Good Progress

Tonight I ran another 3 miles. Very happy to report there was no pain. I am making sure that I am not going to fast or hard. I am also trying to adjust my gait/stride. I think I am making progress there. I will learn more about that at physical therapy later this week.

I have been running at the gym all summer. My reasons now have more to do with making sure I am on a softer surface, which the treadmill is. It's also making sure I am monitoring my pace.

Again I have to credit my taking Glucosamine with some of my progress. I don't feel as achy in my joints, and I can tell you THAT is a good thing.

Charlie

Running Slows Aging and What May Come

"Regular running slows the effects of aging, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine that has tracked 500 older runners for more than 20 years. Elderly runners have fewer disabilities, a longer span of active life and are half as likely as aging nonrunners to die early deaths, the research found."

http://med.stanford.edu/news_releases/2008/august/running.html

I heard about this report this week and found this from Stanford. Very interesting.

Looks like I have a long healthy life ahead.

Charlie

A Pretty Good Run

Today I did something I hadn't done in a while. I ran 4 miles. I missed my shot at 10 miles last week, so let's see what I can do this week. It was a good, if not speedy run. At this point I just want to run and get some miles in. Time is not the deal here. I just want to know I can run more than 3, and I did.

There was little to no pain. My left leg felt tender, but never felt painful. Who knows? Maybe the PT is working!

So I feel I am getting a good groove. Of course I won't be running much if at all while I am in Costa Rica. We'll see though.

Charlie

Olympic Spotlight - Women's Marathon

I am in awe of the Olympics as usual. So far the attention has been on the pool and in the gym, but now we are hitting the road and track. This weekend is the Women's Marathon....among many other events.

Deena Kastor (www.deenakastor.com) is America's top marathoner, and will be in the mix. Most "experts" say she won't win. I have faith she may medal. She get the Bronze in Athens in 2004.

Paula Radcliffe has been battling a stress fracture and has until today to decide if she will run the event.

Defending Gold Medalist Mizuki Noguchi has pulled out due to not being able to recover from injury.

The favorites are Catherine Ndereba of Kenya and Zhou Chunxiu of China. Favorites don't always win. It's possible the Gold Medal could go to a break through runner.

The heat and pollution are the wild cards in this event. I plan on watching it live!

Charlie

Learning to Run

Today's PT was about slowly learning how to change my running. The therapist was working on exercises today which will help me lift and kick my legs more. I think this is going to be a slow process.

I wish I could tell you I am the best PT patient in the world, but I'm not. Oh don't worry, I'm not a pain in the ass. I just don't do this therapy with a cheery attitude. I work hard though. I give everything a try. If I can't do something, it is because I am physically not able.

The therapist is very patient with me.

So what is the worst? That damn massage on my IT Band. It hurts like no pain I have known. I cry....I do. I admit it. She apologizes for the pain...but still.

Tomorrow I do it all over again.

Charlie

Increasing Slowly

I have a goal this week. I would like to run 10 miles this week. That's something I haven't done in a while. Tonight I took another step towards that. I ran 3 miles. My time - 35:56. While I am not gunning for times, I am feeling good about that time.

So I have a few more miles to go until I hit the 10 mile mark.

In the meantime, I have physical therapy to look forward towards. So far I think it is going ok. I find it all a frustrating process, but I suppose it is meant to be. I am working hard, I know I can do better. In time I will work with my trainer.

I have goals, and I want to accomplish them.

Charlie

Today Was Ok

I went for a 3 mile run, and it was ok. At this point I am not really going beyond 3 miles in a run, though if I improve in the next week, I may shoot for 4 miles. I tried kicking my legs back more, and found it incredibly awkward to do.

I saw Scott, the manager at my gym, and he told me it is odd for the first couple weeks, but as you try to change your running, it does become more natural in time....like 2-4 weeks. We'll see.

It was good to run, and I did the stretches before and after that I am doing in physical therapy. So I was pleased with today's run.

I weighed myself. I was a bit worried since I haven't been running as much, and been less active. 206lbs! Not bad. I was thinking I was closer to 210. So I am ok with that.

So all in all ...I was ok with today.

Charlie

Glucosamine

Yesterday I bought Glucosamine. The doctor had recommended it to help with my arthritis. I don't know if it is because I got the triple acting version, or if it is mental, but I don't feel as stiff this morning. Anyone have experience with this?

For those who don't know what Glucosamine is .....

"Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. Production of glucosamine slows with age."

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsek/a/Glucosamine.htm

Today I am hitting the gym to work on my strength.

Charlie

Proud Coach - No Boundaries

Last night I had the pleasure and honor to watch 7 of my No Boundaries team run the Elvis is Alive 5K. For all the women it was their very first 5K race.



























It was a wonderful evening. Not hot, a bit cool along Chicago's lakefront. About 1200 lined up to run the race. This is not a timed race, it is a true fun race.

















Many runners either dress as Elvis, or they had the odd notion to put sideburns on their sunglasses. One of my team members - Kelly had wanted run as Elvis, and at long last she was going to have her wish.

I was told I could run the race, but I had a brutally hard physical therapy session yesterday morning, so I thought I would be cheer leader.

I watched all the Elvis's or are they Elvi? Line up and "The King" sent them on their way. About 25-35 minutes later the women began to cross the finish line. I was so incredibly proud as they passed me. I called out their names and high fived most of them. The look on their faces were of happiness that they accomplished something important to them.

Each one of them told me how fun and great it was to be out there and running. One of the women said, "When's the next race?" That is always a good sign that someone loves running.

So all in all it was a great night, and these women made huge strides to improving their health. The fact they had the time of their lives was even better.

Charlie

No Boundaries - Last Training

Last night about 7 of the women in the group ran the last training session. It was 3 miles. It was also very hot and humid. I told them this would most likely be race conditions, and to make sure they had enough to drink. Off we went.

We were ranging from 3-4 minutes runs with 1 minute walks. This has worked best for them. Everyone looked good at the start. I wish some had carried water with them, as a few ladies looked a bit draggled as the run went on. Still I am happy to report everyone made it through the 3 miles, whether they ran the whole distance, or ran/walked it.

At the end of the run I said it had been my pleasure and honor to work with them, and I hoped they had fun. Liza(the other coach), and I will be at the race on Thursday, and will cheer them on. I told them they should be proud to be starting the race, but even prouder as they cross that finish line.

Race report will come on Thursday.

Charlie

So How Do I Run?

Today I had gai analysis done, and I found it fascinating. As I have written I was born with club feet. and the corrective surgeries have greatly affected how I run and walk, and I got to see that for the first time today.

I was video taped walking and running. As I knew I supinate, or run towards the outstide of my feet. What I did not know is what my legs, knees and hips do, and that is what I watched. I am a very stiff runner, because of the lack of flexibility in my legs. I will have to work on becoming more flexible. I also learned my right knee is turning out. I need to work on that as well.

The most interesting part was how I should run to save my hips from the pounding. In essence I have to learn a new way to run...sort of. I have to kick more. Difficult to explain without the use of the video, but I need to have more kick, and lengthen my stride. This way I am moving the way I want, but taking fewer steps. This will save my hips from further poundings.

I found I wanted to be angry at the surgeons, for how I am; however I was told that back then physical therapy was not always recommended. No one ever recommended therapy for me.

So now in therapy I will have to learn to adjust my running.

Charlie

Another Day....More Therapy

Today was my second PT session of the week. I felt depressed as I found most everything difficult to do today. This had more to do with my lack of range of motion. The therapist told me I shouldn't feel bad. I did though. I have always felt bad when I have not been able to do things that I consider the able bodied to be able to do.

I suppose this is a reason I have enjoyed running. It helped me feel "normal." I know I will get through these exercises, and I am not being judged. Still it was a bit of a downer to me today.

Charlie

2008 AIDS Run

Greetings!

I will be running the 2008 AIDS Run in Chicago, which is a 5K. This is a fundraising endeavor, and I am hoping to raise at least $200.

AIDS is a long held and personal cause of mine. As some of you may know I was misdiagnosed as HIV+ in 1985. For a little over 2 years I thought I was going to die. Once it was determined it was a false test result, I dedicated myself to fight AIDS.

In 1994 I lost my childhood friend David Wagle to this terrible disease. He was a shining star who had a promising career in architecture. Sadly is life was cut short in his prime. I still miss him.

I am determined that in my lifetime we will find a cure for this horrible disease. In the meantime money raised from the AIDS directly goes to services and support for people HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area.

You can visit my fundraising page and sponsor me. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

https://afc.aidschicago.org/NETCOMMUNITY/SSLPage.aspx?pid=587&srcid=584&frsid=5150

Thanks!
Charlie

Physical Therapy - Week 2

Today was another session of physical therapy. This was a bit harder, and in order for me to be positive about it, I imagined myself an Olympic athlete who is trying to come back from injury. Silly as it sounds it worked for me mentally.

Because I am working on my hips and pelvic area, I am using muscles I am not used to so I am finding it hard. Compounding the situation is my lack of range of motion for some exercises. Carrie, my PT is very good about seeing what I can and can't do. If my IT Band bothers me, she has me back off a little. The massage and ice at the end of the session really help.

Next week I am having my gait analyzed. This will really show me how I move. I have to say I am not looking forward to this, as I will be watching the video. I am usually uncomfortable seeing myself in pictures. But video??? Yikes!

Overall I did well today. I head back in the morning.

Charlie

A Day of....

It was an odd day yesterday. I started the day packing. I am moving upstairs, so I am trying to get everything done ASAP! As you can imagine that makes a day busy enough.

Later in the day I had to go to the hospital. One of my roomies is very ill, and he needed company. I had time before my run with the No Boundaries group, so I made sure I went in to see him. He is feeling very sad and down, and needed a pick me up. So I was glad to pop in.

The No Boundaries group ran 3 miles. We are 8 days from their first 5K. They handled the miles and the heat(it was near 90) pretty well. I advised them to take water with them, only I had water. I hope they re-think that for the race.

I am going to miss running with this group. This has been a great experience for me, and I have enjoyed getting to know the women. I have 14, but I would say there is a core of 11 who show up each week, and they are a terrific group.

I got home and collapsed in a heap.....and now it starts all over again.

Charlie

My Tribute to Randy Pausch

I am late to the party to celebrate the life of Randy Pausch. For those who do not know him, Pausch was the lecturer from Carneige -Mellon whose famous "Last Lecture" has been on You Tube for months.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

In 2007 Pausch learned he had terminal pancreatic cancer and had months to live. He was asked to deliver "The Last Lecture" a tradtion at CMU. Instead of talking about death and the time he had left, he talked about living through a lecture called, "Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." You can either watch the video, read the book, or download it all on ITunes.

I would like to talk about my childhood dreams for a moment.

As a boy my passions were acting, Notre Dame Football, the Olympics, and finding ways to help people. So at this point in my life how am I on the scoreboard. Pausch would pleased to know that I have worked through quite a bit of my dreams, with dreams to go.

While my acting career never took off, I did do something important in 1998. It was a year after my mom died, and I felt in life she had unfinished business, and I didn't want that at the end of my life. I took classes at Second City in Chicago. I learned improv comedy. I had a blast, and one night a dream came true. I performed at Second City. A friend of mine and I were at a late night improv at Second City, and I got up the courage to get on stage, ask the audience for a situation, and performed an improvisation. I felt great after and chalked that dream as done.

Running has allowed a couple of my dreams to come true. I was never going to be a Notre Dame football player, nor was I ever going to be in the Olympics. Running changed that for me...in a way.

2006 - The Sunburst Half Marathon - South Bend, Indiana. This was my first half marathon, and the finish line was the 50 yard line in Notre Dame Stadium. As I approached the stadium, I choked up and got emotional. Here was the place where I watched my football heroes, and I was about to run onto hallowed ground. Joe Montana and I would have something in common....running out of the tunnel, and onto the football field at Notre Dame. As I got close to the tunnel, I began to tear up. I head the Notre Dame Victory March in the tunnel, and out I came onto the field. As I came out of the tunnel, the public address announcer said my name and where I was from. I had chills....I still do. Charlie Colpaert was announced to the crowd at Notre Dame Stadium. Another item off the list.

That same year, I participated in the Gay Games. For those not in the know, this is the Olympics for the LGBT community. I ran the 5K and 10K races. While I did not get Gold, Silver or Bronze, I finished, and have an amazing medal to remember the experience. The big thrill was running into Soldier Field with Team Chicago, representing the United States in the Opening Ceremony. I will never know what it is like to be in THE Olympics, but I know what it is like to have an Olympic experience.

Helping others is what I do and I love it. These days I am coaching 14 women to their first 5K. This is an incredible thrill and honor for me. I have adored this experience.

I still have dreams to go to Africa and work with people with AIDS. My upcoming research trip to Costa Rica is sure to be an incredible experience.

So as you can see I am working on my childhood dreams. If I have one year, or 50 years left of my life, I can feel good knowing I was accomplishing things. There are people in this world who never realize dreams. I know some. While I may never accomplish all of them....I know I will never stop trying.

So what is my biggest dream? Winning an Academy Award. Who knows, that may still happen.

Randy Pausch passed away this last weekend. While I did not know him, I feel I am learning his lessons for living, and I will work hard to put those lessons to good use.

Charlie

Slow, but Good

Today I ran a slow 3.1 miles. I ran to Loyola, ran 8 laps around the track, and then headed home. I felt sluggish. This is no surprise since I had not run in a week.

The good news I did not feel any pain today. That was a first in a long time. So there is reason to be happy.

So I chalk today's run as a good one....relatively speaking.

Charlie

Sore

So after a few days doing the exercises, muscles are hurting! I know it is those pesky muscles I haven't used in forever. I have felt stiff for a couple of days. Tomorrow, I will go for a run. I really miss it, and since I can run as long as I am not in pain...it's all good.

Charlie

The Struggles of Physical Therapy

Yesterday was my second session of physical therapy. I did several exercises, designed to strengthen key muscles in my legs and butt. Today I am a bit sore, but that has more to do with how weak I am in those areas, and one of the reasons why I need this therapy.

Carrie was patient as I found some exercises easier than others. She makes sure before I go I have homework. Between now and next session there are various things I need to do at home. She also gave my IT Band a nice massage, and iced it for 10 minutes. The icing part told me that when I ice things I am clearly not icing long enough. I thought I would be numb. Hehehe.

I did feel better psychologically after this session than the previous day. I just have to be patient.

Charlie

Olympic Spotlight - Kara Goucher

Next up is Kara Goucher. Goucher has turned into one of America's top middle distance runners.

She has been on an upswing since 2006 where she finished 3rd in the 3000m IAAf World Cup . Since then she has bested Paula Radcliffe at the 2007 Great North Run, gotten the Bronze Medal in the 10,000m at the World Championships in Osaka, won the mile at the Millrose ames in 2008, and had an outstanding Olympic Trials, finishing 2nd in the 10,000m anbd won the 5000m.

Kara is married to fellow distance runner Adam Goucher, and they both train with the great Alberto Salazar.

Good luck in Beijing Kara!