Running in Chicago

As my time in Chicago comes to an end, I will be taking some last runs through some of my favorites routes around the city. Chicago is a wonderful place for running. Most people take advantage of our Lakefront Path. For those not familiar with the path, it runs about 20 miles along the shoreline. You run through Lincoln Park past the zoo, along Lake Michigan, around the various museums, and then on to the South Side of Chicago.

As I have written I enjoy running through the actual neighborhoods of the city. I have enjoyed running through Rogers Park, Andersonville, Evanston, Edgewater, Wrigleyville, Lakeview, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood. I have loved looking at beautiful homes, nice gardens and people enjoying their neighborhoods.

Over the next few weeks, I will go through all of these areas, and talk about some of the people I have met along the way. So come with me on few more runs through Chicago.

Charlie

Getting the Long Run In

My goal for now is to have a longer run each week. Yesterday I ran 7.3 miles. Mark rode along side for a good portion of the run on his bike. Clearly though, I slow him down. We started from home and made our way towards the lake, via Andersonville and Edgewater.

The day was gorgeous. Temps were in the 70s, and it felt nice outside. The stiff breeze helped keep things feeling cooler. Lots of people were already off for the holiday weekend, so the lakefront path was pretty busy.

I was not fast during the run, but I felt good. The only time I began to get tired was during the last two miles, but I think that was to be expected. The sun was warm, and I was a bit low on energy. I did duck into a Walgreens for a protein bar. That helped.

All in all I was pleased I got the run in. If I can increase these over the next few weeks, then as the training goes on I can work on speed.

Charlie

Little Pink Houses

Today was a 3.8 mile run through the Andersonville and Edgewater neighborhoods. On the iPod was John Mellencamp singing "Pink Houses." The choice of Mellencamp was on purpose. Mark and I are moving to Indianapolis. I will still be in running specialty. As I mentioned in a previous post, we have been looking for a life outside of Chicago. Now we have this chance.

On my run I thought about the neighborhoods I have loved running through in Chicago, and how I will look forward to running routes in Indianapolis. I lived in Indy in the early to mid 80s. While I am sure much has changed. I know the more things change, the more they stay the same.

I will be glad to tackle new challenges, and meet new people. I look ahead to getting to know the Indy running community. It's all good at this point.

I will talk more about my time in Chicago in a later post. While I will miss being here, I think this change will be a wonderful one for Mark and me.

Charlie

First Run With Friday

For those who don't know we adopted a puppy in March - Friday. She is a Lab/Doberman mix. She's 8 months old, and all energy!!! I thought we would go for a 20 minute run. Of course today was the hottest day of the year so far. We headed out as the sun began to go down. So the temps were in the low 80s.

When we started running, Friday really took off. In fact she grabbed part of the leash with her teeth and pulled me along. I have to say she really wanted to get going. I took it easy though. we ran for a couple minutes, then walked a minute. I did not want her to over do.

We went 1.5 miles, and I enjoyed it. I would like to think she did too. On the way back, she ran ahead of me. She kept looking back at me to see if I was following. I was.

So I'm not sure if I have a new running partner, but I know I have a good running supporter.

Charlie

Signs of Summer

Yesterday after work I headed out on a 4.2 mile run. It was in the upper 70s which we in Chicago have not seen in a looooong time. It felt good to really work up a sweat out there.

I headed from home to the Lakefront Path, cutting through the Andersonville and Edgewater neighborhoods. People were out and about, and looking happy to be out and about. I was a bit sluggish, but overall I was pleased with the run. I told Mark after work, I needed to clear my head about some things rattling around up there. I did, and felt very at peace when I got home.

Everything was so green, which I loved. I really enjoyed seeing kids playing in the parks by the lake. The actual path wasn't as busy as it normally would be on a weekend afternoon. I am thinking it was all busy early in the day.

Lots of runners running through the neighborhoods though. I imagine the shade of the trees was the cooler alternative to heading on the path, where trees are not always helping.

The calendar says Spring, but I have a feeling it will be a long hot summer.

Charlie

What Happens After Philly???

I have given a lot of thought to what my running goals are after I finish the Rock n Roll Philly Half Marathon in September. 2011 is a marathon year for me. Do I train over the winter for a spring marathon? Or do I go for a more traditional fall marathon?

At this point, I think you all know which one I want to do more than anything - Boston. Clearly I would have to be a charity runner. I would need to raise quite a bit of money. I believe I can be successful at the fundraising - been there done that. I wonder about the running through the hills of the Boston area. Yes....yes I could talk with the doctor before I train for something like that. Still he knows about my desire to run Boston.

I also want to run an overseas marathon or half marathon. Paris? Stockholm? London? Which one.

These are some of the things tooling around in my head this morning.

Charlie

4 Miles - It's All Good

Today I headed to the gym for a 4 mile run. To say I needed this run is an understatement. I REALLY needed to run today. Sometimes when the world is hectic, all you need is a good solid run under your belt.

I did not have the TV monitor on, so what I saw was my reflection looking back at me. Did not like what I was seeing. I am out of shape, so I have to remember it is a slow process to get back into shape. I was talking myself into doing just that.

As I ran I thought about what is going on in life, and how I want something a bit simpler. As much as I love Chicago, the city is a different place, and has been for a while. People are seeming tenser, crime has gotten worse, and it is so expensive here. I want a calmer place.

I grew up in Indiana, and would love the chance to go back to Indiana. I understand there is all the same issues there that there are in Chicago, but it seems quieter. Who knows, maybe I move there and find the same issues, but I am thinking it would be a slower pace. I am also thinking a bit nicer.

Charlie

A Day Late, but a Start

The fates conspired against me yesterday, as I wasn't able to run, but I managed a 2.6 mile run in today between meetings and work. I am clearly not in shape, and I have a long road to go. This week is horrible for me as I have meetings and work almost every day. Still I will work hard to get my runs and workouts in.

My run felt good, mostly I used it as a mind clearing run. I meditated a bit, and tried to relax as I weaved my way through the Ravenswood area. Look forward to tomorrow's run/workout.

Charlie

The Road to Philly

I have not really run this week. I wanted some rest after the half marathon. I did attempt a run the other day, but it was aborted after Mark had a spill with the bike. The last couple days I have had some odd knee thing going on. In the end, I thought rest would be a good thing.

Tomorrow I start training for the Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon. The race is in September, so there is plenty of time. My goal is to bring my half marathon time down to 2:30. My PR is 2:45. I can do this. I implement some speed work into my routine. I also want to run 4 days a week, instead of 3 days a week.

I am looking forward to running this race. Never been to the City of Brotherly Love, so I think this will make a great journey as well as a great race. If any readers have been to Philadelphia and have some places in mind I should see, let me know.

Training starts tomorrow!

Charlie

Offering Support

I am a member of The Motley Fool community. For those who are not aware of The Motley Fool, it is a website community of people who learn about investing, economics, and how best to use their money. We are learn from each other. We learn about how to live below our means, so we can save for a better future. We learn how to negotiate for a good mortgage rate for a new home. We also figure out how best to invest the money we have. Mostly though, we learn about each other.

For every discussion board about money matters, there are dozens of non-money related boards. I participate in many of them. On of them is a Christian board. It's a tough board to post on, because religion is so personal, some of the posting can be harsh and brutal. Through the collection of posts though, you "meet" some very interesting people, who share a lot of love and warmth and humor with you. One man in particular is someone I will call P.

Through his writings on this board, P has demonstrated he is a man of strong faith, lots of love, and a generous sense of humor. Overtime he and I have discussed running, and he has used me as an inspiration to be more fit. I am honored that he has gained something from my experiences.

P has recently announced he has stage IV Cancer. I am not going into details, but I have written him notes letting him know he is in my thoughts and prayers. He has shared his ordeal with me, and I am in awe that he expresses his illness with no anger or frustration, even though he must be going through that.

In his latest note, he has told me that one day he would like to run along Lake Michigan with me. As I write this, I am very sad, because I don't believe that will happen. If it were to happen though, it would most likely be my most memorable run. I am touched that he would want to run with me, and I consider it an honor to be thought of so highly.

Now I try to offer my virtual friend support during this difficult time for him. I am going to ask that all of you keep P in your thoughts and prayers. Who knows maybe a miracle will happen, and we can go on that run.

Charlie

What's Next?

Indy is down! Chalk that up as a successful race. So now what?

My goal for this year is to PR in the half marathon. My next half marathon is in September in Philadelphia. My best is 2:45. So all I need is 2:44, in reality I would like to get it closer to 2:30.

How will I accomplish this? First I need to get my body back in race shape. I think I need to lose 20 lbs. That will be my challenge over the next few months. I also need a good cross train program. They key is being consistent. I feel that has been lacking for a while.

I have told Mark that starting in the next few days, training begins. I would like to start running 4 days a week, as opposed to the 3 days I run. Mark wants me to get a bike. I know that would be good cross training, so I may look at that.

I am open to any plans someone might suggest. I don't assume I know THE way to train.

Charlie

Indianapolis Mini Marathon - Mark Succeeds

The calendar says May, but it felt like November this morning, as 35,000 runners toed the line for the annual Mini Marathon in Indianapolis. The temps were in the 40s, and the wind was blowing at 20-30MPH. Mark and I got to the starting area, and were freezing. The good thing about 35,000 runners jammed into one area is that you get a bit warmer in the elements.

This was Mark's first half marathon, and I was hoping he would do ok. I knew he could finish, but I don't know if he knew he could finish. The gun went off, and about 25 minutes later we started the race. Word to the wise - if you are hoping to PR, and you are in the back half of the pack, be calm, there are a lot of walkers in this race. We did a lot of weaving through people.

There was no time goal for this race. My job was to run with Mark. I wanted to be sure he completed the race. He did fine. Because he had not trained as much in the last month, I think he tied quickly. We walked quite a bit. I was fine with that. I just wanted him to enjoy the experience.

And what an experience it was. There was wonderful support on the course from cheerleaders from area schools. Volunteers were cheerful. The runners were all in great spirits. There was a ton of music on the course. Bands ranged from the West Indian Association of Indiana, playing steel drums to teen age garage bands. All played with gusto and enthusiasm. Add to that the open Indiana sky, it made for a great day.

The signature part of the race is a lap around the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I felt a thrill as we entered the speedway and made our way around the track. We took everyone's advise and stayed close along the infield. It was fine. The track is huge. It has to be for all those cars. At one point I closed my eyes and imagined myself behind the wheel of an Indy race car - VAROOOOM!

The race did take a bit of a physical toll on Mark. He told me his IT Band was bothering him, and his feet were bothering him. As we left the speedway, I kept telling him he was doing great, and to stay strong.

The last couple miles I think were emotional for him. He realized we was going to complete the race, and it gave him such pride. At mile 11 he told me he wanted to think about his next half. I told him to finish this one first. :-)

As we crossed the finish line, and announcer called out our names. It was great. It was even better to get the race car medal I am currently wearing around my neck.

Out official time - 3:48:42 for Mark / 3:48:43 for me. It was a great day. I am so proud of Mark.

Charlie

Preparing For the Race

On my run this morning, I thought about race preparation. This is better to do about a week to a few days before the race, as opposed to the day before. Hopefully training has gone well, and you have your pace, hydration and nutrition figured out. So at this point you have to get reday for race day.

What to wear - if there is something which has worked well for you in training, a pair of shorts, tights, a shirt, a cap, whatever, wear that. Don't buy a new wardrobe for the race. You have not trained in it, and you don't know if a certain stitching will run you wrong, the fibers will chafe, or it just doesn't feel good. I know the race shirt they give you is cool, but don't wear it on race day. Not because of any superstition, but for the reasons I stated above.

Have enough nutrition - make sure you have enough gel, or nutrition bars, or snacks for the race. Maybe you have planned for friends to meet you at a certain point with food, but they don't always make it - then you are stuck. Plan for what you will need. If it is a gel, plan on using that every 45 minutes to an hour you are running.

Hydration - it's fine to plan on race organizers to have enough sports drink and water. Sometimes they don't(Chicago 2007). Bring some water. Use a hydration belt. Hopefully you trained with one, and are used to it. For longer distances I don't suggest a handheld. They tire you out as you go along, and you get a sore arm.

The night before - lay everything out. You don't want to wake up the morning of the race and panic about where your Balega socks are. Lay everything out, and have an easy morning.

Those are some tips I thought of this morning. Now I got to plan.

Charlie

The Week Before...

A week from today Mark and I will run the Mini Marathon in Indianapolis. Are we ready? Probably not, but I am ok with that. We ran a nice 4 miles today, and will be running a bit more this week leading up to the race.

Mark realizes those missed runs means he won't do as well as he hoped, but I think he is good enough to finish. With my experience I will be fine. I will just be happy to take in running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Growing up in Indiana, the Indy 500 has special meaning for me. This will be a thrill, and I plan to take full advantage of it.

The run today was nice. Temps were in the 60s and there were patchy clouds and sun. It was really nice out. Mark was zoned out listening to his music, and I was just running along. Spring in Chicago is wonderful, so we ran through areas with wonderful gardens smelling of fresh flowers.

At first I was dreading next week....now I say bring it on.

Charlie

Talking with Chester

A couple days ago I met Chester. Chester is a 70something African American man who came into the store for some shoes for walking. He walks about 30 miles a week, has had one knee replaced, and is scheduled for the other knee to be replaced later this year. Now if that were the story, it I would be done. There is more though.

As we talked I learned that Chester used to run. He told me he had been a competitive runner. I asked what distance he ran. Initially the 400m, then he moved to 800m. In college in the 50's, he told me that was when the first wave of Jamaican runners hit our shores. Colleges were eager to recruit them into programs. As they dominated to shorter distances, some runners moved to higher miles. Chester moved into the 800m.

Chester had dreams of going to the Olympics. The 1956 Olympics were in Belbourne, and Chester qualified for the Olympic Trials. That was as far as he got though. There were no Games for Chester.

Not making the Olympics put Chester in a tailspin. He told me that the idea of student/athlete meant athlete, and not much student. He said he left school not being able to read and write. For the next 10 years he was lost, not knowing what to do. He said drinking and partying was a problem for him. He told me though he found himself, and had a successful life, and now is a proud and happy grandfather, who helps look after the grandkids.

As we wrapped things up, I said, "By the way, you said you got your act together. What did you end up doing.?" He told me he went back to school, got certified to be a social worker, and had a career in social work. I told him how outstanding I thought that was. Chester continued running recreationally until his knees could no longer take it. Now he power walks, and loves that.

What I love the most about my job are the amazing people I meet, who have amazing stories. In turn, I get to share them with you.

Charlie

I am Batman

As I ran this morning, I thought about what we as runners wear. I was wearing CWX Stabilyx Shorts and a singlet. By the way the CWX tights are the best thing to wear - love them! So here I am in my tights running down the street. Normally I would have a hydration belt. Then it hit me - I am Batman. Hear me out on this.

Batman wears tights. I wear tights. He has a utility belt. I have a utility belt - of sorts. He wears a mask. I wear glasses. Ok...not the same thing. Seriously I think the designers of running clothes and gear are fans of superheroes. I think as they design these clothes they are watching Adam West and Yvonne Craig from the old Batman series. I think when we wear these tights we are Batman and Batgirl.

Holy track spikes Batman!!!

My run today took me further into Andersonville. I ran 3.5 miles and felt outstanding. Temps were in the 50s and perfect.

Charlie

Testing the miCoach

One of the perks of working in a running store is when I get to test new products. Yesterday I was handed an Adidas miCoach Pacer. This device is similar to the Nike+ program, but with some differences. The main difference is miCoach has a heart rate monitor. Nike hasn't developed that yet.

miCoach is pedometer, calorie counter, heart rate monitor and real-time coaching. It does connect to the a MP3 player, but you can use it without. The coaching aspect comes into play when after you input all your info into the Adidas miCoach system. As you run, the "coach" will tell you to speed or slow down to regulate your heart rate. It tells you this if you are using a MP3 player. You can also wait until after the run, and have downloaded the info to see what you should have done.

There is a foot pod which can go on the outside of your shoe. No need to use an Adidas shoe, though they have a groove in their shoes for you to use the pod. The receiver can attach to your shirt, shorts, wherever.

I am looking forward to trying this on the next run. Stay tuned for a review.

Charlie

Spring Running

Fall is my favorite time of year to run, but a darned close second is now Spring. What a wonderful day today. Temps were in the mid 40s and not a cloud in the sky. Mark and I headed on a 3 mile run through Andersonville.

Spring is great because everything is turning green and the flowers are blooming. It is so refreshing after the bareness of winter to see all of this on the run. People are also nicer. More and more folks are saying good morning or hello. The sunshine brings out the pleasantness in folks.

The run itself was terrific. Our pace was under 14 minutes, and that is good for our race pace. Mark is getting the 3 min run/1 min. walk bit. I think that will serve us well on race day.

Can't believe the Mini Marathon is about 10 days away. Woo hoo!

Charlie

10 Miler That Wasn't

The weather was not very cooperative for a 10 mile run, so we headed to the gym. The good news is between the treadmill, bike and eliptical, I did an 8 mile workout. That was not the 10 miles I hoped, but it was better than nothing.

Mark and I are not 100% for the half marathon. I believe there will be a good deal of walking, but I still think this will be good experience. I get to run through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That alone makes it all worthwhile.

Not sure how Mark feels about the race, but I think he will do his best.

Charlie

What Not to Wear

There are some givens in running when it comes to running, though I see people fight those on a daily basis.

No cotton - cotton does a terrific job absorbing moisture, but it can't wick moisture away. So when you wear cotton, that wetness can lead to chafing and blistering.

Shoes - This is a MUST. Go get properly fitted for a running shoe. It will make your running experience easier and more enjoyable.

So why am I going through this lesson? This morning on my walk with the dog, I saw a young woman on her morning run. She was wear - Chuck Taylors - Converse shoes. Yes, this woman was wearing just rubber and canvas on her feet. Most of us wore those shoes at some point in our lives, but they are NOT running shoes. From the look on her face she did not appear to be enjoying her run.

It's moments like that I wish I could do an emergency fitting.

Charlie