19 Days and Counting - Preparing

So much is going through my mind as I prepare for this race. I want to be sure I have the hydration down. I want to be sure the nutrition is there. I want to make sure the pace I am running is a good steady pace. I also want to be sure my mind is ready.

If you haven't gone through a marathon, one of the things I feel you need is a good mental attitude. As the race progresses your mind decides it is going to play rough with you. My mind in later stages of races like to pick up on things which are bothering me. It could be the fact I need to pee. I could be the pain I am feeling in my foot. Perhaps it is the fact the 80 year old is passing me. My mind likes to focus on it and try to give me reasons to quit.

It's at that point I begin to make deals with myself. I tell myself I will run until that tree, then a walk break will help. I remind myself Mark is waiting, and he'll be pissed if I don't make it to that mile marker or finish line. I do what I have to so I can fight what my mind wants to do. In other words I have to be strong.

I have been known to talk to myself, swear at myself, sing to myself. I do whatever it takes. This is when the IPod comes into play. I listen to podcasts, music, whatever so my mind can be occupied.

November 7 is a tough day for me as it is. It is the anniversary of my mom's passing. I can't allow myself to get emotional that day. I have to be ready to run and do it. Of course my mom will be in my thoughts, but I can't let my missing her overwhelm me that day. So I will say a prayer before I run, run, and at the end, be happy that my mom was watching over me that day.

Mentally tough is what will win the day.

Charlie

Three Weeks and Counting - River Run

Today was a nice and easy 6 miles. My pace was nothing blazing, and I was happy with that - 12:30/mile. My overall goal was to take it easy before Tuesday's 20 mile run.

Today's run was along the Chicago River. I have run on this path before. My store uses it for our fun runs, so I am very familiar with it. It was a decent Fall morning; cloudy, chance of rain. As it turned out it hailed after my run. Still I enjoyed the run. A woman from the fun run asked me how could I run without an IPod? I told her that on many runs I just like hearing the sounds around me. She smiled and shook her head like I was nuts. So be it.

So here we are, three weeks from this writing I will have finished the marathon. I am sure I will be tired and very sore on Tuesday, but overall I am feeling good about the training. Really looking forward to the race itself. Soon I will be making final race plans.

Charlie

22 Days and Counting - People are Supportive

Dave, a co-worker of mine, is also running the Indy Monumental Marathon. He's a good guy, and I am happy to know he will be out there running the same course. His wife Casey is a wonderful woman who is very supportive of Dave's running. In return he supports her running.

I am a lucky guy. I have Mark out there He has been so supportive of my running. In return I am supportive of his. He is training for his first 5K in a few weeks. He has asked I not run it with him. Instead I am going to be the cheerleader. Looking forward to it.

Mark is an important part of my support crew for the marathon. He will be out there at various spots along the route with Nuun, GUs, and whatever else I may need. He has also offered to run some of the marathon with me.

We will see how that last part may work next Tuesday when I go for the 20 miler. In the meantime, Dave tells me Casey has told him what help I needed from her for the race, to let her know. That is so cool.

On race day I will have Mark, my good friend Kris and her clan, and now I know I have Casey out there possibly helping. Support like this is so crucial.

Charlie

23 Days and Counting - What to Wear?

Saturday we got a lot of customers and calls at the store, all with the same question, "What do I wear for the marathon?" Technically this questions needs to be answered in training. Try different outfits to see what works for you. If you have a general idea of what the weather is like on race day, then begin training wearing those kinds of clothes.

For instance, I am running a November marathon. Chances are it will be cold to cool. So layers will be important. A good solid base layer is key. As always, stay away from cotton. Cotton is rotten. You want good technical clothing which will help regulate your body temperature, and wick moisture away as well.

Over that base layer, then maybe a jacket. Again, technical in nature. Make sure it is breathable. You don't want to hold sweat as you run. Even in the cold, you sweat, so it needs to escape. A jacket with a zipper really is a good temperature regulator.

So what if you don't want a jacket? Yesterday I tried running with a short sleeve, using arm warmers. This was my first time wearing arm warmers. Some are compression, others are just warmers. I felt like I had breathable sweaters on my arms. Got to say I loved wearing them.

I think tights are a good cold weather option. If you can find compression tights, even better. You want warmth. Tights do that, and still wick. Compression tights can help the muscles and blood flow, which will help speed recovery. The idea is compression reduces muscle fatigue. I believe I am going to try this for the marathon. I will get some soon and try them out.

The most important article of clothing? A hat. You really want to protect your head. When heat escapes, a good percentage of it leaves via the head. So make sure you have a good covering on your head. I am using a skull cap which wicks and keeps my head heat regulated.

Hmmmm.....maybe I should have a fashion show.

Charlie

24 Days and Counting - "You a Marathoner?"

Today I decided it was just too nice a Fall day not to go for a run, so I headed out on a 6 mile run, and I was so glad I did. I headed towards Andersonville, which is one of my favorite runs. As I run through the neighborhood, an elderly African American woman was coming towards me. She was carrying something rather heavy, and looked like she was just wanted to be home. She saw me, and smiled. Her whole attitude brightened as she saw me coming towards her. "You a marathoner?" she asked. I told her I was. She asked if I did well on Sunday. I told her my marathon was not for a few weeks. She said, "You go on marathoner!"

I love stuff like that. My run was a bit brighter, and there was a spring in my step. In fact I carried that good feeling all through the run. I noticed I ran faster as well. I had not planned on a full faster run, but I did.

This actually was ok, because I wanted to be a bit faster as I headed into a cold north wind. Yes it was nippy out there. The cold gave me the chance to try the arm warmers I was given this week. I have never run with arm warmers, but I loved them. My arms were warm, and there was no long sleeve shirt to make me feel confined.

I was so pleased with this run. Looking forward the to next 6 miler.

Charlie

26 and 25 Days and Counting - Chicago Marathon and Week's Goal

This will be a twofer posting today. Sorry about missing yesterday.

Yesterday was the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. It is always an exciting day, whether I am running it or not. This year I really wished I was running it. Temps were in the 30s at the start. Mark and I were with the Fleet Feet Crew at our larger store, which is along the marathon route. We passed out pom poms and whistles for folks to cheer runners on.

There was a lot of excitement as we waited for the runners. People in the crowd had their signs of encouragement for their loved ones. Pom poms were being pom pom'd. Everyone was in high spirits.

First the wheelchair athletes came through. I am always impressed with these folks. That is some hard work making those chairs go for 26.2 miles. Soon the elite athletes came by, let by Sammy Wanjiru, the 2008 Olympic Marathon champion. Sammy was going for the world record. In the end he "settled" for the course record, winning in 2:05:10. He was also awarded the prize for winning the World Marathon Majors challenge. All I know is he looked a bit cold as he zipped by. Heck they all did.

Liliya Shobukova won the women's title in a time of 2:25:56. I would say that is a pretty darned good time, but in the press conference, Shobukova expressed disappointment in not getting the Russian record. Hey you just won the Chicago Marathon - celebrate woman!

After the elites went by, then the sea of humanity came through. These are the core of the marathon. Those who are running their first, or trying to set a PR, or just out for a great marathon run. Some look serious, others dress in costumes. One day I hope to understand why a man dresses as Minnie Mouse to run 26.2 miles.

I could not stay for the whole thing, as I had to go to work. Still it was a thrill to see it. Gives me a lot of inspiration for Indy!

This week is a cut back week. I am doing a series of 6 mile runs, and a bit tiny bit of speed work. I will do a quicker 3 miler today. Next week the 20 mile run awaits me.

Charlie

27 Days and Counting - Marathons Past

Tomorrow is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The weather will be sunny and cold - 30s at the start, and 40s as the morning goes on. I envy this weather. My last marathon was the infamous 2007 Chicago Marathon. That day temps hovered in the low 90s, and they stopped the race. One runner died, and many went to the hospital.

My day ended at Mile 16. While I agreed with the decision to end the race, I hated the fact runners were blamed for the lack of water. If I have paid $110 to be in a race, there better be water. Running out, especially when you know what the weather is going to be so hot.

My first marathon was the 2007 Rock and Roll Arizona. That was the coldest marathon in 30 years. Oh my I guess it was my year of extremes. I view that marathon as a triumph. I proved I could go the 26.2 mile distance.

Now I look ahead to Indianapolis. Time for me to prove I can do it again. These two marathons have been on my mind during training. I will take the lessons of both, and know I will succeed in 27 days.

Charlie

28 Days and Counting - Indianapolis

I have a history with the city of Indianapolis, which is why it is a good place for me to run a marathon. When I first went to college, I attended Butler University. I'll admit I hated it. I only went there because it was the school that accepted me when I was denied entry at North Carolina School of the Arts. In hindsight, I suppose I was just angry I couldn't go where I wanted to, and felt lost at the same time. So poor Butler bore the brunt of my distaste.

I would live in Indy a couple of times. I lived there between sojourns to Indiana University, and worked at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. I liked living in Indianapolis, and I guess I would like it again.

It isn't a big city, but it's big for Indiana. It has both an urban and suburban feel to it. There is plenty of night life for those who want it. Sports? The Colts and Pacers both reside there.

Indianapolis is also the state capital of Indiana. As a boy I was a selected to be a page in the State Senate. Pages were selected to work one day. I think I delivered some things to offices, got to see some votes taken, and just was in awe of being there. Yes.....I was and still am a political geek.

The course runs through all of Indianapolis. I will go through downtown, head to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, weave my way through Broad Ripple(the artsy area), pass the governor's mansion, run through Butler University, go by the art museum, and see the various monuments along the way.

Old friends will come out and support me, and I am really looking forward to that.

I think this will be a terrific marathon.

Charlie

29 Days and Counting - Compression

This morning I woke up a bit sore from yesterday's run. Not too surprising. The longer runs batter me a bit. I had trouble sleeping from the discomfort in my legs. Again not too surprising. I am at least walking a bit less like Frankenstein today, and that is a good thing.

During the run yesterday I thought about getting some compression tights for the run. Compression clothing for those not too familiar, is designed to reduce muscle fatigue during the run, and help with recover following long runs. I think this may help me in the marathon.

There are several makers of compression gear out there. Probably the best known is made by Zoot.

http://www.zootsports.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_69&products_id=7223

I would test it out on a run to make sure I would like wearing it in the marathon.

Anyone wear compression? Thoughts?

Charlie

30 Days and Counting - 18 Miles

As of today, it is 30 days until the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I celebrated that fact with an 18 mile run this morning. I was nervous last night before I went to bed. Poor Mark saw a bit of an anxiety attack. I was worried after the 16 mile run, so I went into panic over this run. Turns out all was fine.

It was 40ish and breezy as I head along Chicago's lakefront path. Not too many people out. I suppose they are all tapering for the Chicago Marathon this weekend. I started .2 miles north of the 0 Mile sign on the path. Mile 9 is at Buckingham Fountain. That would be my turnaround point.

Mark gave me a kiss, and off I went. The first few miles were nice. As I said not too many folks out, so I felt like I had the path mostly to myself. Highlights: the gaggle of geese near mile marker 3.5, who had no fear of runners. One goose waddled along side me for a short distance. I did speak with him. I figured, if he wants to be my running buddy, might as well chat with him. Another highlight was the sheer beauty of the skyline. Chicago is blessed to have such a nice skyline. I also appreciated the calmness of the water. Nothing like running and a wave crashes, and you get wet.

Mark met me at mile 5.5 with Nuun and more Gu. Today I used Vanilla Bean Gu. I really liked it.

The approach to the Mile 9 marker is tree lined Lake Shore Drive. This part of the drive always reminds me of Paris - tree lined boulevards. I was feeling great at mile 9, so I turned around and headed back.

Around mile 12, I decided my body needed a break. The hips were a bit sore, so I went from the 8/1 interval to 6/1. This helped a great deal.

Again I encountered Mark. I have a Kashi protein bar, and some Nuun, and soon I was off again.

At mile 14 my body was beginning to get more sore. I was able to keep the 6/1 interval, but I knew I would have to maybe do a bit more walking. I was frustrated at this point, that the restrooms which had been open on the first part of the run were now locked. Never fear I eventually found an open restroom.

The last two miles my body was hurting. I think this was the wall. I called Mark and had him talk to me as I walked through the pain. He was very good, telling me he knows how strong I am, and I can do this. That helped, and I began to run. At this point though I was doing more of a 3/2 interval.

Mark met me before the final mile marker, and he encouraged me on to the finish. In the end I ran the 18 miles in 3:57:07. I have to say I was pretty pleased with that time. I am not sure if I can keep that pace for the marathon. My goal is to finish sub-6 hours. I will try though.

All in all I am very happy with the run, and so glad I could put the 16 mile run behind me.

Charlie

Loving Fall

I know I have not updated as I should, but I wanted to write a bit longer about my last two runs.

Fall has come to Chicago, and I could not be happier. My last couple runs have been in ideal Fall conditions. Coincidentally Fall is my favorite time of year, so I am even happier to run outdoors now.

I have journeyed up to Evanston for 6 miles. The leaves have not changed color yet, but they are thinking about it. I can tell. Everyone seems to be in a good mood as I run as well. More people are smiling. I am getting more "Good Mornings". I am also enjoying the runs. Today I even went without a watch.

Today's run was particularly nice. Temps were in the upper 40s and I ran with Mark for the first 1.5 miles. He is training for his long overdue first 5K, so I told him we would run together for a while, then he would head home, and I would continue on my way.

Mark is not used to running in the cooler weather, so he was having some initial breathing issues. I assured him that would get better as the run went on. It did. After we parted ways, I continued north towards Northwestern University.

I went at an easy pace, and loved not having the watch. Along the way I stopped at a Starbucks for a bathroom break, and took a moment to talk to a barista. He was talking about Fall and how people seem to be in a nice mood. I thanked him for the quick cup of water, and headed home.

The trip home was uneventful, but again I was just loving the run.

During marathon training it is easy to think of the runs as all business. Today I was just happy to be reminded of the pure joy running brings.

Charlie

Great Fall Run

Today was perfect fall conditions for a run. I ran from home to the Roscoe Village area. I had a meeting in that area, and thought I would run there. Temps were in the 50s and felt great.

The run went well, so much better than the other day. I felt strong and good. So what was the difference? I'll be honest, I don't know. I may have been better hydrated. The weather could have been better for me. There are any number of reasons. I am just glad to have a good run in today.

Today's total was 5.45 miles.

Charlie

After a Bad Run

A good part of running is mental. A good run can quickly get off track the minute your mind tries to defeat you. Yesterday was not a stellar run as I posted. Now that run is stuck in my head, and I don't know how to get it out. I don't want to be thinking about it on my next run, or even on race day. So how do I get it out of my head?

Elite athletes struggle with this. I know they do, because they talk about the why they didn't win, or why they didn't PR. So I know it stays with them. I am not the kind of person who can NOT think about things. So how do you move on?

Maybe you on only focus on the run ahead? Maybe you turn up the IPod? I don't know. This will be my challenge this week.

Charlie

Some Days You Don't Have It

The goal was 16 miles today. In the end, my body said no. I did fine the first 6 miles. My goal was to go easy. I did. The next 6 miles I began to pick it up. So what happened? While it was a cool morning, it was very humid, and I think I wasn't taking in enough fluids as I ran.

As I approached the 11th mile, I called Mark, and I told him I needed him to begin to come towards me, as I was wasn't feeling well. I felt like my thighs were about to cramp. I was also feeling a bit dizzy. Mark met me and asked if I needed him to push back into running. I told him I just didn't have it today. We walked back after 11.75 miles.

Better to have a day like this today then on race day. No one likes to stop a run, but there are times the body has the final word. This has happened in past marathon trainings. All I can do now is work on what went wrong today, and in two weeks tackled 18 miles.

Charlie

Post Race Drink

After my 6 mile run today, I think I deserve my post run drink. My favorite is Chocolate Soy Milk! God I love this stuff after a hard run, and today's run was hard. I ran faster than normal. I wanted to work ahead of marathon pace, and I did. I had a sub 12:00 pace today.

So now I am home sipping that wonderful, and healthy drink - Chocolate Soy Milk. Don't know what it is I like about it, but I love this this stuff.

What do you all drink after a hard run?

Charlie

Longer Run Week

Last week with the business trip there was little running, which may or may not be good for me at this point. This week is a longer run week. I already have 3 miles in the bank. I am looking to do 6-7 miles today. The long run this week is 16 miles. These longer runs are now going to be the true test of how I think I can do on marathon day.

November 7 is creeping up on me. I see I have 16, 18 and 20 mile runs ahead of me. Oy! I definitely appreciate the cutback weeks. I have noticed on the longer runs it takes me a couple days to really recover from it. Overall though I think I am doing well physically.

I am really thinking about each run and the conditions I am running in. If it is a humid day, I know I can't sustain the 8/1 interval, so I quickly move to the 6/1 interval, so I can walk a bit more frequently. I need to work on being speedier with the walking. I think that will be a key thing for me marathon day. I can't dilly dally with the walking portions of the race.

I am pleased with the training thus far. Could I be in stronger shape? Yes, but I think I am doing pretty well.

Charlie

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