2 Days - Expo

Hello from Phoenix!

Today I made it to the expo to pick up my race number, chip and goddy bag. Plus I love wandering through the expo to see what free stuff there is. I love being arond runners. Everyone at the expo was so happy.

I was interviewed by the film crew. Specifically they wanted to know about my running and raising money for CARE. I talked about CARE's work, and the importance of their work. It was very cool.

Tonight my friend Marshall and I go out. Tomorrow...rest!

:-)Charlie

3 Days - Off to Phoenix

Later this afternoon I am off to Phoenix. There are two days I have been eagerly waiting. Race day, and the day I head off to Phoenix!

I will stay with my friend Marshall, who will be the support crew/cheerleader on this adventure. Glad to know he will be there!

Yesterday I was contacted by the racing organization. They have a film crew and would like to interview me about the race. Months ago they asked for our story about why we were running the marathon. My story was one of 10 selected. So I will be interviewed on Friday I think. Very exciting! MAKEUP!

I will post while I am in Phoenix...stay tuned.

:-)Charlie

4 Days Away - A Reminder

Empowerment is an amazing thing. You can do big and small tasks if you feel you have the tools. For many people in developing nations, poverty prevents them from living productive lives. Poor sanitation, lack of food, prevalence of disease, lack of economic opportunity and specter of war denies millions of people the opportunity to lead better lives.

For over 50 years CARE has been providing the tools and assistance to those who need them so desperately. It comforts me a great deal organizations like CARE are out there:CARE tackles underlying causes of poverty so that people can become self-sufficient. Recognizing that women and children suffer disproportionately from poverty, CARE places special emphasis on working with women to create permanent social change. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

Not only does CARE provide need assistance, they also work at the grassroots level through the CARE Action Network (CAN). Through CAN, CARE donors can communicate with and educate their political leaders on issues related to poverty: HIV/AIDS, nutrition, clean water, etc... I am proud to be a CARE donor and CAN member.

Because I have been empowered to accomplish so many things through my running, I want to use my running to help CARE. On January 14, 2007, I will be running in the P.F. Chang Rock N Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ. This is my first marathon. I am using this race to raise money for CARE, so they can continue their work.

I have an ambitious goal - $2620. I chose that figure, because a marathon is 26.2 miles.

I hope you will join me in my support of CARE.

There are various levels of giving:
____ Marathon Level $100 +
____ Half-marathon Level $75 - $99
____ 10K Level $50 - $74
____ 5K Level $25 - $49
____ Other Amount (Please Indicate) _________________

You can send your donation to:

CARE
Attn: Andrea Porth
70 E. Lake St.Suite 1430
Chicago, IL 60601

Please indicate in the memo portion of the check the Rock N Roll Marathon. This way we can keep an accurate count of how much has been raised.

Also if you are interested in the CARE Action Network (CAN), include a note indicating your interest, with your name, address and email address.I appreciate any donation.

For more information about CARE, go to www.care.org

If you have questions about CARE, please feel free to leave a comment to this post.

Thanks,Charlie

A Boy's First Marathon

There is something special about your first marathon. The training is like nothing you have gone through. The anticipation of the event is a combination or nervousness and excitement. You also tend to bore anyone around you who will listen as you talk about what you hope to accomplish. This is my life this week. God help those who are around me as I go through this.

I am told at this point I should be enjoying myself. I suppose I am. I have course maps everywhere; on my desk at work, on the fridge at home, on my screen on the computer. Everywhere I look it is the race. Geek? Yes. Obsessed? Maybe. Psyching myself up? Oh yeah! The marathon is both physical and mental. I know I can do it physically. Now is the time to get the mental game in gear! I listen to inspirational music. I am reading all things running. I also write down lists of what to take to AZ, as well as jotting some strategies for the race.

Good lord…I AM an athlete!

:-)Charlie

5 Days - Coins

Last night I had dinner with a friend, who gave me an envelope before we parted. He told me not to open it until I was on my way home. When I got on the bus, I opened the envelope and inside was a card and two coins.

The card was a good luck card, which I thought was very sweet. One coin had a shamrock on it, and the other had Chinese writing on it. These were good luck coins. I thought that was incredible sweet to give me. I sent him a text thanking him so much.

The support I have gotten from friends, family and loved ones has meant so much to me.

Yesterday I ran 1.5 miles and biked 3 miles. Felt good.

:-)Charlie

7 Days - Sidewalk Art

A week from today I will navigating the streets of Phoenix. Today though was a day of encouragement from my co-workers at Feet Feet.

At one point my manager told me I should go outside because it was warm, and I needed fresh air. I thought, "It's in the 30's, I don't need THAT fresh air." I wondered what was up, but I went out anyway. I came back in, and she and a co-worker looked all silly. No clue what was going on.

A few minutes later, the co-worker told me I needed to help her with a customer outside. She was going to watch ehr run to fit her for shoes. We went outside, and she said, "Don't you see it?" She had to point to the ground. On the sidewalk was written, "Good Luck Charlie, 26.2 miles!"

I just smiled. You have to love encouragement like that.

On the stomach front, I am a bit better today, but taking no chances. I need to be healthy!


:-)Charlie

9 Days Away...and Trouble

I have been sick now for the last couple of days. I am having problem reminiscent of my trip to Ireland a few years ago. Food is not staying down. No doctor can see me until tomorrow. You can only imgaine how freaked out I am about this.

More to come...

Charlie

10 Days - Uh Oh!

10 days before the race, and I am sick. I think I have stomach flu, that or I ate something horrible a couple nights ago, and it is still with me. All I know is my stomach hurts, and I have been sick(will spare the gorey details).

All Iwant is to be better. At least I am not well this week, as opposed to next week. Add to that I HATE being sick. Arrrgh!

:-)Charlie

11 Days and the Running Community

Before I head out for my run this afternoon, I just wanted to get the countdown going. 11 days from today I will blaze a trail through Arizona...or something like that.

What I really appreciated today was a nice email from a woman in AZ, associated with Marathon Kids. www.marathonkids.com As you know I am part of a grioup forming a chapter here in Chicago. The woman wrote me to wish me well, as she heard I was running the race from Marathon Kids founder Kay Morris. She also offered to meet up with me so we could talk more about the organization.

One of the things which really impresses me with running is the strong sense of community. I tend to forget about it since running can be a solitary thing, but the support of other runners is amazing!

My co-workers at Fleet Feet Sports are supportive. My boss at Columbia, a runner, is supportive. I get tips and advice too. It is all greatly appreciated.

So as I inch closer to the start line, I really feel the support of my fellow runners.

:-)Charlie

First Run of 2007

2007 started with a 2-mile run. I am taking it easy leading up to the marathon. This is taper time, so long....long runs are not in the cards. My longest run will be 5 miles or so.

So my only resolution this year is to become a better runner. Better nutrition, and cross training will help.

Any resolutions out there?

:-)Charlie

Looking Back...Looking Ahead

2006 was an amazing year for me on the running front. My first big race of the year was the Shamrock Shuffle, which I ran with my friend Kelly! We had a ball doing the run. So many people out and running through Chicago.

Training hit high gear as I trained for the Sunburst Half Marathon in South Bend. My sister was my support system for the race. I still remember enduring the hills at miles 3 anf 4, and thinking how I had to make it to mile 5 so I could see her. There she was with pom poms, cheering me on!

I remember thinking about my mom at mile 9, and how I hoped she would be watching over me as I headed towards the stadium. When I saw the stadium, I began to tear up. People were encouraging me as I got closer to the tunnel. I was in tears as I entered the tunnel and heard the Notre Dame Victory March. Those tears turned to chills as I heard my name announced once I entered the stadium. I still feel that was such a triumph for me. Even now I get emotional as I write this.

Summer meant getting ready for the Gay Games. The Games were an incredible event. The 10K was brutal in the heat and humidity. I was running in what felt like 100+degrees. I was exhausted at the end, but loved the community and spirit of the race. The 5K was easier, but also very full of spirit among the runners.

As I have documeted, I feel I am undertrained for what lies ahead, but on the filpside I am not as undertrained as I think. I have logged approximately 600 miles this year. I have proven I can run long distances.

Two weeks from today I will embark on a 26.2 mile journey in Phoenix. I am nervous, excited, and looking forward to this race. My best friend, Marshall will be my support crew for this adventure. Lord knows I will need support!

Typically I do not make respolutions, but this year, I will. My goal is to become a better runner, and keep focused on a healthier lifestyle.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Peace,
Charlie

Easy 5 Miles

Today was my first run with my new IPod Shuffle. I have to say it made my run seem easier. I tried not to crank it up so I could still hear traffic around me.

As for the run, since I am"tapering" Iwill not be doing huge long runs at this point, but this 5 miles felt good. Very much looking forward to running more with my IPod!

:-)Charlie

So How Goes It?

Life is good! I am running better, which gives me confidence for the up coming marathon. I am really enjoying the job at Fleet Feet, and have been treated very well, and gotten some good tips already.

Today I ran a nice easy 2 miles on the treadmill. That puts me at 8 miles for the week. The New Balance shoes are working out great, and I know they will do well by me during the marathon.

So I am wondering who is out there reading my blog, and how are you doing?

;-)Charlie

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

:-)Charlie

New Job

So my new job at Fleet Feet is in full swing. I have to say this is certainly an adventure! So far everyone has been incredibly nice to me. They are all interested in getting me aquainted with everything so I can do a good job. This is a MUCH better experience than Macy's.

I tried to sell shoes today, since there were only a couple of us in the store, but the manager really wants me to shadow, until I learn their FIT process. That is fine with me. What got me today was the number of people who came in today wanting to but shoes for loved ones, and not knowing anything, but size. I suggested gift certifiicates, this way the person could come in and try on shoes.

Needless to say I am really liking this place...ok, I needed to say it. Heck I think I am even running better.

:-)Charlie

Marathon Decision

I have been in a quandary about whether or not to run the full marathon based on my training. I sought the advice of fellow runner, and have gotten varying advice. So I have weighed everything, and I have decided that I am committed to completing the full marathon. This was my goal, and I am going to see it through.

As someone pointed out, my theme is “I am powerful…” I believe I am powerful enough to finish. I may crawl to the finish line, but I will make it to the finish line.

I could easily do the half marathon, but that was not my intention in starting this journey. The Galloway run/walk system is designed to get me to the finish line, and that is what I will do.

Full speed ahead!

:-)Charlie

Long Run and More

Yesterday I ran almost 9 miles, or as I told people, I ran from home to the John Hancock Center. It was a pretty good run, though not what I hoped for. My goal was 16+ miles. This was going to be my last really long run before the marathon, and now I am at a cross roads. I have been here before.

During my training, I have not been able to run past 15 miles. Ankle issues, shoe issues, work schedule, all created chaos with my training. So now I do not feel physically able to complete 26.2 miles. I am also worried that I am not mentally able to do it either.

Yesterday I was fine, but I began to think. I tried all the tricks I have learned to block out the bad voices on runs, but to no avail. I stopped.

Is it wise for me to go on with the marathon, or do I switch to the half marathon? I know I can complete the latter. I have serious doubts about the former. I welcome any input on this.

On a brighter note...today I start at Fleet Feet. While I am sore this morning, I think I will be ok to do the fun run tonight. Looking forward to my new adventure.

:-)Charlie

When it All Comes Together

As I mentioned in the last entry, I was interviewing for a job with a running store. As of today I am no longer a Macy's employee, which means I got the job!

I will be working for Fleet Feet. I have to say I am already impressed with the owner. He interviewed me first, then I met with the manager. After a series of phone tag conversations, I talked with the owner. Of course this was AFTER I quit Macy's. The owner and I chatted briefly Wed. night, and he told me he wanted to hire me. Today was the formal offer call.

He was impressed with me off the bat he said. He said I was very much a people person and customer service oriented. Add to it my love of running, and he was sold. He was also impressed Scott, the manager of my gym, put in a good word for me.

I start Monday evening. He told me to come to the store (the smallest of the three), and he would meet me there to welcome me to Fleet Feet! WOW! They are having a fun run, and told me to bring the running gear so I can go out with them. Double WOW!

Iam a happy guy. I can run and work at the same time....kind of.

:-)Charlie

Stuff

1) I will be the first to admit my marathon training has gone poorly. Fits and starts have kept me from putting in the miles I need for the marathon. Yet, I am determined to do this. I need encouragement folks. Start sending positive vibes my way.

2) I just want to thank my good friend, and Shamrock Shuffle partner, Kelly for sending me the care package of Biofreeze. This stuff is great for aches and pains. I met a women a couple weeks ago who uses it before every race. She swears it limits pain during the race. Thanks Kelly!

3) Job interview. Why would this merit mention on this blog? I'm interviewing at a running store. My first interview was with the owner. Next I meet with the store manage. This would bea very cool job.

4) New shoes. My New Balance shoes are working great. No pain after my runs. They fit. They're comfortable. I think I am in love.

:-)Charlie

Marathon Kids

I wanted to intorduce you all to an organization I have begun to get to know - Marathon Kids.

Their Mission:

Marathon Kids® is a ten-year-old, nationally recognized, copyrighted, trademarked, incremental school-based fitness program. It is a free, endurance-building running/walking/nutrition/gardening program for kindergartners through 5th graders.

Our mission is to build joyful community around children and be quickly accepted into public, private and home schools as a free, innovative celebratory fitness and nutrition program, resonating with the child… and with the child’s family. The goal is for the child to develop the love and habit of moving through space and to carry forward the power of muscular, nutritional and psychological well being.

I first learned about Marathon Kids and its founder, Kay Morris, a year ago while reading Runner's World. This organization is dedicated to bettering children's health. Considering the obesity problem in our country, I think this is a worthy group, so much so, I have been in contact with them about starting a chapter in Chicago.

Please check them out. www.marathonkids.com

:-)Charlie