We are now 3 weeks from marathon day!
:-)Charlie
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Not Pretty, but Done
Today was a 20 mile long run along Lake Michigan. It was a stunning morning. The day started in the upper 30's and was sunny.
I didn't sleep well. I had nightmares all night, so my head was not in a good place at the start of this run. I was slow all day. All I wanted was to finish and come home. That is what I did.
We started at the Mile 4 marker and headed north. All was fine. I was never fast, but I was not that slow either. After hitting the 0 marker, we headed south. Our path went to the Shedd Aquarium. Again, I thought it was a stunning day, but I was not in my run. I was hoping to finish in 4:15.
I knew that time flew out the window around mile 14. Pain was beginning to set in, and I was walking more. I was giving myself a good chewing out, which anyone running by would have heard. I'm sure I looked like a mad man.
I took many walk breaks, as I felt cramps coming on. I worked them out, and started running...jogging. I eventually made it back to the start - 4:35:06. Not a great time if I am hoping to accomplish a sub 6:00 marathon, but I have three weeks to make some changes.
I was down the whole ride home on the EL. Now that I have had a few hours to think about it, I am not so down. I ran the race of my life last week. It is only natural that this run would not be the same calibre - I'm not Lance Armstrong...hehehe. So I have a good sense of what to plan, and will be working on it this week.
20 miles are in the bank!
:-)Charlie
I didn't sleep well. I had nightmares all night, so my head was not in a good place at the start of this run. I was slow all day. All I wanted was to finish and come home. That is what I did.
We started at the Mile 4 marker and headed north. All was fine. I was never fast, but I was not that slow either. After hitting the 0 marker, we headed south. Our path went to the Shedd Aquarium. Again, I thought it was a stunning day, but I was not in my run. I was hoping to finish in 4:15.
I knew that time flew out the window around mile 14. Pain was beginning to set in, and I was walking more. I was giving myself a good chewing out, which anyone running by would have heard. I'm sure I looked like a mad man.
I took many walk breaks, as I felt cramps coming on. I worked them out, and started running...jogging. I eventually made it back to the start - 4:35:06. Not a great time if I am hoping to accomplish a sub 6:00 marathon, but I have three weeks to make some changes.
I was down the whole ride home on the EL. Now that I have had a few hours to think about it, I am not so down. I ran the race of my life last week. It is only natural that this run would not be the same calibre - I'm not Lance Armstrong...hehehe. So I have a good sense of what to plan, and will be working on it this week.
20 miles are in the bank!
:-)Charlie
Friday, September 14, 2007
Support
I would like to say that a marathon is an individual goal, but that goal is not achieved individually. We runners value the support and encouragement of our friends, family and loved ones. I was reminded of this last Sunday during the half marathon.
My friends Sarah and Mark brought their girls out to cheer and support me. Mark brought the bike so he could meet me at various mile markers to give me Gu or water. Sarah had the girls out to cheer me on. Cecilia, their oldest (3), looked so happy to see me at the mile 3 mark. She was beaming as I waved at her.
Mile 10 though was the key for me. They there were again. This time they had a sign cheering me on. I gave Cecilia a high five, and she looked so happy!
I was also happy to see my other Mark. He says he saw me at Mile 11, but I did not hear him. I saw him though once I crossed the finish line. A smiling face is always a joy to see at the end of a race.
So now we come to the marathon. I am developing my plan for the day. I have some friends who will be my road crew. I just have to figure where to have them meet me. I also have some friends ready to pop out and cheer me on. This is a major reason why I want to do Chicago - that hometown feeling, and all my friends will be there.
The people in our lives may not always understand this insanity we call running, but one thing is for sure, they know what it means to us, and we are so glad they are there to cheer us on! Thanks to those wonderful people.
:-)Charlie
My friends Sarah and Mark brought their girls out to cheer and support me. Mark brought the bike so he could meet me at various mile markers to give me Gu or water. Sarah had the girls out to cheer me on. Cecilia, their oldest (3), looked so happy to see me at the mile 3 mark. She was beaming as I waved at her.
Mile 10 though was the key for me. They there were again. This time they had a sign cheering me on. I gave Cecilia a high five, and she looked so happy!
I was also happy to see my other Mark. He says he saw me at Mile 11, but I did not hear him. I saw him though once I crossed the finish line. A smiling face is always a joy to see at the end of a race.
So now we come to the marathon. I am developing my plan for the day. I have some friends who will be my road crew. I just have to figure where to have them meet me. I also have some friends ready to pop out and cheer me on. This is a major reason why I want to do Chicago - that hometown feeling, and all my friends will be there.
The people in our lives may not always understand this insanity we call running, but one thing is for sure, they know what it means to us, and we are so glad they are there to cheer us on! Thanks to those wonderful people.
:-)Charlie
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Slow Run and Strategy
After my fast half marathon, I wanted to be sure I had an eye on this week's 20 mile run. So last night's run was short and slow. I ran about 5 miles at a 12:36 pace. It felt good. I knew I didn't want to push myself. My body is still coming back from Sunday's race.
The 20 miles will be a good chance for me to see how the race distance will really feel like. I am working on my race strategy at this point.
Overall I feel pretty good. My body is recovering well from the long runs. I feel I am in decent shape. Emotionally I am excited about the marathon. I think about it everyday. I think about how I want to pace myself; where I will need my support crew; whether or not I should take water with me. Lots to plan.
24 days away...
Charlie
The 20 miles will be a good chance for me to see how the race distance will really feel like. I am working on my race strategy at this point.
Overall I feel pretty good. My body is recovering well from the long runs. I feel I am in decent shape. Emotionally I am excited about the marathon. I think about it everyday. I think about how I want to pace myself; where I will need my support crew; whether or not I should take water with me. Lots to plan.
24 days away...
Charlie
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
25 Days Away
I got my confirmation ticket and booklet for the marathon. Now I feel like I am officially entered. A co-worker and I were acting like kids waiting for Christmas talking about the marathon yesterday. I have taped the course map up at work, and we have talked about strategy.
This has been a fun experience. I talk to runners everyday, so my excitement is up for this. You get a sense that this race is what the runners in Chicago really are gunning for.
So here is what I need now....words of encouragement. I felt good after the half marathon, but I see the 20 mile run looming, and I am a bit worried. I really want to finish this long run. So any words you folks can give....I will appreciate.
Charlie
This has been a fun experience. I talk to runners everyday, so my excitement is up for this. You get a sense that this race is what the runners in Chicago really are gunning for.
So here is what I need now....words of encouragement. I felt good after the half marathon, but I see the 20 mile run looming, and I am a bit worried. I really want to finish this long run. So any words you folks can give....I will appreciate.
Charlie
Monday, September 10, 2007
Medals and Pet Peeves
So I have a nice collection of medals in my posession. I have to say everytime I earn one in a race, I really feel like I have earned it. :-)
Ok...now for a couple of pet peeves from yesterday's race.....
1) IF you have to stop during the race - MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT AND GET OFF THE COURSE!!! I can't stress this enough. I can't tell you how many times I almost crashed into someone because they were listening to their music, and just STOPPED to either stretch or just rest. That is a horrible accident waiting to happen.
2) I appreciate all the people who volunteer during a race. The most important ones are those at the water station. So please....make sure you have water and drink somewhat ready. I can't tell you how many times I stopped at the station and had to wait as they poured drinks. That kills me.
Still feel good about yesterday's race. Feeling very good about a sub-6 hour marathon in 27 days!
:-)Charlie
Ok...now for a couple of pet peeves from yesterday's race.....
1) IF you have to stop during the race - MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT AND GET OFF THE COURSE!!! I can't stress this enough. I can't tell you how many times I almost crashed into someone because they were listening to their music, and just STOPPED to either stretch or just rest. That is a horrible accident waiting to happen.
2) I appreciate all the people who volunteer during a race. The most important ones are those at the water station. So please....make sure you have water and drink somewhat ready. I can't tell you how many times I stopped at the station and had to wait as they poured drinks. That kills me.
Still feel good about yesterday's race. Feeling very good about a sub-6 hour marathon in 27 days!
:-)Charlie
Chicago Half Marathon
Yesterday was the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon. It was a bright and sunny day. Temperatures were warm in the 60's at the start - not a cloud in the sky. 12,500 started the race. The race goes through the Jackson Park/Hyde Park region of Chicago, starting at the Museum of Science and Industry, then along Lake Shore Drive, then back to the museum.
As I waited for the start, a woman came up to me. I had sold her shoes months ago. She was hugging me, and tell me how much she loved her shoes, and that this was her second half marathon, and will shoot for the Chicago Marathon next year. I thought that was sweet.
A few minutes later a guy tapped me on the shoulder. Sure enough I sold him a pair of shoes a few months ago. He too was telling me he was feeling good, and wished me luck.
The gun went off, and the race was on. I will admit, I went out way too fast. I thought I was going slow, but at mile 1 - 10:13. NOoooo! Too fast. My next mile was 12:05, much better.
At mile 3 I was greeted by my crew - Mark, Sarah, Cecilia and Chloe. I have known Mark and Sarah for 12 years. The girls are their delightful daughters, age 5 and 6 months. They were a welcome sight!
Soon the course headed out of the park, and on to Lake Shore Drive. It was a lonely stretch of road, few people, but there was the occasional rock band. At mile 5 Mark met me with water and a gell. I screwed up opening the package, and got gell on me....yuck. At this point I was under an hour and feeling good. Mile 6 and 7 were ok. Mile 8 I was feeling very dehydrated. The sun was hotter than I had thought. I could feel a burn coming on. I called Mark, and told him I needed him at mile 9 and not 10.
He biked over and met me. I kept the water this time, and had better luck with the gell. He rode along side me which actually helped. I felt like I had company. At mile 10 the girls were there with a big sign wishing me luck. I gave Cecilia a high five! I told them I would see them at the finish, and off I went.
This point on I took far more walking breaks than I like, and my pace had slowed a bit. For a good portion of the race I was running near the 2:30 pace group. Way too fast for me.
At mile 12 I decided to kick it into gear, and I did some speed work(which would make Coach Scott pretty happy). At this point all I wanted was the finish line. Soon enough I saw it, and I powered my way to it.
I crossed the finish line at - 2:45:04 - a new personal record! The previous mark was 2:59:59.
At the finish I met up with the crew, and my other friend Mark was there. He was cheering me on at mile 11....never heard him. Still it was good to see the group there at the end.
I feel great about this race. Learned some good lessons for the marathon - take water and avoid the early water stops; start slower; take walk breaks before I NEED them; make sure I see the support crew more often.
So another successful race in the bag....this week I have a 20 mile long run! OY!
:-)Charlie
As I waited for the start, a woman came up to me. I had sold her shoes months ago. She was hugging me, and tell me how much she loved her shoes, and that this was her second half marathon, and will shoot for the Chicago Marathon next year. I thought that was sweet.
A few minutes later a guy tapped me on the shoulder. Sure enough I sold him a pair of shoes a few months ago. He too was telling me he was feeling good, and wished me luck.
The gun went off, and the race was on. I will admit, I went out way too fast. I thought I was going slow, but at mile 1 - 10:13. NOoooo! Too fast. My next mile was 12:05, much better.
At mile 3 I was greeted by my crew - Mark, Sarah, Cecilia and Chloe. I have known Mark and Sarah for 12 years. The girls are their delightful daughters, age 5 and 6 months. They were a welcome sight!
Soon the course headed out of the park, and on to Lake Shore Drive. It was a lonely stretch of road, few people, but there was the occasional rock band. At mile 5 Mark met me with water and a gell. I screwed up opening the package, and got gell on me....yuck. At this point I was under an hour and feeling good. Mile 6 and 7 were ok. Mile 8 I was feeling very dehydrated. The sun was hotter than I had thought. I could feel a burn coming on. I called Mark, and told him I needed him at mile 9 and not 10.
He biked over and met me. I kept the water this time, and had better luck with the gell. He rode along side me which actually helped. I felt like I had company. At mile 10 the girls were there with a big sign wishing me luck. I gave Cecilia a high five! I told them I would see them at the finish, and off I went.
This point on I took far more walking breaks than I like, and my pace had slowed a bit. For a good portion of the race I was running near the 2:30 pace group. Way too fast for me.
At mile 12 I decided to kick it into gear, and I did some speed work(which would make Coach Scott pretty happy). At this point all I wanted was the finish line. Soon enough I saw it, and I powered my way to it.
I crossed the finish line at - 2:45:04 - a new personal record! The previous mark was 2:59:59.
At the finish I met up with the crew, and my other friend Mark was there. He was cheering me on at mile 11....never heard him. Still it was good to see the group there at the end.
I feel great about this race. Learned some good lessons for the marathon - take water and avoid the early water stops; start slower; take walk breaks before I NEED them; make sure I see the support crew more often.
So another successful race in the bag....this week I have a 20 mile long run! OY!
:-)Charlie
Friday, September 07, 2007
Meeting a Hero
It isn't often we get to meet our heroes. Today I met one of mine. I went to the expo/packet pick up for the half marathon. As I walked by the Nissan booth, there he was - Dean Karnazes!
Those who read here regularly know who he is. Dean is an ultramarathoner. His book "Ultramarathon Man" should be required reading for runners. I stood in line where he was signing copies of his book. I own the book already, but when I found out the books were free....bam I was there. I was the last in line.
Finally I got my chance to talk to him. I told him he is an idol of mine, and we talked a bit about my running. He told me it is people like me who inspire him. WOW! We posed for a picture, and he wished me luck on Sunday. He is running the race as well.
Dean is a nice guy, and while I am sure he tires of the promotion work, he gives his all to those he talks to. I feel so blessed to meet him today. It made my week!!!
www.ultramarathonman.com
Charlie
Those who read here regularly know who he is. Dean is an ultramarathoner. His book "Ultramarathon Man" should be required reading for runners. I stood in line where he was signing copies of his book. I own the book already, but when I found out the books were free....bam I was there. I was the last in line.
Finally I got my chance to talk to him. I told him he is an idol of mine, and we talked a bit about my running. He told me it is people like me who inspire him. WOW! We posed for a picture, and he wished me luck on Sunday. He is running the race as well.
Dean is a nice guy, and while I am sure he tires of the promotion work, he gives his all to those he talks to. I feel so blessed to meet him today. It made my week!!!
www.ultramarathonman.com
Charlie
Catching Up
Folks, sorry for not posting. We are having internet issues at home, so I am unable to access the blog at home for the time being.
Wednesday I met an incredible woman named Katherine Brooks. She was my last customer of Wednesday. She was limping and had a brace on her right leg. When she sat down we talked about what she needed shoes for. She is running the Lung Run 5K this weekend. She has not run in a year and 3 months. Katherine suffered a stroke, which left her paralyzed on her right side. She used to run marathons. This 5K is her first race back. Her ultimate goal is to get back to running a marathon.
She and I talked for a while about the normal feeling we have when we run. She told me how un - normal she has felt since she had the stroke, and her training has made her feel whole again. Her goal for the 5K is 1 hour - 1:15. She will have her PT, husband and doctor running with her.
I headed out on a 6 mile run after work, and thought of Katherine as I ran. It was hot and humid, and I barely made the 6 miles, but I kept what Katherine has been through in my head, and that got me through it.
The Chicago Half Marathon is Sunday. I am going for a PR. The course will begin to close at 2:50. I am going for a sub 2:40 time. I think I can do it. I of course will keep you all posted.
:-)Charlie
Wednesday I met an incredible woman named Katherine Brooks. She was my last customer of Wednesday. She was limping and had a brace on her right leg. When she sat down we talked about what she needed shoes for. She is running the Lung Run 5K this weekend. She has not run in a year and 3 months. Katherine suffered a stroke, which left her paralyzed on her right side. She used to run marathons. This 5K is her first race back. Her ultimate goal is to get back to running a marathon.
She and I talked for a while about the normal feeling we have when we run. She told me how un - normal she has felt since she had the stroke, and her training has made her feel whole again. Her goal for the 5K is 1 hour - 1:15. She will have her PT, husband and doctor running with her.
I headed out on a 6 mile run after work, and thought of Katherine as I ran. It was hot and humid, and I barely made the 6 miles, but I kept what Katherine has been through in my head, and that got me through it.
The Chicago Half Marathon is Sunday. I am going for a PR. The course will begin to close at 2:50. I am going for a sub 2:40 time. I think I can do it. I of course will keep you all posted.
:-)Charlie
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
4 Miles...and I Feel Good!
Sorry for not posting more. We have no internet at home this week.
Today was a 4 mile run to Evanston. Excellent run and I felt great. I ran the 4 miles in 45:40. Great time for me. The weather is getting warm and humid again. I am really hoping for a nice 45 degree day on race day. :-)
I am sending a big shout out to the person who is reading this blog in Belfast. Don't know who you are, but I appreciate your periodic reading. Hope you are finding it entertaining or interesting. I have been to Ireland many times, I just not have not made it up to your area.
One day I will.
:-)Charlie
Today was a 4 mile run to Evanston. Excellent run and I felt great. I ran the 4 miles in 45:40. Great time for me. The weather is getting warm and humid again. I am really hoping for a nice 45 degree day on race day. :-)
I am sending a big shout out to the person who is reading this blog in Belfast. Don't know who you are, but I appreciate your periodic reading. Hope you are finding it entertaining or interesting. I have been to Ireland many times, I just not have not made it up to your area.
One day I will.
:-)Charlie
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Long Run to Evanston
One of my favorite runs is to head north to Evanston, the suburb just north of Chicago. It is a nice change of pace from the lakefront path. Today the run was 6 miles. Yes...a cut back week. I felt really good on this run. Though it was cooler than it has been, it was still humid out there.
I ran the 6 miles in a terrific 1:05:21. That is mush faster than race pace. Still I enjoyed myself out there. Lot of friendly folks running and saying good morning! I like runs like that.
So now I begin to get ready for the Chicago Half Marathon. That will be next week's long run.
:-)Charlie
I ran the 6 miles in a terrific 1:05:21. That is mush faster than race pace. Still I enjoyed myself out there. Lot of friendly folks running and saying good morning! I like runs like that.
So now I begin to get ready for the Chicago Half Marathon. That will be next week's long run.
:-)Charlie
Friday, August 31, 2007
August Thoughts
Today I close the books on the month of August. Here are the stats:
69.95 miles with a 12:12 pace. That is a bit slower than the last month, but I am more than fine with that. Today I ran 2.5 miles in 28:58 - not bad. I did hill and speed work on the treadmill.
This has been an odd time for me. As most of you know I lost my job at the college at mid-summer, so when I am not running or working at Fleet Feet, I have been searching for a job. It has been hard on me mentally. For whatever reason I can't seem to get THE job. I come very close and have great interviews, but nothing comes of it. At one point I felt I was a failure for not being able to get the job I want.
Running has kept me sane. Running has reminded me that I am able to accomplish something. While I have not been able to nail down some of the long runs, I know what I am capable of, and know I can succeed at the marathon.
Deep down I know I am not a failure, but clearly some things in my non-running life are not working, and am at a loss at how to turn things around. It is hard to block those out while running, but I do my best.
Sorry to make this a downer post, but if I can't share it here, where can I?
Never fear, I know things will get better. The problem is I need better - FAST!
:-)Charlie
69.95 miles with a 12:12 pace. That is a bit slower than the last month, but I am more than fine with that. Today I ran 2.5 miles in 28:58 - not bad. I did hill and speed work on the treadmill.
This has been an odd time for me. As most of you know I lost my job at the college at mid-summer, so when I am not running or working at Fleet Feet, I have been searching for a job. It has been hard on me mentally. For whatever reason I can't seem to get THE job. I come very close and have great interviews, but nothing comes of it. At one point I felt I was a failure for not being able to get the job I want.
Running has kept me sane. Running has reminded me that I am able to accomplish something. While I have not been able to nail down some of the long runs, I know what I am capable of, and know I can succeed at the marathon.
Deep down I know I am not a failure, but clearly some things in my non-running life are not working, and am at a loss at how to turn things around. It is hard to block those out while running, but I do my best.
Sorry to make this a downer post, but if I can't share it here, where can I?
Never fear, I know things will get better. The problem is I need better - FAST!
:-)Charlie
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Rest
This morning I woke up with seriously stiff ankles. So today is a rest day. I will do some miles tomorrow. Saturday's long run is a 6 mile run. So this is a cut back week.
I am actually getting excited about next week's Chicago Half Marathon. This is will be a good test to see how I am doing. the course begins to shut down at the 2:50 mark. So I will be working on getting under that time. This will also let me see what kind of shape I am really in.
At the store folks are coming in for all their marathon gear, so we have been swamped. Time to get the new shoes to wear for race day. For those who don't know the life of a running shoe is 300-500 miles, or 6-8 months -depending on use. Some shoes wear quicker than others.
I have ordered my shoes. I wear the Brooks Dyad 8 1/2 2E. My feet are actually wider, but thoser shoes are made bigger. So it all works for me.
:-)Charlie
I am actually getting excited about next week's Chicago Half Marathon. This is will be a good test to see how I am doing. the course begins to shut down at the 2:50 mark. So I will be working on getting under that time. This will also let me see what kind of shape I am really in.
At the store folks are coming in for all their marathon gear, so we have been swamped. Time to get the new shoes to wear for race day. For those who don't know the life of a running shoe is 300-500 miles, or 6-8 months -depending on use. Some shoes wear quicker than others.
I have ordered my shoes. I wear the Brooks Dyad 8 1/2 2E. My feet are actually wider, but thoser shoes are made bigger. So it all works for me.
:-)Charlie
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Good Pace
Tonight was a tempo run. I took to the treadmill. The speed work takes its toll on me though. I did 5.5 miles at an 11:43 pace. I'm ok with that. I just needed to do another 1.5 miles. Just did not feel it. Still I happy with what I did.
Tonight though I am very tired and worn out. One thing which I always have to remember is when I am physically tired, I am not always at my best emotionally. So I am glad the roomies are on a camp out tonight. I can decompress at home alone.
My post run meal tonight was a PB and Honey sandwich on whole wheat. I really had a taste for that, and it was YUMMY!!!!! I downed it with a glass of soy milk. I have to say I really like soy milk. Not the plain, but the vanilla. Very tasty. Silk makes a great lower calorie soy milk that is wonderful. The store is always out of it though.
So all in all a decent run. I am thinking of throwing in some miles tomorrow. We'll see.
Charlie
Tonight though I am very tired and worn out. One thing which I always have to remember is when I am physically tired, I am not always at my best emotionally. So I am glad the roomies are on a camp out tonight. I can decompress at home alone.
My post run meal tonight was a PB and Honey sandwich on whole wheat. I really had a taste for that, and it was YUMMY!!!!! I downed it with a glass of soy milk. I have to say I really like soy milk. Not the plain, but the vanilla. Very tasty. Silk makes a great lower calorie soy milk that is wonderful. The store is always out of it though.
So all in all a decent run. I am thinking of throwing in some miles tomorrow. We'll see.
Charlie
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Quote of the Day
"I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!"
Sasha Azevedo
Sasha Azevedo
Community of Runners
What has amazed me most as I have gotten involved with running are the incredible people I meet. On a daily basis I talk and interact with runners from Chicago and around the world. This blog has been visited by people from places such as Malyasia, Iceland, Israel, Ireland, the UK, Brazil, Spain, France, and even somewhere in the middle of the Pacific, and of course all over the US and Canada. I want to thank you all for reading my blog. I appreciate it.
As I talk with these folks, I am struck at how much we love our sport. For some it is a healthy exercise. For others it is a passion. When I talk with customers at the store, I watch them beam as they tell me about their runs and how they are progressing.
I am sure I bore most of my friends as I talk about my running, so I am very appreciative of being able to "talk shop" with my fellow runners. You all are terrific!
So now as I head off to work today at Fleet Feet, I feel good knowing there is a great community of runners out there!
:-)Charlie
As I talk with these folks, I am struck at how much we love our sport. For some it is a healthy exercise. For others it is a passion. When I talk with customers at the store, I watch them beam as they tell me about their runs and how they are progressing.
I am sure I bore most of my friends as I talk about my running, so I am very appreciative of being able to "talk shop" with my fellow runners. You all are terrific!
So now as I head off to work today at Fleet Feet, I feel good knowing there is a great community of runners out there!
:-)Charlie
Monday, August 27, 2007
Speedy
Tonight's workout was 6 x 800m. I broke it down into miles. When you do speed work you, the idea is to go all out. My first mile I ran in 9:44. My second miles was also 9:44. I slowed down for the third mile - 10:00.
I am a tired guy, but happy that I did well tonight. Tomorrow I will rest up as Wednesday is a 7 mile run. I am looking ahead to Saturday. I am supposed to do 6 miles, but I may up it to 10. I will see how I feel. I also want to try to get some extra miles in as well.
I'm feeling good, and already beginning to think about my race strategy. More on that later.
:-)Charlie
I am a tired guy, but happy that I did well tonight. Tomorrow I will rest up as Wednesday is a 7 mile run. I am looking ahead to Saturday. I am supposed to do 6 miles, but I may up it to 10. I will see how I feel. I also want to try to get some extra miles in as well.
I'm feeling good, and already beginning to think about my race strategy. More on that later.
:-)Charlie
"You Are My New Hero"
Yesterday I was helping a man with shoes at the store. He had just done a charity walk, and realized he needed new shoes. He had his daughter with him. I would say he was in his 50's. He talked about his recovery from quadruple heart surgery. I asked how his health was, and he said this is why he walks.
He asked me if I thought walking was good exercise. I told him how I started walking, then turend to running to lose 100 lbs. He looked at me wided-eyed, and told me that was amazing. We talked about the importance of nutrition and exercise. He has lost 70 lbs. I told him that was great, and to keep up the great work.
Sadly I was not able to fit him in shoes. He has wide feet like me, and we did not have his size. I gave him all the shoe information and told him he could go through another Fleet Feet in his home town, or he could go to the local New Balance store. He told me he wanted me to get credit for the sale. I said that was not an issue and not to worry.
Before he left he came over to me, shook my hand and told me I was his new hero. I smiled and thanked him, and told him he was pretty heroic for coming back from heart surgery. That guy made my day!
:-)Charlie
He asked me if I thought walking was good exercise. I told him how I started walking, then turend to running to lose 100 lbs. He looked at me wided-eyed, and told me that was amazing. We talked about the importance of nutrition and exercise. He has lost 70 lbs. I told him that was great, and to keep up the great work.
Sadly I was not able to fit him in shoes. He has wide feet like me, and we did not have his size. I gave him all the shoe information and told him he could go through another Fleet Feet in his home town, or he could go to the local New Balance store. He told me he wanted me to get credit for the sale. I said that was not an issue and not to worry.
Before he left he came over to me, shook my hand and told me I was his new hero. I smiled and thanked him, and told him he was pretty heroic for coming back from heart surgery. That guy made my day!
:-)Charlie
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Range of Motion
For those who are first time readers, or have not read many of my posts, let me talk about my feet. I was born with clubbed feet. Typically you see people with this walk on the outside of their feet, and they appear pigeon toed. I have had surgeries which "corrected" this. The cures though have left me with extremely limited range of motion, especially the right foot. I have had people ask how I run. I suppose I should not be able to. For the most part I am fine on flat surfaces. Once the terrain makes my ankles move, it is very difficult, and usually leaves me in pain.
This brings me to today's long run. Today was an 18 mile run. It was miserable outside this morning. We started the run in a driving drizzle. Added to all the rain we have had this week, the path was miserable. Mud, huge puddles, a mini triathlon and downed trees from a storm a few days ago, made the path an obstacle course.
As long I was on the path, I was wet and miserable, but I ran fairly well. It was not a fast day. To avoid the obstacles, I had to run on the grass for a portion of the run. This was my undoing. Because my feet were forced to go at various angles, my ankles were beginning to kill me. Sadly I stopped at mile 8. My time was 1:44:49.
It is hard for me to stopdue to pain, because I feel so normal when I am running. To stop makes me feel as I did growing up, that there was something wrong with me, because I could not participate in sports.
I could have walked the next 10 miles, but that would have taken hours, and I would have just felt miserable out there. So I came home. Of course I am still miserable, but I can put my feet up. :-)
Sadly there is nothing I can do about this. So I will up the miles on my shorter runs this week, so I can get the miles in.
Charlie
This brings me to today's long run. Today was an 18 mile run. It was miserable outside this morning. We started the run in a driving drizzle. Added to all the rain we have had this week, the path was miserable. Mud, huge puddles, a mini triathlon and downed trees from a storm a few days ago, made the path an obstacle course.
As long I was on the path, I was wet and miserable, but I ran fairly well. It was not a fast day. To avoid the obstacles, I had to run on the grass for a portion of the run. This was my undoing. Because my feet were forced to go at various angles, my ankles were beginning to kill me. Sadly I stopped at mile 8. My time was 1:44:49.
It is hard for me to stopdue to pain, because I feel so normal when I am running. To stop makes me feel as I did growing up, that there was something wrong with me, because I could not participate in sports.
I could have walked the next 10 miles, but that would have taken hours, and I would have just felt miserable out there. So I came home. Of course I am still miserable, but I can put my feet up. :-)
Sadly there is nothing I can do about this. So I will up the miles on my shorter runs this week, so I can get the miles in.
Charlie
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