I Don't Get It

Occasionally I talk with someone who tells me they don't get running. Yes, someone in my store, being fit for shoes will tell me they don't get it. They've heard about the high runners get. They've heard about the joy it can bring(sounds like they read this blog). Still, they don't get it.

This week I spoke with a woman who is certainly giving it her all. She's been running since June. She wanted to lose weight, and her daughter encouraged her to run. The daughter runs, and is planning on a 5K with the mom. So this woman is doing her best to do a 5K with her daughter.

She asked me when is she "supposed to get it." I told her, and will tell you all, there is no easy answer for that question. Running can mean different things to different people. The high some runners get can be due to any number of reasons, which may not have to do with running.

I've written extensively on the joy running brings me(including a post last week). So I tried to explain to this woman what running does for me. I could tell she still looked a bit perplexed. So I brought it to something she could understand.

I asked her why her daughter runs. She told me it's just something she's always done. I asked if the daughter enjoyed it. "Oh yes," she said, "she's run since middles school and loves it." I found how to get through to her. I suggested maybe her daughter just wanted to share something she loves with her, and have a bonding or shared experience. Maybe this was a way the daughter wanted the mom to feel connected to her.

You can assume, and you be correct, that a light went on in the woman's head. She hadn't thought of that. I told her she may end up not liking running, or maybe not experience that high. She will, though, experience a moment with her daughter that they can talk about for years.

I told her my sister doesn't run, but my wonderful memory is her being out on the course for my first half marathon, and then meeting me at the finish. She didn't have to run with me, but I still shared that moment with her. It's one of my best running moments.

I told her running itself is right foot, left foot, repeat. What gives us the feelings are the moments we live through while running.

The woman bought new shoes, socks, and went away with a new appreciation for what her running was for. Maybe she got it.

Charlie

A Joyful Run

Today was one of those days you just feel joyful running. Temps were in the 50s and the sun was shining. I was on the Monon Trail, with Fall colors coming through. I liked everything about my run. I liked the pace. I felt at ease. Runners and I exchanged plenty of hellos. Days like this are what give me so much joy running.

I headed south from the Monon Center, and got to 96thSt, and then headed back. Seems simple enough. Of course, I take nothing for granted, nor do I find it simple. A heart attack make you think about your running a bit more. You think about how you are feeling quite a bit. I felt great.

While I was out there, I thought about what I want to accomplish over the next year of running. First step is to run a bit more. I try to do 3 days a week. I would like to get to 4 days a week. Next, I want to enter a 5K. I can do it at this point. This time next year, I would like to do a half or full marathon. That will be more of a process, but if I build a good base/foundation now, there is no reason I can't.

Making these goals brought me even more joy today. All in all, a great day running.

Charlie

Review Time: Hoka Clifton and TomTom Runner Cardio

There are a couple of items I'm excited about reviewing. I haven't reviewed running items in a while. Then again, running hasn't been a priority until recently.

FYI - today I ran 4 miles. Yes, 4 miles. That is officially the longest I have run since my heart attack in July. I felt terrific!!!

On today's run I got to try two different items. I ran in a pair of Hoka Cliftons and I used TomTom's new Runner Cardio GPS. Yup a twofer!

First let's look at the Cliftons. This is a very lightweight shoe from Hoka, masters of the maximally cushioned shoes. I have run in the Bondi, and have tried out the Conquest. The Clifton is a lighter, smoother version of Hoka. First thing I noticed once I slipped on the shoes was how incredibly light these shoes are.

Don't mistake lightness for lack of cushion. This shoe has a lot of cush to it. I felt nothing but a cushy feeling every time I took a step. I also felt freer moving in this shoe. I didn't feel like I was using a lot of effort in the Clifton.

Now, here's the deal. I wear a size 8.5 4E. This is a D width, but it can accommodate my foot for a time. I don't know if I would run a marathon in it, but I could do 5Ks with this shoe. It is very snug, close to be tight, but not there. This should tell the average medium width foot person that there is plenty of room in this shoe. I really enjoyed running in this shoe quite a bit. John, the Hoka rep is loaning me these shoes for a few weeks. They are testers he uses, and he came by my store last night for a fun run. I got more Hoka info, and really feel this is a strong brand with some great shoes.

Garmin has long been the king of the GPS and Polar has ruled the Heart Rate Monitor world. Here comes TomTom to take them both on with their Runner Cardio GPS.
This GPS has a built in HRM with no strap for your chest. The HRM is part of the wrist piece. An infrared sensor monitors the blood flow in your wrist to let you know your BPM. Because I am now an expert on my heart, I know what I've been doing in rehab and the gym, and let me tell you this HRM is pretty darned accurate.

The GPS is easy to use. There is one button that you can use to toggle around and make your settings before you go. Whether you are going on a run, hitting the treadmill, or just needing a stopwatch, this computer can do what you want it to.

During the run, it's easy to toggle and see your real time pace, overall pace, heart rate, miles, etc. The face is big enough to read at a glance. The computer looks bulky, but I found it comfortable. One of the features I haven't tried yet is race pace, where you can race against a previous run, and you can see how you compare.

All the info can be downloaded and you can keep track of it all on TomTom's website. This GPS is $269.99. There is a multi-sport version for your biking and swimming needs as well for $300. I think this piece is worth the price.

www.hokaoneone.com
www.tomtom.com

Charlie

What Do I Love About Running?

This morning I helped a woman who is trying running for the first time. I asked her how it was going so far. She told me she hasn't felt that "high" everyone keeps talking about. She then asked, "What do you love about running?"

I smiled, and I told her it was a pretty long list. Specifically I told her, I love the peace that running gives me. I love to be able to run in beautiful spots that take me to nature....or I find some coolness in the city. I love the fact I can clear my mind, or really think about things with no interruption. I love the fact that I can just have time for me, and not worry about anything or anyone else for a while. I told her it was "Me" time.

"So you don't get that high?" she asked.

I have, but it hasn't been a feeling of euphoria. It's just been a feeling of normalcy and peace for me.

Now, I have no idea if that was the answer she was looking for, but it's the answer she got. She thanked me for helping her, and told me she hoped she would like it more. I hope so.

Charlie

Isn't It Funny...

This morning I went for a run along the White River. The trail I took was a new one to me. Someone I met this week told me about it, and I thought I would try it. It was a warm morning, with yellow dotting some of the trees, a reminder that Fall is coming. This morning, I decided to listen to a classical playlist. Off I went.

As I run, I usually use the time to think about things, and this morning, I had a lot to think about. I thought mostly about what had brought me to this point running wise. It's safe to say my running has been spotty for the last few years. It certainly wasn't where I wanted it to be. I wasn't making time for running. Ironically, when you work for a running store, you actually don't get to run all the time.

Isn't it funny what a heart attack can do.

I've run more in the last month, than I have in over a year. I could barely run after my failed marathon in Wisconsin last year. Pain, then more pain, then depression set in .

Isn't it funny what a heart attack can do.

To get me geared up about running, I've thought a lot about some of the amazing people I've met in my running career. I've met people who have overcome arthritis, Cancer, stroke, heart attacks, and any other malady you can think of, so they can go right foot, left foot, repeat. I've met some of the great icons in this sport: Dick Beardsley, Ryan Hall, Meb Keflezighi, Dean Karnazes, Bob Kennedy. I've made friends with people who have won races, and have finished last. All of these people have mad an imprint on my life.

If you were to ask me in high school what I would be doing in my 50s, running would not have been anywhere on my list. Winning my Oscars and Tonys would have been what I predicted for myself. You just never know where the road leaves you.

Today on my run, I thought about all of these people and things going on, and what I wanted the road ahead to look like. I came home, and I talked to Mark. I told him that I understood how freaked out he was by my heart attack....I was too. I told him I want to be around for another 40-50 years, but I understand it could all be over tomorrow, so I want to be sure I live each day the best I can. I told him I want grow old with him. I also told him that things had to change in my life in order for all the good things I want to happen. There were some tears. In the end, we agreed that we would change things in our lives to make sure we are happy and healthy, and living the best life we can.

Isn't it funny what a heart attack can do.

I have running goals again. It starts with getting stronger, gaining stamina, increasing miles, and being healthy. My goal is to run at least one more marathon. I know that will take time. I understand the steps to get there. It starts with right foot, left foot repeat, and goes from there. 5Ks will come. Half marathons will be run. I will do 26.2 miles again. I'm determined.

Isn't it funny what a heart attack can do.

This week my longest run was almost 3 1/2 miles. I felt good. I wasn't fast, but I didn't care. I ran. Today's run was 2 miles. It was a beautiful run. Saw plenty of happy people out on the trail. I enjoyed myself and running.

Isn't funny what a heart attack can do. The Heart sometimes has to let you know what's going on, in order to make important changes.

Dear Heart - the next time you have a message for me, could we not make it so dramatic?

Hugs,
Charlie

In Other News.....

The day after my heart attack, I weighed 273 lbs. That only could have given me another heart attack, but it didn't. Today I stepped on the scale, and looking back at me was 253 lbs. Great strides have been made, and more strides to come.

Charlie

Running

Let's talk running. I've talked quite a bit now about my recovery from the heart attack, so let's get back to the running game shall we? I've been running. Am I ready for a marathon? Well....no. Each run has felt like one though, and that's ok.

I've been running about 3 times a week,  ranging between 15. mile and 3 mile runs, depending on how I feel. For the most part I feel good out there. Clearly I don't have a ton of stamina, but that will come with time. Also, I'm not running fast. Again, this is to be expected.

For now I'm not timing myself. I will soon, because I think it's important to know how long I'm out there. I'm not as keen on timing my pace yet. As I have mentioned many times before, there is something very freeing in running without a gadget on your wrist. You don't feel the sense of urgency to hurry up. There's no, "I gotta do a 12 minute mile." I find I enjoy my runs more without worrying about the time. I've long felt each of us should do at least one run a week where we leave the computer/app/watch at home. Try it.

There are two new things I take with me at all times on my run: my phone and my nitroglycerin. I know I just talked about leaving the gadgets at home. This is for emergencies, and it stays in the belt I wear. So I never take it out for anything other than a call for help. The nitro is with me at all times. I need it in case I have the feelings of bad heart things, then I can sit for a few moments take it, and then when I feel better, could walk home, or call someone to help me.

My body feels good for the most part when I'm out there. My left knee has some lingering pain from earlier in the year, but I find that goes away once I get into a groove. I still want it checked out though.

So I am out on the roads again and feeling good. Once I feel I have some solid running under my belt, it will be time to plan my next race.

Charlie

Graduation and Old Men

Today I graduated from rehab. I was given a diploma and a shirt, and was told I was a model patient.  For the last day they have you fill out a bunch of surveys, then they test you. On Day 1 I had to walk as much as I could in 6 minutes. The first day, I walked 1300ft. Today I walked 1490 ft.

So how did I celebrate the end of this part of the journey? I went out for a run. The weather was ideal for a run on the Monon. I did 5K. It was not the fastest 5K, but it was probably my most satisfying. I felt good out there. Every 1/4 mile I took a walk break. No watch, as I didn't care about the time. The goal was to accomplish this run.

As always, I did some thinking. I thought about Al, the older gentleman who used to look out for me on my runs in Chicago. I thought about how I missed his encouragement, and his friendship. I miss his looking out for me, and making sure I'm good on my runs. I'm sure he has passed on by now.

Then I smiled. I have another older man in my life. It's the gentleman I stopped to help who broke his ankle. He comes and spends time with me every Saturday on the Monon as I pass out water. He seeks my advice. Oh, he almost never takes it, but he seeks it, and he likes talking running with me. I should ask if he would like to go for a run sometime. I bet we are the same pace. :-)

I hope when I am older, I will be a runner's old man. I'll be the old guy encouraging, and maybe running with someone who just needs someone to provide a bit of support.

As I finished the run, my goal was to finish strong, and I thought about Al and how he told me I looked good. Well today I looked good. Hope Al was watching.

Charlie

10 Weeks Since....

Tomorrow is my last day of rehab. Today it's 10 weeks since my heart attack. Not a day goes by where someone asks how I'm doing or feeling. Today I'm good. In the last 10 weeks I've had good and not so good moments.

What gives me a lot of hope is the progress I've made. Today I ran 2 miles. I even ran negative splits. I ran the first mile in 16:45 and the second mile in 16:32. Today's run was on a treadmill, but I am about to transition to more outdoor running. As we head into Fall, I'm glad to be heading out during my favorite time of year.

I've learned a lot about the people in my life these past 10 weeks. I've learned rises to the occasion to help someone in need. I've also learned about those who don't really know what to do. Those are the uncomfortable ones. It's easy to blame them for not stepping up, but in the end, not everyone has the ability to help. I'm not mad at them. I feel more sorry for them, because at some point, they will need some help, and may not understand why no one is helping.

I've learned I have to really dig deep and depend on myself to get through this. Now this is not a smack against all the people who help. It means, I am the only one who can make myself stronger and healthier.

One of the things I am proudest of is re-learning about food. I enjoy cooking. Healthy food doesn't mean it tastes bad. You have to learn how to make it tasty.  My sister, Anne and I have exchanged meal ideas and photos of our meals. That's helped me quite a bit. I have also enjoyed reading the various recipes I want to try. Still looking for that magic low sodium pizza though.

So the last 10 weeks have been a learning curve, and I still have more learning to do. I know there will be bumps in the road....afterall that is life. Still I'll take the bumps, over not being here.

Charlie

16:27

Yesterday I went to the gym for a workout. My goal was to run some and bike some. The run was my main focus.

I've been slowly building my speed and stamina in rehab, and yesterday I wanted to see what I could do. Overall I was pretty pleased with what I did. I ran 1 mile in 16:27. Now to the untrained eye, someone might say, hey there are folks that run much faster. True, but considering what I have been through since July, I think 16:27 is like a 4:00 mile.

I felt good at the end of the run. I could tell I worked hard, which is one thing they want me to do in rehab. So on a scale of 1-10, 10 being way too hard a workout, I think I did an 8. More importantly I lived to tell about it.

I transitioned to the bike, where I pedaled a nice 3.62 miles. At the end of the workout, my legs felt like they had been through a bit.

Overall I really good workout. This morning in the weigh in - 255 lbs. Down 18 lbs since the heart attack.

Charlie

Greetings, Bikes and a Run

This morning my friend Kris and I ventured out on the Hagen-Burke Trail, towards the Monon for a run. To be fair, the run part is a work in progress. Still we trotted down the trail.

The trails were busy today. Lots of people on bikes were zipping by with the words, "On your left," ringing in our ears. The other thing we heard over and over again was greetings. People kept telling us hello, good morning, etc.. Lots of friendly folks on the trail today. It made for a friendly and happy re-etnry to running outside.

My running has consisted of a few minutes here and there on the treadmill for a couple weeks. Today I wanted to actually go somewhere. I knew the pace would be slow, and the miles wouldn't matter. The watches stayed at home. There was no GPS in sight, and off we went.

Basically we ran until I felt I needed to walk, then we would run again. Overall we covered about 2 miles. We walked a majority of it, but the running felt good. It made me feel like something normal was coming back to me slowly.

It's the feeling of normality which is very important to me at this point. I understand what the limitations are at this point in time. I understand what the process is to be healthy. No one really explains how to feel normal about this. For me running is a part of feeling normal again.

There will be other runs, but it all starts with a first real run.

Today was a good start, and I look forward to more runs.

Charlie

The Unknown

I was talking with someone at work the other day, and they asked me, as far as heart issues goes, what am I afraid of. I think it's the unknown. They looked at me a bit puzzled, but let me explain.

When you cut yourself, you can, over time see that it's healed. If you break a leg, you have a cast which indicates the bones are in the process of healing. A heart is different.

There it sits inside my chest, and I don't know what it's doing. I don't know what the arteries are doing. When I am aware of something wrong, I think it's a bit late. So there is a lot I have to do to make sure I have a healthy heart. Still, because it hides inside me, and there is nothing visibly showing(not that I want that), I worry about the unknown.

For those who have wondered, I am doing fine for the most part. I have had a couple episodes when I have had to take the nitroglycerin, but am fine. Rehab is going well. I have not run since last week, but I'm not in a rush to do that.

As for that old nemesis stress, I am working on reducing it. That is the toughest thing I have to do. Ironically, it can be a bit stressful to reduce stress. Overall, I feel pretty good. I just worry about the unknown.

Charlie

The Road to Recovery: Running

This morning when I checked in at rehab, they asked me if I was ready to ramp things up a bit. I told them I was game and ready to go. Typically this is the routine in rehab: stretch, walk two laps around the room, do resistance training for a few minutes, 15 minutes of cardio, resistance, 15 minutes of cardio, stretch and cool down walk. Today the cardio was back to back, and I could run.

Just to be clear, this is all being monitored, and no, I wasn't running like I used to. This was intervals on the treadmill, strapped to monitors, with the blood pressure check. My walk interval was 3.1mph, my run interval was a 3.6mph, which in terms of time per mile is walking at 18:45 min/mile, and running 16:45 min/mile. I would do one minute walk, and one minute run.

I was nervous as I started. I hadn't run in months, and now I was running after a heart attack. When I switched to the run part of the workout, I felt like I had been cut loose. No blazing speed, but I ran. Of the 15 minutes, I ran about 6 minutes. They asked me to stop at one point, because the monitors were not sending accurate readings, so they had be stop running, and do some brisk walking. Still I ran.

I didn't feel any tightness in the chest. I felt my heart beating, but it wasn't bad. My blood pressure went from 122/64 to 140/66. All was good.

This was an important step in my recovery, and an important step for my mental well being.

The rehab folks asked how I felt at the end, and I told them great. With that, I got a thumbs up and a "See you tomorrow" from them.

Today was a great step on the road to recovery.

Charlie

It's What You Do

Over the last month and some odd days, I've had a bit of time to think about life; who we are, what we do, how we live. During this time, I've also read a lot about things going on in the world, and the reactions to the trouble and tragedies out there. Concerning is an understatement in how I feel about the state of the world.

We are living in a troubled time. In the world wars are being fought in the name of religion, when it truly isn't the case. At home, we are living through an ugly period, where the poor get blamed for being poor, the color of our skin still divides us, who we love is challenged, selfishness is celebrated and lack of reason and clarity seem to be ruling the day.

So as I'm recovering from this heart attack, I'm thinking about how I live and what my place in the world is. I wonder about my quality of life, and am I really living my life. Once I do that, a lot of the negative things are put in perspective, and I find I want to do better for myself.

Work has been a source of stress, and this week I was challenged quite a bit. You wouldn't think that would happen on the first week back from a heart attack, but it was. I listened to a good number of unhappy people talk to me about what they don't like about their jobs. I saw a lot of sadness. I was recipient of actions taken by someone I think is pretty miserable at this time. Typically I would get upset too. I didn't this time.

This time I thought about how sorry I feel for them. I thought about how the sadness going on could be overcome. I felt pity towards the person who wasn't good to me. I also felt a certain amount of powerlessness, because I can only control my actions and how I live, and couldn't help these people.

The overriding thought during the recovery has been, it's about what you do with your life. That is what counts. Do you enjoy life? Does what you do bring meaning to you? Are you good to other people? I am more aware than ever that we have a finite time on this planet. This is our shot(unless you are a big believer in reincarnation). We waste so much time being angry, laying blame, being bitter,  reliving past mistakes, we forget those actions use up an incredible amount of energy.  We would be so much better off, if we could live more in the present, and what we are going to do, then look back, have regrets, and cling to the bad. It's what we do with our lives that makes it better. It really is.

Charlie

Part of the Community

Today was the end of week 1 at work. Saturdays are the days we coach the training program out of our store. The runners/walkers head out for a long run, depending on what they are training for. I go out on the Monon Trail and provide water. This is one of my favorite part of my job, because it really connects me to the running community.

The runners were happy to see me back at work. Some knew of the heart attack, others didn't. I talked for a few minutes before they headed out about how important running had been to my health, and why I believe the heart attack could have been much worse if I hadn't been a runner.

I was on the Monon with the water. Runners were going by; some would wave at me, or give a shout out. Others would eye me suspiciously(why is there a guy with water out on the trail?). My runners were happy I was out. It gave them a chance to rest, ask questions, chat, etc.

At one point an older man came up to me. "Charlie!" he shouted. "I'm so glad you're here. I've wanted to talk to you for a long time now, "he said.  I've written about this gentlemen in the last year. In fact it was almost a year ago.

http://running-with-coffee.blogspot.com/2013/09/being-good-samaritan-cost-long-run.html

This was the man I had seen during my run, sitting on the Monon, cradling his foot after a fall. No one had stopped to help him, so I stayed with him until his wife came to get him. I hadn't seen him since that day.

Today he was walking up to me, clearly better. He told me he had broken his ankle that day. It took him a few months to heal. Now he can run, but he isn't running 6-10 miles like he had in the past. Now he's good for 3-4 miles.

He wanted to thank me for staying with him that day. He thought it was a big sacrifice on my part, because I was doing a long run that day, and stopped to help him, thus ending my run that day. I told him I was happy to do it, and was just shocked no one had stopped to check on him.

The conversation turned to shoes and running in general. Towards the end of the talk, he told me he has always appreciated my help, and sends people to see me all the time. He was kind enough to tell me he thinks of my store and me as an important part of the running community. I thanked him, and prepared to take down my water table. He asked if I was going to make this a Saturday thing. I told him I always do. He asked if he could hang out with me some Saturday. Absolutely.

The running community is an amazing community of support. I wish all aspects of it were as nice, but no community is a utopia. It was a good morning though.

Charlie

Stress and How We Deal With It

This is my challenge as I strive towards better health - how do we deal with stress? Deep breathing seems to be a popular suggestion, though if I take too many more breathes,  I think I'll get a reputation for having asthma.  Today yoga was suggested. I've done yoga before, and I get why people finding it meditative, I don't. I read of a T'ai Chi class at the hospital, but I don't think standing in the "Repulse Monkey" pose is for me. The life coach recommended reading the Bible. I always view the Bible as a textbook, and not a curl up and relax book.

One of my staff told me we can never achieve a stress free life. Even if we were to live on a tropical island paradise, something would stress us out. My response was we live in a society where we live to work. I want to be able to work to live.

I'm not able to talk about the stress I have at work, but it's substantial. So how do you handle the day to day stress, and keep a job? There's the puzzle.

Good friends have given advice. Oddly enough, lawyer and psychologist were not suggested. Plugging away appears to be winning. How far to you plug though until you risk another heart attack? Is it worth it? More to the puzzle.

I wish I could tell you I got a warm welcome back to work, but it wasn't what I thought it would be. I was dealt with....for lack of a better term...crap. So it's hung with me all day. I've spent most of the evening in the bedroom, because I just don't want to deal with things.

I had a long talk with Mark. He gave me hugs. He utter obscenities(not about me). He cooked a pork chop dinner(no applesauce). He was the good partner.

Friday is by my side. She occasionally looks at me, gives me a lick now and then. She's a good dog.

Tomorrow is another chance to do better. I was told in the hospital, and I think this is how I will have to deal with stress. It isn't one day at a time, or even one step at a time. It's one moment at a time.

Charlie

A Month Since.....

It has been a month since I had my heart attack. To say it's been quite a month would be a gross understatement. It's been a learning experience on many levels. First and foremost, I re-learned that our bodies are precious, and we need to take care of them, listen to them, and do right by them. This is what we have and the only life we get(though I still want to come back as an Olympic Athlete next time around).

A crisis like this brings out different things in different people. Some people get incredibly brave and strong. Some retreat and are never sure what to do. Others just go with the flow of the moment, and can be there if you need them. I've encountered all three of these types in my recovery.

We have a tendency  to take friendships and relationships of any kind for granted. Then you get a heart attack, and you have time to really think about the people in your life. For the last month I've gotten so many well wishes, acts of kindness, hugs, kisses, notes, texts, in short - I've gotten a lot of love. There are people out there who I had never met before the heart attack, who have shown me much kindness. If I have enjoyed anything about this ordeal, it's the love I have felt.

In thinking about the people in my life, I have to say, I have one of the more eclectic, loving group of friends a person can have. I've said this, and I will say it again, the friends we make each represent little parts of ourselves. Everyone in a situation like this says this, and it is a cliche, but there is so much truth when it is said, "I'm the luckiest person alive to have such wonderful people in my life."

The rehab has been quite the experience. Being the youngest one in the rehab center(of late), I see people a lot older than I am, in a lot worse shape. I'm very fortunate to get the care and treatment I needed as soon as possible, or this could have been much worse.

Still I enjoy the people watching in rehab. There are the 70somethings talking business. There is the woman who works out when I do, and all she does is walk on the treadmill and watch the Today Show. There is the African-American man who calls me buddy, and tells me I look serious, and I mean business. I just smile and nod in agreement. There are the nurses on duty who are absolutely wonderful and attentive. It's fun to watch this all unfold three times a week.

When you have a heart attack, you have to change your lifestyle. I am no exception. Even though I've been a runner, there are still things to I need to do. Sodium seems to be the Devil. They told me to keep my sodium intake to under 2000 mg a day. If My Fitness Pal is correct, I have kept it closer to 1500. I've noticed I don't feel good if I have close to 2000 mg.

The diet I eat, which is different from being on a diet, is an adventure. Fruits and veggies are the key. Meat is limited. Portions are everything. Creativity is a must. In this respect I have turned into my mother. I always love reading cookbooks, now I not only read them more attentively, I am writing recipes down, and cutting out recipes from Bon Appetit. I'm creating a notebook of recipes like mom had.

Farmers Markets are my friends. This is fun. If you have a market in your town - go. If you don't seek one out and go. These are fun, and they open the possibilities to what you can make. The produce is so much better from these markets than the grocery store. The people who sell the produce are so friendly. I am a Farmers Market lover. For the record, this year's sweet corn is like eating sugar off the cob. I've never had such sweet corn in my life.

If I have one obstacle in my way, it's stress. This is the leading factor which led to my heart attack. I have lots of it. I've joked the two places I have stress are home and work. The challenge  is to figure how to cope and manage the stress of things. I don't always talk about the issues when they come up. I keep quiet. I've decided to be a bit more vocal, and get things out of me. I doubt this will go over well, but not saying something keeps it inside you, and that isn't always good.

I have to pick and choose my battles. The ones I don't choose, I have to let go. This is tougher at work, because there are a lot of battles. Usually they are around the same theme. This will be a toughie. Any ideas?

Ok, I don't want to write a novel today. I did want to get some thoughts on the last month out. I will end with this.... I go back to work next week. I'm nervous about it, because I don't know how it will go. Fear though can't hold me back. I have a strong support system with all of you, and if I need a Brute Squad, I got plenty of people to call.

Charlie

There are Down Days

Yesterday wasn't a good day.  The day was promising enough, I went to the gym. That's where it began to go downhill. I was going to do 45 minutes, but I found I got tired. So I worked out for 30 minutes instead.  I didn't feel good like I normally do after the gym, but I thought it would pass.

I dropped by work to talk to my assistant manager. He will be on vacation the day I return to work, so I wanted to talk about things going on, so I'm not lost(or too lost) on Day 1. That went fine, but I noticed as we spoke about my boss, my chest started to feel tight. I did as was suggested and sat down for a bit, and that made it feel better. Still I just didn't feel good.

As the afternoon wore on, I felt the tightness come and go. Mark came home in a bad mood from work. Seems he had a bad day too. So the mood at home wasn't great. I felt the elephant sitting on my chest though, and I thought, "Ok, I better take some nitroglycerin." Not a wonderful feeling in the mouth, I must say.

I went into our room, and laid down for a bit, and let the nitro do it's thing. In about 15 minutes I was breathing better. I didn't feel as flush and the tightness was gone.

There was a good thing for the day. I got socks! My good friend Jen Rudd sent me three pairs of coffee themed socks. Now really what is there not to like about that. Jen is a doll, and I clearly need to go spend time with her in California(never fear, I haven't packed nor am I on my way).

Everyone with heart disease has down days. This was simply my first down day since the heart attack. Today is rehab, and I'm going to discuss this with the therapists. I'm also going to hope today is a better day.

Charlie

What Led Us to Today

This weekend on Facebook, I've have been profusely thanking an old friend of mine, Keith Dunn, for organizing the opportunity for Mark and I to see Bianca Del Rio. For those not in the know, Bianca Del Rio won this last season's RuPauls Drag Race(one of my most favorite shows). She is a wonderfully funny drag queen.

Keith and I worked together in 1985/86 at the Indiana Repertory Theatre in Indianapolis. We were in the box office and sold tickets, and handled customer issues. I don't believe I ever told this to Keith, but he was my first gay friend to pal around with. Oh trust me, I knew gay people, but at that point I hadn't been out long, and those who were gay were closeted. He not only was my co-worker, but he was my bar buddy. He introduced me to the bars in Indy; The Varsity, Talbott Street, OP's(now Greg's), and I think we might have gone to The Unicorn.

Back then, I enjoyed bars to a point, and then I would get depressed. I felt bad for Keith at the time, because I thought he must of thought I was a mess. I kind of was. Back then I was misdiagnosed as HIV+(but would not know it was a misdiagnosis for 2 years), and I felt very alone. So at certain points in the night, I would feel a bit down. He always did his best to cheer me up.

What you don't know then, is what you know now, and I thought about it this weekend. Who knew almost 30 years ago, that he and I would renew our friendship via Facebook, and he would be instrumental in picking up my spirits after a heart attack. Keith put the word out that I wasn't able to get tickets to the now sold out Bianca Del Rio show.

As it turns out an old friend from his Indy days came through. LaNora Takie works at the bar, and is an old friend of Keith's. She got Mark and me into the show, and also the meet and greet. Yes, we got to meet Bianca Del Rio. I had never met her until I went to the bar Friday night, and I made sure to give her a big hug of thanks. She is a sweetheart.

What I'm getting at is, the people we meet in our lives, we are never really sure what roles they will play in our lives. I find it fascinating that you can lose touch with someone, as I did with Keith, then we meet up via the internet years later, and we are still friends. If my today self went back and told 1985 Charlie that in 2014 he would have a heart attack, and Keith would do something kind to brighten a down time, I think 1985 Charlie would have ignored that and asked, "Di I find a hot guy for a boyfriend." Yeah, I was a bit shallow when I wanted to be.

To some of you, this may seem like a "duh" kind of post, but really, you don't know the roles people truly play in your lives. During the 80s, I went through a lot of sad times, so the friends I had in my life, I treated like family. They were family, and in my mind, still are family. I don't keep in touch with old friends like I should, but I treasure the times we had, and the love and affection we shared. Chances are, we still share that love and affection. It just doesn't always make itself known.

Charlie

The Lifestyle Coach

Yesterday I met with the lifestyle coach. Up to this point I've had nothing but wonderful things to say about the treatment and care I've been getting at Community. While this won't be negative, let me say, it just wasn't what I thought it would be.

The woman I met with was very nice, and made be feel comfortable in the examination room where we met. She did a basic review of my chart, and where I am at this point. Heart attack, stent, rehab, nutrition class, medication all got reviewed. I know the repetition is good, because it brings everything into perspective, and it makes them aware that you are aware of everything. This took up 15 minutes of a 30 minute meeting.

Then we talked stress. She asked me what gives me stress. I told her two things: home and work. I detailed where the stress comes from, and she gave me nods and smiles. She told me if I want counseling to deal with the stress I can, but what she mostly advised was breathing exercises. Really?

No, I wasn't expecting a magic pill which would take stress away, but deep breathing? Yeah, I understand there are benefits to it. I just thought there would be something a bit more in depth. Counseling? Yes I could do that again. It's been a couple decades, maybe I could use it. I just thought there would be more. Oh there was....she also told me a good many relieve stress by reading the Bible. She did suggest running. I think that one will work, once I get the approval to run(which should be soon in rehab).

Yes, I was expecting more. Considering the great and plentiful info I've gotten thus far, this just seemed lacking.

Charlie

The Checkup

This morning was my first visit to the cardiologist's office since my heart attack. This is a "how are you doing" visit. No tests, but I had my blood pressure checked on both arms. I was seen by the nurse practitioner.

So the good news is I am in good shape for having had a heart attack a little over 3 weeks ago. My blood pressure is normal. No changes need to be made on my medications. My rehab is producing good results. I got a big thumbs up to my going to the gym to workout a couple times a week. All in all, I would say a great checkup.

We did talk about nitroglycerin. It scares me quite a bit. Must be all the old movies I used to watch, where things go boom! The NP told me when it's appropriate to take it, so I'm more comfortable with that.

We discussed my running. When I can start running again will be left more in the hands of the rehab folks, and my progress. I've made it clear to them that I want to do that again. Everyone agrees that is an important step for the future.

I'm pleased with the visit. To celebrate, I went to the gym after and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Felt good.

Charlie

Weight

When I was in the hospital I weighed 273 lbs. Those who know me, know I weighed 200lbs 8 years ago. Clearly there has been a slow progression towards being heavier. A number of factors are in play.  Stress is probably number one. I am an emotional eater. Stress drives me to food. You can have all the understanding of food and nutrition, but when you are sad, stressed, down, etc., you eat. I did.

Lack of running. Over the last few years my running has slowed to a crawl. If you aren't active, you gain weight - period. Working in a running store doesn't mean you have time to run. Retail hours are still retail hours. It takes committment to make running happen, and I didn't make it a priority.

Running as a business. I lost sight of running for myself as a source of enjoyment, and saw it more as a business. The minute something is a chore, we don't want to do it. The challenge is to turn the chore into fun.

At this point, I am eating better. Stress is still with me. Really after a heart attack, how are you not stressed that you won't have another one. So while I am figuring that out, the snacks I am eating are more regulated and healthier. My fave of late is a handful of unsalted cashews. Yummy.

Right now, I am 266 lbs.. This is progress. To help further the progress, Mark and I have finally re-joined a gym. For now I will be walking. My doctor told me running won't happen for at least 3 months, maybe more. It depends on my recovery. I can walk though. It's what I do in rehab, and I can do it at the gym, or anywhere. The gym gives me the incentive to go do something.

So while I am not happy about the weight, I am working on it, and focused on losing it as part of my recovery.

Charlie

Stress

Since my heart attack, the mantra has been "You have to reduce stress." I'm finding that is easier said than done. Stress comes in little packages, as well as big packages. It isn't always the big event. Sometimes, it's pulling out of the driveway, and being confronted with traffic.

For me stress is a number of issues. Money issues are always there, and they always cause me a certain amount of stress. Then again, money in general has always been a source of stress for me. When we were young, the simple act of asking for an allowance, or for a new toy, was met with 20 questions. This has carried over into adulthood. I get stress if I have to part with more than $50 for something.

The next issue is work. My work is not stressful. It's the things around my work which bring stress. Lack of good communication, so I can do my job effectively brings me a great deal of stress. I can handle the angry customer in front of me. I go nuts if I have to ask a question requiring timely response, and the response either requires me to ask several times, or I wait too long. Pick and choose your battles. I always pick communication, because it determines how well you can do your job.

Finally I think about the stress I self induce. If I am OCD on anything it's time. For me, being 5 minutes early is on time. I have a big problem with tardiness, and it churns my up inside to not be on time. So clearly, this is something I can work on. The others sometimes feel beyond my control.

Next week I sit down with a lifestyle coach who is going to talk to me about my life, where my stress is, and how to reduce it. Should be an interesting topic to say the least.

Charlie

The Routine

Today was the first active day of rehab. It's about a 45 minute workout. It starts with me attaching various heart reading things(the technical term) to my chest. This measures my heart rate as I workout. Also, once I rip them off my skin, it serves a dual purpose of waxing my chest. After a quick blood pressure check I am off.

There is stretches, a couple laps around the room, and some weight lifting. Don't worry, no bench pressing 200lbs here. I did 4 lbs weights today. 200 is next time. After this is done, you get into the cardio aspect. I got on the treadmill, got me walking at a 3.0 MPH, and was off on a 10 minute walk. After 5 minutes they took my blood pressure again, it had gone up, but it was expected it would, and I was well within the norm.

After the treadmill, I have to do the weights again. Same routine, same 4 lbs. Once this is done you move on to the next 10 minute cardio exercise. I did a seated bike. Again, I did 3.0 MPH. It seemed the effort was more on this, then on the treadmill. The nurses come by and ask on a scale of 1-10 what our effort is. The goal is to be in the 4-6 range; light moderate, to heavy moderate exertion. I felt both the activities were 5's.

Once the second cardio is done, then it's the weights, stretches and laps around the room. At the end, you sit until they tell you that you're done. They are checking all the measurements to be sure everything is normal. They ask if you are feeling dizzy or are in pain. If everything checks out, you go home. All was good, so I headed home.

Tomorrow I do it all over again, and then I meet with a nutritionist.

Charlie

They Told Me I Had to Go to Rehab, and I Said, "Yes, Yes, Yes"

This morning I headed to my first visit in the rehab clinic. This was not a workout day, but a testing and questions day. I was asked all kinds of lifestyle and nutrition questions. We reviewed my medication, took vitals, and went over what I will be doing.

At this point in the game here is what I know. In six minutes I can walk 1300 ft., which the nurse told me is good. I weigh 265 lbs. When I was in the hospital I was 273 lbs. So since July 7, with healthy eating I have lost 8 lbs. The goal for rehab is to get me moving, and lose 10 lbs. Seems like a good goal.

They asked me what my overall goal was. I told them I want to get to a point where I can run like I did. I was told I should be able to do that. For now, I walk. I will go to rehab 3 times a week(Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8am).

I mentioned on Facebook I was the youngest patient in the room. The nurse confirmed that. So for the moment, I'm the youngest.

On the eating front, while Anne was here, we began to establish better and healthier eating. We have discovered the Farmers Market, and brought lots of fresh produce home. We are looking through cookbooks and websites for tasty healthy meals. I'm not to do fad diets, or anythings rash. I am to cut down on fat, sodium, and manage portions.

I'm feeling ok physically. I have times when I haven't eaten I get a bad headache. I snack or meal takes care of that.

I'm also dealing with some depression. This is hard for me. I think I cried for about 10 minutes yesterday, which poor Mark had to endure. He was good though and assured me things would get better.

Also...we are looking at a gym to join. Planet Fitness offers $10 a month and no commitment.  We're going to give that a try, as Mark is with me on this. We want to be sure he doesn't get a heart attack.

Charlie

How to Manage Cooking

The message from the doctor was pretty simple - low sodium/low fat diet. Of course when we think of a diet like this, we think tasteless food, bland even. This is where creativity and planning come into play. Cooking a healthy meal requires some prep work, and an ability to try different things.

Instead of salt, use pepper, or garlic powder, or onion powder. If you have a spice rack, you have a lot of options in front of you. Maybe a dash of chili powder to give that pork a bit of kick? Maybe some tarragon for that chicken?

Time in this day and age means we prepare meals fast and on the go. To make the right heart healthy choices, you need to slow down a bit and prepare. We are getting a memo board for the kitchen, which will allow us to plan meals, and what we need to prepare. The world may be fast paced, but your kitchen doesn't have to be. Plus if you do enough prep, then the cooking part will be quicker, and maybe more fun.

This is our plan for now. Tonight, I'm thinking pork chops....now what to do to make it more interesting.....

Charlie

Adjusting

For those who have been through a heart attack, or those who have loved ones who have gone through it, you understand there is a period of adjustment. This is my period of adjustment. Emotionally I am still stunned this happened, and a bit depressed over it.

I also know Mark is having a difficult time adjusting. Difficult is probably an understatement. He doesn't want to talk about what he is going through, but he tells me he knows he needs to talk about it. I feel bad for him.

I have to focus on how I am coping though, and be a bit selfish, in that good way. I'm more aware of what my body is doing, probably hyper-aware. That's good I think. I'm more cautious about what I do. I know in time that caution will fade as I feel stronger, but for now, I'm good with it.

It's been good having my sister here. Of course it's fun to have Sabrina here, as she helps me take my mind off the really bad things that have happened. Never underestimate the power of Uno games.

Anne is helping us re-evaluate what we eat, she's helping with household chores, doing some driving for us. She's a good nurse, and an even better sister. She's preparing us for when it's just Mark and me.

Friday is also being extra good, and loves the fact there is someone home all the time now.

In over a week I will begin rehab, then I have doctors visits to do. The main thing for now is to reduce stress. That's why I'm oh so glad the insurance company is already letting me know what is being covered and how much....did you catch the sarcasm.

Hard to believe a week ago my life changed. While it happened fast, adjusting to a new lifestyle will take time.

Charlie

Home

Hello All....

I am home from the hospital where Mark, my sister Anne and my niece Sabrina are taking great care of me. I'm feeling good. Occasionally I'm tired, but I will take that over how I felt a few days ago.

Today I was visited by a home health nurse who took my vitals, quizzed me on my meds, and just did an overall check of how I was doing. She thought I looked great, and I told her I felt really good.

I did go walking today. I walked at the mall. Am a bit tired, but feel it was a good thing to do, without pushing it.

On the food front, we are learning how to reduce sodium(mostly by reading labels and being stunned at the amount of sodium in foods). Anne took us to Paradise Cafe and Bakery. I had an amazing salad. Strawberry Poppyseed and Chicken. I ordered the 1/2 salad which tasted so summery and good. The salad has(other than the previously mentioned items), mandarin oranges, pineapple, blueberries and pecans. The Poppyseed Dressing I had on the side and used sparingly.

Bottom line - feeling good and glad to be home.

Charlie

The Road to Recovery

Hello My Friends,

It looks like this blog is about to take a new turn, and hopefully for the better. Sunday night I suffered a heart attack. This originally came as a shock to me, but as I lay here in the hospital, thinking about things, it probably was going to happen. I have not been actively running, and I had put on a lot of weight. Add the stress in my life....heart attack.

My life is taking a new journey, and I have never been shy about sharing it with you. I have to re-learn the positive lifestyle changes I let go, and focus on living as healthy as I can for the rest of my life. I won't be running anytime soon. I will be walking though, and I will take you along on those walks. I will share the food habits I have to re-start, and I will discuss what is going on physically and mentally.

First off I should tell you I am scared. Nothing like this has happened to me, and I am scared of it happening again. I'm also a bit depressed that this has happened. I've been as upbeat as I can, but I am a bit depressed.

If you, or anyone you know has words of advice having gone through something like this. I am all eyes and ears.

In the meantime, I do my best to share as I go forward.

Charlie

What Do.....

What do a funny named shoe, a drag queen named Bianca, a scared garter snake and 2 miles have in common? Well it was all a part of my run today.

The goal as last time was to run 2 miles, as I slowly come back from injury after injury, and the dreaded weight gain. I have to remember not to be frustrated about doing 2 miles. It could be worse, I could be doing NO miles.

I headed to Westfield for a run north on the Monon. Off I went. Today I am running in my run only pair of Hokas. I have a pair for work, and one for running now. Hokas are an odd named shoe, that's for sure. While I don't believe in miracle shoes or products for running, this shoe comes close to it. It is built for long endurance runs like ultras, but you can wear this big bulky looking shoe for any distance. What will surprise you is how light it is - 10.8 oz. If you are a runner who battles injury, I encourage you to try this shoe.

So as I was slowly moving, I noticed movement a ahead. As I got closer, there it was - my arch nemesis - a snake. This was one of those so-called harmless garter snakes. It looked like he heard me coming, and the Earth was moving, because he was moving as quickly as he could to get out of my way. Yeah take that snake....run away from me.

The way back my knee was feeling a bit achy, so I tried adjusting my step a bit, and that seemed to help. Still once bad things happen on a run, you need to dig deep to get some inspiration to keep going. Today's inspiration came in the form of the drag queen Bianca Del Rio. Sorry, not just any drag queen, this is THE RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 Winner, Bianca Del Rio.  She is an insult drag queen. Picture a far younger, prettier Don Rickles, and you get my drift.

So how did Bianca inspire me today. I needed something to say to myself over and over again to get through the doubt, and desire to stop. My phrase was ....

"Not today Satan, not today."  

Hey whatever works!

Overall I feel good about the run. I ran 1.7 miles and walked .3 today. Again, I will take that. Looking to do another 2 miles this week.

Charlie

Without the Brace

Today the goal was to run two miles - without the compression knee brace. For the record, my knee feels about 75%-80% better, but obviously not perfect. Not where I need to be that is for sure.

For now my goals are pretty simple. If it feels pretty good - go run. If I can, run more than I walk. So today I headed down the Hagen-Burke Trail. I was running in the Hoka Bondi's today. It takes a bit getting used to, running in those shoes. I'm not used to CUSHION!

Overall the run was fine. I did manage to run more than walk. I figured I walked 1/4 mile of the two miles I ran. I was slow, but then again, why do I need to be fast now?

I thought about the people who make excuses that they "jog." Oh please, it's right foot, left foot, repeat. There is no great trick to this. If you run slow....do it proudly. If you run fast....then Run Forest Run!

The knee bothered me some, but I was glad to have the extra cushion of the Hokas. All in all a good run. If I feel good tomorrow....then I will do it all over again.

Charlie

This n That

This is a hodgepodge of items for this post, there isn't a common thread, other than the theme of running.... :-)

1) This week's running consisted of two miles. I'll take it. After NOT running since November, two miles, is two more than I have done in months. This is a slow process to get back into running. I'm not pushing anything, other than to do a 5K this year.

2) Hokas - When I was a teenager, there were the Earth Shoes. For me those were a miracle shoe. They were the first decent looking non-orthodic shoes I could wear comfortable, and felt no pain in my feet.

Flash to the Hoka. It's too early to proclaim a miracle, but these shoes are great, and I feel virtually no pain in them when I walk. When I run, I feel a bit tender in the knee, but not enough to prevent me from running. I will do a more complete review once I have put more miles on them, but for now, they are helping me run.

3) Special Olympics - A couple months ago I came up with the idea of offering Special Olympics athletes a 20% discount in my store. I worked with the area chapter, and they had a donor who wanted to give each athlete a gift card to purchase shoes. It worked very well, and now about 40 athletes are running happy with new shoes.

My latest idea is also coming true. We offer a training program in the Summer for Fall races. The local SO chapter is going to select one athlete to come and train for a 5K with me. My store will provide the training and find a 5K in the Fall to get us into(complimentary). The county director loved the idea, and if it works, we will integrate more of the kids into the training programs in the future.

So it was a good week in my running world. Next goal - run 1.5 miles 3 times a week.

Charlie

The Slow Road Back

Today was an important day for me. I've had the back issues. I still have the LCL issue, but I was determined to run for the first time this year. The goal was 1 mile. The place was a flat, flat, flat, did I mention flat portion of the Monon. The plan was to run 1/2 and walk 1/2 if I could.

I needed some tools though.... A few weeks ago I tried walking in a Hoka Bondi. If you have not tried these shoes, I think they are worth it, especially if you are prone to injury or issues.

As I walked in the shoes at work, I noticed one thing, my left leg didn't bother me. It was the first time in months I walked around not feeling pain on the left side. The Hoka rep was kind enough to give me a pair to test out. So today I gave them a spin.

The other tool also came to me last week. CEP, which is a leader in compression, has designed a knee sleeve. I've used this at work for a week, and I notice I feel little discomfort on that left leg. So I thought I should put it to the test and run with it on today.

I got to my spot in the center of Carmel. I stretched a couple of minutes, and then, verrry slowly I started. It's awkward to run in new shoes. These were no exception. The Hokas are very cushy. Most of the time I don't like that kind of cushion, but today was ok.

I started with a slow jog, for 1/4 mile.  The knee area felt tender as I ran, but not too sore. I walked for the next 1/4 mile. My leg felt better. At the midpoint, I took a breather, then headed back to the car. This time I walked 1/4 mile. I ran the last 1/4 mile. Towards the end of the run, my main thought was not to push too hard. I could tell 1 mile was all the leg would allow today. At the end my leg was a bit sore, but not horrible sore. I stretched, and did a walk around the parking lot, then headed home.

Did I like the Hokas? I did. I'm not sure how they will hold up to my extreme supination. Time will tell. I was glad to have the brace on. Most important lesson....I need to have a doctor really look at this, and tell me what I need to do. $$$

The goal is to be able to run a 5K later this year. So today was a good first intro back. Felt good to be out there with the other runners.

Charlie

This Winter

Let's be blunt, for most of us this winter sucked for running. A good many people either didn't run, or they ran on the dread mill for hours at a time. I'm talking to a good many people gearing up for the Spring marathon/half marathon season who may not have run for two months, only ran on the treadmill, or are over training. In almost every case, they are complaining about pains and issues.

Folks, this is a gentle reminder, you can't make up lost training. Nope sorry. If you skipped a month of running, you can't do two months worth in one month to make up for it. Why? Injury. The greatest reason we get injured is from over training.

One gentleman insisted to me it was his shoes. It couldn't be the 5 miles a day he started doing(previously he was a 2 mile every other day guy). My fear is this race season will see a lot of people in a lot of pain on the road.

If you have to push through these races, I'm suggesting a good use of walking breaks. No, you actually don't have to run the entire race. You can take walk breaks, and no one thinks ill of you. Nor are you any less of a runner(no matter what the snobs say).

Use some sense, and you can get past the lack of winter training. Focus on some cross training and build/re-build your core. Make sure the shoes are good. Your local specialty running store can help you with that. Improve your nutrition. Put the donut down, and have something a bit better for you. Your insides will thank you, and it will improve your running.

It's Spring, but yes, we can overcome this past Winter.

Charlie

How Do I Run?

If anyone is still reading the blog, I'm sorry I haven't written since the marathon in September. To be honest, I haven't felt like writing here, because I haven't been running. The marathon ended at mile 13, when my back just kept feeling stiff and a bit sore. I knew I didn't have another 13 miles in me that day. I was fine stopping. I didn't get emotional as I thought I would.

Since then, I have only run twice. Neither run was spectacular. The back still bothered me. Once the back felt better, I sprained my LCL on my left knee. This bothers me some, but I am hoping to start running again. The problem is, how do I run?

Yes, I know it's right foot, left foot. With all the time away, I just don't know how to start. I feel lost, and have felt lost about running. It doesn't help that I have struggled for months in my personal and professional life. In short, I've been miserable. It would have helped to run, but I couldn't. Now I feel I want to start again, but, as I said, I feel lost on how to do this.

I have a goal of a 5K, maybe a 10K this year. Nothing lofty, nothing too much. I want to get back into it, and develop a routine, and remind myself of the love I have for this sport. I do love it, but there are days it's hard.

In the meantime, I've been coaching runners, but I feel like a fraud, because I'm not out there running. The worst part is I've gained quite a bit of weight, and I feel gross. So as I begin to come out of the mess that has been my non-running life, I hope some of you will give me some advice, encouragement, and maybe a spark to get me back.

I will write from time to time, and get back into the swing of things here. I've missed running, and I've missed writing on running.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 1 Day

It's the day before the marathon. Goals today are to tour the course to see what the heck I have gotten myself into, go back to the expo(went to get the packet, but didn't explore the expo, hang with the cousins. Plan the race.

Not sure how this one will go. Mark's ankle looks like it will keep him from going around the course. I'm thinking maybe seeing him at the start, and then at the end. He just can't get around. I know there are people out there who run these things with no support crew. Maybe this is my time to go solo. We'll see.

I start at 6am, in the early start. I anticipate the rest of the runners will start as I head into mile 4. I expect to be passed, and I'm ok with that, afterall I'll have been leading for a while, about time someone came by to take over the pace if the race. :-)

Tonight a pasta dinner, then an early bedtime. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Charlie

Countdown to the Marathon - 2 Days

On to Wisconsin is the rallying cry today. Very excited about the race. Very excited to see my cousins. Very excited to get cheese curds(if you don't know....it's ok).

The road to a marathon is full of highs and lows. Trying to put the last month out of my head(back, cold, Mark spraining his ankle). Time to focus on the 26.2 miles ahead. It won't seem real until I get to the expo tomorrow. That's when you know it's happening.

Weather still looks great for Sunday.

:-)Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 3 Days

Today we pack for the journey to Wisconsin. This is important. I can forget a lot of things: the shirt I want to wear for dinner one night, the jeans which fit pretty well, toothpaste. What I can't forget is the running gear. Clothes - check. Shoes - check. GU - check.

A glitch in the plan. Mark has fallen and sprained his ankle badly. This makes things difficult for race day. I am hoping a cousin or two will be able to help me out on the course. I can do it on my own if I need to though. My worry is his ankle, and how he sees this as a set back.

On the health front, my back is mostly better. My throat has been sore for a while, and it gets worse the more I talk. Good news, I don't have to talk to anyone during the race.

So 3 days out....wish things were better, but I am packing and ready to go.

Charlie

How I Run - Comparison

There is a big difference between how I think I run....

....and I most likely run....

:-)Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 4 Days

I haven't written much this year about being 50. Truth be told the year has sucked, but besides that, how does it affect my running? Yes, I am slower. I can work on speed, but I won't be the runner I was 7 years ago, unless one of you has some magic pill.

The recent problems with my back allowed me to examine more how I move. I have to be more deliberate with my movements. For example, when I get out of bed, I have to move carefully, and before I stand up, I sit for a moment and make sure I'm not making any odd movements. I don't know how I got the muscle spasm in my back, but I know it started when I got out of bed, so whatever it was I was doing - I don't, or at least try not to do.

Running means I have to watch what I am doing. Because my feet are the way they are, I notice oddities. My feet don't respond to curves in the road. Now we all think roads are flat, but they aren't. The flattest part of a road tends to be the center, then there are slight curves to the sides of the road. I assume this is so when it rains, the water can quickly go to the sides, and into drainage. My feet feel that slight bend. I try to stay close to the center.

Yes, I know this makes me sound like someone who is say....60 or 70. I want to continue to run then, so I think it's important to be even more aware of my body now. As I get closer to this race, I am aware that my body is not at ideal marathon shape. Part of that is cross training - specifically strength training. I am going to work on this. The problem is money is tight, and joining a gym is not possible now. When it is....gym time.

Don't get me wrong, the goal of finishing can still be met. I just have to take more care now.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 5 Days

What to wear? No, I'm not being a fashionista this morning. You have to figure what to wear on race day. "Come on Charlie - shorts, shirt, socks, shoes - duh," you may say. Well....yes....and no. Always keep an eye on the weather when figuring out your race day wear.

Right now the forecast for race day is sunny, low of 46, high of 62. Now, for me that is ideal, but how do you dress? As the days turn colder, you want to dress in some sort of layers. Now in this case, I have to think about when I will run the majority of my race.

I will start at 6am. The sun won't be up yet. A short sleeve shirt and shorts won't do. A long sleeve shirt will work, because I can always later roll up sleeves as the race goes on. I might want a jacket at the start, but I know that will come off fairly quickly. As for the bottoms, I am looking at 2 in 1 shorts, or I have longer running tights, that are light enough, that it wouldn't be a problem in the later stages.

Half the race will be run before 9:30am, so the coolness will be a factor. Remember, as you run your body temperature is 15 degrees warmer. So when it does it 62, it will feel like 77. I might not want those light tights at that point. I do know as the race goes on, my pace gets slower, so if it is chilly, I will feel it more in those later stages, so I can still opt for the tights.

See I told you this wasn't about being a fashionista.

Socks and shoes are a breeze. I am planning on Fits Merino Wool Socks and of course my Brooks Dyads. Hat - Boston Red Sox Cap. I may wear wicking clothing, but my hat is always a cotton. Call me nuts, but I like that on my head.

Body Glide is a must for long distance running. Chaffing is NOT fun during a race.

It's always best if one or two of your runs is done with what you are planning to wear. This way you'll know if there are seams in the clothes which may bother you. Or, you may find out it just doesn't work. Race day is never a good day to figure out something isn't working.

Planning things like this is key to a good race.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 6 days

In the past I have dedicated my run to various people or causes. I had thought I wanted to dedicate each mile to various people, but in the end, I decided to go a different route. On the journey towards a marathon, there are a lot of people who show support and are there for you. They support you are you train, as you run the race, and as they follow you virtually.

During this training, I have received wonderful support from my friend Kris, who has been out there during one of my longer runs, being a support crew. I have gotten lots of encouragement from the staff of my store. These people mean a lot to me. One associate brought in his office chair I could use at my desk, so my back would feel supported. Another has made sure I have been getting enough nutrition and hydration. All have asked how I am doing, and am I ready. Mark always makes sure I am feeling good. He's been patient as I've gone through my back issue. He'll be out there race day with a cousin or two I imagine making sure I'm ok. I'm looking forward to seeing various cousins out there cheering me on. I rarely get to run with family watching, so this will be fun.  I'm also grateful to the people online who have sent me messages of support. It means a lot to me.

This is the year of the support network. I will carry all of those messages, offers to help me, run with me, etc., with me during this race.

There is another group though, that I am also dedicating this race to. Since April, I have thought a lot about those who suffered in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Some died. A good many were badly injured. Mostly, people endured a horrific event, that we need to be sure doesn't happen again. I will be wearing my Boston Red Sox cap to honor these people. I will be Boston Strong as I make my way to the finish line.

6 days to go....still feeling good.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 7 Days

A week from today I toe the start line, and head off on a 26.2 adventure. Today I ran a nice 3 mile run. I felt good. No signs of back issues, though I have been dealing with a cough and sore throat for a a couple weeks. Nothing though seems to bother my running.

So how am I feeling? Nervous. Training has not been what I would have liked, but that seems to be the norm. When you work in running specialty, you never get to run as much as you would like, or can. Still what I have been most proud of during this training is the fact I have stayed on pace. The goal is to finish in seven hours. My long runs have been pretty close to race pace. Now, will I be able to do that over the longer distance, that I don't know.

I've been asked what my race plan is. I half joke that the plan is to run, until I can't run anymore, then I walk until I finish. I would say if I can sustain a good run/walk pace over 16 miles, I am in good shape for the last 10.

The test is always between miles 18-20. That's when I mentally break down. I typically call my sister at that point. Note to self....remind Anne to have phone ready.

So now I get ready for the big day.

Charlie

Being the Good Samaritan Cost the Long Run

The goal this morning was to run for 4-5 hours. My opportunities for this run are running out, and the marathon is 2 1/2 weeks away. I gathered my gear, and headed out solo.

About 2.5 miles into the run, I saw a sight which made me stop running. There on the trail was an elderly man in his 70s sitting, holding his right ankle, and looking sad. I noticed that two women had been with him, but were now walking away. I stopped to make sure he was ok.

He had tried to find a gap in traffic to cross the street, instead of waiting for traffic to clear. He went across the street, off the trail, jumped over a small wire fence, and his foot landed in a hole. He was lamenting that he probably broke his ankle. I asked if I could call anyone for him, or try to get some help. He explained that the women who had just gone had called his wife. I offered to stay with him until his wife arrived.

He didn't want to interrupt my run, but I told him I would feel better if I stayed and made sure help came. He thanked me, then told me about his past ankle problems, and how this was going to put a crimp in his running. I listened, and told him he would run another day, the important thing was to get to a doctor.

He then said, "May I ask you a question?" "Sure," I answered. He asked, "Is it true Brooks is doing away with the Trance?" Of all the questions in the world, that one was not what I expected. I had helped this gentleman a few times in my store, and now he wanted to talk shoes. I laughed and told him the Trance would be leaving by Spring, and the Transcend would take it's place. He noted that I suggested a lighter stability shoe, like the Dyad, but he really liked the Trance.  He also told me how nice one of my staff has been to his son.

The gentleman has a good memory. He asked if I was ready for my marathon. I told him I was doing a long run today. He felt bad about my stopping. I told him it was nothing to worry about. The wife and her friend had not arrived, and by now he wanted me to call her. He laughed and said his wife sometimes thinks he is joking about things, and I was to call her and tell her it was no joke. I looked down the trail and saw two women and a Cocker Spaniel heading our way. Help was about to arrive.

Both women are nurses, and the wife began to scold him for what he did, "How the Hell old are you?" She was smiling, so I knew it was a husband/wife thing. He introduced me as the owner of his running store. I gently corrected and told her the manager. She was happy I had stayed. Soon I headed off on the run, he thanked me, and told me he would be in soon for a pair of Brooks Trance.

I was with him for about 25 minutes. As you can imagine, it's pretty hard to restart running after not running for a a long period. I felt pretty good though. Still I didn't know if I could finish what I started.

I would find out later I couldn't do it. I tried, I did. In the end I ran 1:33, and did 6 miles. Nope, not good for a long run. And my long runs are running out. My original thought was to transfer to the half, and just focus on a marathon next year. Nope - the half is sold out. So now I need a plan B. I think that plan will involve more walking than I would like. I know at this point I can do a decent half marathon. The finish it, I have to more frequent walk breaks. I also felt under nourished and hydrated today. So I need to kick that up a bit.

The last few weeks have been horrible for me. A combination of a cold, and muscle spasms in the back have knocked me out of running. Maybe that was my taper, and now I build to the marathon?

Oh this marathon may not be pretty, but I will do it.

Charlie

Each Race is a Lesson

I have often thought that each race we run provides a lesson, not only in terms of our running, but in life as well. My first 5K was a Trick of Trot Halloween race. Prior to this, my running consisted of my getting up at 4 a.m., and heading out the door. I didn't want people to see me run, because I thought I looked horrible.

What I learned in this first race, is that nobody, but a Kenyan, looks like a Kenyan when they ran. I saw people stomp their way through the race. I saw prancing. I saw run/walking and walk/running. No one looked especially graceful. Then again, I was towards the back, maybe all the Kenyan like folks led the darned thing. Still, I valued the lesson that I no longer had to be ashamed of what I look like running, and to this day, know I look kind of silly running, but who cares?

My first half marathon was a different lesson. I learned not only could I do long distances, but the long distance race can be emotional. Now to be fair, I was running in my hometown of South Bend, IN, and running into Notre Dame Stadium. Still I learned that these milestones can sometimes me very emotional. I got choked up as the stadium came into sight. I got chills as I ran through the tunnel. I WAS Joe Montana running into the stadium, and I was thrilled beyond belief.

The marathon, each one I have run, poses a different set of lessons. The marathon is about seeing how far you can push your body, and what you can take. None of the marathons I have run have been easy. The first one, proved I could do it. The second one showed me that even under adverse weather conditions, sometimes it's best to call it a day. The third one showed me I could go faster, and more importantly share my love of the race with others. The fourth was a true lesson in endurance, and how hard the distance can be.

All of these races have a common lesson though, once you put your mind to something, you can accomplish anything. It may not be pretty. It may not be glorious. Sometimes it hurts. In the end though, you can do it.

Charlie

31 Days ...

We are now 31 days until the marathon. Within the next week, I will need a really long run, so I am figuring when to do that. In the meantime I have maps of the course, and trying to figure out the places Mark can meet me along the course.

I am also doing something different this time as motivation. I will be dedicating various miles to various people. If you are interested in having a mile on the course dedicated to you, let me know. I have already dedicated the first, 13.1 and final .2 miles, which I will talk about as the month goes on.

I'm feeling fairly good at this point. I am relatively healthy. My runs, for the most part have gone well. I think I have a handle on the race nutrition. So far so good as the saying goes.

At this point in race training, it's a matter of getting mentally strong to endure the 26.2 miles.

31 days and counting....

Charlie

NB 880v3 vs. Brooks Dyad 7

As I became more serious about running, there have been two brands I have been able to wear somewhat consistently; New Balance and Brooks. Because of the various issues with my feet, and the fact they are extra wide, very few companies make shoes I can wear. These two brands have been pretty good for me.

Over the last three years I have been strictly Brooks. The reason being that as New Balance has tinkered with old standbys, I have found their shoes to be too narrow, or in the case of the last shoe I wore, the heel broke down in 7 runs.

Now there is a new version of the NB 880v3 out, and I was given a pair, so it's time to compare shoes....

On the right, we have my current shoe - Brooks Dyad 7. One the left - NB 880v3.

Let's look at the make of the shoes. First of all the Dyad runs a bit longer than the 880. It isn't by much, but there is a touch more length.

The stability pods on the Dyad also make it a wider shoe. Both have a wide toe box which is very important to me, as that is where I am widest.


Not many people think about depth in a shoe, but the move these days is to have a shallower shoe. This helps make it a lighter shoe.  In this case, the NB 880 is much closer to the foot than the Dyad.

Both shoes have the 12mm drop from heel to toe. These are more traditional, as the move is the have 4mm less heel to tow drop. Thank you barefoot movement.

So how do the shoes compare running?

The Dyad 7 has Brooks DNA cushioning in it, which has been in several of their other shoes like the Adrenaline or Glycerin. It is designed to make Brooks shoes even softer. For the record, Brooks shoes have never been known for their pillowy feel, and to be honest, I don't like a softer cushion. I find over time my feet and ankles hurt with more cushion, because I'm not as firmly planted on the ground, or so I feel.

NB 880v3 uses Abzorb for it's cushioning. Again, this is not a pillow to run on, it is a pretty firm shoe. They have also added ActevaLite which is a premium lightweight midsole, for an additional cushion.

Yesterday I ran 5 miles in the NB 880v3. Here is what I liked. The firm feel. While Brooks has made the Dyad feel softer, I liked the firmer feel of the New Balance. I felt I could push off from the ground better, like I was more in control of planting my foot. The New Balance is also lighter. The Brooks Dyad can sometimes feel clunky. Now this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes I want more flex in my shoe. While the 880 felt narrower, I never felt the width was a problem. To be fair, I would need to do a longer run, and allow my feet to swell before I made a final determination.

What I didn't like... The shallow depth of the shoe was an issue. I felt it pressing on the top of my foot, especially on the left foot, to the point I felt some pain. I thought this was odd, because my right foot is the wider. I did loosen the shoes laces, and alleviated some of the pain. The pain though, lingered through the rest of the evening. The shoes laces on the 880 are very thin, and it can lead one to tie them too tight for fear they may come undone. I am going to re-lace them a bit differently on my next run to see if there is still the issue.

My other concern is the heel. After my last NB shoe, I am a bit leery of the heel strength. Again, further running would need to be done before any durability can be discerned.

Overall I really liked the 880v3. Am I going to give up on the Dyad? No. I think it's good to have another shoe in the arsenal. I am going to run a few more times before I decide which one I want to use on race day.

Charlie

Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Last week I talked about one of my favorite customers JB. In keeping with the notion that I can't mention specific names, today I want to talk about AS. AS is another young man who I have helped now for a few years.

When I first worked with AS, he was looking for shoes for hist first marathon. AS comes from a very nice family, so I got to know his mom as well in the process.  She would talk to me about his goals, and how she wanted to encourage him. I offered advice to both. I figured the runner not only needs advice, but the support crew needs some too.

For his first marathon, his mom was going to follow him around the course on her bike, but she knew she couldn't go everywhere. She made a sign with his name on it, and asked if I could hold it up and cheer him on race day. We had a cheer section, so I was happy to do it.

On race day I saw him coming down the road. We were at mile 15, so I figured this would be a tough stretch for him. I got the sign, the cowbell, and the the crew ready to cheer him on. He flashed a smile and a wave as he went by.

Later, not only did his mom thanks us, but AS came into the store to tell me that he was at a low point in the race when we saw him, and that cheering section boosted his spirits, and he was able to keep going. I thought that was awfully nice of both of them to thank me. I was happy to do it.

Months later, AS ran Chicago. This time, his mom was worried about how to get around. I went over the course map, and where along the route she could easily get to. Again, another successful race for AS. Again, I was thanked for my help.

Since then, AS comes in to order his shoes, and talk a bit about his running. His mom comes in from time to time, and catches me up on his progress. I have made a point of telling her over time that I think she has raised one of the nicest boys I have ever met. I know that makes her feel good.

Every now and then I see AS running, or run into him at the grocery store, and he always asks about my running and progress. Yes, we check in with each other on our running. I think it's cool that he inquires about how I'm doing.

Now we come to yesterday. AS came into the store. I knew he bought shoes a few weeks ago, but this was a different visit. He wanted to tell me he is heading off to college this week. He wanted to come in, say good bye, and thank me for all the help I have given him. I told him it was my pleasure. I asked how his mom was doing. She's been a bit emotional, because now both her kids will be out in the world. He assured me he would be back at Thanksgiving for new shoes, and to catch me up  on life. We shook hands, and off he went. I went into the back room and cried a bit. It felt like an old friend was moving on.

Again, I write a story like this, because I think those of us in the running specialty business have a unique relationship with our customers. We are advisor, coach, friend, sales person, and so much more to a good many folks. I doubt we have this kind of relationship with the folks at a big box store. We form a bond which is special, and it is truly one of the best parts of my job.

Whether he runs marathons, does Tris, or just jogs now and then, I hope AS does well with his running. I know he will do well in life. He is a good guy, with a level head on his shoulders.

Charlie

Long Run Quest

My quest for a good long long run during this training is still elusive. The goal this week was a 5 hour run. The result was a 2 1/2 hour run. My right knee was bothering me this week, and gave me some trouble of the run. I could feel the adjustments I was making was hurting my hips, so I ended the run 1/2  hours into it. Still I am pretty happy I made it 9 miles in that amount of time.

Time to let the knee feel better before the next really long run. Shorter runs don't seem to be a problem.

Charlie

Encouraging the Next Generation

How do we encourage the next generation of runners? This is something I deal with fairly often. In my community there are strong running programs in schools and churches for young runners. In one area school, there are over 100 kids on the track and field and cross country teams(note: only a few get to compete). I am very fortunate to work with some wonderful kids who come in for shoes and advice.

There are some kids I have special affection for. These are the ones who so truly love running and everything about running. They are the running geeks who can tell you what time Pre ran in the 1972 Olympics. It's very cool to help these kids year after year. They are respectful, fun and you can see the love of running in them.

Let me tell you about JB. JB lives in a small town in Indiana. He runs track and cross country for his local high school. He is very good, and is always striving to be better. He comes in every couple of months, and he specifically wants to work with me to get his shoes. Why me?

I take the time to listen to what he wants to accomplish. I'm able to verify or correct something he has learned about shoes. I check his gait(even though he doesn't need it). He is a guy who loves running, and wants to work with someone who loves running. All I want to do is encourage him.

Yesterday he and his mom came in. Seems they called ahead to see when I would be working. He wanted to get some shoes, but he also wanted to talk about his summer vacation. As he wore his Pre shirt, he told me about the journey to Eugene, OR to visit Haywood Field - hallowed ground for track and field guys. Seems the day he visited, the gates to the field were closed.  Soon he was talking to a grounds worker, who let him into the stadium, and JB got to run on the track that so many tracks greats have run.

JB was so thrilled to do this, and as he told me, I felt just as excited for him. How great that someone let him do this. How great that someone would encourage him like this. I too wanted to do something for him, and I did.

Recently we found a box of old track and field magazines. Someone had left them in the store(who knows why). When I say old, I mean these were from the 1970s. We found a home for the box, but kept one in the store. As JB told me his story, I knew what I wanted to do. I found the copy of that magazine, which by the way had a cover story on Steve Prefontaine, and told JB he could have it.

JB lit up and looked so thrilled to get this. His mother told me I didn't have to do that. I told her the groundskeeper didn't have to let him into run, but JB is such a good kid, I just wanted to do something nice. As he thumbed through the magazine, JB told me how he had been getting faster, and mixed in more stories of the trip to Eugene. He was on Cloud Nine.

We eventually figured out which shoes would work for his cross country season. As they left the store, he turned around, and thanked me for everything. JB is a senior in high school this year. Next year he will be off to college. I've watched many a kid come and go in my store, some I miss a great deal, because they are such good kids. JB is one I will miss very much.

I tell you this, because I am hoping that if there is a young runner out there, please find a way to encourage their running and love of the sport.

Charlie

A Multitude of Thoughts

I haven't posted in a while. To be honest, I didn't feel like writing, but today I have quite a bit to say. This is a series of random thoughts.....

1) 40 days until the marathon - so how has the training been going? I had a horrible 4 hour run attempt a couple weeks ago. Still the running has gone well. This week the goal is to run a 5 hour run. I know I am over a month from the marathon, but I also know my body. In a couple weeks, I will try another 4 hour run, before a true taper.

2) Running stores as a community center. Yes, the basic fact is a running store is a retail business. Everything they do is designed to generate business. In addition though, it can serve as the heart of the running community. Training programs, fun runs, workshops, all bring people together. Running stores make a mistake when they take the community for granted. A community is more than Facebook or Twitter postings, it how you actually relate to the community.

3) Watching runners. Every Saturday I head out on the Monon and pass out water to runners. I love doing this. It gives me a connection to the folks out there running. It allows me to just watch. I like to see how people are running. I try to figure out what their goals are, how they run as they are running. It's very exciting to me.

4) Enjoying running. It has taken me a while, but this year I am enjoying my running again. I spoke with a 63 year old man the other day, who had taken time off from injury. He told me how discouraged he is that he isn't the runner he used to be. I told him that is something I have struggled with. At 50 I understand what diminished running can be. At some point though, you accept the runner you are, and stop fighting the runner you were. As I told the gentleman, we are still out there running, which is better than most of us.

5) I love the Monon Trail, but after a marathon training all summer, I'm a bit tired running on it.

6) I love the Canal Towpath. It is ideal if you want a slow run.

7) While I don't miss living in Chicago, I do miss the Lakefront Path.

Charlie