Catching Up

Friday, October 5 - I ran laps at the track and then drove to Wylie (northeast of Dallas).

Saturday, October 6 - Got up early and ran the St. Anthony Fall Fest 5K.  Finished in 36:11 and was 2nd in my age group.  The temperature was in the low 50's.  Later on Saturday, I drove 100 miles over to Tyler.

Sunday, October 7 - I ran the Tyler Rose Marathon.  This was my 83rd marathon or longer and the first since recovering from the hamstring pulls and tears from July 2011 to February 2012.  The race was little late getting started.  The head timing guy had stopped for coffee in Canton, Texas and got mugged by a couple guys.  He had two ribs broken and ended up in the hospital.  Others had to travel to Canton to get the timing equipment.  Thus, the race was a little late getting started.  It was overcast all day and the temperature was in the 50's all during the race.  Perfect weather.  When I ran this same marathon two years ago, the temperature was in the high 80's.  The course was very hilly, but I suppose I am use to that.  I ran the whole distance, except for brief walks at the aid stations.  As usual, I had pains here and there during the race (including the hamstrings), but no injuries or blisters.  I finished the first half in 2:58 and the whole marathon in about 6:12.  Apparently, they had more timing system problems and my official finish time is still not posted.  They did tell me that I was 2nd in my age group and gave me a nice trophy, in addition to a finisher medal and a rose bush.

Monday, October 8 -  I slept in this morning and then drove back to Huntsville late this morning.  This evening, I went back to my routine workout at Nautilus.  I was still a little stiff today and ran laps at the track this evening.  No long runs this week and another marathon on Sunday.