This Winter

Let's be blunt, for most of us this winter sucked for running. A good many people either didn't run, or they ran on the dread mill for hours at a time. I'm talking to a good many people gearing up for the Spring marathon/half marathon season who may not have run for two months, only ran on the treadmill, or are over training. In almost every case, they are complaining about pains and issues.

Folks, this is a gentle reminder, you can't make up lost training. Nope sorry. If you skipped a month of running, you can't do two months worth in one month to make up for it. Why? Injury. The greatest reason we get injured is from over training.

One gentleman insisted to me it was his shoes. It couldn't be the 5 miles a day he started doing(previously he was a 2 mile every other day guy). My fear is this race season will see a lot of people in a lot of pain on the road.

If you have to push through these races, I'm suggesting a good use of walking breaks. No, you actually don't have to run the entire race. You can take walk breaks, and no one thinks ill of you. Nor are you any less of a runner(no matter what the snobs say).

Use some sense, and you can get past the lack of winter training. Focus on some cross training and build/re-build your core. Make sure the shoes are good. Your local specialty running store can help you with that. Improve your nutrition. Put the donut down, and have something a bit better for you. Your insides will thank you, and it will improve your running.

It's Spring, but yes, we can overcome this past Winter.

Charlie

How Do I Run?

If anyone is still reading the blog, I'm sorry I haven't written since the marathon in September. To be honest, I haven't felt like writing here, because I haven't been running. The marathon ended at mile 13, when my back just kept feeling stiff and a bit sore. I knew I didn't have another 13 miles in me that day. I was fine stopping. I didn't get emotional as I thought I would.

Since then, I have only run twice. Neither run was spectacular. The back still bothered me. Once the back felt better, I sprained my LCL on my left knee. This bothers me some, but I am hoping to start running again. The problem is, how do I run?

Yes, I know it's right foot, left foot. With all the time away, I just don't know how to start. I feel lost, and have felt lost about running. It doesn't help that I have struggled for months in my personal and professional life. In short, I've been miserable. It would have helped to run, but I couldn't. Now I feel I want to start again, but, as I said, I feel lost on how to do this.

I have a goal of a 5K, maybe a 10K this year. Nothing lofty, nothing too much. I want to get back into it, and develop a routine, and remind myself of the love I have for this sport. I do love it, but there are days it's hard.

In the meantime, I've been coaching runners, but I feel like a fraud, because I'm not out there running. The worst part is I've gained quite a bit of weight, and I feel gross. So as I begin to come out of the mess that has been my non-running life, I hope some of you will give me some advice, encouragement, and maybe a spark to get me back.

I will write from time to time, and get back into the swing of things here. I've missed running, and I've missed writing on running.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 1 Day

It's the day before the marathon. Goals today are to tour the course to see what the heck I have gotten myself into, go back to the expo(went to get the packet, but didn't explore the expo, hang with the cousins. Plan the race.

Not sure how this one will go. Mark's ankle looks like it will keep him from going around the course. I'm thinking maybe seeing him at the start, and then at the end. He just can't get around. I know there are people out there who run these things with no support crew. Maybe this is my time to go solo. We'll see.

I start at 6am, in the early start. I anticipate the rest of the runners will start as I head into mile 4. I expect to be passed, and I'm ok with that, afterall I'll have been leading for a while, about time someone came by to take over the pace if the race. :-)

Tonight a pasta dinner, then an early bedtime. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Charlie

Countdown to the Marathon - 2 Days

On to Wisconsin is the rallying cry today. Very excited about the race. Very excited to see my cousins. Very excited to get cheese curds(if you don't know....it's ok).

The road to a marathon is full of highs and lows. Trying to put the last month out of my head(back, cold, Mark spraining his ankle). Time to focus on the 26.2 miles ahead. It won't seem real until I get to the expo tomorrow. That's when you know it's happening.

Weather still looks great for Sunday.

:-)Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 3 Days

Today we pack for the journey to Wisconsin. This is important. I can forget a lot of things: the shirt I want to wear for dinner one night, the jeans which fit pretty well, toothpaste. What I can't forget is the running gear. Clothes - check. Shoes - check. GU - check.

A glitch in the plan. Mark has fallen and sprained his ankle badly. This makes things difficult for race day. I am hoping a cousin or two will be able to help me out on the course. I can do it on my own if I need to though. My worry is his ankle, and how he sees this as a set back.

On the health front, my back is mostly better. My throat has been sore for a while, and it gets worse the more I talk. Good news, I don't have to talk to anyone during the race.

So 3 days out....wish things were better, but I am packing and ready to go.

Charlie

How I Run - Comparison

There is a big difference between how I think I run....

....and I most likely run....

:-)Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 4 Days

I haven't written much this year about being 50. Truth be told the year has sucked, but besides that, how does it affect my running? Yes, I am slower. I can work on speed, but I won't be the runner I was 7 years ago, unless one of you has some magic pill.

The recent problems with my back allowed me to examine more how I move. I have to be more deliberate with my movements. For example, when I get out of bed, I have to move carefully, and before I stand up, I sit for a moment and make sure I'm not making any odd movements. I don't know how I got the muscle spasm in my back, but I know it started when I got out of bed, so whatever it was I was doing - I don't, or at least try not to do.

Running means I have to watch what I am doing. Because my feet are the way they are, I notice oddities. My feet don't respond to curves in the road. Now we all think roads are flat, but they aren't. The flattest part of a road tends to be the center, then there are slight curves to the sides of the road. I assume this is so when it rains, the water can quickly go to the sides, and into drainage. My feet feel that slight bend. I try to stay close to the center.

Yes, I know this makes me sound like someone who is say....60 or 70. I want to continue to run then, so I think it's important to be even more aware of my body now. As I get closer to this race, I am aware that my body is not at ideal marathon shape. Part of that is cross training - specifically strength training. I am going to work on this. The problem is money is tight, and joining a gym is not possible now. When it is....gym time.

Don't get me wrong, the goal of finishing can still be met. I just have to take more care now.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 5 Days

What to wear? No, I'm not being a fashionista this morning. You have to figure what to wear on race day. "Come on Charlie - shorts, shirt, socks, shoes - duh," you may say. Well....yes....and no. Always keep an eye on the weather when figuring out your race day wear.

Right now the forecast for race day is sunny, low of 46, high of 62. Now, for me that is ideal, but how do you dress? As the days turn colder, you want to dress in some sort of layers. Now in this case, I have to think about when I will run the majority of my race.

I will start at 6am. The sun won't be up yet. A short sleeve shirt and shorts won't do. A long sleeve shirt will work, because I can always later roll up sleeves as the race goes on. I might want a jacket at the start, but I know that will come off fairly quickly. As for the bottoms, I am looking at 2 in 1 shorts, or I have longer running tights, that are light enough, that it wouldn't be a problem in the later stages.

Half the race will be run before 9:30am, so the coolness will be a factor. Remember, as you run your body temperature is 15 degrees warmer. So when it does it 62, it will feel like 77. I might not want those light tights at that point. I do know as the race goes on, my pace gets slower, so if it is chilly, I will feel it more in those later stages, so I can still opt for the tights.

See I told you this wasn't about being a fashionista.

Socks and shoes are a breeze. I am planning on Fits Merino Wool Socks and of course my Brooks Dyads. Hat - Boston Red Sox Cap. I may wear wicking clothing, but my hat is always a cotton. Call me nuts, but I like that on my head.

Body Glide is a must for long distance running. Chaffing is NOT fun during a race.

It's always best if one or two of your runs is done with what you are planning to wear. This way you'll know if there are seams in the clothes which may bother you. Or, you may find out it just doesn't work. Race day is never a good day to figure out something isn't working.

Planning things like this is key to a good race.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 6 days

In the past I have dedicated my run to various people or causes. I had thought I wanted to dedicate each mile to various people, but in the end, I decided to go a different route. On the journey towards a marathon, there are a lot of people who show support and are there for you. They support you are you train, as you run the race, and as they follow you virtually.

During this training, I have received wonderful support from my friend Kris, who has been out there during one of my longer runs, being a support crew. I have gotten lots of encouragement from the staff of my store. These people mean a lot to me. One associate brought in his office chair I could use at my desk, so my back would feel supported. Another has made sure I have been getting enough nutrition and hydration. All have asked how I am doing, and am I ready. Mark always makes sure I am feeling good. He's been patient as I've gone through my back issue. He'll be out there race day with a cousin or two I imagine making sure I'm ok. I'm looking forward to seeing various cousins out there cheering me on. I rarely get to run with family watching, so this will be fun.  I'm also grateful to the people online who have sent me messages of support. It means a lot to me.

This is the year of the support network. I will carry all of those messages, offers to help me, run with me, etc., with me during this race.

There is another group though, that I am also dedicating this race to. Since April, I have thought a lot about those who suffered in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Some died. A good many were badly injured. Mostly, people endured a horrific event, that we need to be sure doesn't happen again. I will be wearing my Boston Red Sox cap to honor these people. I will be Boston Strong as I make my way to the finish line.

6 days to go....still feeling good.

Charlie

Countdown to Marathon - 7 Days

A week from today I toe the start line, and head off on a 26.2 adventure. Today I ran a nice 3 mile run. I felt good. No signs of back issues, though I have been dealing with a cough and sore throat for a a couple weeks. Nothing though seems to bother my running.

So how am I feeling? Nervous. Training has not been what I would have liked, but that seems to be the norm. When you work in running specialty, you never get to run as much as you would like, or can. Still what I have been most proud of during this training is the fact I have stayed on pace. The goal is to finish in seven hours. My long runs have been pretty close to race pace. Now, will I be able to do that over the longer distance, that I don't know.

I've been asked what my race plan is. I half joke that the plan is to run, until I can't run anymore, then I walk until I finish. I would say if I can sustain a good run/walk pace over 16 miles, I am in good shape for the last 10.

The test is always between miles 18-20. That's when I mentally break down. I typically call my sister at that point. Note to self....remind Anne to have phone ready.

So now I get ready for the big day.

Charlie

Being the Good Samaritan Cost the Long Run

The goal this morning was to run for 4-5 hours. My opportunities for this run are running out, and the marathon is 2 1/2 weeks away. I gathered my gear, and headed out solo.

About 2.5 miles into the run, I saw a sight which made me stop running. There on the trail was an elderly man in his 70s sitting, holding his right ankle, and looking sad. I noticed that two women had been with him, but were now walking away. I stopped to make sure he was ok.

He had tried to find a gap in traffic to cross the street, instead of waiting for traffic to clear. He went across the street, off the trail, jumped over a small wire fence, and his foot landed in a hole. He was lamenting that he probably broke his ankle. I asked if I could call anyone for him, or try to get some help. He explained that the women who had just gone had called his wife. I offered to stay with him until his wife arrived.

He didn't want to interrupt my run, but I told him I would feel better if I stayed and made sure help came. He thanked me, then told me about his past ankle problems, and how this was going to put a crimp in his running. I listened, and told him he would run another day, the important thing was to get to a doctor.

He then said, "May I ask you a question?" "Sure," I answered. He asked, "Is it true Brooks is doing away with the Trance?" Of all the questions in the world, that one was not what I expected. I had helped this gentleman a few times in my store, and now he wanted to talk shoes. I laughed and told him the Trance would be leaving by Spring, and the Transcend would take it's place. He noted that I suggested a lighter stability shoe, like the Dyad, but he really liked the Trance.  He also told me how nice one of my staff has been to his son.

The gentleman has a good memory. He asked if I was ready for my marathon. I told him I was doing a long run today. He felt bad about my stopping. I told him it was nothing to worry about. The wife and her friend had not arrived, and by now he wanted me to call her. He laughed and said his wife sometimes thinks he is joking about things, and I was to call her and tell her it was no joke. I looked down the trail and saw two women and a Cocker Spaniel heading our way. Help was about to arrive.

Both women are nurses, and the wife began to scold him for what he did, "How the Hell old are you?" She was smiling, so I knew it was a husband/wife thing. He introduced me as the owner of his running store. I gently corrected and told her the manager. She was happy I had stayed. Soon I headed off on the run, he thanked me, and told me he would be in soon for a pair of Brooks Trance.

I was with him for about 25 minutes. As you can imagine, it's pretty hard to restart running after not running for a a long period. I felt pretty good though. Still I didn't know if I could finish what I started.

I would find out later I couldn't do it. I tried, I did. In the end I ran 1:33, and did 6 miles. Nope, not good for a long run. And my long runs are running out. My original thought was to transfer to the half, and just focus on a marathon next year. Nope - the half is sold out. So now I need a plan B. I think that plan will involve more walking than I would like. I know at this point I can do a decent half marathon. The finish it, I have to more frequent walk breaks. I also felt under nourished and hydrated today. So I need to kick that up a bit.

The last few weeks have been horrible for me. A combination of a cold, and muscle spasms in the back have knocked me out of running. Maybe that was my taper, and now I build to the marathon?

Oh this marathon may not be pretty, but I will do it.

Charlie

Each Race is a Lesson

I have often thought that each race we run provides a lesson, not only in terms of our running, but in life as well. My first 5K was a Trick of Trot Halloween race. Prior to this, my running consisted of my getting up at 4 a.m., and heading out the door. I didn't want people to see me run, because I thought I looked horrible.

What I learned in this first race, is that nobody, but a Kenyan, looks like a Kenyan when they ran. I saw people stomp their way through the race. I saw prancing. I saw run/walking and walk/running. No one looked especially graceful. Then again, I was towards the back, maybe all the Kenyan like folks led the darned thing. Still, I valued the lesson that I no longer had to be ashamed of what I look like running, and to this day, know I look kind of silly running, but who cares?

My first half marathon was a different lesson. I learned not only could I do long distances, but the long distance race can be emotional. Now to be fair, I was running in my hometown of South Bend, IN, and running into Notre Dame Stadium. Still I learned that these milestones can sometimes me very emotional. I got choked up as the stadium came into sight. I got chills as I ran through the tunnel. I WAS Joe Montana running into the stadium, and I was thrilled beyond belief.

The marathon, each one I have run, poses a different set of lessons. The marathon is about seeing how far you can push your body, and what you can take. None of the marathons I have run have been easy. The first one, proved I could do it. The second one showed me that even under adverse weather conditions, sometimes it's best to call it a day. The third one showed me I could go faster, and more importantly share my love of the race with others. The fourth was a true lesson in endurance, and how hard the distance can be.

All of these races have a common lesson though, once you put your mind to something, you can accomplish anything. It may not be pretty. It may not be glorious. Sometimes it hurts. In the end though, you can do it.

Charlie

31 Days ...

We are now 31 days until the marathon. Within the next week, I will need a really long run, so I am figuring when to do that. In the meantime I have maps of the course, and trying to figure out the places Mark can meet me along the course.

I am also doing something different this time as motivation. I will be dedicating various miles to various people. If you are interested in having a mile on the course dedicated to you, let me know. I have already dedicated the first, 13.1 and final .2 miles, which I will talk about as the month goes on.

I'm feeling fairly good at this point. I am relatively healthy. My runs, for the most part have gone well. I think I have a handle on the race nutrition. So far so good as the saying goes.

At this point in race training, it's a matter of getting mentally strong to endure the 26.2 miles.

31 days and counting....

Charlie

NB 880v3 vs. Brooks Dyad 7

As I became more serious about running, there have been two brands I have been able to wear somewhat consistently; New Balance and Brooks. Because of the various issues with my feet, and the fact they are extra wide, very few companies make shoes I can wear. These two brands have been pretty good for me.

Over the last three years I have been strictly Brooks. The reason being that as New Balance has tinkered with old standbys, I have found their shoes to be too narrow, or in the case of the last shoe I wore, the heel broke down in 7 runs.

Now there is a new version of the NB 880v3 out, and I was given a pair, so it's time to compare shoes....

On the right, we have my current shoe - Brooks Dyad 7. One the left - NB 880v3.

Let's look at the make of the shoes. First of all the Dyad runs a bit longer than the 880. It isn't by much, but there is a touch more length.

The stability pods on the Dyad also make it a wider shoe. Both have a wide toe box which is very important to me, as that is where I am widest.


Not many people think about depth in a shoe, but the move these days is to have a shallower shoe. This helps make it a lighter shoe.  In this case, the NB 880 is much closer to the foot than the Dyad.

Both shoes have the 12mm drop from heel to toe. These are more traditional, as the move is the have 4mm less heel to tow drop. Thank you barefoot movement.

So how do the shoes compare running?

The Dyad 7 has Brooks DNA cushioning in it, which has been in several of their other shoes like the Adrenaline or Glycerin. It is designed to make Brooks shoes even softer. For the record, Brooks shoes have never been known for their pillowy feel, and to be honest, I don't like a softer cushion. I find over time my feet and ankles hurt with more cushion, because I'm not as firmly planted on the ground, or so I feel.

NB 880v3 uses Abzorb for it's cushioning. Again, this is not a pillow to run on, it is a pretty firm shoe. They have also added ActevaLite which is a premium lightweight midsole, for an additional cushion.

Yesterday I ran 5 miles in the NB 880v3. Here is what I liked. The firm feel. While Brooks has made the Dyad feel softer, I liked the firmer feel of the New Balance. I felt I could push off from the ground better, like I was more in control of planting my foot. The New Balance is also lighter. The Brooks Dyad can sometimes feel clunky. Now this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes I want more flex in my shoe. While the 880 felt narrower, I never felt the width was a problem. To be fair, I would need to do a longer run, and allow my feet to swell before I made a final determination.

What I didn't like... The shallow depth of the shoe was an issue. I felt it pressing on the top of my foot, especially on the left foot, to the point I felt some pain. I thought this was odd, because my right foot is the wider. I did loosen the shoes laces, and alleviated some of the pain. The pain though, lingered through the rest of the evening. The shoes laces on the 880 are very thin, and it can lead one to tie them too tight for fear they may come undone. I am going to re-lace them a bit differently on my next run to see if there is still the issue.

My other concern is the heel. After my last NB shoe, I am a bit leery of the heel strength. Again, further running would need to be done before any durability can be discerned.

Overall I really liked the 880v3. Am I going to give up on the Dyad? No. I think it's good to have another shoe in the arsenal. I am going to run a few more times before I decide which one I want to use on race day.

Charlie

Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Last week I talked about one of my favorite customers JB. In keeping with the notion that I can't mention specific names, today I want to talk about AS. AS is another young man who I have helped now for a few years.

When I first worked with AS, he was looking for shoes for hist first marathon. AS comes from a very nice family, so I got to know his mom as well in the process.  She would talk to me about his goals, and how she wanted to encourage him. I offered advice to both. I figured the runner not only needs advice, but the support crew needs some too.

For his first marathon, his mom was going to follow him around the course on her bike, but she knew she couldn't go everywhere. She made a sign with his name on it, and asked if I could hold it up and cheer him on race day. We had a cheer section, so I was happy to do it.

On race day I saw him coming down the road. We were at mile 15, so I figured this would be a tough stretch for him. I got the sign, the cowbell, and the the crew ready to cheer him on. He flashed a smile and a wave as he went by.

Later, not only did his mom thanks us, but AS came into the store to tell me that he was at a low point in the race when we saw him, and that cheering section boosted his spirits, and he was able to keep going. I thought that was awfully nice of both of them to thank me. I was happy to do it.

Months later, AS ran Chicago. This time, his mom was worried about how to get around. I went over the course map, and where along the route she could easily get to. Again, another successful race for AS. Again, I was thanked for my help.

Since then, AS comes in to order his shoes, and talk a bit about his running. His mom comes in from time to time, and catches me up on his progress. I have made a point of telling her over time that I think she has raised one of the nicest boys I have ever met. I know that makes her feel good.

Every now and then I see AS running, or run into him at the grocery store, and he always asks about my running and progress. Yes, we check in with each other on our running. I think it's cool that he inquires about how I'm doing.

Now we come to yesterday. AS came into the store. I knew he bought shoes a few weeks ago, but this was a different visit. He wanted to tell me he is heading off to college this week. He wanted to come in, say good bye, and thank me for all the help I have given him. I told him it was my pleasure. I asked how his mom was doing. She's been a bit emotional, because now both her kids will be out in the world. He assured me he would be back at Thanksgiving for new shoes, and to catch me up  on life. We shook hands, and off he went. I went into the back room and cried a bit. It felt like an old friend was moving on.

Again, I write a story like this, because I think those of us in the running specialty business have a unique relationship with our customers. We are advisor, coach, friend, sales person, and so much more to a good many folks. I doubt we have this kind of relationship with the folks at a big box store. We form a bond which is special, and it is truly one of the best parts of my job.

Whether he runs marathons, does Tris, or just jogs now and then, I hope AS does well with his running. I know he will do well in life. He is a good guy, with a level head on his shoulders.

Charlie

Long Run Quest

My quest for a good long long run during this training is still elusive. The goal this week was a 5 hour run. The result was a 2 1/2 hour run. My right knee was bothering me this week, and gave me some trouble of the run. I could feel the adjustments I was making was hurting my hips, so I ended the run 1/2  hours into it. Still I am pretty happy I made it 9 miles in that amount of time.

Time to let the knee feel better before the next really long run. Shorter runs don't seem to be a problem.

Charlie

Encouraging the Next Generation

How do we encourage the next generation of runners? This is something I deal with fairly often. In my community there are strong running programs in schools and churches for young runners. In one area school, there are over 100 kids on the track and field and cross country teams(note: only a few get to compete). I am very fortunate to work with some wonderful kids who come in for shoes and advice.

There are some kids I have special affection for. These are the ones who so truly love running and everything about running. They are the running geeks who can tell you what time Pre ran in the 1972 Olympics. It's very cool to help these kids year after year. They are respectful, fun and you can see the love of running in them.

Let me tell you about JB. JB lives in a small town in Indiana. He runs track and cross country for his local high school. He is very good, and is always striving to be better. He comes in every couple of months, and he specifically wants to work with me to get his shoes. Why me?

I take the time to listen to what he wants to accomplish. I'm able to verify or correct something he has learned about shoes. I check his gait(even though he doesn't need it). He is a guy who loves running, and wants to work with someone who loves running. All I want to do is encourage him.

Yesterday he and his mom came in. Seems they called ahead to see when I would be working. He wanted to get some shoes, but he also wanted to talk about his summer vacation. As he wore his Pre shirt, he told me about the journey to Eugene, OR to visit Haywood Field - hallowed ground for track and field guys. Seems the day he visited, the gates to the field were closed.  Soon he was talking to a grounds worker, who let him into the stadium, and JB got to run on the track that so many tracks greats have run.

JB was so thrilled to do this, and as he told me, I felt just as excited for him. How great that someone let him do this. How great that someone would encourage him like this. I too wanted to do something for him, and I did.

Recently we found a box of old track and field magazines. Someone had left them in the store(who knows why). When I say old, I mean these were from the 1970s. We found a home for the box, but kept one in the store. As JB told me his story, I knew what I wanted to do. I found the copy of that magazine, which by the way had a cover story on Steve Prefontaine, and told JB he could have it.

JB lit up and looked so thrilled to get this. His mother told me I didn't have to do that. I told her the groundskeeper didn't have to let him into run, but JB is such a good kid, I just wanted to do something nice. As he thumbed through the magazine, JB told me how he had been getting faster, and mixed in more stories of the trip to Eugene. He was on Cloud Nine.

We eventually figured out which shoes would work for his cross country season. As they left the store, he turned around, and thanked me for everything. JB is a senior in high school this year. Next year he will be off to college. I've watched many a kid come and go in my store, some I miss a great deal, because they are such good kids. JB is one I will miss very much.

I tell you this, because I am hoping that if there is a young runner out there, please find a way to encourage their running and love of the sport.

Charlie

A Multitude of Thoughts

I haven't posted in a while. To be honest, I didn't feel like writing, but today I have quite a bit to say. This is a series of random thoughts.....

1) 40 days until the marathon - so how has the training been going? I had a horrible 4 hour run attempt a couple weeks ago. Still the running has gone well. This week the goal is to run a 5 hour run. I know I am over a month from the marathon, but I also know my body. In a couple weeks, I will try another 4 hour run, before a true taper.

2) Running stores as a community center. Yes, the basic fact is a running store is a retail business. Everything they do is designed to generate business. In addition though, it can serve as the heart of the running community. Training programs, fun runs, workshops, all bring people together. Running stores make a mistake when they take the community for granted. A community is more than Facebook or Twitter postings, it how you actually relate to the community.

3) Watching runners. Every Saturday I head out on the Monon and pass out water to runners. I love doing this. It gives me a connection to the folks out there running. It allows me to just watch. I like to see how people are running. I try to figure out what their goals are, how they run as they are running. It's very exciting to me.

4) Enjoying running. It has taken me a while, but this year I am enjoying my running again. I spoke with a 63 year old man the other day, who had taken time off from injury. He told me how discouraged he is that he isn't the runner he used to be. I told him that is something I have struggled with. At 50 I understand what diminished running can be. At some point though, you accept the runner you are, and stop fighting the runner you were. As I told the gentleman, we are still out there running, which is better than most of us.

5) I love the Monon Trail, but after a marathon training all summer, I'm a bit tired running on it.

6) I love the Canal Towpath. It is ideal if you want a slow run.

7) While I don't miss living in Chicago, I do miss the Lakefront Path.

Charlie

No Olympic Boycott

A number of LGBT activists are calling for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Recently the Russian government has outlawed what they call pro-gay propaganda. There can be no gay pride demonstrations, talk about gay people in a positive light, no public displays of affection, in short - any thing which is deemed pro-gay. Jail is the penalty for violating the law. The International Olympic Committee says they are working with the Russians to allow openly lesbian and gay athletes to compete.

I say let the open athletes compete, and let's see some pro-gay action. If the Russians want to risk worldwide embarrassment and humiliation - good. Let the world see how cruel Putin and his cronies are. My guess is the Russians won't risk jailing gay people during the Olympics. In fact, I would be a good deal of money on it. They want the world to see happy, shiny Russian faces, not angry gay/army clashes. Anyone want to take me up on this bet?

Charlie

Marathon Countdown: 2 Months

As of this writing two months from today I will take off on my next marathon adventure. This is a good time to take stock of my training. I've been very happy with my running. I feel good. My longest runs are yet to come, but I was very happy with the 10 mile run I did a week ago. The heat and humidity have been rough, but I've managed to work through those.

What do I need to do at this point? Two things - keep running, and stay healthy. Seems easy, isn't always.

Yesterday the Community First Fox Cities Marathon folks released a video tour of the course. First impression is lots of turns. That can be a challenge. Still it looks mostly flat, not very shady. Of course I'm not too worried about that in September. Lots of residential areas to go through. This won't be a crowded marathon, so I think there will be a lot of alone spots.

I wrote about not using the GPS the other day. I'm going to throw in another techie issue - the iPod. I haven't liked running with it this go round. I find the runs I have without it are better and more enjoyable. Of course with a 4 hour run looming, I may need it a little bit.

So with the countdown really in action now....so far all systems are go.

Charlie