Making Up Missed Runs Is Like Getting Rich Quick

The title of this piece is about what to do if you missed planned runs. This is something runners encounter during training. They get sick or injured, and they miss runs, and now they wonder what to do. My advice.....don't make up missed runs.

If you missed two of your runs for the week, that doesn't mean you run seven days straight to make up for it. It also doesn't mean you "ramp up" your running by running more on your runs. I'm not a believer in making up runs. The risk of injury increases, because you are trying to jam lost miles into your run. If you missed last week's 10 miler, and you are scheduled to do 13 this week, I say split the difference, and try to adhere to a slow, gradual increase in miles. Is injuring yourself worth it if you can't be healthy to run the race? No.

I once worked with a guy who was really sick for three weeks, and to make up his training, he planned to run 10 miles every day. Really. In his mind, he would make up lost miles, and be back to where he needed to be. He was trying to qualify for Boston.

He didn't like what I told him. I advised he not do that, I suggested he go back to where he left off, and take it from there. He didn't listen to me...totally. No, he didn't run 10 miles every day, but he went on an insane schedule of running every day, running hard, and running more than he had previously. He didn't qualify for Boston. In fact, he had one of his slowest races - he was fatigued from training.

The point of training is to do a couple of things. First it's to build stamina for longer distances. Second, it's designed to prevent fatigue and injury. Why train against the goal?

So if you miss some runs - don't panic, and just remember to have faith in your training plan, and work around it to support what you are doing, not work against it.

Charlie

A Memory Run

Yesterday morning was a warm, slightly humid day in South Bend, IN. We were in town for my father's memorial service. Dad, as most of you know, died last August. Loved ones gathered this weekend for our formal goodbye.

While Saturday was the service, Sunday was a day for me to have my moment, and I chose my run. I drove over to the University of Notre Dame campus. My love for Notre Dame is well-known. My parents raised me on Fighting Irish football, and it seemed fitting that I would run on campus, and think about those times.

I started at the Irish Green, which is more or less an official entry to the campus, and headed to the Golden Dome. Several other runners were out and about, and everyone passed along their good mornings as I continued to run.

I've run on campus a couple of times. Notre Dame was the finish line of my first half marathon, the Sunburst Half Marathon. That race finishes on the 50 yard line in Notre Dame Stadium. I've also run the 10K of the Holy Half Marathon, a student organized fundraising race through campus. My favorite part of that race was the run along one of the lakes on campus - St. Mary's Lake,  so that is where I headed next.

I got to the lake, and I stood for a few moments and looked out over the peaceful scene. I thought about how special it was for my folks to take me to games. Our seats were on the 45 yard line, behind the team. They were ideal seats to watch the Irish take on USC, Michigan, Miami, Navy, Purdue, and so many teams who entered the hallowed stadium. I've had my share of joy and heartache in that stadium, but it was always a wonderful experience to be in the place that Rockne built.

I thought about the marvelous Caramel Corn my mom and I both loved, that they sold there. I thought about the tailgate parties I would see, and always remember asking Dad why we didn't do that. I never really got an answer to that. I thought about how I would sit in the stands with my folks and cheer or wail, sing the Victory March, and just simply watch good football.

My most favorite memory is 1980, ND vs Michigan, and things look grim for the Irish. Dad doesn't think ND can do it as they are pretty far from the goal line. We begin to head out, as Harry Oliver lines up to attempt a 51-yard field goal. We stand at the opening to the stair area, and watch the ball sail into the air, and go through the goal!!! ND WON!!! Dad and I cheered so loud, and we so thrilled, it was all we could talk about on the 1 mile walk back to the car.

At the lake, I looked out, and I thought about how both my parents and my brother are gone, and now it is my sister and me. I choked back a bit of a tear. I didn't want to get emotional on the run. I did think though, that there was some comfort knowing that the family who adopted me was now, finally together. David left us in 1968, Mom in 1997 and Dad last year.

I soon went back on my run, finishing strong back at the Irish Green.

I'm not a fan of cemeteries, as I have spent a lifetime visiting them, and to be honest, I don't like the idea of someone "visiting me" in a field of other graves. I don't want someone to feel they have to take care of a headstone. This lake, looking so peaceful and quiet, yet witness to excited football fans, seems like a wonderful place for me. When my time comes, I think I would like my cremated remains to spread out by this lake. It's in a place which has always meant joy for me, and I can always be near my Irish. Besides, I am fairly certain, the university would say no to the 50 yard line.

Charlie

On Pace

Today's 3 mile run was an important step for me. Pacing is an important part of training. My goal today was to finish and keep as even a pace as possible. I accomplished both.

My overall pace was 16:43. My first mile was 16:19. Mile 2 I was at 16:40. Mile 3 was 16:48. In my mind, that was a fairly even pace. I didn't go over 17:00/mile, which made me even happier. The run today was a rolly one, so this pacing is even better for me.

I preach often about negative splits on runs. You want to come back faster than you went out. While I didn't have the negative splits, it also wasn't a blowout the other way. This tells me I am getting stronger, and my stamina is getting better.

We are about to go on the road to Indiana and Chicago, so I may not get four runs in this week, but they will be quality runs.

Charlie

My Gay Moment

As usual readers of this blog know, every summer I have my gay moment. It's that post in my blog, where I cut loose as a gay man, and just talk about what looks hot to me in the running world. As always, if you don't to share in my gay moment....move along, nothing to see here.

This year I would like to salute what I consider this year's sexiest athletes. The criteria is that these athletes have to at least have some running in their workouts, if they aren't full on runners. These men are not ranked, but I hope you enjoy the fact there are some hot men out there, moving right foot, left foot, repeat....

Ashton Eaton - Decathlete

Tom Daley - Diver

Brazilian 2016 Olympic Gymnastics Team

I do confess to one all time favorite....... Nick Symmonds - Track

Sigh....I love the annual gay moment.

Charlie

The Move

Most everyone at this point knows we are moving to North Carolina. In a sense I am going home. I will be working with Fleet Feet Sports in Carrboro, NC. Anyone who has read this blog knows I started with Fleet Feet in Chicago almost 10 years ago, so I see this as a homecoming of sorts.

In my new job, I will be doing community outreach and training programs for the flagship store in Carrboro. Fleet Feet offered me this opportunity or a floor manager position in Menlo Park, CA. In the end, I felt more drawn to this opportunity. This also gives me a chance to learn more of Fleet Feet's processes so I can eventually be on a path to ownership.

I've been cautious in talking about my time at Providence Running Company, and with RSG/Jack Rabbit. I did not leave in bad circumstances. There was no ill will, or bad feelings. I felt Fleet Feet offered me another chance to grow, and to eventually own my own running store.

I will say this about my former company, I believe there is a trend in the industry to make running specialty, less special, and more about selling stuff, and RSG is leading that trend. Everyday I was asked point blank why I wasn't directing more people to the online business, or why I wasn't doing more to sell waterproofing products to people. At times, I was left with the impression that if I didn't do these things, I was somehow a bad manager. Sorry, I am not a bad manager for not selling enough of a product that is actually counter intuitive to what runners know about their products. I had also heard stories of managers being threatened for not selling enough magazine subscriptions.

Now, I don't feel the blame is on the higher ups of the company. I think the blame is on over eager district managers who are more interested in pumping their numbers and saving their jobs. They were too busy doing a job, they forgot to do their jobs, which is empowering managers and staff to deliver outstanding service. RSG is owned by Finish Line who has shareholders they answer to. I get it. I get bottom line philosophies. What I don't get is almost weekly job threats. Instead of threats, how about working with your people to improve the bottom line, and don't just dictate?

Ok....rant over. The point is people will come to our stores because of our people, and the trust that we will offer the best service, do the best job, and make honest suggestions for the customer. I think some people in the corporate group think lost that notion.

I'm not saying anything in this blog, that I have not expressed to my former company. We parted amicably, and I am on to great things.

Fleet Feet understands what I want to accomplish, and I understand what they want to accomplish, and I could not be happier with the decision to head over to them.

North Carolina also holds a special place in my heart, as I attended drama school in Winston-Salem for three summers, and have nothing but wonderful memories from that experience. While I know North Carolina is nothing like Rhode Island, I am looking forward to being reacquainted with the state.

In a few weeks Mark and I will head to North Carolina to look for a new home. It's a busy and exciting time for us, and I will share what we find.

Charlie

Training Update

I am a few weeks into training for the Royal Parks Foundation Half and the Philly Marathon. I know I haven't talked much about it, but I wanted to let you all know how things are going...slow and steady.

I had been trying build a base the first month, but running three times a week. I was doing a couple of miles at a time, nothing big. I just wanted running under my belt. Last week I expanded to running four times a week, and did well. My long run was over 4 miles, and I felt good following the run, which is always a key.

I'm taking this training far different from any other training I've done. This is my first serious training since my heart attack in 2014. I don't run like I used to, and I have gained a lot of weight, but I am not deterred. I can't run thinking about the runner I used to be. I have to focus on the runner I am now, and go from there.

Each week I am building on the miles, so I feel comfortable running longer distances. I'm not going to work on speed until mid-July(during the heat - oh goodie). Since last week's long run was over 4, I would like to approach 6 miles this week for my long run. I need to find a flatter place to run, because the hilly nature of where I've been running has been a mess for me.

I'm also working on my mental toughness. That has been a problem with me, as I have been dealing with a good many emotional issues this year. I'm trying to turn those hurtful things into something positive, and making sure I am finishing my runs as I intend.

Today I ran 3.22 miles, and I was good at the end. I didn't feel overly tired or sore.

I have a lot coming up in the next couple weeks. The challenge will be to maintain the running.

Charlie

The Web vs People

There are times I think retail people have it wrong. I don't think it's web vs, brick and mortar, it's web vs. people. Now I want to be clear, I get shopping online. I do it myself. It's a convenience, it's easy, it's free shipping, it's fun to do. Is it the experience you really want?

I want to go to a store and interact with people. No, I don't mean the annoying sales person who is slimy. There are perfectly good sales people out there, who can share their knowledge and expertise, which I find invaluable.

Clicking "submit" doesn't really tell me how a shoe fits or feels. "Continue payment" can't tell you about an experience in a marathon, or encourage me in mine. "Go to checkout" doesn't care if this is your first 5K or not.

The people in the running store are wanting to help you succeed. They want to do their best for you. They want to be there for you. Amazon, for all it's ease, simply doesn't care. Running Warehouse could not care less about your training for a half.

Those sites are great at offering you 30% off. Never fear, running stores are doing the same thing, so why not support a local business(or a locally operated business)?

Charlie

Time to Run

Yesterday was my last day at the store. Today is the first day of what comes next. I decided to start this new chapter with something I hadn't done in a while - a run. Operating a running store gives you little time for things like...running. Now maybe in my next endeavor I will have to work/life balance thing down. I didn't while I was at the store.

I went to the doctor for a check up, and I am back to the weight I was when I had my heart attack. Priority ONE for this break from work is to get the health back to where I want it to be. I want to create the habits, so when I do go back to work, they will be firmly in place, and I can continue.

In essence, I now have time to run. I headed out on the Blackstone Path for a 1.45 mile run. Time didn't matter to me, as much as the run itself. It was a great Spring day, and a lot of runners were out taking advantage of a sunny New England day. I had a blast out there.

Now that I have more time, I will be able to share my thoughts and runs more. I want to share the runs, races, etc.

Here are the races I have planned:

Newport 10 Miler - June
London Royal Oaks Foundation Half Marathon - October
Philadelphia Marathon - November

I plan on taking you all with me every step of the way.

Now I'm going to enjoy the rest of this day.

Charlie

Shoe Fitters: Who They Are and Who They Aren't

There is so much that a shoe fitter does on a daily basis, but there is also quite a bit they don't do. I wanted to make some things clear when you head to a running store, what the expectation should be.

The person fitting you for the shoe has been trained to analyze your gait to make sure you are in the right type of shoe. They have technical knowledge of the shoes so they can explain what the shoes can and can't do. They do assist with questions about running, mostly because they are runners themselves, and most likely have endured all the issues you go though. The are your counselor when your running isn't going well, and you need a pep talk, some advice, or just an ear to listen to prior to your race. They can lead your training group. They can cheer you on at races. They can lead a fun run, and share a beer afterwards with you. They do a ton of things for runners on a daily basis.

They aren't doctors. This is important, because a good many people come into a running store asking for medical advice or a diagnosis. My most famous story is the woman I helped who had hip issues running. She asked me what I thought the problem was. I gave her a list of possible things which could be the problem, but I told her she needed to see a medical professional who could correct diagnose the issue, and begin to work on solving it. She was pretty adamant that she didn't want to go to a doctor. I suggested a free injury screening by a physical therapist in our store could be a solution. Nope....she would have none of that.

We went through the fitting. We figured out shoes for her. She was very happy with everything. At the end of our talk, she said....."So in your expert opinion, do you think I need hip replacement surgery?"

Again, a shoe fitter is NOT a doctor, nor are they playing them on TV.

I get it. We do know a certain amount of medical info in regards to foot, ankle and leg pain. This helps so we can advise products. We don't know how to diagnose problems. I find it funny that people would rather seek info from a retail person on medical issues.

So when you head to your local store, please know what the shoe fitter can do, and also know....they aren't a doctor.

Charlie

One Month To Go

I have no idea how the day will play out one month from today. I will be running the NYC Half Marathon, with training, which has been less than ideal. Still in the next 30 days, anything can happen.

Time to run has been the biggest challenge. I admire people who get up at 4 or 5 in the morning to go run. I'm not able to do that these days. So I run when I can.

I am pleased with the improvements in my running, so I am encouraged that the race won't be a disaster. I have to remember  that I am not running like I did 10 years ago. Time and a heart attack have altered my running, and that is a hard lesson to learn.

I don't want anyone to think I'm not looking forward to this race. I am, very much looking forward to it. I just need to be realistic on how I think it will play out.

Charlie

Speed Work

This week I have focused on speed work. My longish run on Sunday I was on a treadmill, so I did some 1 minute sprints. As I have run during the week, I have focused on shorter quicker runs. The times are showing that my speed is improving.

When I started training for NYC, my first week of runs had me at an average of 17:28/mile. That's pokey. Then again, I hadn't been running. I was really out of shape, and I shouldn't have expected any faster.

Now I am about 1 month from the half marathon. My run today was a 15:43/mile pace, and my average has dropped to a 16:05/mile. Oh I am still out of shape, but that is a long work in progress.

In over a month I have been able to really cut into my pace. I still run about 3 times a week(if lucky), but I am more focused on the run when I run. So on speed days, I am dedicated to just that. On longer runs, I am working on the stamina.

Speed work is important in training, because it allows you during a race to call on those workouts and really push through some rough patches when you need to. If you are qualifying for Boston(which I am not), it gives you focus on those time goals so you can qualify. If you have a time goal for a race, it enables you to achieve those goals.

Speed work alone doesn't make you faster. Sorry. No magic pill for you. Speed work is a piece of the training pie. The long runs, nutrition during training and running, a strong core, flexibility, all contribute to being faster.

I get asked quite a bit how do you get faster. Generally people don't like my answer - you have to go faster. It requires pushing yourself. This morning on my run, I set a goal to out and out sprint from a designated spot to the corner. Once I hit the corner, I allowed myself to keep going a few extra feet. Then I went back to my pace. I did this a few times, and I found it to be be successful .

Speed doesn't happen naturally - unless you are a Kenyan. Remember, it's called speed work, not speed given. You have to put in some work.

Charlie

Expectations vs Reality

Runners can have some high expectations when it comes to races. We would all love to PR overtime, but that is not always doable. Not all of us are Kenyan, and can blaze through every course and every obstacle like a gazelle. My expectations of my running have been difficult for me to overcome. I want to run like I did 10 years ago. I can't.

10 years ago I was always improving my times. I was tackling races with reckless abandon. 10 years, and a heart attack ago, things have changed. I have changed, so now what I expect needs to change. I thought about this on my run yesterday. NYC Half is coming up next month, and my goal is to finish. I won't PR. I won't come close. The reality is I can't run an 11min/mile at the moment.

Here is what has happened since I started training. According to my log, I have gone from a 17:28 min/mile in my first run, to a 16:00 min/mile. Now the average person thinks so what? The runner knows cutting about a 1:30 is not that easy. I am comfortable knowing that I can do sub-15 min/mile for NYC. That will be good enough for me for this race.

My reality is one race at a time.....

My body is also getting back quicker after runs. I can't run every day. I used to, but those days are gone. Now I shoot for 3-4 days a week. I'm good if I get 3 runs in. So the expectation has changed to coincide with reality.

I've taken a lot of slack lately for being overweight. Grief and depression got me to this point, and the running is helping me get out of it. So while my expectation is to be about 40 lbs lighter, the reality is I'm not, but I am a work in progress. I refuse to be shamed.

When I tow the line at NYC, I expect the thousands out there to cheer me on. The reality is I have have a solid crew of folks to cheer and support me, and the other thousands are just window dressing. :-)

Runners now and then need to take stock about what their expectations are versus the reality of their running. Now I'm not saying you can't have high expectations, but if you are a 7-10 minute miler, don't expect an Olympic Gold Medal. Manage those expectations for your reality.

Charlie

For the Love of Running

For the month of February, RSG/Jack Rabbit stores are highlighting the love of running. To me this is a lot like Valentine's Day. Yes it's nice to have a month to highlight the love of running, but I love running every month, and so should you.

If you don't love running at the moment, what can you do to regain that spark? Running with a friend? A themed run? Finding a dedicated time to just head out on your own? Getting a new pair of shoes?

When we fall out of love with running, regaining that spark can be tougher than you think. For me, it's been a long road back, but what helped me was last summer, getting ready for Hood to Coast. The excitement of the race, the wonderful team I ran with, the cure joy of being out on the road got it back for me, and I haven't let it go.

To keep my love fresh and going, I have to create challenges for myself, set goals. Running everyday in the same neighborhood makes things stale. So go to another neighborhood. Yesterday I headed to the East side of town, and had a terrific run. Maybe try out a group, and share your love of running with others? There is usually a group or three in your town, you just have to know where and how to find them(talking to your local running store folks is a good start).

February can be a challenging month to go for a run, but make the effort to do it, and let me know if that spark of love is there.

Charlie

Body Shaming

Ordinarily, I would talk about the 3 mile run I did today. Instead I want to talk about an incident that happened after my run. An attempt was made to body shame me today.

I was at the grocery after my run. I was in my running tights and a 1/2 zip top. I am well aware of what I look like in running tights, and I know I could look better. Still what happened really upset me.

I was at the deli getting a couple of things. A couple came up towards the counter. The wife looked at me and giggled. She got her husband to look at me, she whispered something, they both laughed. She thought it was even funnier to point and laugh at me. I decided not to make a deal about it, because I figured I would never see this woman again, and it really didn't matter.

Well I saw the couple again. This time I was at the check out, and they were at the next register. The wife saw me again. This time, she started getting people around her to look at me and laugh. They all whispered things and laughed. Now I was pissed.

The wife looked at me one more time. What she saw was me glaring at there, and mouthing the words, "What the fuck!" It was like common sense hit her at that moment, and she did her best not to look at me again. She did though...and all she saw was glaring me. No more laughing or giggling. She and her husband hurried out of the store.

Trust me, I think there are outfits that look funny on people. I get it. I also respect people and let it go. Mocking, and bringing attention to that is poor taste, rude, and it shows a lack of respect for others. I think it says more about the person, than the person they are trying to shame.

Well I wasn't shamed today. I ran 3 miles, and I have a half marathon in March. What did that woman do today other than try to belittle another person?

Charlie

The Image

As readers of this blog know, I demystify running whenever possible. Running intimidates a lot of people, and I hate that. To me, it's an image problem in our sport.

I was confronted with this yesterday. I spoke with someone who has talked to me about potentially coaching a training program in our store. He said, "I think this could be a great program which really targets the real runners." I tried to hide the look I wanted to give him. I very positively said that if you are putting one foot in front of the other, then you are a real runner. I mentioned that the person who runs the 6 hour marathon is just as much a runner as the 3 hour marathoner. He didn't seem impressed. Needless to say I won't be hiring him.

I work with people every day who are scared to be in my store. They feel they don't belong, because they don't "look" like a runner. Well if runners are ONLY people who are slim and run speedy fast, then I guess they don't look like a runner. As I head out on my runs though, I see short and tall people running. I see old and young folks trotting along. I see thin and I see heavy people out there. We are all putting one foot in front of the other and running.

I joke with customers that my running won't win beauty contests, but it doesn't have to. It doesn't matter how I look when I run. Running is about how you feel out there. If you are enjoying it....keep doing it. If you aren't a gazelle running - who the HELL cares?

There is no need to be afraid of running or shopping in a running store.

If there is an issue with image, then it's the person who is being critical of those of us who don't run like them. It's not you or me.

Charlie

Dusting Off, and Running On

Yes, I have not posted since October, mostly due to not having much to say, but I do now.

So I needed to do something to jump start the running, and regain my health. After dad died, I fell into a depression, which as you may know means eating. I have gained weight. Not happy about that, and got depressed about that, so of course I ate.

Well things are going better now. I have a running plan:

March 20 - NYC Half Marathon
June - Newport 10 Miler
October - Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon - London
November - Philadelphia Marathon

That is an ambitious plan, and I know it. I needed to get back on the horse and goooooooo. So I am going. I have joined a club, not a gym, but a Run Club, which is like a studio, with treadmills and run groups and classes. I loved the concept, and am giving it a 3 month trial.

The treadmill class is a lot of fun. Think of a spin class, but on a treadmill and running. You start with a dynamic warm up, then a leader takes you through intervals on the treadmill, and then a cool down using weights. I had a blast. The treadmill and I are not always friends, but I enjoyed the class, and will do more.

I know the first half marathon will not be pretty, but the goal is to finish! Time will be worked on as the year goes on.

I am also dedicating my running to Special Olympics this year. I will make a donation at the end of the year, based on how many miles I run. I will talk more about that as the year progresses.

I've missed talking running, and look forward to getting back into it. I hope you follow.

Charlie

Moving Forward

I haven't written much about my running of late, because I haven't been running much. I'd love to tell you it's because I'm busy with work. The fact is I've been depressed. I haven't eaten well. I have quiet periods where I just want to be alone. Everything surrounding the passing of my dad has caught up with me. I knew this would come. I knew years ago this would come. Now it's here.

I've decided to do something though. Next week I will be begin to talk to someone about what I am going through. That is how I am going to take care of my mind. For my body, I need a gym. Money hasn't been there for such things, but I need to make the effort to do this. I have running goals I am working on for next year, and I can't without a gym membership.

I realized I needed some help when I received a nice sympathy note from someone a couple weeks ago. I just felt angry reading it. The person didn't offend me. It was actually a lovely card and note. As I wrote back when dad passed away, our relationship was not always the easiest, and now that is all coming out. I need to deal with it so I can move on. I owe it to myself, and the people I love.

As anyone who has been through counseling will tell you, it's hard work. I spent most of my 20s in counseling, so I know what's ahead. I feel though this is the right thing, and the healthy thing for me to do.

Thanks for your understanding.

Charlie

A Simple Run

As much as I love running, I think we tend to make it more complicated than it really is. Everyday I see folks running with a GPS/Phone/iPod/gizmo, all in an attempt to mark what they do, or listen to music, or to distract them on their run. Running actually doesn't need all that.

I go back to the basics or running - right foot, left foot, repeat. Really that is all there is.

Now before the techno geeks jump all over me, I want to be clear I appreciate and use all the gizmos. I think they have a place in our running. I just don't think we need them to perform the simple act of running. You need shoes and a desire to get out there and run.

This morning I headed out for a run. I did 2 miles. It was a pretty simple run. I left the technology at home, and just headed out. The music is nice, but in my training for Hood to Coast, I found I loved the running without music. No music, no distractions. I could concentrate on my stride, my breathing, my running. It also made me aware of what was going on around me.

Today I was watch free, and I found I enjoyed my run more. I've written on this before, but I will say it again; I run much better with no watch or GPS on me. When I have those on I worry about pace, when really I should not be worrying about anything.By now I know my neighborhood, so I know what is 2 miles, so I just did it.

I hadn't run in over a week, and it felt great. Just a nice simple run.

Charlie

On This Day

For an adopted child you get two "birthdays." One of course celebrates the day you were born. The other celebrates the day you gained a family. On Facebook, people generally call it a Gotcha Day. I've never been fond of that term, but it does apply. It's the day that a couple got you, and brought you into their home, and to
be part of their family.

In our family, our mom called it our "anniversary." Anne's and my adoption was always a significant day to our mom. We might have a cake or a gift, but there was always a lot of love in the meaning of that day.

I came into my family on this date in 1963. Joe and Nancy Colpaert adopted me from The Cradle in Evanston, IL, and brought me home to South Bend. Together with my brother David, we were as happy a family as you could imagine. The vague memories, helped by old photographs show a family that knew how to laugh, love, and be together. My best memory was of the last vacation we took as a family to the Pacific Northwest, and up into Canada. My mom loved to tell the story of how we took the train across the country, and I sang the entire trip.

Our world changed in August, 1968 when we lost my brother tragically. You don't lose a son/brother and it not affect your family dynamics, and this did. David was my first loss of that family that brought me home in 1963. You do go on though, and a year later we adopted Anne, a sweet funny baby, who has turned into a wonderful sister.

I've written about my life in various posts, so I don't see a need to re-write any of that today. I want to talk about my sense of loss today, and what I do have. David left us in 1968. Mom died in 1997, which at the time was one of the most painful things I had been through. While I wasn't with David when he died, I sat next to Mom, and did my best to comfort her before she left. This is a scene which played out again a few weeks ago when Dad passed away. I sat at his bedside, and my face was the last face he saw before he passed. The family that gave me the life I have
was now gone.

As I quietly spoke to Dad, I echoed something Anne had text me. I told him to be sure to tell David and Mom I love them.

As sad as I am today, I don't take for granted the love I do have in my life. Anne and I are each other's family, and we will be fine. I have Mark, who has been so good to me over these last few weeks as I process my thoughts and go through my grieving. I have wonderful cousins, amazing friends.

A long time ago I realized we have many families. We have the ones we are born into, the ones we are adopted into, and then there
are the families we form. All of them are special and unique.
As I take stock in this day, I realize that while my initial family is much smaller, my life family is large and wonderful, and I love both.

This year it hurts to celebrate my anniversary, but I will observe it, and know that my family is with me.... no matter where they are.

Charlie

Hood to Coast: Epic Adventure of a Lifetime

There are some races we runners do which are once in a lifetime, epic events. I believe the comment from "Hood to Coast" the documentary was you can't do epic all by yourself. It's true in this case. This is an epic race, and you have to work as a team to do it.

My team had the bland name of Running Specialty Running Group - Team A. We renamed ourselves The A Team! Our team consisted of 12 people in two vans. In Van 1: Mary, Beau, Anna, Paul, Jason and Mike. In Van 2: Tim, Taylor, Jason, Mallory, Sam and me.

At Hood to Coast, the vans alternate routes. So Van 1 does the first 6 legs, Van 2 does the second 6, and this goes on for three van exchanges. So while you wait for the other vans runners, you can rest, eat, whatever you need to do to be ready for the next go round.

Our team's start time was 12:45. Mike led things off with the brutal first leg down Mt. Hood. For my van, we went to the exchange, and waited until about 3:45pm, when Paul came blaming through and passed the baton to our van's Jason. At this point, I need to say I was the slowest runner in this van, because Jason took off....I mean he took off!!! From this point it's a race to the next exchange point where Sam would take over.

What I found cool during this journey was how well Tim and Jason could figure people's times, and know exactly when we needed to be at the next exchange.

Sam was runner #8 and he was also a speedy demon. In fact, he got to the exchange with me a bit early. I was ready, but most of the van was waiting in line for the port-a-potty, so as Sam came in, I heard Tim yelling that Sam was there. I took the baton and off I went. I heard hurried teammates screaming at me to "Go Charlie Go!"

My first leg was a 5.32 mile paved trail. It was the 6:00pm hour when I ran, so the sun was beginning to go down. The scenery here reminded me of a hillier version of the Monon Trail back in Indianapolis. Lots of trees, fields.

Initially I was bugged that I wasn't as fast as the rest of my team, but I told myself the point was to have fun and be in the moment. My lack of speed meant I was roadkill. At Hood to Coast, when you pass someone, you are roadkill, and a good many vans kept track with tick marks of the roadkill. I was fine with that. It just would have been nice to pass someone and have a roadkill of my own. :-)

I will say this, almost everyone who passed me was very nice. Shouts of "good job", "keep it up" and "you're doing great" kept my spirits up, and was more meaningful than if there were a crowd of people along the route. There was one family who were being cheerleaders with pom-poms and everything. When I went by, they asked how I was, I said I was good, and was the ocean close? They laughed and told me they could smell the sea.

This was one of those runs where you can think. My first thought, which I said out loud was, "I am running at Hood to Coast, and this is fucking awesome!!!" At that point, I may have scared whatever wild animals might have been around.

Soon it was time to pass the baton to Mallory....... at least I thought it was Mallory. I came into the exchange really moving, and I remember giving the baton to a woman dressed in Mallory's clothes. In the van I thought, "God I hope that was Mallory I handed it to." It was!

Our initial legs ended in Portland. This was probably the more raucous and fun exchange spot. There was a festive feel to this exchange, more so than any of the others.

Our few hours in Portland meant a quick trip back to the hotel for a shower and some food...oh and a beer. I'm pretty sure you can't do epic without a beer. Dinner was at a Denny's, since there are no IHOPs in Portland(WTF???). We Grand Slammed ourselves at Dennys, and headed to the next van exchange. 

My second leg was one I was a bit nervous about. Leg #21 is on a gravel country road. My feet and ankles are not well equipped to handle terrain like that. Because I supinate, the changes of me rolling ankles increase. The other issue at that moment was a hard rain and lightning was going on. I'm not a fan of rain.

Jason and I knew Sam was coming in soon, so we jumped out of the van. The temps were in the low 60s, and in addition to the rain was wind. Jason asked me a few times if I needed my jacket. I think he saw me shivering a bit, and felt bad we jumped out of the van a bit earlier than we had planned. I told him I would be fine once I got going. Sam came in and I took off at about 4:45am into the dark.

The rain was coming down. My hat did a great job of keeping my glasses dry. I was getting soaked though. I worried about blisters and chaffing. Still I had a job to do, and I was going to do it. Let me be clear, about a mile into this run, I remember yelling "Why the fuck did you give me this leg Mary Arnold(our team captain)?!?!"

The road was difficult. For a leg which claimed to be mostly downhill, I sure went uphill a lot. The road felt like a semicircle to me. if I ran on the left, I could feel a lot of pressure on my right foot. So I would alternate between the left and right hand sides of the road. All the time I was dodging potholes. I could dodge a lot of the rocks though, and about midway through the leg, I rolled my right ankle on a couple of rocks. I knew I would pay for that later, but on I went.

Another tough part of this leg was my GPS wasn't working, so I never knew my pace or distance. Every now and then a runner would come by, and I would ask how far we were. That helped. The encouraging words from my fellow runners really kept me going during this.

The sun started to come up, and as it did, and the rain stopped, I was able to see the scene around me. It was a canopy of trees and forrest. I loved it. I wondered what it was like to live there. So peaceful.

By now my ankle was hurting, and my running had a limp with it. I was so glad to hand the baton to Mallory. When I got in the van though, I told my team I couldn't run my third leg. I felt I had let them down. My team was so nice and patient with me. They assured me they had not let me down, and they would figure it out, and they did.

Driving on the route, you encounter a lot of communities which provide a lot of food and services for the runners. Jason laughs at this, but I swear the breakfast sandwich I had at this tiny town was the best damned egg and cheese sandwich I ever had. Real eggs and Oregon cheese, and what tasted like a fresh English Muffin bread. We stopped at a school which provided food, a sleep area and showers. One of the volunteers told me that hundreds of runners come through and take advantage of their services. These are great fundraisers for these groups and schools.

As we got to the third legs for each runner, the wind picked up. We heard that the finish at Seaside had to be changed due to 80 MPH winds.  We were dealing with 40-50 MPH winds. Most of these legs were uphill, so the finish goes down towards the ocean. My team handled them all in better than expected times. At this point I was navigating, and helping Taylor drive. At the last exchange Tim got there before Taylor, but she still got the baton, and we all headed to Seaside.

Van 1 was waiting for us at the Elks Lodge, already drinking beers. We knew when Taylor would come in so we headed to the finish area, so we could all finish with her. Soon we saw her, and the wild cheers came out. We all got in behind her and ran. I didn't care how badly I was hurting, I was going to run the last few hundred feet to the finish. As we got to the finish, I began to cry. I cried as I got my medal, and I remember hugging Mary and crying.

Our official time was 29:01:56

This race was about my coming back from my heart attack last year. This race was about blocking the sadness of losing my dad a couple weeks ago. This race was about me, and how hard I worked to get to the race, and how hard I ran during the race. The emotions came spilling out. Mary was so nice to tell me how proud she was of me. I needed to hear that, and I'm glad this was coming from my team captain.

I was able to pull things together for the team photo though....

As I paraphrased at the start, you really can't do epic by yourself. A team is there to encourage, support, gripe. commiserate, laugh, swear, hug and be there for each other. Jason, Taylor, Tim Sam and Mallory could not have been any better. I am do incredibly glad to have gone through this journey with them. If we never meet again, at least we know we had this experience, and nothing can take that away from us.

I understand there are relay races all over, but there is only one Hood to Coast, and it is all it is advertised to be. It's full of stunning scenery, great volunteers, fun times, hard times, and just an out in out blast. You endure the fatigue, the stinkiness of your team mates, the mess in your van, the weather. You do it, and in the end, you are glad you did it.

As I sat at the Elks Lodge in Seaside having my celebratory beer, I was quiet and thinking about what brought me to this point. I thought about how all I wanted to do after my heart attack was run again. I thought about who angry I was about not doing Hood to Coast, and how much it meant for me to win the contest that got me there. That too was a team effort. Again...epic is not a singular activity.

Thanks to my van mates, my team mates, my staff at the store, RSG and Nike for this amazing adventure.

If you have the chance to run Hood to Coast - do it! I promise you will love it. Who knows.....you may see this guy out there again next year -------->


Charlie