Beautiful weather

It was clear today and a high in the 60's.  After working out at Iron Works, I met up with the group at the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

No Wednesday group

After working out at Iron Works, I went over to the church to meet up with the Wednesday night group.  Spring break.  No one was there.  So, I ran 3 miles on the roads.  My shin is still sore and swollen from the collision with a tree yesterday, but it is not a show stopper.

Logging accident

I was cutting down a couple trees on my property this afternoon and somehow one hit my right shin, not to mention a couple facial scratches.  I ended up with a huge knot and bruise on the shin.  Rather than taking time to work out at Iron Works, I iced it and then went to the park to run.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Then, I went to the Sam Houston State baseball game and iced it again when I got home. Hopefully, it will be okay tomorrow.

Yard work

I spent most of the day doing yard work.  It was much more tiring than the 16K trail run yesterday.  My running shoes were still soaking wet from being washed last night.  So, I put on a new pair of shoes out of the box and ran 1.3 miles on the roads this evening.

OMG, I forgot to blog yesterday

I just realized that I forgot to blog yesterday.  Nothing exciting.  I went down to The Woodlands and ran the Run The Woodlands 5K.  I finished in 37:09.  This morning, I went down to Lake Stubblefield, west of New Waverly, and ran the XTERRA 16K Trail Run.  I think that it was my first time to run a 16K (9.9 miles).  The temperature was in the 40's and the trail was muddy as heck.  The mud and water was up over the socks and it was very slippery in places.  I tripped and fell twice, but luckily it was in a relatively dry area both times.  I finished in 2:30:39.  I was the only one in the 70-74 age group, so I got 1st place.

Run at the park

I have to go to Houston this evening, so I went out to the park and ran a 3-mile loop on the trails this afternoon.

1,600

I reached a minor milestone today.  This was my 1,600 consecutive day of running.  I have been at this point twice before.  I went out to the park alone this afternoon and ran 2.3 miles miles on the trails.

Wednesday 5K

After working out at Iron Works, I met up with the group at the church this evening and we ran the usual Wednesday 5K course around the campus.  Nice cool weather and no melting ice.

Icy

We woke up today to a sheet of ice covering everything and it stayed in the 30's all day.  I went out to the park this evening and was the only one in the group to show up.  I ran 2 miles on the tree covered park roads.  The ice was melting, so it was like running in a cold rain.  Afterwards, I worked out at Iron Works.

Hopefully back to normal

I am still on antibiotics and other pills for my sinus infection, but hopefully I can get back to a normal routine this week.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2 miles on the roads around town - in freezing temperatures.  It was such a contrast to running the half marathon two days ago in the heat and humidity.

Crazy weather day

I drove 70 miles down to Minute Maid Park in Houston this morning for the Sam Houston State and U. of Texas baseball game.  The game started at 10 a.m.  The temperature in Houston got up to the high 70's.  I made the trip back to Huntsville and arrived about 2:45.  It was much cooler here.  I left about 3:30 to drive down to The Woodlands for the Sunday Night 5K.  Just before I left, it was 41 degrees here and 75 degrees in The Woodands, about half way between here and Houston.  By the time I got to the race, the temperature was dropping fast.  It was in the 30's by the time I finished the race.  I finished in 36:58.  Now, it's 27 in Huntsville and is suppose to get down to 25.

The Woodlands Half Marathon

I got up at 4:30 this morning to take my antibiotics and other pills and then make it down to The Woodlands for a 7 a.m. start of The Woodlands Half Marathon.  There was a light rain all the way down, but very little during the race  The temperature at the start was probably in the high 60's, with 100 % humidity.  There were a total of about 8,000 for the full, half marathon and the 5K.  Despite the heat and humidity and the sinus infection and the congestion, I felt rather well after I started running.  I finished in 2:59:24, which was good enough for 3rd place in my age group.  Actually, 10 hours would have been good enough for 3rd place.  My age group award was a chair.  They also gave those to the younger age groups, so they were not just for the older runners.

Sinus headache

My allegery and sinus congestion woes continue.  Now it's a headache.  I drove down to The Woodlands this afternoon to pick up my packet for Half Marathon tomorrow morning.  Nice to visit with some friends.  I ran laps at the track when I got back.  The race starts at 7 a.m., so I will be getting up early tomorrow.  The forecast is for 65 degrees at the start, with 100% humidity and 10% chance of rain during the race.  Maybe the humidity will clean out my sinuses.

Better today

I have been taking my pills and heating my hamstring and felt better this evening.  I never made it to Iron Works, but I did go out to the park and run 2 miles on the park roads.

I would have preferred not to run today

I did not mention it yesterday, but I pulled a hamstring in my left leg while running laps at the track.  Am not sure what happened.  It was surely not from going too fast.  I think it was more of a pull than a tear.  I put heat on it today.  My allergies from the last few days turned into a sinus infection.  I went to the doctor this afternoon and got antibiotics and a couple other things to take.  So, I have been in bed most of the day.  I really did not want to run this evening.  It was in the high 30's and I sure did not feel like running.  However, when you streak, you run, if possible.  I drove over to the track and ran a 1.3-mile course on the roads from there.  The hamstring felt like a knot for a while, but after that it was okay.  I put heat on it when I got home.  My focus now is being ready for The Woodlands Half Marathon on Saturday.  It is suppose to be much warmer by then; high of 75.

Pending rain

It was suppose to rain this evening, so I worked out at Iron Works earlier this afternoon and then ran laps at the track.  By the time this evening we normally run at the park, it was sill not raining.  So, I went out there for a social hour.

Allergy problems continue

I woke up coughing and sneezing and with sinus congestion and sore throat.  I took some over-the-counter pills and napped on the couch much of the day.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and ran an unplanned course around town.  It turned out to be 2.2 miles, according to my new GPS.

Sweetheart 5K

Our club had it's annual Sweetheart 5K this afternoon at 2 p.m. on the SHSU campus.  Itt was 78 degrees and my allergies were killing me, not to mention that the course is very hilly.  I finished in 38:14.  We used a new course and someone turned one of the signs around and stole another.  I knew the course, but many got lost.  Based on the finish times, no one was too far off and nobody seemed to be upset.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I went down to The Woodlands for the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  Nice cool and dry weather.  I finished in 36:53.  Afterwards, I went to Luke's Locker and bought my first GPS running watch.  Now, I have to figure out how to operate it.  That's not easy for us in the 70 and over age group.

Restful Friday

With two 5K races this weekend, I rested up today with a 1.5-mile run on the streets in the Avenues.

Trail measuring

I went out to the state park this afternoon with an engineer wheel to measure some trail sections.  Starting next September or October, the whole south perimeter road all the way to the dam will be closed for resurfacing for about 9 months.  It will mess up all the races held at the park every year.  I am trying to come up with a new course for the Love.Run.Marathon.  I think it can be done.  After walking several miles with the engineer wheel, I put it in the truck and then ran for 2 miles on the trails.  Later this evening, I drove down to Houston to attend a Team RWB dinner.  Terrible rain and traffic going down;  took over 2 hours to get there.  Then, the normal 1 hour and 10 minutes coming back.

Wednesday Night 5K

After Iron Works this evening, I met up with the group for the hilly 5K run around the campus.  It was warmer than usual, but still comfortable.

Back to normal

I felt normal today.  On behalf of our running club, I had a meeting at the hospital this afternoon to talk about a new course that starts and finishes there.  Looks like it is going to work out.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  After that, I went to Iron Works for a workout.

Sick

Except for a sinus infection every two years, I do not normally get sick.  I must have some stomach virus.  I stayed in bed much of today.  I did go out to the park this afternoon to run trails.  I figured that if I was going to get sick that the trails was the place to be.  I ended up running 2.5 miles and then felt much better.  So much so that I went to the SHSU - Northern Colorado baseball game.  Sam won.

Laps

I was sore this morning.  I'm not sure if it was from running 26.2 miles on the trails yesterday or falling 5 times.  After an enchilada dinner, taking some Ibuprohen and running laps at the track, I felt much better.

Love.Run.Marathon

 

I ran the Love.Run.Marathon on the trails at Huntsville State Park this morning.  It was my 101st and last marathon and I ran it as my modest tribute to all those who served with the 101st Airborne Division.  That is the division I served with in Vietnam.  It was an amazing day.  I wore bib number 101.  Team RWB (red, white, blue) from the Houston and Dallas area came to run with me.  It is a national organization to support veterans.  They ran behind and beside me the entire race.  And, they carried flags, including the 101st Airborne Division flag.  I felt humbled and honored that they ran with me.  Really great people and they are dedicated to serving veterans.  During the race, I fell five times and skinned up my knee on the last fall.  Funny, I fell five times in the same race last year.  I finished the first half in 3:16 and had a slow second half. Finished the race in 7:13:01.  My finish was a major surprise.  There were air horns, two police cars with flashing lights, many cameras and the Army song was played on the loud speaker system.  I received my finisher medal, first in age group trophy and a beautiful plaque from the race committee commemorating my 101st marathon.  The race committee also had a huge cake for me and our Seven Hills Running Club gave me a jacket, embroidered with "101 Marathons."  Most importantly, many of my family members and running friends were there for my finish.  Jennifer, Dawn and the rest of the race committee for the Love.Run.Marathon and absolutely great and considerate people.  And, they do such a good job putting on this race.

Ready to go

Thanks to Jennifer for bringing up my race packet to the park today and saving me a trip to packet pickup in The Woodlands.  Bib 101 is ready to go tomorrow.  It was 75 degrees this afternoon and I ran laps at the track.  Thank goodness, it will be a little cooler for the marathon tomorrow.

Tapering

My 101st and last marathon is on Saturday.  I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while they ran trails.  Worked out at Iron Works and went to see Lone Survivor tonight.  I probably average one movie every two years, so it was a rare occasion.

At the park twice today

This morning, I went out to the park and met with up with Jennifer, the race director for this Saturday's Love.Run.Marathon at Huntsville State Park.  We walked part of the course and remeasured part of it due to the construction of a new bridge on the trail.  We ended up walking close to 6 miles.  Later this afternoon, Christine drove over from College Station and we ran 6.6 miles on the trails.  Nice run with no rain and no freezing cold.

Rare sighting

Jacob and I were the only ones at the park this evening.  The temperature was in the low 30's, with a light rain.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while Jacob ran 3 miles on the trails.  He reported that while on the trail along the lake, he came across two otters mating.  They got mad when he stopped.  I have known only one other runner to ever see an otter at the park, so Jacob was lucky.

Short, cold and rainy run

It rained most of the day and it was 38 when I went out to run this afternoon.  I ran 1.5 miles on the roads in town before working out at Iron Works.

9 Miles

This afternoon, I ran 9 miles on the trails at Huntsville State Park.  It was in the 60's and no rain.  Nice.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I drove down to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Run The Woodlands 5K.  Finished in 36:00.  I spent the afternoon working at an aid station at Huntsville State Park for the Rocky Raccoon 50-Miler.  Running 50 miles looks easy from an aid station perspective.

Cold and rainy day

It was in the low 30's all day and rainy.  I went over to the track this afternoon and ran laps and then had a meeting this evening with members of a sorority from SHSU putting on a new run in March.  Hopefully, I was able to help.

Even colder

It was 29 when I got to the park this evening.  Only Jacob and I showed up.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while speedy Jacob ran 3 on the trails.  He was waiting for me when I finished.

Another cold run

I worked out at Iron Works this evening and then ran the streets around the campus with the group just as it was getting dark.  I ran 2.6 miles.  The temp was in the 30's.

Park roads

I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening with James.  Phillip, Jason, J. C. and Becca all ran trails.  Nice weather after rain all morning.

Tax day

I worked on my taxes today and finished up tonight.  I did take a break earlier to workout at Iron Works and run laps at the track.  Ready for warmer weather.

Half Marathon - in two parts

I got up at 5 a.m. this morning and drove to College Station for the Texas 10 Series College Station 10-Mile Race.  The race started at 7:30.  It was raining, cold (42) and very strong winds.  The temperature dropped to 38 during the race.  It was a double loop course.  I finished the first loop in 1:02:26 and the second loop in 1:03:58, for a total of 2:06:06.  The weather was terrible, but I felt strong the entire race.  I was first in my age group (yes, I was the only one).  That win gives me a free entry into the same race next year.  Thanks to my trail running buddies from College Station, Christine and Shelby, for being at the finish line.  I drove back to Huntsville, took a shower and a nap and then drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 37:55, a little slower than normal.  So, today I ran a half marathon - 10 miles + 3.1.

Track

I have a 10-mile race in College Station tomorrow morning and a 5K in The Woodlands tomorrow evening, so I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  Warm today, but it is suppose to be cold tomorrow.

Trails with Aggies

My Aggie running buddies, Christine and Shelby, came over from College Station this afternoon to run trails at the state park.  We ran 7 miles.  Great weather and a nice run with good friends.

Back to the park

I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening.  My run was interrupted by a visit with race director, Joe Prusaitis of Austin, and members of his committee, who were setting up for the Rocky Raccoon 100-miler at the park this weekend.

2.6

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 2.6 miles on the roads in town.

Back to the cold

We had a light snow early this morning and it has been cold all day.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park to meet up with the group.  It was in the high 30's, but seemed much colder.  The group was speedy Jacob and I.  He ran a 4-mile+ loop on the trails, while I ran 3 miles on the trails.  He was waiting when I finished.  We had a "hot chocolate," visited for a while and went home.

Winter yard work

I did some winter yard work this afternoon (trimming bushes and stuff) and got a late start on my real exercise.  I then worked out at Iron Works and then ran laps at the track.  Easy day.

Recovered

I was a little sore yesterday after the half marathon, but felt fully recovered today.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran a 3-mile loop on the trails.  My first half mile was rather slow; I ran into Craig, then Len and then Nancy.  I have a brief visit with each.  Great weather for being at the park.

Lake Benbrook Half Marathon - 700th Race

I drove up to Fort Worth yesterday afternoon and spent the evening with my younger brother.  We had a nice dinner and visit and then I drove down to Benbrook on the south side of Fort Worth for the Lake Benbrook Half Marathon this morning.  The race started at 8:30 with a temperature in the mid-30's.  During the race, it warmed up quickly to the 50's.  Really nice weather for a half.  The course was out and back on a paved road around Lake Benbrook.  Very hilly.  At about 3 miles, I met another retired Army guy, David Smith, and we ran and visited for the rest of the race.  I finished in 3:03:53 and won 3rd place in the 70 and over age group.  It was my 700th race since I started racing in 1983.

OMG, Snow

Woke up to about an inch of snow on the ground and 27-degree temperature.  I ran 1.3 miles on the roads and managed to avoid patches of ice.  Off to Fort Worth for a half marathon tomorrow.

Cold, rainy and windy

I was the only one who showed up at the park at 4:30 this evening.  Found out later that Jacob and Becca were already out on the trail running around the lake.  Anyway, it was 35 degrees, raining and windy.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads and my ears were freezing by the time I finished.  Afterwards, I worked out at Iron Works.

Trails with Christine and Shelby

Christine Mesecher and Shelby Faw, both Aggies, came over to Huntsville from College Station this afternoon to run trails with me at the state park.  Christine ran part of the BCS Marathon last month with me.  Neither had run trails before, but seem to enjoy the experience.  We ran 4 miles.  Beautiful weather.  Worked out at Iron Works this evening and skipped the Wednesday night 5K run on campus.

Park roads

We had a good group at the park this evening, but everyone seemed to be running a different course at a different starting time.  I got there and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  This great weather can't last much longer - but I hope it does.

Get a bush

I worked out at Iron Works and then went out to the park for a 3-mile trail run.  While on the trail, I came upon a couple standing in the middle of the trail kssing while in a deep embrace.  I had to leave the trail to get around them.  I wanted to tell them to get a bush.

In between football games

In between football games this afternoon, I went over to the track and ran laps.

Crowded Park

I went out to the park late this morning and it took me forever to get in the gate.  Must be the 3-day weekend.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads and then 7 on the trails, for a total of 10 miles.  Lots of hikers, bikers and a few other runners.

Unplanned

I drove to the track this afternoon and took an unplanned route on the roads in the avenues.  It turned out to be 2.1 miles.

Trails and annual running club dinner

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran a 7-mile course on the trails.  This evening, I attended the Seven Hills Running Club annual meeting at McKenzie's BBQ.  I ate more than I consumed in the 7-mile run.  It was a tough campaign, but I was reelected as Treasurer of the club.  I also received an award (certificate and gift card to Luke's Locker) for having run the most races in 2013 (68) and was given a cake, celebrating my 100th marathon.

Wednesday night run

I met up with the group at 6:15 tonight and ran the 5K course around the campus.  With the students back in town, traffic was very heavy.  While running with good friends is nice, I'm not sure running with heavy traffic at night is wise when I am available to run during the day.

Enjoying this nice weather

After so much cold weather, it's nice to have clear skies and temperature in the 60's.  After working out at Iron Works, I met up with the group at the state park this evening.  It was Phillip, Jason, Jacob, David, Laura and me. Most ran different courses, but Jacob and I ran a 3-mile loop on the trails.

Allergies

I've been lucky this year.  My allergies start bothering me in November, I have not had a problem - until today.  It was windy and I was working outside this morning.  I was constantly sneezing and felt lousy.  I slept most of the afternoon.  This evening, I went to the track and ran laps and then worked out at Iron Works.  Feel better tonight.

Hospital 5K Course

Steve and I interrupted football and ran the proposed 5K course this afternoon.  The course starts and finishes at Huntsville Memorial Hospital.  We can use it for club runs, if the hospital lets us use their parking lot and restrooms.

Run the Woodlands 5K

For the zillionth time, I went down to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K, held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.  I finished in 36:45, exactly the same time as the Sunday Night 5K last Sunday on the same course.

Still raining

It continued to rain today.  I have a 5K tomorrow, so I ran 1.3 miles on the roads this afternoon - in the rain.

Wet run

I was tied up with something this afternoon and finally got out to run just before dark.  By then, it rain was light.  I ran an unplanned route around town, which turned out to be 2.4 miles.  Tonight, I went to the Sam Houston State - McNeese State basketball game.

Night 5K

After working out at Iron Works, I met up with a group at 6:15 tonight and ran a 5K course around the university campus.  Nice temperature in the 50's, but the wind made it seem colder.

Visiting friends

Our friends, John and Karen Wallace, from Michigan came to spend a day or so with us, enroute to the Mississippi Blues Marathon in Jackson this Saturday.  John's running streak is over 23 years and Karen's is over 5 years.  They are running marathons in all 50 states - alphabetically.  Several years ago, they ran together from Michigan to Mississippi without a support vehicle.  Great people and dedicated runners and streakers.  This afternoon, I ran a 3-mile loop around town in not-so-cold weather.

20's

It was in the 20's when I ran 2 miles around town this evening.  For here, that's really cold.  I was reading posts on the U.S. Running Streak Association Facebook page from members who were having to run in sub-zero weather.  One guy said that he ran in -53F with the wind chill.  What people will do to keep a running streak going!

Sunday Night 5K

I drove down to The Woodlands this evening to run the Sunday Night 5K, as I do almost every first Sunday of the month.  I have not counted lately, but it must be forty something times.  I finished in 36:45, which is my fastest time on this course since last May.  Maybe it was the cold weather.
There is an article about me in the current Postcards Magazine.  The article provides a link to my blog.  As you may know, very few people (until now) are aware that I have a blog.  Then, the Huntsville Item ran a story this morning about my 100th marathon.  Click HERE for the link. I really don't care about the publicity, but if it influences anybody to start running, it's okay with me.

Trails

It was relatively warm this afternoon.  I went out to the park and ran a 3.5-mile loop on the trails.  I did not run into any other runners, but there were plenty of bikers and hikers on the trail.

Back to normal

I have no aches or pains (not even sore toes) from the marathon a couple days ago and feel normal.  I ran 2 miles on the roads in town and then worked out at Iron Works.

Rest day

I had no particular aches or pains today after running the marathon yesterday, but I made it a rest day.  I worked out at Iron Works this evening and comfortably ran laps at the track afterwards.  I need to get busy planning a race schedule for the next few months.

100th Marathon

My next door neighbor shot off fireworks until 2:30 a.m. this morning and I got hardly any sleep before getting up at 5:15.  I drove down to Kingwood and ran the Texas Marathon.  It was my 100th race of a marathon or longer distance.  I enjoy this particular race because it gives me a chance to visit with a lot of friends.  My 100 is nothing compared to what my friends in the photo have accomplished.  Jim Simpson, left, was the first American to run 1,000 marathons.  Parnaveh Moayedi holds several world records, including the most marathons in a year by a female.  And, she just became the first female in North America to run 500 marathons.  Larry Macon is the world record holder for the most marathons in a year and was the second American to run 1,000 marathons.  In any case, they are all younger than I and I am glad to reach the 100 mark.  The course at Kingwood is tough.  Four loops on a 6.55-mile concrete walkway.  You really have to watch your footing.  My time is always slower on this course, which I think is long.  I finished in 7:13:47, an hour longer than my last marathon in College Station less than a month ago.

Anxious about tomorrow

It has been nearly 4 weeks since my last marathon and with the knee problem, I lost of lot of training miles.  The knee seems okay now.  Tomorrow, I will be running a 100th marathon and I am anxious.  I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps and will try to get to sleep earlier than usual tonight.  The fireworks at the house across the street will not help.

Back to the gym

After being out of town for a week and having a lot of family in for a week, I finally got back to Iron Works this evening for a workout.  It was dark when I finished, so I went over to the track and ran laps.  The weather forecast for the Texas Marathon in Kingwood this Wednesday is looking better.  The chance of rain has gone from 70 percent to 10 percent, high temperature of 56.

Not so often morning run

If you are one of the few people who read my blog, you will know that except for races, I seldom run in the morning.  Early this afternoon, I am driving up to Dallas for the Cowboy game this evening, so I ran the streets this morning.  My unplanned route turned out to be 5.1 miles.

Nice weather

We have had good running weather for a few days, but the forecast for the marathon in Kingwood on January 1st, calls for a 70 percent chance of rain.  Ugh.  I put on some new shoes out of the box today and ran 2 miles around the campus.

Christmas dinner

More family came in last night, so we had Christmas dinner today.  We have people sleeping everywhere, except the kitchen.  It's great to have so much family here.  I slipped away late this morning and ran 3 miles on the streets in town.

Day trip

We took the grand kids to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham this morning and then had lunch in downtown Brenham.  On the way back, we visited Washington on the Brazos (birthplace of Texas).  This evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town.  Nice running with little traffic and cool and clear weather.

Quiet streets

We took kids and grand kids to the duck pond at the museum this afternoon.  While they were chasing ducks, I slipped off and ran 2.8 miles on the streets around town.  Being Christmas day and no students in town, the streets were virtually deserted.  I did not wrap the knee and had no problem with it.

Squeezed in a run

I have a lot of family visiting this week, but I slipped away this afternoon and went to the track and ran laps.

Five miles

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 5 miles on the park roads.  Beautiful weather and little knee pain.

Wrap and run

After the Cowboys beat up the Redskins this afternoon, I wrapped my knee and went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the roads.  The knee still hurts, but is much better.  I have tickets for the Cowboy-Eagle game next Sunday.  Go Cowboys.

It's better

The knee felt much better today.  I meant to wrap it before I ran this afternoon, but forgot.  I ran 2 miles around town and it seems to be okay tonight.  I have no more races planned until my 100th marathon in Kingwood on January 1.

Back from Wylie

I went up to Wylie (northeast of Dallas) on Monday and got back to Huntsville this afternoon.  The knee really hurt this week and I ran 1-mile+ all three days in Wylie.  I started wrapping the knee for every run and that seem to help.  I ran laps at the track when I got back to Huntsville.  Steve Bickford and I drove down to The Woodlands this evening to pick up our awards for the Texas 10 Series.  I picked up my 1st place age group award for the Conroe race a couple weeks ago, my 1st place Armadillo Cup and $200 for winning my age group for the 2013 series and got fitted for a pull-over for completing all three 10-mile races in the series.

Knee recovery continues

I ran a 2-mile loop around the nearly empty campus this morning.  The knee still hurts, but I will continue to take it easy for the next few days.

In search of a water pump

After church this morning and lunch at the Pita Pit, I went to every auto parts store in Huntsville looking for a water pump for my son's car.  A friend of his was suppose to install it when my son got off of work at 2 this afternoon.  No had one, so I called all the stores in New Waverly and Conroe.  The O'Reilly Store in Conroe said that they had one at their store in Spring.  So, I drove 50 miles down to Spring, bought the pump and got back to Huntsville by 2:30.  Then, I had a running club officer meeting from 4 to 6:30.  After that, I went to the track and ran laps.  Gosh, I missed all the football games.

Willis Wildkat 5K

For the 8th straight year, I ran the Willis Wildkat 5K in Willis this morning.  Relatively speaking, the temperature was rather warm.  The race starts and finishes at the club house and runs through the lake-side sub-division.  I finished in 37:22, which was good enough for 1st place in the 60 and over age group.  After the race, I went on down to Conroe to visit the Academy store.  Even though my knee was not bad during the race, it hurt like heck during the drive back home.  I think that might be my last race until my 100th marathon on January 1, so I have time to take it easy.

Back to College Station

My son had a doctor's appointment this morning in College Station.  I drove him over there and while there, I picked up my 2nd place in age group award from the BCS Marathon office.  We had breakfast at IHOP and stopped at a couple other places.
After I got back to Huntsville, I went to the track and ran laps - in the rain.  5K tomorrow.

Waterway Jingle Bell Run

For the 7th straight year, I went down to The Woodlands to run the Waterway Jingle Bell Run.  This a a non-competitive 3.4-mile run along the lit-up waterway, starting and finishing at Luke's Locker.  My son, Ben, went down with me and ran.  I ran with my good friend, Debbie Tripp.  Ben and I had dinner at Berryhills after the run.  Great visiting with many good friends before and after the run.
My knee was really sore and swollen today and I had ice on it a couple times.  I guess I need to wrap it every day before I run.  It hurt like heck for the first couple of miles tonight and then all the way back to Huntsville.  I am just thankful that I got through that marathon on Sunday.  Next is the Texas Marathon on January 1.

Night run

After working out at Iron Works tonight, I met up with the Wednesday night group and ran their 5K course around the campus.

Armadillo Cup Results

At least it did not rain today.  I went out to the state park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  No one else from the group showed up and there did not seem to be anyone else in the park.  So, I had it all to myself.  Worked out at Iron Works afterwards.
The Texas 10 Series announced the Armadillo Cup winners today.  They recognize the top three overall winners in each age group for the three 10-mile races in the 2013.  Pretty much by default, I won first place in the 70 and over age group.  For that, I get $200, an armadillo cup and free entry into the same 3 races next year.  The 2014 series starts in College Station on February 2, 2014.  I'll be there.

Easy day

I woke up at 6:30 this morning, but finally got back to sleep.  Finally got up at 9.  This week, I have to start working on Christmas.  I was going to the track this evening and run laps, but it was cold and raining.  I did not feel like putting up with the experience, so I worked out at Iron Works and ran the treadmill there (only do that about once a year).  If I had to run on a treadmill every day, I would quit running.

BCS Marathon

I woke up at 3:30 this morning and could not go back to sleep for another hour.  My knee was aching, but I had to go to the BCS Marathon in College Station, one way or another.  I had picked up a race packet for my friend, Vince, from The Woodlands.  I  wrapped up my knee tightly and met up with Vince in College Station about 6 a.m.  I sat in my truck, debating with myself about running.  I got out and walked around a bit and then decided to at least start the race.  Of course, in just under 700 races, I have never dropped out of a race that I started.  The race started in the cold at 7 a.m.  My knee hurt for about the first 8 miles.  After that, it did not seem to bother me much.  I hit a wall at around mile 23 and walked a little of the last 3 miles.  I normally don't walk at all during a marathon, but I think the 10-miler yesterday caught up with me.  Anyway, I finished in 6:13:45 and got 2nd in my age group (yes, there was only two of us).  Marathon 99 done.

Texas 10 Series Conroe

I ran the Texas 10 Series Conroe 10 miler this morning.  Very cold, but dry.  I finished in 2:09:32, which was good for 1st in my age group (I was the only one over 70).  That gives 1st place in the 70 and over age group for the Texas 10 Series for 2013.  That's good for $200 and free entry for the same races in 2014.
The bad news is that I did something to my left knee.  At about 8 miles, it started burning and hurting.  After the race, it was swollen and very sore.  After the race, I drove to College Station to pick up my packet for the marathon tomorrow.  After getting home, I have iced it several times.  My plan is to wrap it tomorrow morning and drive over to College Station.  I will see how it feels tomorrow before making a decision on whether to attempt to run.

About to break a race streak

The Texas Trail Endurance 50K Run will be held at Huntsville State Park tomorrow.  I ran it for the last 13 years when it was called the Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance Run and for all 4 years under it's new name; 17 consecutive years.  I will not make it this year.  I am trying to complete the entire Texas 10 Series 10 Milers and Conroe is tomorrow.  Then, my 99th marathon will be at College Station on Sunday.
This afternoon, I ran laps at the track.  The high today was 38 and it will be really be cold for the start in Conroe at 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Weekend weather

I just checked for forecast for the weekend.  The weather for the 10-miler in Conroe on Saturday is 33 up to 39 degrees and a 30 percent chance of rain (freezing rain).  For the marathon in College Station on Sunday, its 37 to 45 degrees, with a 30 percent chance of rain.  Sounds okay.
It was 39 degrees with a light mist when I went out to the park this evening and I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  No one else showed up.

Night run

I met up with the group tonight after working out at Iron Works and ran 2.6 miles around the campus.

Crazy weather

It got up to 80 in Huntsville today, but a cold front is due in this weekend.  The forecast for the 10-miler in Conroe on Saturday is 40 percent chance of rain and temperature in the 30's.  The forecast for the marathon in College Station on Sunday is 10 percent chance of rain and a temperature in the 30's and 40's.  Sunday sounds okay for a marathon.
The park is closed for controlled hunting from 5 p.m. today until noon on Thursday.  I went out there after 4 p.m. this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  I was reminded 3 times for park officials that I had to be out by 5.

Rest time

After 4 races in 4 days (5-Miler, 10K, Half Marathon and a 5K), I rested up today.  However, I mowed the grass this afternoon and cut down a huge dead pine tree, without the house or anyone being injured.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and ran laps at the track.  This Saturday, I am running the Texas 10 Series Conroe 10-miler and then the BCS Marathon in College Station on Sunday.  The weather forecast for the weekend is cold, rainy and windy.

First Responder Half Marathon & Sunday Night 5K

I ran the First Responder Half Marathon in Waco this morning.  It was a two-loop course with a lot of bridge crossings and a run through a fire station.  However, we did not get to slide down the pole.  Nice weather, overcast and mostly in the 60's.  I finished in 2:56:53 (4th of 5 in the 60 & over age group.  At 72, I was the oldest of 169 finishers.  I got back to Huntsville about 2 p.m., showered, took a 30-minute nap, and then drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  The traffic on I-45 on Sunday of the Thanksgiving weekend is always bad, so I took the back roads to The Woodlands.  I finished the race in 40:10, about my slowest 5K ever.  I came back on I-45 and the northbound traffic was terrible.

Leftover Turkey 10K

I ran our club's annual Leftover Turkey 10K this morning.  The course is out and back on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  No part of it is flat, either up or down.  I finished in 1:22:58.  Off to Waco now for a half marathon tomorrow.