My Mind

This has been a busy week since I got back from Florida, so I am sorry I haven't written. I have not been able to run with the schedule I had at work this week, but I am plotting next week's running. Two very different issues to talk about today.

Running wise, this has been a great week - not my running though. Thursday was the last night of the First Steps Program I coached for five weeks. Beginner runners are so cool to work with. I enjoyed heading out with them on the runs, and getting to know them. Some of them have decided to train for the Indy Mini Marathon.

Training programs for the Mini started today, and I am one of the coaches of the program. It is a wonderful thing to watch 50-60 people head out on a cold winter's morning for their first run of the program. And it was a cold one - 5 degrees!

While it was so wonderful to watch enthusiastic runners, my thoughts have been elsewhere. My dad is not well. He is 93 years old and lives with my stepmother in assisted living. Mark and I visited last weekend, and I was glad I did.

Dad has great difficulty getting around. He has walkers and a motorized chair to get around. He is also dealing with blood pressure issues which give him mini strokes - as I call them. These episodes leave him feeling a bit confused or dopey as he calls it, and he can get a bit crabby. He is having more of these.

It is incredibly hard to watch your parents deteriorate. Watching my mom die was painful. Watching my dad getting slower, and dealing with his issues is also difficult. Dad won't talk about what is going on with him, but he will talk about other things.

On our trip he asked about my job. I told him, as I have in the past what I do. It's safe to say he doesn't always get what a running specialty store does, or why anyone would go to one. I think he is just happy I am working. No, it isn't the career he wanted for me....but it is the one I love.

He also has an odd time understanding my running. I don't really what he thinks. I tell him about my running, and he gives me that patient look, like I just said something stupid, but he will pretend to be interested. I know it probably bores him. That's ok....I did the same thing with his fishing.

Can you tell my dad and I have an interesting relationship?

Still, it is hard to wrap my brain around his failing health. I still think of him as the strong vital man I knew growing up. Not the old, barely walking, man I see today. That is not the Joe Colpaert I know.

My sister and I have already talked about the inevitable. We started these discussions some time ago. They are no different than what siblings have talked about when their parents' health is going. Still, you have to have those talks. Mentally I am ready. Emotionally it will be hard.

On a day of watching people go out and be active, my thoughts were on one who could not be.

Charlie

After This Last Week....

Last week was a difficult week. Mark has a seizure this last week. It was his first one in over a year. When someone has a seizure it is not only physically devastating, but emotionally hard as well. It is hard not only hard for Mark, of which it takes him some time to recover, but it's hard for me too.

It is difficult times like this I think running becomes important. It's a time away from the issue. A chance to re-group. It's a chance to recharge.

Sadly, there was little time for that until today.

Today I went on a short run here in Naples, FL, where I am visiting my family. I wished it could have been a longer run. I need one. Still I got out. I cleared my head, and still felt good with my run.

Mark and I have our challenges with his seizures, but I am glad to know I have my outlet to help cope.

Charlie

Got to Train

Today I ran for 40 minutes at the gym. It was one of those runs where you feel good, and that you know things are going your way. My first 24 minutes were on the track, the last 16 minutes were on the treadmill. Both felt good, and I covered more ground this week than last week during my 40 minute run. Last week - 3.22 miles, today - 3.26 miles.

I felt a little more like myself. The mantra in my head was "Got to train."

Today I decided on a 5K to run, so my head was in the place where I "got to train." It felt good to tell myself that I was training. Looking at the Bulldog Jog 5K in March. Now I need a half marathon for the spring.

Afterall - I got to train.

Charlie

Day 5 - Baby I'ts Cold Outside

As you all know I am a notorious weather wimp. That was put to the test today. New snow, temps hover around ZERO, and it was a First Steps day. First Steps is the beginning running groups I am coaching. Seven braves souls showed up, so it would really be bad if the coach did not go out.

Out I went. We ran for 20 minutes, and to be honest, I enjoyed. Oh yes it was cold, but all I had to do was 20 minutes in -7 F wind chill. I lived to tell the tale.

The runners had fun, I had fun, and now I get to rest for a day. Again the goal next week is 4 runs.

Charlie

Day 4 - Testing Patience

I ran today. It was a 2 mile run, but I ran it. I found it to be a true test of patience. I am incredibly patient in life. Family and friends might think I am too patient. There is one person I am not patient with - me.

I want to be the guy who can run an 11:00/mile, not the guy who is running a 12:25/mile. Yes....I know this will take time. Did I mention I'm not patient with myself? I have a feeling this will be a long slow journey, and I better suck it up.

Still I was happy to get the run in. This was the first time I have run more than 3 days in about two years. I have missed it.

Charlie

Day 3 and it Feels Good

My goal for the weeks is run 4 day. I am 3/4 of the way there. Today was day 3 of running, and I took it as another step froward. Today's goal was a 40 minute run. Check that off the week's goals - I did it.

The first 25 minutes were on the track at NIFS(my gym). The last 15 minutes were on the treadmill. I think the hardest adjustment for me these days is realizing that I can't run 11:30 pace. I am a 12:30 pace at best. That is what extra weight does to you.

I felt good running today. I realize now that I have to take it all one step at a time. I found I was doing some intervals on the treadmill, I used to do when I was initially losing weight. I would run a 5.0 for two minutes, and 5.1 for one minute. That kept me motivated from interval to another.

Charting my progress is going to be good for me. I see it as motivation. I use Buckyeye Outdoors website to log all my runs. You can see my progress on the link on the right side of my blog.

Feeling good, and looking forward to Day 4.

Charlie

Got My 30 Minutes In

Today the goal was simple - run for 30 minutes. It was biting cold, so Mark and I headed to the little gym in our complex. I hadn't used the gym here, so I thought we would give it a try. Yes...not all treadmills are alike - too bad. This one did not set the world on fire.

Still the goal was 30 minutes, and that's what I worked on. In that 30 minutes I ran 2.42 miles. I have run faster and farther in that amount of time, but for the shape I am in, I'll take it.

I did weigh myself. I will do that every couple of weeks and report to all of you. Today's weight - 239 lbs. Yup I have lost one pound since I last weighed myself. Not Earth shattering, but I'll take that too.

Tomorrow is a 10 hour work day, so no run is planned. I am gunning for a couple days from now.

Charlie

"You Are Making a Difference"

Tonight was a First Steps night. Our group of about 12 is down to about 7 committed people. We are jogging/walking about 15 minutes at a time. For some this is the first time they have run or been active. For others, they are looking to get back into being active.

I ran/walked with one woman tonight who told me a co-worker of hers died this last year, and she was encouraged to take up running so she wouldn't meet the same fate. As it turns out, she loves it, and is signed up for the Indy Mini Marathon.

As we ended the night, she told me that I am making a difference in her life, not just with the running part of the program, but the words of encouragement I give her.

That made my night.

Charlie

First Workout of the New Year

The goal today was to get to the gym, run and workout. Mission accomplished. I ran for 26 minutes. I did the Elliptical for 4 minutes. I also did 100 crunches. There is nothing like a serious workout to show how out of shape you are. Phew!

Still I was happy I did this. I felt good, tired, but good. Now the hard part- getting a routine of this.

So how was my running? Having not run for over a week, the first run back is always a killer. I felt good as I moved. I was paying attention to my gait and stride. I was happy with both. Clearly I didn't do speed work, but that will come in time.

First run of the year is in the books....time to get busy!

Charlie

The Year That Wasn't and the Year That Will Be

Anyone who reads this blog will know about the struggles I had this year. It really wasn't a year of running for me. I think it was the year of just plodding along. I'm sorry you all had to read about plodding, when you came here to read about running.

It was a year of stress, upheaval, and change. Some for the good, some not for the good. So I say we kick out 2010 and embrace 2011. The year that wasn't is making way for the year that will be.

We know I have the fall scheduled. Now I need a training plan and some spring and summer goals. Of course the main goal is FAR more important.

I need to be healthier and fitter in 2011. It is vital to me. I need to tackle the mental as well as the physical well being. I know I have had a lot of emotional issues, but I have lacked structure in my life. So I have started writing down dedicated this month for running or working out. I think this will help.

I am also determined to be a better blogger. I want people to enjoy the blog, and not worry if I ran or not. So I pledge to be a bit more interesting. Hang with me....I promise to be my old self again.

Charlie

Sad Day

Today is a hard day for me. I have written on this before, but now the elephant is being addressed. I have gained a significant amount of weight. As for this morning I am at 240lbs.

I cried. Poor Mark had to console me. I feel like a failure at the moment. I feel like so much I worked for is gone.

There are so many reasons why this has happened. Number one though is, that as an emotional eater, I have not found a healthy way to deal with emotional issues in my life. I need to do that. Step one is to make a plan, and stick with it.

I now know my January schedule, so I am going to schedule workout/run time. When the doctor told me he wanted me to run only 3 days a week, I feel that was the beginning of this. I am going to work on bumping the running back up to 5 days a week. My hips feel fine, and I think it is worse for them if I don't run.

As for the emotional issues I am dealing with in my personal life. I am going to make a concentrated effort to work on those. I may be sharing some of what is going on here. I feel this will keep me more honest.

For those of you who read this and have been inspired by my story, I feel I have let you down. I know I have let myself down. Please keep the faith that I will get a grip on this and turn things around. It does me no good to go back to being 300+ lbs.

Today I am discouraged. I know I will be fine....but for today, I feel like failure.

Charlie

Merry Christmas

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Charlie

The Great Equalizer

Yesterday I ran on the track of the gym. It was actually a very busy track day. Lots of people were running, and I observed a several things. First of all the track is oval. Granted that is not a startling revelation. I already knew that. Work with me for a few minutes though.

That oval puts runners on a level playing field. There was the guy with gazelle like abilities speeding around. There were the two women I passed a couple of times who were doing a run on their lunch hour. There was the young man training for his boot camp. How do I know that? He was running in boots with a back pack - fully loaded - on his back. There was also the older man who was just running hard, as I imagine he always runs.

It doesn't matter how fast or slow you go on the track. Everyone starts and finishes at the same place. No one is competing, but we all have a common goal. Starting, running and finishing is what we are all doing, and it doesn't matter how - we all do it.

That oval makes us all equal. The only time we are separated is in competition.

Last night was another First Steps session, and the one woman who was walking told me she almost didn't come, because she doesn't like being last. I told her it isn't about the placement. It's about the journey. She understood, but I could tell she didn't want to be last. I did put a positive spin on things - I told her we would be first back to the store. She laughed.

The oval of the track reinforces the notion that running is about the journey and not the final destination. Destination is why there are races.

Charlie

Quite an Anniversary

Today is a special day for me. It was 4 years ago I started my career in running specialty. Over the last 4 years I have had some wonderful experiences. I have met some wonderful people. I have also learned so much about running.

One of my favorite things I have gotten to do is to share my love of running with people. In Chicago I had the honor of training couch to 5K programs. I have been amazed at the stories people bring to running, and how I can help them achieve their goals.

Today I added another chapter to my story. I am coaching a program called "First Steps." This is a program for people who have not been active, as they take their first steps to be healthier lifetime. I met some wonderful person.

One woman really stuck with me. She and her husband are doing the program together. She is coming back from a brain aneurysm. She had been in a wheelchair, re-learned to walk, now wants to run. WOW! I am in awe.

I have met people from the woman I described to superstar Ryan Hall. I am so blessed to be in this business. Happy Anniversary.

Charlie

First Steps - Coming Soon

Saturday I will be co-coaching a beginning walking/running program called "First Steps." This is a 5 week starter program designed to get people off the couch and moving. This is not a couch to 5K program, which I have coached in the past. This one is for the person who needs to begin a journey to be fitter. I am honored to be asked to coach this.

I am going through my own journey these days, so I am hoping that this will give me a personal kick start. Even if it doesn't though, I am thrilled to help people. Just part of the reason I love working in running specialty.

Charlie

Hit That Treadmill

Today we were at the gym, and I ran a good solid 3 miles on the treadmill. I have had a hard work schedule this week, so I was really glad to hit the gym. For the first mile, I ran at a 5.0-5.1 pace, breaking at the 6 minute mark for a walk break. The second mile was 5.0-5.2, but I was using an incline up to 1.5%.

I like mixing things up with an incline, because the world is not a flat 0% incline. As you all know it is so hard to find a race that is completely flat, so a bit of incline training helps.

On my mind today - I was very focused on finishing the 3 miles in under 36 minutes. It didn't happen, but I was fine with how I ran, and my time was 36:10. Can't really complain. My mantra during the run was "Just do this." Sorry Nike, I paraphrased. I find it helps to have a common thought or mantra in my head as I run. As a result, I think I had a really good run today.

Charlie

40

A few years ago, frequent readers will remember how happy I was when I became a size 38. Those readers, and the rest of you will now see how unhappy at being a size 40. I had to do it. I didn't like doing it, and I am trying not to be depressed about it. Today though, I had to buy some size 40 jeans.

I am trying to be realistic about this. I am looking at this as temporary, not that that I will be a 42, but I will again be a 38. Still it was hard trying on the larger size. I saw it as a temporary setback and not a defeat.

I have talked about my recent weight gain, and I will talk about my eventual weight loss, because that is how I see it - eventual. I have some running goals, and I need to be in shape for them. I promise you I am determined to do it.

Charlie

Fall Marathon Decision

Today I made a bold choice while considering my fall marathon for 2011. I am in the lottery for the NYC Marathon, but I doubt I will get in. I want Plan B ready to go, and I wanted to pick I had wanted to do for a while. One was getting close to closing, so I jumped on it.

If I don't get into NYC, then I will be running the Portland Marathon. I am actually VERY excited about this. I love Portland, and this is a great chance to really see the city. October will be a great time to be in Oregon.

If by some freaky reason I do get into NYC, I will most likely sell my bib number for Portland.

So now I have a goal.....now I still need a 1/2 marathon for the Spring.

Charlie

Shadow and Straight Ahead

Today my goal was 3 miles on the track at the gym. So while it was FREEZING outside, I was at the gym on the track. I was very proud that I got that 3 miles in.

So how did it go? It went well. I was zipping around the track. I did a couple of things, and I learned something interesting. I noticed I was looking down quite a bit and was watching my shadow on the track. From what I saw, I had a plodding gait. So how did I correct this?

I looked straight ahead. I started picking spots on the walls, and fixed my eyes on them. I soon noticed my gait was elongated and I actually moved faster. I was surprised by this. I felt easier as I ran, and the run felt darned good.

I will see if this continues on future runs.

As for other issues....I need a half marathon for the Spring - any ideas?

Charlie

Determined

Yesterday I was determined to run 4 miles - and I did it! The gym was a must, and I went for two miles on the track. Then I hit the treadmill for another 2 miles. My music of choice started with Christmas songs. What can I say I am THE Christmas Queen! :-)

Finding a time to really run is problematic with my schedule, but when I have time, I am determined to do the miles. Yesterday was important to me. The next run will be important to me. Running helps me be sane in a world of chaos. It centers me. I miss the regularity of running.

I need to find that time. I need to be as determined in finding the time as I am in my accomplishing my miles.

Charlie