Olympic Men's Marathon Trials

As I watched the stunning race of the Men's Marathon Trials, I was saddened to learn that one runner had died.

Ryan Shay collapsed at the 5.5 mile mark this morning, and was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was 28. Shay was a 2002 graduate of the UNiversity of Notre Dame, and a national champion at many distances. Results of an autopsy will be announced tomorrow.

In happier news, Ryan Hall was simply amazing to watch. I know of Hall from following his career this year, but I had never watched him run. Simply awesome to watch. Such grace in his running. Hall pulled away from the pack at Mile 17 and never looked back. His winning time was an incredible 2:09:02. Joining Hall on the team will be Dathan Ritzenhein - 2:11:07, and Brian Sell - 2:11:40. I had been pulling for Brian Sell, as he is a favorite of mine. Congrats to our U.S. Olympic team, and my heart felt condolences to Shay's family and loved ones.

Charlie

Olympic Marathon Preview - Final

Tomorrow is the U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials. I have gone over some of the people I think will be key players. Here is the course.....

After starting near Rockefeller Plaza, the runners will head to Times Square, then on to Central Park. They will run five loops around the park. It is pretty hilly, and a great challenge. The Trials will start at 6:35 a.m. Eastern Time, and will be live on NBC's Today Show. The rest of the race can be seen live at www.nbcsports.com

Here is how I think will qualify:

Brian Sell

Ryan Hall

Meb Keflezighi (2004 Olympic Maraton Silver Medalist)

I am really looking forward to watching this.

Charlie

Wonderful Fall Run

I LOVE running in the Fall! It is so pretty and cool. It was sunny and clear and a bit crisp as I went on a 4.33 mile run to Evnaston. I went more residential today, looking at the pretty homes, and Fall colors. Simply stunning.

I had not run in a few days, but I felt great. My time was good - 11:08/mile. Other runners were out greeting each other - I love that. All in all a terrific run.

Charlie

Running With IPods

A very interesting article in today's NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/sports/othersports/01marathon.html?hp

USA Track & Field, the national governing body for running, this year banned the use of headphones and portable audio players like iPods at its official races. The new rule was created to ensure safety and to prevent runners from having a competitive edge.

But trying to enforce such a rule on a 26.2-mile course filled with thousands of runners may be futile. The New York City Marathon, which strongly discourages the use of audio players, will not attempt to police its field on Sunday for lack of a surefire way to carry out the ban.

I have used myIPod Shuffle in the past,. At the marathon in Phoenix this year I used it at a point where I was the only runner for blocks, and there was no crowd support. The music kept me company.

I have seen the flipside of this though. Wearing them in a crowd is bad. It's like driving with a cell phone, you aren't paying attention to the road. I almost ran into a couple of people who had them on, when they stopped to stretch in front of me, and could not hear me coming up. The good news is I got out of the way in time.

I am curious about what some of you think?

Charlie

The Book on October

Well another month is done. October was not the running month I thought it would be. Still a successful month.

52.93 miles - 12:28/mile

Obviously with the marathon over my miles have come down a bit. Running for fun is not like training runs. So I am adjusting until I figure out my plans.

This is a tricky time because I am trying not to eat like I did during training. My body knows it is hungry, but I also know I can't eat like I was the last few months. Less exercise, means less calories burned. So I am keeping an eye on things. Tough to do with the holidays coming up. I just got the new Runner's World, and it talks about holiday eating. Yikes! There are some fierce calories out there. :-)

Charlie

Back on My Feet

Looks like I successfully faught off the cold. I felt better today I headed to the gym for a 3 mile run. I have to say I felt great running. I ran at a good pace- 34:22. Not too many folks were at the gym, so it felt like a private club today.

So I am less than 2 weeks away from turning 45. Yes...45! Whodda thunk I would make it to this point? So what I am doing now is assessing what I want to do running wise next year, and then will make my plan final on November 12.

:-)Charlie

Under the Weather...and Cold Weather Running

Sorry for the lack of writing. I have been a bit under the weather the last couple days, and I feel it getting worse. I'm fighting the Fall Cold. It started in my sinuses. I have a raw throat, and I feel gross! Yup....getting sick. Typically I don't run when I am sick. I know heartier people out there run in any condition - I'm just not one of those people. By the way....how do those people do it?

Work is going well. The post-marathon season is a slower time for us, still we have people coming in for their fall/winter gear. I knowthis will sound like a sales person, but I am also a runner, so this is coming from a fellow runner.

If you live in colder climates make sure you are layering as you run outside. Pants or tights, a good base and a jacket...no cotton! Make sure you cover your head, and of course gloves of some sort. I being the weather wimp am a big fan of layering. I want to be as warm as possible out there. The layers mean you can adjust to the weather as you run.

:-)Charlie

Wonderful Fall Run

This morning I ran a lovely 6.12 miles to Northwestern University and back. It was a sunny cool day....ideal fall weather. I LOVE running in the fall! Everything just looks so pretty outside.

The run itself was great. I felt good the entire time. I was never tired, and felt my pace was good. I finished in 1:10:07, a terrific time for me.

I listened to my favorite podcast - Pheddipidations. Steve Runner set a new marathon PR - 4:12:55, Congrats Steve. I know that sub 4 hour marathon is coming up! You train so hard and deserve all the success you earn. For those who have not heard his podcast...you are missing something terrific. wwwsteverunner.com Listen and I promise you will love it!!!

:-)Charlie

New Position

As many of you know I work for a running store - Fleet Feet Sports! This week I was promoted to assistant manager of my store. This is a really exciting opportunity for me. Part of my duties will be working with community. I will be working with the local chamber of commerce.

I will also be working on the Lesedi Project, which I mentioned in a previous post. I am really looking forward to that. The Lesedi Project benefits the Ethembeni School in South Africa.

http://www.ethembenischool.org/

So all in all very glad. Now I am heading out for a run!

:-)Charlie

Olympic Marathon Trials Preview Part Two

Here are a couple more people to keep an eye on at the trials on Nov. 3.

Alan Culpepper -

2007: 4th in 10,000m at US Outdoor Championships (28:34.01)…USA Cross Country champion (27:09).
2006: 5th at Boston Marathon (2:11:02)…1st at Denver Half-Marathon (1:04.52)…ranked #5 in U.S. in marathon by T&FN…bests of 2:11:02 & 1:04.52.
2005: 4th at Boston Marathon (2:13:39)...12th at Chicago Marathon (2:13:20)ran 13:25.75PR at Norwich Union Grand Prix...ranked #2 U.S. marathoner in U.S. by T&FN...bests of 2:13:20 & 13:25.75.
2004: Olympic Trials marathon champion (2:11:42)12th at Olympic Games (2:15:26)...ranked #2 in U.S. by T&FN...best of 2:11:42.

Ryan Hall -

2007: 7th at US Outdoor Championships 10,000m (28:51.77)…1st at USA Half-Marathon Championships in Houston (59:43AR).
2006: USA Cross Country Champs long course champ (34:38)…3rd at USA Cross Country Champs 4 km (10:57)…43rd at World XC Champs (37:29)…8th at AT&T USA Outdoor Championships 5,000m (13:40.55)…ran 20 km AR (57:54) in Debrecen, Hungary…4th at adidas Classic (8:26.26)…10th at Heusden (13:38.89)…ranked #8 in U.S. at 5,000m by T&FN…bests of 13:38.89, 8:26.26.
2005: 3rd at USA Outdoor Champs 5,000m (13:16.03 PR)1st at NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships (13:22.32 School Record)6th at Mt. SAC Relays 5,000 (13:31.58)2nd at PAC 10 Championships 5,000 (13:37.45)ranked #5 in U.S. by T&FN...best of 13:16.03.
2004: 1st at the NCAA West Regional Cross Country Championships2nd at PAC 10 Cross Country Championships...best of 13:45.0.

These two are definite favorites to be in the top 3 to qualify to go to Bejing.

Charlie

Short Run

Today was an amazing Fall day. Temperatures were in the 40s when I headed out the door. This was a short run before work. Nothing major. I ran to Loyola University Chicago. They have an outdoor track there. So the run there, then a 1/2 mile around the track and home was 2.78 miles. Just wanted to do a run before work, and I was glad I did. Felt good.

Loyola University Chicago is where I got my B.A in 1995. www.luc.edu if you would like to learn more about it.

Charlie

Should You Run a Marathon?

After the debacle in Chicago a few weeks ago, there were conversations in the running community about the preparedness and fitness of some runners, particularly the slower runners. I am not a fast runner by any means, but I work hard and do my best. The issues being raised though are interesting. Should people run the marathon?

For the novice runner here is my suggestion. The marathon should not be your first race. Ifyou are starting out, you need to see first if you like running? But if a race is your initial goal, start with a 5K(3.1 miles). I think it is a great distance, manageable, and a good chance tosee what a race is like.

As you progress in your running, you can work up to a marathon. I did 5Ks and 8Ks until Ifelt ready for a marathon. Even then, I changed my mind and ran a half marathon. Iwas glad I did that.

The marathon is grueling. The training is long and demands dedication. You can't half train for a marthon, or you can do some physical damage to your body.It is also time consuming. A good program will have you train 4-6 days a week. That is time away from family, friends and loved ones. So you need to be ready for that.

Can anyone do the marathon? No. Realisitically I don't have the body for lots of marathons. I am finding the half marathon is a preferred distance. It is enough of a challenge for my mentally and physically. Only you can determine if your body is ready for a marathon. But my opinion is you can't really know that until you have tried longer distances.

The marathon is an amazing goal. If it is something you truly want to do....make sure you are ready for it!

:-)Charlie

Balega

I get asked about socks all day long at the store. What do I recommend? I recommend Balega socks. They are the best darned sock I have ever had on my feet. They are the only sock I run in. If they made dress socks....I would be in sock heaven!

www.balegasports.com

They have no inside seams....so less chance of blister. Add to that they are so amazingly comfortable, and you too will be in sock heaven!

Charlie

Olympic Marathon Preview Part One

There is a resurgence in long distance running in the U.S. Americans are beginnning to get back into the thick of things. For decades now the Kenyans and Ethiopians have been dominant, with the Brazilians and some Europeans in the mix.

2004 was a big step for American running Meb Keflezighi took the Silver Medal in Athens in the Men's Marathon and Deena Kastor took the women's Bronze.

Now attention is focusing on Bejing in 2008. The men's marathon qualifying race will be Nov. 3 in New York City, the day before the NYC Marathon. Then men will start in Rockefeller Plaza, head to Times Square, then on the Central Park, for 5 loops.

I'm going to spend a few posts on who will be in the mix for the three qualifying spots.

12 of the men gunning for the spots come from the Hansons-Brooks Team.

http://www.hansons-running.com/odp/about_us.htm

The Hansons brothers operate running specialty stores in Michigan. They have developed a team of men and women to live and train together.

The approach realized in the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project incorporates the following four principles:

Create an opportunity for successful college athletes to continue training beyond their college years.

Provide an environment in which training can be the focus of those post-collegiate athletes (without the financial necessity of working full time or chasing after money in road races).

Develop a center for those athletes to train together as a team.

Incorporate the team members in local community activities to foster an excitement in the sport of distance running, and motivate future distance runners.


Of the 12 men competing in the trials the best shot is Brian Sell. Here is a sample of Brians accomplishments in the last few years:


2nd at USATF Championships 10 mile (road) 2005
1st place Shamrock Shuffle (2004/2005)
1st place USATF 25K (2005)
Member of the 2005 USATF World Championships marathon team
1st place US Half Marathon 2006
4th place Boston Marathon in a PR 2:10:55 2006
Reed’s Lake 10k Champion 29:02 2006
Chicago Distance Classic Champion 1:04:25 2006
6th place Chicago Marathon in a PR 2:10:47 2006
1st place USATF 25k championships 2007

Pretty impressive. Sell will be a top contender for a spot to Bejing.

Charlie

Evanston

This morning I ran a lovely 5.6 mile run up to Evanston. The air was crisp, with temps in the 50's. MUCH better than a couple weeks ago. I love running in this weather.

I found this picture of one of the parks I run through in Evanston, and thought I would share it with you.

Evanston is home to Northwestern University and is a really lovely town just north of Chicago.

http://www.cityofevanston.org/

As I said it was a great run. I ran at a 12:00 pace, and was very comfortable.

Charlie

Sabrina and Me

I thought I would share this picture.

This is me with my niece Sabrina!

Great Run

Today was a really nice 4.33 mile run to Evanston and back. Iran the route in 49:20, which is a great pace for me. I felt good the entire time. Part of it felt like a run, and not a training run, so I felt more at ease.

I help a lot of people who tell me they run, just to run - no races. That may be the best kind of running. We who race get caught up in the training and the routine, we sometimes forget that the actually run is what makes us happy!

Sometimes we need to leave the watch or heart rate monitor at home....and just go run!

:-)Charlie

My Marathon Aftermath

So in the week following the Chicago Marathon, I have recevied very nice comments, notes and a gift, all of which has made me feel very good about the marathon.

Yesterday at work I was presented a card and a gift - a new gym bag! The card was made for me, and says on the outside, "When I grow up I want to run just like Charlie!" Inside were wonderful comments from my co-workers. Inside were touching comments like, "We're all inspired by your bravery," "The physical and mental endurance you showed was stellar by every stretch of the imagination," " We know you are MORE than capable of finishing 26.2 whether they stop you or not." I was and continue to be touched by the people who have given me such comments.

I have made peace with how the marathon ended, and once I feel ready to tackle it, I am going to go out to where I was stopped and finish the race. While I think the decision to end the race was a good one, I would like to go and complete it.

Charlie

BURP!

This is truly a heart attack waiting to happen....

From Runner's World:

by Mark Remy

Feeling a little peckish this morning? Try Hardee's new Country Breakfast Burrito. According to CNN.com, that's:

…two egg omelets filled with bacon, sausage, diced ham, cheddar cheese, hash browns and sausage gravy, all wrapped inside a flour tortilla.

…Brad Haley, marketing chief for the St. Louis-based fast-food chain, said the burrito offers the sort of big breakfast item normally found in sit-down restaurants with an added advantage. "It makes this big country breakfast portable," he said.

Unfortunately, the Country Breakfast Burrito will make consumers a little bit less portable: The behemoth contains 920 calories and a whopping 60 grams of fat. "This," says Haley, "is really designed to fill you up." No kidding.

By the way: If all that cheese and gravy, you know, jams things up, maybe you could pick up some All Bran. Apparently it really gets things moving.



Ugh....this just sounds like you would waddle after finishing eating.

Charlie

Fast 5K

I headed to the gym for a fast 5K on the treamill. Fast it was - 35:20. It felt so good to run again. My legs felt good. My pace felt easy even though I was going at a good clip.

I am back in the saddle again. I want to come up with a good running schedule, so I can have a solid base of running in me. Ideally I like the idea of one long run a week, with a few shorter runs. That served me well in training, and I think it would serve me well with my overall running.

Charlie