I try to write a few thoughts in this space at least once a week, but sometimes I'm more inspired than others. The weeks after a marathon are, perhaps, a time when I tend to be less inspired to write about running, because, I'm taking a bit of a break from the longer runs and training cycle. So I'm a little less inspired to write about it.
I don't know how the real running writers and columnists do it. I write about running here because (most of the time) I love it. It's not part of my job description, and I don't get paid for it. But that also means I can write whatever I want, whenever it's convenient. Or not.
This week, while running along on the Prairie Path, I mentioned this to my friend John Heiderscheidt, who I've known since our days running High School Cross Country. He suggested I write about "older fat guys trying to get back in shape". He was talking about himself. But he could probably be talking about a lot of us. Heck, in the couple weeks since finishing the New York marathon, I am starting to feel a little fat and out of shape! And I already know I'm old.
John is a good example of someone who is generally in pretty good shape, but struggles with finding time to work out regularly. He struggles to keep his weight where he'd like it (like all of us). And he's had plenty of nagging injuries over the years. He's done two marathons, but they were about a decade ago. Now he wants to be able to run well 
enough to join us on regular weekend long runs, and run a respectable time in shorter races like 10k's.
I would say he's well on his way, but I cautioned him to take it slow, and mix in plenty of rest. As we've gotten older, our bodies don't respond as quickly as they used to. He and I both remember how we felt when we were training years ago. It was easy to run fast, and we tended to recover pretty quickly. And getting in shape didn't take that long. These days, it's obviously different. If we rush it, we tend to not only get discouraged, but injured.
Depending on your starting point, it's a good idea to take it a little easier than you feel. In other words, take walking breaks during your runs when you are just beginning. And if three miles, for instance, seems like it's easy, keep it at that distance for a while before you add more miles. And take days off for rest and cross-training.
I'm a firm believer that running should be enjoyable. If it's not, you won't do it for very long. The way to make it enjoyable, is to be in shape, and uninjured. The longer it's been since you worked out regularly, the longer it's going to take get back in shape. There is no rush.
If you are one of those who has been sitting on the sidelines for a while, this week might be a good time to start getting it going again. I always enjoy running a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, before eating plenty of turkey later. There are dozens of them around the area. Since moving to suburbs, I've found lots of local races I never knew about when I lived in the city.
I plan to run the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot in Elmhurst. It's the 25th anniversary of the race this year. Last year they drew 6,000 runners. It's a good one, and short (5k). But there are lots of others including the Lincoln Park race that is a little longer (8k). So you may as well get off the couch for a little while before the feast begins!
Before I sign off, I want to congratulate everyone who ran the Philadelphia marathon over the weekend. I have been trying to find results and they were not available as of noon the next day. I'm hoping for the best for my friends who were trying to qualify for Boston there!
Happy Thanksgiving. I'll see you on the roads....
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