Taking it Easy

I am told that taking it easy is what one does on a vacation. Well I am doing just that. Yesterday was a quiet day. My sister arranged for a massage by her friend Nancy, who is a massage therapist, and avid reader of this blog - Hi Nancy! I give Nancy a thumbs up. Very relaxing massage! Lord knows I needed one.

I also swam yesterday. I did 24 laps in our pool. Forgot how nice it is to swim. Few opportunities in Chicago to swim, and I don't count Lake Michigan as an opportunity. :-)

I am thinking of a late afternoon run today, just so I don't get out of the habit. Not training for anything, so I need to plan my next race. Any suggestions?

Charlie

Thanks

By the way I want to thank all the wonderful people who have sent me very nice notes following the marathon. I got lots of encouraging emails from all over, and I truly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Charlie

Resting in Florida

Hello from Marco Island, Florida. I am here in SW Florida helping my dad turn 90!!! I went from a sunny and hot marathon to a sunny and hot Florida. Hehehehe.

I am taking it easy this week resting and recovering fomr Sunday's race. Not really much to recover from. It feels like I did a tougher long run than a marathon. I am still really angry at the press and race officials blaming runners for the water situation on Sunday. Plus I feel like someone owes me 10 more miles.

I am thinking about going back to where I was pulled off the course, and finishing the course. Anyone up for a 10 mile run?

Today my sister has scheduled a massage for me. Woo Hoo! I could sure use it.

I will run some while I am here. Just no intense running. I am also thinking about what races I would like to do next. Friends are already asking about next year's marathon. One told me he would like to run it with me. Very cool.

For now though, just out there running and staying fit. That's enough work for now.

:-)Charlie

The Chicago Marathon - What Went Wrong?

The race started ok. For my part I felt it was very warm standing in the start area with thousands of people. Because I was way in back of the pack, there was confusion about where to line up. The line actually curved and was not a straight starting line, but most people did not see that, and there were not a lot of volunteers around to direct people...that I could see.

Once the race began I felt fine. I felt very hot as we went under the first underpass. It was so humid in there. I was already sweating up a storm. I felt a bit better once I was outside a bit more.

As I got to the first aid station, I wanted water, not Gatorade. So I took a cup of water and off I went. That would be my last water until the 3rd aid station. Why? As I approached the 2nd aid station, I saw the port-a-potties and used one. When I came out, I looked for the aid station, but could not see anything. I saw the signs and all the cups on the street, but NO aid station.

Mentally that was tough. So now I had to think about whether or not there would be water at the next station. There was. The problem was I needed electrolytes in me. When I got into the Boystown area(gay area of Chicago). One grocery store came out with bottles of water for runners. They could have easily sold those, but were kind enough to bring the bottles out.

At this point I was dragging a bit. I called the crew and asked them to meet me sooner than hoped. I met them at Mile 9 and got a banana, and felt a bit better. I told them I needed Gatorade, and they said they would have some at our next meeting. On I went.

I was walking more at this point. I knew the sub-6:00 was no longer an option - I wanted to finish. The next aid station had Gatorade. It was run by Fleet Feet - my store! Woo Hoo! I felt ok as I headed back into downtown. By this point I was walking with running breaks.

Once downtown, the runners I was with were really going slow. A few would sit along the curbs to rest a bit. As I passed a church, the priest and parishoners were outside giving us bottles of water. Very kind!

I met the crew at Mile 14 and got some Gatorade. It was the best Gatorade I ever had. I was running more at this point and was feeling ok.

The race ended between Mile 15 and 16 for me as police were out telling us to walk to the park. Why? We got various answers. Lots of chaos. Eventually we understood the race was over.

Marathon officials are saying there was plenty of water and cups. They try to point the fingers at those who took more than one cup of water. Shame on them. There obviously was not enough. I saw people picking up cups from the ground to use. If it weren't for the good people of Chicago who came out with water and hoses for us, I bet a lot more people would have been dropping.

I agree with the ending of the race. Conditions were not good. However...these people knew for a week what the weather was going to be, and should have upped the amount of fluids to be served.

As runners we run in all conditions. We are a hearty group of people. For some in this case, it was their first marathon. Probably not the best experience for them. Lots of rookie runners who may not have trained in heat like this or knew what to do.

Last year I ran in 100+ degrees in the Gay Games. I felt this was worse weather conditions. Had I not hydrated as much during the week I might have dropped out of this race a ways back. I was ready. I just don't feel the Marathon organizers were as ready.

Charlie

Marathon Recap - Sometimes the Journey is Enough

Today's Chicago Marathon was not the best of experiences for me. As feared the heat would take it's toll. I just did not know how much it would affect everything.


You should know at the start, the race was called after the mid-point for me, due to excessive heat. I could see something was not right when water stations starting at the 3rd one were running out of water and Gatorade. I did not have any Gatorade until the Mile 10 water station. That is how bad things were.


What I did not know is that 320 people were rushed to the hospital, and one runner died today. I am sure there was no choice but to end the race. 24, 941 finished out of over 36,000 at the start.

My race was going well until after mile 3 when I really needed water and Gatorade. Then I began to wear down. I joked that I was taking running breaks during my walk. I know I could have finished the race. I was clearly slower than my goal pace, but I knew if I wanted to stay in, I couldn't go fast.



Between Mile 15 and 16 we were told by police the race was being called, and to begin the walk back to Grant Park. We were on the west side of the city, so it was quite a hike.



At first I was upset. I wanted to finish this. I called my sister and she reminded me that even getting to where I am is a huge accomplishment, and that I have nothing to feel bad about. I wondered if I was getting a medal, and if so, did I deserve it. She told me of course I did as a reward for my hard work.


What the race officials could not do, the wonderful people of Chicago did. Many people came out to bring us water and to hose us down . One grocery store brought out bottles of water for us. The fire department opened hydrants to cool us off.


I'm not going to go into my thoughts about the management of this race. I will save that for another day.


Instead I am going to thank Krys, George, Matt and Mark for being my trusty road crew today. They got me food, Gatorade and water, and I really appreciate it!

I am sore, but ok. I got my medal, and now I rest. I'll go into more about the race tomorrow.

Charlie

Marathon Morning

It's almost 4 a.m. - I'm up. I'mo not quite awake mind you, but I am up. Making oatmeal, and a bit of toast. Soon I will walk the dog, then head off to the race. Race time is 8 a.m.

I feel pretty good! I had a good night's sleep. I am a bit nervous, but I think that is to be expected.

I think I am great shape. My weight this morning is 199 lbs! Under 200 and FABULOUS! I weigh that in spite of the terrific pasta dinner my training team had last night. :-)

I trainied hard and well for this. I have studied the course map and talked to countless people about the race. I think I know what to expect. I also know how my body and mind will work today. So I am prepared.

So at this point all I can say is .... BRING IT ON!

See you all at the finish line!

Charlie

One More Day - The Plan

The training is over. The packet has been picked up. I have my clothes and bib number ready. All there is to do is run a race called the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, and I will - tomorrow.

I do have to work a short time today. I also have a pasta dinner tonight. So it should be an easy day.

So how am I planning the race to go?

The key for me will be a moderate start. Not a fast or too slow start, but a good moderate pace. If I see anything faster than 11:15 at the 1st mile, I will have to slow down. I would like to be at the 5 mile mark around 58:00. The 10 mile mark around 2:00. 13.1 miles I would like to be at 2:30-2:50 range. My worry is the last half. At this point the temps will be in the 80's. Chicago is headed for a record heat day.

My road crew will be meeting me starting at mile 11, then mile 15, 19, 23 and the finish. I will have slowed quite a bit by mile 16, so I will need to stay focused. I am counting on the energy from fellow runners and the crowds to see me through this.

At mile 18 I would like to be at 4:20-4:30. If I can do that, I feel a finishing time of 5:45 is within my grasp. Of course the goal is 5:5:59, but I will be thrilled with the 5:45 time.

I think this quote sums it up best.....

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop.
- Lewis Carroll, from “Alice in Wonderland”

I have really enjoyed this training process. The folks at FFC, my gym, have really put together a good plan for the marathon. Now I just need to run the race.

I am also blessed to have supportive family, friends, co-workers and the many people who read this blog and have wished me well. It all means a lot to me, and I will have those good wishes with me tomorrow.

Of course I will let you all know how it goes.

Charlie

2 Days Left

Today I went to the expo. I love the expo! So cool to see all the running stuff. Yes...I'm a geek.

So how do I feel? Still good. Not happy about the hot, humid weather predicted, but darned little I can do about it. Two women came into the store puzzled about what to wear. One woman said. "I was prepared for colder weather, what will I wear now?" How about what you wore all through training? Good lord!

The city is buzzing with the marathon. So many people are coming from all over the world to run it.

Today I met people from Italy, France and Spain who are here to run.

Tomorrow I work a few hours, then I have a pasta dinner with my training group. Looking forward to it.

Charlie

Marion Jones Cheated

Marion Jones has admitted to steroid use. I am not surprised at all by this. What always gets me is when they use the ignorance defense.http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2007/10/marion-jones-fall-from-grace-now-complete/



Jones is still, however, insisting upon using the ignorance defense, claiming that she thought she was taking flaxseed oil, a nutritional supplement, even though she “said she noticed changes in how her body felt and how she was able to recover from workouts.”



Maybe the average person will buy that load of doo doo, but as someone who trains like I do, I am aware of everything I put into my body. I know she knows what she took at the time she took it. She is lying again.My feeling when it comes to the drugs in sports is either crack down HARD on it, or make it legal.

A coach friend of mine tells me performance enhancing drugs is rampant in colleges. He told me there was a lot of pressure on him to use drugs, but he never did. I can only imagine when Olympic glory is on the line how tough it is not to take them.

Still Marion Jones ia a cheat, and she lied. This diminishes anything she accomplished on the track IMHO. She should return her medals.

Charlie

Donation Reminder

My friend and co-worker Spencer is busy rasing funds for the American Liver Foundation. If you are so inclined, please donate to his marathon effort!

http://www.active.com/donate/run2007/alfSWillba

Thanks!
Charlie

So How's That Weather Looking?

Ideally I would love to run in 45 degree weather on race day. That won't be the case this year. Sunday is shaping up to be 69 at sunrise and 86 by nid-day, sunny and a bit humid. I am downing water now so I will be hydrated come Sunday. I'm leaving nothing to chance.

Gotta remember to put the sunscreen on, wear a hat, and leave the cold weather gear at home!

Charlie

The Last Training Run

Tonight I ran 4 easy miles along the lakefront. It was my final run before the marathon. I felt good and ran the 4 miles in 47:00. Not too bad.

So the weather forecast has changed again. Previously it was rain with temps in the 70s. Now it is sunny and mid 80s. I'm not happy about either forecast. I would love sunny and 45! Doubt that will happen though.

Before my run I talked with Scott. He believes I can run the marathon in 5:42! WOW....that would be great.

4 days to go.....

Charlie

The Course

The marathon is 26.2 miles. I try not to think about that distance, but there is no way not to. So where does the course go in Chicago?

The race starts in Grant Park, along Lake Michigan, and heads north. We weave our way around the north end of downtown, before heading north to Lincoln Park. We run through the park, past the zoo, and head up to the Lakeview area, home of the Chicago Cubs(who will be playing a playoff game that day - maybe). This area is well known in the marathon for the aid station sponsored by the Frontrunners - the gay and lesbian running group. They always win the "Best Aid Station" Award. So runners do not be surprised ifyou see the happiest drag cheerleaders in the world cheering you on. At this point we are traveling south, We are heading back to the Lincon Park region, and into Old Town. There we will be greeted by the Fleet Feet Sports Aid Station. This is my co-workers and volunteers cheering us on!

By now we have passed the 10 mile point and are heading back to downtown. At the halfway point we are heading west. On the western part of the city we will encounter Greektown and Little Italy! Once we get past Little Italy, we are heading to Mile 18. Mile 19 is the Pilsen area. This is the traditional Hispanic neighborhood. I am told it is a very festive atmosphere there. We will need as much festive feelings as possible at this point. After Pilsen we head south to Chinatown. We continue going south towards Mayor Daley's neighborhood, Bridgeport. We are beginning to head north once we see the home ofthe Chicago White Sox home, U.S. Cellular Field.

Our trek back takes us through the Prairie District. A mix of older homes and upcoming condos! We are now a stones throw from the finish, but we have one more thing to tackle. It's what I call, Mount Roosevelt. There are no hills in this race, but you would swear there is a hill at the finish. Roosevelt Rd. take an uphill climb. Just what you need after 26 miles. Once you get up the "hill" it is a mad dash to the finish, back in Grant Park. Phew!!!

So that is a brief summary of the course. How will I get through it? I will write about that withing the next day or two.

Charlie

The Almost Done Training Run

Tonight was my second to last training run - 5 miles. I ran it on the treadmill at the gym. I felt good and easy, and went at a good pace. I finished the 5 miles in 58:44. Faster than race pace, but it felt good. Body feels good. All systems are go at this point.

Really thinking about the race strategy over the next few days! Will also be meeting with my race crew this week to go over when I will need to meet them during the race.

:-)Charlie

September Wrap Up

Welcome to October! September was my month for the most miles this year - 82.91. My average time was 12:28/mile. This is very much in line with my racing pace for the marathon. If I can stay between 12:00-12:30, I will be in great shape.

I was pleased with my running in September, especially my Chicago Half Marathon and new PR of 2:45.

Now I look to October....which means we are 6 days away from the marathon. Woo Hoo!

Tonight is a 5 mile run with my training group. Should be a very easy run.

Charlie

One Week to Go

Last night I was going through pictures for a birthday project for my dad. He turns 90 on Saturday. As I was going through the pictures, I kept looking at me through the years. I smile in almost all the pictures, but then I cam across the picture of my cousin Polly and me, taken at the Green Bay Half Marathon this year. I radiated in that picture.

I look so different today than I did just a few short years ago. It used to take an effort to get in and out of my car. Today I run marathons. It used to be embarassing to go to the clothes store and see I had gone up a size. Today I can walk into any store and buy the clothes I like!

I have come so far. I wrote about the journeys we take to get to the start line. No matter how many races I run, I feel the journey has been a lifetime in the making.

No matter what problems I may have in life....I see what I have accomplished, and it reminds me I can handle pretty much anything thrown at me.

We are one week until the race. I am ready to give it my best. At the start line I will think about where I have been...and the course which lies ahead of me. AND I WILL DO IT!!!

:-)Charlie

I Am a Runner...No Matter What Pearl Izumi Says

Shoe/clothing company has an ad which differentiates runners from joggers. You can see it at www.wearenotjoggers.com. It describes joggers as some how half heartedly running, and they real runners are endangered. If you were to watch me run, you might be tempted to call it jogging. I am not fast, and there is no gazelle like quality to my form. Believe me though....there is NOTHING half hearted about what I am doing on the road. I am running!

And if I "jog" now and then so what? Who cares? I'm still moving. I'm still pushing my body to a limit it did not know before. Arrrgh! Marketers!

Today I had a pre-marathon massage. It felt good, and now I am ready for my light running for this week. 8 days to go.....

Charlie

9 Days...and Counting...Deciding to Run

In a past posting, I asked who inspires you, and I developed a list of people who inspire me. I want to add to that list. I would say anyone who makes the decision to run inspires me. Note, I did not say decides to run a marathon.

Everyday I work with people who are just starting to run. Almost immediately these people tell me they aren' t running a marathon, they are "just running." I smile and tell them I think they are doing great to run 1-3 miles, or however far they want to run. At least they are trying.

I have found the decision to run is a big for most people. Deciding to run means you are taking an active part in your body to make it healthier. That's important, and not to be minimized.

As many of you know I started running, because I had been walking, trying to lose weight. I walked so fast, I thought, "Why not run?"

Some people end up loving running. Others not as much.

So to those who make the decision to run - congrats! You have made a major step in your life, and I am inspired by you.

We are at 9 days until the marathon. No running today. Tomorrow will be an "easy" 6 mile run.

:-)Charlie

Congrats and More

My cousin Polly who ran her first half marathon earlier this year with me, set a new PR this last weekend in her second half marathon. She ran 2:07. Way to go Polly!!!

So now we are 10 days until the marathon. I feel good about my Yassos from last night. I am going to head out for a little bit of a run this afternoon if the weather cooperates. All in all I feel good.

My fellow marathoners agree it is time to bring on the race. We are ready and raring to go on Oct. 7. One guy told me yesterday he is tired of training. I hear that, but it still needs to be done. Another runner told me he won't run until the race and eat whatever he wants. Note to self...stay clear of the puking man during the race.

Scott has asked us to figure what to wear on race day. I am waiting to see what the weather reports will be before I decide. I know I won't load down with a belt like I did in Phoenix. I didn't like that. I will depend on the water stations and my support crew. I do have my gel figured out - Gu's Chocolate Outrage. If I have to have something, it might as well taste like chocolate.

I have been looking over the course map again and again. I want to know what to expect. The marathon website has a video tour. That helps as well.

So 10 days to go...and all is well.

Charlie

Yasso 800s

Tonight I did my Yasso 800s. This is 10 x 800 m. I run 10 1/2 mile sets at near race pace. This is used to predict my marathon time. Scott said based on my performance tonight I would run the marathon in 5:54. This is under my goal. He believes I will actually go faster on race day and get closer to 5:45.

Runners World writer Burt Yasso created this program. My friend Spencer and I joke that when you are done, you are to yell, "YASSO!!!!!!!!!!"

YASSO!!!!!!!!!

:-)Charlie