The Best - Again

Refresher time.....

There is no best running shoe. There is no shoe which will assure you a PR in your next race. It doesn't matter what shoe I wear. It doesn't matter what shoe "most people buy." There is no weeklyBCS  ranking of shoes to determine to best. Sorry....it goes back to what I have said for over 6 years in the business - the best shoe is the one that fits the best and works the best for you - period.

Can you tell what my weekend was like?

Charlie

Two Runs

This week I had two very different runs, though both were designed to do the same thing. Earlier last week I attempted to run my long run - 3 hours or 10 miles. That run ended after 50 minutes. Running in the humidity was like running with a sponge over my mouth. It also turned into an angry run, where I was just so frustrated with life, I couldn't concentrate on life.

Run #2 was better. It was a cooler day, less humidity, and I didn't use the GPS, just the watch. Technology is a wonderful thing, but sometimes, you don't need to know what pace you are running at every given moment. Sorry Garmin. So I ran.

This run was much better. I felt freer to run, since I wasn't always looking at the GPS. When I run without the GPS, I feel I can focus more on the run, and my body, and what I am doing. I finished in 2:24, and ran 10 miles, which is pretty good for me. More importantly I was happy with the run.

I told my training program yesterday, that we have to improvise when we run. We can't be a slave to the program. If your long run isn't going well, scrap it, and just run. You can do the long run the next go round. It really doesn't matter if you do your long run on Saturday or some other day. I know we have busy lives, but just figure it out, and know you have some freedom.

Charlie

Firecracker 6 2013

Yesterday was the annual running of the Firecracker 6, a 6 mile race through downtown Indianapolis. What started with 250 runners in 2010, is now up to around 1,000 registered runners. Not bad. upfront, I will be honest, I have run 3 out of the 4 races, but this is not my favorite race. In fact, I don't like the course. I needed a 6 mile run yesterday, and this fit the bill.

The plus side to the race is I got to run with my friend Kris. Typically when I run with friends, that means we start together. Kris and I ran the entire course yesterday. The 6 miles was spent catching up, and just chatting.

Wait though, this was also a training run, so how did that go? I finished in 1:33, so I was at a decent pace. This was the slowest Firecracker I have done, but I was viewing it in terms of marathon training. For the marathon training, I was where I wanted to be pace-wise. This is a hot and humid race, so I walked more than I care too, but it I just felt uncomfortable, and need more walking.

My biggest complaint about this race was finally resolved. When we ran the first one, Mark was with us running, and he got frustrated that there weren't any port-a-potties on the course. This was the first year they had one on the course(Mile 3). About time folks!

I think if I am going to truly love running in Indianapolis, I need to design a course I like. Why do all the courses have to take us through the ugly industrial parts of the city. It makes it sooooo boring(500 Mini Marathon). At least the Monumental just skirts you around those parts.

I finished in 797th place out of over 800 finishers. I'll take it, a Kenyan I am not.

Charlie

30 Years to Yesterday

For a few moments, I'm not going to talk about running, or coffee for that matter. This is a rare departure on this blog, and most of you will indulge me this posting. I feel I need to express myself on a deeper level.

30 years ago this month I entered life as an openly gay man. Now to be honest, the previous 20 years were pretty gay, but my coming out was an important moment for me. David Ferguson may not have realized it then, but when he kissed me(and vice versa), back in the little practice room at School of the Arts, the real me was awakened, and my inner joy was truly born. Yup, who knew a make out session could do all that.

My journey over the next 30 years was difficult at some points, and tremendously happy in other points. There has been one constant though, my firm belief that my orientation doesn't mean I take a back seat to anyone.

The year after coming out, I endured the horror of rape. I went home with a guy, who I thought was a pretty decent guy, and in turn he raped me. The ugliness of that day haunts me. It doesn't define me though. I was told very early on, and it took me a while to understand this, but it's true - I was not responsible for what happened that day. I was still a person of worth, and not a piece of garbage as I was treated by that man.

The news though got worse. 1985 - I was misdiagnosed as being HIV+. I have to mention the misdiagnosis up front, because I don't want anyone to think I am still HIV+. I do, though, live with that diagnosis for 2.5 years. This period was I learned how little society cared for gay people.

The day I got my second test "confirming" my status, the State of Indiana health "counselor" told me to prepare to die. I asked if there was anyone or group to go to. She told me no. Little did I know the Lesbian and Gay Community were founding groups which would not only provide support on a mental level, but created organizations which took care of our medical, housing, nutritional, financial, and any other needs we could think of. We took care of our own, because we knew this wasn't "God's punishment." We knew this was a public health issue, and our country at the time didn't care. We were still the second class citizens who were "perverts" and freaks. We were "Queers" and not in that good way.

1988 I came out of the closet even further. I was elected the first president of OUT, Indiana University's  LGBT organization. With the hard work of great people like Jeff Bass, Chad Brown, Nora Fergus, Grant Kerr, Chad Fisher, and our straight allies, like Jennifer Rudd and Pamela Freeman, we worked hard over the next two years, to let the university community know that lesbian and gay students were equal to anyone else on campus.

Sexual orientation was put into the non-discriminatory policies of the university. We created Pride Week and the Miss Gay IU Pageant. We remembered those in our past who perished during the Holocaust. We laid the ground work for the LGBT Student Support Center. We demanded a place at the table, and we got it. No one gave us anything, we worked hard for it.

We also remembered those of our friends and loved ones who dies of AIDS related causes. We brought the NAMES Project Quilt to Indiana for the first time in 1990. We raised over $16,000 for community AIDS organization with our efforts.

My post IU life was very different. For a time I lived in Nashville, TN. At that time the closet door was barely open a crack. I had joined a gay men's support group, and quickly learned how self loathing some gay men could be. One member of the group killed himself, because of the "shame" of his sexuality. I have never been ashamed of who I am, and it bothered me that someone would do this. I left the group shortly after this happened. I asked the counselor why he suggested I join. He thought I would be a role model for the group. That isn't a good reason to join a group. A support group should help you, not reinforce the negatives.

I did come out to my family while I was IU. It wasn't the more positive experience. My mom took it fairly hard. I'm not sure she was every comfortable with it. At the end of her life, she told me she just wanted me to be happy, and enjoy life.

Relationships have not always been easy, but then again they never are. I have had the one night stands, the stalker, the being alone, the love, the loss of love, and the love again. Six years ago, last week, I met Mark. We met online, hooked up(yup I will be blunt), dated, and fell in love. That love has endured a lot in the last six years. His health issues have been a source of hardship for us on many levels. He in turn has dealt with my work issues, and our move to my home state of Indiana, which has not gone well for him.

I have always been honest about my life and my relationships. It has caused me trouble in the workplace, because I have worked in the past with idiots who don't consider me equal. My dad told me many years ago, that I should marry a lesbian, that way no one would discriminate against me. I looked him in the eye and said, "Dad do you really think I would ALLOW anyone to discriminate against me?" HELL NO!

My 30 year journey has included wonderful friends, both gay and straight alike. One sadness for me came in 1994, when I lost my childhood friend Dave Wagle. We had gone through middle and high school together. We were competitive with each other in choir(of course I was the better singer). We lost touch when we went to college, but found each other when I moved to Chicago in 1992. He had AIDS and was dying.

This was still at a time of great stigma, even in our community. Many of his friends had abandoned him. I wondered why he had so few visitors in the hospital. He told me his friends didn't want to see what would happen to them. I hated that. I made sure everytime we were together we did something fun. We did lunch at the old Marshall Field's Walnut Room. We went shopping. We had a cocktail or two. We did what friends do.

Dave passed away while I was in Italy in school, during he summer of 1994. When I spoke to his mother, I told her I didn't realize how close he was to dying. She told me he asked about often while I was gone. I wished I could have been there for him at the end. Still he knew how much I valued our friendship. He is buried a few miles away from where my family had a cottage at Lake Michigan. He had visited us there a few times, and I know he loved that area. I was touched he wanted to be buried there.

When the world hasn't been good to gay people, it has always been important to surround myself with friends. I am blessed to have had FABULOUS friends. Naming them is a horrible exercise, because I know I would forget someone, and hurt their feelings. I do need to name two people who were crucial to helping me develop as a gay man - Chris Runge and Marshall Shore. Oh how I wish these two knew each other.

Chris was the first person I told about that memorable kiss, and that I was gay. Of course, he would come out later in life, but he was so supportive and happy for me. I am so happy my first coming out was that positive.

Marshall I met while I was at IU. He went to Purdue(not his fault I'm sure). He was a friend of a friend, and then we became friends. He taught me about being FABULOUS! He and I have shared holidays together(my first cooking a thanksgiving turkey comes to mind in my blond wig and pearls). We have gone clubbing together(Gauze Boy). We have shared our joys and our sorrows with each other. When I ran my first marathon, I chose Phoenix, so he could be there to support me. He is my gay brother, and I love him dearly.

This 30 year experience has made me a happy and proud gay man. Still though, Mark and I face a country where we have been second class citizens. Personally I believe we are second to no one. We are equal. Thanks to the DOMA and Prop. 8 decisions by the US Supreme Court, lesbians and gays have been told that we are equal, and while our efforts need to continue, in the eyes of the highest court in the land, we are not second class citizens.

This decision will not stop the haters from trying to beat us back. History though is on our side. Mark and I will be married. It will be recognized. Our marriage won't be a "skim milk" marriage(quoting Justice Ginsberg). As the chant goes, "We're here. We're queer. Get used to it."

I look forward to continuing to be a proud gay man, and continuing to fight for that place at the table.

Charlie

Pacing in the Heat

Summer is CLEARLY here now, and so is the heat and the humidity. As I waded through the sauna like run today, I thought about how to pace myself. When the heat is like this, you don't want to go full out hard on a run. You need to pace yourself.

I was armed with water and a gel. Off I went on the Monon. I wanted to run between 45 minutes to an hour. I knew this would not be a fast run.

In my head I was working on staying at an easy pace. For me, I thought that should be a 15:15 pace. At the half way point, I was averaging a 15:25 pace. So now here is the issue; am I good with that, or do I pick it up a bit. I opted to pick it up.

At one point I was running at 14:04. Way too fast, and my body was telling me the heat would soon get me if I kept that up. I eased up, and just focused on running comfortable. This worked well, and in the end, I did 3.23 miles in a 15:00 pace. So while I was still ahead of goal pace, I wasn't tired or dehydrated.

I felt this was a pretty successful run.

Charlie

What's Wrong With Track and Field?

Over the weekend I saw video from Des Moines, IA, host to this year's US Track and Field Championships which disturbed me. I saw some of the best athletes in the world, giving their all to make the World Championship Team, in front very few spectators. This bothers me, because as I watch track and field meets from other parts of the world, I see fuller, if not full stadiums.

Des Moines is a track town. The Drake Relays are hosted there. Several NCAA Championships meets have been there. There is running history there.

I understand this is not an Olympic year. This may be part of the problem. We tend to pay attention to track and field, every four years, and then forget these athletes exist. It didn't always used to be like this.

In the early to mid 20th century, track meets garnered a lot of attention. One only needs to read the historical clippings about the great Jesse Owens to see there was plenty of attention to the meets. Of course, this was before television and 500 sport channels.

Competition for the sporting dollar is intense. Football and basketball dominate our country. Baseball and hockey come next. Soccer is still trying to gain traction.

What needs to happen to get track and field into the limelight? USA Track and Field(USATF), need only look in their backyard for what can help. Carmel, Indiana is an example of how to build interest in running - start them young.

In Carmel kids in elementary school have what are called "Pup Running" groups. Parents help coach kids to run, and set up small scale competitions. Kids love this, and it begins a feeder system into middle school and high school programs. Carmel High School is routinely a top running school in the state, and an elite program in the country. Well over 100 kids participate in track at the school, and also in cross country.

In Chicago, where I lived previously, there was little attention given to track. In fact ,when I helped Marathon Kids find a venue for their events, it is almost impossible to find something in the city. The suburbs is where running lives.

So is this an economic issue? Running, compared to other sports, is one of the cheapest to participate in. Shoes(and spikes), shirt, shorts, are your basic tools. You don't need pads, equipment, masks, balls, bats, etc. You need yourself. This would seem to be a good chance for inner city kids to participate. Yet, the suburbs are the hubs.

We have read now for decades that African American youth see sports such as football and basketball as ways out of economic hardship or poverty. Clearly, with the multi-million dollar contracts, that makes sense. I'm not saying track and field needs to have that kind of money going on(nor should it), but why can't there be an economic incentive for track and field?

Now I write this, and I understand, I don't know what outreach USATF has for growth. I will be critical though, at your national championship, you can't be happy to have NBC televise 4 hours on a Saturday of empty seats in a stadium. Not all communities are Eugene, OR(Tracktown USA), but still you have to get out there and fill those seats.

I know they are working on better financial rewards for athletes. I know athletes like Nick Symmonds are pushing for of the money that is already out there. Both are good moves, now we need the incentive to get people to watch track and field.

Charlie

Frankenstein Walk

After a long run(6+ miles), my feet, ankles and legs hurt. For about a day I walk like Frankenstein. I hate it. I have always hated it, but it's my reality. I believe part of the problem stems from the removal of tendons from my lower legs when I was an infant, in an effort to "cure" my Clubbed Foot issues.

Since my range of motion is minimal in one foot, and pretty non existent in the other foot, I have no doubt this is what aggravates everything. Add to it my Arthritis, and you have a lot of pain potential. Now when I am running, I typically don't feel this pain until later in a run. The pain sets in the moment I stop running. This probably happens because the muscles are now resting and the inflammation has a chance to kick into high gear.

So what makes it get better? Ironically being on my feet. Resting feels good, but then when I move the pain is horrible. If I can walk around a while, the pain isn't as intense, and I can walk with less limping. I just can't be on my feet all day.

There are days I wish there was a shot to make the pain go away.

Charlie

My 3rd Annual Gay Moment

Every Summer I share my gay running moment. Two years ago I talked about how I like the shirtless male runners. Last year I talked shorts. This year, I want to talk about who should and shouldn't be out there trying to look hot.

As I ran on this very humid morning, I saw all kinds of men out there. Now to be fair, it was hot and humid out there, and I don't want knock the guys who just want to be comfortable. I get it. For a brief moment, I thought about doffing my shirt. Then again....I think of others, and I know what they don't want to see.

So here is an idea of who should not be out there shirtless.

1) Hairy Men - Sorry, if you take your shirt off, and you look like a running forest, put the shirt back on.

2) More Wrinkles than a Shar Pei - While I am AARP eligible, I will never be old enough to run without a shirt. Bouncing wrinkles just is not right.

3) Painfully Ugly - It's one thing to be ugly ......

So....who should be out there shirtless for all of us to enjoy. Perfect example is Olympic Athlete Nick Symmonds.... While I appreciate Nick as a great runner, he is also a LGBT Equality Supporter, and one FINE looking guy. 

Clearly I have some work to do before I doff my shirt and head out on the trail. Come on guys....you want to look hot out on the road - get to work!

Charlie

Canal Towpath Run

Every now and then, I think it's good to get off the beaten path on a run. For me in Indianapolis. that means running on the Central Canal Towpath. This path was created in the 19th century as a waterway within the city.

As you can tell from the picture, it's a crushed limestone path that anyone can use. Yesterday I shared the path with bikers and runners, and the occasional turtles. Of course the turtles were working hard to keep up with me.

The path is 5.23 miles, starting in the Broad Ripple area, and ventures towards 30th St. You go through the woods behind Butler University and near the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I started in the Rocky Ripple neighborhood, and turned around right before the art museum. I also veered towards Butler University. I ran 3 miles.

Running on the towpath is very serene and calm. All I heard was the crunch of the limestone as I ran. Typically I run slower on this surface, and I was fine with that. This was about getting in a run, and enjoying it.

I encourage all my Indy friends to go for a run on the towpath....you'll love it.

Charlie

Summer Run

Yesterday I worked until mid-afternoon. Typically I don't run after work, but I gave it a shot yesterday. It was humid when I got to the Monon Trail. I saw a few souls out there biking and running. This wasn't a long run. I had a 45 minute run in mind. Off I went.

I didn't have a hat on, and wished I did. Flys and other insects were landing on my head. Must have been the product I had in it. I did a lot of swatting away of flys. I'm sure I looked a bit strange, running and swatting.

I got into a groove fairly quickly and felt good, though my right knee gave me a bit of a twingy issue. It went away though. At the halfway point, I was at 23:00 on the dot. I knew what I needed to do to hit negative splits - go faster. That was the goal on the return trip.

My return time was 22:58. Negative splits! Overall another good run.

I have been given an entry into the annual Firecracker 6 on July 4. This is a hot mess of a race, from a heat standpoint. I have run 2 out of the last 3. The course is "shady" at the start. The last 3 miles are pretty brutal - no shade, and that's when I slow down. My PR in this race is 1:24:28. Last year I ran 1:26 :12. I will be happy to beat last year's time.

This is vacation week, so I have some runs planned, including a longer run on the weekend.

Keep on running!

Charlie

The Long Run: Time to Think

Thinking! So what else are you going to do during a two hour run? Today no music, just me out there running, alone with my thoughts. This has been a difficult week. I had an anxiety attack the other night, and have not slept well. The long run allows you the time to think things over, and hopefully work through your issues. Oh, and while you're at it, you are running as well.

The run allowed me to think things which led to the anxiety attack. I didn't resolve anything, but the run gave me the chance to put things in perspective, and how I can handle what is going on.

When I wasn't obsessing about the woe is me part of life, I ran well. I felt good for most of the run. My pace was decent. I ran 7 miles today in 1:50. Not my best pace, but I was happy with it.

The heat did come through, and I realized I wasn't hydrated prior to the run like I should have been. I hit the NUUN bottle pretty heavy.

The week's long run is done. Now I can do a short run to wrap things up.

Charlie

99 Days.....

The countdown is now under 100 days until I run in Appleton! Running is going well. I would prefer to be running 4 days a week, but the body and time don't allow. Looking for a 2 hour run this week. Hope I can get it done.

I'm feeling good and confident that I can now form a plan to succeed in this marathon.

Charlie

Show Tunes Running

Tonight is the annual Tony Awards, a huge celebration of theatre. For my long run I loaded up a bunch of show tunes, and off I went on a 5.5 mile journey. When I turned 50, I wrote about how I had wanted to be an actor. So today, as I was listening to various tunes. I thought about the theatre experiences I had. Yup a run with nostalgia.

"Pippin" was the first big show I saw. My parents took me to Chicago(1973), to see the story of Pippin, son of Charlemagne. I remember it being a pretty randy show, so I'm not sure what my parents thought they were taking me to see. Still I was hooked!

Every now and then a show would make its way to South Bend, and I remember my mom, grandmother and me going to see "1776." If you haven't seen this show, this is a more sophisticated version than SchoolHouse Rock of how the Declaration of Independence was written.

In London I saw "Chicago" the great Bob Fosse musical. To this day, I think the stage version is so much better than the movie from a few years ago.

My most amazing experience was actually a play called "West Side Waltz." The playwright had written "On Golden Pond," a film I loved, but this was a very mediocre play, but we sat in the 4th row center, and watched the great Katherine Hepburn in it. WOW! There was the legend 4 rows away from me.

Yes, I have been to Broadway, and have been lucky enough to see "The Producers," "Les Miserables,""Rent," "Urinetown," "Kiss Me Kate," and in 2001 attended the Tony Awards.

"Cats," "Annie," "West Side Story," and by far the worst show ever - "Annie 2" have all been in my past. "I guess "Annie 2" would have been better if FDR had not gotten out of his wheelchair to dance.

My love of the stage continues to this day, and filled my head, and I did hum a bit during the 5.5 mile long run today. Great run, great memories.

Charlie

Training Assessment

When I began the training for the marathon I had a plan. I am still on track...sorta. My longest run has been 80 minutes. At this point I thought that I would be at 2 hours. I'm not worried, but as usual I underestimated my stamina. Now that I have some longer runs(1 hour+) under my belt, I feel better about tackling a 2 hour run.

Physically I know I am not anywhere close to a marathon day form. Good thing I have 105 days until race day. I am in a much better place than I was a month ago. So I feel good about that.

My diet is better, but I think it had nowhere to go but better. :-)

If I were grading myself I would say I am at a B-. So I am on track, and have room to improve.

Charlie

The Labels

Everyday I work with at least one customer who tells me they really don't run....they jog. I have never been one of those people who took to the label of jogging. There does seem to be 3 basic labels for runners though:

Runners
Joggers
Run/Walkers

During my run today I thought about these labels, and in the end, I decided they are bunk. As you all know, I see running as right foot, left foot repeat...of course the repeat is faster than a walk. If you are out doing your miles, or training for a race, or just doing it for fitness, you  are a runner. I take my cues from Steve Runner on this. He has said over and over again, that once you have run a marathon, you now and forever shall be known as a marathoner.

I think when we say something like, 'I'm just a jogger," I feel like we are putting ourselves down, as not worthy of the title of runner. I call BS. You're a runner.

Charlie

Feel Like Normal

Today was one of those runs where I felt normal. I have long said that running makes me feel like a normal person. With my lack of running, I haven't had that normal feeling - until today. Today felt like all cylinders were going. I was running well. I was in a zone.

The goal was a longer run today, and that that was accomplished. I ran 4.8 miles. Something else was accomplished. The feeling that I am doing something others are doing is important to me. As a reminder, my early life was spent not being active due to issue surrounding being born with Clubbed Feet. I still deal with those issues.

When I am out running, and I am being greeted by fellow runners, and I am feeling good on a run, I feel just amazing.

The 4.8 miles was covered 1:11:19, but in the end, much more was covered.

Charlie

Downpour 4 Miler

Today the goal was to time my run between the rains. I looked at the radar, read the reports, and figured my time to run. Off I went. What the heck to meteorologists know? It rained.

At first it was misty. I can handle misty. About 1.75 miles into the run, it rained a bit harder. At the halfway point the heavens opened and the rain came down.

I chose the route I took last week on my longer run, so if it rained there would be tree cover. It helped - sorta. I stopped the GPS a couple times as I took shelter from the downpour. I finally figured I needed to get out there and get back to the car. Off I went, and the rains kept coming down.

Ironically as the rains came down....I got faster. I wanted to get out of the friggin' rain! As I crossed the bridge, which is .30 miles from my starting point, the rains stopped.

The actual run was fine, and even though every inch of me was wet, I thought is was a really good workout. I just wouldn't want to run every run in that rain.

Charlie

Race Rules

I have long thought that races should offer a booklet of rules to runners, so the race experience will be easier and safer for everyone. Here are some I would add.

1) If you wear an iPod and you need to tie your shoe, slow down, and move off the course. DON'T stop in the middle of the course and bend down. You will be run over.

2) When you take water/Gatorade and you are throwing the cup, please be aware of the people behind you so you don't splash them with left over drink.

3) Stick to your pace corral. If you are a 15min/mile pace, get out of the 6 min/mile corral.

4) Slow runners/walkers on the right.

5) Don't shove at the start.

6) If you are in a group, try not to be 5-10 across.

7) Don't smoke or drink alcohol on the course.

8) Be courteous at the finish line.

Anyone else have some race rules?

Charlie

Feeling Good

Starting week #4 of marathon training, and so far so good. Last week I didn't make the three runs. On Sunday, my feet were feeling achy, and I couldn't shake it, so I didn't head out. Still overall I am feeling good so far.

This morning I headed out for 45 minute run, and did 3 miles in 44:14. I'll take it, as it was a humid one out there. The Monon was pretty active for a Tuesday. A few walkers out there.

Since I have started dedicating times to run, I am feeling better physically and mentally. Though, the mentally could use a bit more work. :-)

All in all a nice run. Have to figure when my longer run will be this week.

***Note*** On the webpage for this blog, you now see a coffee cup with wings running. My friend Kris' very talented daughter drew this for me, and I thought I would highlight it on the page. I really like it.

Charlie

Track Time

This morning I just didn't want to go for a run. Sometimes I dread getting in the car and figuring out where to run. Our neighborhood is not a running neighborhood, so getting up and going for a run is more of a process. Problem was solved today with the track.

There's an outdoor track at a local middle school near me. I got to the track as the sun was peering over the tops of the trees. I did a short run - 2 miles. I hadn't been on a track in over a year. While it isn't my favorite way to run, it isn't a treadmill. I may be going in circles, but I'm going somewhere.

I enjoyed the run. Another run joined me on the track, and zipped around me a few times. No worries, it didn't deter me from my pace or anything. Working hard to keep the pace sub-15min. I did two miles with a 14:44 pace. Pretty happy with that.

Run #2 for the week is done. That leaves tomorrow for me to squeak run #3 in for the week.

Charlie

"The Look"

I have touched on this before, and yes, I am going to touch on it again. I know what I look like, and I know I don't look like a runner. I look like a 50 year old guy, with arthritis, deaf in one ear, plenty of grey hair, and overweight. I also run. Most of my customer don't look like what one might expect a runner to look like. Still I get "the look."

"The look" is what I get when someone meets me, they know I am in running specialty, and they are sizing me up, and giving me an odd look, all the while, they think they don't know I see them doing it. It happens with vendor reps. It happens with my operational manager, and it happened with staff associated with the new owners of my store. I am what I am. I may get thinner. I may get heavier, but I am going to be me.

I'll make a deal with these folks, if they don't give me "the look," I promise not think they jerks.

Am I being harsh? Yes I am, but if someone is going to take the time to sneak "the look" at me, I get to think what I want back.

Just sayin'.

Charlie

A Long Run Turns Into a Nice Run

A run doesn't always need to act like a training run. Sometimes, it's just a really nice run. Today was a nice run. which happened to be a long run.The Monon Trail has lots of portions to it. I headed north to Westfield. I had done this a bit, but not as much as today.

Here is what I encountered on the run.

This is a really quiet part of the Monon. A lot of people use the Indianapolis and Carmel portions, but I was virtually alone today. Simply lovely out there. I started just south of 146th St, and made my way past 161st St. At one point you leave the paved part of the trail, and it's crushed limestone. I love trails like that. I don't fun fast on them, but I enjoy them.

I felt good on this run. When I got out of the car, I realized I forgot the GPS. So I estimated my time out there, but that didn't matter during the run. This is one of those times the run is the important factor, and the watch is just in the way. A long run shouldn't be about time, but about endurance and stamina. I ran 4.5 miles and felt great afterwards. I estimate my run was 1:13, not a speedy run by any means.

This is going to become one of my favorite ways to go when I hit the Monon. I look forward to seeing how far north it goes.

During the run, my thoughts ranged from how to organize a 5K to wondering about Buddha. Yes, that is quite a range. The majority of the time was spent just simply enjoying the run....which is how it should be.

Charlie

Parents

I have talked about them before, but it's time to talk about them again. Parents, I think it's great you encourage your kids to run. I think it's great you take them to their meets and cheer them on. I think parents who encourage kids to be active is a good thing.

There is a line though and it's right about here ---------------------------------------

Now this line divides encouraging, and getting WAY too involved, like it's your activity. We know who these parents are. These are the ones who get into every coaches face to complain about why Billy isn't in varsity, running the 100m. These are the ones who go into a running store, and not only grill the poor employee about every aspect of the shoe, but they take charge of fitting their child. "No honey, not Nike, they pinched my toes when I was young, so you can't wear them."(You think I make this up....I don't).

Now if you are reading this, and you are wondering if you have crossed the line, ask yourself the following.....

Do go onto the track and proceed to coach along side the coach, who clearly doesn't know how special my child is?

Do I attack the running store guy because they don't have 1/4" spikes in stock until Tuesday?

Am I living too vicariously in my child's running life(Yes WE got a medal)?

If you answered yes to any of these.....you are one of those parents.

Remember, this is a FUN activity. It isn't life or death.

Charlie

World Peace Reminder

This morning on my long run, I thought about two things, the state of the world, and my breathing. Yeah, I know the two don't go hand in hand, but I'll explain. During the first part of my run I thought I about the recent Boston Marathon attacks. I thought about how people, like me, just want to run and enjoy our run. Someone has to ruin for purposes we don't always understand.

There is a lot of bad in the world; fighting in Syria, anti-gay attacks in Eastern Europe, building collapses in Pakistan or Bangladesh. There are people who want to do harm. We can't let these things take over our lives. We need a big step back, and more thoughts of peace. Seems these days, few want to come together.

So what does that have to do with my breathing? I have often used the mantra "World Peace" to settle and regulate my breathing. I typically say or think "World" on the inhale, and "Peace" on the exhale. I make sure the exhale is a tad longer than the inhale. This settles me into my breathing and pace.

I also feel that in a meditative way, I am sending out the desire for World Peace into the world. That somehow this will settle things down in our world. Yes, I know how that sounds, but I don't think my doing this bothers anything, and it is also trying to do something positive.

The run itself was a good one. I had negative splits today, so I came home a bit faster than I went out. I thought I would cover 1:05-1:10 today. With my speedy return, I did 1:02:25. I covered 4.17 miles. A good effort today, and one that I am happy with.

Charlie

My Feelings on Running

I will be the first to admit I have had issues with running for a while. Battling injuries, and personal issues, has left me feeling blah about running. That has changed though over the last couple of months. What has changed? Possibly I have changed.

For starters, I am running more. I am finding the way to get out there 3 days a week, even if it is a shorter than I like run. What the run yesterday reminded me was that getting out and running, is better than not running. I didn't accomplish anything more than right foot, left foot repeat for 40 minutes yesterday, but I think that is better than sitting on my butt, wishing I was running.

I am also enjoying the runs more. I'm not tinkering with time at the moment, so I am able to enjoy the run. I think this is key. A friend of mine ran the recent Mini Marathon, and she told me this wasn't her best race, but it was her favorite, because she just had fun.

So this is my attitude now....to enjoy the run, and let other things take care of themselves.

Charlie

Better Run

Today was a much better run than yesterday. Probably helps I had a better day. I ran late in the day, so it was pretty hot, and I had been on my feet all day. So I didn't run as long as I would have liked, but I got out there, and that is the key.

I felt good for most of the run. The heat began to come into play and I was walking a bit more. We haven't a lot of warm weather, so I am going to chalk it up to a need to acclimated. At least that's the story I'm sticking with. :-)

So one more run for the week, and I need to plan well for it, because I work all weekend. If only work could be planned around my runs.

Charlie

Angry Run

The worst run of all is an angry run. This is when you are in a bad mood, all you do is think about the bad mood on your run, and then you just run angry. I hate it, and that is what happened today.

The goal today was to run over an hour. Because of situations at work, I have had to sit by a phone all day to see if I need to go in. To be honest, I still don't know if I need to go in, but I most likely will.

I was angry at work people most of the day. Now for the record, it's not anyone fault I have to go in emergencies happen. Everyone has issues with work, and I won't bring them here. Needless to say, I carried this anger on my run.

As a result I ran 26:05 minutes, and trust me, I ran hard...not fast but hard.

I hate angry runs.

Charlie

An Excellent Cause: A Century Ride

I have written about my friend Mike before. In the past, I have talked about how I admire what he has gone through to keep on going. There are people in this world who are warriors. Mike is a warrior. Mike has Myeloma, and what you should know is that the survival rate for this Cancer is poor, very poor. I read at one point once a person is diagnosed with Myeloma, they have 5-7 years. Mike is on year 8.

Mike has fought every step of the way. He has excellent days, and he has horrible days. Through it all is his determination that he is not going out without one heck of a fight. His wonderful wife Kris, and his three children are incentive enough to keep going, but I know deep inside, Mike has more incentive than those four excellent reasons - he wants to live and enjoy life to the fullest!

One of his passions, other than trains, wine and coffee, is biking. He loves hitting the road and going out for a few miles. As a runner, I understand his need to get out. It takes him away from the stresses in his life. It reminds him he is alive and vital. It is a meditation and a therapy.

Mike is turning this passion into helping others now. In September he will participate in a Century Ride(100 miles) in Door County, Wisconsin. He is raising money for Team in Training(TNT). Runners know this organization well. They are a constant at various races all over the world. TNT has raised millions to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma, and so many other blood Cancers. They are a blessing in the fight against Cancer.

Mike's goal is $4,000. I am asking and encouraging you to give towards his cause. Here is his fundraising webpage.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/in/docoride13/mbierma7kv

There is no donation too small to fight Cancer. We all know someone who has battled, or is battling Cancer. I know all of you get requests. This may be another request, but this one means a lot to me.

I was grooms man at Kris and Mike's wedding. Mark and I have celebrated birthdays, holidays and anniversaries with them. They are family, and I am asking you to help my family today. Thanks for your consideration.

Charlie

Week #1 - Done

This morning ended week number one of marathon training. This morning's run was supposed to be an 1:15 run. I will admit, I slept it, and paid for it. I got up and headed out. If I had gotten up when I should I have I could have walked around a bit, and loosened up. I didn't, and my run turned into a walk. My right foot felt stiff, and the feeling never went away.

Still I got out there and put some time on the road. For the week I did 2 hours, 28 minutes, for a total of 9.48 miles. I'm pleased with this as I move into the second week of training.

Week 2 has two 1 hour runs and a 1:30 long run. Because I didn't do the 1:15 this week, I may alter that to a 1:20 run. We'll see how I feel.

Ok....on to Week 2.

Charlie

Queer Running Eye for the Straight Runner Guy

Every year I write about my gay running moment, and that will come once Summer is in full swing.  This though is a gay runner's bit of advice to the heterosexual men who are running fashion challenged.

1) Shorts - Let's be clear, this is a pretty important part of the running wardrobe. Choose it carefully. Think about your body shape and size. A 200+lbs man should not be wearing skimpy 1979 running shorts. I'm not talking about how it looks. I am talking about chaffing. Those thighs are NOT going to like you after a 3 mile run, no matter how much Body Glide you put on. I recommend a 2 in 1 short. These are shorts which have a compression short inside. Trust me, your thighs will thank you.

2) Shirts - Ok...here is where I can bit a bit gayer. Not everyone looks good in singlets. Heck even most cross country guys don't look good in singlets. Match your body type. If you have a "fitted" body, wear a more fitted shirt. If you have a boxier look, wear a fuller looking shirt. STAY AWAY FROM COTTON. Cotton will absorb moisture, but not wick it away. Your nipples will be raw if you wear cotton. Trust me guys, no woman wants to look at her man with bloody nipples.

3) Shoes - As always, go for the fit. This year color is all the rage in shoes. Ok...I know the Big Bird Yellow Mizunos look silly, but if they fit you, who cares what they look like. You get one set of feet. As RuPaul says, "Don't F%# it up."

4) Sweatbands - Please, these look horrible. Wear a hat or visor, heck even a bandana looks better than a terri cloth headband.

5) Sweat pants - Again this is not 1979. Big heavy sweatpants in fall and winter look bad. They are baggy. They don't wick. And it is the equivalent to that thug look(you know where guys hold up their pants with their hands and don't use a belt.).

6) It doesn't have to match - No really it doesn't. At mile 20 of your marathon, you will not care what your shoes look like, or if your shirt and shorts clash. You will care if your thighs and nipples are raw.

There you have it. Take my advice, and you will have better runs out there.

Charlie

Today's Hour Run

Run #2 of the week is done, and it was a pretty good one. I started on 96th St. and headed north on the Monon. I wanted to make this a faster run, and I think I did a good job.

Mile 1 - 14:14
MIle 2 - 14:35
Mile 3 - 14:49
MIle 4 - 15:23

Yes, I got slower, but I kept my overall pace below 15:00, which was a goal today.

The trail was fairly busy. There was the usual runners, walkers, bikers, and then there was my arch nemesis....the evil snake. Yes, one of those nasty black things slithered across the trail near the Monon Center. Note to self....no camping around the Monon Center.  I know it plotted against me, but the coward that it is got off the trail.

At the turn around point I felt good, and just wanted to keep the pace I had going. That went well until the last mile. I was running a bit low on energy. Note to self...get Gu and take water or NUUN.

Overall I am pleased with today's run.

Charlie

Battling the Older Self

There is one thing I battle when I run, and I have to get over it. I am battling a younger thinner version of myself when I run. I compare how I run these days to how I ran a few years ago, when I was at my thinnest. It isn't a fair comparison, but I've noticed other runners do this.

We runners want to compete against what we have done. We don't like to take age into consideration, but we have to. I am 50 years old(yes I know I look 25 - I said 25!). I am not in my early 40s trying this out and going for the gusto. Now I have to stretch more, take more time, and understand I am slower.

The slowness comes from lack of running and my weight. I am much heavier than I was. I understand I can lose weight and be faster. I also know that takes time. The temptation is to be down on myself for not being the 11:00/mile pace I was. I am more a 14:00/mile pace, and for now I have to be ok with that.

So while I am working on being ok with slowness, I found during my run the other day, I was focusing on form. I examined how I was moving through space. I was holding my arms too tight....gotta loosen the arms. I was running very choppy-like. So I eased up a bit, and felt more comfortable as I ran.

Yes, I was still running against my 40something self, but at least I was more aware that I was trying to figure out how the 50 year old runner was doing.

Charlie

The Road to Wisconsin Begins

Today was the start of a 20 week marathon program I developed. The goal today - run for 1 hour. I headed to the Monon Trail at Roher Rd. and off I went. When you head south from this point, you are heading into the center of Carmel.

Not many people were out on the trail. Being a Tuesday morning, I wasn't too surprised. Still it was a sunny pleasant morning as I trotted along.

I know I went out too fast. Made the mental note not to do that on the next run. I felt good out there though. I wanted to keep my pace around 15:00. Because I went out too fast, I knew that I might be fatigued at the end.

At 30 minutes, I turned around. I was just past City Hall at this point, and back I went. I stopped for water a couple of times as it was getting warm out there. When I was 1/2 mile from the end, I felt a bit tired, and I walked more, which slowed my time. Still, when I was done. I felt very good at getting this first run under my belt.

The first training run is in the books.....next up, another 1 hour run.

Charlie

Developing the Plan

At this point it is 20 weeks until the marathon. All day today I have been working on my marathon running plan. Because of my schedule and knowing how my body is, I am running 3 days a week. I have also decided to go all in on the time based training. I'm not going to worry about achieving miles, but focus on my running, and how during the time I am out there.

Each week will start with a 1 hour run. The other two will be a gradually increasing mid-week run and long run. The 1 hour run will serve as a recovery run from the previous long run. I am hoping to be joined from time to time by friends and Mark(on a bike I think).

I am trying to figure a cross training workout. I don't belong to a gym at this time, so it's hard to think of something. I'm sure I can dust the bike off, since I haven't used it. Biking is good....or so some friends tell me.

I think I have a decent plan. I will put it into effect tomorrow.

Here we go......

Charlie

Nervous

I was actually shaking a bit as I committed to Community First Fox Cities Marathon yesterday. It's one thing to say you are going to do a marathon, it's another to register for it. So I am in. 6:00am on Sunday, September 22, I will head off on another marathon journey.

Mark had to give me the pep talk about working hard and how I can do this. I can. Still, this means I have to run now....I mean run. I'm nervous anytime I sign up for a marathon. I know what it entails, and I know what to expect. A marathon is not an easy race for me. It's a challenge. I just want to be sure I am up for the challenge.

I'm looking forward to this race. I have many cousins in the Appleton, WI area. So I know I will have support out on the course. The course looks good to me. September is a good time of year for a race. All should be good.

In 141 days we will see how this all plays out. Time to get running.

Charlie

A Garmin Less Run in the Misty Rain

Typically I am not a running in the rain guy. Yesterday I headed out, and it was a cloudy, misty day. I actually liked it. The trail I was on was relatively quiet. I heard the birds doing a lot of chirping.  I think rain can sometimes make the trees and the plants look greener, and trust me, everything looked very green yesterday.

The run itself was a pretty good one. I did about 3.1 miles. I left the Garmin at home, and was glad I did. It's easy to be a slave to the Garmin while running. What was nice was I really got to rely on my my running and sense of pace to guide me through the run. It was pretty freeing.

I have often that we need runs where the watch stays home. Just focus on the run, and not the time. We get too hung up on miles and pace, and not enough on how our body feels as we move through the space. I recommend a watchless run.

This was a good solid run. I felt good this morning, and know I could do another run tomorrow.

Charlie

Watching the Marathon

It was a bright, cold morning on Saturday in Carmel, Indiana. I headed out to cheer for friends at the Carmel Marathon and Half Marathon. My initial thoughts this morning were what would the race be like, since we are still raw from what happened at last week's marathon. I have cheered people on at this race for three years now, but this one was different.

For starters, there were more people out viewing this race, at least in my spot. Usually it's me, a few co-workers, and whoever drops by. This morning, there were family and loved ones of runners, neighborhood folks, and just people interested(like me), and it seemed like more people came out.
Of course people came out to support their runners, but I also believe people came out because of the tragic events of last week in Boston.

As I watched to really fast, and the really not so fast, I thought, "Why would someone want to not only disrupt an event like this, but how could you hurt people who are just going out for a run?" When I run, it's my chance to get out, be in the world, forget about troubles, and just be. How could someone deny that opportunity to someone?

The people watching were full of smiles, cheers and cowbells. Ok....I had the cowbell. One little boy asked why I had it. I told him, because at some point a runner would come by and ask for "more cowbell." Moments later that is exactly what happened, and the boy laughed.

I always make a point of thank the police for being out on the course, but I could tell as the runners did that on Saturday, it took a much deeper meaning. Spectators were also thanking the officer near us. These men and women do something I could not do, and I think it's important to thank them for being out there.

This wonderful feeling was marred later in my store, when I spoke to a man who came in. We are selling shirts with proceeds going to The One Fund http://onefundboston.org . As he made his purchase, he told me how angry he was about the bombings at the marathon. It's what he said next that bothered me. "We need to go out and kill all of them, before they kill us."

No my friend, we don't. Terrorists want to change our lives. Yes, we want to fight terrorism, but we don't go after people on our own and kill people. We are then no better than they are. I looked at him, point blank and said, "Sir I just sell shoes." That was my way of letting him know, I can't have that discussion with him.

I didn't let his words diminish the wonderful experience I had that morning. In fact, I felt energized to go for a run....now if I could just find the time.

Charlie

Thoughts on a Tragedy

A marathon is many things. First of all it's an endurance event. The race serves as a test of what the human body can do. Second, it's a communal event. Runners from all over gather for the not-so-simple task of running 26.2 miles. We may all have our own plan to complete the race, but we share a common bond.

If you have never been in a marathon, or another distance race, it has a very communal feel. People are smiling, laughing, talking. I have talked to strangers at a start line, and all we can do is beam and talk about how excited we are to be running.

Sometimes we run with our friends. My fond memories of last year's Monumental Half Marathon, running with my friend Bob(a.k.a Pennsy) still bring a smile to my face. Sometimes we are competing, but know that it is a friendly competition, be it against fellow runners, or the course.

Major marathons are where the world comes together for the simple act of running. There are few races out there which demonstrate the camaraderie, community and love for running as the Boston Marathon.  That feeling changed around 3pm yesterday afternoon.

Someone, or some people, had to invade the feeling of goodwill, support and love, for what I can assume is a hateful reason.

As I watched the scene unfold via internet yesterday, I was reminded of a day twelve years ago, when the world changed. I lived in the Washington, D.C. area on 9/11. I was on my way to work, and saw the plane coming in, which would hit the Pentagon moments later. I remember the shock and fear I felt that day. I also remember how eerily quiet the city was in the days that followed. It changed that city.

The people of Boston are changed now.

As we learn more about the people who died, or were severely injured, we have to summon up the good feelings that races like this promote, and use those feelings to fight back the hate that wants to invade our lives. We can't let the darkness of this event define us. Yes, the people of Boston will change with this, but they can also remain vigilant in keeping their marathon, and their way of life strong in the sense of community.

My heart is broken over this tragedy. I know there are many things people are doing to show their support to the people of Boston and the running community. Wearing a race shirt or medal is a visible way to do this. I am dedicating my next run to survivors, and those who died.

I am grateful my friends there weren't harmed.

Today is a day to reflect and pray. Tomorrow we begin to move forward.

Charlie

F.U.(Mature Audience Post)

Yes, the title is not my usual title. To those who are offended, move along, nothing to see here(Hint: there will be profanity)......

I have posted lately how tired I am of people not seeing me as a runner. Everyday, I work with people who actually feel scared to come into a running store, because they don't "look" like a runner. I spend a good deal of time building people, so they will feel confident to go outside and run.

Look around you at races. Does everyone there fit the ideal of the runner look? No! There are as many shapes and sizes of runners that you can imagine. They are all ages. They are men and they are women. Sometimes, they're in a wheelchair.

Yeah I get I am 200+ lbs. I get I am 5'5" and not tall and lanky. I get I am 50. Did you know I am considered a master and all I had to do was get older?

I have taken a big hit on my self esteem over the last few months at work....and I promise I won't go on about this. As I was running today, I came up with a response to those people who look down on me, or label me that I am somehow less than what they imagine a runner to be. It isn't polite. You may be offended, but I will tell you this mantra got me pushing hard during my run.

So to those folks who are stunned I run, look down on me because I don't fit a look, don't like me offering advice on how to run a marathon, or anything else negative in an effort to make me feel bad - Fuck You!

Charlie
...feeling like he needs to kick some butt...

I Know What I Am Talking About

Yes, this is a rare double entry for a day, but it needs to be said. I know what I am talking about, when I talk about running and shoes. I understand I don't "look" like a runner - whatever that means. I understand I have not run Boston. I have run races ranging from 5K to marathon. I have been running since 2005, and have been in running specialty since 2006. I know quite a bit, and I also am aware of what I don't know.

You may ask why the rant? Well, every now and then, I get someone who doesn't think I am a runner. That person usually asks, "Are you a runner?" When I say yes, they look shocked. Yeah, I'm used to it. Then I get the people who ask something like this...."Are you sure this is right for me? Are you sure you know what you are talking about/"

I shouldn't take it personally, but I do. When I worked for the airline, I used to get mad when a customer would accuse me of lying. At Macy's if I wasn't able to give a discount, I would get mad if someone accused me of cheating them. I take my job very seriously, and have studied very hard to know what I know. So yes, I do in fact know what I am talking about.

Rant over.

Charlie

Following My Runs

Most bloggers know you can check statistics of your blog. You can check things like: how many pageviews, hits, what kind of OS, and what part of the world. The last one I find the most interesting. I have a fairly international audience on this blog. Here is the ranking of pageviews by countries:

1) United States
2) Russia
3) Japan
4) Indonesia
5) Australia
6) Canada
7) United Kingdom
8) Germany
9) Vietnam
10) Belgium

Of course I am appreciative of people reading my blog. When I started writing, I didn't think anyone would really read what I had to say. You all do, and sometimes you respond to my posts on this blog, or via email, or personally.

When I run, I am aware that a good many of you follow me. It's like you are all my support crew cheering me on, and I am thankful for it. I'm only sorry I don't know any Russian, Japanese, German, Vietnamese, or Flemish, or I would write at least a few words for you language. Just know I am glad you are all with me on this journey.

Charlie

Three Miles With My Thoughts

Today I headed out for a 3 mile run. I haven't done 3 miles since January. I felt no matter what I accomplished today, this would be the one MUST DO. With my iPod filled with Pitbull's music, off I went.

One of the things I have written about over the years, is that a run allows you time with your thoughts. While the Miami-thumping music played, I thought a lot about the last few months. Nothing has been easy. To say I have had stress in my life is an understatement. My initial thoughts were negative.

I thought about how I had let myself down weight wise, emotional wise, work wise, and any other wise I could think of. Once I got past the halfway point, things changed. My goal was 3 miles. So I decided that for the rest of the run, I was done with the negative thoughts. I was going to think about the things I do well.

One thing I do well is push ahead. I thought back to the 2010 Portland Marathon(the 8-hour challenge), and how I kept on going, no matter how much I may have wanted to give up. I thought about the races where my mind wanted to shut down, but I pushed back, and kept on moving. There is nothing as motivating as remembering that you can, in fact succeed, and push forward and achieve success. This was how I got to mile 3 today.

I pushed back the weight gain and how disappointed I am. I pushed back the difficulties at work. I pushed back the negative things which have poisoned me. I pushed ahead, and remembered I am a stronger person and can do things.

So while this was not a zippy 3 mile run, it was an important one for my head.

Charlie

The Eyes of Wonder

One of my favorite things to do in my job is to talk to someone who is getting ready for their first marathon. I ask them various questions about what made them decide to do a particular race, how will they be training, how was training been going to this point, etc. There is one question I always ask, "What are you looking forward to the most?"

When I ask this, I find runners begin to open up and tell me their marathon hopes and dreams. They smile and talk about how they want to see the people, or how much they are looking forward to the challenge. Sometimes they tell me that they are looking forward to seeing their families at the end. What all of these answers surround is they are looking forward to the experience.

You can run any race, but I say, without question, the marathon experience is unique. You train so hard and long for it, and then the day arrives, and your anticipation is at an all time high. You are about to embark on an adventure, and you have no idea what will happen over the course of 26.2 miles.

All of my marathons have had their own story. There has been nothing the same about any of them. I take that back, there is one common thing - you run 26.2 miles. Other than that, you have no idea what will happen. You may see amazing things, or people. You may experience pure joy, or horrible heartache. Still there is a thrill of wondering what the unknown will be like on that particular day.

As people tell me what they are looking forward to, I see smiles. I see wonder. I see a runner getting ready to go for something they haven't done before. It makes my job all that more special.

Charlie

78 Days Later.....

It's been 78 days since I last put on these shoes for a run.  Those 78 days have been pretty friction miserable. On the morning of January 13 I woke up, took a step off my bed, and a nasty shooting pain between big toe and second toe on the left foot began. I swear that is all that happened. 

I didn't want to run until I had been pain free for at least 7 days. Well it's been 10 days(I was extra careful). So this afternoon I headed out for a 2 mile run. I laced up ------------------------->

then I headed on the Monon Trail and ran.

My first few steps I could feel my feet asking me what the HELL was going on. I did not push myself at all. I just went at a slow steady pace. I ran an interval. Instead of my usual, I ran for 3 minutes, and walked for about 1 minute. 

It was sunny and in the 50s, so it felt great. There were plenty of people out on this Easter Sunday. One gentleman on a bike went past me twice. Each time he waved at me and said, "Keep it up man!" I thought, "Ok, who told his guy I needed that?" 

This run won't go down as my fastest, or my best. In my log it looks like 2.08 miles 31:28. It will go down as an important run. It's important for my body and my soul that I get back on the road and run. Today I did it.....and I am feeling good.

Charlie

Time to Ease Back

I have gone relatively pain free in my left foot for a week now. Let me be clear, I am not feeling the stabbing pain, and it feels better, but I am also feeling just a general ache - I call that arthritis. So my goal is to do some walking and short running next week.

The Soldier Field 10 Mile is at the end of May. Will I run it as I would like? Doubtful, but I want to be able to run. How I would like to run is going to take a back seat.

What about my fall marathon? I am still planning on that. I need to get started running though. I feel achy, but like I said, I think that is the arthritis talking to me.

Happy to talk me running again....crossing fingers.

Charlie

No Magic Pill

Interesting encounter with a runner who has suffered from the dreaded plantar fascism(as I call it), who asked me if there was anything that was 100% at curing his ailment. Nope. Well, that's the short answer. He didn't like that answer.

We talked about various things to do, or products he could buy which would help him get over it, but no. He has suffered for months. Won't do what the physical therapist suggested, but he couldn't assure him it was 100% effective. He didn't want to do massage therapy, because there is no 100% certainty. He didn't want to try any products I suggested, because I could not assure him he would be cured.

Finally I told him that none of these things do what you want to do, but if you do a series of them, and continue to work on it, it can go away. That wasn't good enough. No to arch supports, Strasbourg Socks, supportive shoes. He finally said it, "I just want the magic pill."

Folks there is no magic pill to curing any physical ailment. There is also no one thing responsible for the ailment(most of the time). Go ahead and blame the shoes, because they don't talk back. Nothing happens in a vacuum though. Chances are you have plantar fascism because of a combination of things.

Because a combination of things brought you to this point, there will be a combination of things which will get you out of it. Just know there is no 100% of any of it - alone.

Charlie

What Should You Run?

As I work with runners, I am frequently asked if they should run such and such distance. There is no easy answer for this. If you have never run, and you have a marathon on your "bucket list" I advise people not to do that right away. I stress the importance of building up your running to a marathon distance.

First of all, you need to determine if you like running. As I have said many times, how do you train for a 26.2 mile race if you don't know if you like running? Figure for now what is manageable for you. Maybe you need to focus on the 5K.  Nothing wrong with 5Ks.

Maybe you want the challenge of the half marathon? This is actually my favorite distance to run. It's challenging, but without the intense training. Most of our bodies can take a half marathon.

I never think anyone should run just one distance, or focus on one distance. Running gets stale if that is all you do. Mix it up! Throw in a 10K for giggles. Do a 5K for a speed workout. Run a half and get the medal. Marathons are always going to be there. They will always require a lot of work. Before jumping in, figure out what you want, what you are capable of, and how much time you want to dedicate to it.

Charlie

Depressed

For those who regularly read this blog, you may know that when I am down, I tend not to write here. Well, I am more than down, I am down right depressed. I haven't run since January, and today I was signed up to run a marathon, which I had to back out of. I hate not running. I also hate complaining that I'm not running, but I'm going to do that here.

I have gained weight. I feel gross. I haven't been able to run, or get time in to see a doctor to see why I can't run. On top of this, I have races coming, that I will have to back out of. Did I mention I hate that?

Originally the pain was the left foot between the big and second toes. That is lessened, but both feet are sore all the time. I know some of it is from the weight I have gained. I can't be active though.

I am also dealing with stresses in my non-running life, at work, and non-work. As an emotional eater, you know what has happened. I know things will get better, because they have to. The problem is, they aren't, and that bothers me, because of my impatience.

Tomorrow, my first goal is to see when I can see a doctor. I have tried this before, but things get in the way. I am hoping by posting this here, I will be committed to calling the doctor.

So, yes, I am dumping today. Yes, I need some bucking up. Sorry to be so needy today.

Charlie

Every Now and Then

In my job, every now and then, I hear something from someone which takes me a back for the moment, but once I have thought it through, it reminds me why I love what I do. This spring I am coaching folks for their spring half marathons. I know the people who I help train appreciate what I do. Still it's nice when someone makes a point of telling you.

Yesterday I received a call from one of the participants. He ran a 10K yesterday, and he wanted me to know how he did. I asked him, as I usually do, if he won. He laughed and said no, but, "I was told I could run with the Kenyans." I told him we can all run with them, we just can't pass them. He laughed.

What he really wanted to tell me is how much he appreciates everything my co-coach and I are doing. This is a guy who comes in, or calls me with any question about running and racing. He thinks he is keeping me from doing something "important." I tell him that talking to him and answering his questions is important, and I am happy to do it. 

He is "blaming" me for his next move. After the Mini, he is going to train for his first marathon. He has been asking advice on which one to do, how to train, what to expect. I am happy to pass along anything I learned in my running life. This is what we do, or should do.

When someone comes to running, excited, I think we have an obligation to share that joy with them, help them along the way, and answer any and all questions they may have. Maybe I'm not a running coach, maybe I am more of a running mentor/advisor? Either way, it brings a big smile to my face to know that I have helped someone achieve their goals.

So while I am temporarily awkward when the thank you comes, I know it's genuine, and I love and appreciate they think kindly of me to thank me.

Charlie

Throwing Under the Bus

Every now and then I will talk to a runner who feels the person who sold them their shoes got everything wrong, or they will feel a shoe brand is wrong for them, and they will ask, "Don't you think they got it wrong?" I will never throw a person or a brand under the bus. Nope. I won't do it.

Here is the thing about gait analysis, what I see at that moment is what I see. Now, a runner could come to me, and they have plantar fascitis, and what I see is them running making adjustments, and I think they need a stable shoe. They could come in a month later not hurting, and I might see they need a neutral shoe. Was I wrong in my initial assessment? Not at the time. I might re-think based on what is in front of me.

Also, gait analysis is not an exact science. We all know what to look for in the business, but there is so much to take in, and yes, sometimes we get it wrong. I won't though tell a runner so and so really goofed.

I also won't bash a brand to a runner. Yes....I hear all the time about that demon - Nike. Here's the thing, Nike makes some outstanding shoes. Nike makes some less than outstanding shoes, but so does every brand. I have yet to find consistency in a brand, because they are trying to reach a broad audience.

The truth is I sell a lot of Nike's so someone likes them. I sell a lot of Brooks, so someone likes them. All I can do is talk about the benefits of a shoes, and why I think it might work for them.

Mostly I think it is poor taste to throw a fellow associate or businessman under the bus. I also think bashing a brand is equally as bad.

Charlie

It's Also Mental

As we train for long distance races, we tend to focus on the accumulating of miles, focusing on our form, how we breathe. We tend to forget that a race is two parts. Yes it's half physical, but it's also half mental.

How do you mentally get through long runs and distances? Everyone has their own way to do it. My way is part game playing and depending on support. The game playing is "easy." As you fatigue mentally, you have to make challenges for yourself to get you through a stretch of road. Let's say it's mile 17, you know you are achy. This is the point the brain begins to tell you to stop, or as I call it, this is the point where the wheels can come off.

I get it, you have miles to go, your body is aching, and you want to stop, but you can't. Do some mind games. Fix a point, and tell yourself to jog to that point, and if you succeed, you can walk a bit. Of course the trick is, once you get to the point, try to move beyond it, as a way to show the brain you can keep going. I find this works for a time. Of course at some point the brain catches on, and you have to come up with a new challenge.

If game playing and challenges aren't working, I depend on support. Support usually means I race call. You've never heard of race calling? I bet you've heard of drunk dialing or texting - same concept. Take your cell phone with you, and when you really need to get through a particular mile, call someone. Make sure the person(s) you call know you may be calling them. This way they can answer the phone and talk to you.

The usual victim of my calls is my sister. She has talked me through many a race. Of course I am usually an emotional mess, so I may not appreciate her words at the moment, but the brain hears them, and it helps me keep going.

Does anyone out there have other ideas?

Charlie

Chicago Marathon Registration Debacle

As you know I don't have a great history with the Chicago Marathon(2007). I do love the race, and I think it is an outstanding marathon. I don't always agree with what organizers do, and their recent problems with registration and the outcome have me really scratching my head.

Quick history lesson.....earlier this month registration for the fall marathon went live. Technical problems ensued, and many people were charged multiple times for registering(at $175) a pop. The marathon shut down registration, and determined 25,000 registered that day. So the question is what to do with the remaining 15,000 slots?

The easy answer is fix the bugs and open up registration. That's not what they did though.

Yesterday organizers announced a lottery system for the remaining 15,000 slots. Starting March 5, going through March 7, you can enter the lottery for an entry. The lottery is free. If they choose your name, you will have two days to decide if you will enter. If you choose not to enter, that entry will not go to the next person in line. It will be vacant. They will not award that entry to anyone else.

To be honest, this makes no sense to me. Now you have created a rift. There will be those who followed the rules and entered just like normal. Now, though you will have a random drawing for the rest. Why not just open registration up again and let the chips fall where they may.

Carey Pinkowski has made an error in my mind. He is now setting up a different system for runners, which I don't think is fair. Why not work more with Active.com to fix whatever the issues are? I understand the system was overwhelmed, but in this day and age, can't that be anticipated?

I give the Chicago Marathon a big BOO on this one. They blew it.

Charlie

Tipping Point

Recently I read an article about the decline in participation in marathons and half marathons. The author of the story did little to indicate why this may be, other than a glut of races. I will say, it's possible the glut of races out there may be a factor. I offer another  - cost.

Let's take a look at the cost of some races:

One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon - $75
Chicago Marathon $175
NYC Marathon $250
Disney Half or Full Marathon $190 for each
Community First Fox Cities Marathon $60

Clearly the bigger the event, the higher the cost. This does not include travel expenses for these races. Then there is the training programs, shoes, gear, etc.. The economy has been stagnant for a while, and while races have seen a boom in participation, there is a tipping point where it begins to decline, and I suspect that is starting now.

Note, the 500 Festival Mini Marathon, as of this writing, has not sold out. Typically it would have sold out after Thanksgiving. Are people not willing to pay the higher prices? Are they finding cheaper races? In Carmel, IN, they will have a marathon and half marathon a few weeks before the Mini. The marathon costs $75 and the half is $60. The Geist Half Marathon is after the Mini and the fee is $75, so roughly the cost of the Mini, but fewer people.

Now let's add the gear into the mix. Shoes two years ago averaged $100 a pair, now they are $110 a pair. Apparel has also gone up. The costs of racing now is higher once you factor the other items into it.

Of course I have no data, but more and more people are talking to me about lower priced shoes. Yes, there are still plenty of people willing to pay $150 a pair, but I am having more and more conversations about price. People are watching their wallets.

The costs of a race include a lot of goodies for runners. Ok, I still want my medal, but maybe adding a fee for the shirt, and making it an option might help. I know a large part of race costs go to the city for fire, police and street maintenance, can these be negotiated?

I have no answers. I am just putting out there that maybe race organizers, instead of making races bigger and better, need to focus on putting out quality, and working harder to make the races more affordable.

Charlie

This n That

I'm sorry for the absence from the blog. Part of the reason is lack of time, another part is lack of internet. Still I have a lot to say, and I am going to tackle a few subjects in this....

My Running -

I haven't run in over a month. The reason is some incredible left foot pain. It has felt like a huge stick being dug into my foot, between the first and second toe. I have gotten all kinds of advice on what it could be. Eventually a doctor will be seen. I don't want to get too hung up in Google diagnosing myself. Is it a neuroma? Could be. I will say today the pain feels like it is fading, but I have learned that is a cruel trick sometimes.

I miss running. I miss being part of the being outside and part of the world. I hope to be back to running soon.

Oscar Pistorius -

No story has captured the attention of runners like the sad story coming out of South Africa. As you may know,  double amputee runner, Oscar Pistorius allegedly killed his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. The Prosecution is saying this was premeditated. Pistorius is saying it was an accident. Either way, this is a tragedy on many levels.

I have admired this young man for a long time, and was so happy when he ran in last summer's Olympic Games in London. A friend of mine told me that this is another reason why we can't have athletes be role models. I agree and disagree.

We need to really think what it is about the the athlete we admire. Is it what they've accomplished, and how they did it? If so, Pistorius is a model for determination. The problem is we think we know these people because of what they do athletically, and what their press agents feed us. The truth is we don't know these people.

We didn't know Tiger Woods like we thought. We suspected Lance Armstrong. We want to believe our athletes are good hearted, brave and honest. The problem is we forget these people are human. They get angry. They get depressed. They have issues. If you want your children to use them as role models, make sure you are being clear with them why they are to be admired. When athletes fall though, it's important we talk with our children about what happened, and to remind them they are humans.

Parents -

The trials and tribulations of working with high school athletes is really in working with their parents sometimes. SOME parents I should say.  For the last month I have worked some angry parents. They seem to fly off the handle if we don't have a size 13 immediately in stock, and their son needs it today(when they should have looked about a month earlier). They get mad if the spikes don't have what they think is enough spike holes(I know that throws me too). Anger really comes up if a Nike is not in stock.

Remember what I said about role models? Throwing a hissy fit in a running store in front of your children is not the way to teach your children.

The parents who are wonderful and have wonderful kids are a joy to work with. Those are the folks who make my day. The good news is they are the majority of parents I work with.

So there you have it three different topics. Foot is maybe on the mend? I'l keep you all updated.

Charlie

Buy Local

I talked about this on an online running forum, but I would like to expand on this here. Quite often I hear people say they get their initial shoes at a local running store, but will go online for other purchases because:

The store doesn't have the color I want
The store doesn't have the size I want
The shoe is cheaper online
The shoe will come to me faster

Ironically these are some of the people who believe in shopping locally. I'm going to be a bit harsh here for a moment....you don't believe in shopping locally if you are shopping online as opposed to your local store on a regular basis.

Here are some things you need to understand.

Shoes in general make up for 70%-75% of a running store's business.

When you place a special order with a running store for shoes, the store makes virtually no money on those shoes, because they are not buying them from a vendor at an optimal discount(almost no discount). The vendor is charging the store the shipping, and most if not all running stores DO NOT pass these costs on to you, out of a sense of customer service.

Approximately 75% of shoes which are special ordered are never purchased. Why? You found the color you want now at Dick's, or you went home online, because you didn't want to wait 7 days for your shoes.

Running stores can't have every size in stock. What they sell are the most common sizes. Yes, they will have some unusual sizes in stock, but not a regular stock of them. They can't, because shoes in a stock room is money not being made. Shoes = money to a running store.

At a running store, you aren't just buying shoes. You are paying for the expertise of the person who is selling the shoes, making sure they fit properly, and will advise you how to use and not use the shoes.
All of that is built into your $110 pair of shoes.

If all you do is buy accessories at the running store, they are making less than they should, because your shoes are being bought elsewhere.

I freely admit, I have a vested interest in this. I work in running specialty. I want to continue to work. I want running stores to succeed, because they are also more than stores, they are running community centers. The staff in those stores offer advice, training tips, injury screenings with local PTs or doctors, work with medical professionals to make sure their patients are getting good shoes for their needs.

Online is....online. Online won't tell you the difference between an Asics 2170 and an Asics GT-2000(there is a BIG difference).

The sales associate in the store will take an hour or more to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your shoes. That is a live person giving you individual attention for YOU. Let me know know when Zappos does that.

If I have made you think about buying locally more....good. I think there is an advantage to online. I would just make sure if you are dedicated to buying locally, it's a bit more than buying a packet of Gu.

Charlie

Friday Responds

Yesterday I wrote a letter to my dog Friday, asking if there was a way she could go running with me. She has sent a letter I would like to share with you.

Dear Daddy,

You have no idea what my life if like. I wake you up at 6:00am so you can rub my tummy, then I insist you take me out, followed by a treat. Next I wait for you to drink that funny brown water from your handheld bowl, as I wait for food in my bowl.

I have to plan playtime with you before you go to work, then I head upstairs for my 4 hour nap. Later I come downstairs to let Mark know it's time for my next walk. He looks at me kind of funny, because he is playing with the XBox thing, eventually though he takes me for a walk. Of course that is followed by a treat.

Soon I am back upstairs on my....I mean your bed sleeping. When you come home from work, I am SOOOOOOO happy to see you. I want to play, go out side, play some more, have you rub my tummy, and then sit with you on the couch.

As you can see my day is full, and now you want to add running to it? Are you on catnip or something?

Come on.....my energy needs to be saved so I can play with you. Add to that I need my beauty sleep.

No running for me....unless you mean we are going to hunt my arch nemesis - The Bunny! Let's roll then.

In the meantime I need to go back to sleep.

Love,
Friday

Dear Friday

The following is a letter to my dog, Friday.

Dear Friday,

Why can't you run with me. I have friends who wax wonderfully about their faithful companions who run with them. You? Well you act like you want to go for a run. The times we've tried, one of two things happens: you either run a few steps, and then want to smell every smell you encounter, or you run like the wind, look back and mock me.

Is there no middle ground? I know you love to run. I take you to the church nearby and you run in the field like a dog possessed. Is it the leash? Sorry my girl, but I can't let you run free along the road.

We walk just fine. Running is just like walking but the right foot, left foot repeat is faster. Maybe I run with treats and bribe you to run?

Think about it, and let me know how we can do this. All the other cool dogs are running with their parents.

Love,
Daddy

What We Want When We Want It

One of the uglier sides to being in the running specialty field are the people who want what they want, when they want it, and they don't have a problem being ugly about it. Let me note at the start, this is not unique to my business, I see this in life more and more. You know what I'm talking about. You go into a running store, and the associate has taken the time to provide you with expertise, and then you tell him/her that you want the shoe is Emerald Green. Sadly the store doesn't have it in Emerald Green, but if it is available, they offer to order it for you. Then you huff and puff that you need it now, and threaten to go to another store, or go online. I'm sorry....what do you want that poor sales person to do? Pull it out of their butts?

Another issue is the price. Yes, yes, yes....I know we all want a good price for new shoes. I do too. I do think though it is rude, again to throw the internet in the poor sales person's face, and expect them to melt. As a reminder, companies like Zappos do a tremendous amount of volume, and they are able to do magical things because of that volume like make shipping costs disappear, or take 15% off those Asics you love so much.

Your local store is not able to do it. I know there are stores out there that do it, but I can assure you their bottom line is being severely damaged because of wilting in front of you and giving you the price you want. Please don't confuse a retail store for a flea market. It isn't.

Somehow we have become the society of instant gratification. We want, what we want, when we want it. Let me play dad for a moment. Sometimes you don't get what you want now. Sometimes you wait. Sorry to have to pull that on you, but really, be an adult, and suck up the fact that Mick Jagger was right, "You can't always get what you want."

Here is how this plays out in stores around the country. A customer is upset that a store does not have the exactly color they want(that's another issue). The store orders it for them(at no discount to them +shipping), the shoes come in, and 75% of the time, the customer decides they don't want it, and never claim it. Read that last past again - 75% of the time, the customer decides they don't want it, and never claim it. The store eats those costs. You may not care as the consumer, but business owners care.

Sadly I have no solution for this problem. All I can tell you is you don't need a pair of running shoes to magically appear. If you need to wait 7 days for your shoes....so be it. And if you need to use the internet, remember, they don't help the local economy, your neighborhood store does.

Charlie

Ouch!

I have not run for a couple weeks now, mostly because the area between my big and second toe on the left foot hurt. This has happened before, and it happened because I slept a certain way - or so I think. It feels like a nerve pain, and the ache dulls as the day goes on. Still I am afraid to run on it. I also noticed my left IT Band is tight. I wondering if it is connected.

Anyone have any ideas? So tired of being injured.

Charlie