Running With My Brother's Memory

In the 1981 film "Ordinary People", Timothy Hutton's character, Conrad, tells his therapist about what it's like to "compete" with his late older brother. They are always perfect, they make no mistakes. Friends and loved ones know of the unbearable loss my family suffered in 1968 when my brother, David was killed as a result of a lightning strike. He was 16.

As a 5 year old, no one idolized a big brother more. No big brother every showed love to his brother more. My brother was an A student, played basketball, golfed, fished. He was a good kid, who when he would come home from school, would make time for his little brother. In return, my mom would take me to his basketball games, and I would cheer for him.

Losing him was more than my parents could stand. His death was a defining moment in my family. My parents changed with the loss of their oldest son. My mother was sad for many years. My dad, who always had a smile and a joke, was somber and easily irritated. Five year olds understand the loss, but they don't always understand the aftermath of the loss.

As I got older, my parents came to understand I wasn't my brother. I didn't play team sports as a kid. I was in choir, Swing Choir, musicals and drama. I did golf, and I loved golf. My grades weren't anywhere close to straight A's, but I wasn't dumb either. Still, the question came up time and again, if David got good grades, why wasn't I? I was being compared to him, and it wasn't fair. He was dead, and their memories were of a perfect boy. How can you compare to that?

In my 20s it was clear I would never be like David. I came out, and learned that my life was mine, and living in David's shadow was not an option I wanted. I explored the things I wanted to explore, did what I wanted to do, and never did I wonder "what would David have done?"

I write about this because yesterday I received a DVD from one of my cousins. He had converted a 16mm film from 1967 to DVD. On the DVD was film of David playing basketball. Watching this could have brought a lot of pain. Instead it reminded me of the joy of having him in my life. It reminded me of the times he let me sit on his shoulders. David was 6'7", so you know I was touching the ceiling of our house.

So how does any of this relate to my running? Where David excelled in basketball, I have embraced and excelled(sort of) with running. He worked hard to do his best, just as I work hard to achieve my running goals. I feel our both being athletes is a common bond we now share, and I wish we could have shared then.

Today on my run, I was deep in thought about how I miss him, and nice memories I can still remember. At one point I wondered if he would be proud of what I have accomplished. I am a person who believes in signs, so imagine how I felt after I wondered that, I was given thumbs up, and was told "keep it up" by 3 different people. Maybe those were signs from David about how proud he was of me. At least I would like to think so.

I miss my brother as much today, as I did on that sad day in August, 1968, when we lost him. I take comfort though that he is with me in my heart always.

Charlie

Socks

Buying the right fitting shoe is one important piece to a successful run, but the other half of the equation is socks. To the average person, a sock, is a sock, is a sock. To the average runner a good sock can be the difference between a great run and a lot of pain and suffering.

Let's start with the basics - that cotton crew sock you wore in gym class is not going to serve you well in running. I tell people that cotton is rotten. While the cotton growers of America will curse me, even they will admit what I am about to tell you. Cotton does a wonderful job of absorbing moisture, but that's it. So when you are in the sweaty sock, running a 10 mile run, and the movement of the foot in your shoe is creating friction, that is how those nasty blisters occur.

Runners hear the term "wicking" all the time. This is referring to technical fabrics or merino wools which wick moisture away from the body. Technical fabrics include polyester, rayon, nylon, etc. Please note, I am not a scientist, nor do I play one on TV, but here is the skinny on what happens. As moisture hits the fibers, they expand, thus allowing the moisture to escape, or wick away.

Wait a minute....didn't I just say wool does this too? Merino wool to be specific. Merino wool not only has the wicking ability, but it can work as a temperature gauge. In the winter, the wool can insulate and keep you warm. In the warmer months, it can prevent overheating. Here is where my Mr. Science act fails. I don't understand totally why the temperature thing does that. Maybe one of you dear readers can enlighten me on that. All I know is I will wear Merino Wool socks year round.

Now does wearing one of these socks insure you won't ever get a blister? No. There are several reasons we get blisters. The socks are the leading reason. In other posts I will talk about some of the other reasons we blister.

Socks I like to wear are Balega, Feetures, Fits, Icebreaker, Smartwool and Injinji.

So put away the cotton crew socks you got at Target. Give your feet a break.

Charlie

Bartending Week

This week is what I affectionately call "Baretnding Week." This is the week that people who work in running stores become bartenders. No, I don't mean we are serving Vodka Gimlits....though there is an interesting idea. What I mean this is the week that runners, getting ready for the annual Mini Marathon seek advice from running store people, or it is the week of any big race in a community.

The topic vary. What to wear is a popular topic. What Gu to use is another. Of course there is the ever popular, should I get new shoes this week.

I know a lot of people get nervous on race week. Some people wonder if they can do it. I always try to reassure them, and tell them that the hard part is the training. The race is just one more run. It's a run we have a huge build up for, but it is still just another run.

As an experienced running bartender, let me offer some tips to get through the race week. Don't try anything new. Whatever you have done during training, stick with it. If you didn't train with Gu, don't try it on race day. You may experience gastric distress.

If you missed a few runs during training, don't make up for them this week. This is an injury risking endeavor. You ran what you ran, now just go with it.

Keep your eye on the weather, and figure out what to wear, and have it ready the night before. No one wants to stumble in the dark of the wee hours of the morning looking for those lucky running shorts. Lay everything out the night before. Alleviate the stress of looking for something in the morning.

Understand that you have no control of what happens on the day of the race. You can control how you react to things during the race, but if it is an 85 degree day, understand you may not PR, and just run a good and safe race. You deal with what the day gives you.

Have faith in your training. This is where a lot of nerves come from. People worry. There is no need to worry if you followed your training. The training is designed to do two things: help you build the miles so you have the stamina for a long distance race; and it is designed to minimize injuries. The training has gotten you to race day....now run and enjoy.

For those who are racing this weekend.....good luck and have fun.

Charlie

The Quest Begins

I have never attempted to run four half marathons in a year. I have done two marathons in a year, which could easily be broken down into four, but I have never set out to do four halfs in a year. Now I understand there are people out there who can do one a month, one a week, who knows, maybe even one a day. My feet won't allow for that, so I think shooting for four is a pretty good goal.

The first stop on this tour will be Chicago on July 22, when I run the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon. I've done this race before. While it isn't one of my favorite races, it will be nice to race in Chicago again. Of course I'm not too thrilled with the July weather, but I'll cope.

The actual start of this quest began this morning, as I started my training. I headed out for a 4.1 mile run, which took about an hour. It was warm and a tad humid. Mark rode ahead on his bike and did a 10 mile bike ride. I felt good on the Monon plugging away. This was not a speedy run. I just wanted a solid hour's run under my belt.

For my training, I would like to run 4 days a week, whenever my schedule allows. My base run will be a 4 mile run, and then slowly extend the miles and time from there - gradually of course. For the first race, I won't be gunning for a specific time, but I would like to hang around the 3 hour time frame.

The only thoughts running through my head were of the video I posted yesterday, and when I needed to use the bathroom, I jokingly told myself, "Pants my pee, pants my pee." I still get a chuckle

So the training has begun....the quest has begun. Stay tuned!

Charlie

Marathon Thoughts

Many thanks to Maggie Morrison for sharing this on her Facebook page. I thought this was one of the funniest things I have seen in a while.

It is truly amazing what goes on in our minds as we run long distance races. Our minds reel with obscure thoughts, what is happening at the moment, the need to pee or poop, or anything else which will pop into our heads.

As my sister can attest....I keep the phone handy and call at about mile 18 for the "oh crap what am I doing out here call." She's very good at keeping me going. She also reminds me at the end of the race, I can only wear the medal for about 24 hours....after that....well it's just wrong.

Kudos to my former roommate Robert Sirvio for completing his marathon in Nashville, TN yesterday. Nashville is a hilly hot mess, and anyone who can finish that course has done something really good.

Enjoy the video.

Charlie

Buying Shoes Before Race Day

Without fail, one of the things a shoe fitter guy like me deals with, is the person who comes into a running store, and wants to buy a pair of shoes days before their half or full marathon. This is a no-no for so many reasons. Let me restate though.....I'm talking about the person who is not simply replacing their shoe with a fresh version of their shoe. I am talking about the runner who wants a whole new shoe, one they haven't trained in for their race.

Ideally you want at least 50 miles on your marathon shoe, and about 25 miles on your half marathon shoe prior to the race. the latest you want to get your shoes is about 3 weeks before race day. I have been asked many times, "What's the worst thing which could happen in a new shoe on race day?"

This is not a complete list, but pretty substantial:

Blisters
Heel pain
Arch pain
Burning sensation in balls of the feet
Shin splints
Cramped toes
Achillies Issues
Knee pain

My question back is, "Why do you want to risk all that on race day?" Race day should be the celebration of training, and not dealing with issues because you bought a shoe the day before a big race. Last thing you need is to deal with issues, because you had to have a new shoe after 6 months of training in one shoe.

Now here is an interesting question. What if the shoe the runner has is two years old, and they have pain? Can they get a new shoe the day before? I go back to my earlier stand. Why take chances on the unknown?

Remember get those shoes in enough time to have some miles. Your training will have been for nothing if you injure yourself in a new shoe on race day.

Charlie

Half Marathon Goal

I was curious about how I am doing for the year running wise, and here is what I learned, based on my running stats.

January - April
118.62 miles
Avg. speed is 4.43 miles per hour.
Avg. pace is 13.42 min per mile

I thought it would be interesting to see where I am as I get ready to do half marathon training in earnest. What does this mean for my half marathon training. Of course I would like to be faster. I think I know though that won't be as fast as I used to be.

So what is realistic? I would like to bring my pace down to 13:15 min/mile. I know on the surface that doesn't seem like a lot. It would mean though that my half marathon finish time would be just under 3 hours. I can do it if my training goes well.

Because my goal is 4 half marathons, I'm giving myself plenty of chances to work on the time. For now I have three half marathons tentatively planned:

July 22 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon
Sept. 3 - Morse Mini
Oct. 7 Mo'Cowbell
#4 - TBD

I will start my official training for the half marathon quest this coming week. Let the games begin.

Charlie

Intro to Special Olympics

As most of you know, I spent a good chunk of last year raising money for the National Down Syndrome Society. My efforts were on behalf of my niece Sabrina. Over the last year, my sister has shared some wonderful photos and videos of Sabrina being a bright, funny, energetic girl. In watching the videos I have seen what a wonderful dancer she is. Sabrina is one example of what people with Down Syndrome can do.

Another organization which allows the world to see what all people with Down Syndrome can do is Special Olympics. I have mentioned Special Olympics in the past, but am happy to talk about them again today. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, after she had witnessed the treatment her sister Rosemary received. Now millions around the world have benefited from the athletic programs Special Olympics maintains.

The purpose of the games is not about winning, because all these athletes win. The purpose is about doing. It's about showing what is possible, and not what isn't. These athletes are determined to show the world what they can do. If it means taking longer to get around the track, or another go at a cartwheel, then so be it.

Each athlete takes the following oath....

"Let me win! But if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt."

The rest of us can learn alot from Special Olympians. As I read about our supposed role model athletes, I see a lot of greed, selfishness, and vanity. Too bad we can't require professional athletes to work with Special Olympians.

If you have time or opportunity, please consider supporting Special Olympics.

www.specialolympics.org

Charlie

The Art of Running

Today I am going to make the case that running is an art form. Yes, running is a sport, an activity, a form of exercise, but I believe it is also an art form. Running can entertain, inspire, move, or even repulse us.

The video on the left is from the classic movie "Chariots of Fire." In this instance, running is showing us a graceful form. It's something beautiful to behold.

Of course it helps that there is a Vangelis soundtrack associated with this clip. Still as you watch the runners you understand they are training, but they are doing it with style, ease and grace.

Every four years we marvel at the stunning abilities of Olympic athletes from around the world. These are men and women who train most of their lives for a shot at glory. It can be exciting and sad to watch. We are moved by the performance of these athletes.

One of the greatest runners in the world is Paula Radcliffe. Radcliffe has been a top marathoner for several years, but Olympic glory has eluded here. In the Athens 2004 Games, Radcliffe got sick during the marathon, and eventually had to end her quest. In Bejing 2008, again, there was heartache as Radcliffe suffered injuries and pushed through. In watching her 2008 performance, the audience is moved as a determined Radcliffe struggles to finish.

If there is agony of defeat, we thrill when watching victory. As an audience we love to root for the one from behind to win it all. The 800m final for the 2008 US Olympic Trails is one of the most dramatic races you will ever see. Nick Symmonds is boxed in the back, but his last lap is stirring and thrilling. Watching Andrew Wheating also push from the back to make the team is spectacular. Christian Smith dive to make the team completes the emotionally exciting run.

Running can make us laugh. If you have attended a marathon, no doubt you have seen costumed runners. You can't help but smile as you see a banana pass by. When I work with runners, so many of them think they look silly when they run. They don't. At least they don't compared to these guys...

I haven't even touched on running form. How often have we seen a Greek statue of a runner. The sheer beauty of the form moves us. Kenyans are called graceful or gazelle like. This is art. It starts with a person, but it turns into something else. It can look like a statue, it can be a sitcom, or it can just be a real life painting. Running, like art, generates emotions, be it laughter, tears, or joy.

Charlie

Frontrunners

In running, there tends to be trend that a single book can create a movement. There are three books I believe fit into that category: "Once a Runner" by John L Parker, which created a generation of devoted runners; "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougal, which has spurred the barefoot running phenomenon; and "The Front Runner" by Patricia Neil Warren, which created generations of gay runners. I have read all three, and I understand the movements they created.  From "The Front Runner" came an organization called Frontrunners,  a running group for LGBT people.

My first exposure to the group was when I lived in Chicago. They are a large group of runners and walkers. They are a highly organized group who creates running opportunities for the community. The international organization of Frontrunners sits on the board of the Gay Games.

I bring this up, because I believe running is very communal. No matter what our differences we can come together and talk about running, and run with each other. As I participated in the Gay Games in 2006, I saw that community in action. The very hot days I ran the 5K and 10K races, there was a sense of a common bond which linked us. While I have never enjoyed the actual course of the Proud to Run races in Chicago, organized by the Frontrunners, I have very much appreciated the coming together of gay men and women for a run.

LGBT people have become more visible and open in the last 30 years. We have not only come out of the closet, but we have joined the mainstream to show that we are no different that anyone else. It is still important though to have our groups and communities which bind us. Groups like Frontrunners play an important part in keeping our spirit of community.

As a gay man who works and participates in the running community, I very much value the community that Frontrunners creates. It is good to know that I can go into a city with a Frontrunners and just join in! That's how it should be.

Charlie

Encouraging New Running Spaces

I have been very fortunate to live in cities which have wonderful paths for running. Chicago is blessed with the Lakefront Path, as well as trails in area forest preserves. Indianapolis has the Monon Trail. I realize though not every community has a trail or path which encourages running, walking or biking.

There are organizations out there which encourage the creation of paths and trails. In Indiana we have The Greenways Foundation.

www.greenwaysfoundation.org

Organizations like Greenways promote and encourage the development of trails and paths. They do this via providing community grants, assisting with trail design, recommending new pathways, environmental consulting, etc..

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with just heading out the door to run down the street. I do that as well. I believe there is something special and encouraging about a dedicated path or trail for running. There is also a safety issue. While running along side a road is fine, there is always the danger of an accident.

I encourage you to seek out organizations in your community, possibly getting involved, so we can have more wonderful dedicated spaces to run.

Charlie

Running Wish List

I have never been a fan of the term Bucket List. There's no real reason why, except I find it an ugly term. I prefer to use the term Wish List. As a runner, there are some places I would like to run, whether they be in races, or just places to run.

Here is my list(in no particular order):

London Marathon
Paris
Heywood Field(Eugene, OR)
Boston Marathon or Half Marathon
Marine Corps Marathon
NYC Marathon/Central Park
Comrades Marathon
Montreal
Vancouver Half Marathon
Chicago Marathon(completing it this time).

If I had one more wish, it would be that I could organize a race of some sort. I think I would like to create a race that would be fun for the masses, and still challenging for those who need a bit of a challenge.

Would love to know what is on various other peoples wish lists.

Charlie

Observations During a Marathon

This morning I was up and at 'em early as I was cheering runners running the annual Carmel Marathon and Half Marathon. It was chilly. Ok....it was cold. Still I was out there with cowbells making some noise for the runners.

The first group were the half marathon leaders. These were a serious bunch of guys. They looked grim and cold. I know, they're supposed to be serious. Still, they looked tense.

Soon they were followed by the faster casual runners. These folks could crack a smile at least. Some even appreciated my never ending cowbell ringing. One woman even told me she had the very bells I was ringing.

The marathon folks came upon, and again the Serious Sams were running with focus. Yeah...I know, they want to win.

What I always appreciate is what I call the Sea of Humanity. This is that part of the race where the masses now go by you. They are the ones who smile, give a thumbs up or high five. I was high fived a couple times come to think of it. These are the folks who sometimes are seen in costume.

No costumes today. Personally I would have worn tights and something a bit warmer. I saw lots of sleeveless shirts and short shorts, and very cold looking bodies. No wonder they were serious - they wanted out of the cold.

Today was not a day I was wishing I was out there running - a bit too brisk for me. Still it was a good day, and as always, was glad to cheer on my fellow runners.

Comment of the day.... I asked a woman I was standing near if she would run a marathon. She said, "Are you kidding people DIE doing this!"

Charlie

Better Memory? Run!

Undergraduate researchers at Boston University have released a study which says that people who run have better memory and recall than those who don't. Yes, the couch potatoes are struggling to remember what they did last night, while runners everywhere can remember the Pythagorean Theorem. It's really not surprising when you think about it.

On a run your mind is working differently than at any other time. You're thinking about the day ahead, or how the day went, depending on the time of day you run. You're mentally making birthday/Christmas lists(must remember that Mark wants a tattoo for his birthday).  You may be meditating. So while you're doing all of this, these researchers are saying you are promoting the growth of new neurons.

Trust me, I am the last person to be citing anything scientific. I'm the guy who steered clear of Science Fair projects in school. Still I find this to be interesting, and wonder how it may apply to people as they grow older, and there is more a chance of dementia. The BU researchers also wonder about this, and propose this as an idea for future study.

To read more about the study go to - http://www.bu.edu/today/2012/inquiring-minds-exercise-and-mental-recall/

Let's see....what was it I needed to do at work today? Better go for a run and figure it out.

Charlie

Yes, I Know I Don't Look Like a Kenyan

I have thought about how I look as far as being a runner. Shocking as this may seem....I'm not a Kenyan. There is nothing lanky about me. I have no gazelle like stride. I also don't look like someone who needs to be given a Chicken wing.

In the running world I am considered a Clydesdale. In general terms, that means a bigger runner over 200 lbs. Yeah I know, it also means a horse. I'm ok with the fact I am not a Kenyan. I'm not so sure I like being labeled after a horse.

I bring this up, because at some point during my work day, I get the following comment, "You run?" In my business, I think the average customer expects a cross country skinny guy to be the one who helps them. There are plenty of those folks who work in running stores. I like that fact I look more like the average runner. I just get a bit irked when I am asked if I run.

As I talk about my running, and what I have accomplished, I like the fact that I am possibly blowing this person's mind. I like the fact I am breaking down the stereotype. When I am on the Monon, a good many of the runners look like me, and I'm good with that.

I just remember back to when I started running, how I didn't want anyone to see me run, so much so that I would get up at 5am to run before other runners headed out. I felt that I would be pointed at, or made to feel I didn't belong. The fact is I not only belonged, but I was the majority.

So yes I run, and yes I look like I do, and yes I am a Clydesdale....does that make me the King of Runners?

Charlie

Statistics

Last night on Facebook, I gave a break down of the races I have run since I began my running career in 2004.

5K - 8
4.5 Mile run - 1
6 Mile - 1
8K - 4
10K -3
10 Mile Run - 3
1/2 Marathon - 7
Marathon - 4*
*2007 Chicago Marathon - race stopped before finish.

As I look at my race stats, here is what I find interesting....at least to me:
Average marathon time is 7:23:18
Average 1/2 marathon time is 3:11:05
Average 10K time is 1:17:44
Average 5K is 41:01
Marathon PR - Indianapolis Monumental 6:41:04
1/2 Marathon PR - 2:45:04
10K PR - 1:16:46
5K PR - 35:21

No need to go into detail about the slow poke races. All of those PRs have been some time ago, when I was a bit fitter. I am more likely these days to run at the average time, and I'm ok with that. Still I would like to hit a PR in the 1/2 marathon at some point in the next year.

Here is one things the stats don't tell you - my favorite races. These are the ones I really enjoyed, and had an amazing experience.

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Sunburst Half Marathon
Holy 10K
Gay Games 5K
Portland Marathon
Chicago Half Marathon
Rock n Roll Phoenix Marathon

My least favorite? That can be the subject of another post.

If you are interested in looking through your race statistics go to www.athlinks.com. You can see what all you have done.

Charlie

The More I Run, the More Joy I Find

For the better part of a couple years, I had lost some of my joy of running. I still liked running, but I wasn't loving it. There are a number of reasons I believe it happened. Some of it was the negative world I was in while I was in Chicago. I found towards the last year I just wasn't happy with my life. Running which was so important in making me happy, was being swirled into that unhappiness.

Recovering my joy has been a process. Much like running, it has been a step by step endeavor. I have found joy in the people I work with. I have found joy in the people I train each week. I have found joy in finding new and wonderful places to run. I have found joy the more I run.

I love lacing up my shoes and knowing I'm about to head out and see something cool. This morning, for instance, I got a chuckle out of seeing a squirrel on the side of the trail, just watching me. It didn't even run away as I approached it. So....being the good neighbor I said, "Morning."

I'm reading more about running. Books, magazines, anything running themed, I am back to reading, and loving it. I am seeking videos on You Tube which involve running. I'm also up for a good running themed movie.

Now I eagerly look forward to races. Next up? Rainbow 5K, Indiana's first LGBT Pride Race. Woo hoo!!!

Welcome back joy of running....I missed you.

Charlie

P.S. I am even enjoying writing about running again.

The Role of Support

My friend Melissa is running the Boston Marathon this morning. On Friday she told us the friend of hers who was going to run with her, had backed out, and she was heading out alone. I began to feel very badly, wishing I could give myself the time off to go and root for her.

Marathoning is a lonely race at times. What really helps is the support you get from family, friends, and assorted loved ones out on the course. Mile 16, and your legs are feeling heavy, and you know you are about to "hit the wall," it truly lifts you when you can see a friendly face, and hearing the cheer you on.

Last year a woman handed me a sign with her 16 year old son's name on it. It was his first marathon, and she was following him at various points on the course, but where I would be was not bike accessible. I took the sign, and as the kid came by, I lifted up the sign, and got my group to all chant his name. He smiled, and kept on going. Later he would tell me that turned out to be his fastest mile, because he felt energized when he saw and heard us.

For me, a pivotal moment in the Portland Marathon last year, was when I met up with Mark at mile 12. I was a bit soggy from the rain, and a achy. My energy rose once I saw him and got a much needed hug.

Waiting for a runner at a mile marker may not be the most exciting thing for the loved one, but I want them to understand that the simple act of being there is such an important part of the race for a runner.

Thanks to all the supporters who come to the races and cheer us on. Thanks for supporting your runner. Best of luck to Melissa today. I texted her yesterday to let her know I would be following her via alert texts. She texted back that she appreciated my support, and will keep my words of advice in her head and she gets through the tough parts of the course.

Charlie

Marathon Day Advice

Tomorrow is the annual running of the Boston Marathon. Already there are advisories for heat. A friend of mine is running tomorrow, and she is very nervous about the heat. She typically doesn't run well in heat, or so she has said.

Here's the thing, you have to deal with whatever the day brings. In an ideal world(or at least my ideal world), every marathon would be in 45-50 degree weather, and it would be sunny. One of the interesting things about running road races is you have to deal with the weather. It is the one thing on race day you can't control.

You can train for the distance. You can train for the speed. You can train for a climate, but you can't train for whatever may happen on race day. A heat advisory today, could turn into severe thunderstorms tomorrow. You just don't know. So you have to just accept what the day brings.

This was the big lesson I learned with the Portland Marathon last year. A 40 degree drizzly day is something you can't control. What you can control is how you respond to it. So for the Boston folks tomorrow, my advice is understand it will be hot. If you aren't prepared to run in 87 degrees, pull back and take it easy. Just focus on what your body is telling you, and don't push. Save your energy, because you will need it over a long period.

Best of luck to everyone in Boston tomorrow.

Charlie

"Is That a Radio Station?"

Yesterday I wore a shirt with huge numbers which read, "26.2" and the word "Portland" by it. I was in a local Starbucks ordering my Venti Iced Coffee with two Splenda, when the young woman at the register said, "What kind of music do they play?" "Excuse me?" I asked. "Is that a radio station in Portland?" I explained it was referring to a marathon. She still looked confused, but a co-worker told her the number meant miles in a race. Stunned, she said, "You mean you actually RAN 26.2 miles?"

I not only told her I did, but I have run a few of them. Her co-worker chimed in that he came from a running family and used to run, and he did marathons. I asked him which was his favorite one, and he told me about a 10K he ran a few years back. A 10K? He called it a a 10K marathon. So much for coming from a running family.

Let's review:

5K - 3.1 miles
10K - 6.2 miles
Half Marathon - 13.1 miles
Marathon - 26.2 miles
Ultra Marathon - Anything beyond 26.2 miles

Only one of those is called a marathon, and it ain't the 10K. I have heard this all before. In my running career, I have heard marathon attached to just about any distance. Yes, I know, I know, to that person it may seem like a marathon to them, but I am picky about this. I have run these things, and it was nothing like a 5K.

Then there is the term Mini Marathon. In Indiana, people use that term a lot to describe a half marathon, mostly thanks to the annual 500 Mini Marathon in May in Indianapolis. So I usually hear people talk about this mini or that mini.

Just to confuse people further, the good folks at the Rock n Roll group have created a Mini Marathon in conjunction with their half marathon in Chicago. This distance is 3 miles. Wouldn't that make it a mini mini mini marathon? And really...why not just add the .1 and make it a 5K. Come on!

Am I sounding grumpy about this? Yes. I just like correct terminology. I suppose that's where my mother comes out in me.

Charlie