Today was my first 6 mile run in a long, long time. The last time I ran 6 miles was the 2008 Soldier Field 10 Mile. It was after that race that the wheels began to fall off. After yesterday's snow and ice I decided to head to the gym.
I felt good body wise, though I could tell I was not where I would normally be. I have to give myself a break though. I have not gone to 6 miles in about a year, so my body is not used to it. It will be.
I am running 6 miles three days a week for the next few weeks. The pace, as always with a new week of miles starts slow. My pace was 11:58/mile. So the goal is to lessen in as the time goes on.
A good run today...better runs ahead.
Charlie
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Frozen, but the "Thank Yous" Warm Me
Welcome to Chicago on March 29, 2009. Let me restate that - MARCH! Not December as it felt out there this morning. We had rain/snow/slush for today's Shamrock Shuffle. No....I did not run it. If I had registered, I would have stayed in bed.
Today Mark and I volunteered. For the record, Mark is an incredibly good sport. He said he would come out and volunteer with me. Neither he nor I expected a winter storm. Our job was to get hte Gatorade ready at the first aid station for the 8K race. About 35,000 were registered. Conditions were raw and brutal.
We had to be there at 7:30 this morning, and we checked in promptly. We got two tables set up, and I lost the feeling in my hands - with two pairs of gloves on. They gave us a break before the race started, and we waited inside a condo building with other volunteers.
Mark was giving me that daggers glare. I reminded him that no one made him come along. He is a good sport though, and wanted to be there with me. For the record....I greatly appreciate his being there today.
He could take no more once the race got going he ducked into a building. I started passing out Gatorade and the waves of runners came by. The elite atheletes did not take any. These folks were in singlets and all things short...and they looked CCCCOOOOLLLLLDDDDD! 2004 Women's Olympic Marathon Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor was entered, and I cheered her on as she whizzed by.
I'l be honest....I did not enjoy this experience until I started getting thank yous from the runners. This made me feel terrific, because if I were out there running, I would be so glad there were volunteers there to give me Gatorade. I made sure no matter how cold I was, I gave a smile to all runners, and gave them encouraging words!
All in all I am glad I did it....next year? It better be 50 degrees out there!
Charlie
Today Mark and I volunteered. For the record, Mark is an incredibly good sport. He said he would come out and volunteer with me. Neither he nor I expected a winter storm. Our job was to get hte Gatorade ready at the first aid station for the 8K race. About 35,000 were registered. Conditions were raw and brutal.
We had to be there at 7:30 this morning, and we checked in promptly. We got two tables set up, and I lost the feeling in my hands - with two pairs of gloves on. They gave us a break before the race started, and we waited inside a condo building with other volunteers.
Mark was giving me that daggers glare. I reminded him that no one made him come along. He is a good sport though, and wanted to be there with me. For the record....I greatly appreciate his being there today.
He could take no more once the race got going he ducked into a building. I started passing out Gatorade and the waves of runners came by. The elite atheletes did not take any. These folks were in singlets and all things short...and they looked CCCCOOOOLLLLLDDDDD! 2004 Women's Olympic Marathon Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor was entered, and I cheered her on as she whizzed by.
I'l be honest....I did not enjoy this experience until I started getting thank yous from the runners. This made me feel terrific, because if I were out there running, I would be so glad there were volunteers there to give me Gatorade. I made sure no matter how cold I was, I gave a smile to all runners, and gave them encouraging words!
All in all I am glad I did it....next year? It better be 50 degrees out there!
Charlie
Friday, March 27, 2009
Two Months Down....6 Months to Go
After two months of training here are some stats:
Miles run - 97.3
Avg. Speed - 5 m.p.h.
Avg. Pace - 11:58/mile
Calories Burned - 15,768
The most important stat is that I am feeling great at this point. Now that I have miles under my belt, and have been riding the bike, I am about to work on core strength, which I think will be a key for me.
Hard to believe it is just 6 short months until I start the marathon in Toronto!
Charlie
Miles run - 97.3
Avg. Speed - 5 m.p.h.
Avg. Pace - 11:58/mile
Calories Burned - 15,768
The most important stat is that I am feeling great at this point. Now that I have miles under my belt, and have been riding the bike, I am about to work on core strength, which I think will be a key for me.
Hard to believe it is just 6 short months until I start the marathon in Toronto!
Charlie
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Biking Hard...and Listening to a Pig
Tonight I was at the gym, and I biked hard. I did a 10 mile ride in 29:20! Phew! That is some work for me folks. I was sweating like there was no tomorrow. Still I felt good. At one point though I felt I was pushing a bit too hard with my knees, so I backed off a bit. At the end of the ride it was all good.
After my workout I went to shower. As I was getting dressed I listened to a conversation a couple of lockers away from me. Two stunningly handsome men were talking. You should know, if you don't already, I go to the gayest gym in Chicago. It is in the heart of Boystown!
So one guy asked the other what he had for lunch. The second guy told him - salad, with grilled chicken. The first guy began to chastise him for having chicken. The salad offender said he needed the protein. The other guy told him that protein won't help him look good. "This is how you get fat," he said. Let me assure you the body fat on these two was maybe 10%-15%. No one was in danger of getting fat. The guy who was irked told him this meant they had to work out longer tonight. The other guy looked dejected and followed him as they headed out into the gym.
Now I don't know the nature of the relationship, and I don't care. The guy who got mad over chicken was a pig in my book. C'mon....grilled chicken on a salad is NOT the end of the world. Grrrr!
Charlie
After my workout I went to shower. As I was getting dressed I listened to a conversation a couple of lockers away from me. Two stunningly handsome men were talking. You should know, if you don't already, I go to the gayest gym in Chicago. It is in the heart of Boystown!
So one guy asked the other what he had for lunch. The second guy told him - salad, with grilled chicken. The first guy began to chastise him for having chicken. The salad offender said he needed the protein. The other guy told him that protein won't help him look good. "This is how you get fat," he said. Let me assure you the body fat on these two was maybe 10%-15%. No one was in danger of getting fat. The guy who was irked told him this meant they had to work out longer tonight. The other guy looked dejected and followed him as they headed out into the gym.
Now I don't know the nature of the relationship, and I don't care. The guy who got mad over chicken was a pig in my book. C'mon....grilled chicken on a salad is NOT the end of the world. Grrrr!
Charlie
"Oh I'll Just Go With You"
The title of this entry was told to me by one of my roommates. He is having some health problems, and thinks running will solve it. Three things: 1) Running, while it helps with health, does not "solve" the issues he has. 2) He is a not someone I really care for. 3) It irked me that he thought he could just go on a run with me.
I nicely tried to tell him that I really prefer to run alone. It is my time to be on my own, get away from the world, meditate, and just be by myself. He said, "Oh I totally understand. I ran track in school." Huh??? No, I don't think he gets it.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind someone who wants to go run with me from time to time, but he was talking about all my runs. Of course there is still the point that I just don't care for the guy. I can't imagine running 4-5 miles with someone I don't like. Torture!
I know though, his idea of running is the latest in a string of things he is thinking to "cure" himself. He is HIV+, and he thinks there are ways to rid his body of the disease. His last idea was to go to Mexico, and have someone smear cow semen on him, which would "purify" his body. When he asked me what I thought, I told him if that were true, cows all over the world would have millions of people looking at them funny. So now he believes that by running, the lymph nodes will open up, and drain the disease away.
I feel so sorry for him in his condition, and I am happy to help him research things to help manage his HIV, but miracle cures are not something I am on board with, especially if they involve Mexico and cows.
Maybe I will let him go for A run with me, just to see if he would like it, but I would rather encourage him to run on his own, or find a group. I' m more of a loner.
Charlie
I nicely tried to tell him that I really prefer to run alone. It is my time to be on my own, get away from the world, meditate, and just be by myself. He said, "Oh I totally understand. I ran track in school." Huh??? No, I don't think he gets it.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind someone who wants to go run with me from time to time, but he was talking about all my runs. Of course there is still the point that I just don't care for the guy. I can't imagine running 4-5 miles with someone I don't like. Torture!
I know though, his idea of running is the latest in a string of things he is thinking to "cure" himself. He is HIV+, and he thinks there are ways to rid his body of the disease. His last idea was to go to Mexico, and have someone smear cow semen on him, which would "purify" his body. When he asked me what I thought, I told him if that were true, cows all over the world would have millions of people looking at them funny. So now he believes that by running, the lymph nodes will open up, and drain the disease away.
I feel so sorry for him in his condition, and I am happy to help him research things to help manage his HIV, but miracle cures are not something I am on board with, especially if they involve Mexico and cows.
Maybe I will let him go for A run with me, just to see if he would like it, but I would rather encourage him to run on his own, or find a group. I' m more of a loner.
Charlie
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
5.25 Miles in a Headwind
Today's 5 miler turned into a 5.25 miler. I was approximating the route, and when I mapped it when I got home, I saw I ran 5.25 miles. No worries. It was a cool day. Temps in the 40's, as I headed south from home. I ran along Sheridan Rd, past Loyola University and on to the Lakefront Path. I ran the beginnings of the path, and then headed home. My time was 1:01:31, which is a 11:43/mile pace. As you can see I am quickening the pace. I won't make it to an 11:00/mile pace, but I am doing pretty wel.
I felt sluggish for the first mile. After that I just felt clunky. I know not a great technical term, but I remember saying to myself, "Hmmmm....clunky." I passed other fellow runners. No one was in a cheery mood today. No one said hello. No worries....it isn't required. I still nodded, and occasionally greeted them.
I am pleased with the run. I was able to keep a decent pace, and I felt good afterwards.
Charlie
I felt sluggish for the first mile. After that I just felt clunky. I know not a great technical term, but I remember saying to myself, "Hmmmm....clunky." I passed other fellow runners. No one was in a cheery mood today. No one said hello. No worries....it isn't required. I still nodded, and occasionally greeted them.
I am pleased with the run. I was able to keep a decent pace, and I felt good afterwards.
Charlie
Monday, March 23, 2009
5 Miles....Could Have Been 10!!!
Today I felt terrific on my 5 mile run. Rain meant running indoors, and I had an amazing run. I felt like I could have gone 5 more miles. That is good my friends.
The time was 58:18, which is an 11:39/mile pace. Scott's plan wants me to get to an occasional 11:00/mile pace. I am not sure if that is possible with the run/walk I do. Right now I run 8 minutes, and walk 1 minute. Sometimes it is 7/1. So if I can approach 11:00, that is fine, but I am pretty happy with the way I am running at the moment.
So today was a great success. Looking forward to tomorrow's bike ride.
Charlie
The time was 58:18, which is an 11:39/mile pace. Scott's plan wants me to get to an occasional 11:00/mile pace. I am not sure if that is possible with the run/walk I do. Right now I run 8 minutes, and walk 1 minute. Sometimes it is 7/1. So if I can approach 11:00, that is fine, but I am pretty happy with the way I am running at the moment.
So today was a great success. Looking forward to tomorrow's bike ride.
Charlie
Saturday, March 21, 2009
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
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
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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
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
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
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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
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
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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
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
Friday, March 13, 2009
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
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
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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
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
Friday, March 06, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
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
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
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
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
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
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
Monday, March 02, 2009
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
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
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