That Push to Run

You never know where a push to go running will come from. A couple days ago, my friend Mark told me he wanted to go running with me. Mark is not a runner, but he has told me in the past that he would like to take it up. So Friday morning, we walked to the track at Loyola University Chicago.

On the way to the track I told Mark we would take it easy. No need to full out run. The track is about 200m around. So we stretched, and then went on a brisk walk on the track. At one point I suggested we run a bit. Mark took that, and RAN! Now, I should tell you he wasn't dressed for running, and if he reads this, I know I will get hell for this. He was running in camoflage shorts, a cotton shirt, and a cotton sweatshirt. The pants needed a belt, because he had to keep them from falling down as he ran. He bolted, and it was quite a sight.

He walked after a bit. I told him there was no need to sprint. Mark altnernated from running to walking. I decided to do sprint work. I was pleased with my efforts. After our track workout we headed out for breakfast.

Mark told me his lungs hurt. He has been a smoker, so no doubt his lungs hurt. But the good news is he wants to run some more.

Flash to yesterday. I thought I would run, but it was a day I thought, "Do I??" I was talking with Mark and he said, "You know it's 6 months until the marathon. You want to do well...go run." So I did. My left IT band has been a bother of late, so I ran 2.5 miles. Not pushing anything. I felt pretty good.

So I guess Mark will be a running buddy/get out there and train guy. Every now and then we need that push to run.....

Charlie

Joan Benoit Samuelson

This Sunday the U.S. women will line up in Boston for their Olympic Trials. One woman of note in the pack, who has little chance to qualify for Beijing is Joan Benoit Samuelson. Most who read this know who I am talking about. For those who don't, here is a bit of history.

Joan is best known for her historic performance in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This was the first time women were allowed to compete in a marathon at the Olympics. The fact that it had been less than 20 years since women were allowed to run in any marathon, this was a huge deal. I still remember watching TV, and seeing this little woman come into the L.A. Colleseum wearing a white cap. I don't remember seeing anyone else following her into the stadium. Others in the field for that race included Rosa Mota, Ingrid Kristiansen, Lisa Martin and the great Grete Waitz. What was so stunning about this victory is that a couple weeks before the 1984 Olympic Trials Joan had arthroscopic knee surgery.

Her other wins included the 1979 and 1983 Boston Marathon and the 1985 America's Marathon(Chicago).

She has gone on to become an incredible ambassador for this sport, and for health and fitness. She is a true pioneer in women's sport in particular, and a great sports figure overall.

In the last few years she has been in the news for pacing Lance Armstrong in his first NYC Marathon, along with Alberto Salazar. Not bad company.

Joan is 50, and this will be her final competitve marathon. She will not win these trials, nor do I expect her to place in the top three. Thanks to her efforts though, the currnt crop of women have her as a role model, and strive to meet the standards she has placed in the marathon.

Deena Kastor will most likely win these trials. Ironically she is the only American women since Joan to win an Olympic medal in the marathon - Bronze - 2004 Athens.

Good luck to Joan!

Charlie

Congrats Drusy

Fellow runner, blogger and known reader of this blog, Drusy, from the UK, successful completed the Flora London Marathon on Sunday. She finished in 4:51:27. I know that was not her ideal time goal, but she finished under 5 hours, and that is quite an accomplishment. I am very glad for her. Way to go!!!!!

http://drusy.blogspot.com/

Charlie

Evanston Trail Run

It was a sunny and warm morning. Temps were in the upper 40's as I headed on a 5.36 mile run to Evanston along the trail at the lake. I love this path, and it was a great day to be running.

My left IT Band was letting me know it is a bit sore, but I took a nice steady run as I went along. Several folks were out running, and I got plenty of "Hellos." I always appreciate that.

My time - 1:08:17. Not a stellar time, but my goal was to up the mileage and increase stamina. Time is not the important factor at this point. I felt good when I got home, and my post-tax mood improved.

:-)Charlie

20 Years Have Past

Over the weekend I observed an anniversary of sorts. It was April 12, 1988 when I hit rock bottom in life. I was at a place where I thought I had no answers to anything. I was 25 and thinking I could not cope with life. So that evening, I tried to kill myself. I drank a gallon of wine and took about 200 sleeping pills.

As you can assume, I was not successful in my attempt. I realized after I done this how stupid it was, and I got friends to rush me to the hospital. It was a long, exhausting night, and one I never want to duplicate.

I have not been in that place since, nor can I imagine myself in that kind of darkness. I have found so many better ways to cope with issues in my life. Obviously running is one of those methods. I feel down if I have not run after a couple days....as I feel this morning.

There are so many young people out there who feel all is lost, and do look at suicide. I wish we could reach them and let them know suicide is a final solution to temporary problems. It is not the answer. We need to give young people the tools to work through problems, cope with issues and understand things are not always so dire.

My friend Mark is going through a difficult time...nowhere near where I was though. I have suggested that he take up running. He wants to run with me and see if he likes it. If so, he would like to run a 5K. I think that is a great goal, and one I am happy to help with. Who knows, maybe he will find running a great way to clear the mind, and help him focus on issues.

Charlie

Flora London Marathon

This was an amazingly fast marathon. Martin Lei won the marathon - 2:05:15. That is the 5th fastest marathon of all time. In fact 5 of the fastest 22 fastest times in a marathon happened in this marathon. American Ryan Hall finished 5th with a PR - 2:06:17.

This makes for an incredible setup for the marathon at the Bejing Olmypics.

Charlie

Oooooh....Clutching Stomach

So here is the deal....do not run after eating Black Bean Buffalo Corn Chili. It is tasty. It is good for you, but if you run, even if several hours after eating it, you get Gastric Distress. That was my issue today. I ran 1.75 miles, and thought I would die.

So lesson learned right!

I feel much better now - a few hours later.

:-)Charlie

Lessons Learned

I always try to take something away from a race. While I consider my 10 mile race a success, here is what I need to work on this year.

1) Upping the miles each week. Now that I feel better, it is time to increase the miles.

2) Getting back into good physical condition. My body ached after the race. Time to work on the body.

3) Better food. Case in point....more bananas and spinach. Bought some nice ones tonight!

So there are the three lessons I learned. Time to work on a plan of action.

Charlie

So Where Did I Place?

Here are some stats from the race.

In the Men's Division I placed 5795th

In my age group I placed 563 out of 569.

Against the bus I finished first.

Overall...I did not come in last.

:-)Charlie

Man vs. Bus - Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race

The 2008 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race is in the history books. What a race and experience for me.

Let me say off the bat if you ever want to combine sightseeing with running, this is the race. This was one of the most beautiful courses I ever ran.

So now as you know my goal was to beat the bus. The course had a strict time limit, and if you were above 14 minutes a mile, then the bus would pick you up. Sunday was in the low 40's and rainy. It was drizzly with an occasional wind. I, being the weather wimp felt like, "Oh God no!"

My friend Kelly was kind enough to drive me down to the start area, and found parking! WOW! It was hard to get warmed up in this weather, and I had a feeling of dread. Still I got to my starting coral. There were around 12,000 runners. This race is the kick off of the running season in D.C.. The waves started, and I was in the last wave. Soon we were off.

The first 3 miles take you towards Hains Point, along the Potomac River. This area is flooded with cherry blossoms. They were in full glory, and I wished I could slow down and be a tourist, but I had a bus to beat. I was feeling ok, not great. I felt very out of shape and sloppy. No wonder, I have hardly trained this year!

I got to the mile 5 marker - 58:59. I was doing pretty well, but knew my body would start slowing down, and it did. Mile 6 was a bit of a struggle for me. I knew I had gone out too fast, but I actually planned that in case I slowed down. Not smart strategy. Just beyond the mile 6 marker were...the buses. They were menacingly lying in wait for slow poky runners. I knew they would soon hit the road.

The course went along the river to the Kennedy Center. This was a touch hilly, on an otherwise flat course. I chugged a bit, but made it to the Kennedy Center, just beyond it was the Watergate Complex. I gave a Nixonian peace sign and went on to the turn.

After the turn, maybe .2 miles away...they were slowly moving down the road - THE BUSES!!! A woman running a bit ahead looked over her shoulder at her friends and screamed, "It's the buses! Let's go! RUN!!!" Her friends looked like they were ready for the buses, but I wasn't. I picked things up a bit and headed to the Memorial Bridge.

Mile 8 was the middle of the bridge. I could Arlington National Cemetary ahead, and felt I could finish. I made the loop, and headed back over the bridge. There were the buses, hazard lights on, creepy like a spider towards its prey. "Not today buses," I thought. "You won't get me today." I moved a bit faster and got over the bridge. I ran past the Lincoln Memorial, and then by the Korean War Memorial. There were more and more people along the sides cheering us on.

I was physically tired. My shoulders hurt. My feet hurt. I wanted a hot shower. Still I ploughed ahead. Finally I saw the finish area, and I put the pedal to the metal. I knew at mile 7 I would not break 2 hours. So my goal was 2:05. I ran like a man possessed, and hit the finish line - 2:04:36.

I BEAT THE BUS!!!!!!!!!!

My friend Kelly met me at the finish line gave me a hug, and we cheered at how I beat the bus!

This race was a great lesson in what I need to do to be in shape this year. The gym and I are about to become really good friends.

No matter what else I do this year, I will take great satisfaction in knowing I beat the bus!

Charlie

Cherry Blossom Time

Washington, D.C. is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms. The weather here has been wonderful, through every day there is a threat of rain - especially tomorrow for the race.

I went to the expo today, and I have to tell you it was horribly organized, crowded, and very lame. I am spoiled because I have worked some excellent expos in Chicago, and those folks know how to do it. This one was a mess....a mess! The number and chips are in one area, the t-shirts and expo are in another room, so it was crowded and messy. I kept bumping to people and apologzing. YUCK!

I am assuming the race is better organized....we'll see.

Tomorrow 12,000 folks will line up, and are under strict instructions to run this race in under 14 minutes of the bus gets you. I think I will be fine as long as it isn't a driving rain. Pray for good weather.

Also....

Today I found a new cafe. Cafe Roma is new in my friend Kelly's neighborhood. It is THE find in D.C. , a true Italian cafe, and very reasonable. $1.35 for a large cup of coffee. Take that Starbucks!

So tonight I am resting and hoping for good weather. Tomorrow....the race report.

Charlie

You Wanna Piece of Me???

Yesterday I worked with a couple, and I swear the guy was trying to pick a fight with me.She complained that her 2120's gave her a blister and her knee was bothering her. He muttered under his breath, but lough enough to be heard, "He'll tell you it's the shoe and try to sell you something." I told her it could be the shoe, but asked about the knee. He said, "He'll tell you he doesn't know why it hurts." She told me the issues. I told her there are many reasons we get knee pain, while I am NOT a doctor, here is what it sounds like, but I would go get it checked.I measured her foot, then watched her run a bit. She was in the right stability shoe. I got shoes.

When I came back he said, "The Old Town store watches her run, he won't watch you." Of course I watched her. He then told her, "He won't let you run outside like the Old Town store does." I said, "If you would like to go outside, why not, it's a sunny nice day." She declined.

While she was running in the various shoes he said, "Oh I bet you won't let me try on swim goggles." I looked at him and said, "Sir if you would like to try them on go right ahead." He did.She bought shoes....Nike's, and off she went.

A couple hours later he called complaining about the shoe and that no one would watch his GF run. He came in. He tried to tell the associate that the guy helping would not watch her run.

Because I have to approve returns, I said, "Sir I did watch her run, and this is the right stability, what is wrong with the shoe?" He told me her toes hit the front of the shoe. I told him we could get a larger size, or she could come back in and I would start over again.He said, "At the Old Town store they watch you run outside, you didn't do that." I calmy told him I watched her run in every shoe, and they SHE said she didn't want to go outside.

He then told me I would most likely not give him his money back. I said, "Sir if you want your money back, I will be happy to refund it." We did the return, he looked at me and told me I had been very helpful and left.

Arrrrrrrrrrgh!

I felt like he was passive aggressively trying to fight with me.

Charlie

Zippy Miles

It was rainy and gross...and I being the wimp I am went to the gym to run. I ran a pretty zippy 3 miles - 34:32. Not too shabby. That translates to 11:32/mile. I am feeling good about this Sunday's race. I am racing against the bus as you all know. So I am hoping it is a slow plodding bus. :-)

I keep looking at the course map, and I am feeling good. I'm excited about the course. Hoping the Cherry Blossoms are blossoming. I am also hoping for a nice sunny day. C'mon sun!

I love D.C.. I lived in the area for a time, so it is like a home coming of sorts for me. Good friends, good race...should be a good weekend!

Charlie

Congrats and Kudos

Several friends and aquaintences ran yesterday's 29th Annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Here are their times:

Folks I work with at my store -

Matt K: 31:54 - 3rd in his age division
Spencer W: 32:30
Sarah C: 37:45
Fedra E: 59:30

Folks from our other stores -

Greg C: 24:33 4th overall
Karen P: 29:16
Joko A: 29:29

So a great job for Fleet Feeters in this year's race.

Charlie

After Two Days - Computer

Our internet service has been down for the last couple of days, and let me tell you that is my version of HELL!!!

So a couple days ago I did a terrific workout at the gym - 5 miles in 57:38. I did a combination of hill and flat running. I felt good, but I was aware of a tightening in my IT band. So I am aware that next week I will not be running with wild abandon.

I will be on a time contraint. The race is over in 2:20, and my wave starts 10 minutes after the first wave goes off. My plan is to clearly do the first 5 miles in under 1:00. I can do that. The next five I want to be as close to 1:00 as possible. I swear I do not want to be picked up by the bus.

So there is my plan. Sound good?

Charlie

Translating Running Into Life

This will be one of my more rambling posts. Sorry if there does not appear to be some cohesiveness to it.

For all the success I have had with my running, I can't seem to bridge the gap between those successes, and making my life more successful. I don't have a horrible life, but it is not really the life I want. So how do I translate the running success to life success?

Running has taught me what I am physically and mentally capable of. I bear pain and still finish a marathon. I can push away the negative voices in my head and have a good run. So why can't I find that link to me non-running life?

For those who know me, you know I want a career in the non profit sector. That has not happened, for various and sometimes uncomprehensible reasons. I don't know, maybe I creat my own non profit, and employ myself? Who knows.

I also worry that I am shying away from friends and loved ones, because I am not successful. As I write this, I understand it is a self esteem issue I am having. But one I can't quite crack. So what do I do?

I know I want more out of life....so how do I get it?

Charlie

The Evanston Trail

That is my new name for the runs I take to Evanston. Tonight I ran 4.65 miles of the trail. My left knee was feeling a bit stressed, so I eased up a bit. I was running in the Nike's tonight. They did not feel as stable as other shoes I have worn. I will give them a couple more runs before I decide if I am taking them to D.C. or not.

I ran without music which was a good thing. I missed it, but there is no iPods allowed at the D.C. race. So I had to keep myself going with some mantras, and keeping the negative thoughts away.

Charlie

The Instructions

Yesterday I got the "Confirmed Runner Instructions" for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run. These people are serious about their time limits. Because of deals with the National Park Service, the race starts at 7:50 and ends at 10:30. So as long as I am below a 14:oo/mile pace I can finish the race. As the instructions say, this is a "run" not a walk.

I should be fine. I know I can run the first 5 miles in just under 1 hour, so I should be good for the next 5 miles. These people mean business! :-)

Now that I have my confirmation and bib number, I am really excited about this run. It should be fun and beautiful. Looking forward to seeing old friends of mine in the D.C. area.

So today I am going to work on some speed work. Do a couple miles faster than I have been doing, and then a couple miles slower. That is the plan.

Charlie

4 Miles in Place

Today with fresh snow on the ground(welcome Spring), I ran 4 very tedious miles on the treadmill. It felt like I was running place. Ugh! Even with The Travel Channel and the Food Network on, it all felt like a chore today.

Still I was glad to be running. I tried new shoes I was given this week. Nike gave me a pair of Air Moto's. I have never tried them. Very cushy, which is new for me after running in the NB 1062 and the Brooks Dyad. It felt good. I will be happy to give them a good try.

Charlie

Evening Run

Tonight I headed back up towards Evanston. It was a misty chilly night, and I ran 3.43 miles. I struggled a bit at the end, but I was on a 10:57/mile pace. Not too shabby my friends. Of course I need to be adding some miles, but that will come in time. I felt good out there. No pain.

I could tell it felt like I was running at the end of a long day. While I don't always like running after work, I did get a sense of blowing off work steam during this run.

:-)Charlie