Two Days of Work

Yesterday I ran 3 miles of a planned 5 mile run. I ran out of time. A late start doomed me, and I had to get to work. Still it was a good run, and I was happy with it. Work has been stressful of late, so I really wanted to get out of my head. I think I succeeded. I felt very good after the run, almost refreshed.

Today was a cross train day. I did 30 hard minutes on the eliptical and then did weight training for about another 30 minutes. My arms are killing me, but it was worth it to get the workout in. My thoughts here were that mixing more things into the workout would be cool.

I wouldn't mind doing pilates again. I like the challenge of pilates. I also wonder about a spinning class. Mark told me he is interested in a spinning class. I also think we could benefit from personal training. I think I may look into this.

2007, the year of my two marathons, I felt good, because I was physically strong from the cross training. I hate I have gotten away from that, so I am happy to get back into cross training.

Charlie

Cross Train - Feel Like I Know How to Get Back

Today was a cross training day. I spent 30 minutes on the Eliptical. I went at it pretty hard. I followed that up with 100 crunches, then on to the weights. I worked primarily on my back and arms. My arms are a bit sore, but they were still sore from the weight training a did a few days ago. I lessened the weights I was using. I had done too much too soon.

The cross train day made me feel like I knew how to get back into shape. I have to take it one day at a time. This is always a hard lesson. I have to remember on the first go round of weight loss, that it took me 40 years to get to over 300 lbs, losing any of it takes time. This was a good step.

Tomorrow the plan is to run 4-5 miles.

Charlie

Feeling Good

I like the fact that I am feeling better about my running this week. I have been focusing on what I can do mechanically to improve on things. So what did I do today in my 4 mile run? My focus was on keeping my upper body relaxed.

Earlier in the week I felt tight. I caught myself raising my shoulders. That's not good. So today my mantra was "Keep the shoulders down." I wanted to be sure I let go, and just let my arms hang a bit more relaxed. It worked. I found with a more relaxed body I could run easier and faster. I also found my breathing was a lot easier. My faster time I owe to the relaxing.

Charlie

Felt a Bit Better

Today I felt a bit better after the last couple of days. I think getting into a routine helped a bit. I also think putting my thoughts from yesterday on the blog freed my mind a bit. So I hit the gym to run 4 miles. I wanted to crank it up a bit on the treadmill, and I did. I finished in under 48 minutes. For me that is a quick pace. I wanted to run hard today. As a result I felt exhausted at the end, but I liked the fact that I did it all on the treadmill, and felt I could run no more.

I will confess I was still not 100% happy with myself. I was though 100% happy for Mark. He weighed in at 214 lbs today. He is doing a great job losing weight. I am so incredibly proud of him. He was all smiles as he stepped off the scale. I didn't weigh myself. I won't until next week. I am not a fan of weighing every day.

Tomorrow will be an off day. The key for me is to remember not to eat wildly. By that I mean, I can't go nuts eating. I have to mindful of everything that enters my body. Thursday - another 4 mile run.

Charlie

Hitting Rock Bottom

Really there is no other term for what I am feeling. Yesterday was Valentine's Day. I wanted to wear something nice for dinner with Mark. We were going to an Italian restaurant. I got home from work, and tried to get dressed. I succeeded, but it was depressing.

What was the problem? I couldn't fit into 3 pairs of slacks. To be honest, I was devastated. I felt like all the work I went through to lose the weight was lost. In reality I know it is not lost, but I am not on a good path. I almost cried. I had a long talk with Mark about it before we headed to dinner. He asked me what was wrong? Why did this happen.

Part of it is how miserable our home situation has been for 1 1/2 years. We lived in terrible conditions, which I don't want to get into. I will say that every time I went home, I got sadder as I got closer to home. Mark was miserable as well. When we had to opportunity to move we jumped on it.

I have dealt with some difficult things at work., as some things are not going well. I have dealt with unhappy co-workers. I think things can be salvaged, but it is going to take time. But is not good when home and work are not going well. It took an emotional toll on me, and I ate. Plus I was not working out as I should.

When we came home from dinner, Mark went into the kitchen and got our calendar. He sat me down, and we talked about a workout/running schedule. Mark plotted the days we would hit the gym for cross training, and when we would run. He told me later, "Take it one day at a time."

Today was day number one. I ate simply, but with the mindset that this was fuel for our workout. After work we did a 1:10 workout. I rode the bike for 9.25 miles and Mark was on the Eliptical. After that we headed to the weights and worked on upper body strength. It was a tough workout, but I began to feel so much better. I will be up front, I weighed myself - 213 lbs. Not happy about it, but I want you all to know where I am at the start, because I have a ways to go.

None of this takes the emotional stuff away, but at least I feel a plan is forming, and I am going to get better. Tomorrow I am running 4 miles.

Charlie

The Body Said Stop

Today the goal was to run 4 miles. I ran 2.5 miles. So what happened? Today I tried a pair of Asics Nimbus. Normally I wear the Brooks Dyad. The Nimbus is a comfortable shoe. It is Asics most cushioned neutral shoe. I could walk all day in it. I can't really run in it as I found out.

Most cushion usually means a softer feel. My feet and legs don't know what to do with a lot of cushion. For the start of the run I felt good. After a mile though I felt a bit wobbly. So what did this do to me? I felt a twinge of pain in my left knee at mile 2. I gave it another 1/2 mile, but I felt it twinge even more. I didn't want to push anything, so I stopped. I thought it was the right thing to do. I can always do 4 miles another day.

Charlie

Breathing Helps

A good many runners like to run without music. I go either way. Some days I want music/podcasts. Some days I want nothing. Today was a nothing day. I didn't run with iPod, and I was glad I did.

I think there are times I just want to hear my breathing and my foot steps. This really gives me a handle on how comfortable I feel with the pace. I think there are times when I am plugged in, that I am not really aware of how my body is doing on a run. So for today - breathing helped.

So how was my body? I felt I was running fairly evenly. My breathing was not hard by any means, and my legs and feet felt comfortable. All in all I was happy with this quiet run.

I did 4 miles in 48:13, which I thought was a decent time.

On another front - Mark is coming along well with his training. He has run 11 miles this week, and has another 4 mile run ahead of him. He was so happy when he weighed himself - 217 lbs. He tells me when he met me he was around 260-270 lbs. That is wonderful!

Charlie

4 Miles - Reflecting on the Spiritual

Last night I ran 4 miles at the gym, and I listened to Steve Runner on the iPod. Steve was discussing George Sheehan who talked about running as a religion. Steve pointed out that Sheehan did not mean it like a cult or religion, but it is a place which allows you to be closer to God, or whatever spiritual place works for you.

I have long felt my running was a way for me to meditate, and this reminder helped me a great deal through my run. I felt peace as I ran, and focused on talking to God. Generally I don't get religious on people here. I will say I was able to have a focused discussion with God as I ran, and it made for a better run for me.

Prayer or discussions with God does not have to happen in a church. Those can happen anywhere. While I would prefer these happen on a run surrounded by nature, I will take a good meditation in a gym, over not feeling at peace.

Charlie

Training Begins

Yesterday I hopped on the treadmill for the first time in two weeks. A combination of nasty cold, which I am getting over, and moving kept me from running. So while I felt out of shape and rusty, I was glad to get running again.

Indy Mini Marathon is coming up in May, and I want to get out there and run. Mark and I ran 3 miles, and we both agree it was good to be running. During my run, I thought about what I have missed by not running. I think I just need to get outside. Of course now I need to convince Mark that our training needs to move to the outdoors. I bet I can.

On another note....Usain Bolt is going to run in the U.S. I would LOVE to see him run in person. He will run in NYC in June at the Adidas Grand Prix. Man that would be something.

Another note....the Olympics are a week from today. Nothing gets me going running wise like watching the Olympics. Never mind there is no running in this Olympics....I get inspired.

Charlie

New Digs

Tonight I am writing from our new apartment. We moved in this weekend, and are still unpacking. Nice place, which is located between the Andersonville and Lincoln Square areas of town. I am much closer to work, and I will have all new neighborhoods to explore on runs.

The move meant I have not run in over a week, and 1/2 marathon training starts this week. I need to get Mark up and going so we can finish the Indy Mini Marathon strong.

I will share more about the new neighborhood soon. All I can tell you is I am a lot less stressed, and much happier.

Charlie

Not This Week

I am in the middle of a move, which I think I mentioned earlier this week. Now I have a cold or flu like thing. So I have decided not to run this week. No energy to run.

The good news is next week Mark and I are starting our 1/2 marathon training for Indy! I am looking forward to this race for a few reasons. First - I am happy to help Mark through to his first 1/2 marathon. This will be a true challenge for him. Personally I think he is up for it, but I know it will be tough.

Second - I have wanted to run this race. I was signed up for it last year, but had to back out as I wasn't ready.

Third - I love running in Indianapolis. I loved my marathon experience, so I am thinking this will be even more fun.

In the meantime, I am, as I said, about to move to a new apartment. Lots to do.

Charlie

Getting Back

For the last couple months I have felt detached from running. I haven't figured out where this detachment came from. It could have been an emotional let down after the marathon. Maybe it was my initial disappointment in not being promoted at work. Somewhere I felt separated from running.

Now I want to get that feeling back. I think setting goals is a good start. I am excited at the two half marathons I have planned. The one in Indianapolis, will be with Mark, as he sets out on his first half marathon. The race in Philadelphia will be for me. I want to PR. I know I can get under 2:45. I have been close, so I just have to put the pieces together to get a big faster.

I think one thing which will happen to improve my outlook is my move this week. Some of you know Mark and I have lived a horrible existence in the apartment we have been in. Now we have a chance at a better life, away from the horrible conditions we have been in. Plus I am so happy that Mark and I get to live on our own. This will go a long way to making me feel more like running.

I think running for the last year has been more of an escape from some bad things, as opposed to running because I love running. I think it's time to find that joy again. I'm ready to find that joy again.

Charlie

1/2 Marathon for the Fall

As you all know at this point, my spring marathon in the Indy Mini Marathon on May 8. My next question was what should I run in the fall? After a lot of consideration, I decided to register for the newly named - Rock n Roll Philadelphia, which had been the Philadelphia Distance Classic. I am very excited about this.

I chose this race, for two reasons; first I have never been to Philadelphia, and I thought this would be a terrific opportunity to see the city and get to know it. Second, the date really worked out. I had the Rock n Roll Virginia Beach on my list, and I knew I would have to work Labor Day Weekend. So in the end that was the serious competition to doing Philly.

As I said I am very excited about this. Now I feel I have some goals. I just need to fill in with smaller races during the year. Get ready Indy and Philly - here I come.

Charlie

Where to Run?

This was on my mind as I ran 4 miles at the gym today. I need a fall half marathon, and am really stuck on one. Many I would like to run are the same weekend as the Chicago Marathon - 10/10. I will have to work that weekend, so I need a race before or after that date.

Here are some I am leaning towards:

Philadelphia Distance Classic

Rock n Roll Virginia Beach

Cowtown Marathon and 1/2 Marathon in Sacramento, CA

Fox Cities Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon

Any would work for me. I am just not sure which one I would like.

As for today's run, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill and felt great. Mark was moving right along on the treadmill next to me, running 3 miles. We will start training for the Indianapolis Mini Marathon in a couple weeks.

Charlie

3.1 and it Felt Good

Last night after work, in a freezing rain - I headed to the gym for a 3.1 mile run. I got new shoes yesterday, so it was a great way to break them in. The Brooks Dyads didn't fail me. They worked fine. The run itself was fine.

Going to the gym this time of year is always interesting. All the New Year's resolution people are there. So it cracks me up to see a line of people waiting for a treadmill. There is just something funny about people waiting in line to basically run in place. :-)

My run was filled with thoughts of work. There has been a lot of change at my store. We have a new manager, a new general manager, and soon my store will be moving to a new location. In it all is what is expected of me. In addition to being assistant manager, I am the Footwear Manager for my store. I have been asked to develop ways to improve customer service, and achieve financial goals for 2010. No small task I can assure you. so I have some challenges ahead.

I am also trying figure out my fall half marathon. Darn all these races that happen the weekend of October 10. That is the same weekend as the Chicago Marathon, and I will need to work that weekend. I need suggestions on which race to run. Thoughts?

Charlie

Odd Moments

There are odd times in my job as a running shoe guy. One of them is when I am recognized in public and folks want to talk to me. That happened this evening. I was on my way home from work, listen to the Black Eyed Peas on the ole iPod. A woman outside a German bar saw me and was waving at me. I pulled off the ear bud, and she said, "Hey man, you sold me these shoes. I LOVE them!!!" I had to smile, and laugh a bit. She wasn't running in them, nor was she training for her Tri in them...she was drinking in them. I told her I was glad she liked them.

I thought about this on the way home. Very few people affect a customer like the running shoe guy. No really....when was the last time you saw the guy who sold you the wing tips and told him how great the shoes are. What about the person who sold you a dress? Did you tell her the dress was great?

I think runners have a strong relationship with their shoe store, so it makes sense they would have a strong relationship with their shoe person. I like that feeling....but it's odd at the same time. All day I share running with people...and that is pretty special to me. I just still get a strange feeling from people stopping me outside of work to talk about their shoes.

Charlie

Way to Help the People of Haiti

There are many good charities out there wanting donations to help the people of Haiti during this horrible time. Let me share an organization with you.

http://www.soles4souls.org/ways_to_help/haitianearthquake.html

Soles 4 Souls is working to make sure Haitians are getting shoes. With all the raw sewage and debris around, disease is a real possibility for thousands. Shoes can make a difference, so people limit their contact with these potentially harmful things. If you don't have shoes to donate, money will go towards getting shoes for these people in true need.

Charlie

2010 - Eh

I am sorry I have not written thus far in the new year. Several reasons behind it. I have had computer problems, which has been corrected by getting a new computer. I have not been running as much, which is kind of depressing. I have also felt a bit down, and I guess I felt I was not wanting to share my "down" feeling.

My running had been limited to the treadmill, mostly due to the weather - winter weather = wimpy runner. I am helping Mark train for the Indy Mini Marathon in May. He does running and cross training at the gym, so I go with him. We will shift to outdoors as the weather improves.

I have not been gung ho on my running. I feel blah about it. Maybe it's the weather? Maybe it's me feeling down about other aspects of life(which I can't share in this forum). I think things will improve once Mark and I move in a few weeks. Our living situation has been a nightmare as my friends will attest. The nightmare ends in February when we move into a new apartment.

I was down on myself when I went to look at clothes. Ironically a pair of skinny jeans fit ok, but when I was trying on a suit, I was told I was portly. I am not in tip top shape, but I am not fat either. I just look blah at this point. I was horribly offended when I was told I should go to the big and tall store. I am neither! Arrrgh!

So what do I weigh? Right now 212 lbs. Not where I would like to be, but not as bad as it could be. I really need to focus on eating better, and Mark had promised to share in that endeavor as well. He has lost a lot of weight. He is at 233 lbs, and at one point was in the 255-260 range. I am proud of him.

So the year is off to an "eh" start. It can only get better....right?

Charlie

2009 to 2010

Happy New Year everyone!

Before we head into 2010, I want to take a look at 2009.

Personal stats -
648.3 miles run
12:30 avg. mile pace
96855 calories burned.

Phew....that seems like a lot of running. It was.

My runs ranged from a couple miles on the treadmill to the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I ran through Evanston. I ran in Soldier Field Stadium. I trotted along Lake Michigan. There were 5Ks, half marathons, and just fun runs with Mark. All in all it was a good year. I was healthy, and I enjoyed running.

My running of late has not been where I would like it, but I am going to chalk that up to post-marathon blues. I am determined that starting tomorrow, it will be time to really start running again.

So what lies ahead in 2010?

First major race is the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. This large half marathon is famous for it's lap around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As of now, I want to end the year in Washington, D.C. with the Army 10 Miler. I am still looking for another half marathon to run.

My overall goal is to get a half marathon PR this year. The current best is 2:45, and I know I can bring that down a bit.

I am also excited that I will be helping Mark train for his first half marathon. So it will be a busy winter/spring.

Finally I want to get my body in shape. I have complained about this of late. My if I have to have a resolution for the new year, it is to be healthier in my eating.

Happy 2010 folks!

Charlie

Catching Up

Folks I am so sorry I haven't been writing. Will be honest, have not had much to say running wise, and I wasn't sure if you wanted to know what else goes on in my life. Running these days has been at the gym. I go with Mark, and he runs and cross trains. Because my time is usually limited I am doing 3-4 mile runs. As you know treadmill running is not the same as road running, but the cold and snow/ice on the ground have made me a bit nervous about being outside. Still I need to find a way to make the running inside more enjoyable.

Other than running - Mark and I are moving to a new apartment here in Chicago. We will be in the new place on February 1. The new digs will be closer to work, but more importantly we will not be living with the horrible woman and Mark's brother. I have shared in other venues why it has been so hard living with them, and won't go into detail here. Let's just say this is a great move, and we are thrilled we have the opportunity to do this.

I will need to figure new running routes, and I think that will be an adventure. I will be closer to Andersonville, so I may run more in that area. Who knows though.

Tomorrow I plan on writing a summary of 2009 and what is ahead for 2010.

Charlie