Two Weeks and Counting - Today I am Mad. Plodding???

As I looked through the NY Times today I so angry as I read this article.....

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/sports/23marathon.html?hpw

The article raises an issue that is talked about in the running community - the faster runners vs. the slower runners. The "problem" is that running snobs feel that slower runners are some how ruining the marathon experience; that somehow the slow runners are not really running.

From the article:

“If you’re wearing a marathon T-shirt, that doesn’t mean much anymore,” Given said on the eve of this month’s Baltimore Marathon, where vendors were selling products that celebrate slower runners. One sticker said: “I’m slow. I know. Get over it.”

“I always ask those people, ‘What was your time?’ If it’s six hours or more, I say, ‘Oh great, that’s fine, but you didn’t really run it,’ ” said Givens, who finished the Baltimore race in 4:05:52.

Let me tell you something Ms. Given, I work my ass off on the road. It is not pretty, and at the end of the run I am in a lot of pain. I do it because of my love of the sport, and I am testing myself against the road and the clock. That is what the marathon is about. It is not only for the 4 hour or less people. What if the the elites told you your 4 hour was too slow, and you aren't really running, and you really shouldn't be in their race. Do you know how insulting that it?

The fact is running is something we should be encouraging. There are time limits on the courses and they should be adhered to. I fully realize the clock is ticking when I start, and I want to finish before the the course closes. If I was running beyond that time, I wouldn't enter the race at all.

I deal with beginning runners everyday. These people need all the encouragement they can get. For the record, most marathons would not be as financially successful if it weren't for the 6 hour folks.

Charlie

15 Days and Counting - Walk Like Frankenstein

I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. Immediately after the 20 mile run, and all day yesterday, I think I walked like Frankenstein. That gives you an idea how stiff and sore I was after the run.

I did use Zoot Compression Socks yesterday, and as the day went on my walking was much easier. This morning I am a touch stiff, but nowhere near the pain and stiffness I had. I really think compression in some fashion will help for the marathon. I am looking at some tights to wear, because I noticed my hips have gotten more sore on these longer runs, and I think that adds to my fatigue, especially once I have passed the 16 mile mark. I would love to see what compression can do for me in the runs leading up to the marathon.

Can't believe the race is getting closer.

Charlie

17 and 16 Days and Counting - the 20 Miler

Folks this run was sooooo important to me. In my previous marathon trainings I have never been able to finish the 20 mile long run. I did not care how long it took me, I was going to finish this run.

My route was the Lakefront Path. The day was very nice, mild and clear at the start, mild and cloudy at the end.

After a good luck kiss from Mark, off I headed towards Soldier Field. The first 5.5 miles were uneventful. I really enjoyed looking at the fall colors in Lincoln Park. Fall is my favorite time of year, so I really like what I saw. I met Mark at the 5.5 mile marker, and felt good. I got my next bottle of NUUN, and off I went.

Normally I would follow the path, but I am not a fan of the path as it hugs the water. It is very slanted and difficult for me, considering my limited range of motion in my feet. So I veered off, and went along the more residential part of Lake Shore Drive. What struck me on this run was how few people were out. I had the route to myself for the most part. That is so different from the summer months.

I made my way to Soldier Field. I met Mark at the Field Museum, facing the stadium. I finished the the first 10 miles in 2:18. Not a bad time. I wanted to take it easy, and I felt good at this point. Mark had a peanut butter sandwich and more water for me. Soon I headed back.

I was going slower on the return trip, and my only thought was, "I need to finish." I met Mark back at the original 5.5 marker. I was feeling a bit stiff in the hips, but otherwise fine. I told him I would meet him at the finish.

Mile 17 was where I hit the wall. My ankles and feet were hurting. I need encouragement. I called my sister. As luck would have it, she had bad news for me. Our father had a bad blackout spell when he got up in the night, and fell. We talked some about what the future holds for dad. He is 92, and his health is not the best. I was walking during all of this. I had no problem with the prolonged walk break, though I knew it would kill my time. My sister told me she knew I could finish this run, and off I went.

My goal for this run was a 6/1 interval. I followed it for most of the run. Mile 17 as mentioned changed that. I did more 4/1 at that point. I called Mark who was at the finish, and asked him to come towards me, and walk/run with me to the finish. We met about .2 before the finish, and I was so happy to see him. I got emotional when we started heading to the finish.

What a relief to finish this run. As I said it was so important for me to finish this run. It tells me I can finish this marathon. Will I finish in under 6 hours? I don't know. I do know I will PR, and that will make me very proud and happy. My time for this run - 4:48:41.

Charlie

18 Days and Counting - Looking at the 20 Miler

There is something a bit daunting about the number 20. Yes, I know I mastered 18 miles. I also know 20 miles is just 2 more miles. Still there is something about that 2 more miles that has be a bit intimidated. The key is going to be to keep things manageable. This will be the plan for the marathon. I think of this run as the dress rehearsal.

Mark will be at key points with Gu and NUUN. Who knows he may even run a bit with me.

I have to remember to go steady, don't force or rush anything. That has been an important lesson in this training.

The run will be on the Lakefront Path, from the 0 mile marker to Soldier Field. I will give updates after the run.

Charlie

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