Short Runs and Food

While I have had a goal to do 5+ mile runs the last week or so, I have not been able to do it. I am actually doing more 3 mile runs. Cold and snow have kept me on the treadmill. I would really llike to head outdoors at some point.

I think boredom keeps me from the longer runs on the treadmill. It's tough to keep yourself going on a treadmill. How people do long runs of 10+ miles on those things consistantly amazes me. I have done it, but not on a regular basis. BORING!

The last few weeks I have not made good eating choices. My emtions have been all over the place, and my food choices have shown that. I am going back to something I did last year when things got out of hand. I wrote what I was eating, and sharing it with the readers here. This keeps me honest and aware of what I am doing, plus it makes me accountable by putting it here.

I started this yesterday.

Sunday: Breakfast - oatmeal, banana, bagel and light cream cheese. Lunch - yogurt. Dinner - Buffalo Chili, and a piece of cornbread.

Monday: Breakfast - Apple/Rasin bagel with light cream cheese.

I will do my best to keep this going during the week. As I said I need to do this.

:-)Charlie

Hit the Treadmill Tomorrow

I have not run this week, and that is actually ok. My heels have appreciated my letting them fully heal from the marathon.

Tomorrow I am shooting for a 5 mile run on the treadmill. NO WAY will I run out in this Arctic weather....brrrrr.

Tonight I am heading to a shoe seminar. Will learn all about the 2007 running shoes. I will be happy to share info if anyone is interested.

:-)Charlie

2007-2008 Race Schedule

I have thought about what I want to run this year, and I have come up with a tentative schedule for the year.

Saturday, March 17 – St. Paddy’s 5K


Sunday, May 20 – Cellcom Green Bay Half Marathon


Saturday, June 23 – Proud to Run 5K/10K


Sunday, August 12 – Chicago Distance Classic – Half Marathon


Sunday, September 30 – Mooathon Half Marathon (Tentative)


Thursday, November 22 – Turkey Trot


Sunday, January 13 – Rock n’ Roll Phoenix Marathon


The Sept. 30th race is tentative. If I can save enough money to do it I will. The race is in Ireland. I decided to head back to AZ next year for the simple reason I have some unfinished business with the race. I want to set a better time for myself. This race schedule is going to help me in that quest.

My heels are better now, so I think I can run more now. I have been tentative since the marathon...because frankly I hurt. Now I think I am ready to get going.

Looks like a good year ahead.

:-)Charlie

Drugs in Sports

After listening to Steve Runner on his podcast - Phedippidations, talk about drugs in sports, I really sat down and thought about it. My feeling in the past is two-fold; first I think it is cheating, and second, maybe everyone should be allowed to use performance enhacning drugs, this way it is a level playing field. I have changed my mind.

Using performance enhancing drugs is cheating - period. If an athlete tests positive for drugs, there needs to be consequences. In track and field, if you test positive once, you are slapped with a two year ban from the sport. If you test again, it is a lifetime ban.

So why do the drugs? Fame, money and stupidity as far as I am concerned. Justin Gatlin, Olympic God Medalist and co-record holder in the100m, is now serving an eight year ban from the sport. He claims he had no knowledge of the drugs. I have to say I NEVER buy that. I am constantly aware of what I put into my body. If I am concerned at all about my run, I want to be sure I am eating right, and not taking damagng drugs.

Fame has a price. The price with steroids and other performance enhancing drugs is what it will do to your body. Is damaging your body worth a few seconds in a race? Is it worth another home run? The short term effects of drug use have long term effects that no one wants to go through. Yet there are athletes out there who do. The sports know they do, and come up with weak rules regarding drug use. Sadly, as long as money fueling sports, drug use is not going to be taken seriously.

Now for the typical runner, like you and me, we have no need to take these drugs. While Iwould love to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I know that it would be freakish if I was able to shave over 4 hours off my last marathon. The physical toll would eventually do too much harm.

Drugs are a form of cheating, pure and simple. I hope Gatlin is able to appreciate what has happened. Maybe he could start his new life talking to younger athletes about not using drugs.

Charlie

Too Cold to Run

I am limiting my travel today. It is -5, with a wind chill of -25. So no extra trips today.

Did not run much this week. My heels where I had the blisters are giving me some trouble. I know they will heal totally, just takes time. Never fear, I will pound out the miles in time. :-)

Charlie

Drugs

This week'spodcast at Phedippidations- www.steverunner.com, deals with the issue of performance enhancing drugs and running. Drugs in sports is a mess these days. I am thinkingof a post on this, but before I venture into the topic, I am curious about what some of you think about drugs in sports.

Is it cheating? What if everyone had access to them? Please leave some comments on this, and in the meantime I will write my thoughts down, and we can have a discussion on this.

Charlie

Running Legends - Terry Fox

As I have gotten further into running, I am learning the history or running, and the people who are the legends. Their stories impress and inspire me. From time to time I will highlight some of these people, and hope you will gain something from their stories. My first person is Terry Fox.

From the Terry Fox Foundation:

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, a community near Vancouver on Canada's west coast. An active teenager involved in many sports, Terry was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimetres (six inches) above the knee in 1977.
While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

He would call his journey the Marathon of Hope.

After 18 months and running over 5,000 kilometres (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry started his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. Although it was difficult to garner attention in the beginning, enthusiasm soon grew, and the money collected along his route began to mount. He ran 42 kilometres (26 miles) a day through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario.

It was a journey that Canadians never forgot.

However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at age 22.

The heroic Canadian was gone, but his legacy was just beginning.

To date, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.

I remember watching the news about Terry’s run, and being impressed with his effort to raise money and awareness for Cancer. What this young man was able to do was impressive. Where some people might see their illness as a set back, Terry was able to use it to accomplish something so amazing.

For more information about Terry Fox and the Terry Fox Foundation go to:

www.terryfoxrun.org

Charlie

The Let Down

It had to happen, and today it did. I came down from my marathon high. Just feeling low today, trying to figure out a running/training schedule. Add to that it is FUCKING COLD(excuse my French) outside. We have been around ZERO! And are headed further down the themometer. Brrrr!

So I have thinking about running goals for the year. I know I want to do two half marathons. The first will be in May in Green Bay, WI. Not sure about the second one. My next marathon? I am thinking I want to head back to Phoenix next January, and work on bettering this year's race time. I feel I have some unfinished business out there.

So while I am feeling very good about how I did a couple weeks ago, I think there is a natural let down after working so hard - and it hit me today. I'll be fine. I guess I have to go through this.

I am trying NOT to eat as I would when I am emotionally down. That is a bad thing...as you all know. So I am making sure whatever snacks that are around do not come near me, or vice versa.

So while today is a blue day....I know eventually I will get past this feeling. It just sucks today.

Charlie

Support

Over the weekend I waited on parents who brought in their kids who are in track. The track season is coming up, and they were helping the get ready. That's great! At one point I found myself envious that I had not done track in school. I was not a sports person. My clubbed feet, and weight situation made any sports impossible to do. I was the singer/performer. My parents supported me in that, but it was not the same thing. Then again, I think that had to do more with my parents. They are not the most demonstrative people.

As I come into the athletic world later in life, I find tremendous support for my endeavors. There are times I feel like a geek for going on and on about running, but everyone seems to put up with it pretty well. I appreciate that very much! Now I just need to get some of these people running! :-)

:-)Charlie

New Shoes

This has been a really cool week at work. As I have been learning the fitting process, my manage has showed me how ill fitting my shoes have been...for a long time. It's amazing I can run!

Saturday the rep from Brooks told me about shoes I should try. What I did not understand was Brooks is GIVING me a pair of shoes. This happens when shoe companies want associates to try their shoes, and give feedback. How cool - I am going to get a new pair of shoes.

Have I mentioned how much I love this job!

:-)Charlie

Group Run

Three times a week my store sponsors a fun run. This is a group of people who meet at the store, then head off on a 2-6 mile run. You can run as much of the course as you like. Afterwards people gather at the store. Sometimes there is refreshments. Sometimes it is a quick talk or presentation.

I joined in yesterday for my first group run. My manager and another women, with her 8 month old dog, ran with me. We broke no records, but that was not what this was about. I am not great at the running/talking thing. Still I managed to have a conversation, and run 2 miles.

Coffee and bagels followed. Plus a representative from Brooks was there to talk about the 2007-2008 shoes. I was even paid for all of this - bonus!

I am sure I will head out on more of these. If there is a group run in your area, I suggest it as a diversion from training.

:-)Charlie

New Look

By now you have noticed I made some changes to the look of the blog. I thought this format made for easier reading. I have also added my picture, and listed blogs and other faves.

Hope you like it.

:-)Charlie

Back in the Saddle

Yesterday I went on a 2 - mile run on the treadmill at the gym. The first mile was on a hill setting. Wanted a light, but not too light workout. The second mile was an interval run. I kept it at an easy pace. I felt really good running. The blisters are healed, and I felt no pain.

Now I am trying to figure out my race schedule for the year. This way I can form a good training program. I know I wll be in Green Bay May 20 for a half marathon. My cousin Polly and I will run together. Hope she's training!

I figure Iwill need a good summer and fall race to make it all good for the year. Iwould like torun the Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon, but it is in August. Chicago in August???? Blech!

I have a strong desire to run the Chicago Marathon. The problem is that is a blackout date for my work at Fleet Feet Sports. I will be needed to work. We'll see what I can do.

Anyway, glad to be running again.

:-)Charlie

Compassion

Generosity is something not typically seen in the retail business. The bottom line is the priority, especially when you are selling high priced items. This weekend I was reminded that business can do the right thing when it is needed.

On Saturday a couple of track coaches came into the store with a list of show sizes for their team. My manager Sarah and I went into the stock room to fill the orders. She told me that quite often school teachers/coaches come into the store to buy shoes for their athletes. These are kids who can not afford running shoes. This had happened earlier in the morning. A coach came in with a kid to select a pair of shoes. I should note that in these cases the teachers/coaches are paying for the shoes out of their own pockets. No one is being reimbursed. NO ONE!

In the case of the two coaches, we first looked in the clearance bin to see what we could find. Then we looked for inexpensive shoes, or at least as inexpensive as possible. We were looking for about 14 pairs of shoes. Yes…14 pairs. The teachers were going to split the cost of the shoes.

When we rang up the shoes, the total came to over $1450. I watched Sarah as she thought about what she could do. Without saying a word, she immediately gave them a 50% discount. She told them the shoes would cost approx. $725. The coaches, while looking appreciative knew they did not have that kind of money. Sarah got on the phone to check with the owner, and came back with a 70% discount. I’m sad to say the coaches decided they just could not afford the shoes. It was hard putting the shoes back in the stock room.

Still though, it is not the typical business which would think with its heart. Kudos to my manager Sarah!

:-)Charlie

A Week Later

A week ago today I crossed the finish line, and I am still on cloud nine. I don't know how many people read this blog. If you have run a marathon, there is an incredible high you feel for this accomplishment.

This week I told many people my story again and again. Each time I got goose bumps talking about it. I helped many people at the store this week who have registered for the Chicago Marathon. Many of these folks are first time marathoners. So several asked me what to expect. I didn't sugar coat, but I did explain that they will feel so good for doing it.

So how do I feel? No pain. I am a little stiff, but nothing horrible. I will try to run tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone who wrote me this week. I really appreciate the notes I got.

I feel I can accomplish anything these days, so I hope this feeling lasts a long time.

:-)Charlie

Great Podcast

I am now the proud owner of an IPod Shuffle. How the hell did I live without this thing. I love listen to music and podcasts while running. I found a great running podcast called Phedippidations. You can download it at ITunes or at - http://www.steverunner.com/

Steve takes the runner through all aspects of running. I love it very much. Give it a listen.

No running for a while until my blisters heal. That is really all the pain I have now. Hopefully I will get back on the road next week.

:-)Charlie

For the Record

Just an FYI - I placed 6,894th overall. Approx. 15,000 started the marathon. I was 598 in my age/gender division. Official time 7:26:21.

Now I have a goal to improve on.

:-)Charlie

Lessons and What's Next?

It is a cliché to say that running a marathon teaches you some important life lessons. They are clichés for a reason, because they are true. So what have I learned?

For years people have told me they think of my as a strong person. I have never really thought that about myself, until now. I am strong as hell for what I endured during those 26.2 miles. I thought about that at the 23 mile point. No matter what my pain is, I need to finish. That is strength my friends.

I learned that while I am not always fond of training, I need to make sure I am 100% committed to it, so I can do my best. Now some folks think I am beating myself down when I say that I want to do better next time. No, not the case. There will be a next one, and I will make sure I am better prepared for the task at hand. It is the nature of the athlete to become better, or at least strive to be better. I am no different. I am, after all, an athlete.

I have been reminded how much the love and support of family, friends and loves ones is to me. I have no idea what Marshall thought as he saw me struggling those last few miles, and then at the end, but I was so damn happy he was there, and making sure I was ok. I was so happy that Q talked me through the 24th mile, especially, when I said, “Oh fuck there’s a hill ahead of me.” He knew I could do it.

So what is next? Well no marathons in the near future. I am running a half marathon in Green Bay, WI in May, with my cousin Polly. She and I have talked a few times about running together, and now we can. I am really looking forward to this.

As for a marathon, eventually I would like to run the Chicago Marathon, but just not sure when I will tackle that. I know I will never qualify for the Boston Marathon, but would love to see it sometime. I will find my next marathon though, and will share the experience with all of you.

:-)Charlie

2007 Rock n Roll Marathon - What Have You Done Today to be Proud?

There are tests in life, and there are tests, which push you to your limit. Yesterday I was pushed to a point I had never been.

Race day started very cold – 28 degrees! When I got to the start area, I took advantage of the free coffee and bagels. Of course I had more coffee than bagels. I did not really ue the coffee for drinking. I was trying to stay warm.

I knew I would need extra stretching with the cold. I plugged in the IPod, and found a spot to do some stretches. I was wearing my tights, with shorts underneath, two shirts, one longsleeve, and a sweatshirt. The sweatshirt was going to be tossed at the start of the race.

I got to my corral, and was busy moving around, and talking with fellow runners. Everyone seemed very eager to get going. May have had more to do with the cold. One gentleman chatted with me about this being his first marathon. I told him it was mine as well. He was 65, and his family was so excited for him.

The race started at 7:40, and it took about 10 minutes for my group to get to the start line. Once we got there, people were flying off. That was not my plan. I just got a nice jog going. I knew I did not want to start fast, or I might have nothing left at the end. Not many people were along the route for this part of the race. So a lot of runners were talking amongst themselves, especially the Team in Training People. These folks were everywhere!

I was doing a good job of running 4 minutes and walking 1-2 minutes. Only problem was my fingers were numb, and did not warm up until 2 miles into the race. I was wearing gloves, but still, they were not warm. I figure the blood had gone to other areas to keep me warm.

I think there are two races in a marathon. There is the first 13 miles, and then the test of the last 13. I was ready for the test. I had Gatorade and a Gel. My friend Marshall was going to meet me at mile 13 for restocking, and give me a bit of food. So I was eager to see him as I approached. I did well at this point. I did the 13 miles in 3:05, a few minutes of my 13 mile PR, but I was not going for speed. I got to mile 13 – no Marshall. My mind went into panic mode. I had the cell phone and tried to call, but my phone was so cold it was not working.

A couple came by and asked me if I was ok. I explained what happened, and they were very nice to give me some Gu. They told me I looked great and expected me to finish. I thanked them as they went on.

I finally got a hold of Marshall. He was at 13, we just did not see each other. So he raced to mile 15 to meet me. He gave me a Power Bar, and refilled the Gatorade. We agreed to meet again at mile 20, and off I went. I was a little sore, especially in my right heel, but thought I was good.

Mile 16 changed the race. I stopped at the restroom, and my heel was in more pain now, so I went to the medical tent. I had a blister, and it needed to be popped. The medic was very nice, and took good care of it. He drained the blister for what seemed forever. I told him to leave me some blood. He laughed. He patched it up, and off I went. I started walking to get used to the patched heel, then I ran again.

Mile 17 I could tell I was in trouble. My legs were hurting more now, and I had been running a little differently due to the blister. I was now walking more than running, but I was ok with that. This changed at mile 18. Mile 18 I was in quite a bit of pain, so I was power walking. People were passing me and telling me I looked good. While I appreciated it, I was feeling horrible. I still smiled and told them thanks.

At this point I called Marshall and told him I was hurting, and that I really needed to see him at Mile 20. He told me he was there and waiting. When I saw him there I was in tears from all the pain I was in. He gave me a hug and told me I was doing great. I told him I was worried about finishing. We agreed we would meet up at mile 23. Off I went.

At this point there was no running on my part. I was intent on power walking, but I could tell I was not as powerful a walker as I wanted. I was now averaging 17-20 minutes a mile. I was worried there would be no finish line for me. For most of this stretch I was alone. I had the IPod, which kept me going. Now and then a walker from Team in Training would pass me.

At mile 24 Q called to check on me. I was in tears telling him about my pain, and I saw a hill ahead of me. He told me I had come so far, and he knew I could to do….just push a little more. I did. At this point I was not walking pretty. People would ask if I was ok. I lied, and told them I was great. I was doing all I could not to fall down. Also I was developing a cramp in my left thigh. I drank the hell out of my Gatorade, and went on.

Mile 25 to the end was the longest distance of my life. My fear of them closing the finish line was spurring me on. I was also told that I may have to move to the sidewalk soon. I didn’t want to do that, so I went ahead. Right after mile 26 a Team in Training coach told me I did not look too good, and did I need anything. I said, “Yes the finish line.” He smiled and told me I would make it.

As I got closer to the end, I was getting emotional. People were cheering me on, and I had tears in my eyes. The pain was unbearable. Still once I saw the finish line, I was determined to run again. I ran the last 100 ft. to the end. I had started the race running, and I was going to finish running. They announced my name as I crossed the line. Marshall came up to me, and I just cried in his arms. We stood like that for quite a while.

He helped me over to a woman who put my medal around my neck, and then I got a mylar blanket. I walked around for a bit, and then we headed home.

There was a song I played over and over in my IPod during the race – Pride. One of the lyrics is, “What have you done today to be proud.” I can say I finished my first marathon, no matter the pain, or bad I wanted to stop. While my time – 7:26:21 sets no records, I look at this medal, and I think of what I accomplished, and I am so proud of myself.

1 Day - Rest and Go-Go Boys!

Today has been the all important day before the race. Marshall has been a good support team for me thus far. We had breakfast this morning. I had whole wheat pancakes with Crasins...YUM! From there we met up with Carolyn from Marathon Kids, the organization I am working with. She brought me gifts and good wishes from the Marathong Kids staff and Kay Morris, the founder of the organization.

After our meeting Marshall took me around the 26.2 mile course. There are no steep hills, and all looks good for tomorrow. Oh one thing...it is cold here in Phoenix. All day it has been cloudy and in the 40's. Brrrr... It makes trying to figure out what to wear a bit of a chore.

We did stop at Goodwill so I could get start line clothes. A sweatshirt and sweat pants - for $4! Not bad. I will wear them until start time, then shed them.

Next stop? Cruisin on 7th. This is a funky gay bar in town. At 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, they have go go boys. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a succker for a good go go boy. There were two Marshall and I were fond of, and they were very attentive to us. :-) Amazing what a well-placed dollar bill can do. :-)

Dinner was soup and salad. Nothing heavy tonight. I will go to bed shortly, and Marathon Day will begin at 4:45 a.m..

As I write this I am aware of how I got to this point. All the training this last year. I am aware this has been an important goal of mine. Now all I have to do is run 26.2 miles. I am a winner for getting to this point. I know that. I know though I will feel even better once I cross the finish line.

I have gotten so many good wishes from people the last few days. Thanks for all the support. It is truly appreciated.

Talk to you after the finish!

:-)Charlie