Meditative Run

Yesterday I went for a 3.2 mile run around Loyola Park. The park is a nice stretch right along Lake Michigan. At one point you run out on a pier, and you get a stunning view of Chicago's skyline. I took no music. I was just alone chanting my usual running chant - "World Peace."

I always find when I use that chant I am relaxed and my breathing calms down. I feel very centered. I really wanted to be alone with my thoughts, as I was preparing for today.

I haven't talked much with my friends. I have actually wanted to be more internal as I get ready for my biopsy this afternoon. I know some folks will feel bad I have not been more communicative, but this test has rattled me, and I really want to be alone with my thoughts.

The run was easy, and the weather was great. I bit grey like fall usually is; a great breeze, and the city looking great. I love fall!

Again....thanks to those who have written me and wished me well. I truly appreciate it. I will let you all know how it goes.

Peace,
Charlie

A Good Day at PT

Today's physical therapy was pretty good. The therapist did some tests on my progress, and she seems to think I am doing well. I'm not great, but I am not where I was at the start, so that is promising to me. I have a follow up with my doctor in a couple weeks, so I will see what he has to say on this.

Of course the overriding issue in my head is Monday's biopsy. Thanks to those who have written me, as several folks have. I deeply appreciate it more than you know. I am hesitant to talk more about it as I am still coping in my head. I am very lucky to have family and friends who are being supportive, especially my family.

Back to today....I need to work on my leg strength and balance. That seemed to be the major concern today. Sometimes I wonder if this is all puzzle I am not getting totally. Last week one therapist talked about my back, this week another talks about my legs. It gets confusing.

Still I will take a day of progress.

Charlie

Thoughts In Bed

Monday I will have the biopsy on my prostate. As I think I have now shared, I am scared and nervous. It's funny when I talk about this with people, I get the "Everything will be fine" talk. I appreciate the fact these people don't want me to worry, but I do.

I worry about what happens if I have Cancer. No doubt I will do all I can to fight it. But I worry what this does in relation to my work, to my running, to my friendships. to everything. Yeah...I'm a worrier.

I watched my mom die from Cancer, and it was hard to watch. This was such a strong woman, and I watched her deteriorate. I don't want that.

There have been times over the last couple of weeks I have wanted to cry, and just be a mess. But there is always someone telling me all will be fine. I don't want to sound like I don't appreciate it, but I am someone who needs to be allowed to feel what they feel.

Yes....I know this could not be Cancer, and I pray that it is something else...or just nothing. But for now I need to express my fear.

Charlie

Marathon Kids Chicago

November 8 is an important day for Chicago school children. Marathon Kids Chicago will be kicking off that day. I have talked about Marathon Kids before.

"Marathon Kids® is a free, twelve-year-old, trademarked, incremental, school and community based fitness program. It is a six month endurance-building running/walking, nutrition and schoolyard gardening project for K-5th graders and their families."

Kay Morris is a force of nature who has really gotten school systems around the country to get kids moving. I have had the pleasure of working with Kay on making Marathon Kids Chicago a reality. She has a passion for her mission of getting children fit.

Childhood obesity is a major problem in our country, and terrific efforts like Marathon Kids is making a difference in so many lives.

I encourage all of you to support this program by either volunteering if you are in a Marathon Kids city, or by donating a little money to make sure we are doing all we can to keep our children fit and healthy.

http://www.marathonkids.org/

Charlie

2008 AIDS Run 5K

I don't know who would ever check, but in the history of my running career, this race will not go down as a major time achievement 36:56. However it will go down as a solid run for an excellent cause.

It was a very warm morning along Chicago's lakefront. I am not a fan of the course. The first 1.4 mile is on a sidewalk, which is full of inexperienced runners and potholes. Once you get on the lakefront path, it is a decent course.

I was not really prepared for this run, with all I have been going through, but I felt strong enough to do this. My first two miles were 11:31 and 12:01. I walked a bit more on the last mile, which slowed me down. While I am used to running for time, I was not looking to set the world on fire.

Whenever I run the AIDS Run, I do so in memory of my late friend David Wagle. David and I went through middle and high school together. He passed away in 1994 of AIDS related causes. I raised $260 which will go to AIDS services in the Chicago area.

Thanks to those who donated to my run. I appreciate it. You can still donate if you like.

https://afc.aidschicago.org/NETCOMMUNITY/SSLPage.aspx?pid=587&srcid=657&frsid=5150

Charlie

A Good Week

This week I have had a good 2 mile run, a good workout on the eliptical, and a really good therapy session.

I worked with a new therapist(new for me), and she was pretty blunt. My legs can only be worked so much. She believes I need some strong core work. This means more pilates. I'm fine with that. She told me she was going to be tough. I'm fine with that too. Sometimes we need a kick in the ass!!!

My 2 mile run was easy, which is fine. No need for record setting.

Tomorrow is the AIDS Run. I'm going for a PR. I am soley running for running, and to raise money for AIDS services in Chicago. I'm really looking forward to the run.

Charlie

Bit by Bit

Today I went out for a run....my first in a while. I walked a mile to the Loyola Track, then I ran a mile. I did a run walk combination. Still trying to make sure my IT Band is feeling ok. It was fine. I was horribly out of shape, but it felt good to run again.

My return to running is slow going, but I expect it to be. I hav a 5K this Saturday. There will be no blazing run. I will be running the AIDS Run, so this will be for charity and fun.

For those who would like to donate....I am still short of my goal at last check.

https://afc.aidschicago.org/NETCOMMUNITY/SSLPage.aspx?pid=587&srcid=657&frsid=5150

So the running goes....slowly, but it goes.

Charlie

Rethinking 50

Not sure if I have shared this, but I had a goal in mind for when I turn 50 - to run the Comrades Marathon.

http://www.comrades.com/

Comrades is a 54 mile race, which in some years is down the mountains, and other years is up the mountains. You have 12 hours to finish the race, or there is no record of you being in the race. It is one of the world's toughest races.

My journey to Costa Rica made me reassess that. I told this to one of my team mates in Costa Rica, and they thought it was sad. I didn't. We can only do what our bodies are capable of doing. Granted the route for Comrades would be nothing like the muddy terrain of Tarrazu, but they would be very difficult for my legs and feet. So in the end, I think I need another challenge.

I still want to push myself, but not to the point that it would be impossible to achieve. I think Comrades with my limited range of motion would be a bit too difficult. If anyone thinks otherwise, let me know.

So what I need is a new goal. Maybe I do a flatter ultramarathon. Maybe I try another activity. I know I want to do something which will be outside the box. Suggestions are welcome. I have a little over 4 years!

Charlie

Watching the Rain

It is a downpour in Chicago this morning. Those poor folks doing their long runs today...yikes!

My plan is to get back to running. I am feeling pretty good. I think I am about 85-90% back on the IT Band issue, so I want to start running. Besides I have the AIDS run 5K next week. Gotta run.

I am also going to hit the gym as far as weight training. I think this is the key for me now.

I was in decent shape in Costa Rica....but I think it proved I could be in better shape.

No decisions on future racing until I get my biopsy. I don't like things holding me up. I like to plan, but this isn't something to plan around if I do have Cancer. We'll see.

Charlie

Moving Ahead

Yesterday I needed to do something good after my visit to the doctor the other day. So I had a massage. Instead of "working" on anything, I told the therapist I needed to not think for an hour....the massage was great! It helped and I was in a better mood.

Today was physical therapy day. The good news my IT Band did not hurt at Beth worked on it! Woo Hoo. She told she thought I was making great progress. So this made me feel good, after feeling kind of crappy over the last couple of days.

I am hoping to go for a run when my schedule really enables me to. It has been a rough week.

Charlie

The Best of Times....The Interesting of Times

Hello All!

There is a lot to cover in this post, so I will get right to it.

First of all I am back from my most amazing adventutre in Costa Rica! Just a reminder, I won a trip from Starbucks to work with Earthwatch in the Tarrazu Region of Costa Rica with coffee farmers. I worked with 9 other incredible people from around the country, and Sebastian and Natalia who live in the Tarrazu Region and work for Earthwatch.

My day involved getting up at 5a.m., eathing a HEARTY breakfast which almost always involved rice and beans, and then we headed out into the coffee fields. We took soil samples, measured distances from coffee plants to shade trees, counted the number of coffee cherries on the plants and investigated ground cover. All of this is to be analyzed, and will go a long way towards helping the farmers of the region with sustainable crop development.

As you can see from the pictures above, it was some challenging terrain. We were at altitudes of 5000-7000 ft, and it was MUDDY! It being the rainy season, did not make the footing any better. I worked my butt off, and pushed myself physically. I dare say, this was as difficult as my first marathon. I found I would get emotional over what I was accomplishing there.

The people were wonderful to us. The farmers were so welcoming, and happy to share their farms with our team. They understood the importance of what we are doing, and responded by answering all of our questions, welcoming us into their homes, and treating us like we had been life long friends. If only I knew Spanish.....

I learned more about coffee than a person has a right to know. More importantly I came to understand the importance of fair trade. For those who don't know, fair trade is making sure that farmers or other workers are paid a fair price for their work and products.

Starbucks typically pays above the market price for coffee. They have a certification standard similar to the Fair Trade certification, and farmers want this certification, because it not only assures a fair price for their coffee, but it also means more money is being used for social and educational programs in the community. As an example, most of the farmers in Tarrazu have not kept records of their farms. One educational program has taught farmers to keep track of fertilizing their crops, what their annual production is and how to budget their money.

On my journey, I met Ingrid, Harmony, Debbie, Jason, Chris. Alexandra, Jewis, Christine and Kimball. These were fellow winners of the contest, and came from all over the U.S.. Together we traversed the mountains, crossed the rivers and counted the berries. I have never been a part of a team that worked so well, especially in such a short amount of time. They were a great group.

No running while I was in Costa Rica, but I certianly can chalk up the two weeks to cross training. OY!

So now I am back....and this leads me to my other news. Yesterday I had an appointment with the Urologist. During my physical my doctor told me my PSA was high for a man my age, and I needed a prostate exam. Yesterday's appointment was that exam. The Urologist was a very nice man, and explained everything to me, especially what the PSA numbers mean. Normally a man my age would have numbers below 2.0. I was registering a 2.5. He examined my prostate, and came to the conclusion that I need a biopsy. He told me that for now there is nothing to worry about. He obviously doesn't know me very well. :-)

I am scared. I have my biopsy in a few weeks, and will know the results a week later. I have to be positive that things will be ok, but as I said, I am scared. All I know is that I don't want to have Cancer.

In the meantime, I am continuing with my physical therapy, and I am going to hit the road and run today for the first time in a few weeks I am running the AIDS Run 5K on the 20th, so I want to be ready.

So as the title indicates, it is the best of times, and it is also the interesting of times.

Charlie

Good Progress

Tonight I ran another 3 miles. Very happy to report there was no pain. I am making sure that I am not going to fast or hard. I am also trying to adjust my gait/stride. I think I am making progress there. I will learn more about that at physical therapy later this week.

I have been running at the gym all summer. My reasons now have more to do with making sure I am on a softer surface, which the treadmill is. It's also making sure I am monitoring my pace.

Again I have to credit my taking Glucosamine with some of my progress. I don't feel as achy in my joints, and I can tell you THAT is a good thing.

Charlie

Running Slows Aging and What May Come

"Regular running slows the effects of aging, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine that has tracked 500 older runners for more than 20 years. Elderly runners have fewer disabilities, a longer span of active life and are half as likely as aging nonrunners to die early deaths, the research found."

http://med.stanford.edu/news_releases/2008/august/running.html

I heard about this report this week and found this from Stanford. Very interesting.

Looks like I have a long healthy life ahead.

Charlie

A Pretty Good Run

Today I did something I hadn't done in a while. I ran 4 miles. I missed my shot at 10 miles last week, so let's see what I can do this week. It was a good, if not speedy run. At this point I just want to run and get some miles in. Time is not the deal here. I just want to know I can run more than 3, and I did.

There was little to no pain. My left leg felt tender, but never felt painful. Who knows? Maybe the PT is working!

So I feel I am getting a good groove. Of course I won't be running much if at all while I am in Costa Rica. We'll see though.

Charlie

Olympic Spotlight - Women's Marathon

I am in awe of the Olympics as usual. So far the attention has been on the pool and in the gym, but now we are hitting the road and track. This weekend is the Women's Marathon....among many other events.

Deena Kastor (www.deenakastor.com) is America's top marathoner, and will be in the mix. Most "experts" say she won't win. I have faith she may medal. She get the Bronze in Athens in 2004.

Paula Radcliffe has been battling a stress fracture and has until today to decide if she will run the event.

Defending Gold Medalist Mizuki Noguchi has pulled out due to not being able to recover from injury.

The favorites are Catherine Ndereba of Kenya and Zhou Chunxiu of China. Favorites don't always win. It's possible the Gold Medal could go to a break through runner.

The heat and pollution are the wild cards in this event. I plan on watching it live!

Charlie

Learning to Run

Today's PT was about slowly learning how to change my running. The therapist was working on exercises today which will help me lift and kick my legs more. I think this is going to be a slow process.

I wish I could tell you I am the best PT patient in the world, but I'm not. Oh don't worry, I'm not a pain in the ass. I just don't do this therapy with a cheery attitude. I work hard though. I give everything a try. If I can't do something, it is because I am physically not able.

The therapist is very patient with me.

So what is the worst? That damn massage on my IT Band. It hurts like no pain I have known. I cry....I do. I admit it. She apologizes for the pain...but still.

Tomorrow I do it all over again.

Charlie

Increasing Slowly

I have a goal this week. I would like to run 10 miles this week. That's something I haven't done in a while. Tonight I took another step towards that. I ran 3 miles. My time - 35:56. While I am not gunning for times, I am feeling good about that time.

So I have a few more miles to go until I hit the 10 mile mark.

In the meantime, I have physical therapy to look forward towards. So far I think it is going ok. I find it all a frustrating process, but I suppose it is meant to be. I am working hard, I know I can do better. In time I will work with my trainer.

I have goals, and I want to accomplish them.

Charlie

Today Was Ok

I went for a 3 mile run, and it was ok. At this point I am not really going beyond 3 miles in a run, though if I improve in the next week, I may shoot for 4 miles. I tried kicking my legs back more, and found it incredibly awkward to do.

I saw Scott, the manager at my gym, and he told me it is odd for the first couple weeks, but as you try to change your running, it does become more natural in time....like 2-4 weeks. We'll see.

It was good to run, and I did the stretches before and after that I am doing in physical therapy. So I was pleased with today's run.

I weighed myself. I was a bit worried since I haven't been running as much, and been less active. 206lbs! Not bad. I was thinking I was closer to 210. So I am ok with that.

So all in all ...I was ok with today.

Charlie

Glucosamine

Yesterday I bought Glucosamine. The doctor had recommended it to help with my arthritis. I don't know if it is because I got the triple acting version, or if it is mental, but I don't feel as stiff this morning. Anyone have experience with this?

For those who don't know what Glucosamine is .....

"Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. Production of glucosamine slows with age."

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsek/a/Glucosamine.htm

Today I am hitting the gym to work on my strength.

Charlie

Proud Coach - No Boundaries

Last night I had the pleasure and honor to watch 7 of my No Boundaries team run the Elvis is Alive 5K. For all the women it was their very first 5K race.



























It was a wonderful evening. Not hot, a bit cool along Chicago's lakefront. About 1200 lined up to run the race. This is not a timed race, it is a true fun race.

















Many runners either dress as Elvis, or they had the odd notion to put sideburns on their sunglasses. One of my team members - Kelly had wanted run as Elvis, and at long last she was going to have her wish.

I was told I could run the race, but I had a brutally hard physical therapy session yesterday morning, so I thought I would be cheer leader.

I watched all the Elvis's or are they Elvi? Line up and "The King" sent them on their way. About 25-35 minutes later the women began to cross the finish line. I was so incredibly proud as they passed me. I called out their names and high fived most of them. The look on their faces were of happiness that they accomplished something important to them.

Each one of them told me how fun and great it was to be out there and running. One of the women said, "When's the next race?" That is always a good sign that someone loves running.

So all in all it was a great night, and these women made huge strides to improving their health. The fact they had the time of their lives was even better.

Charlie