Community First Fox Cities Marathon

As I have written time and time again, the marathon is the most difficult race for me to run. Let me be clear, no distance is easy for my feet, but the marathon provides the ultimate challenge. It tests not just endurance for me, but the how far I can challenge my body.

It is a grueling 6+ hours for me. My emotions range from excitement to agony and back to excitement. I am alone out there on the course, but I depend on support to get me through it. Whether it’s Mark out on the course, or my sister on the phone, I depend on someone to get me through this.

Have I ever had what I call the perfect marathon? Close would be the Monumental Marathon I ran in 2010. I was happy with the course, with the time, and with my friends out there supporting me. Would I have liked a faster day? Who wouldn’t. 

Now I begin to gear up for this year’s marathon challenge. It’s a bigger challenge because, well I am bigger this year. I am not in good shape. Shoddy running schedules, being depressed at times, injuries have plagued me. Still I am gearing up for another go at 26.2 miles. 

I had hoped to run the Shamrock Marathon in March, but in no way was I ready for that. So now I turn to the fall, so I have some time to get my body and mind ready. Mentally I know what I need to do. But I have to plan it out in conjunction with my real life. 

The myth is when  you work for a running store, you run all the time. I have found over time that you actually have less time to run. So that means making a commitment to a training, and hoping your family and loved ones can be patient. 

I’ve decided to run the Community First Fox Cities Marathon in September. I have lots of family there, so I know I will get support along the way. I like the looks of the course. I also like the time of year. 

So there we go. The plan is set....time to begin to build to 26.2

Charlie

Old Friends

The running community is really a community of friends. Sometimes it's people you meet through training programs. Sometimes, it's people you encounter at races. You never know where your friends will come from.

I have many running friends. Some I have yet to meet, but I have known them virtually for over 12 years on The Motley Fool. Other friends I have worked with. Many are the people I train and work with from year to year.

Today has been an old home week. A group of ladies I fit for shoes each year came in today, and it was like I see them every week. Some are kids who I help each track season, and I am watching them go through school, from middle school to high school. Times like this allow me to catch up with these folks, who are always happy to see me, and we talk like old friends. In essence that is who we are - old friends.

This week I was reminded of the generosity of old friends. As readers know I have a boycott of long distance races in Chicago(i.e. RocknRoll and the marathon). One race I enjoy is the Soldier Field 10 Mile, put on by Fleet Feet Sports Chicago(my former employer). If you haven't run this race, you need to. It starts outside Soldier Field, home of Da Bears. You run south along Chicago's lakefront. Finally you finish on the 50 yard line inside Soldier Field. It is well organized, fun race.

I was graciously offered an invitation to run the race this year, in an effort to end my boycott of Chicago races. I happily accepted. Does this mean I will run other Chicago races? I have no plans to, but I will do this one. Who knows, maybe this will be the race to turn things around for me in Chicago?

I will run with running friends throughout the race, along one my favorite places to run - Lake Michigan. A good week, and old friends made it better.

Charlie

Shoe Check

Every now and then I get handed a pair of shoes from someone, and I am asked to tell them if they need new ones just by looking at them. Most times, that is not how I can tell if you need new shoes. Rubber is so durable these days, you would really need to wear a shoe down for me to tell something like that.

Instead I ask a series of questions. How often do you run? Are you in training? Any aches or pains? What is feeling different about the shoes? I stand by my stock answers on shoes. Most shoes are designed to last you 6-8months. NEVER celebrate birthdays with your shoes. The outside of the shoe may not indicate that it's time for new shoes. Most of the breakdown happens within the shoes.

Rubber and foam get compressed, so ask yourself how the cushioning feels in your shoes. Support breaks down within the shoe. Are you feeling that the shoe is not holding you up like it has in the past? What about those aches and pains. That is a sign the shoe is no longer taking the impact, your feet are, and that impact shoots right up your legs.

If there is visible wear, it will be in the heel. Don't mistake this for supination(a foot rolling to the outside). That heel wear indicates where your have initial impact. If you want to look for a wear pattern, look at the heel, and then look at the forefoot. If the wear is on the inner portion of the shoes, you overpronate. If it is on the outside, you supinate. If it is down the middle, you are neutral.

If you still want a running professional to examine your shoes, that's fine. Just a heads up, it isn't always  something easily spotted.

Charlie

A Little Respect

This week I was told something pretty harsh. While I can't go into details, I will say that the way I looked was called into question in terms of the profession I am in. I debated whether or not to talk about it. In the end, I want to say something about how I look. I don't look like a runner. Correction, I don't look like Nick Symmonds, Usain Bolt, Ryan Hall, or any other elite runner. I am, in fact though, a runner, and I look like most runners out there.

When most people go into a running store, I am sure they expect to see track or cross country kids hawking shoes. That just isn't the case. In most running stores you go to, you will see old and young, thin and not so thin, African-American and Caucasian, gay and straight, and whatever combo you can come up with. You aren't going to a running store for what the sales people look like. You are going to a running store for the expertise these people provide.

I do find, after I get asked, "Oh do you run?" I have to let them know my street cred. I list my 4 marathons, my 15 or so half marathons, and the countless 5K and 10Ks I have run, and still run. I find it a bit disrespectful to make assumptions about me. I also find it insulting that we have an image of who we think a runner should be.

Running involves the following - right foot, left foot, repeat. All the elite runners do is right foot, left foot, repeat very quickly. They cover the same course I do. They may train more than I do(in fact I know they do). Some of the elites take EPO, because they are glory hungry and want to cheat, while the rest of us just put in the time to train. The point is, there is no reason to be a snob, and there is every reason to respect the person who is working with you.

Rant over.

Charlie

Sorry? Sorry I Got Caught

I have spoken on the topic of cheating before, but as we have endured Lance Armstrong’s staged confession to doping on Oprah Winfrey’s network, I want to revisit an aspect of cheating few have talked about - the apologies for getting caught. People like Armstrong, Marion Jones, Floyd Landis, and many others who have used the public stage to apologize have not really told us that they are sorry they cheated. Sure, they talk about how sorry they are IF they hurt people, or IF their fans have been let down. Let me be clear....they are sorry they got caught. They’re sorry they won’t be earning their millions(or in some cases paying back millions). They’re sorry they have titles stripped and medals returned. They’re sorry their glories are gone. That’s not the same as being sorry for doping and cheating.

There is doping in the running world and we know it. While it may be more prevalent in track and field, I’m sure there is a certain amount of cheating in the long distance road racing. While I long suspected Lance Armstrong used drugs, I have also suspected Usain Bolt of doping. I have no proof of this, but in the age of hyped up performances, one has to wonder if those amazing performances in Beijing and London were truly the result of hard work and training.

I have no doubt the current crop of cheaters watched Armstrong’s interview, just as Armstrong watched past cheaters’ interviews. I imagine what went through their minds wasn’t, “Man I need to stop this now, look what can happen.” No, more than likely their thoughts were, “They won’t get me.” Cheaters think they’re smart, but they are incredibly stupid. 

Some sports heroes get caught up in the fame and money their achievements bring. They crave it. It’s like power, and they’re power hungry. They’ll do whatever they can to get it. Once caught though, you never hear them say, “I’m sorry I did this.” Nope, there is usually an IF in the apology. That is what I have always said is the non-apology apology. It sounds like remorse, but it isn’t. 

I have no doubt when Armstrong told his son he cheated that was hard for him. Still though the lie continues, because he has not fully disclosed the extent of the doping and that he is sorry he did it. On the contrary, his excuse was the old, “How is it cheating if everyone does it?” He’s sorry .... he’s just sorry he got caught.

Charlie

Big Runner Shoe Myth

There is a line of thought out there that if you are a big runner(usually a man), you need the biggest most stable shoes. This is not correct. There is no such thing for larger runners. True, bigger runners will want shoes with more cushion, I have to go back to the basics. You need to be properly fit for shoes.

I am larger runner, and I wear the Brooks Dyad. The shoe is a borderline neutral/very mild stability shoe. It has plenty of cushion for me. I speak with runners though who feel they need to be in a shoe like the Brooks Beast, because someone sold them on the big runner myth.

The way to see if a shoe like that works for you is to have your gait analyzed. If you have extreme over-pronation, and you are a larger runner, then, and only then would I recommend the shoe. Don't suckered by "Dude at the Major Sports Store" who doesn't know gait from gate. He is doing what he can to sell you an expensive shoe, and make his manager happy.

As always, if you are in a stability shoe, and you don't need it, you risk injury.

Charlie

Where Do Shoes Come From?

Contrary to popular belief there aren't shoe elves who make running shoes. Every now and then though, I get asked, "Where was this shoe made?" Typically, it is being asked by a very earnest American, who wants to buy American. My usual answer is China.

People who are anti-Nike tend to talk to me about not buying Nike, because of their labor practices overseas. Here's the deal, and you aren't going to like what I am about to tell you. If you are boycotting Nike for that, then put down your Asics, Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno and most any other major running shoe, because the plant where that Nike Pegasus is being made, is the same one where that Asics Kayano is being made. Manufacturing plants deal with all the brands, and they have workers who work on specific brands, but from one conveyer belt to the next, those shoes are all being made in the same building.

If you want an American running shoe, your options are limited to New Balance. Word of caution though, not all New Balance shoes are made in the US. Less than 50% are made in the US. If you want an American shoes, read the label. It will tell you one of three things:

1) Made in the USA
2) Parts assembled in the USA
3) Made in China

The second item on the list means the parts of the shoe are made in China, but workers in the US assembled it in the USA. This means New Balance can market the Made in the USA without really lying about it. Marketing is a tricky thing.

So the next time you want to pick on Nike for their labor policies, make sure you are holding the other companies to the same standard.

Charlie

It's Spring!

No, it isn't Spring. Today is January 12, 2013. It was a balmy 60F when I headed out for my run. No trace of the snow we had at the start of the week. Just warm and a bit of a breeze.

Today I headed to Westfield. I ran through Cook Creek Park, along Cool Creek, then along the Natalie Wheeler Trail. Overall it was a 4.37 mile run. This was my longest run in quite some time, and I felt good. My pace was 14:25, which isn't speed, but for the shape I'm in, I'll take.

No one was out running. I thought that odd. Maybe everyone headed out early this morning. Still I enjoyed this route. It's rolly. Once you get out of the park, it's trees and farmland. Very pleasant for running, and I took in the view.

This was run was good for two reasons. First I was able to clear some of the muck in my head. Second, I thought about some fun run ideas I would like to consider for work. I am always trying to come up with some fun run ideas.

While I joked it felt like Spring. I worried if flowers thought it was time to pop up. I know winter isn't done, so I want the flowers to stay below.

All in all a good run. Wish I could have a few more like it this coming week.

Charlie

Running For Myself

Last night I was talking to a group of people who are interested in running for a charity. This is fairly common in long distance races. As you all know, I have raised money in the past for charities. At one point I was asked I was doing any charity running this year.

For the last two years I have run for charities, and raised over $2000. This year, my running is just for me, and I think that is fine. I am doing this for two reasons. First, I want my focus to be on my running, and not the cause I am running for. Raising money while training takes time. It's totally doable, but it takes time, especially if you have a large goal. Second, I think if we are always running for charity, our friends, co-workers and family go through giving fatigue. Remember, we runners aren't the only ones trying to raise money. There are all kinds of groups out there vying for donations. If you're like me, you get a lot of requests for this cause or that cause. After a while, I think we get a bit fatigued with it.

I noticed my inbox was full every day during the month of December of charities all asking for money. Your head spins with all the need out there. You either give some to several, a lot to one, or you think, not this year. I can't be one of many this year, so 2013 is about my running, and my improvements and training.

Charlie

Change Begins With Me

For the better part of two years I have been depressed. The depression comes from many situational things going on in my life. As you might expect, I have eaten my way through it, and am heavier now than I have been in a long time. I need to make changes, and I can't wait for the world to change, so the change begins with me.

I got out and ran today. 3 miles on the Monon. It is sooooo much better to run outdoors than on the dreadmill. You feel better. You feel you are part of life. You say hello to people.

On the treadmill, I look at a wall, watch TV, or listen to the iPod. Zzzzzzzzz.

Winter is a tough time to get out and run, but the snow on the trail was melted, so off I went. The 3 miles was a respectable 14:25 pace. So I don't feel I have lost too much. My schedule makes it difficult to plan runs in advance, but it helps if I am not scheduled to work until later in the day. I can't run after work.

So the changes I want to make start with me.....snacks are limited. Meals have to be healthier, and not so late. I have to make a better effort to get out there and run.

The situations I have some control over. They are though what they are. I can still make better choices in how I deal with them. I appreciate the support I get from all of you....it helps a great deal.

Charlie

Forming a New Plan

Now that the Shamrock is scrapped, I need to form a new plan. What I want to do is spend the winter and spring building and doing some smaller races. I think a 10K is a good distance for me to work on.

As I get closer to summer, I would then look at a half marathon to see how I am set for the longer distances. Slowly building time and distance will be the key to a successful marathon. Looking in the Sept.-Nov. time frame for a marathon. I know I won't do Chicago, as I have banned races in the Windy City from my routine.

I don't have a race in mind, but I think I have some time to plan that. I know the key is a slow build.

Part of the fun now is figuring out which races to do. I actually enjoy going to race websites and look things over. I check out course maps, elevation maps...is there a medal? Shirts I don't care about, but the bling is a key component.

What races are you all working towards?

Charlie

Resigned to No Race

After a day of disappointment, I did a 30 minute workout last night, which helped clear my head. It is disappointing to pull the plug on a race. I know it's the right thing, it was just the difficult thing to do.

Still I looked for a bright side. Now I can enter those smaller Spring races and not worry about a marathon. I could do the Holy 10K again, or the Carmel 8K. I know I don't want to do a half quite yet.

The workout last night got be sweating, and that isn't something I have done a lot of. The gym in my complex has two treadmills and an elliptical. I did a combo of both. No running. I did a brisk walk on an incline of the treadmill. Felt good.

In addition to running and working out more, I need to watch what I eat. The depression I have had for the last year or so has taken its toll. My goal for the year is to tackle things in a healthier manner. So far, I am pleased with myself. 5 days in, and I am hanging in there.

Looking forward to a run tomorrow.

Charlie

Hard Decision

UPDATE - Half Marathon is full, so I need to come up with a new plan. I can defer until next year, so I am thinking about that.

No runner likes to make this decision, but there are times you have to pull the trigger, so I am pulling the trigger today. March 17 is right around the corner, and I am not even close to being ready for a 26.2 race. In the over two months until the race, I know I can't be ready.

So I have decided to switch the the half marathon. I can be ready for that in 2.5 months. In the meantime I will figure a fall marathon, and really take the year to get ready. I am very depressed about this, but I would rather do this, then fail at a spring marathon.

Arrrgh!

Charlie

Editor's Correction for Steve

It has been brought to the attention of the editor, that there was a glaring oversight in a previous post. In the posting thanking people I have worked with, one name was not included. In any posting such as that, you risk the possibility of oversight, but in this case, there does need to be a correction.

If you are not familiar with the name Steve Santer, then allow me to introduce you to him. Steve hails from an enchanted land called - Mich-ee-gahn. We know it as Michigan. He moved to the rural state of Indiana a short time ago, and is an amazing runner*. Previously he worked for Playmakers, and now espouses running advice at BlueMile in Indianapolis.

He is co-creator of Good Form Running, which is a wonderful approach to the minimal running philosophy. He can usually be seen running in the Broad Ripple area. Sometimes I am told, he runs with a dog.

So why do I need to thank him? In the insanity that can be running specialty, he is a voice of reason, calm, and good old fashioned liberal attitudes. No one I know can toss terms like, gait analysis, medial posting, and Ann Coulter is an idiot, all in one phrase, but Steve can.

He and his bride to be, Lizzie are delightful people, despite the fact they aren't Notre Dame fans.

Steve thank you for being a fun part of my running career.

Charlie

*Editor's note - no one has been able to verify this fact, but we will assume. We do know he is DANGEROUS Wall Climber.

2013 Looking Ahead

I am ending the year answering all important running questions like, "What is the best shoe?" Of course there is no such thing. That's like asking, "What's the best song in the world?" No definitive answer. I much prefer questions like, "What are your running goals for 2013?"

Why thanks for asking. My goal is to finish my marathon, and be strong doing it. Training is always hard for me to do. Despite working in the running industry, it is very difficult to fine time to get training runs in. That is one goal though. The other is to do some smaller races. Mark thinks I should find some nice 10Ks to do. I imagine I will run some.

I also want to explore some running topics of interest to me, that I want to share with all of you.

As we head into the new year, I wish you all good health, strong running, and enjoy life.

Happy New Year everyone!

Charlie

Top News Stories of 2012

Runner's World has listed the Paul Ryan did he or did not not run a sub 3 marathon as the top story of the year. As you remember, Rep. Ryan lied about his marathon running in an interview....oops, sorry I meant he mis-remembered his marathon time. The story was one of many missteps by the Romney campaign this year.

I thought about it some, and I agree it probably was one of the top stories, because it really brought to attention how important time in a marathon is to runners. I was upset that he lied, because I just know runners now down to the millisecond what they run in races, and this lie belittled what we do.

I think the top story of the year was the NYC Marathon/Hurricane Sandy story. The running world and non-running world seemed to be divided whether or not the race should go on. I fell on the side of, it should not go one. What came out of this story was the generosity of the runners present to go do some good in the areas hardest hit by the hurricane.

This reflected the best in running, and that we are more than just running for PRs. It should be noted though, the initial decision to run the race was a terrible one(IMHO). It should a certain amount of greed and shallowness on the part of the NYRR. Yes, I know, the city needs to show it is resilient, but not while people are without power, shelter or food.

At the end of the year, there is a titillating story of former Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton's past as a paid escort. While this won't be a reflection on the sport, it worries me that a runner of her ability felt she had to do work like that.

The most uplifting story has to be the London Olympics. Mo Farrah's amazing 5000 and 10000 double, Usain Bolt again proving he is the fastest man ever, Meb coming form way back to almost get Bronze in the marathon. So many amazing performances.

2012 was a fascinating year for the running world, and I am hoping 2013 is even better.

Charlie

2012: The Year in Review

As 2012 winds down, as many people do, I am looking back on my year in running. As always there are some highs and some lows.

The Treasured Moment of the Year - Running with Pennsy in the Monumental. This is a man who I have known for about a decade in the virtual world. He has battled weight loss, Cancer and depression. Through running, he has discovered a joy and a sense of purpose, much as I have. We finally met and ran the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon. It was a good race made better by running with the delightful Pennsy. My only regret is that Mrs. P couldn't make the trip.

The Discovery of the Year - I can run, and put together a running plan. I had felt over the last two years my running was blah. I rediscovered the joy in running, and put together a plan which saw me through my half marathons.

The Product of the Year - Brooks Dayd 7. Lord knows I have the New Balance a try, but their heel collapsed and was in some pain in those shoes. The new Dyad has turned out to be a great shoe for me.

The Worst Race Experience EVER - I have run races I didn't care for. I have run races which were poorly managed. Nothing prepared me for the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon this year. You all figured this would be listed in a year end report right? What a mess. Stopping the race at Mile 10, and violating their own rules, and then not owning up to their mistake, then finding out they do this on a regular basis. I don't and won't recommend a Rock n Roll series race.

The Most Interesting Race  of the Year - Mo' Cowbell Half Marathon. This is a great race, well organized. Good volunteers, great medal, and of course the cowbells. Would be great to see more crowd support. I'm still curious what the reason of running through a family farm was....there were no cows around.

The Race of the Year - Holy 10K. If you ever have the opportunity to run the 10K or the half marathon....do it. The course winds through the University of Notre Dame. The students are upbeat and very helpful. This student run race is typical of most activities organized on campus - well organized, and a lot of fun. The campus is stunning, especially running along the lakes. I wish I had run the half, but that will be for another time.

Looking ahead.....marathon time. March 17 I will run the Shamrock Marathon. Running has not gone well this last month as I am working through an IT Band issue, but I will do my best to be ready. Will talk more about 2013 goals in the next week.

Charlie

Six Years

It was six years ago today I started working for Fleet Feet Sports, and a career in running specialty began. I had been trapped in a job at Macy's(formerly Marshall Field's), and the chance to work in the sport I loved came along. I didn't even give two weeks notice at Macy's. "You won't be eligible for re-hire," said the HR shrew. Oh well....there are some bridges you can burn in life.

It's not just selling shoes in this business. It's about fostering community. It's about sharing your goals and hopes with other like minded people. Through this community I have met people I never would have met. I have made incredible friends. I have encountered some of my idols.

I am always grateful to Dave Zimmer for hiring me, and getting me started on this path. My gratitude extends to Bob Kennedy and Ashley Johnson who gave me the opportunity to show what I could do in this field. I would like to thank Sarah Cathcart, Jeremy Schapiro for being such good mentors. I want to thank my first family at Fleet Feet Sports Chicago(the Lincoln Square crew) for being so supportive. I want to thank my current crew of Gary, Melissa, Angela, Angie, Greg, Brandon, Hunter and Denise for being the best group I could imagine managing. Thanks to Janet for always being the supportive cheerleader.

The best part of this career has been, I have been able to walk in every day and like everyone I have worked with(or at least 99.99999% of of the people I have worked with). Not too many people can say that.

The next six years? I swear if I can combine coffee and running, that will be what the future is. For now, I am very glad to be where I am.

Happy Anniversary!

Charlie

Shoes for Christmas

This is the time of year people go to a running store, because they have someone in their lives who runs. This could be a dad, aunt, favorite sibling, co-worker, anyone who runs. When they walk into a running store, they think they want to get this runner shoes for Christmas. This is great IF they know which shoe, or type of shoe their runner wears. If they don't I don't recommend buying shoes, just so the runner has a shoe box to open on Christmas Morning.

I probably just ruined someone's great idea for Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I think getting the runner in your life shoes is great. I just want you to know what you are getting. In the past I have talked about getting properly fitted shoes. If you walk into a store, and buy a cool looking shoe, without knowing if it works for the runner, I can assure you those shoes are coming back.

Some running stores have reward or frequent shopper programs. They may have an account of the shoes they wear, or at least can guide you to the stability category of shoes. Of course you could always ask your runner, but then they get a heads up on the gift. Maybe someone who knows the runner's running habits can give you a heads up on the shoes?

Don't assume when it comes to shoes. Also, be open to other gift ideas. I have mentioned socks. Runners LOVE socks. Maybe a running top? Hat? Water bottle? Gift card? There are a lot of options.

Running store employees have a ton of information, and are more than happy to help you with gift ideas for your runner. Use them, they are the experts.

Charlie

A Simple 5K

Today I headed out to run a simple 5K. I headed out on the trail on my own, just running along. I saw the leave-less trees.  I saw the occasional person go by. I crossed a creek, and saw the water flowing. All of that was on the outside of my head.

On the inside of my head, I wondered about where life is taking me. I thought about the struggles other couples or families go through when dealing with Epilepsy. I worried about friends and family who have suffered recently. I thought about how to get through another month of bills.

The outside seems so simple, the inside is where the complexities take place. That's ok though. If all that crap was happening outside of my head during a run, I probably wouldn't want to run. The running on the trail eventually brought me peace - after I got all the stuff out of my head.

One thing I miss is time to myself. So I truly enjoy my runs, because that is my time. I can be alone with the good and the troubling thoughts. I can think through things. I can ponder on the meaning of life. So while today it felt all messed up inside, the run helped me cope and just have ME time.

Just a simple 5K.

Charlie