The Good, The Bad, The Verdict

As I indicated, I have had a series of medical tests done, and today I found out what is going on, and what I can and can't do.

Friends and loved ones tell me overall this is good, but I see it as good and bad. First the good.

I DO NOT HAVE DIABETES!

Let me stress how important this is to me, and what a battle this has been for me. When I was obese and sick in Ireland in 2003, I had a pre-diabetic condition. To go from that to being told I don't have it makes me feel even better about my efforts to have a healthier lifestyle.

The other good news is my Cholesterol levels are excellent. I am at 152, which is terrific I am told.

Folks.....as I say time and time again diet and exercise are the key. There is no getting around it. If you want good health, you need to work at it.

All the news is not great. I call this the bad, though some will say I am dwelling on it too much.

I will need to go to a Urologist. The tests indicate I have higher than normal indicators of prostate issues. So I need to have an exam and more tests done. This is the scariest thing we talked about today.

I am also in the early stages of degenerative arthritis in my hips, specifically in the left hip. I will need to undergo physical therapy and personal training to strengthen my pelvic area. Because the range of motion in my feet is so limited, my hips have worked overtime during the years. The doctor thinks if I can strengthen that area, I will be active and running for a long time. I have to understand this is a degenerative condition, and I will not always be as I am now. That's a hard one for me.

We talked about the marathon in October - that will be a no. I am not in the condition I need to be in to do that. He did say to give myself 6 months and then I will be ready to tackled a marathon. So the therapy/training will get be ready for marathon training, and get me stronger.

So I would say today's diagnosis was better than what I feared. I'm still jittery, but feeling better than I was a couple days ago.

Charlie

Nerves

Tonight I had a feeling of nervousness. I go to the doctor on Tuesday for test results of my checkup. I have neve liked being around doctors, and I usually get a feeling of dread around them. This doctor is nice, but that doesn't mean I am not worried.

I have had so much blood taken, x-rays taken, and all kinds of pking and prodding. I always fear the worst when it comes to the medical community. I just want a clean bill of health.

Sigh.....

Charlie

Olympic Spotlight - Nick Symmonds

The Olympics are 26 days away, and from now until then I will from time to time highlight some American athletes who will be going for the gold.

First up is Nick Symmonds. Symmonds won the 800m at the recent Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR in dramatic fashion. With 300m to go, Symmonds came from the back of the pack to win the trials and punch his ticket to Beijing!

Symmonds attended Willamette University in Oregon, a Division III school. There he excelled and really improved as a runner. With Frank Gagliano as his coach, Symmonds has become one of the top 800m runners in the world.

NCAA Division III Champion 800m - 2003-2006

NCAA Division III Champion 1500m - 2003, 2005, 2006

2006 USA Outdoor Runnerup at 800m
2007 Boston Indoor Games Champion at 800m
2007 USA Indoor Champion at 800m
2007 Osaka Grand Prix Champion at 800m
2007 Pre Classic Champion at 800m
2007 USA Outdoor Runner up at 800m
2007 World Championships Semi-Finalist at 800m
2008 USA Indoor Runnerup at 800m
2008 World Championships Finalist (6th) at 800m

So now Symmonds prepares for the Olympics. His has to be considered a favorite, and will be leading an American team consisting of Oregon runners. Steve Prefontaine would be proud!

Best of luck to Nick and the rest of the 800m crew - Andrew Wheating and Christian Smith!

Charlie

The Latest Setback

In addition to knee/IT Band issues, this week I have developed a horrible rash all over my body. Seems fabric softener was used in the laundry this week, and my skin hated it...BIG time. So this made living, let alone running difficult.

I have been given an anti-histamine which should take care of it. Of course what kills me is heat, and it has been hot and muggy. So as you can imagine, I am darned sore/itchy/unhappy!

So a decision needs to be made soon. I have a follow up with the doctor next week. I am going to go over all my issues. If he feels the marathon is a no-go, then I will shoot for a 2009 marathon. I want to be a healthy runner!!!

Charlie

No Boundaries - Why Do We Run?

Last night the ladies ran another 2 miles. I stayed behind this time. I have been suffering from a horrible rash over a good part of my body, so running in the heat was not the plan last night.

When they women got back we discussed why we run. There are obvious health reasons. Lowering blood pressure, losing weight, fighting diabetes, strengthening the heart, are all good reasons to run. I was curious what led these women to run. What I heard was funny to the very serious.

One woman wanted to run because she thought it would be cool to dress as Elvis and run in a race. Note....these women are training for the Elvis is Alive 5K. Another promised to dress as Priscilla and wear her hair high. Good luck with that in August. One woman told us her boss runs, and felt she should. One woman wanted to be supportive of her friend's efforts, so she is joining her in this training program.

All of them told me they have really enjoyed the program and have really come to enjoy running. I think that is great, and I told them I will be happy to encourage them as much as they needed.

The group is really coming along well, and I am so proud of them.

Charlie

No Boundaries This Week

I have sent the ladies their weekly email, and I have given them a task. The topic for the week is "Why Do We Run?" After our 2 mile run we are going to talk about what has led us to take up our sport. I am thinking this could be a really interesting session.

The information packet I am given talks about medical reasons only. I am sure we will talk about the medical benefits, but I am more interested in what got them started. It's time for them to tell their stories. I am really looking forward to this.

Between now and then I am going to look for some stories to share with them. I always include supplemental information for them. I like to think they appreciate it.

Tuesday will be good....can't wait to share.

Charlie

No Boundaries - Week 5

Last night the ladies and I ran 2 miles. The times for the run were running for 3:00 and walking for 1:00. This was a challenge for some of the women, but for most they seemed to be fine.

This time we split the group up into two. The slightly faster group went with Liza, and the rest went with me. This worked out very well. The slower group and I chatted, and we welcomed yet another newbie to the group. The group is now at 13!

I am so very proud of these women for what they are trying to do. Making lifestyle changes is a tough move, but they are all handling it very well. Most of them are surpassing the weekly running goals, which is also exciting!

Kudos to the gals!

Charlie

Recovery Day

This weekend was Gay and Lesbian Pride Weekend in Chicago. In addition to the Proud to Run 10K I ran on Saturday, I went with friends to the Pride Parade yesterday. I had a wee bit to drink. I would not say I was drunk, but I was a bit tipsy. No hard stuff...just some beer. Good carbs right? :-) It was a fun weekend, so today was a recovery day for me.

I went to the gym and did a full workout and run. I used the weights, stretched and ran. I have to say it felt GOOD! I have not worked out like that in a long time.

I had forgotten how much I like the full workout.

Tomorrow I am running with the No Boundaries group. We are up to 2 miles this week. Should be good.

Charlie

10K Follow Up

My last 10K race was they 2006 Gay Games, where I ran 1:17:38, so yesterday's 1:16:39 is a PR, and I think I will be happy with that. I have to remember that improving times is a baby step process. PR's are not falling minutes or hours at a time, sometimes they are seconds or milliseconds.

After a day of recovery, I thought the race was hard, but am glad I did it, and in a record tme for me.

I think though racing longer distances in the summer is out for. I don't enjoy working so hard in the heat and humidity. I know I have to do training runs, but actual races take a toll on me in the heat.

Charlie

Proud to Run 2008

It was a hot day today for the 2008 Proud to Run 10K. Temps were in the 70's at the start, and got up to 80 at the end.

I started well, but I knew I was fast as usual. The first 5K were not too bad. Mile 3 was the beginning of the stuggle. I wasn't hydrated enough, and I felt it. The last half was a series of running and walking.

I wasn't too thrilled with the spaces between the water stations. I just felt I was always looking for water. Maybe they were spaced right...I just felt a need for water.

I was tired in the last 2 miles. My goal was to finish around 1:10. I finished in 1:16:39. Considering the heat, I was fine with that time.

All the time I ran thisrace, my thought was..."I should have run the 5K."

Still I'm glad I got this run in. My left IT Band is a bit sore, but not as bad as it has been.

Charlie

Decent Warm Up

I ran 3 miles today and felt pretty good. I didn't want to go too far and I thought 3 was not pushing it. I want to be ready for tomorrow's Proud to Run 10K. Looking forward to it.

My IT Band is not perfect, but I think I will be good to go for the morning.

From what I understand this race had a huge response this year, over 900 people. It kicks off Gay and Lesbian Pride in Chicago. I ran the 5K portion a couple years ago, so I think this will be fun.

Charlie

Darned IT Band

So I was in a bit of pain this morning, so no run. I was very frustrated by this, because I feel I am losing ground training wise. Plus I REALLY need the run. I am hoping to do a short run tomorrow. The 10K is on Saturday. Not really ready for it, so I will look at it as more a fun longer run.

I feel bad that I have not been too positive the last few days. Work has taken its toll on me, so I am tired after very long days. I think my family and friends feel I have forgotten them. Our store manager has been out of town, so the other assistant manager and I are in charge, and I have been doing most of the administrative duties. So it has been a drain for me this week.

At home I have had some roommate issues that I am trying to sort through. So a lot is going on. Sorry to vent.

I guess I need the run more than I thought.

Charlie

Off Day

Today I feel out of sorts. There was no running today, but I plan to run tomorrow. Today I worked a very long and tiring day, and I watched other people run. Actually it wasn't a fun day.

The highlight of my day was picking up my packet for the Proud to Run 10K, which is Saturday. The route will be along the lake, so that will be nice. Not sure how I will do, but I would like to come as close to clock in under 1:10. We'll see. I feel pretty good.

I ate gross today. I think that contributed to my mood.

Here is hoping tomorrow is a better day.

Charlie

No Boundaries - Week 4

Hard to believe that I have been coaching these women for 4 weeks. Tonight, another surprise - more women joined the group. I started with 6 women, and now we have 12 in the group!

Our goal was 1.5 miles. We completed it, and everyone felt like it was a good workout. One woman was beaming, because she told me the 1.5 miles is the farthest she has ever ran. I felt so happy for her.

After the run the talk tonight was about shin splints - what they are and how to avoid and treat them. I think the women appreciated what I spoke about. It's always hard to tell, since they never ask questions. Still I think it was a successful evening.

I have really enjoyed this group of women. They talk about how their running went during the week, and how they feel they are progressing. One woman told me how she went for a 2 mile run, and her husband almost went looking for her because she was gone for so long.

So one month of training is down...August 7 is the 5K for these women.

Charlie

Running for Peace

Before you think I am some activist, I am talking about running for peace of mind. There has been a lot of turmoil in my life, and I find I am seeking venues for peace and quiet, or at least peace.

My 3 mile run last night was bit of peace for me. For the 34+ minutes I ran, I felt a sense of relief. Odd, considering I was in a gym with dancing beat music. I was able to block it out and run. I mention quite a bit how running is meditation time. Sometimes running is for peace and quiet.

Tonight is No Boundaries night! I get to interact with the ladies. I am getting great feedback from some about how much they are enjoying running. I hope I don't dampen that enthusiasm with tonight's topic - Shin Splints!

Charlie

My Life on the Run

With "My Life on the Run," Bart Yasso, Runner's World's "Chief Running Officer" has written a fun, exciting and educational book.

Yasso writes about his earliest attempts to run, specifically how running saved him from drinking. Running became not only a salvation for him, but a lifelong passion. Yasso got hired by Runner's World, and really created his own job. He travels around the world reporting on varous races. Of course he has to run these races.

He has run with a burro....and a non-cooperative one at that. He's run with nudists. He has scampered around Antarctica. Yasso has even tried to scale Mt. Kilamanjaro. Through it all he has made fascinating friends, shared his experiences and found his joy in running.

In trainin circles he is most famous for creating a system now called the Yasso 800s. With Yasso 800s, You run 10 repeats of 800 meters . You look at your average time. That time can predict your marathon finish time. Yasso swears that in all the years he has used it, it has only failed him once. Last year during my training for Chicago, I ran Yasso 800s at a 5:30 pace. So I was on pace for a 5:30 marathon time. Of course the system is not perfect. It does not work if weather is an extreme issues (Chicago).

Yasso also includes training plans for 5Ks - Marathons. The plans are designed for the newbie as well as the seasoned vet.

I loved this book and highly recommend it!

Charlie

Long Run Saturday

Yesterday my goal was 7-8 miles. I achieved the 7. I ran 6, and walked the 7th. Forward motion counts. :-)

Granted I would have preferred to run all 7 miles, but my knee was having other ideas. The left knee felt ok, not great. I can tell it is getting better. This week I am ramping up the gym work to improve it. I have realized my strength is not where it needs to be.

Still it was a warm, but nice day on Chicago's lakefront. I saw all the marathon groups out and running.

Today I was supposed to run with Bart Yasso. Some things at work have come up, and I won't be able to meet him. I will though write a review of his book, because I think even the most casual runner will truly enjoy it.

Charlie

3 Decent Miles

The knee was feeling tender, but not in pain. I headed to the gym and ran on the treadmill for 3 miles. I have to say I was pleased with the run. I felt good. I wanted to run a short distance so I can try a long run tomorrow. This is an odd weekend, so I have to run my long run early. Not ideal, but it will have to do,

This weekend I will be running with Runner's World Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso! I am very excited about this. I will write more on him later.

So I felt good...and tomorrow....let's shoot for 7-8 miles!

Charlie

No Boundaries - Week 3

Tonight the group ran 1.5 miles. They alternated between running for 2:30 and walking for 2:00. We even gained three new members! The women all seem to enjoy it. When we got to the end one woman exclaimed, "That was AWESOME!" Clearly they had fun.

After the run we talked about nutrition. My co-coach Liza talked about the importance of the food groups, and how food is fuel. I talked about making good choices, and a key to losing weight if that is their goal.

Each week I come away with something from these women. They all are so excited to be running, and that is keeping me excited. So tonight I re-learned how fun running can be.

Charlie

Father's Day Story

Yesterday was Father's Day, and I worked with a first time dad. A man came into the store wanting to buy some shoes, because he is going to start running. As usual I ask my customers what led them to running. He told me that he wanted to be healthier, because he has a little girl now. I said, "So this is your first Father's Day!" He beamed and said yes. He told me it's strange to think of himself as a dad, and that Father's Day was always for his dad, and now here he is celebrating his first one.

During our conversation he said he wants to be sure he's around a long time for his little girl. I thought that was a pretty good reason to run. I wished him a great Father's Day, and many many more.

Charlie