My Apologies

Folks,

I want to apologize for my lack of writing. It is directly connected to my lack of running. I have been feeling down all month, and have had zero motivation. Even with a race coming up. Part of it is I just don't want to go to the gym to run anymore. Part of it I have been very hard on myself for things going on in my life. So as a result, my running has suffered.

I know I pay for this in many different ways, and that makes me sadder. I am my hardest critic, so when things go wrong, I get very hard on me. It is a struggle for me.

I see tomorrow as a chance to start over, and I hope you will bear with me. I am a little over a month from the race in D.C., so I do have to get in some decent shape.

I will work on writing more, maybe that will help. But I also need some encouragement. So if you are still reading the blog, please drop me a note.

Thanks,
Charlie

Spirit of the Marathon

Last night I saw a showing of the documentary "Spirit of the Marathon." I first mentioned this back in October. The film follows 5 people, ranging from novice to Olympic caliber runners, as they prepare for the 2005 Chicago Marathon. It is a very inspiring film, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

While I sat in the theater watching, all I could think about was how I needed to plan my marathon training for this year. :-)

I don't know if there will be future viewings of this fine documentary, but if there is, make sure you see it. I am sure it will be on DVD at some point.

If you do go see it, wait until the end to see the extras, including an interview with 2004 Olympic Women's Marathon Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor, and 2008 Men's Marathon Qualifying champ Ryan Hall discuss their plans for Beijing.

Charlie

Breaking Up?

I have a long standing relationship that I am considering ending. I love my gym very much. It was the first gym I joined. The trainers and staff have been incredibly supportive of me and my goals. Now there are two issues, and this has been coming for some time.

1) The gym is about a 1/2 hour train ride from my home. So I have to really make the effort to get to the gym.

2) The expense. There are gyms closer to me which are cheaper.

I think I will check out some of the gyms first and see if any work for me. Still it is a tough decision. I love my gym, but is it good to love your gym?

Thoughts?

Charlie

Good Weekend

You can tell the runners in Chicago are getting antsy. When I talk to runners at the store, all I hear is how they want to run outside again. There must be some serious treadmill running going on.

Yesterday was a treadmill run for me. My right calf was tight, so I was cautious and ran two miles. I was pleased with that.

Today was a good day. We had a seminar at work called Running 101. It was presented by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield. Bingham writes a column in Runner's World, and is known as "The Penguin." When I first started running, his book, "Courage to Run" really inspired me in my running. His wife Jenny Hadfiled is a co-founder of Chicago Endurance Sports, and is a contributor to Health Magazine.

I was so pleased to meet them, and I got to introduce them to our audience tonight. They talked about running, and being fit. It was a great seminar. They also used me as an example of how to lose weight sensibly. I was thrilled.

:-)Charlie

Cheating

This week the media has been focused on baseball great Roger Clemens as he testified about drug use in his career to Congress. A couple things I don't get are why is tax payer money being wasted on this, and who all cheats?

Tax payer issue aside, I want to know who cheats, and what should be done about it? I have talked about this before. My feeling is either legalize drugs, or really crack down on cheating athletes. This is an Olympic year, which means the best athletes are getting ready to compete. Can we be sure they are clean?

I have had elite runners tell me most everyone cheats. Great! So as I watch Ryan Hall leave a pack of runners in the dust, do I have to wonder what he is taking? When I see Tiger Woods win another match, am I left wondering did HGH enhance his performance? What about Lance Armstrong? I really do see a day when it will all come out that he cheated.

The sad fact is these athletes are already great! Are they that insecure of their talents they feel they need steroids and other drugs?

And please....can we stop with the lame excuse - I didn't know what they gave me? That is so wrong! And it is a lie. As a runner I am aware of everything that enters my body....and so are these folks.

The pressure to win, and the money and fame associated with it are intense. But really is it worth the disgrace if and when you are caught. Do you want your career tainted with the word "cheat" by your name? Sad.

Charlie

Valentine Run

I am not a great Valentine's guy. So Happy VD to those who celebrate.

I celebrated by running 3 miles on the treadmill today. Nice run. I clocked in at 35:12. I'm happy with that time. My heel feels ok. Not spectacular, but ok. So I was happy to get the run in.

I have joined the Fleet Feet Racing Team, so periodically I will working out with the team. I will also be running a few more races this year than I had originally thought. That's fine. It will all be good for the Indy Marathon in October.

I have to say I will certainly be glad when Spring is here. Snow and ice have kept me indoors this season. Give me a nice sunny 40-50 degree day, and I will be a happy guy!

:-)Charlie

The Penguin

This weekend at our store we are having a Running 101 seminar given by John "The Penguin" Bingham. I am a devoted fan of this guy. He writes his ""Penguin" articles for Runner's World. He has written numerous books, usually co-authored with his wife. Books include - "The Courage to Start," "Running for Mortals" and "No Need for Speed." I find the books to be informative and inspiring.

I eagerly look forward to meeing the man, and listening to what he has to say.

Charlie

2.1 Miles with Tina and Steve

I headed to the gym in a light snow...which is now a heavier snow. I listened to Steve Runner and the wonderful Tina Turner. I ran a nice 24:36 on the treadmill. Something about running to Tina singing "Proud Mary" which got me going.

Because I had not run in a few weeks, I thought today would be an easy run. With apologies to Tina...nothing "rough." I stretched for several minutes before and after the run. Feel good.

If anyone is looking for a good get your heart going song - I suggest Proud Mary!

I have not heard the end of the Pheddippidations podcast, but it is my understanding that Steve is cutting back on the shows. While I am sad about that, I am sure he has good reasons, and I respect the hell out of him.

So today was a good running day!

:-)Charlie

The Goal is October 18

Nothing kicks you in the butt like a goal, and frankly I have been without a goal for a time. So here it is - I am registered for the Indianapolis Marathon on October 18! I took the plunge and paid the money yesterday. It always seems odd to me to register for a race so far away, but the training is an investment, so you have to plan like any other investment.

I am feeling better now that I have made this decision. Time to look at training programs. Most of the ones in Chicago are geared to the Chicago Marathon. I don't see a problem signing up with one of those since this one is a week later. The running schedule would be almost identical.

In other news how did I do eating wise yesterday? I think I was pretty good. I had the bowl of Kashi cereal and toast at breakfast. My mid-morning snakc was a handful of shredded wheat biscuits...odd I know. Lunch was a Turkey Burger, and only a small portion of the fries - I did not eat all of them, and typically don't anyway. Dinner was a good old fashioned PB&J. So today I have plans to make something veggie based. YUM!

Later this morning - the gym!

Charlie

Take Back Monday

Today I start fresh! The last couple days has been good Plantar Facism wise. I have some new running shoes, though they are new versions of the old ones I have had. I am still in the market for new shoes.

This morning for breakfast a bowl of Kashi cereal and a piece of toast. Coffee....of course.

Tomorrow I have a gym workout planned. So I am getting the body back into shape.

I will be doing a fall marathon - not Chicago. I am leaning towards the Indianapolis Marathon, a week following Chicago. I will get back into a marathon training program later in the spring.

For now the focus is on getting healthy so I can run the 10 mile race in D.C. in April.

Go me!

Charlie

Two More Days....Then I Reclaim My Body

So here is the deal. I have set Monday as my start date to reclaim my body. This means a couple things. First it means I get back to eating better which I have suffered from for a while. Second it means I start cracking down on working out.

I don't look fat at the moment - but I sure as hell feel fat. And feeling fat is not good. I feel sluggish and gross. Of course not running or working out for a couple weeks will do that to a guy.

So I am making a contract with myself, which I will post here. I always feel the blog makes me responsible not only to myself, but to all of you who read it. I am accountable. Believe me when I say this accountability means a lot to me. I take it seriously.

To get me kicked in the butt, I have decided to train for a marathon. Yes...this goes against my plan to not run a marathon this year, but the more I think about it, the more I think I want to do one. I know I am not running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I will run a smaller(capacity) one.

I find a regimented training schedule helps me a great deal, and I am not always to do it on my own.

So there it is, that is what I am thinking at the moment.

Thoughts?

Charlie

Where's Charlie?

Folks I am here, but have been in pain with the dreaded Plantar Facitis(sp). Here is my plan. For the next month, my goal is to kick this pain in my heal out! I have not run in over a week. You all know how I feel about that.

My feeling is if I can't get a handle on this within a month, how I can I run a decent race in D.C. in April? Plus I want to run longer races during the year. So I feel I have a decision to make at the start of March.

I will be stretching and cross training. Running will be kept to a minimum. I don't like that, but I need a healthy heal.

Charlie

Items on the Agenda

So here are some things going on.

So far no running this week. My work schedule has not been kind to me. I work 9-5, or all day if it is a weekend. My heel is in pain at the end of the day. I am having it worked on in the morning with a massage therapist. I am prepared for it to hurt.

Looking ahead. I am reconsidering the no marathon plan this year. I am thinking now of a fall marathon. I still will not do Chicago, though with registration days away, I thought of it. I am looking at some possibilities.

Running with structure....I find I miss the training program I was on. I miss the organization of it, and keeping me on task. It is difficult for me to get motivated and get out there. Granted the heel has been an issue, but still.

Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?

Charlie

Running and Marathon Kids

First things first. Today I ran 5 miles. Because the temps were hovering near 0, I was in the gym. My time was good 56:15. That's a good time for me, and I felt on track for my training for the race in April. As most of you would agree, treamill running is no fun. I really need some new ways to make it more interesting. That or Spring needs to come early.

This is an exciting time today and tomorrow. Kay Morris, founder of Marathon Kids, is in town to address the Chicago Public School System, and line up more sponsors for the Chicago Chapter. Things are on target for a start in November. She and I are talking about ways I can get involved with the chapter in Chicago.

Go to www.marathonkids.org for more information on this terrific program!

Charlie

3 Miles...but Oh It Was Tough

Today I ran 3 miles at the gym. It was tough going. It was one of those days when my mind wanted to go 4 miles, but my body said, "I don't think so buddy." So I stopped at 3.

Work has been a bit stressful as we are going through some changes. So I think my body was feeling tight and not into the run. I hate it when that happens. Still I am glad to get some miles in. Every mile counts.

Charlie

Comparisons

A few days ago I received an invitation to attend an event for my graduate school. I read it and found myself doing something we all do from time to time. I compared myself and my life to others. I should say I was comparing my life to how I think others live. This is a useless thing to do and I understand that mentally. The problem is I have done this all of my life.

It's funny though, I do not compare my running to other people's running. Granted during marathon training I felt bad from time to time that I was almost always the last one back from the long run. However, I can't compare my running to anyone else's, nor should I be comparing my life to others.

I don't have the career in the non-profit world I thought I would have at this point. Yes, I am working on social responsibility within my company, and maybe that is what I am supposed to be doing at this point in life.

Running though, I know I will never win a race. I know I will never win an Olympic medal or set a world record, and I am 100% fine with that. So how come I am not content at times with other aspects of my life?

Don't get me wrong. I love working at Fleet Feet Sports. I have the time of my life. I just look at my graduate school peers, and I sometimes see something I am sure is not as good as I think it is.

Yes...I am rambling, but it was on my mind, and I wanted to share.

Charlie

Brrrrr

For those who don't know what winters are like in Chicago, this is the time of year when it gets DAMN COLD!!! Yesterday we started the day at -1F. This morning it is a frosty -4F. As you can imagine I do not run in this weather, though I saw some brave souls out there.

Instead I did a nice 72F run at the gym. I ran a good speedy 3 mile run in 33:16. I felt good for the most part, but I noticed it is time for new shoes. I felt my feet hitting the ground more, rather than the shoe cushioning it.

Afterwards I felt like I could run another two miles. This week I have a plan to increase the running. At some point I would like to run outside, but being the weather wimp I am that is out of the question.

Feeling good though.

Charlie

News From the Running World.....

Just thought I would share some things going on in our sport.

1) Haile Gebrselassie was very close to winning a HUGE payout in Dubai. Organizers of the Standard Charter Dubai Marathon offered a $1 million bonus if a world marathon record was set. Gebrselassie's time of 2:04:53 was the second fastest of all time. Still he got a $250,000 paycheck. Not bad.

2) Lance Armstrong will run this year's Boston Marathon. He will run for his Lance Armstrong Foundation, but the B.A.A. made it clear that he has truly qualified for the race, after running a 2:46:43 at the NYC Marathon last year. Nothing gets runners in a tizzy like talking about qualifying for Boston as opposed to charity running in Boston.

3) Ryan Hall will run the London Marathon in April. Hall who dominated the Olympic Trials, will set his sights on London as a prelude to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Go Ryan!!!!

4) Oscar Pistorius was banned from competing in the Olympics this summer, due to the type of prosthetic he uses. I have commented how I feel about this. Pistorius is appealing the decision.

Charlie

Let It Snow

As it snows and Chicago is headed to sub zero weather, I ran 2.5 miles today in the comfort of the gym. My back was feeling tight, so I ran 2.5 in 28 minutes flat! Not too shabby.

Generally when I run on the treadmill I watch the Food Network. I have to tell you the Food Network is THE reason to have cable. I watched the Barefoot Contessa make beef bourginon. I find I don't get hungry watching it. I look at it as something pretty to watch.

I want to share a story from a couple days ago....can't wait to hear what some of you think.

A guy walks into our store. He tells me he is going to train for this year's Chicago Marathon. I ask him what made him decide to it...as I am always curious. His answer....are you ready?

"Well I'm 22. If I don't do it now when will I?"

When indeed.

Charlie

Another Good Run

The weather this week is very cold and about to get colder. So I am usually a gym runner during this time of year. Today was a good 4 mile run on the treadmill. I felt great. My heal has been bothering me, so I took a few days off, but today's run was a good one. I ran it in 45:19. I was really pleased with that time.

Monday was the first anniversary of my first marathon. Can't believe it is has been a year.

So all in all a good run today.

I am still struggling with food though, but I am making some progress. My roommates bake like nobody's business. I have asked them if they can cut back. I mean really do we need fresh baked cookies EVERY WEEK??? I think not.

My biggest problem has been eating late. My condition really does not allow me to eat a big meal later in the evening. Or it does not digest and I sleep horribly. Sadly I have been pulling some late nights and eating later. So I am working on changing that.

Arrrgh!

Charlie