Back Into Running

I have been dealing with ankle pain the last week, so my running was suspended. I did run 2.8 miles on Friday, and felt good. This happened during the training for the half marathon, and I took a week off. I know many runners would consider that taboo, but if you are hurt, you are hurt.

My roommates laugh at me wearing my running tights....they can lauch, but I'll be warm. :-)

Still on a high from the marathon experience yesterday. Watching a race, and hanging out with other runners really gets me motivated.

:-)Charlie

2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

It was a frosty early start to the annual marathon through the Windy City. I got up at 3 am, to be at the race area at 5: 00 for volunteer duty. 40,00 people ran today's race. I volunteered. CARA(Chicago Area Runners Association) members served as Runners Info people. My spot was at the start line with the elite and preferred runners. I had to direct them to their start area and gear checks. For this work I got a nifty jacket and cap. I needed it.

The temps were in the upper 30s at the start of the race. Stiff winds came off the lake. The race started without a hitch. The ending....was a different story.

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_295072418.html

Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya slipped and fell as he crossed the finish line. At this writing he is in stable condition in the hospital, but did suffer a brain hemorrage. Scary stuff.

I enjoyed talking with fellow runners this morning. Several people are running the NYC Marathon in a few weeks. I asked what time they were shooting for, I got the same response, "Fast enough to beat Lance Armstrong." Armstrong is running the marathon. So people are setting sights on him. Of course it isn't like they are riding bikes against him.

The marathon always inspires me to run. I am sure I will get up, and head out in the morning for a brisk run.

:-)Charlie

3 Months From Today

Three months from today I run the Rock n Roll Marathon in Arizona. Wow! Got a lot of work to do. This week's long run will be shorter, since I hit 10 miles last week.

The yoga and strength training is going well. I do needto eat a bit better, but that will come.

Big thing this coming week? I volunteer at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon! Woo Hoo!

:-)Charlie

Dedicated

I ran 2 miles and bile 2.7 miles at the gym today. A good workout for me. Afterwards, in the locker room, a guy came up to me, and said, "You seem so dedicated. I've watched you since you started coming here, and it really shows."

I smiled and thanked him. He went on to tell me it makes him want to work out more. I told him it all takes time, but I enjoy working out and running. He told me that shows as well.

Before he left he told me I probably know how well I'm doing. I told him it never hurts to hear it from someone else.

:-)Charlie

Two Long Runs in One Week?

Yes, you read the title right. I ran a long run today. I know I ran 8 miles last Monday, but my work schedule won't be long run friendly this week, so I chanced it. I ran 10 miles.

My route was from my current home, to my former home. I ran along the lake, and it was a gorgeous day. Sunny and in the upper 60s-low 70s. Great running weather. I felt good most ofthe run. I didn't push myself.

On the way back I was glad to see Loyola University. That meant I was less than a mile from home. I drank plenty, and snacked along the way. My legs are a bit sore, but I'll live.

All in all - good run!

:-)Charlie

I'm a "Professional"

Yesterday was my training session with Josh. This was a grueling one. I noticed on my sheet, he has me listed as a level 2. Not sure what it means. I think it means..."give me 10 more." :-)

Chin ups, push ups, lots of arm exercises, and work on my back, was the order of the day. I feel it this morning, though not as bad as last week.

I really feel this core work, along with the yoga will help with my running. After myworkout I ran 1.25 miles. That's nothing big, but after a hard workout it felt like 10 miles.

At the end of the session, Josh told me I did 45 reps of all he had me do. He told me professional athletes usually do that in an hour session. He told me I'm a "professional athlete." I do all the work, I just don't get paid.

:-)Charlie

8 Miles andYoga

Yesterday was an 8 mile run on the treadmill. Not my favorite way to run, but it does allow me to closely follow the 4-5 min run/1min walk. I thought it was a good run, though I got very tired towards the end.

Tonight I attended my first yoga class. It felt like ballet all over again. I was the only guy, and I was wearing tights. I liked the class quite a bit. I wasn't very pretty in any of my moves, but I gave it a good effort, and that was the important part.

I look forward to next week's class.

:-)Charlie

My Armsceps Hurt

I know there is no suchword as "armceps", but that is short hand for all the muscles which hurt after my training session with Josh yesterday. I am in a lot of pain this morning. It was all I could do to wash my hair.

Josh had my doing chin ups, crunches, bouncing balls off a wall, lots of squats. I did all of them to best I could, and never gave up. I am paying the price this morning. Those poor muscles have not seen that kind of activity in a while.

After my workout I ran a mile, and biked a mile. Phew.....tiring day.

:-)Charlie

6.2 Miles- The Long Run

Today's long run was on the treadmill at the gym. I ran a decent 6.2 miles. I didn't get tired. I like using the interval setting on the treadmill. Now if I could just enjoy the treadmill. I am using it more for my longer runs, because I know come December I won't be running a lot of miles outside. and I want to get used to it.

After my run I spoke with the gym manager and my trainer Josh. I was having a picture taken for some before and after thing they are doing. We talked about my weight loss, and both of them told me how proud they are of me. I felt good, especially in the interest they have taken in me.

This week I will try more strength training. Next week - I add yoga to the training.

:-)Charlie

How Did I Do It?

Last night I ate at Mickey D's, befor going out with friends. No one told me where would be going there would be food. So my question is, "How did I eat the way I used to?"

At the person's home, I was polite and had one piece of pizza, but I felt so gross as the night went on. The pizza and the chicken sandwich I had at McDonald's was gross inside me. There was a time I just ate like that though. How did I do that, and why aren't I dead?

Today I got up, still felt icky, but I ran 2.8 miles. I feel much better now. I can go out and tackle the day.

:-)Charlie

I am Powerful...Wau Peace and Conflict Mitigation Project

As part of my continuing efforts to raise awareness ofthe work CARE does, here is a description of one of CARE's projects in war torn Sudan.

Wau Peace and Conflict Mitigation Project

The culture of war accumulated over the past years had a negative impact on the war affected people. The project will focus on establishing and strengthening grassroots community-based organizations (CBOs), in particular community-based women's organizations (CBWOs), as well as other nascent "civil society" organizations which are either established or in the process of becoming established in the town of Wau. The project will work with 20-30 CBOs and CBWOs; with project activities expected to benefit at least 12,000 people (2,000 households).


In the next month I will discuss more how I hope to raise money for CARE via my marathon in Janurary.

Charlie

Fall Running

Fall is my very favorite time of year. It is also my favorite time of year to run. Today was a great example. Not too hot. Temps in the 60s and sunny. The lakefront was clear and beautiful. Once the leaves begin to turn, it will be even prettier.

Today I headed up to Evanston. I ran 3.66 miles. A good solid run. I took the occasional walk break(which really helps). Trying now to build miles during the week. I ran by one guy who yelled, "Hey you got 6 miles to go!" Of course some point he'll be right.

:-)Charlie

A Few Things

Few things to note…

Yesterday I ran 5 miles. I had not run past 4 in a while, so I was really happy with that. It was a treadmill run, and I felt really good during the run. Progress is being made. I hope to run a 6 mile run this week.

At Macy’s a co-worker asked me if I was still running. I told him I was, and that I ran the AIDS Run over the weekend. He said, “Didn’t you already run that this summer?” I told him I hadn’t. He then remembered it was the Gay Games I ran, and said, he knew it was something like that…whatever.

I have signed up for a yoga class, and will start in October. Pray for me. I bet I will find parts of my body I didn’t know were there. :-)

My boss at Columbia is running a marathon in Toronto this weekend. I need to find a little something to give him to wish him luck!

So there is where things are today.

:-) Charlie

2006 AIDS Run

It was a glorious morning along Lake Michigan. The temperatures were in the low 70s, with hazy sunhine. The AIDS Run got off to a crowded start. My only complaint of the event is that the start line neededto accommodate all of the runners.

The course ran through Grant Park, heading towards the Field Museum, north along the Lakefront Path, andthen back towards the start/finish line. I felt great all through the run. People were enjoying the run. Lots of organized teams were out in force.

I ran the 5K in 37:25. Not a bad time for me. No personal best, but this was not about racing. This was running for my friend Dave who died in 1994. Before the run I sadi a little prayer, and hoped Dave was watching from above.

Between the online fundraising and personal donations given to me, I raise $636. I'd say that is a good effort. Thanks to everyone who donated. Your gifts are greatly appreciated, and will help many people affected by HIV/AIDS in Chicago.

:-)Charlie

AIDS Run Update

Tomorrow I run the AIDS Run. Looking forward to it. My pledges have exceeded my hopes. Thanks to everyone who has donated. At this point I am at $591 between online pledging and money people have given me. I would to see it hit $600. You can still donate:

http://afc.aidschicago.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=418&srcid=396&frsid=308

I'll give a report following the run.

Charlie

Under the Weather

For the last day or two I have been feeling sick. No running, but I have gotten plenty of sleep. I stayed home today. I think my body is telling me it has had enough. So I have been taking it easy today.

Hopefully I will be better tomorrow and can hit the road.

Charlie

A Good Run

I was going to go to the gym or run at the last post, but I didn't. I just didn't have it in me. Today was a different story. I had a few hours between jobs, so I came home to run. This time I headed north to Evanston, IL.

I ran 3.3 good miles. Ihope to run through more of Evanston. It is a beautiful community. I felt really good during the run. I wasn't tired, or going to hard. It was a nice pace for me. I didn't time my run, and that is probably for the best. Sometimes an easy run is better for you.

Now I feel a bit better about heading to Macy's....NOT! :-)

Charlie

Stress and Eating

I know I have commented on this on old blog, but I'll make mention of it here. I hate being an emotional eater. The last two weeks have been very stressful, and I haven't made good eating choices. I guess the good thing I can say is that I am not over eating. It's just what I am eating is not as good for me.

I do try to start fresh every day, because I can't control what happened, all I can do is work on what is ahead.

The move, two jobs working 7 days a week, and other personal issues have taken their toll on. I am glad to have the running, when I can fit it in. That last comment bothers me, because I don't want it to fit in. I have to make it part of my life.

So for now I am off the gym(which is a trek these days).

Charlie

A Hero of Mine

I was first introduced to Dean Karnazes last year at a local bookstore. Ok, I have not actually met him, but I've read his book "Ultramarathon Man." Karnazes runs 100 mile races as if I were running 3 miles. He is an awesome physical being. He amazes me.

Now he is tackling something really big - 50 marathons in 50 days. You read that right.

http://endurance50.thenorthface.com/

He is raising money and awareness for his non profit organization - Karno Kids

I'm going to follow his quest with interest. I also hope to meet him when he comes to Chicago for the marathon.

Awesome inspiration.

:-)Charlie

Long Run Day

Today was a long run day for me. I guess I should say a longer run day. According to the route I plotted on Mapquest, I ran 4.13 miles. Not too bad.

I felt good during the run. I made sure to take the walking breaks. I also threw in a lap around the Loyola track. So not a bad running day. It was my first run in a few days. I know I need to do better about building miles for this training.

At least now I can head into work knowing I got a good run in. It makes me feel better knowing I got a good run under my belt.

:-)Charlie