End of Week 7

Here we are at the end of week 7 of the training. Today was a 5 mile run, and I am happy to say it went very well. I did run at the gym for convenience purposes. Overall a great run. My goal was to finish in under and hour and I did - 58:56. Not too shabby.

I worked up a good sweat as I went along. I listened to Phedippidations, as Steve Runner talked about the benefits of morning runs. I understood what he said, but I think it is not always easy to run in the mornings. Sometimes work dictates I run at other times of the day. Still, as always, it is good to listen to Mr. Runner. Congrats to him on his entry into the Boston Marathon. I know he is setting the bar low for this one, but in my book anytime you accomplish a marathon, you have done yourself proud.

So overall I think the week went great. I ran 15 miles and biked 22 miles. I feel darned good. Physically this is the best I have felt in many, many months. While I am no where near where I want to be physically, I think I am on my way.

Charlie

Lakefront Path - 5 Miles

This morning the 5 mile route was along the wonderful Lake Michigan shoreline. I love running on the path. It winds through Lincoln Park, and the water looked cold, but calm.

As for the running, I was clunky, but I was fine with that. This was my first run on the path for 2009, and I was just happy to be out there. I took more walking breaks than I like, but I needed them. Still I finished the 5 miles in 1:01:29. Not too bad. I don't want to get too slower, and I can always go a bit quicker. Right now I am not worried about speed. I just want to get the miles in, and I am pleased with everything.

There were few people out running, so I really felt like I have the path to myself....except for the occasional biker. The temps were in the 30s. I was layered, and felt comfortable for the most part. When I finished the run, I felt I could have gone another 1/2 mile. That is a successful run to me.

Charlie

10 Miles on a Bike - HARD RIDING

Yesterday I was not in a good mood. I was pissed. I found when I am pissed, I ride a bike like I have the Devil chasing me. I zoomed on the bike at the gym - 30:20. My last 10 mile ride was 31:48, so I cut that time down. At one point I was going a sub 3 minute mile(where is that speed in my runs?). So needless to say it was a great cross train for me.

I also weighed myself - 210lbs! I have shrunk a bit, and I am feeling good.

Today is a 5 mile run....so you get a second post from me today - woo hoo!

Charlie

The Evanston Loop - 5 Miles

Today I ran 5 miles of my loop up to Evanston. It was wonderful out, and I really enjoyed running along Lake Michigan. My pace was 12:06/mile. Not outstanding, but I was happy. Everyone on the path today had a look of happiness at being outside. I was one of them. I have missed these runs, and I look forward to more of them.

I am realizing though I am not a strong runner at the moment. My core is not strong as it should be, and I will devote a good portion of the next month to getting into a good routine where that is concerned.

So I was very happy to be out there running today. Another 5 mile run is logged.

Charlie

Little Things to Stay Motivated

When I turn on my computer and the initial screen comes on, a map of the marathon course is facing me. When I have some free moments, I look through my book on Toronto. When I think about what I have to do I read and re-read my training plan. These are some little things I do to stay motivated. I want to be sure I have this race in my sights. I want to be focused for it.

It would easy to feel a bit down that I did not do the 15 miles I was supposed to do this week, but the bottom line is I have a lot of miles between now and race day, and I will be fine. The marathon is not a success of failure based on my not running 3 miles this week. I was a bit hard on myself last night. Today though is a new day and I am fine.

One other thing I have to stay motivated are the comments people leave me here, on Facebook, or notes sent to me cheering me on. It means a lot that people would take that kind of time for me.

So these are some things to keep me going.

Charlie

Sometimes We Don't Make It

I was not smart today. I admit it. I was going to ride the bike, but instead I attempted to run. Time is a premium tomorrow, so I was going to squeeze in my 5 mile run, but this is after yesterday's run. Note to self....do not run consecutive days. I had no energy, and I was beginning to ache. I backed off after 2 miles.

Sometimes we don't make our weekly goals. This is when we have to suck it up, and just move on to the next week. Can't beat ourselves up over it. I feel silly that I did this. I most likely could have done it after work tomorrow, but it would have meant a brutal day for me. So I will focus on three good 5 mile runs next week.

For now I am glad the week is over and I am resting.

Charlie

How We Move Through Space

When we run we are moving through space in interesting ways. I thought about how I move through space as I run. Most runners you see on TV have some amazing gazelle like ability and grace. That would not be me. I'll be honest, I have no idea what I look like as I run, but I know the term gazelle does not come into play. I feel I plod.

On a daily basis I watch people ru, and I make no judgements, because I know how I run. Well....there is one runner I have judged, because he looks so darned funny running - Former Gov. Blagojevich. He has the oddest gait I have seen. He looks like he could be a penguin, but there seems to be something stuck in him(where I won't say). Odd.

So that was my odd thoughts as I ran 5 miles today in 59:33!

Charlie

Catching Up With a Run

It's been a few days sorry folks.....

A bout with bad Chinese food kept me from running the other day. It would not have been pretty.

Yesterday I ran 5 miles. I felt good that I finished it, though far from my shiniest moment. I ran it in 1:03:41. Respectable for not having run 5 miles with any regularity, but I was only ok with with it. Still a 5 mile run is a 5 mile run.

On this run I thought about what it takes to win a race. I have never won a race. I know I won't, but I was thinking about the people who go all out to win. Specifically I thought about cheats.

I have ranted before on cheaters. I am a person who really looks dimly on performance enhancing drugs. I imagine there are pressures by elite athletes to win, but what about those who will never win? What about the folks who cheat to better their times? Don't they understand it really isn't them who is bettering their times? It's the drugs. I cranked up U2 to get to a more positive place in my head.

Race wise.... I have registered for the Rock n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon in August. I really didn't want to do it, but it will fall at a good time in the training, and I will need a big race under my belt as I head to the marathon. Still.....racing in August. Ugh!

Tomorrow will be another 5 mile run....hoping for some improvement.

Charlie

4 Miles - Outdoors and Happy!

Just a word of advice to all who already know...there is a big difference between running outdoors and running on the treadmill. I know you all know that, but it was a bit of an adjustment for me this evening as I headed on my run.

Tonight's route was 4 miles of the fun run route my store has. It starts at my store, and makes its way to the river. I really enjoy running along the Chicago River, and have missed it.

The start of the run was a bit rough, only because it was an outdoor run, and it took me a good two miles to get into a groove. Once I did, I felt pretty good. Music choices tonight were The Counting Crows, Justin Timberlake and U2. Now THERE is a combo of music.

I have truly missed the great outdoors. If the the weather can cooperate, I will be outside for the norm.

Tonight was my last 4 mile run. Next week, I kick it up to 5 mile runs, three days a week.

Charlie

The Fast Four

Today was what I hope will be one of my last regular treadmill runs for a while. I ran a very speedy 4 miles today - 46:10. My heart rate average was 143 bpm. I felt great. It felt like it took little effort to do the run.

I had nothing pressing on my mind. I was thinking that I was asked again to coach the No Boundaries group for my store. No Boundaries is a beginning 5K program sponsored by Fleet Feet and New Balance. I am so psyched that I get to coach this again. Last year I got coached 14 women, 7 of which ran their first 5K. I love coaching, and I have some ideas in my head how to improve on last year.

So a great run, and great news today!

Charlie

Speedy Work

Last night I did a pretty quick 10 miles on the bike - 31:48. Well that's speedy for me. :-)

I was riding along with U2, or at least listening to the new album. While I was doing that, I found it odd that people would get on the bikes for short time. Do you really get a workout if you are in the bike for a couple minutes? And what's up with the people who are reading while on the bike? That just looks wrong to me.

I thought it was a good cross train though. Today the goal is a 4 mile run.

Charlie

Understanding My Limitations

As I have detailed here, I have some strikes against me in my quest to run. My clubbed feet and corrective surgery has left me with limited range of motion. This, in turn, has led to arthritis. I can still run, but I have to really understand that I am limited in what I can do.

I have to tell you that hurts. I am not one who likes to be told he can't do something. In fact it gets me pretty angry. So instead of being angry, I have to figure how I can to what I do.

My marathon training is going well so far. I need to do more to be stronger. That will be my facus this month. More than that, I really need to understand what my limitations are. I also have to accept those limitations. Yesterday was another reminder that I am not the runner I would like to be. So now I have to focus on the runner I am.

Charlie

The Adventures if a Non Trail Runner

Yesterday was one of my store's Historic Fun Runs. This run is a running tour. A tour guide takes a group of people out on a run, and makes stops along the route to discuss the historical significance of the area. Our run yesterday was a tour of the area where the old Riverview Amusement Park had been.

http://chicago.urban-history.org/sites/parks/rivervie.htm

This was a 5 mile run. When we started out, it was snowing lightly. The temperatures were in the 20's. The run turned into "blizzard" looking conditions. As we went on, it snowed harder and the wind really whipped. In addition, we ran along trails by the river and in parks and woods.

I know fully understand why I am not a trail runner, or a snow runner. While I think all that running is beautiful and fun, it kills my ankles. Because of my very limited range of motion, I can't handle the uneven surfaces. I am in a lot of pain today.

My job was to be sweeper - I was there to be with the back of the pack. I was able to do my job, but I was in pain. I was very glad the last two people wanted to walk the last little bit. Still I completed the 5 miles. Time is not an issue on these runs.

My physical limitations make me sad I can't do things like trail running. The silver lining is I should be glad I can run. Still I feel I am missing out on something. Trail running seems like it would be a terrific thing to do.

Charlie

One Month Down

The first month of training for the marathon is history. Here are some basic stats:

12 runs
Miles run - 42.1 miles
Min/Mile pace - 12:00/mile
Avg. HR - 149.2 bpm

I am happy with how I am doing. I am feeling good, and can tell I am making progress. I have gone from 216 lbs to 212.5 lbs.. I am not too concerned about weight at this point. I just want to feel the running is going well, and it is.

I wish the weather would cooperate so I could run outside more, but I am appreciative of the running - period. True, as I get into longer miles, the treadmill would kill me...or I would kill it.

Now I look to see what races I might want to do leading up to the marathon in September. I know there are 5ks in the future. I do want to run the Soldier Field 10 Mile in May. I need to plan a half marathon. Sadly, I think that will be a summer race - ugh!

The only thing I don't like is limiting the running to 3 days a week. I am told that down the road I can do 4 days, but that is not in the near future.

For now...thumbs up on the training. Thanks to all who have been encouraging. I truly appreciate it.

Charlie

Tired and Sore, but Feeling Good!

Tonight I ran 4 miles in 48:00. I had been on my feet all day, and at the end of the run I felt good, but a bit sore. I made sure to stretch and take a colder shower for my muscles to recover.

As I was running, I was looking around at the gym, seeing who all was there. I have now gone to this gym for several years, so a good many of the people I have seen before. I think all the New Year's resolution people have given up already! I feel very comfortable at this gym, so seeing all the regulars makes me feel at home.

As for the run itself, I felt good. I did not tire until the last mile of the run. I think the standing on my feet all day finally got to me. I was a bit weary. I think that slowed me down a bit at the end. Still 4 miles is in the bank, and all is well.

Charlie

15 Miles....Way to Push The Pedals

Tonight was a bike ride at the gym. I was determined to ride 15 miles. Man that was a tall order. I did it, but dang was it tiring! I think a 15 mile run might have been easier. It took me 50:03 to get it done though, and I was pretty happy with the ride. I did not really tire until the last couple miles.

As usual, my biking "friend" was Rachel Ray. She made steak hash tonight. Looked yummy. A few less hot peppers would be in my recipe.

So how do I think I am doing? I think so far, so good. I want to add strength training to the routine, and maybe pilates. Bike riding though is a good stamina building aerobic training move.

Another good training day.

Charlie

4 Mile Run - Thoughts on My Shoes

Today I had some time to think as I ran my four miles, which is did in a great 47:39!

Quite often I am asked by customers what I wear. I usually tell them that what I wear works for me, and that it should not be a consideration in what they purchase. Still I get asked. So I will talk about my shoes at length for a bit.

I wear the Brooks Dyad. It is not a flashy or well known shoe. There are some at our other store that have a disdain for the shoe. Poor little Dyad.

I supinate like no one else I know. So I need a neutral shoe which is pretty solid in the heel. I used to alternate between the Dyad and the New Balance 1060 series. The New Balance 1063 was a horrible mess for me. They have made it a softer shoe, especially in the heel. Since I go so far over on my heel, I need that support. So now I am down to one shoe. God help me.

Around the store I do wear the Nike Air Moto or the Mizuno Rider. Both are decent shoes. Because of my width, the 2E in the Mizuno is not something I can run in, but it is ok to walk around at the store. I would like to give Adidas a shot sometime.

There are very few options for a runner like me. I hear from the reps comments like, "Oh I know you are a Dyad guy." I am, but that is because I have to be. Yes, I love my shoe, but I am willing to wear something else if it could only work for me.

For those curious....here is the Dyad! http://www.brooksrunning.com/prod.php?p=1100381D&k=123205

Charlie

Stories to Tell

Quite often the owner of our store talks about "the stories we tell with our running." He's on to something. Over the last couple years I have listened to people as they share their running stories with me. I have listened to the woman who came back from a horrible stroke, and all she wants to do is complete a marathon. I have wondered how the young man who told me he was running a marathon, but only trains 1 mile a day would have done(not too well I suspect). There are the people, like me who run to keep healthy. All they want is quality years to their lives, and they have found running does this for them.

There are the amazing stories in our sport which draw us in.....

Alberto Salazar vs. Dick Beardsley in the 1982 Boston Marathon.

Joan Benoit Samuelson winning the first women's Olympic Marathon.

Roger Bannister running the first sub-4:00 mile.

Ryan Hall qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Marathon, at the same time his friend Ryan Shay dies during the race.

Usain Bolt flashing across the track to be the world's fastest man.

You don't need to be a name to have a story to tell. Your story does not have to be a compelling heart tugging story. It can be simple. Your story is just as interesting as the next person's.

Let me throw this out. I think these stories need to be shared. Would people be interested in a book about this? If so, I keep thinking I would like to put that kind of book together. Thoughts?

Charlie

Not Running, and Still Running

I think it is safe to say I lead a running life, and have since 2004. For five years I have loved, not only running, but getting to know the running community. As you know, in addition to my running life, I have my other running life. I work with runners. I enjoy being around runners. I get to talk about running all day long. I also get to help runners achieve their goals, by getting them properly outfitted to run.

I think if I wasn't doing this I would bore my non-running friends to tears. For all I know, I do anyway.

So what do I love about being the running community? Overall I deal with some pretty happy folks. Very rarely do I encounter a grumpy runner. I love the spirit of camaraderie. We tend to celebrate our successes together, and cheer each other up when our goals have not been met. We encourage. What is there not to like about that?

Every now and then there is the runner who is obsessed with shaving a 1/2 a second of their best mile. I think of them as the Type A runners. Typically though runners work hard to better their times. We may obsess about it, but it is not all consuming. For the record I have met someone who is obsessed with shaving 1/2 a second off their best mile, and they get a bit um....how do I say it....NUTS about it.

I have been blessed to be a part of a wonderful running community, both online and in real life. I have met some wonderful people, and made some wonderful friends. All in all, I am so blessed to be part of such a wonderful community.

Charlie

End of Week 3 - 4 Miles

As I started my 4 mile run today, I was pretty pleased with myself. I am 3 weeks into the training, and feeling pretty goood. Am I where I want to be as far as strength and stamina? No. Considering I had not been running much prior to this, I think I am doing very well.



Today's gym run was at a decent pace was a 12:05/mile pace, so I was closing in on the 12:00/mile pace. Next week I kick it up a notch. I am still trying to find a way to pace myself, so I do not tire at the end of the run. The tiredness is happening later and later in the run, so that is a good thing.

I weighed myself. I tipped the scales at 214 lbs, which is up 1lb from where I was. Not too upset about it. I am getting better with the eating as I get more into the training.

So all in all a good week. Looking forward to next week - another 4 mile training week.

Charlie