I haven't been able to blog over the last few days, and I will update you in a later post about the week. Needless to say our hosts at Nike have been wonderful, and we have the spirit of Pre with us.
Today though is about the start of an amazing journey. My team has already started, and I will be running later today. If you have followed this blog, you know what this race means to me today.
My life has been about the physical obstacles put ahead of me: born with clubbed feet; battling to lose 100 lbs, and overcome a pre-Diabetic condition; and finally a heart attack last year. Each time I have won the battle.
Today has it's own challenges. I will be running 18+ miles of a 197 mile race. I've bitched a bit about the last leg I have. I've whined about the rain that is expected. The truth is I don't know what this journey will hold until I head out there and run.
My team knows I'm not the fastest guy, but they will know I will work the hardest to get the team to the finish. Taylor, Mallory, Tim, Sam, Jason and I are part of The A Team, and are in Van #2. Our team number is 998.
As I pack for the race, I realize what I've been through, and understand what I need to do. Now it's time to do it. Hood to Coast is here.
Charlie
Friday, August 28, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
Hood to Coast 4 Days Away: The Dream is Happening
A year ago I was dejected that I had been asked to run Hood to Coast and couldn't due to my heart attack. A few months ago, I was reminded sometimes dreams do come true, and tomorrow I am off to Oregon to live it.
It's an early pre-dawn flight to Portland, as I head out to run this year's Hood to Coast. Over the next few days I will be meeting my teammates, touring Nike, Eugene, OR, and of course running. I've been excited all day.
Nervous? The race will take care of itself. I wish I trained more and better, but I always wish that. So now I head out on an adventure. I will do my best to keep everyone posted as I am out there.
Just so excited!
Charlie
It's an early pre-dawn flight to Portland, as I head out to run this year's Hood to Coast. Over the next few days I will be meeting my teammates, touring Nike, Eugene, OR, and of course running. I've been excited all day.
Nervous? The race will take care of itself. I wish I trained more and better, but I always wish that. So now I head out on an adventure. I will do my best to keep everyone posted as I am out there.
Just so excited!
Charlie
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Hood to Coast 5 Days Away: Packing Day
I head off to Oregon day after tomorrow, but I begin packing today. An empty suitcase always looks like an opportunity to me. Time to plan and fill it with what I will be doing.
Let's see on this list.....
Running shoes
Socks
Running shirts
Running shorts
Sunscreen
Hats
Body Glide
A jacket in case of rain(it is Oregon)
I do need some non-running clothes. Other than that, I will have room to bring HTC goodies home. I love packing for a trip. It gives me the sense an adventure is coming up.
So now I get ready and the excitement builds.
Charlie
Let's see on this list.....
Running shoes
Socks
Running shirts
Running shorts
Sunscreen
Hats
Body Glide
A jacket in case of rain(it is Oregon)
I do need some non-running clothes. Other than that, I will have room to bring HTC goodies home. I love packing for a trip. It gives me the sense an adventure is coming up.
So now I get ready and the excitement builds.
Charlie
Friday, August 21, 2015
Hood to Coast 7 Days Away: What's Ahead?
A week from today the journey from Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean begins. This has been quite an experience getting to this point. What is ahead though?
In a few days I will meet my team. Yup, I don't know my teammates. We are a group of folks from the Running Specialty Group(RSG), coming together to run this. We are from all over the country. At this point all I know are names, but soon I will know the people. I'm very much looking forward to meeting my team.
We are guests of Nike on this journey, so we will be spending time at the Nike Campus. I know a good many people who are very envious of this aspect of the trip. Nike is an iconic brand, with legendary athletes who have run for and represented them. So this is going to be a very interesting part of the trip. They have promised us all kinds of fun and learning experiences. I know what previous teams have done, but don't want to say in case it doesn't happen.
Then there is the race itself. This is going to be challenging, confusing, fun, nerve-wracking, exciting, and an amazing experience. At this point, I think I've watched the Hood to Coast documentary about 10 times since I knew I was running.
Friends and loved ones have asked how I feel about running so sooner after losing my dad. I see the race very differently now. I see it as an opportunity to get away from what I've been dealing with. Death has a way of consuming your life, and I think when the chance comes to not think about it, you take advantage of it. I know that my dad was very proud of the fact I won this contest to get to this point. Something to know though....he never really understood my running. He told me it wasn't something he would do. That's fine. Not everyone runs, nor do they have to understand why someone runs. When I finished my first half, he asked if I had won. I explained to him that I won in a bigger way than the race.
I'm also looking forward to being back in Oregon. If you have never been to Oregon, you need to get there. It is an stunningly beautiful state. I can't wait to see it up close for the 18+ miles of it I will be running.
7 days and counting....this is going to be good.
Charlie
In a few days I will meet my team. Yup, I don't know my teammates. We are a group of folks from the Running Specialty Group(RSG), coming together to run this. We are from all over the country. At this point all I know are names, but soon I will know the people. I'm very much looking forward to meeting my team.
We are guests of Nike on this journey, so we will be spending time at the Nike Campus. I know a good many people who are very envious of this aspect of the trip. Nike is an iconic brand, with legendary athletes who have run for and represented them. So this is going to be a very interesting part of the trip. They have promised us all kinds of fun and learning experiences. I know what previous teams have done, but don't want to say in case it doesn't happen.
Then there is the race itself. This is going to be challenging, confusing, fun, nerve-wracking, exciting, and an amazing experience. At this point, I think I've watched the Hood to Coast documentary about 10 times since I knew I was running.
Friends and loved ones have asked how I feel about running so sooner after losing my dad. I see the race very differently now. I see it as an opportunity to get away from what I've been dealing with. Death has a way of consuming your life, and I think when the chance comes to not think about it, you take advantage of it. I know that my dad was very proud of the fact I won this contest to get to this point. Something to know though....he never really understood my running. He told me it wasn't something he would do. That's fine. Not everyone runs, nor do they have to understand why someone runs. When I finished my first half, he asked if I had won. I explained to him that I won in a bigger way than the race.
I'm also looking forward to being back in Oregon. If you have never been to Oregon, you need to get there. It is an stunningly beautiful state. I can't wait to see it up close for the 18+ miles of it I will be running.
7 days and counting....this is going to be good.
Charlie
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Saying Goodbye
Over the last few years I've told people the part of being an adult I hate the most is watching your parents go. It's is the most difficult thing we do. Our lives start with them caring for us, educating us, passing on their values. As we get older, they still offer us their wisdom, but subtle changes happen, where we, as adult children, feel we are on more equal footing with them. Finally comes the time where you have to be the caretaker and make the decisions. I've read all my life about how the roles of child and parent switch. I don't think it's as much switching, as we just assume a new role.
This morning my Dad, Joe Colpaert passed away. He was 97. That's a long life. During his lifetime, he had a great many joys, and probably more than his fair share of sorrow. He wasn't the most politically correct man. He was an honest and smart businessman. He and my mom traveled the world. He saw so much, and learned so much.
He and I did not always have the easiest relationship. The two of us are so different. It goes WAY beyond Republican vs. Democrat, heterosexual or gay. We were just too different. He didn't always want to see the world my way, but I know he expected me to see it his way. There were times I didn't speak to him, and there were times he didn't want to speak to me. Through all that though was a love we had for each other.
Death has a way of bringing that love to the surface. I won't go into the details of his death, as I feel that isn't appropriate. I will say, that before things went bad, he was able to convey to me how happy he was for me with my store, and its success. I am honored that my face was the last face he saw before leaving us.
He is at peace.
If there is truly is a Heaven, I am glad he is with Mom and David, as I know how much their passings affected him, and now he can be reunited with them, and all is well.
Now we deal with the what he left behind. More than things, a house, and memories, there are important lessons he left me with. I understand that the truly successful people in this world are honest, hard working, who treat people fairly and with respect. While I feel he was a man who did not easily show emotions, and would rather I not show the emotions I do, through him, I learned putting yourself out there has its pitfalls, but the rewards are so much better when you do. He probably didn't mean to teach that to me, but he did.
While I didn't always like or appreciate the fishing trips, the journeys to the endless boat shows, or all the other things he did with me that bored me to tears, I am glad to have had those experiences.
As I said my goodbyes to him before his passing, I told him I loved him, and I thanked him for everything, and to please tell Mom and David I love them. I'd like to think as he looked at my face he was telling me he loved me, and he would pass along my love.
Rest in peace Dad.
Love,
Charlie
This morning my Dad, Joe Colpaert passed away. He was 97. That's a long life. During his lifetime, he had a great many joys, and probably more than his fair share of sorrow. He wasn't the most politically correct man. He was an honest and smart businessman. He and my mom traveled the world. He saw so much, and learned so much.
He and I did not always have the easiest relationship. The two of us are so different. It goes WAY beyond Republican vs. Democrat, heterosexual or gay. We were just too different. He didn't always want to see the world my way, but I know he expected me to see it his way. There were times I didn't speak to him, and there were times he didn't want to speak to me. Through all that though was a love we had for each other.
Death has a way of bringing that love to the surface. I won't go into the details of his death, as I feel that isn't appropriate. I will say, that before things went bad, he was able to convey to me how happy he was for me with my store, and its success. I am honored that my face was the last face he saw before leaving us.
He is at peace.
If there is truly is a Heaven, I am glad he is with Mom and David, as I know how much their passings affected him, and now he can be reunited with them, and all is well.
Now we deal with the what he left behind. More than things, a house, and memories, there are important lessons he left me with. I understand that the truly successful people in this world are honest, hard working, who treat people fairly and with respect. While I feel he was a man who did not easily show emotions, and would rather I not show the emotions I do, through him, I learned putting yourself out there has its pitfalls, but the rewards are so much better when you do. He probably didn't mean to teach that to me, but he did.
While I didn't always like or appreciate the fishing trips, the journeys to the endless boat shows, or all the other things he did with me that bored me to tears, I am glad to have had those experiences.
As I said my goodbyes to him before his passing, I told him I loved him, and I thanked him for everything, and to please tell Mom and David I love them. I'd like to think as he looked at my face he was telling me he loved me, and he would pass along my love.
Rest in peace Dad.
Love,
Charlie
Sunday, August 09, 2015
Hood to Coast 19 Days Away: Special
Runners have races that are special to them. Whether it be Boston, New York, Chicago, Western States, or a particular 5K you love, there are races each one of us holds special. For me, my most special race was the Sunburst Half Marathon in South Bend, IN. Finishing on the 50 yard line at Notre Dame Stadium is still one of my most favorite moments.
I anticipate this race will become special for me. I've stated it previously, and I want to say it again. This race means the world for me to run. A year ago, I was in the hospital recovering from my heart attack. I was scared how life would proceed. I was so afraid I wouldn't run again. The doctor probably got tired of me asking when I could run again.
Bill Kirkendall, President of RSG knows how badly I wanted this. He came to my store shortly after we opened in March, and he asked me what he could do to help me. One of the things I told him was I wanted to realize my dream to run Hood to Coast. He told me there would be a way for my dream to be realized.
For those who don't know, a contest was held among all the RSG stores, and the top 6 managers who exceeded their goals by the most won a spot on the HTC team. My store was #1!!! My Assistant Manager, Josh and I had a deal. I would help him get his bonus, if he helped me get to HTC. Done!
Now, was we are under 20 days until the race, I am running well, studying the maps of my legs, watching any video I can find on the race, and mentally preparing myself for what's coming. It's also important to take stock of the special nature of this race. 197 miles, 12 people on a team, all trying to get from Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean. I will run the most miles on my team. While I'm a bit nervous about that, all I can think of is how special running through Oregon is going to be.
Are my expectations high? Yes! But Hood to Coast set this bar by creating something unique and wonderful for thousands of people to enjoy each year.
19 days and counting....this is going to be special.
Charlie
I anticipate this race will become special for me. I've stated it previously, and I want to say it again. This race means the world for me to run. A year ago, I was in the hospital recovering from my heart attack. I was scared how life would proceed. I was so afraid I wouldn't run again. The doctor probably got tired of me asking when I could run again.
Bill Kirkendall, President of RSG knows how badly I wanted this. He came to my store shortly after we opened in March, and he asked me what he could do to help me. One of the things I told him was I wanted to realize my dream to run Hood to Coast. He told me there would be a way for my dream to be realized.
For those who don't know, a contest was held among all the RSG stores, and the top 6 managers who exceeded their goals by the most won a spot on the HTC team. My store was #1!!! My Assistant Manager, Josh and I had a deal. I would help him get his bonus, if he helped me get to HTC. Done!
Now, was we are under 20 days until the race, I am running well, studying the maps of my legs, watching any video I can find on the race, and mentally preparing myself for what's coming. It's also important to take stock of the special nature of this race. 197 miles, 12 people on a team, all trying to get from Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean. I will run the most miles on my team. While I'm a bit nervous about that, all I can think of is how special running through Oregon is going to be.
Are my expectations high? Yes! But Hood to Coast set this bar by creating something unique and wonderful for thousands of people to enjoy each year.
19 days and counting....this is going to be special.
Charlie
Friday, August 07, 2015
Hood to Coast 21 Days Away: Blank Stare
It's sometimes difficult to explain running and races to those who aren't runners, especially who make a point of telling me they would never run. This morning I spoke to our landlady, who is a very sweet woman. She told me she knew I was running "something" in Oregon, and asked what it is. I told her.
As I explained about the relay, the distance and why I'm so excited about running it, I saw the blank stare take hold of here. You know what I mean. It's the look like they are trying to pay attention, but they honestly don't care, and they were just being polite. When I was done telling her about it, I saw more of the blank stare. Then came the, "I could never run a marathon" comment. No, I didn't correct her.
I get it. There are people who will never run. They will never run for fun, competition, exercise, etc.. I understand they will most likely only run if there is a zombie apocalypse.
Now my landlady was very nice. Sometimes the blank stare people are not so kind. I sometimes get the blank stare, then the comment, "Oh I hate running, I don't know how anyone does something so boring." At moments like that, I wish I had the nerve to say something like, "no one has a gun to your head to run."
The good news is there are plenty of people in my life who don't give me the blank stare, and they want to know how training is going.
So far, training is going pretty well.I'm on track to run about 16 miles this week. I feel pretty healthy. I'm studying the course map and figuring things out. In short, it feels like I am getting ready to race.
We are three weeks away, and the excitement just grows.
Charlie
As I explained about the relay, the distance and why I'm so excited about running it, I saw the blank stare take hold of here. You know what I mean. It's the look like they are trying to pay attention, but they honestly don't care, and they were just being polite. When I was done telling her about it, I saw more of the blank stare. Then came the, "I could never run a marathon" comment. No, I didn't correct her.
I get it. There are people who will never run. They will never run for fun, competition, exercise, etc.. I understand they will most likely only run if there is a zombie apocalypse.
Now my landlady was very nice. Sometimes the blank stare people are not so kind. I sometimes get the blank stare, then the comment, "Oh I hate running, I don't know how anyone does something so boring." At moments like that, I wish I had the nerve to say something like, "no one has a gun to your head to run."
The good news is there are plenty of people in my life who don't give me the blank stare, and they want to know how training is going.
So far, training is going pretty well.I'm on track to run about 16 miles this week. I feel pretty healthy. I'm studying the course map and figuring things out. In short, it feels like I am getting ready to race.
We are three weeks away, and the excitement just grows.
Charlie
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
Hood to Coast 23 Days Away: Je Suis Runner #9
Yesterday we received our leg assignments. This is something the team eagerly awaits. We give them our input on what we feel we can do, and then the team captain looks through everything, and decides who will run which legs. I am runner #9 on the 12-person team. What does this mean?
First off there is a degree of difficulty in the legs, ranked 1-12. I had requested because of my health and foot issues I run anywhere from the 10th - 12 most difficult. I will be running the 2nd most difficult. When I saw that I had anxious moments.
Runner #9 runs the following legs of the race - 9, 21 and 33. I'm going to break down each leg. Leg #9 is 5.38 miles, and listed as a moderate leg. You run on the Springwater Trail, which is a long gravel/paved bike running trail. According to the elevation map, you start at 550 ft, go up a bit, and then descend to 350 ft. So it looks like a gradual decline.
Leg #21 is the leg which has me a bit nervous. This leg is 5.06 miles, with a long decline from 1050t, to 850 ft.. What worries me is this is a gravel country road, with a lot of dust. If I am going to have a night time leg, this looks like it will be that leg. You are encouraged to wear a bandana around your face, as there is a lot of dust as vans go by. It's a combination of the gravel and the darkness which worries. I will have a headlamp, and or another light with me. Still, I worry about taking a wrong step, or how big the gravel is.
Leg #33 is my longest leg. Who doesn't want that for their final leg. This is a 7.72 mile leg, on "rolling hills on narrow country roads." The map does look rolly. I will go from 0ft to 100ft, and back down a few times. I will be tired, and not sure what I will have left at this point.
Overall I am running 18.16 miles. I worried and fretted yesterday for a time. I started reading people's accounts, and watched various You Tube videos on those legs. By the time I went to bed I said this to myself, "Well Charlie, you wanted to run Hood to Coast, well you are running Hood to Coast, so suck it up." By suck it up, I wasn't being mean to myself, I was telling myself to stop being a baby, and get ready for it.
Training will now consist of more hills, and night/earlier morning runs. I have over 3 weeks to get this figured out. This is where the real work begins. If anyone reading this has run any of these legs, any and all advice is welcome.
Je Suis Runner #9!!!
Charlie
First off there is a degree of difficulty in the legs, ranked 1-12. I had requested because of my health and foot issues I run anywhere from the 10th - 12 most difficult. I will be running the 2nd most difficult. When I saw that I had anxious moments.
Runner #9 runs the following legs of the race - 9, 21 and 33. I'm going to break down each leg. Leg #9 is 5.38 miles, and listed as a moderate leg. You run on the Springwater Trail, which is a long gravel/paved bike running trail. According to the elevation map, you start at 550 ft, go up a bit, and then descend to 350 ft. So it looks like a gradual decline.
Leg #21 is the leg which has me a bit nervous. This leg is 5.06 miles, with a long decline from 1050t, to 850 ft.. What worries me is this is a gravel country road, with a lot of dust. If I am going to have a night time leg, this looks like it will be that leg. You are encouraged to wear a bandana around your face, as there is a lot of dust as vans go by. It's a combination of the gravel and the darkness which worries. I will have a headlamp, and or another light with me. Still, I worry about taking a wrong step, or how big the gravel is.
Leg #33 is my longest leg. Who doesn't want that for their final leg. This is a 7.72 mile leg, on "rolling hills on narrow country roads." The map does look rolly. I will go from 0ft to 100ft, and back down a few times. I will be tired, and not sure what I will have left at this point.
Overall I am running 18.16 miles. I worried and fretted yesterday for a time. I started reading people's accounts, and watched various You Tube videos on those legs. By the time I went to bed I said this to myself, "Well Charlie, you wanted to run Hood to Coast, well you are running Hood to Coast, so suck it up." By suck it up, I wasn't being mean to myself, I was telling myself to stop being a baby, and get ready for it.
Training will now consist of more hills, and night/earlier morning runs. I have over 3 weeks to get this figured out. This is where the real work begins. If anyone reading this has run any of these legs, any and all advice is welcome.
Je Suis Runner #9!!!
Charlie
Sunday, August 02, 2015
Hood to Coast 26 Days Away: When to Run?
Normally when runners head out for a run, they do so at a preferred time of day. Some like an early morning run. Others like to run in the evening. Mine is an early morning. You can't really do that when training for a relay like Hood to Coast. You will be running at various times in a 24 hour period, and to be honest, you should train for that.
Most of my runs have been in the 5am hour, but I have also done Noon time runs, and evening runs. The only run I haven't done yet is a night time run. You have to have some experience running at various times of the day, so you can be prepared and acclimated to the time. You will also experience different weather. Assume the early part of the day and the night will be your coolest times of the day. Middle of the day will be the hottest.
This morning I procrastinated and headed out about 8:45am. It was already in the 70s, but there was low humidity. Still I felt the Sun beating down on me. It made for a warm run. I did this 3 miles this morning, and felt good. I always think it's a good run if you feel you could do a little more at the end of the run.
So now we are 26 days away. I'm feeling good. I feel anxious for this to start. It's all good.
Charlie
Most of my runs have been in the 5am hour, but I have also done Noon time runs, and evening runs. The only run I haven't done yet is a night time run. You have to have some experience running at various times of the day, so you can be prepared and acclimated to the time. You will also experience different weather. Assume the early part of the day and the night will be your coolest times of the day. Middle of the day will be the hottest.
This morning I procrastinated and headed out about 8:45am. It was already in the 70s, but there was low humidity. Still I felt the Sun beating down on me. It made for a warm run. I did this 3 miles this morning, and felt good. I always think it's a good run if you feel you could do a little more at the end of the run.
So now we are 26 days away. I'm feeling good. I feel anxious for this to start. It's all good.
Charlie
Thursday, July 30, 2015
The Reminder
The Summer heat and humidity has made my running a bit more difficult this year. The fact is when it's this hot, I shouldn't be running outside. The doctor told me last year that I shouldn't run in extreme heat an humidity. I have been running, but at a far reduced scale.
Ideally I would like to be running 3-5 miles at a time, but with a heat index of 100, I'm running 1.5-2 miles. I want to be active, but I don't want to really stress my body, specifically my heart. It's a reminder to me that I need to be cautious.
People who know me, know that I hate having to be like that. They know I would rather be using myself harder than that, but the reality is I can't. I want to live to run another day. Runners by nature are stubborn people, who believe they should push through whatever. Well, I'm breaking that tradition. If I push myself, and something bad happens, I may lose the ability to run - period. I'm not sure how I could handle that prospect, so I listen to what the doctor says, and I back off a bit.
For Hood to Coast, I already have it in my head that if it is this hot and humid, I will be walking the legs, more than running them. This makes sense. My team might want me to be a bit faster, but I bet once I explain to them, they'll be in agreement with me.
In the end, I think it's better the be able to live to run another day.
Charlie
Ideally I would like to be running 3-5 miles at a time, but with a heat index of 100, I'm running 1.5-2 miles. I want to be active, but I don't want to really stress my body, specifically my heart. It's a reminder to me that I need to be cautious.
People who know me, know that I hate having to be like that. They know I would rather be using myself harder than that, but the reality is I can't. I want to live to run another day. Runners by nature are stubborn people, who believe they should push through whatever. Well, I'm breaking that tradition. If I push myself, and something bad happens, I may lose the ability to run - period. I'm not sure how I could handle that prospect, so I listen to what the doctor says, and I back off a bit.
For Hood to Coast, I already have it in my head that if it is this hot and humid, I will be walking the legs, more than running them. This makes sense. My team might want me to be a bit faster, but I bet once I explain to them, they'll be in agreement with me.
In the end, I think it's better the be able to live to run another day.
Charlie
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Hood to Coast 30 Days Away: Update
I'm getting asked quite a bit about how I feel about the race. I feel good, nervous, anxious and excited. That's quite a bit to feel, but to be honest, that's no different than how I feel before any other race.
My running is going well. Yes, I would rather not be running in this damned humid weather. It makes it unpleasant to run, but I can't really do anything about that. I feel good out there running.
I wish I knew which legs I was running so I could better prepare. I'm told I will know soon, but because there are two companies involved in putting the team together, soon means....not soon. I think that is where the anxiousness comes from.
The nerves come form the unknown. Not sure what I will face, so I'm about nervous about how I will tackle things. I've driven through the parts of Oregon we will run, so I have an idea of what it's like. Of course running and driving are two different things, but I am mentally, and physically preparing for a rolly, hilly run. Flat takes on a new meaning when you leave Illinois and Indiana.
I was asked yesterday if I feel like this is a dream coming true. I do. When people have asked me what races I want to do, Boston, Paris, Comrades and Hood to Coast are the ones I talk about. Comrades I will never do, but I would love to go watch. Paris, I can do in my lifetime. Boston is the ultimate dream, and until I worked for my company, I could not imagine how I would do Hood to Coast. It's the only relay race I have wanted to do. So yes, dreams can come true.
30 days away.....things are good.
Charlie
My running is going well. Yes, I would rather not be running in this damned humid weather. It makes it unpleasant to run, but I can't really do anything about that. I feel good out there running.
I wish I knew which legs I was running so I could better prepare. I'm told I will know soon, but because there are two companies involved in putting the team together, soon means....not soon. I think that is where the anxiousness comes from.
The nerves come form the unknown. Not sure what I will face, so I'm about nervous about how I will tackle things. I've driven through the parts of Oregon we will run, so I have an idea of what it's like. Of course running and driving are two different things, but I am mentally, and physically preparing for a rolly, hilly run. Flat takes on a new meaning when you leave Illinois and Indiana.
I was asked yesterday if I feel like this is a dream coming true. I do. When people have asked me what races I want to do, Boston, Paris, Comrades and Hood to Coast are the ones I talk about. Comrades I will never do, but I would love to go watch. Paris, I can do in my lifetime. Boston is the ultimate dream, and until I worked for my company, I could not imagine how I would do Hood to Coast. It's the only relay race I have wanted to do. So yes, dreams can come true.
30 days away.....things are good.
Charlie
Friday, July 24, 2015
Hood to Coast 35 Days Away: What Will I See?
One of the amazing things about running long distance races is what you see. In Chicago, the marathon takes you through 26.2 miles of unique neighborhoods. Chinese dragons, Mariachi bands, drag queens, and about one million people line the streets to cheer you on. In Indianapolis, you can a run a race which takes you around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In South Bend, IN, you can finish on the 50 yard line in Notre Dame Stadium.
A relay race like Hood to Coast gives you something more. You get to see the passage of land from a mountain to an ocean. You start in a high elevation, surrounded by trees. You wind your way through small towns, in the woods, through Portland, making your way to the sandy finish at the Pacific Ocean. That sounds incredible.
I want to take in the scene. I want to take in the people who will come out to cheer us all on. I want to see some runners in costumes. There will be silliness, perseverance, joy, sorrow, all of the emotions. This is one thing running does, that few other sports allow - you get to see the world around you.
So while I will be busy trying to get from point A to point B, I will also take it all in. This may be my only Hood to Coast and I want to be sure I see all I am supposed to see.
Charlie
A relay race like Hood to Coast gives you something more. You get to see the passage of land from a mountain to an ocean. You start in a high elevation, surrounded by trees. You wind your way through small towns, in the woods, through Portland, making your way to the sandy finish at the Pacific Ocean. That sounds incredible.
I want to take in the scene. I want to take in the people who will come out to cheer us all on. I want to see some runners in costumes. There will be silliness, perseverance, joy, sorrow, all of the emotions. This is one thing running does, that few other sports allow - you get to see the world around you.
So while I will be busy trying to get from point A to point B, I will also take it all in. This may be my only Hood to Coast and I want to be sure I see all I am supposed to see.
Charlie
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Hood to Coast 37 Days Away: Who Runs?
As we draw closer to Hood to Coast, I've found myself wondering who runs this race? Of course the documentary gives you a glimpse into some of the people who gather at Mt. Hood to start their journey across Oregon. They are young, old and any age in between. They are seasoned runners, with a great deal of years under their belts. There are also those who are attempting to run for the first time. This relay is where all the stories come together.
This blog has been about my story, and what I bring to running, and now Hood to Coast. I've been running about 10 years. It's been an interesting ride, as I have experienced: learning how to run, losing weight, entering races, finishing my first 5K, 8K, 10K, half and full marathon, training people to run, loving running, not always liking running, surviving a heart attack, and coming back. My story feels unique, yet at the same time, similar to a good many other stories out there.
A relay like Hood to Coast, brings people together as a team for a shared and solitary experience. You have a bond with your team, yet you are on your own on your legs of the race. You share stories. You laugh. You may even cry.
Races like this are a part of the human element, where one person shares their love of running with another. 99.999999% of the teams won't win the actual race, but they will win in what they accomplish over 197 miles.
Who runs? Everyone runs a race like this. This is what I love about running. It's isn't for a select few, it's for anyone who can go right foot, left foot, repeat....quicker than normal,
Charlie
This blog has been about my story, and what I bring to running, and now Hood to Coast. I've been running about 10 years. It's been an interesting ride, as I have experienced: learning how to run, losing weight, entering races, finishing my first 5K, 8K, 10K, half and full marathon, training people to run, loving running, not always liking running, surviving a heart attack, and coming back. My story feels unique, yet at the same time, similar to a good many other stories out there.
A relay like Hood to Coast, brings people together as a team for a shared and solitary experience. You have a bond with your team, yet you are on your own on your legs of the race. You share stories. You laugh. You may even cry.
Races like this are a part of the human element, where one person shares their love of running with another. 99.999999% of the teams won't win the actual race, but they will win in what they accomplish over 197 miles.
Who runs? Everyone runs a race like this. This is what I love about running. It's isn't for a select few, it's for anyone who can go right foot, left foot, repeat....quicker than normal,
Charlie
Monday, July 20, 2015
Summer Running
Every year I think I can do a Summer race, then I get to running in the actual season, and I hate it. I would rather run on a 25 degree Winter day than 94% humidity as I did this morning. Now if it were 72 degrees and low humidity, I could feel could about this seasonal running, but no.
Yesterday was the Narragansett Bay Half, which I had thought about doing. As I walked around Providence in 90 degree weather, I was so glad I didn't run it. I've never had a race I've enjoyed in the Summer. So I am really hoping Hood to Coast can break that for me. :-)
Today I just checked miles, not time. I ran 1.5 miles, and really that was all I could muster at 5:45am. Maybe I should run at 3:30am?
I just hate peeling clothes off me at the end of a run. To be honest, they were sticky getting on, which I also didn't like. Did I mention how much I dislike running in this heat and humidity?
Charlie
Yesterday was the Narragansett Bay Half, which I had thought about doing. As I walked around Providence in 90 degree weather, I was so glad I didn't run it. I've never had a race I've enjoyed in the Summer. So I am really hoping Hood to Coast can break that for me. :-)
Today I just checked miles, not time. I ran 1.5 miles, and really that was all I could muster at 5:45am. Maybe I should run at 3:30am?
I just hate peeling clothes off me at the end of a run. To be honest, they were sticky getting on, which I also didn't like. Did I mention how much I dislike running in this heat and humidity?
Charlie
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Hood to Coast 40 Days Away: From Here On
The training up to this point has included speed work, hill work, two a days, and just running in various temps. Things are going to be a bit different from here on. Now it's time to increase the miles. I feel I have a good base, now I need to add the miles.
I know how to navigate a rolly area. I know it takes a bit of a toll on me, so now I have to add the miles, so I can have the stamina to do 5-8 miles of such a route. The only way to do this is to increase miles. In stifling humidity, that can be difficult. I need my base to me 3.5 miles, and then take it from there.
This is very different than training for a marathon. At least my long run isn't 4-5 hours. In this case, I am looking at 1.5-2 hours of a long run. That's more manageable to say the least.
I also need to figure the nutrition. I have really embraced Honey Stinger products. They are natural, and they seem to give me the boost I need. Of course NUUN is always with me on hot or longer runs.
My shoes are beginning to wear down, I can feel it in my legs, so now it's time to transition to my newer shoes(thanks Brooks). I know I will need an additional pair as I get closer to the race.
If I am frustrated about anything, it's that I still don't know which legs I am running. The team has not heard from Nike(our sponsor), and I am told there was a personnel change, so we aren't sure who is helping us. Ugh! No stress there.
Still I feel good. I'm excited. I will also watch the Hood to Coast movie a few more dozen times between now and the race.
Charlie
I know how to navigate a rolly area. I know it takes a bit of a toll on me, so now I have to add the miles, so I can have the stamina to do 5-8 miles of such a route. The only way to do this is to increase miles. In stifling humidity, that can be difficult. I need my base to me 3.5 miles, and then take it from there.
This is very different than training for a marathon. At least my long run isn't 4-5 hours. In this case, I am looking at 1.5-2 hours of a long run. That's more manageable to say the least.
I also need to figure the nutrition. I have really embraced Honey Stinger products. They are natural, and they seem to give me the boost I need. Of course NUUN is always with me on hot or longer runs.
My shoes are beginning to wear down, I can feel it in my legs, so now it's time to transition to my newer shoes(thanks Brooks). I know I will need an additional pair as I get closer to the race.
If I am frustrated about anything, it's that I still don't know which legs I am running. The team has not heard from Nike(our sponsor), and I am told there was a personnel change, so we aren't sure who is helping us. Ugh! No stress there.
Still I feel good. I'm excited. I will also watch the Hood to Coast movie a few more dozen times between now and the race.
Charlie
Friday, July 17, 2015
Hood to Coast 42 Days Away: The Course
Elevation changes are fairly extreme. The infamous first leg of the race has you descending 2500 ft. Yes, 2500ft down!
Now for the casual person it's easy to run downhill. It isn't. It's very hard on the body to run downhill, especially at that steep a decline.
We will run on roads, trails, gravel, dirt, all kinds of terrain. We will encounter solitude and big city. We will run through the woods, and in wide open spaces. We will see a snow capped mountain, and squish our feet in the sand at the ocean. The course is varied and diverse.
Since I don't live out there, training for whatever comes my way is not easy. In fact, I can't. So my training has involved lots of rolly and hilly runs. I've run twice a day a few times. I've worked on speed, but mostly on endurance and feeling good during my run.
My team won't win. Sorry to break that to them. We won't. We will see some marvelous sites. We'll meet new people along the way. We will run Hood to Coast!
Charlie
Thursday, July 09, 2015
Hood to Coast 50 Days Away: Two a Days
From the start of this I knew at some point I would have to run two a days. Seemed fitting with 50 days to go, I would start today. This morning I headed out around 5:45am and ran 2.42 miles. I chose my mostly uphill route around the neighborhood.
I felt good out there. Everything seemed easy going. It was warm out already, but no overly so. Usually there are a few folks out running, not so this morning. It was just me, and that suited me fine. Like I said, it felt good out there, like I hadn't put too hard an effort into it. At the end, the GPS said I did a 15:50/mile pace. That's pretty good.
I went about with my day. I did dishes, a bit of laundry. When Mark came home we went to a mall and walked around. All the while I knew I wanted to run later.
I ran around 5:00pm. I wasn't sure how it would go. It was more humid, so I thought I should take it easy. Off I went. Because I've never run twice in one day, I thought this should be a shorter run. I did 1.55 miles. I thought it had to be slower, because I didn't feel like I was pushing hard. It was a 14:56/mile pace. That's my fastest pace since I moved to RI.
Now, one thing I know I have to do is develop how I want to run the two a days. I don't want to go full out on the first run, because I want something for the second. At some point I want to make my second run the longer of the two. I can't do two a days every day, but they'll become more common in my running.
So today was a success. Of course now I have to take my second shower of the day. I feel grosser after run #2 than I did this morning.
Charlie
I felt good out there. Everything seemed easy going. It was warm out already, but no overly so. Usually there are a few folks out running, not so this morning. It was just me, and that suited me fine. Like I said, it felt good out there, like I hadn't put too hard an effort into it. At the end, the GPS said I did a 15:50/mile pace. That's pretty good.
I went about with my day. I did dishes, a bit of laundry. When Mark came home we went to a mall and walked around. All the while I knew I wanted to run later.
I ran around 5:00pm. I wasn't sure how it would go. It was more humid, so I thought I should take it easy. Off I went. Because I've never run twice in one day, I thought this should be a shorter run. I did 1.55 miles. I thought it had to be slower, because I didn't feel like I was pushing hard. It was a 14:56/mile pace. That's my fastest pace since I moved to RI.
Now, one thing I know I have to do is develop how I want to run the two a days. I don't want to go full out on the first run, because I want something for the second. At some point I want to make my second run the longer of the two. I can't do two a days every day, but they'll become more common in my running.
So today was a success. Of course now I have to take my second shower of the day. I feel grosser after run #2 than I did this morning.
Charlie
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
One Year
My life has been marked by the major events in my life. How I dealt with them has pretty much dictated how I moved through life. I lost my brother at a young age. I coped with being Gay. I lived through a false HIV+ diagnosis and suicide attempt. I've had love, lost it, and found it again. I've lost a parent. I've dealt with pre-diabetes. And....a year ago I had a heart attack. I imagine this would make an interesting book.
How do you come back from a heart attack? For everyone it's different. Some people get depressed and wallow in it. Some people fight back. Some use a more measured approach. I fought back. I didn't want this to define me. I wanted to define me.
I plowed through rehab with the goal of running again. When I got the ok to run....I did. Now, I don't run like I used to, and that has taken some getting used to, but I am running. Better to run, than to not run.
I also had to make changes in my life. My work was not in a good place for me. It's safe to say the stress caused by certain people in my work contributed to the heart attack. I decided to make a change. Mark and I left Indiana to move to Rhode Island, where I have opened and manage a running store. No stress there. :-)
Since we moved, I've felt more at ease, happier. I've explored running areas in the Providence area, and are still finding new places to run. I've developed a running routine.
I've come from a place where I didn't know if I would live or die, to training for Hood to Coast. I fully understand most people don't come back from heart attacks and go run relay races. I'm not most people. I've watched myself. I've monitored my food, my meds, and my running. If I don't feel well, I don't run. If I don't feel well on a run, I walk. My Hood to Coast team won't win, but we will be winners for doing it. I'm already anticipating an emotional race.
The year has been a learning curve, and I am still learning. It hasn't been easy for me or Mark. We both forget at times I have heart disease. He gets frustrated, as do I.
I have had amazing support from family and friends. There are people in my life that I don't see on a regular basis, or haven't seen in years, who have been so kind and wonderful to me. I feel very fortunate.
So here I am a year later....feeling good....taking on challenges...living life. It's easy to say this is a new lease on life, but really, it's a continuation of life....I'm just getting better at living it.
Charlie
How do you come back from a heart attack? For everyone it's different. Some people get depressed and wallow in it. Some people fight back. Some use a more measured approach. I fought back. I didn't want this to define me. I wanted to define me.
I plowed through rehab with the goal of running again. When I got the ok to run....I did. Now, I don't run like I used to, and that has taken some getting used to, but I am running. Better to run, than to not run.
I also had to make changes in my life. My work was not in a good place for me. It's safe to say the stress caused by certain people in my work contributed to the heart attack. I decided to make a change. Mark and I left Indiana to move to Rhode Island, where I have opened and manage a running store. No stress there. :-)
Since we moved, I've felt more at ease, happier. I've explored running areas in the Providence area, and are still finding new places to run. I've developed a running routine.
I've come from a place where I didn't know if I would live or die, to training for Hood to Coast. I fully understand most people don't come back from heart attacks and go run relay races. I'm not most people. I've watched myself. I've monitored my food, my meds, and my running. If I don't feel well, I don't run. If I don't feel well on a run, I walk. My Hood to Coast team won't win, but we will be winners for doing it. I'm already anticipating an emotional race.
The year has been a learning curve, and I am still learning. It hasn't been easy for me or Mark. We both forget at times I have heart disease. He gets frustrated, as do I.
I have had amazing support from family and friends. There are people in my life that I don't see on a regular basis, or haven't seen in years, who have been so kind and wonderful to me. I feel very fortunate.
So here I am a year later....feeling good....taking on challenges...living life. It's easy to say this is a new lease on life, but really, it's a continuation of life....I'm just getting better at living it.
Charlie
Friday, July 03, 2015
Hood to Coast 56 Days Away: In Oregon You Can't Give Up
Running has enough challenges for me. There are days the right foot, left foot repeat are harder than others. This morning was not a difficult one. I ran my 3.1 mile hilly loop near my home. My focus was more on speed this morning. I did this loop a couple weeks about, and I finished in about 52 minutes. This morning I did it in 48 minutes plus change.
The old saying is, in order for you to go faster, you have to go faster. The only way to make sure I did this route faster was to tackle the first incline faster than I had previously. The first incline is the first 1/4 mile. When I got to Smith St., which is the top of the hill, I saw my pace was 15:49. I knew I was good.
The challenge for the run was ran the second loop around the park. It's tough sometimes to sustain a pace. This is where you have to go into your head and get into the pace. I like to use phrases. Usually I use "World Peace, " and I say part on the inhale, and the rest on the exhale. Today I wanted to say something different. "In Oregon, You Can't Give Up." This made sense. I'll be running a race, in 100% unfamiliar territory, with people waiting for me. I can't give up. So I pushed myself every time I said it.
I saw my pace drop as I got through the middle of the run. Towards the end I slowed a bit, but wow. I liked my overall time and pace.
Over the last couple months, I've gotten a sense that my running has improved, and I have felt very happy with my running. With less than 2 months before Hood to Coast, I like where I am, and how I feel. I like the notion that I can't give up.
Run on!
Charlie
The old saying is, in order for you to go faster, you have to go faster. The only way to make sure I did this route faster was to tackle the first incline faster than I had previously. The first incline is the first 1/4 mile. When I got to Smith St., which is the top of the hill, I saw my pace was 15:49. I knew I was good.
The challenge for the run was ran the second loop around the park. It's tough sometimes to sustain a pace. This is where you have to go into your head and get into the pace. I like to use phrases. Usually I use "World Peace, " and I say part on the inhale, and the rest on the exhale. Today I wanted to say something different. "In Oregon, You Can't Give Up." This made sense. I'll be running a race, in 100% unfamiliar territory, with people waiting for me. I can't give up. So I pushed myself every time I said it.
I saw my pace drop as I got through the middle of the run. Towards the end I slowed a bit, but wow. I liked my overall time and pace.
Over the last couple months, I've gotten a sense that my running has improved, and I have felt very happy with my running. With less than 2 months before Hood to Coast, I like where I am, and how I feel. I like the notion that I can't give up.
Run on!
Charlie
Monday, June 29, 2015
Hood to Coast 60 Days Away: Closer
60 days until Hood to Coast, and my enthusiasm only increases. The team is being assembled. RSG will have two teams, and I am on Team A. At this point 7 of the 12 are confirmed. I think we need to kick the other 5 in the butt to get them confirmed.
My running has gone well. I'm able to run longer without taking walking breaks, which makes me happy. I haven't decided how I will do this yet out on the course, but I seem to have more stamina in my running. This actually surprises me because of all the hilly roads I'm running.
At this point though the training gets ramped up a bit. Now I look at days where I not only run longer, but I run a couple times during a day. I won't do two a days every day, but will incorporate that into my running.
While I don't know the legs I'm running yet, I am studying the map so I won't be too surprised. In that respect this is no different than other races I've run. I typically know the course map pretty well going into a race.
I feel healthy. I'm eating better and better, which is a key. My body appreciates it to be sure. Mark has concerns now and then about how I will do. The answer is you don't know, but you train to do your best, and you hope everything comes together. More often than not, it does.
The elephant in the room for some folks is how is my heart doing. I'm great! My heart is great, and I am doing all the right things. I'm confident heading into this race.
I've ordered a Hood to Coast shirt which should arrive any day now. That is when I will really know this is happening.
Thumbs up for now....with 60 days to go.
Charlie
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