It is an amazing feeling when your running feels like a natural part of you. If feel in tune with your body. Your breathing is good. You feel relaxed. That was my experience during my 3 mile run today. With temps hovering around 0, I was on the treadmill. I felt great.
My body felt like it is was like it's old self, before all the injuries. My breathing was calm, and not labored. My heart rate went up gradually. My first mile my average was 135 bpm. The second mile - 145 bpm. On the last mile I averaged 156 bpm. Nothing felt hard or difficult about this run.
Yesterday's cross training was a 10 mile bike ride at the gym. Felt good.
So in the early stages training is going well.
I ran into my former marathon coach...he has finally qualified for Boston, and will run it in 2010. Kudos to Scott!
Charlie
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
This Week's Plan
Yesterday I kicked off the first day of my 32-week training plan for the marathon. Here is what week one is supposed to be:
Run 1 - 3 miles 12 min/mile
Run 2 - 3 miles 12 min/mile
Run 3 - 3 miles 12 min/mile
In between those days I cross train and rest. Today is a cross train day. Have not decided what my cross training will consist of today. I know it will involve heading to the gym and working out for at least 45 minutes.
So how was I after yesterday's run? I felt good. As the day wore on I could tell my Achillies was a little sore. A 3 mile run, and then standing all day will do that. I was very happy to come home and climb into bed. This morning I feel fine. We'll see how I am after my workout this evening.
Charlie
Run 1 - 3 miles 12 min/mile
Run 2 - 3 miles 12 min/mile
Run 3 - 3 miles 12 min/mile
In between those days I cross train and rest. Today is a cross train day. Have not decided what my cross training will consist of today. I know it will involve heading to the gym and working out for at least 45 minutes.
So how was I after yesterday's run? I felt good. As the day wore on I could tell my Achillies was a little sore. A 3 mile run, and then standing all day will do that. I was very happy to come home and climb into bed. This morning I feel fine. We'll see how I am after my workout this evening.
Charlie
Monday, February 02, 2009
The Road to Toronto Begins.....
Today was the start of my journey to the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on September 27. The first run was a 3 mile run. The goal was a 12 min/mile pace. Since I had not been running much, I was pleased to run in 36:42, which is a 12:14 min/mile pace. Not too bad. My average heart rate was 155 bpm. I think I am getting the hang on this heart rate monitor stuff.
This is a good first step on a very long journey. I was feeling a bit emotional as I finished the run, because this marathon means a lot to me. I have not trained for anything like this in a while. More importantly, I want to know that I can do this.
I am going to have some really good days. I am going to have some really crappy days. I hope you all will bear with me as I go on this journey. It means a lot to know I have support out there.
So here are the stats at the start of this training. While I would like to lose weight, I have in my head getting down to 200 lbs...or less. A couple weeks ago I was tipping the scales at 216.5 lbs. Today I weighed myself -213.5. Good way to kick this off.
My time goal is simple - 5:59:59. I REALLY want to finish with a sub 6 hour time. The training is designed to get me there.
My training is running 3 days a week, slowly building. Cross training is a must. On the non-runnning days. I will be cross-training. Rest is important too. At least in one day I won't run. In my next post, I will show again the training plan for the first 11 weeks.
So the goal is set...the training plan is set. Now all I have to do is DO IT! Wish me luck.
Charlie
This is a good first step on a very long journey. I was feeling a bit emotional as I finished the run, because this marathon means a lot to me. I have not trained for anything like this in a while. More importantly, I want to know that I can do this.
I am going to have some really good days. I am going to have some really crappy days. I hope you all will bear with me as I go on this journey. It means a lot to know I have support out there.
So here are the stats at the start of this training. While I would like to lose weight, I have in my head getting down to 200 lbs...or less. A couple weeks ago I was tipping the scales at 216.5 lbs. Today I weighed myself -213.5. Good way to kick this off.
My time goal is simple - 5:59:59. I REALLY want to finish with a sub 6 hour time. The training is designed to get me there.
My training is running 3 days a week, slowly building. Cross training is a must. On the non-runnning days. I will be cross-training. Rest is important too. At least in one day I won't run. In my next post, I will show again the training plan for the first 11 weeks.
So the goal is set...the training plan is set. Now all I have to do is DO IT! Wish me luck.
Charlie
Friday, January 30, 2009
Retooling
Next week I start the marathon training plan. I was not able to run yesterday. My Achillies was bothering me. Between now and then I am trying to stretching and strength exercises I have discovered, and will work on healing my ankle area.
Part of my problem is I have incredibly tight calves. This is due mostly to the foot issues I have. So I have to really dig in and stretch more. I don't stretch enough, and that can be a reason I have so many issues now. So that will be my focus of the next few days. I will also do some biking at the gym.
Charlie
Part of my problem is I have incredibly tight calves. This is due mostly to the foot issues I have. So I have to really dig in and stretch more. I don't stretch enough, and that can be a reason I have so many issues now. So that will be my focus of the next few days. I will also do some biking at the gym.
Charlie
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Cost of the Marathon
Chicago runners, and anyone interested in running the Chicago Marathon got a jolt this week, when it was announced that this year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon would cost $125 to register. For the last two years registration was $110. I figured it would go up, but that is quite a jump.
Immediately a joke came to mind - is this our economic bailout of Bank of America? In reality though the costs of marathons is most likely very high. City police, sanitation, and other workers have to be paid. Streets have to be blocked off. Water and food have the be purchased. There are so many costs involved with putting on an event the size of the marathon. Sadly sponsorship dollars can only cover so much. The cost trickles down to the runner.
What is a runner to do? Does the higher costs mean we run fewer races? In 2007 when I trained for Chicago, here were some of my costs:
Registration: $110
Training Program(FFC): $300
Shoes - 2 pair $100
Gatorade/gels/nutrition for training and race: $50
Shirt: Included in my training program
Shorts: $20
Body Glide: $7
Socks- 3 pair: $20
Total - $607
Then there was the other costs; the training time. I ran 5-6 days a week. Time spent away from friends and loved ones is not measured. NOTE: My equipment charges are cheaper due to working in a running store.
Yesterday I did some figuring for this year's Chicago Marathon(for a non-running store employee runner):
Registration: $125
Training(FFC)$300
Shoes - 2 pair: $200
Nutrition: $75
Shirt: $35
Shorts: $35
Body Glide: $7
Socks - 3 pair: $30
Total - $807
In these hard times, spending that kind of money is a serious decision runners have to make. Clearly there are less expensive training programs, so some costs could be lowered. Still, it is a lot of money.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will sell out. It always does. I wonder though, as sponsorships become scarce, what our costs will be in the future? Will we continue to pay larger sums of money to run these races. Will races begin to shrink in numbers? Running is still one of the cheapest sports to participate in, but maybe this means we race less?
Charlie
Immediately a joke came to mind - is this our economic bailout of Bank of America? In reality though the costs of marathons is most likely very high. City police, sanitation, and other workers have to be paid. Streets have to be blocked off. Water and food have the be purchased. There are so many costs involved with putting on an event the size of the marathon. Sadly sponsorship dollars can only cover so much. The cost trickles down to the runner.
What is a runner to do? Does the higher costs mean we run fewer races? In 2007 when I trained for Chicago, here were some of my costs:
Registration: $110
Training Program(FFC): $300
Shoes - 2 pair $100
Gatorade/gels/nutrition for training and race: $50
Shirt: Included in my training program
Shorts: $20
Body Glide: $7
Socks- 3 pair: $20
Total - $607
Then there was the other costs; the training time. I ran 5-6 days a week. Time spent away from friends and loved ones is not measured. NOTE: My equipment charges are cheaper due to working in a running store.
Yesterday I did some figuring for this year's Chicago Marathon(for a non-running store employee runner):
Registration: $125
Training(FFC)$300
Shoes - 2 pair: $200
Nutrition: $75
Shirt: $35
Shorts: $35
Body Glide: $7
Socks - 3 pair: $30
Total - $807
In these hard times, spending that kind of money is a serious decision runners have to make. Clearly there are less expensive training programs, so some costs could be lowered. Still, it is a lot of money.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will sell out. It always does. I wonder though, as sponsorships become scarce, what our costs will be in the future? Will we continue to pay larger sums of money to run these races. Will races begin to shrink in numbers? Running is still one of the cheapest sports to participate in, but maybe this means we race less?
Charlie
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
8 Months From Today
Folks eight months form today I will be running the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Yes...I will be running it. As God is my witness, I will run this race. I will start my training next week. I am actually feeling pretty good. Today there was no Achillies pain, and I am knocking wood, that when I run tomorrow I will be fine.
A good sign came today - my new shoes. My training shoe is the Brooks Dyad. Since Brooks had the good sense to make this in a 4E wdith, I am one happy runner!!!
Tomorrow I head to the gym and am attempting a 3 mile run.
1 mile at a time....1 mile at a time.
For inspiration I have the marathon course map posted wherever I think it will do me good. For more info on the marathon go to www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
Charlie
A good sign came today - my new shoes. My training shoe is the Brooks Dyad. Since Brooks had the good sense to make this in a 4E wdith, I am one happy runner!!!
Tomorrow I head to the gym and am attempting a 3 mile run.
1 mile at a time....1 mile at a time.
For inspiration I have the marathon course map posted wherever I think it will do me good. For more info on the marathon go to www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
Charlie
Monday, January 26, 2009
Today's Goal - Completed
Today's goal was 2 miles...and I did it. I headed to the gym, and ran on the treadmill, with my trusty heart rate monitor strapped on. I am still learning about this "running computer", but it tells me my max rate today was 159 bpm. I assume that is good - I'm still alive. :-)
The run was pretty good. I ran it in 23:57. My achillies felt ok. It was never sore, but it felt tender towards the end of the run.
So two more miles are in the bank, and I feel good that I am moving again.
Now who out there can tell me about these darned heart rate monitors?
Charlie
The run was pretty good. I ran it in 23:57. My achillies felt ok. It was never sore, but it felt tender towards the end of the run.
So two more miles are in the bank, and I feel good that I am moving again.
Now who out there can tell me about these darned heart rate monitors?
Charlie
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Monday's Goal
It has been a few days since my Achillies hurt. I have made it to 1 mile. Tomorrow I take the next step and shoot for 2 miles. Again, I am not looking to set the world on fire. I am just taking my recovery one step at a time....literally.
As I have been helping runners at the store the last few days, I have seen how excited people are at starting to run. It is contageous. I want to share in that fun. I want to run gosh darn it.
I am coming up on 8 months before race day, and my preliminary training is supposed to start this week. Cross your fingers for me.
Charlie
As I have been helping runners at the store the last few days, I have seen how excited people are at starting to run. It is contageous. I want to share in that fun. I want to run gosh darn it.
I am coming up on 8 months before race day, and my preliminary training is supposed to start this week. Cross your fingers for me.
Charlie
Friday, January 23, 2009
Today's Workout
Yes....it does feel good to say I went to the gym today, and had a workout of sorts.
I ran for 1 mile on the treadmill and then rode the bike for 4 miles. It was a good beginning for a return. My Achillies did not hurt. It felt tender, hence I stopped at the 1 mile mark.
As an added bonus I tried my heart rate monitor for the first time today. I now own Suunto t3c.
It is easy to use. The directions seem simple. Once I do some road work, I will use the foot pod, and use the speed and distance aspect of the piece.
So while I am not back. I feel today was a good first step. I feel good!
Charlie
I ran for 1 mile on the treadmill and then rode the bike for 4 miles. It was a good beginning for a return. My Achillies did not hurt. It felt tender, hence I stopped at the 1 mile mark.
As an added bonus I tried my heart rate monitor for the first time today. I now own Suunto t3c.
It is easy to use. The directions seem simple. Once I do some road work, I will use the foot pod, and use the speed and distance aspect of the piece.
So while I am not back. I feel today was a good first step. I feel good!
Charlie
Thursday, January 22, 2009
No Pain for Two Days
Yes...you read it right, I have not felt Achillies pain for a couple days. While there is tenderness there, I am not feeling pain. This is a good thing.
No worries thought I am not about to run 10 miles today. I am going to give it another few days before I start running again. But this is good news!!!! Very happy.
:-)Charlie
No worries thought I am not about to run 10 miles today. I am going to give it another few days before I start running again. But this is good news!!!! Very happy.
:-)Charlie
Monday, January 19, 2009
216.5
I have always been clear that I would be honest with you on this blog. One of the points of writing this blog is to hold myself accountable to not only me, but to those who read this blog. Having said that, I need to explain the title of this post.
As of this morning, I weight 216.5lbs. Those who know me well, will understand when I say I take this number as a personal disappointment. I never wanted to see 215 again, but here I am, above it. This is what happens when you fall off the running/exercise routine.
There are many reasons as to how this has happened. My various injuries have really kept me from being as active as I have been. The truth though is I have been eating more, and not eating well. Because I am an emotional eater, you can guess I am eating because I am either stressed, unhappy, or both. These days I am both.
I won't go into the reasons as to why I am in this bad place. I will say I am working towards gaining control of the situation, and am hopeful to get back to a better place emotionally. In the meantime I went to the gym today and biked for 20 minutes, and worked out on the elliptical for 10 minutes. I felt pretty good afterwards.
So now I need to focus on my diet. I have not lost the good habits, I just need to be aware of the bad habits I have fallen into.
While I won't weigh myself every week, I am determined to get back to a weight I am happy with in the next few months. Ideally I would like to be around 200lbs or less. So there is my goal.
Charlie
As of this morning, I weight 216.5lbs. Those who know me well, will understand when I say I take this number as a personal disappointment. I never wanted to see 215 again, but here I am, above it. This is what happens when you fall off the running/exercise routine.
There are many reasons as to how this has happened. My various injuries have really kept me from being as active as I have been. The truth though is I have been eating more, and not eating well. Because I am an emotional eater, you can guess I am eating because I am either stressed, unhappy, or both. These days I am both.
I won't go into the reasons as to why I am in this bad place. I will say I am working towards gaining control of the situation, and am hopeful to get back to a better place emotionally. In the meantime I went to the gym today and biked for 20 minutes, and worked out on the elliptical for 10 minutes. I felt pretty good afterwards.
So now I need to focus on my diet. I have not lost the good habits, I just need to be aware of the bad habits I have fallen into.
While I won't weigh myself every week, I am determined to get back to a weight I am happy with in the next few months. Ideally I would like to be around 200lbs or less. So there is my goal.
Charlie
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Watching People Run
This winter I have had the opportunity to see quite a few people running in the snow and cold. Chicago has had a rough winter as far as snow and cold. Some thoughts cross my mind as I watch these hearty souls brave the elements. First among these thoughts is, "Are you nuts?"
I realize people think I am nuts to run, but come on, these people really are. It has been below zero this week, and I see folks out there. If I can barely walk in this cold, how can someone run? I don't know if there are enough layers out there to keep someone warm when it is -2.
Maybe these people have running streaks going? Maybe they lost a bet? Maybe they are secretly Yetis?
I know the answer. These are people who truly love running. They thrive on the outdoor challenge. Now I am not saying you don't love running if you aren't out there in a snow storm. This is the weather wimp talking here. I just think there is some determination out there that really drives these folks. Good for them, and I wish them great runs.
Charlie
I realize people think I am nuts to run, but come on, these people really are. It has been below zero this week, and I see folks out there. If I can barely walk in this cold, how can someone run? I don't know if there are enough layers out there to keep someone warm when it is -2.
Maybe these people have running streaks going? Maybe they lost a bet? Maybe they are secretly Yetis?
I know the answer. These are people who truly love running. They thrive on the outdoor challenge. Now I am not saying you don't love running if you aren't out there in a snow storm. This is the weather wimp talking here. I just think there is some determination out there that really drives these folks. Good for them, and I wish them great runs.
Charlie
Friday, January 16, 2009
Doctor's Visit
So today was my checkup. All went well. Dr. Natarajan was pleased with my leg strength. We can say case closed on the IT Band issue. He checked out the achillies issue. He told me it would heal soon. He gave me a prescription for an anti-inflammatory, and recommended PT. I am still not sure about that. I've written how I really don't enjoy it.
The good news is he really liked the marathon training plan and my running in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in September. Woo Hoo! He thinks I can train in a couple weeks. Double woo hoo!
So all seems to be on the upswing. I took the medication, and I have to say I am noticing a difference already. While I won't start running tomorrow, if the pain is gone by the end of next week, I would like to see if I still remember how to run. :-)
Charlie
The good news is he really liked the marathon training plan and my running in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in September. Woo Hoo! He thinks I can train in a couple weeks. Double woo hoo!
So all seems to be on the upswing. I took the medication, and I have to say I am noticing a difference already. While I won't start running tomorrow, if the pain is gone by the end of next week, I would like to see if I still remember how to run. :-)
Charlie
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tomorrow - The Doctor
Friends will tell you that I really don't like going to the doctor. That changed when I found Dr. Natarajan. He has got to be one of the nicest doctors I have ever met. He is encouraging, knowledgable, understanding and a runner.
Tomorrow I meet with him. Originally it was just to go over marathon plans. Now I have to talk to him about the achillies issue. I am hoping he will tell me I can still train. Maybe he will have some other positive news for me.
I want to stress the importance of finding a good doctor to work with. You want to make sure the doctor is listening to your needs, issues and concerns. I have had doctors seem like they are listening, but never am convinced they are. Mark's doctor is like that, and it pisses me off.
This doctor wants me to continue running. He has told me if he were another kind of doctor, he might tell me to find something else to do. Dr. Natarajan tells me he wants me as active and happy as possible. Tomorrow I will find out how I can do more of that.
Charlie
Tomorrow I meet with him. Originally it was just to go over marathon plans. Now I have to talk to him about the achillies issue. I am hoping he will tell me I can still train. Maybe he will have some other positive news for me.
I want to stress the importance of finding a good doctor to work with. You want to make sure the doctor is listening to your needs, issues and concerns. I have had doctors seem like they are listening, but never am convinced they are. Mark's doctor is like that, and it pisses me off.
This doctor wants me to continue running. He has told me if he were another kind of doctor, he might tell me to find something else to do. Dr. Natarajan tells me he wants me as active and happy as possible. Tomorrow I will find out how I can do more of that.
Charlie
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Pain...and How I Hate It
So sadly, this is yet another post about me not running. The pain in my heel and achillies area has been bad. Today I have an appointmet for a theraputic massage. Next Friday I see the doctor. I am so unhappy about this, you have no idea. Actually some of you hard core runners knoow what I am saying.
I hate pain. I am also not a very nice person when dealing with pain. I get grumpy and short. People should steer clear of me when I am in this mood.
I have decided to take it easy and not run, even on good days, because I am afraid of what may happen. I felt good a few days ago...and bam it hurts again. Arrrgh!
Charlie
I hate pain. I am also not a very nice person when dealing with pain. I get grumpy and short. People should steer clear of me when I am in this mood.
I have decided to take it easy and not run, even on good days, because I am afraid of what may happen. I felt good a few days ago...and bam it hurts again. Arrrgh!
Charlie
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Tired of Pain
Yes, I ran the other night. Yes I was in pain most of yesterday. I am not a patient runner, and I know few who are. I am just so tired of being in pain.
The Achillies pain is not as bad as it has been, but it is bad. Arrrgh....I was supposed to run today. Instead, I am going to cross train. I am determined to do this. I need to hit the gym.
The holidays saw 4lbs come my way...not happy about that either. Running has been my best way to keep the weight in check, so I am at a loss at how to do this.
I know...I know...not a great post. Must be the mood I am in.
Charlie
The Achillies pain is not as bad as it has been, but it is bad. Arrrgh....I was supposed to run today. Instead, I am going to cross train. I am determined to do this. I need to hit the gym.
The holidays saw 4lbs come my way...not happy about that either. Running has been my best way to keep the weight in check, so I am at a loss at how to do this.
I know...I know...not a great post. Must be the mood I am in.
Charlie
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Two Ugly Miles
In the log it simply states - 2 miles - 24:39. A slow pace to say the least, but I was damned determined to run in some capacity tonight. I hit the gym, and took it slow. I took walking breaks every 5 minutes. My legs were not great. I was still feeling the effects of the pain of the last week, and my ankles felt stiff, but I did it - I ran 2 miles. In fact they are the first miles of the new year.
I didn't feel great during my run. I wanted to stop at one mile, but I told myself to get to 1.5 miles, and then I could quit. Once I got to 1.5 miles, I thought...ok, just a 1/2 mile to go to two, let's go. I chugged along, and as I have said, I did it.
I go to the doctor next week, and I want to go with the thought that I have some runs under my belt. Tomorrow...no running, but I will be back on Thursday.
Charlie
I didn't feel great during my run. I wanted to stop at one mile, but I told myself to get to 1.5 miles, and then I could quit. Once I got to 1.5 miles, I thought...ok, just a 1/2 mile to go to two, let's go. I chugged along, and as I have said, I did it.
I go to the doctor next week, and I want to go with the thought that I have some runs under my belt. Tomorrow...no running, but I will be back on Thursday.
Charlie
Monday, January 05, 2009
Damn Achilies Pain
Google is an amazing thing. All my symptoms point to achilies tendonitis. DAMN! I am so tired of being hurt and in pain. I want to run!!! So I am taking it easy - yet again. Some of my fellow runners will feel my frustration at not being able to run. Arrgh!
Today I am contacting the New Balance rep, and let her know what happened. I am so angry right now.
Charlie
Today I am contacting the New Balance rep, and let her know what happened. I am so angry right now.
Charlie
Saturday, January 03, 2009
New Balance 1063 - PAIN!
Over the course of the last two years I have worn two shoes for running: The Brooks Dyad and the 1060 series by New Balance. As many of us do, I usually groan when I hear a shoe has been changed. I liked the 1061 and really liked the 1062. I was told by NB that the 1063 would be a bit narrower and had a new last to make it performance driven.
I ran in the shoe a few weeks ago and my ankles hurt. I thought it would be ok to walk around in though - I was wrong. BOY was I wrong.
A few days ago I wore the shoe for the day, and on the way home I felt a twinge in my achillies area. Yesterday I wore the shoe....and all the way home I had sharp shooting pains in my left achillies. I had to have Mark meet me at the EL and help me home the pain was so intense. Today I am still hurting. I am hoping to run tomorrow, so I am really going to be angry if I can't run.
So what happened to the shoe? I am more of a mid-foot striker. The shoe is now designed for more forward motion, and the heel is very soft. Because of my severe supination, I roll way to the outside. I had no support. The result - PAIN!
I will let our New Balance rep know what is going on. She already knows my run was not successful. Because NB is going in this direction with most of their shoes, I am doubting I will be able to wear them for a while. For now I don't want to. Wish me luck as I hope to go for my first run of 2009 tomorrow.
Charlie
I ran in the shoe a few weeks ago and my ankles hurt. I thought it would be ok to walk around in though - I was wrong. BOY was I wrong.
A few days ago I wore the shoe for the day, and on the way home I felt a twinge in my achillies area. Yesterday I wore the shoe....and all the way home I had sharp shooting pains in my left achillies. I had to have Mark meet me at the EL and help me home the pain was so intense. Today I am still hurting. I am hoping to run tomorrow, so I am really going to be angry if I can't run.
So what happened to the shoe? I am more of a mid-foot striker. The shoe is now designed for more forward motion, and the heel is very soft. Because of my severe supination, I roll way to the outside. I had no support. The result - PAIN!
I will let our New Balance rep know what is going on. She already knows my run was not successful. Because NB is going in this direction with most of their shoes, I am doubting I will be able to wear them for a while. For now I don't want to. Wish me luck as I hope to go for my first run of 2009 tomorrow.
Charlie
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Welcome to 2009
Happy New Year Everyone!
The new year brings new promise to all runners. For me this is my return to serious running. This is also my 5th anniversary of running. 2004 was when I took my first steps as a runner, and I fell in love with running.
So I think my goals for the year are pretty clear: to become a stronger runner, with the ultimate goal of finishing sub-6 hours at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I also want to do more racing in anticipation of the marathon. If there are some 8K's I would like to do, and a half marathon. I am entered in the Mini 500 Half Marathon in Indianapolis in May. We will see how the doctor feels about that.
I am very much looking forward to the new year. I hope everyone has a healthy and prosperous 2009.
Charlie
The new year brings new promise to all runners. For me this is my return to serious running. This is also my 5th anniversary of running. 2004 was when I took my first steps as a runner, and I fell in love with running.
So I think my goals for the year are pretty clear: to become a stronger runner, with the ultimate goal of finishing sub-6 hours at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I also want to do more racing in anticipation of the marathon. If there are some 8K's I would like to do, and a half marathon. I am entered in the Mini 500 Half Marathon in Indianapolis in May. We will see how the doctor feels about that.
I am very much looking forward to the new year. I hope everyone has a healthy and prosperous 2009.
Charlie
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