Who I Won't Help

There is a customer who comes into our store now and then, and when she does, my mood changes...and not for the better. She is my least favorite customer - and I am being kind. Whenever she walks into the store, I know certain things will happen. First, whoever greets her will get a glare, and some snide comment. Second, if anyone asks if she needs help, her eye bug out, and she in a most mean manner says something like, "If I want something you'll know." Third, once she needs assistance, she does whatever she can to be rude.

The only time I helped her, was my last. She came into the store saying she needed a shoe for an upcoming marathon, and had been fit at another store. I asked her the usual questions. Did she have any problems with her shoes? Her eyes bugged out and she said, "They did now, or I wouldn't be here." I tried to determine what was going on, and everytime I would ask a question, she would make a remark like, "Am I speaking English?" I tried to explain to her that I was just asking some basic questions, since she had not been fit by us before.

She told me to bring out some shoes. I did based on only what she told me. She would not let me watch her run. Everytime she tried on a shoe, she was rude and condescending with me. One comment was, "Are we even in the same store?"

For whatever reason she decided I was not the one to help her. She put her hand up to my face, in a stop motion, and said, "Can we get someone here to actually help me." I got a co-worker to take over, and he managed to get her into a shoe that I recommended, and he made the point of saying this was what I recommended, and she again made rude comments.

Our owner has told us in certain cases, we can fire a customer. I have come very close each time she has been in. Yesterday she brow beated an associate over socks. She wanted to try on a sock. The poor associate asked her size. Eyes bugging out, the woman said, "The size I am wearing of course."

We all think she has some issues, but we all don't believe we should be on the receiving end of those issues. Arrrgh!

Charlie

Boston Trip Finale

The last couple of days in Boston have been busy ones. Many thanks to the team from New Balance who made this meeting a big success. This was my first meeting, and I hope it is not the last. During my time here: I have gotten to tour one of New Balance's factories, met with the shoe and apparel design teams, seen how they test shoes, and learned a great deal about the company. I also got to meet some wonderful folks on this trip.

Two running legends were in attendance at the meeting: Dick Beardsley and Bob Kennedy. I have met Dick before. This time he always had folks around him, so I did not add to the crush of folks who wanted to say hi. Bob Kennedy is an IU graduate, and still holds the American record in the 3000 meters. Bob co-owns The Running Company in Indianapolis. He is also the honory chair of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in November.

I spoke with him about the race, and he told me how the race is gaining steam in its second year. People are coming out to run, and in time, people will come out in packs to watch the race.

So where is New Balance product wise? NB is very excited about the 760, which will replace the 769, and the 1064 which will replace the 1063. The good news for those who might not have liked the 769, NB is widening the toebox. They heard the complaints about the narrower toe area, and are making it more curvy. The 1064 will not be too different from the 1063, but we did get a sneak peek at the 1065, and there will be some important changes coming up. The N Lock will be going away. This is not bad news, as the "N" has been known to tear off the shoes. The N will still be there, but in decoration only. Also say good bye to the Knotty Laces. NB is going back to a more conventional lace.

Other shoes they are excited about? The 859, a less cushioned neutral shoe, which they think will do very well. If it is anything like the 858 I am currently wearing, they may have a hit. Shoes in general will be made with softer uppers. I felt the fabric, and really liked it.

I was finally able to run, after leaving the meeting to go get a pair of running shorts. Can you believe I packed everything BUT the running shorts? So this morning I headed on a 3.5 mile run. I ran along the Charles River at the Esplenade. So pretty that early in the morning. I headed to Boylston St. where the finish line of the Boston Marathon is still there. I made a point of crossing the finish line. Does this mean I finished Boston? Hehehe..... From there I headed to Fenway Park, and ran around the park. Time was not important, but I did get 3.5 miles in.

Last night NB took us to a Red Sox game. The Sox won in the 9th inning. Of course I was back at the hotel by then. It was a 4+ hour game, and I needed my sleep for my run this morning.

I have loved Boston. I will come back, and see more of the city.

Charlie

New Balance Meetings

I am in Boston this week attending the New Balance Elite Dealers Meetings. New Balance has invited their top running specialty accounts to come to Boston and meet. Yesterday we spent the day at one of the company's factories. It was an incredible tour.

New Balance is known for making shoes in the U.S.A. For full disclosure, New Balance makes 1/4 of their shoes in the U.S.A.. The rest are made in China. At this factory, they not only make shoes from beginning to end, they also assemble parts of shoes. Those parts are made in China.

The New Balance team is dedicated to making great shoes. We watched the various teams of workers stich, glue, heat, and package shoes. They have to produce 600 pair of shoes a day. They don't want to over produce, and they don't want to fall behind. The workers are on their feet all day long, but every few minutes a bell goes off, and they have to exercise - mostly their hands.

The teams are encouraged to not only raise issues like production problems, they also develop the strategies to solve those problems. We saw signs now and then explaining a problem, and what solutions they are using to solve them. This is part of the philosophy they got from Toyota. During the tour we were told they have fully embraced the business practices of Toyota. Hung on one of the walls was a list of Toyota practices they are dedicated to following.

In the afternoon were got to talk to shoe developers who explained they design process to us. We also got to go to the "smash lab" where they test, not only New Balance shoes, but see how they compare with competitors shoes. These shoes get tested my friends.

All in all it was a great day at the factory. I will share pictures later. Today we are in meetings with various folks form the company.

Charlie

Off to Boston

Folks this week I will be in Boston. I have been asked to represent my store at the New Balance Elite Dealers Meeting. This is really going to be a great opportunity. I will tour NB HQ and their manufacturing plant. I will meet with shoe and clothing designers. I will talk to company officials, as well as meeting other folks from running store around the country. So it will be a very full 3 days.

Never been to Boston, but have always wanted to go, so this will be fun for me. I am also told we will go to a Red Sox game. Cool!

Not sure if I will take the computer with me, but I will be running on the trip, and will at least let you know how everything has gone when I get back.

Charlie

14 Tough Miles - Really? A Marathon?

Today was a tough 14 mile run. I was fine for most of it. The last few miles though were tough. What made it tougher was a slip and almost fall a mile from home.

I ran from home to the lakefront path. Yes, I joined the thousands of folks out there training for Chicago today. It was a sunny and a bit foggy, but still a pleasant along Lake Michigan. I headed off and felt good as I ran along the path. I felt pretty strong and I weaved through various runners and cyclers.

I was happy to see folks I know out there. Makes it pleasant when you can wave and say hi to someone you know.

I met Mark after the halfway point. He had my replacement bottle of NUUN. I needed it as the humidity was making my a bit parched.

On the return trip I started to feel sluggish about the 9 mile mark. I slowed down, but did my best to keep the 8/1 interval. I went to a 6/1 interval at mile 11.

During this sluggish period, I did what many runners training for a marathon ask themselves....can I really do this marathon thing? I sure felt like it would have taken me forever. The last mile did take forever. I entered the campus of Loyola University Chicago, and as I was stepping up on the sidewalk, I tripped. I kind of tweaked the right hip. I almost fell, so my hip did some weird thing. I decided not to push things too hard. So I began to walk a little and run a little. I would run a block, walk a block. So my time is not sterling.

I am glad to have this run out of the way. I worry about the 16, 18, and 20 mile runs coming up though.

Charlie

Sometimes Feet Hurt

I haven't talked a lot about working at a running store, but I wanted to share some stories, because I think people can learn from these.

Now and then we get a customer who comes in wanting to return their shoes. While we do have a good return policy, we always want to assess the situation before we take a pair of shoes back. A common reason people bring the shoes back is, "My feet hurt while I ran in them." While I am sure there are shoes that make people's feet hurt when they run, the most common story is the person took their shoes on a 10-15 mile run, having never run that distance before, and now their feet hurt. I gently advise them that running a long distance like that will make feet hurt, it may not be the shoes. I suggest going for a shorter run to see how it feels and build to the longer run. I will note that if the customer insists, I am happy to work with them on an exchange or return. They should know though, that sometimes feet hurt.

Color. Yes I know no one likes the color of running shoes. Everyday I work with people who tell me they hate the color of the shoe they have on their feet, and do we have it in another color. While companies make models in various colors, typically a running store only gets one of those colors for a period of time. One woman told me the green shoes made her look ghetto, and that what would people say? I told her that at mile 12 of her half marathon she wasn't going to care what color the shoes were. She decided on the "pretty" shoe. Folks, if you get the color you like - bonus, but it is about the fit and comfort of your feet. After all those feet of yours take a lot of pounding, be good to them. Also your feet don't care about the color either.

The color issue is not limited to women. Men tell me they want a manly colored shoe. Good luck with that.

Size. When you are measured for a running shoe, it always seems odd to a customer that we fit a 1/2 to full size beyond the measurements. We do that because as you run, and the longer you are on your feet, the feet swell, and you want to allow room for that swelling. If you are a size 9, and I put you in a size 9, you run the risk of blisters, and blackened toenails - no one wants those. One woman got so mad at me. She told me she was a size 6, and her feet hurt a great deal. She measured a size 8. I advised she wear an 8 1/2. She told me I was lying. I told her I had no reason to lie. She insisted I put her in a 6. She made horrible faces as she tried on the size 6 shoes. Seeing he obvious pain, I again advised the 8 1/2. She tried it on, and felt comfort. Still she got mad at me and told me she would never buy size 8 1/2 shoes.

When you put on that 1/2 size up, I know it will feel like the Grand Canyon, but I promise you it is the right amount of room.

One final note. I know everyone has their favorite shoes, but just because Bob loves the New Balance 993, and Sue loves the Asics Kayano, it doesn't mean those are the shoes for you. Let the trained sales associate determine which shoes work for you! It doesn't mean those are bad shoes if they bring out something else, it is just that they have selected shoes based on YOUR needs, foot shape and size.

Charlie

Humid Run

Today I started out on a 6.41 mile run. Temps were in the low 70s, but the humidity was high. About 2.5 miles to go I ditched the 8/1 interval, and went 6/1. That was somewhat easier for me. Still as the run went on, I had to fight fatigue due to the humidity.

Today I took NUUN, which is an electrolyte product I love. If you haven't tried it, do so. It comes in tablet form, which you put in your water bottle. I like the taste. There is lightness to it, that I like. Gatorade seems heavy and thick sometimes. So this is a great alternative.

I pushed back the negative thoughts which creep in when you are physically struggling. I kept telling myself if this were the marathon, I would never forgive myself for walking the rest of the way. So I kept up the running.

Was very glad to have this run under my belt.

Charlie

60 Days to Go

As of this writing, it is 60 days until Marathon Day. Here is a look at what I have done, and some thoughts:

Total Miles Run - 444.7 Miles

Average Pace - 12:16/mile

The good - My running is going well. My body has not hurt too much, and the issues I had last year(ITBand, Achillies, etc.) are not present. The actual running has felt good. It has only felt labored a few times. Usually it all feels easy.

The not-so-good - Eating. I beat myself up yesterday. I have not eaten as well on this training. I have fallen into the bad habit of eating what I like, and as much as I like. While I am not ballooning, if I were not running this would be a cry for help. I think it is anyway. I am re-examining what I put in my mouth, and cutting it down.

I also have not been too good on the cross training. I have told Mark the goal is two times a week at the gym. He has promised to help me.

Here is where I need you all to help. I want you folks to question me. Ask me about what I had to eat that day, and really pin me down on my going to the gym. I won't be offended. What I need is a kick in the butt.

I want this marathon to be a success. So as my running improves, I am pledging to improve on all the other aspects of training. Hang in there with me....only 60 days to go.

Charlie

Sharing

Before I get to the meat and potatoes of my entry, I wanted to let you know today's run was a bit sluggish, but the 6 miles are in the bank, and I feelt good that it got done.

My parents are people who don't like to share personal matters. To them it is personal. I have often felt I am the black sheep of the family, because I share things with people. I have no doubt my dad would not understand why anyone would blog. The fact that anyone would blog about personal matters would only confuse him even more. My mother was appalled when people would talk about personal matters. It made her uncomfortable if I shared private things with her. This is the way I was raised. For better or for worse, I have lived my life more openly. I came out at 20. I did that because I took to heart that the truth would set me free. It did. I have never regretted being open about my being gay. I have shared the traumas I have endured in life, as well as the joys. I have open and deep with people, and it has bitten me in the butt on occasion, but I would not change who I am. I only know one way to live. This does not mean I share everything....I don't. I agree that some things are private. I think though you have to share things with someone.

Tonight I learned my dad needs to have a pacemaker. He did not want me to know. When my mom had Liver Cancer, they did the same thing - kept us in the dark as long as possible. My mom used to say it was because she didn't want to bother me with it. I am pretty sure my dad is thinking the same thing. I am sure it may be a generational thing, but it annoys the HELL out of me.

Even good news, my dad is not eager to share or hear. When I first talked to him about running, his only response was, "I wished you had done this when I wanted you to lose weight." He has never really asked me anything about my running, or my races. He has asked me what is the point of being in the race if you aren't going to win? I just sigh, and let him know that I do win....just not the way he would think.

So much to my dad's chagrin, I will continue to share with others.

Charlie

Barefoot Running

Within the last couple years there has been a growing movement in the running community to go barefoot while running. Shoe companies such as Newton and Nike have developed shoes to allow for a more barefoot feel. Christopher McDougal in his brilliant book, "Born to Run" advocates the theories that shoes have done more to damage us than running barefoot as we did before the advent of the running shoe.

I have not spoken much on this much, but I want to spend some time to deal with it today. Here is my initial thoughts....I think barefoot running can work brilliantly for some people. I think it allows for greater flexibility in runing. It also makes for stronger leg muscles.

Where do I see the flaws? There are people out there who need shoes. I am one of them. My limited range of motion is not helped by going barefoot. If you were to watch me walk without shoes, you would wonder how I even get up in the morning. Shoes give me support and a platform to move.

The flaws I see in the arguments I have read is that the shoe companies are pushing too much cushioning and control. All shoe companies make shoes which span the spectrum from basic cushioning to motion control.

Cushioning has come under attack in these arguments. When I fit someone for shoes, I bring out varying levels of cushioning, because I have no idea what the customer likes. I divide people into two camps: those who want to run on pillows and those that want to feel the ground. I am a ground person. Too much cushion makes me feel unstable, and actually bothers my feet and ankles. For others though, they love it.

Stability is also under attack by these critics. There is a misconception out there about what stability does in a shoe. Stability is not meant to correct overpronation. It is meant to reduce it to make running a bit easier. Runners have it in their heads that overpronation is bad. It isn't. It is the natural movement of our feet. For some people extreme overpronation can bring about various issues. Only in those cases should a motion control shoe be considered. 75%-80% of us overpronate. When your gait is being analyzed the fitter should be looking for the range of overpronation, and suggesting appropriate levels of stability.

I also don't get into some of the conspiracy theories that shoe companies allegedly have. Sorry folks, these people can't even make a consistant shoe, let alnoe organize themselves to keep people from running barefoot. Don't mistake marketing for conspiracy.

My suggestion is if you want to try barefoot running - go for it. Don't throw the shoes away comepletely. McDougal in a recent Runners Round Table discussion talked about how once you learn how to run barefoot - as in the correct form, then add a shoe which will enhance it, but not change the form.

Now it is easy to say, "Charlie you work in the shoe business, you are just part of the problem." Yes, I work in a running store, but I make it clear to all my customers that in the end the shoe they go home with is the one which should feel like a natural extension of themselves. It should be work with them, and not against them. If that is a "Five Fingers" shoes, or a Brooks Beast, then so be it.

There need not be a war over this, as I have read in some forums. There is room at the table for all runners and running types.

Charlie

Nice and Easy - 6 Miles

Today was what I call a recovery run. After the 12 miler the other day, I didn't want to go out too hard or fast. I went at a nice easy pace today on my 6 mile run. I headed from home, and made my way to Andersonville via the Edgewater area. It was sunny and temps were in the 60's. Everyone in Chicago is complaining about the cool summer....well not me. I have loved the running weather this summer. Sure beats 90 and icky!

I had lots to think about on this run. I thought about work, and all that is going on there. I thought about how cool it will be to finally run this marathon in November. I thought about what to have for dinner tonight. So there was plenty to think about on this run.

I didn't think too hard. I was busy enjoying the run, which is as it should be.

The pace was 12:23/mile. That is a touch slower than I have been running overall, but well within my goal of finishing under 6 hours at the marathon.

Charlie

I Am a Runner - Really

Not a big secret that I love running. I love this sport like I love no other, and I also love the community of runners. What I don't like are the running snobs, as I call them. These are the folks who think anything less than what they believe about running just is not running.

I run/walk, yet I am a runner. To the snobs though, I am not a true runner. I have heard conversations where running snobs talk about run/walk as not running. If you aren't running an entire race, then you aren't running. BULL!

No, I didn't run cross country or track in school. No, I have not qualified for Boston. No, I can't recite the running times of the top five fastest milers.

Instead I have a love of running. I get pure joy when I head out for a run. My feeling about the walking part is that I am moving forward, giving some muscles a rest. I have not stopped running because I am walking, nor am I going backwards.

So what brought this rant on? Over the last week or so I have listened to conversations by customers in the store who are running snobs. I guess I got tired of their hooey, and thought I would get on my soapbox a bit.

I will never run a 2:06 marathon, but my time out on the course will be just as important, and I will work about 4 hours harder to achieve my goal. So take that running snobs!

Charlie

12 Miles into the Past

Today's 12 mile run had me go from home to Willmette, back through Evanston, and then home. Overall I felt good on this run. I managed to maintain the 8/1 interval. It helped temps were in the mid 50s this morning. It felt darned good out there.

The run had me go through parts of Evanston I had not really seen. Lovely neighborhoods, and people all happy this morning. I got a lot of "Good Morning" comments out there.

Along the run I went past one of the most important places in my life - The Cradle. The Cradle is the adoption agency where my sister and I came from. In fact, my adoption anniversary will be coming up in the next week or so. My sister's was last week. The Cradle is a special place, and as I ran by it, I thought two things: first it is a beautiful place; second, how lucky the babies who live there, that will get placed in good homes.

http://www.cradle.org/

Every now and then I am asked if I am interested in looking for my birth mother. The only time I have considered it was when I turned 40. That was a fleeting thought though. There was a reason I was put up for adoption. I can only assume it was a difficult decision my birth mother has lived with, but why re-open it all my looking for her? I don't feel I am missing anything - life is good.

So after my run into time, I focused on my actual running. I felt no pain. The running was a bit labored and choppy though. I will work on running a bit smoother this week.

Charlie

6 Miles

Rain outside had me indoors for my 6 mile run. It actually was a good run at the gym. I ran hard, and went faster than my normal pace. I wanted to work on speed this time, without going nuts on speed. My pace was 11:54/mile. As you may know, my marathon is going to be slower than that, but I think it helps me to have some speed for times when I will need to make up some time during the race.

I really did not get tired, and my body felt good. All in all this was a successful run for me. It gives me confidence as I head to the long run later this week.

I have a 12 mile run a head of me. I haven't run that distance since the half marathon, but I am feeling very confident that I will be fine out there. No worries.

This weekend is the Chicago Triathlon. I have to make a route which will keep me far from that crowd.

Charlie

Not an Angry Run

I was in a really bad mood at work today. By bad mood....I mean BAD MOOD. I think there was a convergence of working 8 days in a row, and various issues at work which really pissed me off.

After work I decided to head to the gym for a run. I felt it would be an angry run, where I was just mad the whole time. In the end it wasn't. I ran a good 4 miles around an 11:53/mile pace. So it was a quick pace.

Did I think about the day? No...I actually thought about having the next two days off, and spending some quality time with Mark. I have hardly seen him this week, and it has made for an edgy house.

I am also glad to have this cold thingy over with. I hate being sick, and running while hacking up lungs would not have been good.

So a 4 mile run is in the books. I have a 6 mile and a 12 mile this week.

Charlie

Good News - New Balance

Yesterday I was asked to represent my store in Boston at a meeting of top running stores at New Balance HQ. New Balance invited "elite" stores around the country (a.k.a. top running store accounts) to come to their facilities and see how they research, design, and put together shoes and clothing.

Very excited about this for two reasons: first, I have never been to Boston, and have always wanted to visit; second, I think this will be a great learning opportunity for me. I will get to see what is coming down the pipeline, meet with designers, talking with marketing folks, and still get to see some of Boston. I am told we will get to see a Boston Red Sox game. The minute I heard about that, I thought of Steve Runner, and his love of the Red Sox.

The trip will be in a few weeks, and I just can't wait.

On the running front, a cold has really sidetracked me this week. I'm ok with this, since it was a cutback week. I am going to focus on getting better, and ramping for next week.

Charlie

Fast Run

This morning I toed the line ready to run. Once I started I was unstoppable. I ran the 100m in 9.58 seconds. Wait a minute....I'm not Usain Bolt.

Still my run was a bit faster than normal. I will be honest I have felt crappy all day - headache, sinus problems, and all I wanted to do was get a run in and be done with it. I ran 3 miles on the treadmill in 35:55. That is speedy for me these days. I thought about going one more mile, but to be honest, I just felt like I wanted off and be done with the run.

This week is a cut back week. I have two 6 mile runs ahead of me, so those will be my main focus this week. Next week the miles move up again.

Other than feeling like I am fighting some sickness, I am good. My body is feeling good. My hips feel fine. I plan on making an appointment soon with Dr. Natarajan so he can tell me what he thinks.

Taking it easy is the order of the day, so I am going to rest, and be fresh and ready for the next run.

Charlie

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

With the Air and Water Show on the lakefront, I decided to try another route this morning for my 10 mile run. I created a route from my home to Wrigley Field(home of the Chicago Cubs) and back. Not crowded at all on the route....until I got to the ball park. There is a game today, so folks were already out.

Today's run went pretty well. I felt good during the entire run. No music, but I was humming a tune from the musical "Nine." Odd choice, but that what was in my head.

Parts of the run was angry running. I don't like angry running, but I think in the end it helps me work some aggression out. What is angry running? That is when your thoughts are about things which are really pissing you off. You know, like the horrible roommate who eats your food, or the customer at work who treated you like dirt, or even the rude comment someone made in passing that has stuck with you. Those thoughts get in your head, and you just have to work through them somehow. I typically run a little harder and faster when I am angry running, which is not always a good thing. It wears you out.

I won't share what my angry running was, but I will say I felt a bit better after the run. So I suppose it works.

Next week's long run is 6 miles - a cutback week.

Charlie

Run for Sabrina

Today I ran a great 6 miles. I headed towards Andersonville, and did 3 miles there and 3 miles back. The weather was good and sunny, and it was just fine for a 6 mile run.

My thoughts though during the run turned to my youngest niece, Sabrina. She is one of the sweetest children you will ever meet. She has Downs Syndrome, and has a number of issues going against her. One of those issues is her eye sight.

Tomorrow she is having eye surgery to attempt to correct and strengthen her eye muscles. If successful, she will see so much better and clearly. So as I ran, I prayed that all would go well the the surgery. I thought about how she really doesn't understand what is going on, and how would you explain it to her?

My sister took her to Miami today for the surgery. I wish I could be there. I hate for my sister to go through this alone. I also hope Sabrina won't be scared.

As I ran I thought about how much joy she brings, and how loving she is. I just want everything to be ok for my little pumpkin.

Charlie

I Am a Geek

Yes...I admit to all of you. I am a running geek. Of course you already knew that. I run. I work in a running store. I write a running blog. To that end, I got that thrill up and down my spine the other day. I ordered my next pair of shoes.

There is something very cool about getting your running shoes. I won't be wearing them right away, but I will be needing them soon. So a shiny pair of Brooks Dyads in a size 8.5 4E are on their way. When they come, it will be like Christmas. I will tear open that package, and there will be my new shoes looking all nice and new.

I have also ordered some all terrain shoes from New Balance. I like to have a rugged shoe or boot for the fall/winter. So again, I will be all geeky when they come.

Anyone else like this?

Charlie