Our Heroes - the Letdown

Sports stars are our heroes. We love and idolize them. We marvel at their abilities, and want to be them. When we learn they are human it is devastating. For the last few weeks we have had to endure the fall to the human world of Tiger Woods. I am a huge Woods fan. I will watch any golf match he plays, because no one has the mind on the course he has, and I love to watch him work. He is a golf hero of mine.

What to think after all the revelations that Tiger has had many women. Here is what I know - he cheated on his wife. Here is what I don't know - really? ALL THOSE WOMEN??

More importantly I don't care. I really don't care that Woods had those affairs, because it is none of my business. Do I think less of him out on the course? No. Is he still a hero? Yes. His fooling around had nothing to do with his abilities on the course. He does not answer to me in his personal life. He answers to himself and Elin. Sadly he also answers to sponsors, who I suspect are about to drop him big time - Gillette, Accenture, Gatorade already have.

I read one story where a man was crying because his son loves Woods, and what will happen now? Sir, tell your son that here is another life lesson, people make mistakes. How Woods corrects this mistake will say far more about his character than what has happened. Use Woods' work ethic as a role model, not the man.

I feel sorry and not sorry for Woods. True, he brought this on himself, but the media has been brutal to a man who, as far as I can tell, has never harmed anyone in his life - except other golfers on the course. Hang in there Tiger.

We love a good comeback story, and I bet in the end Woods' comeback will be amazing.

Charlie

3.5 and It Was Fine

Today Mark and I went to the gym. It was very important to me that I run today. Since I started running, it has been a way for me to cope with the good and the bad. My professional life is running related, so there was a blur in there for me. A few weeks ago I did not get a promotion I had wanted at the store, so I have been down for the last couple weeks. It affected how I was with my running.

Mark and I sat down with the calendar tonight and charted my running for the next couple weeks. The goal is that the run will be a priority, and I will use it to really work through some issues in my head. I have missed that, and I need to get back to running as a part of my routine.

The 3.5 miles on the treadmill went well. I listened to some wonderful Celtic Christmas music. It made the run a bit more enjoyable. My thoughts during the run turned to my career, and what I want to accomplish. Nothing was settled in my mind today, but that's ok. It didn't need to be. I just wanted to start the process.

Charlie

Not Feeling It

This has been an odd week for me. I just have not felt like running. It would be easy to say I have been busy, too busy, but that would be incorrect. I have been down lately. Usually I would go for a run to cheer my spirits, but right now, I am just not feeling it.

So what is wrong? I have had some personal setbacks in the last few weeks, which are leading me to think about the future. Things I thought I knew, I am not so sure about. As much as I would like to go into what lead to my sadness, I can;t right now. It is deep enough that I feel I am at a cross roads.

There is much I want to do in life. One of those goals is developing my own non profit organization. Some know I hold a master's degree in non profit management. There have been organizations I had hoped to work for, but it has never worked out. So maybe the answer is to find a need, and see what call to action there is for me. I have a few things in mind.

How does this affect my running? Feeling down for an emotional eater like me means I tend to eat more, and I feel I have done that this week. I know things will turn around, and I will get back into a stronger desire to run. Who knows, maybe I just need to write all of this to get it out of my system. I plan on a run tomorrow, so we will see.

I just know that the disappointment I have had lately has had an important impact on me.

Mark has been a tremendous support for me. Also the fact Christmas is coming is helping.

I have decided 2010 is a year of change for me. Not sure what that change will look like, but I think it will be big.

Charlie

The Weather Outside is.....

We are having bad winter weather. It is a combination of snow/rain/bitter cold. No running outside. so I headed to the gym last night for my run. I did 3 really good miles. I did a combination of speedier work and put the treadmill on the random selection. Normally I don't do hill work, but I really wanted to change things up with my run last night.

Overall I felt good. I was listening to Phedippidations and smiling as Steve Runner was racing his friend Joe. Go Steve Go!!! Mark was on the bike doing some cross training.

During my run, I thought about fitness goals for 2010. I think I would like to work with the trainer again. I need a boost to make sure I am strong. For whatever reason I have felt I can't do it alone.

Still thinking about races for 2010. My first major race will be the Indianapolis Mini Marathon in May. I registered for this last year, but was not ready for it at the time. I will be ready this year, and Mark will be running it as well. It will be his first half marathon. Very proud of him.

Today the weather will be even worse. Oh winter....you have arrived.

Charlie

Back from a Cold

Sorry I haven't written much this week. I had a bad cold which really knocked me out. So today was my first run of the week/month. I ran 3 miles at the gym. Mark was on the treadmill next to me running. He ran 2 miles.

I suppose we could have run outside but he is not used to that yet, and I wanted to encourage him by running with him today. It was a good run. I ran at a good clip 12:04/mile. No real training yet, though I know what the next major race will be. I am trying to figure out the 2010 schedule. So I will have that up shortly.

So what was on my mind today during the run? Christmas. We are heading to Indiana to see old friends of mine, so I am thinking a lot about what to get everyone. If only they all ran. :-)

Running is a great way to put things into perspective in your mind. You can make shopping lists. You can figure what to do with the rest of your day. You can also think about life.

Yes, I thought about more that Christmas. I looked over at Mark, and just smiled. He has been such a joy to me. We have talked about marrying. There are several things which would need to happen, both politically and personally. But we have plans that include a commitment = hopefully legal one day. I love that guy, and am so glad he is hitting the road to run. He now talks about trail running. What have I created?

Charlie

Home Sick

Folks....I am sick. As you may figure I really hate being sick. I am not a good sick person.

The good news is Mark is taking care of me today....though I think he is getting this too.

Arrgh!

Charlie

Cross Train - Next Year's Goal

I was going to run at the gym today, but it was packed. I mean packed. There was a line of people for the treadmills(go figure). So I hopped on the bike and the elliptical. Overall I did 6 miles. I felt pretty good, but it seemed obvious I am not in top shape.

During the workout I thought about my weight goals for next year. I am now at 210 lbs. I would like to get back below 200. I think this is very realistic. I don't eat poorly, but I could eat better. I want to increase my veggie and fruit intake.

I will write about it in the coming year, and keep myself open here on my blog.

Charlie

Edison Park Turkey Trot

You got to love a good Turkey Trot. People come out from all over to run. Some are hardcore runners. Others are casual. Still others run once a year - Thanksgiving. About 3,000 showed up in Edison Park today to run one of the Chicago area Turkey Trots. Mark and I ran as well.

Everyone comes out for this race. Mom, dad, the kids, grandma. Heck today the Chicago Fire Dept. had they cadets run the race. It was chilly, a touch rainy, and we had a lot of fun. Mark and I ran together for about the first mile, then he had me go on. I had a good time out there seeing neighbors come out to cheer their friends. Of course with all the people running, I was surprised to see anyone was not running.

The time in a Turkey Trot is not the reason to run it. Running with family and friends is the reason. I did well enough time wise - 38:03. Mark finished in 44:17. The real fun was seeing people celebrate Thanksgiving with a run.

Charlie

Running With Mark

Today I got Mark up and out the door for a 4.3 mile run. Now I should note, this was not a training run. This was not a let's run and check our time. In fact I stopped the watch, because it was pointless to time the fun we were having.

We headed to Evanston, and did a run/walk combination. A little more walking than I do, but Mark has Achilles issues, so he needs to walk a bit more. Still it was a joy to run with him. At one point we stopped at a park and chatted with a lesbian couple, who were out with their dogs. They talked about trail running, which I wish I could do. I just don't have the feet for it. They made it sounds delightful though.

I can tell Mark enjoys running. I think he tries to beat me though. I keep reminding him this is about endurance and not speed at this point. He told me he prefers the fall weather to summer running. I agree 100%.

At the end of the run, the mist turned to sprinkles. Even that did not diminish the run.

Charlie

Community

One of things I love most about running is the sense that there is a running community out there. Yes, running can be a very solitary activity. It is that activity that brings so many people together. You see it at races. You see it a local fun runs. You see it online through the ever expanding RunNet Community. People come together over running. It is a pretty amazing thing.

In my almost 3 years working for Fleet Feet Sports, I have had the honor to meet so many fellow runners. Some I see on a regular basis. Others I see from time to time at races. I may not remember names, but I remember them, and they remember me. When we talk, it's like we are old friends.

Now it may be different at the competitive level. I don't know. I have never been at that level. :-) I do think though people who run are not only happier in life, but they spread that happiness through the rest of the community.

Today I got an email from a woman who is a regular at our store and fun runs. She and her husband come every week to run. I love talking to them, and have become friends with them. Her email was an invitation to a choral concert her husband is in. He sings! This a way we runners bond. We bond over running, and that expands into our lives. I love it.

Online, there are runners from all over the world, coming together to form the RunNet Community. These are people who blog, podcast, post about their running. It is using New Media to spread the our love and passion for running and to encourage others to get active and join us. Steve Runner, and other fellow runners are starting this movement, and I am a proud member of it.

Now community may not be your cup of tea. No worries. I'm not saying you all have to be part of the community. I am saying it is good to know that one more thing to love about running is that it encourages community.

Charlie

Musings on a Fall Run

Today I ran 5.4 miles to Evanston and back. Here are the very random things I thought along the run.

- It is a gorgeous 55 degree day. Just perfect.

- I have Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do" stuck in my head.

- Stopping at Murphy's Fit for a break. Never been to this running store. Guy tells me my shoe - The Brooks Dyad is only worn by 1% of runners. Makes me special.

- So many folks out running. I have said "Hi" at least a dozen times.

- What to bring to Thanksgiving dinner?

- Wishing Mark were out running with me.

- A little tired after getting up at 4 a.m. to deal with a false security alarm at work. Oy!

- Happy to see my friend Krys along the route.

- What should I run next year?

Lots of things occupied my head during this run. Darn that Janet Jackson song though, that was in my head the entire run.

Charlie

Working Through Disappointment

As you know I work in a running store. Yesterday I got the news - I was not promoted to store manager. I really wanted this promotion, and it was a hard pill to swallow when I got the news. I got lots of encouragement though. I was told I am outstanding in customer service and sales. They want me to develop customer service training for our employees. It would mean working in both stores. My general manager pulled me aside and told me he thought I was one of the classiest guys he has met - I am all class.

While I appreciate the comments, I am saddened.

We don't always win. I understand that. You can't always PR in a race. The bottom line is I still have a job I love. Every day I get to work with runners. Every day I get to share my passion. So in the end I am not really losing anything. I have to focus on that as I get over this set back.

Charlie

The Holidays

The holidays are upon us, and by the way - where did the time go? With the festivities comes food. Runners, like everyone else love to eat, and the temptation during this year is to over eat. Parties, dinners and gatherings mean LOTS of food. So what's a runner to do?

I love holiday food. I love the Egg Nog. I love the Yule Logs. I love it all. Like I have for years, I indulge. Let me re-phrase - I partake. The point is not to over eat. Have a glass of the Nog. I have a piece of the cake. Don't go back for seconds. Also make sure the serving you have is not the world's largest piece of whatever.

Also....if you are going to parties, know this, you don't have to have full meals or servings at every party. Have a little bit. All of those bites add up. If there are healthier alternatives have those. That chocolate mousse is a treat, make sure you are treating as such. Make it the exception and not the rule during this time of year.

It is so easy to gain the pounds during this time of year. If you are smart, you can have your cake, eat it too, and not gain the weight.

Charlie

Time to Lace Up and Run

Yes I ran today. Mark and I headed to the gym. The raw, windy, rainy weather just did not appeal to me. So we headed to the gym, where I got on the treadmill, turned on the Food Network and ran 3 miles.

I have to say it felt so good to be running again. I did not push and I did not speed. I just ran at a nice pace, watching "Everyday Italian." I not only ran 3 miles, but got an idea for Thanksgiving Turkey. Who knew oranges and lemons would be good to put in the bird?

I was a bit rusty, but after the first mile, I felt that rust fall off. So it was all good. Next week I am running a Turkey Trot, so I am looking just to be in the swing of things, so I can run with Mark on Thanksgiving.

Charlie

Back to the Run

This week I will run again. Did I mention I miss it. It's been tough this week helping people with their running, and not being in shape to run.

That changes this week. I am going to lace up the shoes and go for a run. Oh it won't be a long run. It will be long enough for me to enjoy it. I'm thinking Tuesday. We'll see....can't wait.

Charlie

So Now What?

The marathon is over. So now what do I do? Well once I get running again, I think the goal will be to have fun with running. Now that I am not training for anything, I can cut loose and not worry about time and how I am doing. I can just run. That is a liberating feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love to train, but I love to "just run" a bit more.

I do want an eye to the future though. Next year there won't be a marathon. I do want to do a couple half marathons though. Do I run one I have run before? Do I go for something different? Mark has a goal of a half marathon. Do I help him with that? Or do I just focus on my running? In January No Boundaries starts again. I will have a focus on that for 12 weeks. Gotta love running in winter. :-)

I've got plenty of time to think and plan for 2010. Still resting....but you can tell I am getting ready to get off the couch.

Charlie

Rest and Recovery

I have not run since the marathon. I can tell I am ready to get back to it, because today was the first day I wanted to run since the marathon. I am holding off though until sometime next week to run. I want to heal and recover from the race last week.

This is not always an easy time for me. I am used to running, so not running annoys me. When I'm not running, I feel I am losing out on something I need - that time to myself, to get away from the world. I will gradually get back to running. Soon I will come up with my next goals. For now...rest.

Charlie

47

Today is my birthday. While turning 47 is not a milestone, it is a time to reflect and look ahead. The last 47 years have had their share of joys and sorrows. I think what makes me especially good about reaching another year is that I have good health and love.

I was asked the other day what I wanted for my birthday. I actually didn't need anything. Don't get me wrong, I would love a new TV, a new IPod, some books, and a trip around the world. Those things, though, pale in comparison to being in good health and having love in your life.

Other than arthritis, I am good health. The doctor has been pleased with everything. I feel good, which is even better. Could I be about 10-15 lighter? Sure, who couldn't, but I am not complaining.

As for love, my life with Mark is a good one. People who know us would raise an eyebrow considering the odd home life we have(roommates from HELL), but in reality, we are good. We are supportive of each other, we take care of each other, we share a good life with each other. I will take that over an IPod that might break any day.

So what is ahead for me? Running is still ahead. No marathon in 2010, but there will be a half marathon or two. I will be coaching in the coming year. I love coaching the 5K group. Running with Mark, and encouraging his efforts. He has a goal of a half marathon....will help anyway I can.

At work, changes are ahead as we move into a larger space, and make some changes at the store - an exciting time.

Hopefully as I move ahead, I remember lessons of the past, make good decisions, and if I fail, try to learn from those mistakes.

Peace.

Charlie

Reflection

People have been asking me how I feel about my marathon. My thoughts are that this was perhaps my best marathon experience. Yes, I didn't hit my time. I can live with that. Yes, I walked a good portion of the course. I can live with that. What made this experience so wonderful was a combination of the people who were with me and where I ran.

My friends Kris and Mike are good people. I have known Kris since I was a student at Indiana University. I have always been close to her family. I was a grooms man in their wedding. They came to my college graduation. I have attended her sister's wedding. While we have not spent as much time together in the last few years as we did back then, these people are important to me. Now they have children, who are a great group of kids.

Together with Mark, they made such a terrific crew for my marathon. The kids had signs ready to cheer on "Uncle Charlie." I have not spent a lot of time with Kris and Mike's kids, but I have taken to them, and them to me. They also adore Mark. So we are uncles now.

Indianapolis holds an important part of my life. I lived there twice in the 1980s. It was where I started college at Butler University. It is also where life took a dramatic change for me. It was in Indianapolis where I received an HIV+ test result. As many people know, 2 1/2 years later it would come out that had been a false test result. Still Indianapolis is where I first dealt with who I was as an adult - facing possible death does that to you.

Also - I was reminded during this race, that runners don't want anyone to fail. Jon Cook from Puma really helped me when I needed it. No nutrition in my pouch. No NUUN in my bottle, and he happened by when I needed someone to, and got me Gatorade and a Power Bar. This is what I love about the running community, runners want everyone to cross the line.

All of this was a recipe for success in my mind. I will have other chances at my sub 6 hours, but I will never have another experience like this year's Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.

Charlie

Pictures From Marathon Weekend

Ideal setting for the race. The weather was good. The course was good, and I had a terrific crew. As you can see, some of the crew got me to the finish!