making me do 3 blocks of 20 minute runs helped me mentally. Next week is to do 1 1/2 hours, and break that up into 3 minute blacks.

Charlie

A Different Burger

Today Mark and I went out to lunch. Typically finding something healthy while going out is a problem. Whole Foods is a problem solver. If you haven't been to a local Whole Foods which offers a food bar, or similar offerings, you are missing out. At the local Whole Foods, they have a burger bar, and one of the items is Cauliflower Burgers. I was intrigued.

I asked the woman at the counter about them, and she said, "Well if you like Cauliflower, then you might like this." Not a ringing endorsement, then she told me she normally doesn't work that area and got the cook. He seemed thrilled that someone asked about this burger. He asked me how I like to have my burgers. I told him with ketchup. He said, "And?" I told him, I'm boring when it comes to burgers. He laughed, and assured me I could have it any way I would like, and it would be fine.

The burger is fried, which I felt took some of the health away from it, but he told me what the breading was, and it wasn't anything too harmful. The burger was a double patty - not bad for $8. I seemed all pleased with myself as I headed to the table to give this a try.

I took a bite...and it was softer than what I expecting. Then again I'm not sure how firm it could be. Was it tasty? Yes it was. I really enjoyed it, and found it a nice change of pace. Now to be sure, it will never replace an Angus Beef hamburger, but when I want a burger, but don't want to be weighed down by it, then this is a great choice.

Any other good burger suggestions?

Charlie

Where I Am

Today Mark and I headed to the gym for an assessment of our bodies, and what steps we need to take to get back into shape. Currently I weigh 272 lbs. Those who know me, know I am so depressed about this. This is about the weight I was when I had my heart attack, and now I am back in bad shape.

I am 1 1/2 months from a half marathon that I won't do well in, and I know that. I'm going to do it though, and I am going to work my way through it. I'm going to work my way to a healthier life again.

Mentally the last year has taken a horrible toll on me, and I took to food to fight my way through it. So many harsh negative voices in my head in the last year, telling me what I failure I was. This is has been part of my grieving process since my dad died. I tried to get counseling, but the counselor I saw told me he thought I was just going through normal grief, and didn't need any help. Thanks for nothing buddy.

I've had a series of nightmares over the last year, all about beating me down. As I wrote over a year ago, my dad and I did not have an easy relationship, and this year I have very much felt the pain of that relationship.

I'm done.

Today in meeting with a trainer, I saw the start of something which I believe will be positive for me. I'm going to tackle my mental problem through the physical. The trainer we have is someone who understands everyone is different, and tailors a plan based on what the person can do, what the "norm" is. Mark and I really liked that.

I'm looking ahead to next year, understanding that what I am doing takes time and hard work. I know London and Philly will not be my best efforts, but they will be my best efforts for where I am right now.

There is no goal weight, as that is an illusion to me. There is a goal feeling of health and happiness I want to attain, and I will know when I am there.

I am sharing this journey with you, and I hope you will follow, ask questions, contribute.

I have a new town, new job, and a fresh start, and it's time to get it going. That is where I am.

Charlie