Thank You Steve Runner

It has been a long time since I listened to Phedippidations, one of my favorite podcasts. I wasn't listening, because I wasn't feeling much like a runner. Today though I listened on my 40 minute run, and I am so glad I did.

Steve, as always, does a fine job with the show. One of the reasons I have loved listening to the show is Steve's passion for running is contagious. His show on poetry was what I needed today. I loved everyone contributing poems to the show.

I will paraphrase, but the line that resonated with me was - failure only occurs if we have not had the courage to start. That made me smile and encouraged me so much.

The run was a solid 40 minute which felt better than the other day. I ran 3.2 miles and felt darned good.

In other news, NYC Marathon is offering a chance to withdraw applications for the lottery this year. That made some changes to the rules, so they are giving people a chance to get money back. I talked it over with Mark. Plan B will now me the GOAL. I will withdraw from the NYC Marathon Lottery, and focus on the Portland Marathon in October.

Let the road to Portland begin.

Charlie

Geist Half Marathon

I wanted to share the race I will be running May - the Geist Half Marathon.

http://www.geisthalf.com/

I will also share the course.

http://www.geisthalf.com/course.asp

HILLS!!!

Yes it is a pretty course, but there are hills. Now I got to work on my hill work. One step at a time right?

Very excited to have a race coming up to really focus on. Woo Hoo!

:-)Charlie

Slow Run Along the Monon

Today I ran with my friend Kris along the Monon. I had thought we would run for 30 minutes, but I felt good and had us run 40 minutes. We were pokey, at least I was. Kris was a good sport and ran at my pace. It was nice to catch up with Kris. I am so glad she has taken to running.

So during the run plans formed for the Spring. It looks like I have a spring half marathon. Kris is going to run the Geist Half Marathon in May. The Geist is a reservoir north of Indianapolis. I hear it is quite pretty. I also hear it is rolling hill after rolling hill. OY! It is Kris' first half, so I will be happy to run it with her. She may have to run ahead though.

For now the spring looks like Bulldog Jog 5K in March and the Geist Half in May. I am leaning towards doing the 10k at the Holy Half Marathon in South Bend in April. I think that would make for a fine spring run season.

So how did I feel about the run other than pokey? It's an adjustment for me being a heavier runner again. Speed and endurance will come with time, and I need to be patient.

At least I got a 40 minute run in today.

Charlie

First Step of the Week

Today's goal - 30 minute run.

Mission accomplished. I ran 2.37 miles in 30 minutes. Not a blazing run by any means, but I hopped on the treadmill and did it. A week of no running meant I was not at my best today. I feel good though for doing it. I had to get back on track, and I did.

As I ran, I thought about the races I want to do this season. I am registered for the Bulldog Jog 5K in March. The race runs through Butler University - home of the almost 2010 NCAA Basketball Champions.

My next race? I really want to run the 10K at the Holy Half Marathon at Notre Dame. That is in April . The question then is - what half marathon do I want to run??? This is the big question. I may run something local, or I may travel a bit. We'll see.

Charlie

The Week's Plan - Back on Track

So after a week of stress and work, I have planned my running schedule for the week. It starts tomorrow - a 30-45 minute run. The goal is to run for 3 days this week, and then 4 the following week. If I do 4 days this week - BONUS!

I still need a spring half marathon.

Charlie

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