United, I Am - Chicago, I Run

By Ross Forman

(July 9 in Chicago) – Chuck struggled early; I struggled late. Welcome to the world of running.

For my 12-mile training run on Independence Day, I ran here along Lake Michigan with my good friend Chuck, though he was only going 7 miles. Sure was nice to run with someone since the vast majority of my training runs throughout 2009 have just been me, myself and my iPod … although that often is by choice.

We ran south along the lakefront, making a quick stop to say HELLO to some friends at a softball tournament in Lincoln Park, and then turning around after about 3.5 miles. He left after his seven miles and I continued north to Foster Avenue.

Unfortunately, when I reached the mile-marker at Foster, I also realized I was tired. And boy were those last two miles tiring. Seemed like those last 2 miles took about 2 hours.

Oh well, at least I finished all 12.

My post-run holiday was playing three softball games of my own, not enjoying the beach, the Taste of Chicago or even a nearby bar-b-que. Running the bases and reaching for grounders while playing third base was not much fun for the first hour or so. At least my defense is usually pretty good and my offense is decent too as a singles or doubles hitter. My throwing is, ugh, in question. No one can turn a web gem into disaster better or faster than yours truly with some throws that, well, could end up anywhere but the first baseman’s glove.

My next marathon is three months away: the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 18. With about 40,000 participants, this is going to be an awesome event, run through 29 historic and diverse neighborhoods. With so many family members and friends expected along the course, not to mention fellow marathoners I know, this is going to be one cool event.

I just hope it’s not hot.

The Chicago Marathon has been quite hot the last couple of years, and that’s no fun. My training actually was thrown off on June 27 by the heat. I was in Houston that weekend, and scheduled to run 12 miles on that Saturday. However, the thermometer said 87 degrees (and that’s no mention of the intense humidity) and it was just
7:47 a.m. I cannot image running 12 miles with the temp expected to hit 105 degrees. Heck, my Sugoi training shirt showed sweat just walking outside.
So instead of running 12 miles outside in Houston, I ran 8 miles on the treadmill inside at the Hilton Americas Hotel.

I’m happy to say that United Airlines is featuring me in its in-flight magazine, Hemispheres. Here’s a sneak peek at the piece.

The Chicago Marathon is my major fund-raiser for 2009 to support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Please consider donating to support this worthwhile cause as I push my body on yet another 26.2-mile grind. Click here to donate and all tax-deductible contributions are sincerely appreciated.

Regards,

Ross.

PS … Best wishes for a Happy 50th Birthday (on July 9) to
Kevin Nash.

San Diego Marathon Memories (June 1, 2009)

By Ross Forman

(May 31, 2009, in

San Diego, Calif.) -

What a day it was here at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, one filled with emotions, laughter, pain, memories and 26.2 miles, as I ultimately finished with my second-best time. That’s now five marathons completed over a 79-week span. Or 553 days, to be exact.

Yep, it was Nov. 25, 2007, when I ran my first marathon, which was one year, six months and six days ago. I still can’t believe I’m a marathon runner.

The morning started with mist in the air and mist in my eyes. As I waited in the starting corral, minutes before the journey started, a locally-based lady from the military spoke to the runners, asking us to think and pray for the soldiers now serving overseas who are giving us the freedom to run the marathon. Yeah, I was wiping away tears as she spoke.

I crossed the starting-line about seven minutes after the gun started the race, the effect of about 20,000 others also prepped for the day, including Ronnie, who I met minutes before the race started. He was the only other person I saw all day also wearing a yellow shirt from the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, and how ironic that we were standing literally 10 feet away from each other as we were starting. I saw him again at about Mile 20, and I think he was shocked when I yelled at him. There also were two fans on the course who I saw holding AIDS Marathon “You Are Heroes” signs, so I ran to my right to give them a High-5. Had to do that.

The weather was ideal: overcast and in the 60s.

About three miles in, I was running behind a guy wearing a Phoenix Suns jersey. On the back, it said NASH, and I laughed. I doubt Kevin Nash, with his bum knees, could run 26.2 yards, let alone 26.2 miles. A few miles later, I saw a sign that said, “Way to go, Kevin.” Again, I laughed.

Shortly after seeing the NASH jersey, I saw the most surprising sign all day. It said: OBAMA SUCKS.

One of the funniest signs I saw said: Cold Corona Only 19.2 Miles Ahead.

Along the course, there were some memorable spots I saw, such as, Fred’s Mexican Café. I’m guessing it isn’t owned by my dad, but… Then there was Dirty Del’s, which made me think of my buddy Dell from Hawaii, himself a fellow marathoner. And as we ran past Petco Park, I thought about my fantasy baseball teams, believe it or not. As we ran past a Baja Fresh on Broadway, I so wanted a Mango Chicken Salad.

I ran most of the race my myself, just me and my iPod. I didn’t talk to many others and not many others talked to me either. I think my favorite iPod song of the day was This Is It from Kenny Loggins. Quite appropriate. Same for Madonna’s Miles Away. Though this was a Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, I can’t say the bands on the course were great. Sorry. The cheerleaders, though, were plentiful. There were junior high cheerleaders, high school cheerleaders and female-impersonating cheerleaders with balloons in their shirts and many wearing blonde wigs. Ironically, we passed the female-impersonators twice on the course … at least I think it was the same ones. The Hooters cheerleaders were better … sorry, guys.

I ran for about 10 miles near a lady with her name written on the front and back of her shirt. It said MANDY. I thought of Tristar’s own and smiled.

I ran the whole race, surprisingly, behind a guy carrying an American flag. That was motivation, too.

I thought I was going to get my Personal Record at this marathon, and was on pace for it for 18 miles. I didn’t hit The Wall at that point, as they say, but I did start cramping in my calves, particularly my right one, which forced me to slow down. Heck, at one point, the pain was so severe I stopped for about 10 seconds – because I had to.

Another physical woe I endured, at about Mile 15, was wanting/needing to burp. Eventually, I did, and it must have been loud because the lady next to me looked over, smiled and actually said, “It’s better than the other end.”

At the pre-race Health Expo, I met former Olympian Frank Shorter and Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, herself a marathon icon too. I saw Stan from Sugoi, who’s a pretty nice guy, not just the company president. I also spoke with a United Airlines pilot about compression socks; he strongly suggests them for running and flying, and not I’m going to start using them, for both.

Next up: the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 11.

That will be my sixth marathon, but my first at home. I still cannot believe I’ve run one marathon, let alone five, with No. 6 set for Chicago in October and No. 7 possibly a return to Honolulu in December. With so many family and friends in Chicago, that will be a special race, especially since I’m running it to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. So, will you please consider supporting this worthwhile cause. All donations are appreciated. Click here to donate.

Thanks for the memories, San Diego.

Ross.

San Diego, Here I Come... (May 16, 2009)

By Ross Forman
Pictured above with TNA Wrestling's SoCal Val (left) and Traci Brooks (right)

(May 16, 2009, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois)

WIGG … that was my theory today during my 9-mile training run, my longest before heading to the San Diego Marathon on May 31.

Let’s start with the W. That stands for Weather or, more specifically, Wind. It seemed like I was running into the wind today, regardless of which direction I was heading. That certainly makes it a bit tougher, to put it mildly. But ultimately I finished the 9 miles in the exact time I was aiming for. And was kinda happy about that, especially after taking about a week off from training to give my body some time to rest and recover.

The I is for Ipod, or lack thereof. I didn’t charge my iPod and it had no juice left, thus, I had to go to my back-up – an iPod from about five years ago. This one had been charging for a week-plus, so I thought I was good to go. But that didn’t matter – three songs in, it died. Running eight miles without music sucks! Oh well.

The first G is for Geese. And there were plenty of them along the route. That means plenty of geese droppings along the route as well.

The second G is for Garmin. Many people know (and have read) that I have been thoroughly disappointed with my Garmin 405 watch. About 10 days ago, I spoke with Adam at Garmin’s headquarters in Kansas. I told him the problems I’ve had with the watch and, without hesitation, he offered to replace it. And he did. I now have a new Garmin 405 and, most important, it seems to work. Thanks, Adam!!

I truly am on the homestretch for the San Diego Marathon, and can’t wait to board my United Airlines flight on Wednesday, May 27, bound for the land of the Padres.

After San Diego, I then turn my attention to the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 11. That will be my sixth marathon, but my first here at home. With family and friends in Chicago, that truly will be a fun run … if 26.2 miles is ever fun.

I’m running the Chicago Marathon as a benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and hope you will consider supporting this worthwhile cause. All donations are appreciated. Click here to donate.

Thanks … and think of me in a couple weeks as I’m running through the streets of San Diego,

Ross.

Global Warming (April 12, 2009)

By Ross Forman

Would someone please, PLEASE, explain this whole Global Warming thing to me.

I mean, seriously, what the heck is going on weather-wise?!

I umpired a high school baseball game in Chicago on Saturday,
March 21, and it was gorgeous. Sure, I was wearing a jacket, but was comfortable, actually sweating a bit.

It snowed about a week ago in Chicago. The White Sox re-scheduled their home opener due to the weather.

I ran 9 miles in Houston on Sunday, April 5, at Memorial Park, which has a nice near-3-mile loop. It was in the low-60s, what was quite comfortable for running, yet quite surprising for Houston.

Now it brings me to Saturday, April 12, a gorgeous-looking day in Chicago. Not a cloud in the sky, which I thought was perfect because I was doing an 18-mile training run in preparation for the San Diego Marathon on May 31.

I parked along the lakefront, not far from Irving Park Road, and as soon as I got out of my car, I knew it was cool, if only because I was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and my Sugoi jacket from the 2008 Nashville Marathon.

I was set to run, though a bit chilly, with the temperature probably about 40 degrees.

The first six miles were pretty uneventful, though I did see a runner wearing shorts and, well, just a training bra, or whatever the heck it was, and that was quite a site, and surprising. I saw other runners in shorts too, though not many. Others along the lakefront this Saturday were in sweatpants, some had hats and gloves on; some even wore Ugg boots with cheerleader-like pom poms. (Seriously).

As I coasted into mile 7, I realized that my Garmin watch had lived up to its billing: over-priced, over-rated and under-performing. The thing was dead; the screen was blank. I had to assume it was a battery-charging issue, but who knows.

Maybe these Garmin watches are good for some, but I certainly am not sold on them. At least not the one I have, which I’ve been using all year. I wish I was still using my $75 Timex; I never had such problems, as I do with this Garmin beauty.

Good thing I of course knew the route and the mileage, so I wasn’t relying on the Garmin for that. But I sure could have used it for the time, my interval-training, etc. Oh well.

As I reached the 10-mile mark, my left hand was cold, really cold. Like my fingers felt number. The iPod played The Cup of Life by Ricky Martin and when he counts to three in Spanish (un, dos, tres), I actually used my fingers to count – just to move my fingers.

As I said, it was frickin’ cold out there.

How cold, you ask? Well, when I got back into my car, the temperature said: 37 degrees.

Thankfully, though, the iPod survived. Here were some of my favorite songs from the 18-mile journey, in no particular order:
- Smack That by Akon.
- Amazing by Seal
- Bang The Drum All Day by Todd Rundgren, especially since this song puts me in a Hawaiian state-of-mind since the singer has ties to our 50th State.
- Dance Into the Light by Phil Collins
- Rollout by Ludacris
- The World’s Greatest by R Kelly, which actually was my go-to song for motivation with that Nike running gimmick I previously used.

Here’s hoping summer – or at least warmer weather – arrives soon, very soon.

And yes, that was me moaning how hot it was running last month in Orlando.

Must be Global Warming,

Ross.

On The Road To San Diego (April 3, 2009)

By Ross Forman

I am officially On The Road To … San Diego, for the 12th annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on May 31. Start time is 6:30 a.m. that Sunday, and this will be my fifth-ever marathon over a 554-day span; that’s one year, six months and seven days, to be exact. This will be my first marathon of 2009 and my second-ever from Elite Racing, the group that produces the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, including such festive events as the Country Music Marathon, held annually through the streets of Nashville. I ran the Nashville Marathon with Coach Katie and Coach Dan in 2008, and that was one of the reasons I chose to kick off my ’09 marathon season in San Diego.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series marathons are … fun, or at least as much fun as the 26.2-mile grind can be. With bands, cheerleaders, thousands of cheering fans, these races truly are events, happenings, spectacles. Though I enjoyed running the Florence and Amsterdam Marathons in 2007 and 2008, respectively, these European races are nothing compared to the Rock ‘n’ Roll runs. It’s always great to hear and see marathon supporters, if only to help eliminate the boredom and pain along the multi-hour journey.

The San Diego Marathon also will be my first-ever all by myself, on race-day and during the five-months of training. Heck, I might not even know anyone along the streets on race-day or at the finish-line. But that’s on purpose. My last race was the Honolulu Marathon on Dec. 14, 2008, which I ran – and prepared for in the final days – with others from the National AIDS Marathon Training Program and a veteran local runner, Dell.

Now I want to see how I do all by myself, as scary and as boring that can be.

I’ve done all of the training so far by myself, though Coach Katie has offered suggestions of mileage.

I’ve trained for San Diego while on the road in Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Orlando, among other places.

Ah, yes, Orlando, where I spent countless nights for TNA Wrestling and other work-related projects. I’ve been to Orlando more often over the past five years than any other city in America, yet I still haven’t completely adjusted to its weather just yet.

We’re talking hot and humid. And unfortunately, I haven’t listened to my gut instinct on the Orlando weather, or my former colleague from WCW and TNA, Darryl, who lives there. In March, I had training runs in Orlando of 14- and 16-miles. Neither was exceptional, mainly because of the heat. It was just too damn hot while running. Still, I finished each run and followed each with strong runs in the days and weeks after.

I only have two, potentially three, long training runs before San Diego. One will be 18-miles; another will be 20. And I’ll also have a bunch of 8- and 10-mile runs before boarding my United Airlines flight to San Diego.

Also on the schedule for 2009 will be the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which should be the complete opposite for me from San Diego. I expect to see, and know, literally hundreds of friends, family and fellow marathoners along the course, which starts and finishes at Grant Park.

And I’m thinking of returning to Honolulu in December for its marathon.

Here’s hoping San Diego delivers a Grammy-like Rock ‘n’ Roll race, as I’m expecting.

Ross.

Ready for Honolulu: December 7, 2008

By Ross Forman

Let's look at things by the numbers:
* 385 Days.
* 9,240 Hours.
* 554,400 Minutes.
* 4 Marathons.
* 26.2 Miles per marathon.

I really can't believe it. I'm days away from running the annual Honolulu Marathon, without a fear in the world that I will finish the race.

When 2007 started, I never in my wildest imagination thought I could finish a marathon, let alone 3 in less than a year, or 4 within a 55-week span - with the numbers above corresponding to the dates of my first-ever marathon on Nov. 25, 2007, and the Honolulu Marathon, which is Sunday, Dec. 14. My how things change.

I joined the National AIDS Marathon Training Program during the Summer of 2007. I met new friends, trusted the program and its coaches, especially Katie, and, sure enough, I now have done something - finish a marathon - that only about 1 percent of the world does. I'm still shaking my head.

And as I prep for the Honolulu Marathon - which I will run with veteran Honolulu Marathoner Dell, and have my good friends Hector and JR also running - I am as confident as ever. I know this will be my best marathon ever, with my best time ever. No doubt better than Florence (Italy), Nashville (Tennessee) or Amsterdam, which is my marathon slate to date.

So what's next? I'm not really sure. I know I'll run somewhere in 2009. Probably more than one marathon. The question is, where? I want to run one in the spring, but I'm not sure I want to try the Nashville Marathon again in late-April, unless Jeff Jarrett or someone else from TNA Wrestling, based in Nashville, runs as well - or gives me motivation to try it again. I'd like to run one overseas as well, but where? I'm just not sure where. That's actually my biggest dilemma marathon-wise, where. Any suggestions?

If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times, or more, anyone can run a marathon, provided they are dedicated, determined and stick to a plan - be it the one offered by the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, or another training program. I know this first-hand.

So, as you start planning New Year's Resolutions, consider running a marathon in 2009 ... it can be done!!

Amsterdam Marathon: October 19, 2008

By Ross Forman

Cheryl Ash McKenzie … I barely know her, but never will forget her.

We met Sunday, October 19, about 10 miles into the 33rd annual Amsterdam Marathon. We met as each of us was running solo en route back to the Olympic Stadium, which served as the start- and finish-line for the 26.2-mile grind. She asked about my pace and my run-walk style, and then asked if she could run with me.

Of course, I told her, thrilled to be running with someone, not just my iPod.

For the next two hours or so, Cheryl and I ran side-by-side. I pushed her to the finish line at times. She did the same for me. She struggled some; I struggled some. She saw my friends along the course from the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, such as Chicagoans Katie, Beth, Dan and Steve, and Josh from Los Angeles, among others. She shared some Ritz Crackers that Beth had been holding for me. We talked about our careers and she told me about her husband, Tim, who also was running, though at a much faster pace on this cool and mostly overcast day. We talked about her lack of interest in European soccer, which surprised me. And so much more.

Ultimately, we reached the Olympic Stadium, together. We crossed the magical Finish Line, and then hugged each other.

It truly was a moment I’ll never forget, quite possibly my fondest memory of the grueling journey, past windmills, around lakes, near some farm animals (pigs, sheep, horses, etc.) and more.

The Amsterdam Marathon was my third-ever marathon, all completed in an 11- month stretch. Amsterdam and my first marathon, last November in Florence (Italy), were fund-raisers for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Nashville last April was simply Katie, Dan and I running with a goal of finishing, nothing more.

I’m still truly amazed that I’ve finished one marathon, let alone three. And the morning after the Amsterdam Marathon, as I boarded my non-stop United Airlines flight bound for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, I felt fine. Sure, my quads were a bit tight, but hey, I just ran 26.2 miles, so perhaps they should be.

The support I’ve received for my marathons has been incredible, truly heart-warming. From casual friends to long-time friends to people I’ve never even met yet have read my running tales and decided to support the cause. Family members and family friends also have been there. And countless business associates too, including everyone associated with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, starting with company President Dixie Carter, who texted me well wishes before and after the race. And countless TNA Wrestling stars also have called and/or texted me their well wishes, such as Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt, Roxxi and Jacqueline, among others. Heck, about a month before leaving for Amsterdam, TNA Wrestling stars Sonjay Dutt, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin and Petey Williams truly shocked the shoes off me, literally. They presented me a pair of brand new Nike running shoes with their well wishes.

When the leg pain is, er, was there in Amsterdam at, say, Mile 22 or 23, it truly is amazing how the support of others helps motivate. I never once thought about stopping, knowing that so many others are, well, intrigued, if not amazed, that I have all of a sudden become a marathon runner.

And I’m not done running for 2008. Next up, it’s the Honolulu Marathon, starting at 5 a.m., on Dec. 14. This marathon also is a fund-raiser for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. And this is the marathon that, of all I have done so far, is the one I am most excited for. Sure, the first was, and always will be, the most exciting, just for that reason, but I have so many close friends in Honolulu and have spent so many days on Waikiki Beach, this one is the race I’m most excited for. Darryn and John from the National AIDS Marathon Program will be in Hawaii, so seeing – and hearing – them on the course will be motivating. Hawaiian JR also will be running, which will be cool to see. My friend Hector from Orlando will be running in Honolulu too, though I know he’ll in all likelihood finish ahead of me. Still, standing alongside Hector after the run, as we both will be wearing our medals, will be an honor. Hector, after all, has already finished an Ironman. (No, I don’t plan to train for an Ironman.) I’ll be running Honolulu with Dell, a Hawaiian friend who truly is a marathon veteran. This will be his 20th consecutive Honolulu Marathon, and though he’s a much faster runner than me, he’s agreed to do it at my best, so we can finish together.

Just like I did with Cheryl … because that’s how marathon memories are made.