2020 in review

 My RA and Afib seem to be stable with medication for both.  At least for now, no pacemaker implant is in sight.  My 2-mile run on the state park roads this evening gives me 101 miles for the month of December and 987.2 for the year.  With the run today, I finished 2020 with 4,092 consecutive days on my streak.  With so many races cancelled this year due to COVID, I competed in only 37.  My normal is close to 70.  It looks like early 2021 will be a continuation of 2020, but hopefully running and racing will get back to normal by the spring.  Happy New Year.

Park not as crowded

 The park was not as crowded when I went there to run late this morning.  I got in 4 miles on the trails.

Roads

 Took a break from the trails this evening.  I met up with the group and ran 3 miles on the state park roads.

Back to 4

 After a couple days at 5 miles, I ran 4 on the trails at the park this morning.

Another 5

 I ran another 5 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.  Can't believe the crowds at the park.  I went south from the Nature Center today in hopes of avoiding people.  It didn't work.

Five

 Late this morning, I went to the state park and ran 5 miles on the trails.

Christmas day

 After the visiting family left this afternoon, I went to the park and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Park blocked

 I went out to the state park this morning to run trails.  When I got to the park entrance off of I-45, there was a semi jack-knifed on the park road.  One end of the trailer was on a pile of dirt and half the wheels were up in the air.  A pickup truck was trying to pull the whole rig, but was getting nowhere.  The entire road was blocked and no one could enter or leave the park.  I waited for a while, but it became obvious they were going to have to call for a big wrecker.  So, I turned around and drove to the track to run.  I ran 2 miles, which is about my mental limit on a track.  Merry Christmas.

5K average

 I ran 4 miles on the trails late this morning and am averaging 3.13 per day (just over 5K) for the month of December.

Reverse direction

 I met up with  the group at the park this evening and ran what is becoming my normal 2.4 miles, half roads and half trails.  Just to do something different, I reversed direction.

Monday trails

 Still a lot of people at the park, but not as many as yesterday.  I went out  late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Sunday crowd at the park

 The state park trails were crowded when I went out to run late this morning.  Some people on the trail wear masks, but others do not.  Just to stay safe, I take one and put it on when passing other people.  In any case, I ran 4 miles on the trails

Rainy 5K

 I went down to The Woodlands this morning for a social run at Fleet Feet, honoring my friend, Coach Bill Dwyer.  Got to visit with Bill and lots of other friends.  I ran 3.1 miles along the waterway and got soaked with rain.  It was even tough driving back to Huntsville through very heavy rain.

Friday afternoon park run

 I ran 3 miles on the trails at the state park this afternoon.  Tripped and fell for the first time in a while.

Thursday 2.4

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.4 miles, half trails and half roads.

4 on the trails

 It was 43 degrees when I went to the park this morning and no rain.  Nice running weather.  I got in 4 miles on the trails.

Late posting

 Just realized that it is after midnight and I have not posted.  Usual Tuesday.  I met up with the group at the park and ran 2.4 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Cold

 It was in the 40's when I went to the park this morning to run.  Got in 2.5 miles on the trails.

Same course as yesterday

 Late this morning, I went to the park and ran the same 3.5-mile course as yesterday.  Except today, much of it was in the rain.

Nice weather

 It is suppose to rain all day tomorrow, but today it was cool and dry.  Late this morning, I ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  Besides the normal bikers and hikers, I saw a bunch of other runners.

Beat the rain

 It was suppose to rain pretty much all day, but I was able to run 4 miles on the trails before heavy rain this afternoon.

Half and half, again

I met up with the group at the park this evening and, again, ran 2.4 miles, half on trails and half on roads. 

Warmed up

 The temperature was 70+ when I went to the park today.  Got in 4 miles on the trails.

Group

  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.4 miles, half roads and half trails.

New computer

 I bought a new PC today and spent a lot of time trying to recreate bookmarks, etc.  It is much faster.  I  did go out to the park this morning and run 3 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

 For the 111th time, I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.   I finished in 45:03.

Not so crowded park

 Maybe it is the colder weather, but for a Saturday the state park was not so crowded.  I ran 3 miles on the trails.  I passed a few people, but not like other weekends.

Friday trails

It was cold and clear today.  Nice trail running weather.  Late this morning, I ran 4 miles on the trails at the park.  I passed several other runners.  Not that I was going fast, they were coming from the other direction.

Earlier than normal Thursday trail run

 I had to go somewhere this evening and was not able to meet up with the group, so I went to the park earlier this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Old neighborhood

 The state park was closed today for hunting.  Late this morning, I drove to the Forest Hills Sub-division (my old neighborhood) and ran 2.8 miles on the streets, partly in the rain.

Park closed early today

 The state park closed at 5 pm. today for squirrel hunting and will open again at noon on Thursday.  So I went out at 3:30 this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  I warned all the squirrels that I could.

End of November

 With the temperature in the 40's this morning, I went to the state park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  My total milage for the month of November was 91.1 miles (average 3.04 per day).  So far this year, my total is 886.2.   I have never logged milage until recently and had to refer to this blog to complete each month for 2020.

Texas 10 Series Conroe 5-Miler

 I got early this morning and ran the Texas 10 Series Conroe 5-Miler at 7 a.m.  This was my 3rd straight race in Conroe.  Lots of runners, but they took a lot of precautions to make it safer in the pandemic.  There were a lot of friends there, but I did not take much time to visit.  I finished in 1:11:01.  After picking up my award to 2nd in the 70 and over age group, I went home and back to sleep.

Southern Star Brewing 5K

 For the 6th straight year, I ran the Southern Star Brewing 5K in Conroe this morning.  It is usually in August, but was rescheduled due to the pandemic.  It rained before the race and a little during the race.  I finished in 45:32 and was 2 of 2 in the 70 and over age group.

Rainy day

 It rained much of the day, but I got in a 2.5-mile run on the trails at the park.

First time in 19 years

 This was the first Thanksgiving Day in 19 years that I have not run the Run Thru The Woods 5-Miler in The Woodlands.  Due to COVID pandemic, it was changed to a virtual race.  I ran it in Spring a couple weeks ago.  So, late this morning, I went to the state park and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Trip to Tyler

 I drove to and from Tyler today to visit an ailing relative, but got in a 2.5-mile run on the trails at the park this morning before I left.

Bigger group at the park

 All the regulars were at the park this evening for our group run.  Plus, Sara came down from Lovelady with her niece to run with us.  I ran 2.3 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

3 on the trails

 Early this afternoon, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Crowded trails

 The trails at the state park were crowded when I went out to run late this morning.  With the pandemic in full swing, I wear take a mask when I run and pull it up over my nose and mouth when passing other people on the trails.  Some others do the same, but some do not.  I ran 4 miles today.  About half way, I ran into Cammille, who use to run with us about 20 years ago.  She moved to Portland and recently back to Huntsville.  We had a nice visit.  Hopefully, she will rejoin our group runs on Tuesday and Thursday.

Conroe Turkey Trot 5K

 I ran the Conroe Turkey Trot 5K in Conroe this morning.  I like the 9 a.m. start.  Mostly concrete trails, but flat.  I finished in 42:56 and was 2nd of 4 in the 60 and over age group.  It was my 34th race this year and my 1,150th life-time race.

Cardiologist appointment

 I had an appointment with my cardiologist this morning.  No pacemaker for now; next appointment is in January.  So, the streak is safe for now.  This afternoon, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Annual physical

 I had my annual physical today.  Am still alive, but will not know more until all the blood work comes back.  Tomorrow, I have an appointment with the cardiologist, but with the pandemic going on, I doubt that he will schedule a pacemaker implant.  In the meantime, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.3 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Snake 5

 I ran 4 miles on the trails at the park this morning and encountered a fifth snake on the trails this season.  This one was another gulf coast ribbon snake.  They are easy to see, but I wonder how many copperheads I ran past and never saw.

Half and half

 I met up with the group at the state park this evening and ran 2.3 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Run Thru the Woods 5 Miler - Virtual

 One of my streak races is the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler every Thanksgiving Day in The Woodlands..  Due to the pandemic, it was made a virtual race in 2020.  I had some errands to run down south today, so I ran 5 miles on the Greenbelt Trail in Spring this afternoon.  I had never run on those paved trails before.  Nice, with rolling hills and smooth asphault pavement.  I finished in 1:10:35 for my 19th straight year for this race.  My time in the in-person race last year was 1:10:10.

Sunday at the park

 Late this Sunday morning, I went to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Lots of people on the trails, so I wear take a mask and put it on when I get near anyone.  The park has been much more crowded on weekends during the pandemic.

Back Pew Brewing 5K

 This morning, I ran the Back Pew Brewing 5K in Porter.  I have driven through Porter many times, but never ran there.  There were a little over 200 finishers, but virtually everyone wore a mask before and after the race.  I finished in 46:04 and was 2nd of two in the 70 and over age group.

Friday trails

 Late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

"Regular" group run

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran what is becoming my "regular group run" - 2 miles on the park roads.  We all try to finish about the same time, so, obviously, they are running longer distances.

Changed the distance

 Just for something different, I ran a 3.5-mile course on the trails at the park this morning.

Late post

 I forgot to post last night, but it was a normal Tuesday.  I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Heights 5K - Virtual

 I had signed up for the Heights 5K in Houston on October 3, but it was changed to a virtual run in November.  Anyway, I ran the 5K this morning in my old neighborhood (relatively flat) in Huntsville and finished in 46:00.

Sunday trails

 I ran 3 miles on the trails late this Sunday morning.

Snake 4

 Late this morning, I went to the park and ran 5 miles on the trails.  A half mile into the run, I looked down and saw a copperhead in the middle of the trail.  Luckily, I saw it in enough time to go around it.  That's only the 4th snake I have seen on the trails all season.

Friday trails

 I went to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

New orthotics

 I went down to Houston this morning and picked up my new custom orthotics.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening and they felt okay.

Gimpy 2.5-mile trail run

 The inflammation in my big toe joint was a little better today, so I ran a gimpy 2.5 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.

Short road run

 I woke up this morning with an inflammed right big toe joint.  So, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 1.2 miles on the roads.

Snake 3

 During my 3-mile run on the trails at the park this morning, I had a snake scoot across the trail in front of me.  It was only the 3 snake I have seen on the trails all season.  No threat, though.  It was a Gulf Coast Ribbon snake (non-poisoness, but agressive).

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening and finished in 46:57.

CASA of the Pines 5K

 I drove a little over an hour this morning to run the CASA of the Pines 5K in Kinnard.  It was my 1,145th race and the first one in Kinnard.  The course was out and back on a very rough road.  I finished in 47:21 and was first in the 70 and over age group (I was the only one).  Felt like I could have done better, but was just trying to avoid tripping and falling.

Friday trails

 Late this morning,  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Roads

I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.2 miles on the park roads. 

A break in the rain

 I went out to the park at noon today.  It rained most of the day and the temperature was 45 when I headed out on the trails.  I ran 2.5 miles without rain, and, not surprisingly, never saw another person or creature on the trails.

Tuesday group run

 I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Light rain and temperature in the 50's.

Back to the park

 Late this morning, I ran 4 miles on the trails at the park.  There were very few others on the trail.

Old neighborhood

 I had visiting family today and never made it to the park to run.  Instead, I ran 1.9 miles in the Forest Hills Sub-division, my old neighborhood.

Crowded trails

 I ran 4 miles on the park trails late this morning.  With nice cool Fall weather, there were lots of bikers, hikers and other runners on the trails.

Fitted for new custom orthotics

 I went to north Houston this morning to get fitted for a new pair of custom orthotics.  My old ones are 3 1/2 years old.  Afterwards, I met my son for lunch.  On the way home, I drove through some heavy rain south of Huntsville.  About 4 p.m., I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Roads

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Snake

 I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.  When I was on a narrow section of the trail along the lake, I heard something in the grass next to my feet.  I looked down and it was a large water moccasin.  Whew!  That was close.  It was only the second snake I have seen on the trails this year.

Half and half

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.2 miles, half on the trails and the other half on the roads.  Earlier today, I had an annual home checkup with a nurse sent by my insurance company and then voted.

Over 11

 With a 3-mile run on the trails at the park this morning, my streak is now over 11 years.

11 Years

 I felt a little beat up today after yesterday's 10K, but I went to the park this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Today marked 11 years on my current running streak.

Pumpkinpalooza 10K

 I ran the Pumpkinpalooza 10K trail run at Millican Reserve (between Navasota and College Station) this morning.  Perfect running weather with the temp in the 60's.  The course was mostly new and very technical.  So many roots and rocks and at least 25 embankments to climb down and up.  I was lucky to only take one fall.  My GPS said the course was 6.75 miles (a 10K is suppose to be 6.2).  Since GPS normally measures a trail course short, I expect the actual distance was closer to 7 miles.  My finish time was 2:09.52.  I ran a 10K trail run there last March and my time was 1:52:19.  In any case, I was first in the 75 and over age group and got to see some old running friends, including Lloyd Joyce, 86, of College Station, who ran the 5K.

Friday trails

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails this morning.

Park roads

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads. 

Three on Wednesday

 Late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

I was the group at the park

 Very unusual.  I was the only one in the group that showed up at the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Monday at the park

I ran 3 miles on the park roads late this morning.  I was surprised that the park was crowded on Monday, until someone reminded me that today was a holiday.

Sunday crowd

 As usual for a fall Sunday, the state park was a little crowded today with a lot of bikers, hikers and at least one other runner.  However, I got in a 4-mile trail run.

Back to trails

 I went to the park this Saturday morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

On the road again

 I went back to the park this morning and ran another 2 miles on the park roads.

Light rain

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads in a light rain.  No problem with my left foot arch.

Stitches out

 I went to the doctor in Conroe this morning and got the rest of the stitches out of my leg.  During yesterday's run, I started getting pain in the arch of my left foot.  I iced it last night and it felt a little better today.  I decided not to aggravate it, so I put on new running shoes this afternoon and ran 1.5 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.  I think it is time to get new custom orthotics.

Rheumatologist appointment today

 I had an appointment with my rheumatologist this morning regarding my rheumatoid arthritis.  He took me off the 4 big horse pills I have been taking daily and sent me to the lab for a lot of blood work.  Maybe he can come up with something that works.  This evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Monday trails

 I ran 3 miles on the trails late this morning.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening and finished in 44:20.  Not fast, but it was my best 5K time since last spring.

Saturday trails

 The park was crowded again when I went out to run trails late this morning.  I got in 4 miles.

Friday trails

 Late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the park trails.  Beautiful weather.

Park road run

 As usual for Thursday, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

4,000

 With a 4.000-mile trail run at the park this afternoon, I reached 4,000 days on my current streak.  I had to move the decimal 3 places.  A few years ago, I would have only moved it 2 places.  This morning, I went to the doctor in Conroe to get the stitches out of my leg.  They only removed half of them and I go back next week to get the other half out.

Park roads

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads.

60's

 The temperature was in the 60's when I went out to the park this morning to run.  Very comfortable.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Another crowd at the park

 Guess the slightly cooler weather is increasing the crowd at the park.  This morning, I had to park at the lower parking lot.  In any case, I ran 3 miles on the trails.

Crowded park

 Saturday and nice weather.  As expected, the state park was crowded this morning.  I went out there late this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Back to trails

 A friend came over from Lufkin this morning to run trails with me at Huntsville State Park.  We did 3 miles.  The stitches have been in my leg for 9 days, so no problem

Thursday group run at the park

 As usual for Thursday, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the road.  Six more days until I get the stitches out of my leg.

Tropical storm has passed

 The tropical storm has passed  My guage shows about 3 inches here, but Houston to the south received a lot more.  Late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the state park roads.

Lots of rain

 It rained most of the day  We seem to get too little or too much.  I went to the park this evening to meet up with the group.  I drove through heavy rain to get there, but it stopped in time for our 5:30 run.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Cooler weather

 At least, the tropical storm is bringing in cooler weather.  It was 69 degrees when I went out to the park late this morning.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Park roads again

 I had some errands to run before the rain (Tropical Storm Beta) started today, but I managed to get in 2 miles on the park roads this morning.

Same 3

 I went to the park late this morning and was tempted to get on the trails.  However, I decided to run the roads again.  Did the same 3 as yesterday.

Stitches holding up

 After 2 days of short runs, I ran 3 miles on the roads at the park this morning.  I did not feel any pressure on the 20 stitches in my leg.  Today, my running streak reached 10 years and 11 months (3,988 days).

Short park road run

 With fresh stitches in my leg, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 1.3 miles on the roads.  It was beginning to storm, anyway.

Surgery and laps

 I had a spot on my left leg surgically removed in Conroe late this morning.  I have not measured the incision, but it took 20 stitches to close up.    When, I got back to Huntsville, I ran laps at the track (without breaking the stitches).

Regular group run at the park

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Park roads

 I ran out of time late this Monday morning, but got in a 2-mile run on the park roads.

Back to the park

 After not running at the park for two days, I went there late this monrning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Gruene 10K

 I drove over to New Braunfels yesterday and ran the Gruene 10K this morning.  This was my 10th straight year for running this race.  I finished in 1:44:02, probably my slowest 10K ever.  There were only 2 of us in the 75-79 age group and I was second.  Due to the virus, masks were required before and after the race and there was no award cermony.  They started the race with the release of small groups at one-minute intervals until everyone was on the course.  It was not like the normal times in the beer garden next to Gruene Hall, but at least they had the race.

Laps

 With a 10K race in the morning, I ran laps at the track this morning.

Park roads

I met up with the group this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads. 

Park roads

 I went to the state park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the roads.

2.2

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.2 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Labor Day 5K

I ran the our club's Labor Day 5K in the hilly Spring Lake Sub-division in Huntsville this morning.  I finished in 47:54, four seconds slower than the 5K yesterday.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 108th time, I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  I finished in 47:50.  Slow, but 47 something seems to be my norm lately.

Saturday trails

During normal times, I would be running a race somewhere on Saturday morning.  Instead, late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Beat the storm

I went to the park late the morning and started a run on the park roads.  Obviously, a storm was approaching, but I got in 2 miles just before it arrived.

Different course

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran a different course.  It ended up being 2.9 miles, 1.1 on the trails and 1.8 on the roads.

Got soaked

I went to the park late this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails, the last 1.5 in a fairly heavy rain.

Half and half

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.2 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Cardiologist appointment today

I had a long-awaited appointment with my cardiologist today, expecting a decision on implanting a pacemaker.  I came prepared to argue for continuing my running streak through the procedure.  I even brought a printout of a FB discussion with another streaker who was able to continue his streak after a pacemaker implant.  I had the appointment, but only saw the nurse practioner.  She said that he was only doing emergency implants now and scheduled my next appointment for November.  So, if nothing else goes wrong, I should get past the 11-year mark on October 18.  I made it to the park about 3:30 this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Fallen tree

I went out to the park about noon to run trails.  I ran 2.5 miles to a turnaround point.  After turning around, I ran about a 100 yards and a tree had just fallen over the trail.  I passed a couple and they said that the tree fell in front of them.  Well, I am glad that no one was hurt.  I made it back safely for a total of 5 miles.

Back to the trails

After a few days running on the roads, I ran 3 miles on the park trails late this morning.

10-10-10

I ran 3 miles on the park roads late this morning.  Today marked 10 years, 10 months and 10 days on my streak.  That's 3,967 days.

Park open again

The park reopened today, so I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.2 miles on the park roads.

Avenues

Since the state park is closed for a hurricane, which is not hitting Huntsville, I ran an unplanned route through the hilly avenues in Huntsville.  It turned out to be 2.3 miles.

Last run at the park for maybe a few days

Huntsville State Park closed at 8 tonight until further notice due to the Hurricane Laura, which is bearing down on the Texas/Louisiana coast.  Looks like we might get some rain for the next two days.  Hopefully, there will not be any delay in reopening the park.  I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.2 miles on the park roads.

On the road again

After a longer trail run yesterday, I ran 2 miles on the park roads late this morning.

Five on the trails

I went to the park about noon today and ran 5 miles on the trails.

Same 3

Late this morning, I went to the park and ran the same 3-mile loop on the trails as yesterday.

Friday trails

I made it to the park early this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails,.

Thursday with the group

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails - without falling.

Mid-afternoon run

I had an appointment with the skin doctor in Conroe at 1 p.m. today and did not get out to the park to run until after 3.  With about a half mile into the run, I tripped on a root and took a hard fall.  I got to the one-mile point and decided to turn around and make it a total of 2 miles.

Park roads

I decided to run more on the roads.  I get tired of dodging roots on the trail and trail running seems to be terrible training for road races.  I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.2 miles on the park roads.

Rain last night

We got a little much needed rain last night, so it was a little cooler for my morning 2.5-mile run on the trails at the park.  However, the rain brought out a lot of flying critters.  Lots of swatting during the run.

Sunday morning run

I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.

Heatwave 5K

I ran our club's annual Heatwave 5K at the Waterwood Sub-division (east of Huntsville) this morning.  I finished in a slow 48:42.

Yesterday and today

I forgot to post last night, but I met up with the group at the park and ran my regular 2.5-mile loop on the trails.  I ran the same course this morning, in the other direction.

Back to trails

I probably need to start alternating between roads and trails for better training.  Late this morning, I ran 4 miles on the trails.

Park roads

I met up with the group this evening and for a change, ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Foot pain

I developed some foot pain last night.  It was the kind of pain that tells me that I need to get new custom orthodics.  I ran 2 miles on the trails this morning and it feels better tonight.

Back to 2.5

Just before noon today, I ran my regular 2.5-mile course on the trails at the park.

Another 3

Late this morning, I ran another 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Friday trails

Late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Twice at the park today

I went out to the park for a trail hike with my 4 year old grandson this morning.  With the virus retrictions, it was his first trip to the state park in months.  This evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Four at noon

I got to the state park at noon today and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Another 2.5

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Back to the park

Late this morning, I went to the park and ran my normal 2.5-mile loop on the trails.

Laps

I had planned on running the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  However, with allergy and sinus problems, I just went to the track and ran laps.

Normal course on the trails

Late this morning, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Hot 3 miles

I did not check the temperature late this morning, but I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.  It seemed extra hot and humid.

Wednesday and Thursday

I forgot to blog yesterday (Wednesday), but I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.  Today, I met up with the group and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Just 3 of us at the park

There was just me, Lorie and Tammy at the park this evening.  I ran my normal 2.5-mile loop on the trails.

Uneventful trip to the park

Late this morning, I safely drove to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Had a wreck on the way to the park

On my way to the park this morning to run, I had a wreck.  I was on the one-lane I-45 service road in the construction area.  The guy in front of me took a left exit to I-45, but changed his mind and swerved back onto the service road.  I was unable to completely stop and he ran into my truck.  Fortunatly, no one was hurt and there was relatively minor damage to both vehicles.  His was an Audi, so fixing minor damage will not be cheap.  He admitted fault to the police officer, but I still have to go through the hassle of getting my truck fixed.  Besides running into a wild pig in France in the 60's and a deer in Texas in the 90's, it was my first wreck since a fender bender in 1957.  After the delay, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Dog Days 5K

I ran our club's Dog Days 5K at Elkins Lake this morning.  We spaced it out, giving everyone a 2-hour window to complete the course.  This is the hilliest course we have.  I never walked a step, but I ran slow up the hills.  I finished in a lousy 49:57, probably my slowest 5K ever.  I suppose running trails every day does not help with road training.

Broke 2.5-mile streak

After 5 straight days of running 2.5 miles on the trails at the state park, I went out there this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Three days

I forgot to blog last two nights.  However, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails all three days.

Another 2.5

I ran another 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this morning.

Sunday at the park

Late this morning, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

10 years, 9 months

I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.  Today was 10 years and 9 months on my streak.  I do not recall ever seeing so many others on the trail.

Cardiologist appointment this afternoon

This morning, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  This afternoon, I had an appointment with the cardiologist.  My Afib is down to 10% of the time and my resting heart rate is in the 50's, up from the 40's.  So, no decision on the pacemaker implant.  Non-emergency surgeries are not allowed in Texas for now, anyway.  They want my heart rate up in the 60's.  I go back for another appointment in 6 weeks.  In the meantime, my streak is safe from an implant.

Trails

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Another race gets cancelled

The Southern Star Brewry 5K, scheduled for August 1, has been cancelled.  This would have been my 10th straight for this race.  My next big race is the Gruene 10K in New Braunfels on September 12.  With October races being cancelled, I am sure it will be too.  In the meantime, I went to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Sorta back to normal

Most of the inflammation was gone today and I pretty much got back to normal.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Doctor appointment

I had an appointment with the rhuematologist this afternoon.  He adjusted my medication and took xrays of both my feet.  The inflammation was still there today, but so bad that running was a challenge.  I went out to the park late this afternoon and ran 2.3 miles, about half on the trails and half on the park roads.

Better

I felt better today, so I went to the park this afternoon and ran my regular 2.5-mile loop.

Back to the park

My inflammation was down a little today, so I went to the park and did a short 1.4-mile trail run.

Close call

My inflammed foot was worse today and even had inflammation in the other foot.  I saw the doctor this afternoon.  He adjusted my medication and also gave me some pain pills.  I have an appointment with another doctor in Conroe on Monday.  Late tonight, I went to the track and ran a very painful mile.  This morning, I would not have been able to do it.  Close call, but the streak lives on.

Now, the left big toe

I woke up this morning with my left big toe joint inflammed.  I ran a painful short 1.2 miles on the roads at the park this evening.  Doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon.

Where are the biting horse flies?

Normally, the biting horse flies are out in droves at Huntsville State Park from May to July.  Maybe they are quaranteening somewhere this year.  I am running the trails almost every day and I have only been bit a couple times.  Not complaining.  I ran my 2.5-mile loop at the park late this morning.

Short wet run

I met up with the group at the park this evening.  It was just me, Curtis and Jason.  Since it was lightning and raining, I cut the ran short.  Ended up doing 1.3 miles.

Back to the park

After 2 days of road 5K's, I went back to the state park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  My firned, Jon Walk, slowed down to run the race with me.  I finished in 47:17 and we solved a lot of world problems.

Firecracker 5K

I got up early this morning and drove and hour and a half to Mexia to run the Firecracker 5K.  It was one of the few races in Texas this 4th of July.  For the last 24 years, I have run the Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville, but is was cancelled this year.  I finished in 45:50 and was first in the 60 and over age group.  I was the only one, of course.

Park was full

Being is was the day before the 4th of July, the park was full this morning.  Luckily, I made reservations on line last week.  So, I was able to get in and run 2.5 miles on the trails.

Same course

I ran the same 2.5-mile course on the trails this evening, except that I did not have to navigate around the picnicers.

Something different

I went to the park late this morning and ran my normal 2.5-mile route on the trails.  About half way through the run, I found a family with several kids having a picnic in the middle of the trail.  In my 30+ years of trail running, I have seen that before.

Another 2.5

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran my usual 2.5 miles on the trails.

Maybe it's my age

Maybe it's my age, but I forgot to post again yesterday.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails yesterday and did the same today.  At least, I did not forget to run.

Forgot to post yesterday

I realized this morning that I forgot to post yesterday.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  Late this morning, I got in 4 miles on the trails.

Bad news day

Last night, I learned that an old friend, Charlie Viers, passed away.  He was about my age and completed over 200 mrathons.  Then, this morning, Lance Phegley, Editor of Texas Runner Triathle magazine, announced that the magazine was going out of business.  I've been a subscriber to this magazine and it's predecessors since the late 80's.  Later this morning, I got an email from Stu's Country Mile 5K that the race on July 4 has been cancelled.  This was going to be my 25th straight year running that race.  My appointment with the cardiologist is next month and he was going to decide on whether to implant a pacemaker.  I suppose my streak can continue for the time being since the govenor announced today that non-emergency surgeries will not be allowed in Texas until further notice.  The good news, though, is that I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Wet run

Since it was supppose to rain this afternoon and since I had a doctors appointment in Conroe this afternoon, I went out to the park to run trails.  On the way, I got a low tire warning light.  It had already been raining hard at the park and it continued.  Low spots on the trails were flooded.  So, I ended up running 1.1 miles and went to get my tire fixed.

Just before the rain

I met up with the group at the park this evening and got in 2.5 miles on the trails, not long before we got some much needed rain.

3,900

Minor streak milestone today - 3,900 days.  I went to the park late this morning, just after it rained at the park, and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Lots of flying insects.

New shoes

I put on new running shoes out of the box today and ran 2 miles on the trails at the park.

June Bug 5K

I ran our club's June Bug 5K this morning in the hilly Spring Lake Sub-division in Huntsville.  The format was run on your own between 7 and 9 a.m.  I ran it about 8:30 and finished in 47:20.

Another 2.5

Late this morning, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Lots of hikers and bikers on the trails for a Friday.

Regular run with the group

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Run between appointments

I had my annual eye exam late this morning and an appointment with the skin doctor in Conroe this afternoon.  In between, I went to the park and got in 2.5 miles on the trails.

Short trail run

The group wanted a shoter run at the park this evening.  So, I ran 2 miles on the trails.

Cardiologist appointment

I had an appointment with my cardiologist this morning.  Before making a decision on implanting a pacemaker (streak breaker), he wants to review my sleep data.  So, I go back to him in a month.  In the meantime, my streak is safe.  This afternoon, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Another no-fall day

I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails, without a trip or fall.

No falls

I ran the same 2.5 miles on the trails this morning - and no falls.

2 Falls

Seems like it has been a long time since I tripped and fell on the trails.  This morning, I ran my regular 2.5-mile route and fell twice.  Got the knee once and then the elbow.

Another 2.5

As usual on Thursday, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Run between appointments

I had three appointments today, one with a lawyer and two with doctors, but late this morning I made it to the park for 2.5 miles on the trails.

Hot at the park

The heat index was well over 100 at the park this evening, but not too hot for 2.5 miles on the trails.  Jason passed me and afterwards asked me if I saw the snake.  I did not, but I am sure he saw me.

Late morning on the trails

I made it out to the park late this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Plenty hot, but it is June.

Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening and finished in 47:31, probably my slowest  ever on this course.

Lingering Inflammation

The inflammation is still around, but I ran another gimpy 2.5 miles on the trails this afternoon.  Got bit by a horsefly for the first time this season.  More to come, I am sure.

Back to 2.5

The inflammation in my big toe joint was not as bad today, so I went to the park this Friday afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Worse

The inflammation was a little worse today.  However, I met up with the group at the park and ran 1.4 miles on the trails.

Three-peat

With continued inflammation, I repeated a 1.4-mile trail run at the park this afternoon.  Not a good way to celebrate Global Running Day.

Repeat

My big toe joint was still inflamed today, so I repeated yesterday's 1.4 mile trail run.

Big toe inflammation returns

I woke up this morning with inflammation in my right big toe joint.  I think that this is the 5th time it has become inflamed in the past several months.  This afternoon, I went to the park and ran a painful 1.4 miles on the trails.

Sunday at the park

I went back to the park late this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Crowded Saturday at the park

The park was crowded this morning; lots of hikers, bikers and a few runners on the trails.  I had to wait in line a the gate for a while, but I got in 3 miles on the trails.

Another 2.5 at the park

I got in another 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.

Humid

After all the rain yesterday, it was humid today.  I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Caught in the storm

It was suppose to start storming at 4 this afternoon, so I went out to run trails at the park at 2.  I barely got in a half mile and the lightning started getting close.  I took a shortcut back and got a little wet.  I think the distance I ran was 1.4 miles.

Trails in good shape

Despite all the rain late yesterday and more in the area today, the trails at the state park are in good shape.   I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.5 miles.

Memorial Day

For years, we have had the club's Memorial Day 5K/1-Mile at my house, with breakfast afterwards.  Because of COVID-19, we had the race, but runners ran the course on their own between 8 and 10 a.m. this morning.  No awards or breakfast and everyone kept their social distance.  It was suppose to storm this morning, but instead it was overcast and cool.  Surprisingly, we had 30 runners and walkers participate.  I expected 10 to 15.  In any case, I got up early and put out the signs, took photos and recorded everyone's time.  After the race, a friend helped me pick up all the signs, which I took to the storage locker on the way to the park.  I got in 3 miles on the trails - and still no rain.

Stormy day

I went out to the park late this morning and started on my 2.5-mile course on the trails.  When a storm  approached, I cut the run short, remembering several times that I have been caught on the trails in lightning storms.  I ended up running about 1.5 miles.  Rain and storms the rest of the day.

Birthday run

Today was my 79th birthday.  I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park late this morning and did yard work this afternoon.

Late morning at the park

Late this morning, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  After completing the run, I had a nice visit with June Harris, who was visiting the park with friends.  I have known June for many years, super lady and a good runner.  She is the president of the Houston Aread Road Runners Association.

Park every day

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park yesterday, but forgot to post last night.  I went out there this evening to meet up with the group.  Curtis was the only one there and he had already run.  So, he waited while I ran about 1.5 miles on the trails and then we had a koolaid and visited for a while.

Not much sleep last night

I reported to the sleep clinic at 8:30 last night, filled out a bunch of paperwork, got wired up and went to bed at 9.  I think I finally went to sleep about 11:30.  Then, I woke up at 3:20 and never went back to sleep.  However, they said that they got enough data to complete the study.  Hopefully, it will lead to fixing the Afib and I won't have to break my streak with a pacemaker implant.  I was groggy all day today, but Mowed the grass and ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.

Early post

Normally, I post late at night.  However, I have spend tonight at a clinic to participate in a sleep study, ordered by my doctor.  This morning, I went to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

2.5 Habit

With no races coming up soon, I guess my 2.5-mile run on the trails at the state park is becoming my habit run for now.  Back to the park late this morning.

Two days

I forgot to post last night.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails yesterday and another 2 today - in the rain.

Back to trails

I met up with the group at the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Texas 10 Series Huntsville 5-Miler

The Texas 10 Series Huntsville was scheduled for this Sunday, but was cancelled due to COVID-19.  They offered a virtual option.  This afternoon, I had to go down to the doctor's office in Conroe to get the rest of the stitches out of my wrist, so I drove on down to The Woodlands and ran 5 miles along the waterway.  That will count as my virtual Texas 10 Series Huntsville 5-mile race.  At least, I did not have to run up and down all the steep hills in Huntsville.  I ran partly in the rain and finished in a slow 1:20:48.

Reversed course

Met up with the group at the park this afternoon.  Just to do something different, I ran my "normal" 2.5-mile course in reverse.

Cardiologist appointment

I had a visit with the cardiologist this morning, expecting to be scheduled for a pacemaker.  Instead, he said that the results of my sleep with a CPAP (monitored remotely every night) was not satisfactory.  I will be scheduled for another sleep study and a different CPAP.  So, no pacemaker for now.  That means I can continue with my streak and being tired and sleepy all day.  After a nap, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Sunday at the park

I ran 2.5 miles on the state park trails this morning.  I have an appointment with my cardiologist tomorrow morning to confirm and I suppose schedule my pacemaker implant.

Cooler

It was a little cooler this morning when I went to the park.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails, reversing my normal direction.

Late morning trails

I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

More trails

I met up with the group at the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Half the stitches out

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this morning and went down to Conroe this afternoon to get the stitches taken out of my wrist from my surgery two weeks ago.  The doc confirmed that the spot he removed was bad and took out only half the 20 stitches.  The half come out in a week.

Park

It was just me, Glen and Jason at the park this afternoon.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and for the first time in a few days, no foot pain.

Around the campus

I did not have reservations for the park, so late this morning, I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this evening and ran the Sunday Night 5K, put on by The Woodlands Running Club's Bill Dwyer.  It was my first non-virtual race since March 14.  I finished in 45:14, about 2 minutes slower than the last time I ran this race.  I guess I need that pacemaker implanted as soon as possible.

Could not get into the park

My inflammation was down somewhat this morning, so I headed to the park this afternoon to run trails - without a reservation.  So far, all the gate attendants just waved me in and did not ask for a reservation printout.  Today, there was a brand new attendant and she would not let me in.  So, I went back to town and ran 2 miles in the avenues.

Laps

With continued inflammation, I ran laps at the track this morning.  My doc did call in a prescription this afternoon.  Hopefully, it will be better tomorrow.

About the same

My big toe joint was about the same today.  I met up with the group at the park this afternoon and ran a slow and limpy 1.4 miles on the trails.

Inflammation

I woke up this morning with inflammation in my right big toe joint.  So, I ran a gimpy and painful mile at the track.

Back with the group

With the park open again, we resumed our Tuesday and Thursday group runs, starting today.  Since the park closes at 5 p.m., we met at 3 p.m.  Of course, that leaves out some people that have to do that thing called "work."  It was me, Glen and Lorie this afternoon.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and tripped and fell without breaking the stitches in my wrist.

Crowded trails

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at Huntsville State Park this afternoon.  Lots of hikers on the trail.

Bearkat Country Crawfish 5K - Virtual

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Late this morning, my 4-year old grandson and I ran the Bearkat Country Crawfish Virtual 5K here in Huntsville.  It was his first 5K and he did well.  We finished in 48:17 and did not have to even be around nasty crawfish.  Then, after a dreaded trip to Wal-Mart, I went out to the state park and ran trails.  I did not get started until about 4:35 and I got stopped on the trails by a park policeman on a 4-wheeler about 4:45 to remind me that the park closes at 5:00.  I finished up a 1-mile+ run and left the park at 5.

Around town

This morning, I ran a 2.7-mile loop around town, the prison and the campus.

Catching up

My good friend, Jane, of Houston emailed me today to ask if I was okay since I had not blogged for a couple days.  I really appreciate her checking on me and reading my blog.  I let her know this evening that my PC was in the shop, so I could not post.  I had surgery Wednesday morning to remove a spot from my wrist.  I ended up with a 2 1/2-inch incision and 20 stitches.  I ran laps at the track Wednesday afternoon, 2 miles around the campus on Thursday and a little over 2.5 miles on the trails in Lufkin this morning.  Running at Huntsville State Park will take more planning.  Tomorrow and Sunday morning are already booked.  I hope this lock down is over soon.

Finally made it back to Huntsville State Park

I got through to Austin early this morning and they merged my two accounts on their system.  I was able to register for a pass this afternoon.  The trails really took a hit from the storms last week and it looks like the park staff worked hard to get them cleaned up.  I ran 2.5 miles.

The park is open again

Huntsville State Park reopened today for day use.  However, you must reserve online, wear masks, maintain social distancing and no more than 5 to a group.  So, I tried to reserve online, but it does not recognize my annual pass and wants me to pay $7 for entry.  Apparently, there are two accounts on the state system and I have to call Austin to merge the two accounts, so my annual pass will be recognized.  I called twice today, but never got a call back.  Looks like a lot of other folks have the same problem.  With all that said, I ran a 2-mile loop around the campus this morning.

Old neighborhood

I drove to my old neighborhood late this morning and ran a 1.7-mile loop on streets that I have run on a zillion times before.

3 miles in the avenues - 10.5 years

Late this morning, I ran a 3-mile loop through the hilly avenues.  My streak is now 10.5 years.

Laps

In between naps today, I ran laps at the track.

Blue Bell 10K - Virtual

Blue Bell was changed to a virtual race this year.  I went over to Lufkin this morning and ran 10K partly on the roads and partly on the trails at Kit McConnico Park in Lufkin.  My time was 1:43:44.  This slow heart rate is really slowing me down.  Hopefully, the pacemaker, when I ever get one implanted, will improve my time.

Laps at the track

I plan on a longer run tomorrow, so I ran laps at the track this morning.

Campus loop

I ran the 2-mile loop around the campus this afternoon.  Normally, it is difficult to cross Sam Houston Ave. twice, but with so little traffic due to the lock down, it is so easy.  It is good to see so many others out running.  Guess there is not much else to do.

Cooler weather

Cooler weather returned today and it was clear.  I ran a 3.2-mile loop around town and the campus this afternoon.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter.  My heel felt better today, so I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus this afternoon with very little traffic to contend with.

Laps, again

I still have the inflammation in my right heel, so I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Back from the dark

Yesterday afternoon, I ran 2.2 miles in the avenues.  About 6 p.m. yesterday, a bad storm blew through Huntsville.  There a lot a trees down all over town, including one falling on a house two doors down from my place.  We lost power during the storm and it was finally restored just before 10 tonight.  I spent part of the day making two trips in town to get ice, trying to save food in the refrigerator and freezer.  The inflammation in the back of my right heel returned, so I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon.  If I have to break my streak for the pacemaker, maybe I need to get the spur removed at the same time.

Lufkin

To break up my Huntsville routine, I drove and hour and a half to Lufkin this morning to run trails at Kit McConnico Park.  I ran there once a few years ago with some friends.  My friend, Mariam from Lufkin, joined me  I ran part of the Race for Hope Half Marathon with her in February.  My GPS said 4.7 miles.  Since GPS does not work well on the trails, it was probably closer to 5 miles.  Nice trails, not as "rooty" as Huntsville State Park.  Looking forward to getting back over there again soon.

Campus loop

Late this morning, I ran a 2-mile loop around the campus and then went home and took a nap.

The end of my streak may be in sight

For the last few weeks, I have been tired and sleepy all day and my resting pulse rate has been averaging about 42..  Getting started on a run is tough.  I had a regular appointment with my cardiologist today.  Despite being on a CPAP machine to eliminate sleep apnea, which was suppose to be the cause of my Afib, the Afib continues and is resulting in a low pulse rate.  The doctor says that I need a pacemaker.  He said that there is no way I can run for two weeks after the implant, since it includes implanting wires into the chest.  They have to heal.  Because of COVID19, only emergency surgery is allowed in Texas.  So, I have to wait until this is all over.  In the meantime, I will keep my streak going.  This afternoon, I mowed the yard and ran 1.3 miles in the avenues.

Old neighborhood

This afternoon, I ran a 2.8-mile loop around Forest Hills, my old neighborhood.

2 Wet miles

It rained pretty much all day.  So I ran the 2-mile loops around the campus this evening in the rain.

2.2 in the Avenues

I ran an unplanned route through the avenues this afternoon.  It turned out to be 2.2 miles.

Campus loop

The foot was better today, so I ran a 2-mile loop around the virtually empty campus.

Doctor appointment in Conroe

I had an appointment with my skin doctor in Conroe this afternoon.  I left early and picked up a pair of new shoes from Fleet Feet (delivered to the door) in The Woodlands.  After all this being stuck at home due to the virus, it was almost nice to get out of town for a while.  This morning, I went to the track and ran laps, trying to get the inflammation out of my big toe joint.

Right foot problem, again

I woke up this morning with inflammation in my right big toe joint.  I took medication a couple times today to head it off and ran 1.9 miles in the avenues this afternoon.

Avenues

This afternoon, I ran an unplanned course in the very hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2.2 miles, including going up and over the highest point between Houston and Dallas.

Foot is better

As I expected, the foot was better today.  This afternoon, I ran an unplanned course from the track to downtown, around the prison and through the campus.  It turned out to be 3.3 miles.  Just before finishing, I was stopped by a Huntsville Police Officer.  I thought I was going to get a speeding ticket, but it was my friend, Stacy.  We had a nice visit, with a lot of talk about the closing of Huntsville State Park (she biked out there, a lot).

Rainy track run

My foot was still hurting today, so I went to the track early this afternoon and ran laps in the rain.

Laps

I had pain in another place in my right foot today.  Am confident that it is not serious, but I decided just to run laps at the track this afternoon.

Avenues

I forgot to blog last night, but I ran the 2-mile loop around the campus yesterday afternoon.  Today, I ran an unplanned course through the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2 miles.

And, again

This afternoon, I ran the same 2-mile loop around the campus.

Campus, again

While in town for a stop at the drug store, I drove to the track and ran a 2-mile loop around the campus.

Old neighborhood

I went over to Forest Hills (my old neighborhood) this afternoon and ran a loop around the sub-division.  I turned out to be 1.9 miles.

Campus loop

I drove to the track this afternoon and ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around an empty campus.  This was the first time in months that I ran this course.  Of course, I was suppose to be running a 10K in Tyler this morning, the first race of several that I signed up for that got cancelled or rescheduled because of the virus.

Trying to stay motivated

With this virus thing going on and all my races through April cancelled or postponed, plus the uncertainty of it all, it is hard to stay motivated.  It rained pretty much all day.  I ran some errands in town this afternoon and drove to the track to run from there.  However, it started lightning with the heavy rain.  So, I went home and ran on the new street next to my house.  I am not sure of the distance, but it was about 1.5 miles.

Getting out of the park habit

I have gotten so use to running at the state park in-between races.  Now, with the park closed, I had to run elsewhere.  This afternoon, I ran 2 miles on the sidewalk along Veterans Memorial Parkway.  With so much traffic whizzing by, it does not feel very safe.  I probably need to go back to the avenues.

Last trail run for a while

When I arrived at the state park this afternoon, the superintendent came out to my truck to tell me that starting tomorrow, the park would be closed indefinitely because of the coronavirus.  Only overnight camping will be allowed.  So, I ran my last trail run (at least at the state park) for a while.  Got in 2.4 miles.  All 5 races that I am signed up for during the remainder of March and April have all been canceled or postponed.  But the streak continues.  Today was 10 years and 5 months.

Short trail run

My right heel was worse today.  I ran 1.5 miles on the trails this evening and then iced it.

Working run

I forgot to post last night, but I did get in a 2.2-mile working run yesterday.  I was trying to find the 2-mile mark on an old course I measured years ago.  So, I ran part of the course, but never found the mark.

Different Sunday

My church asked people over 60 not to attend Mass this morning due to the virus.  So, I went out to the state park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails at the time I would normally be in church.  Encountered my first snake of the season, a large rat snake.

Green Ultra 10K Trail Run - Running Streak Day 3,800.

I drove nearly an hour to Milligan this morning to run the Green Ultra 10K Trail Run.  Never ran this race before and I enjoyed the experience.  The inflammation in my heel was better this morning.  The course was pretty technical and I feel lucky that I only took one light fall.  Lots of rocks and a few steep embankments.  The course, according to my GPS, was 6.33.  Since GPS normally measures short on trails, the course may have been longer than that.  In any case, I finished in 1:52:19 and was 1st of 1 in the 70 and over age group.  In fact, I was the only runner over 57.  This was my 3,800 consecutive day of running.  With so many races being cancelled due to the virus, I am not sure when my next race will be.

Not any better

I ran laps at the track this morning and have iced my heel twice today and have taken Ibuprofen.  My right heel is still inflamed.  My plan is to run the 10K trail run tomorrow and then take it easy for as long as necessary to get rid of the inflammation.  Guess the first thing I need to do if I every break my streak is to get the bone spur and floating bone in my heel removed.

Darn heel inflammation, again

I ran 4 miles on the trails yesterday and another 2.5 today and now my heel is getting inflamed again (from a bone spur).  Not sure what brought it on, but I iced it tonight and will take some Ibuprofen tomorrow.  I have a 10K trail run this Saturday and it is still on, considering the virus scare.  However, the Azalea 10K in Tyler the following weekend has been cancelled or maybe postponed until May.

80 degrees

It was 80 degrees when I went out to the park this afternoon.  Summer is almost here.  I ran 4 miles on the trails.

Another 2.5

I met up with the group at the park this evening (it was just me, Glen and Jacob).  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

2.5 in the rain

After Iron Works this afternoon, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails - in the rain.  I've been asked many times by non-streakers, "What do you do when it rains?"

Back to trails

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

The Woodlands Half Marathon

I ran The Woodlands Half Marathon this morning and finished in 3:16:26.  I was 2nd of 3 in the 75 and over age group and was the oldest runner of over 3,000 in the race.  It was my 106th half marathon and I keep thinking that it may be my last.

Friday rest

With a half marathon tomorrow, I ran 1-mile+ on the new road next to my house with my 4 year old grandson.  He tells me that I am slow.  After that, I met up with my daughter and two other grandkids in The Woodlands for lunch.  Then, picked up my packet for tomorrow.

New shoes out of the box

I put on a new pair of shoes out of the box today and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  For many years, I have worn Asics Fortitude (neutral shoe for wear with custom orthodics).  They quit making them, so I switched to another neutral shoe (Saucony Echelon).  Terribly uncomfortable shoe and they wear out fast.  If anybody knows of a good neutral shoe to wear with custom ortodics, please let me know.

Rainy day

After a doctor's appointment in Conroe this morning, I drove back to Huntsville in a heavy rain.  Later this afternoon and after the rain, I ran 2.4 miles on the trails at the park.  No mud or standing water.

Met up with the group

As usual for Tuesdays, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Course measurement

This afternoon, I finished measuring a new course for a club run in May by walking the course with an engineer wheel for about 2.5 miles (I had already done part of it earlier).  That was tiring; I'm not use to walking.  Later this afternoon, I worked out at Iron Works and then went to the park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

I went back down to The Woodlands this evening to run the Sunday Night 5K, put on by The Woodlands Running Club.  My friend, Jon Walk, ran with me and we finished in 43:25.

The Woodlands 5K

I set my alarm for 5:15 this morning to get up and get down to The Woodlands to run the 5K at 7:30, held in conjunction with the marathon and half next Saturday.  I woke up and looked at my watch.  It was almost time for the alarm to go off.  So, I turned on the coffee and went to take a shower.  I looked at my watch again and it was three something.  I went back to bed, but never got back to sleep.  I got out of bed about 5 and got down to The Woodlands early.  Nice to get a good parking spot.  I finished the 5K in 42:44 and was 3rd of 4 in the 75 and over age group.  The age group award was a code for 50 percent off of next year's race.  I like that idea for an age group award.

Morning park run

With a race tomorrow morning, I went to the state park this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Stumble in the park

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Early in the run, I tripped and stumbled forward.  I grabbed a small tree and spun around it (rather than hitting it).  I'm okay, but somehow, cut my leg in three places.

Catching up

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails yesterday, but forgot to post last night.  This afternoon, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Looking ahead, I plan on running two 5K's this weekend, a half marathon the next weekend and 10K's the next 2 weekends.

Same course as yesterday

After working out at Iron Works this afternoon, I went to the park and ran the same 2.5-mile course on the trails as yesterday.

Back to the park

After church and dinner at a Mexican restaurant, I went out to the state park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  A mile into the run, I ran into trail running buddy, Lorie, and her sister, who were completing a loop around the lake.

Race for Hope Half Marathon

I got up at 4 this morning to get over to Lufkin for a 7 a.m. start of the Race for Hope Half Marathon, which started 15 minutes late.  I felt okay, but somewhere out in one of the neighborhoods, I, along with 2 other runners, missed a turn.  We eventually got back on the course, but ended up running 14.6 miles.  I finished in 3:47:19.  While they did not have age group awards, I was first place in the 70 and over group.

Resting up

I am a little apprehensive about running a half marathon tomorrow morning (remembering the struggle on January 1).  So, I rested up today.  Got in a little over a mile on the new road next to my house.

Cold and rainy run

I went to the park this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the roads in a cold rain.

Stitches out

I went to the doctor in Conroe late this morning and had the stitches removed from my nose.  Later this afternoon, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 3 miles at the part, 1.1 on the trails and the rest on the roads.

Change in temperature

About half way through my 2-mile run on the park roads this evening, a north wind started blowing and the temperature dropped at least 10 degrees.

Trees

I planted 21 pine seedling on my property this afternoon.  Normally, this would probably be easy, but the ground was hard and I had to jump on the shovel to get the depth.  So, I was plenty tired before I worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  In the second mile, some nice folks stopped their car and offered me a bottle of water.  I must have looked bad.

Back from Wylie

Thursday afternoon, I drove up to Wylie for activities with my family and got back to Huntsville about 7 tonight.  On Friday, I got in a 5K run at a park in nearby Plano and another 2 miles at the same park on Saturday.  At 8 tonight, I went to the track and ran laps.  I still have some inflammation in my big toe joint, but it is much better.  My next race is a half marathon this coming weekend.

Post 4,000

Since I started blogging in 2008, this is my 4,000th post.  Thanks to blogger and friend, Jon Walk, for getting me started.  While it is probably the most boring blog out there, it has helped me stay motivated to run every day.  I appreciate those who follow the blog and appreciate the comments and emails when I go on a trip and miss posting for a few days.
I am not sure what the doctor injected in my foot yesterday, but it feels much better today.  I went out to the park this morning and ran 1.5 miles on the roads.

Day at the doctors

I had an appointment with a doctor in Conroe this morning to surgically remove a spot from the top of my nose (1-inch incision).  Then, I ran several errands in Conroe and The Woodlands.  After lunch at Cracker Barrel, I had an appointment with my rheumatologist in Conroe.  The inflammation in my big toe joint was much worse today and it was very painful to even walk on it.  He changed my medication and gave me an injection in the inflamed spot.  I came home and spent the rest of the afternoon on the couch.  About 5:30 this evening, I got up and ran a little over 1 mile on the new road next to my house.  So, the streak is still alive.

A little better

The inflammation was a little better today.  I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Gimpy one-mile+

My big toe joint became inflamed and kept me up much of last night.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran a gimpy and painful 1-mile+.  Next race is a half marathon on February 22, so I have time to recover.

Back to the park

This afternoon, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  A couple of sore spots from yesterday.

Kilgore to Longview 11-Mile Race

I drove up to Tyler yesterday afternoon and spent the night with family.  This morning, I drove over to Longview for the Kilgore to Longview race.  After getting my packet, I took one of their buses over to the starting line in downtown Kilgore.  Perfect running weather.  I finished the 11 miles in 2:40:05 (5 minutes slower than in 2018).  Given all my medical issues this past year, I was surprised that I was not slower.  Got a police motorcycle escort the last 2 miles.  You only get those if you are the lead runner or the last runner.  Yes, I was 92 of 92 runners, but first in the 75 and over age group.  Anyway, it was my 1,124th race and 3,765 consecutive day of running.

Laps

With a race tomorrow, I ran laps at the track this morning.  Rested up.

Tapering

With a 11-mile race on Saturday, I ran just 2 miles on the park roads this evening.

Mixed trails and roads

After Iron Works this evening, I ran 2.5 miles at the park, mostly on the roads.

Changing temperature

It was almost 80 degrees this afternoon and I spent most of it doing yard work.  I met up with the group this evening at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Now, it's 52 and is suppose to get down to 34 tomorrow night.  My next race is a road race from Kilgore to Longview (11 miles) on Saturday.  Just hoping for a trail wind.

Morning trails

It was suppose to rain this afternoon, so I went to the park late this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Sunday Night 5K in the Woodlands this evening and finished in 43:03.

The Woodlands Park Run 5K

Park Runs are free, non-competitive, timed 5K's held around the world every Saturday.  This was only the second one held in The Woodlands.  I liked the 9 a.m. start.  Most of the out and back course was along the waterway.  I finished in 41:56.

Late morning run

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.  This afternoon, my 4-year old grandson and I walked with an engineer wheel in my neighborhood to measure park of a new 5K course for our club run in May.

Change in running shoes

I wear custom orthotics, so I have to wear a neutral running shoe.  For many years, I have worn Asics Fortitude.  Most of the time, I have been able to find them at a reasonable price online and buy several pair.  However, in the past few months, I cannot find my size 13 anywhere.  Recently, I bought a pair of Saucony Eschelon at the Fleet Feet store.  I have been walking in them for a couple week and ran in them for the first time today (2 miles on the park roads).  Maybe I will get used to them, but I did not feel much cushioning.  I probably did not run any faster than normal, either.

Three

After Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles on the roads at the park.

Two at the park

After Iron Works this evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Back to the park

I felt a little beat up today after the 10 miler yesterday, but I worked out at Iron Works this afternoon and ran 2.2 miles at the state park, mostly on the trails.

Texas 10 College Station 10-Miler

I ran the Texas 10 Series 10-Miler in College Station this morning.  I never walked, but ran awfully slow and finished in 2:37:31.  There were only 3 of us in the 70 and over age group, so I got 3rd place.

Short race

Yesterday, my big toe joint started getting inflamed again.  I started taking medicine to head it off, but it was still sore this morning.  I had planned to run our club 5K this morning, but switched to the 1-mile race because of the toe joint, to run with my 4-year old grandson and because I have a 10-mile race tomorrow morning.    I finished in 13 minutes something and was 2nd overall (behind my grandson).

Late morning run

With 2 races this weekend, I went to the park late this morning and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Veterans support banquet

I went to a veterans support banquet at the fairgrounds tonight, so I ran earlier at the park.  Did 2.2 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.  At the banquet tonight, I got a chance to meet and visit with Earl Campbell, who was introduced by the keynote speaker as the great running back, Hershel Walker.

Cold and rainy

It was suppose to rain all day, so I went out to the park late this morning when it was 43 degrees and ran 2 miles on the park roads - in the rain.

Heel improving

Even though all the inflammation is not gone from the heel, it felt better today.  After Iron Works, I went to the park and ran 2.2 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Icing and Ibuprofen

I continued to treat my inflammed heel with ice and Ibuprofen today.  It felt a little better this afternoon, so I ran 2.4 miles on the trails at the state park.

Darn heel inflammation returns

I woke up this morning with inflammation in my right heel (bone spur and floating piece of bone).  Guess it was brought on by the trail run yesterday.  I iced it twice today and ran 1.2 miles in my old neighborhood this afternoon.

Around the lake

After spending much of the day in Spring for my grandson's wrestling match, I went out to the park and ran around the lake (6.9 miles).

Lots of pig activity at the park

There has been a lot more wild pig activity at the park lately.  Every day I run at the park, I find fresh diggings along the trails.  Now, in some places, they are digging up the trail itself.  Its like running through a plowed field.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Park and then Houston

After Iron Works and then 2.2 miles at the park this evening, I showered and then drove down to Houston to have dinner with my son.

Trails

After Iron Works, I ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

2 more on the road

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Park roads

I went out to the park late this morning and ran 5 miles on the hilly roads.

Football Sunday

I had family in this afternoon to watch NFL playoff games.  So immediately after church and a big Mexican dinner, I went to my old neighborhood and ran an unplanned course on the streets, which turned out to be 1.9 miles.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K in The Woodlands this morning for the first time since last August. .  I finished in 44:33.  Not fast, but got to visit with good friends.  After the race, I crossed over I-45 and watched my grandson wrestle at a high school meet.

Laps

I ran laps at the track this morning and then planted the two new bushes that I bought yesterday

Bought more shrubs today

I drove down to Conroe this morning and bought two more large shrubs, but did not get around to planting them before working out at Iron Works and running 2.5 miles on the park trails.  So, more heavy work ahead.

Heavy work

I dug big holes and planted 5 bushes on my property this afternoon.  So, I skipped Iron Works and went to the park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Good to see Lorie back

It was good to see Lorie back at the park this evening for our group run three weeks after her surgery.  I ran 2.2 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Back to trails

After Iron Works this afternoon, I got in 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Texas 10 Series Bridgeland 5-Miler

I ran the Texas 10 Series Bridgeland 5-Miler in Cypress this morning.  Great running weather.  I finished in 1:11:21 and was 2nd of 2 in the 70 and over age group.

Changed races for Sunday

I was signed up for the Texas 10 Series Bridgeland 10-miler tomorrow morning in Cypress, but with my sore big toe joint and terrible half marathon Wednesday, I switched to the 5-mile race.  Late this morning, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Adjusting medication

I had an appointment with my Rheumatologist this morning and got an adjustment to my medication.  I am beginning to think I am seeing too many "ists."  Hopefully, the adjustment will help.  In the meantime, I am still trying to get use to the CPAC, the machine that blows air up my nose all night, while I am trying to sleep.  After working out at Iron Works this afternoon, I ran 2.4 miles on the trails at the park, in some pain with inflammation in my big toe joint.

Feel tired

I still felt tired today after the half marathon yesterday.  After Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park to meet up with the group.  It was raining and no one else showed up.  So, I ran 1-mile+ and went home.

Texas Half Marathon

I got up early this morning and drove down to Kingwood to run the Texas Half Marathon.  It was a double loop on a concrete walkway.  I knew after the first loop that I was not adequately trained to run a half.  I struggled to finish and it took me just under 4 hours to finish.  I do not remember being that tired after running a full marathon.  The good news is that I got to visit with a lot of good friends.