2015 in Review

With a half marathon tomorrow morning, I went to the track this morning and ran laps.  This was my 2,265th consecutive day of running.  Earlier this year, I received a friendly challenge from a couple of runners from Houston to see who could run the most races in 2015.  They have not reported in, but I am confident that I won the challenge with 88 races.  They include 1-25K, 13-half marathons, 13-10-milers, 1-11K, 4-10K's, 2-5-milers, 1-4.4-miler, 1-4.3-miler and 52-5K's.  I ran races in 32 different cities.  It is a good thing that gas is relatively cheap.  That gives me a total of 851 races since I started racing in 1983.  Even though I am getting slow, I am thankful that at age 74 that I am healthy enough to get out and keep moving.  Happy New Year.

Another park run

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  Nice weather again - low 50's.

Four of us at the park

It was me, Jacob, Jason and Glenn at the park this evening.  Glenn and I ran 3 miles on the trails and speedy Jacob and Jason ran 3.5 and finished before us.  Nice cool weather, with a temperature around 50.

30 degrees cooler

It was 30 degrees cooler when I ran this evening.  After Iron Works, I ran my 2-mile loop on the empty streets around the campus.

Stormy weather

My visiting family left this morning.  The forecast was for heavy storms all afternoon, so late this morning, I went over to Veterans Memorial Parkway and ran 1+ miles.  During that short run, the winds were strong, it rained and there was even sunshine.  Now, the temperature has dropped from the 70's this morning to 45 right now.

Run with my sons

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails with two of my visiting sons.  Nice weather, but it is suppose to be stormy tomorrow and get much colder.

Merry Christmas

I have a lot of family coming in this afternoon and some will be here for a couple of days.  With the temperature in the 70's, I ran 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway this morning.  Merry Christmas.

Squeezed in a run

Christmas eve is a busy time, with so much last minute stuff to do.  I was in the barber chair in my running shorts and then stopped by the track to run laps.  The temperature was still in the low 80's.  No snow this Christmas, for sure.

Crazy weather

Here it is December 23 and the temperature was in the low 80's.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the new trails.  Later, I worked out a Iron Works.  Gosh, I do not have a race until January 1.

Started Christmas shopping today

Well, I started Christmas shopping today and should finish up by tomorrow.  I hate the crowds at the stores.  This evening, I worked out a Iron Works and then ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Goose's Acre Christmas Run

Tonight, I went down to The Woodlands to run the Goose's Acre Christmas Run.  It was a double loop course along the lighted waterway.  It was billed as a 5K, but my GPS showed it to be just over 3.5 miles.  I finished in 46:05.  This was my 88th race in 2015.  I need to get busy getting ready for Christmas and I have family coming in.  I plan to make it my last  race this year.

Santa Hustle Half Marathon

My wife and I drove down to Galveston yesterday.  I picked up my packet, checked into the hotel, went to Mass and then out to eat at Marios's.  I ran the Santa Hustle Half Marathon and my wife walked the 5K.  Most of the half course was along Seawall Blvd.  The temperature was in the high 60's and low 70's with strong winds.  I finished in 3:06:36 and placed 4 of 4 in the 70-74 age group.  Last year, I ran the same race in 2:48:20.  My back hurt today only when I thought about it.  I did lose 2 minutes for a porta potty break, so my real time was about the same as the half marathon last Sunday in College Station.  We had lunch at a deli and then my wife went down to the beach, which I took a nap.
In any case, this was my 87th race this year (probably the last) and 850th lifetime race.

Dumb fall

I went out on Veterans Memorial Parkway this morning to get in a run before leaving for Galveston.  I tripped on a seam in the concrete and fell.  Most of me landed in the grass next to the sidewalk, but my left knee hit the concrete.  I keep the band aid companies in business.  I still got in a mile +.

Different Friday

Usually, I have a race on Saturdays, so on Fridays, I skip Iron Works and run laps at the track.  However, today was different.  I spent some time this afternoon with the heating pad on my back.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran an unplanned route in the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2.3 miles.  I suppose I will be ready for the half marathon on Sunday.

Testing the back

This has nothing to do with running, but as I was going out my front door to check the mail, I found a lizard in the foyer.  I chased it outside and then crossed the lawn going toward the mailbox.  I walked right passed a Copperhead.  It is mid-December and the temperature is in the mid-50's.  I thought the snakes were hibernating.
      I treated my back with heat today and went out to the park this evening.  I decided to try 2 miles on the park roads.  Depending on movement, it was painful for that first mile.  The question was whether or not it would loosen up after that.  Just as I turned around to run the second mile, Scott, one of the park police officers, pulled up beside me in his patrol car.  I ran and we talked for the last mile.  He even gave me a report on my pace per his speedometer and lit up an oncoming car that was coming on too fast.  During that second mile, I was able to pick up the pace and run without pain.  I wonder if Scott will go down to Galveston on Sunday and pace me for the half marathon.  Joking aside, I do feel better about being able to run the half on Sunday.  The weather is suppose to be nice and most of the course is along the flat Seawall Blvd.

Not normal

My back was a little better today, but far from normal.  I had family visiting today, so I did not get a chance to run until after dark this evening.  I went over to the track and ran laps.  My lower back was stiff and sore, but I managed to get in a mile +.  I have 3 days to recover for the half marathon on Sunday.  Tonight, I got back on the heating pad.

The streak made me do it

After I got up this morning, I developed serious pain in my lower back.  I'm not sure what caused it, but I spent part of the day laying on a heating pad.  It was difficult to get around.  If it was not for my streak, I would certainly have not have run today.  I did skip Iron Works and went out to the park this evening.  I managed to get in a slow and painful 1.1-mile run on the trails.  My experience is that pain that comes on suddenly seems to go away suddenly.  Hopefully, I will be back to normal tomorrow.

Slept 10 hours

I went to sleep at 11 last night and woke up to a phone call at 9 this morning.  My right toe has a big blister on it from the half marathon in the rain yesterday.  Other than that, I felt okay.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran laps at the track.  I plan to get in my routine this week and look toward another half marathon next Sunday.

BCS Half Marathon

It was a dark and stormy drive over to College Station early this morning for the BCS Half Marathon.  Heavy wind and rain.  The race started a 7 a.m. and it rained throughout the race.  There were many places where the water was built up, so the shoes and socks stayed completely wet.  The temperature was in the 50's and I found that comfortable.  I finished is 3:03:50, about a minute slower than last year.  For the 2nd year in a row, I was 4th in my age group.  This was my 86th race in 2015 and my 849th lifetime race.  More importantly, it was my 2,247th consecutive day of running.

Reindeer Run and Jingle Bell Run

I drove 79 miles over to Lufkin this morning to run the Reindeer Run.  The distance was 3.3 miles and most of it was on trails.  The temperature was in the 70's and it was very humid.  I finished in 42:30.  I did not place in the 50 and over age group, but I did get a couple free dinners at a local restaurant for being the oldest runner.  I gave them to a local volunteers I was talking to.  After the race, I drove 51 miles south to Livingston and ran the Jingle Bell 5K, which started at noon.  I finished in 38:58 and did not place in the 60 and over age group.  From there, I drove 44 miles back to Huntsville, showered, and then drove 53 miles to College Station to pick up my packet for the BCS Half Marathon tomorrow morning.  I got back to Huntsville in time for church this evening and then dinner out.  I am going to try to go to bed early tonight.  I'm tired from all the driving, especially in heavy rain to and from College Station.

82

Here it is well into December and it was 82 degrees when I went to the track to run laps this afternoon.  However, the weather is suppose to be stormy this weekend and I have two 5K's tomorrow and a half marathon on Sunday.

Club meeting this evening

Our running club had a general membership meeting this evening, so I went out to the park early and ran 3 miles on the trails.  At the meeting, I was re-elected as the club treasurer and received the Speed Racer Award (certificate and $40 Academy gift card).  Maybe it was for being speedy in signing up for a lot of races.  In any case, it was appreciated.

Beautiful weather

Beautiful weather today.  Clear and in the 60's and 70's.  I have three races this weekend.  The weather for the two 5K's on Saturday should be okay, even with temperatures in the high 70's.  I bought tickets today for the 7 p.m. Saturday Sam Houston State - Colgate football game, but they just moved it to 11 a.m. due to weather Saturday evening.  I am running a half marathon in College Station on Sunday and the weather is suppose to be bad, including rain and dropping temperatures during the race.
This afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Trails

After Iron Works this evening, I met up with the group (Jason, Jacob and Glenn) at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Another 3-race weekend coming up.

Late run

I drove 138 miles up to Tyler this morning to visit my brother in the hospital and drove back this afternoon.  It was nearly dark by the time I got back.  So, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran laps at the track.

Texas 10 Series Conroe and Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Texas 10 Series 10-miler in Conroe this morning.  Beautiful weather; 40's and 50's and sunny.  I finished in 2:12:11 and was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  While I did not place, I won a $100 bill in the door prize drawing and got to visit with a lot of good friends.  Conroe is the 7th and last of the 2015 Texas 10 Series.  I placed 2nd in the 70 and over competition for the Armadillo Cup for the series.  Besides some sort of a trophy, that comes with a $175 check.  I plan to run all 7 in the series again in 2016.
After driving home, I worked on race results for the club web site, watched football and took a nap at the same time.  Then, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 37:46.  It was my 83rd race this year.  Probably, 4 more to go.

St. Nick 5K

I ran the St. Nick 5K in College Station this morning and finished in 38:16.  They had a 60 and over age group and I was 7 of 13.  I think I was the only one over 70, though.  Race 81 this year.

Rare morning training run

In anticipation of driving up to Tyler today, I got up and ran a little over a mile on Veterans Memorial Parkway this morning.  Mornings are for sleeping.  I ended up not going to Tyler.  Three-race weekend coming up.

Park roads

I went out to the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  Cool and clear weather.

Trip to Houston

Late this morning, I drove down to Houston to visit a friend in M. D. Anderson Hospital.  I got back in time to work out at Iron Works and run the PTA 5K course before it got dark.

Darn door

I spent much of the day trying to get my disabled brother-in-laws front door open.  It has 3 locks on it and one is stuck.  I stopped short of breaking something.  Now, I will have to seek professional help.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park to meet up with the group.  I did not realize that the park was closed for hunting.  So, I went into town and ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around the campus.

Slept in

After getting up early 4 days in a row for races, I slept in this morning.  Had a lot of things to do today and did not get to Iron Works and running until it was late.  I managed to get in 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway before it was totally dark.  I have a 5K and a 10-mile race coming up this weekend.

Wellness 5K Katy

I got up early this morning and drove 92 miles down to Katy to run the Wellness 5K.  My friend, John Slate, was there and also Jon Walk.  Jon and I ran it together and he probably pushed me.  We solved a lot of world problems while we were running.  I finished in 37:07, which is probably my fastest 5K in several months.  This was my 80th race for 2015.

Leftover Turkey 5K

We had our club's annual Leftover Turkey Run this morning.  I had visiting family, so I opted for the 5K, instead of the 10K.  All this holiday eating really shows.  It is a hilly course, but I still finished in 40:10.  Too slow.  After the race, I met the family down at the Cafe Texan for breakfast.  Then, most of the family left early this afternoon, so I went to the Sam Houston State - Southern Utah football game in the cold, rain and wind.  I made it until half time and then left.

Friends of the Running Community 5K

My friends, Jon Walk and Bill Dwyer, put on a special 5K in The Woodlands this morning to complete the Montgomery County Triple Series.  They called the Friends of the Running Community 5K.  The first in the series was the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler yesterday and the last is the Run the Woodlands 5K tomorrow.  After eating so much yesterday, I really felt sluggish and my time showed it.  I finished in 40:48.  It was non-competitive and I had a great time visiting some good friends.  They gave me bib number 78 to mark my 78th race this year.  This afternoon, I drove 75 miles over to Somerville for another family get-together with my daughter-in-law's family.  More food and we have a club run at 9 a.m. tomorrow in the cold and rain.

Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler

For the 14th straight year, I went to The Woodlands this morning to run the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler.  There were thousands of runners and it seems to grow every year.  It was relatively warm and humid compared to lately, but tolerable.  I finished in 1:04:56.  This evening, I went back to look at my time last year and found that I never logged the race.  However, I found my time online and it was 1:00:47 last year.  I was a little slower this year, but for the first time in 14 years running this race, I placed.  Got 3rd in the 70-74.  I think the fast guys moved up to the 75-79 age group.  I would have been 4th in that age group.  I got to visit with a lot of friends and that always makes for a good race.  This was my 77th race this year, 840th since I started racing and it was my 2,230th consecutive day of running.

Friday routine on Wednesday

Friday is my usual rest day, with laps at the track.  Since I have a 5-mile race tomorrow (Thursday), a 5K on Friday, 10K on Saturday and a 5K on Sunday, I went to the track this afternoon and 1.3 miles on the streets from the track.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Rocky Raccoon and Hog's Hunt

I received an email today from my friend, Paul Stone of Tyler, who has directed the Rocky Raccoon 50K/25K (late Fall) and Hog's Hunt 50K/25K (Spring) at Huntsville State Park for many years.  I have either run or volunteered at both every year.  He told me that he will no longer be putting on these races.  However, he is trying to get someone to take over.  Hope he is successful.  I have enjoyed running and working with Paul over the years.  He is a first class act.  (This does not have anything to do with the Rocky Raccoon 100 and 50-Mile races in February, which are put on by someone else.)
In the meantime, it was me, Jason and Glenn at the park tonight.  I ran 3 miles on the trails.

Started new shoes

I took a new pair of shoes out of the box and ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus this evening.  The last pair lasted for 47 days, but were really worn out.  During that 47 days, I ran 178 miles.

Slept in

My wife woke me up at 10 this morning with just enough time to get ready for church.  After watching football early this afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the trails.  I ran into a large doe on the trail.  She stood there until I got about 15 feet from her and then she ran up the trail aways and waited on me.  As I approached her again, she took off again up the trail.  After doing that four times, she finally left the trail.  Years ago, we frequently encountered deer on the trails, but now, it is seldom.

Three races today

I got up at 5 this morning and drove down to Bellaire on the south side of Houston to run the Fall Fever 5K.  The temperature was in the 60's and it rained off and on during the race.  I finished the very flat course in 38:38 and was 2nd of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  The age group award was a $15 gift certificate to Fleet Feet.  I also won a nice door prize, a $50 gift card to Fuddruckers.  After that race, I headed up to the west side of Houston and ran the Buffalo Brewery non-competitive 4.4-miler at 11 a.m.  I finished in 58:40.  There was no rain during the race, but it had obviously been raining hard before the race. I had a couple beers and a nice visit with some friends and a couple of officials from Houston Marathon, the course director and the pace group coordinator.  I did not get back to Huntsville until 3:30.this afternoon.  I picked up friends, Donna and Maddie, and we drove to Lufkin for the Twilight 5K, which started in total darkness at 6:30 p.m.  The weather was clear, but it was windy and the temperature in was in the low 40's.  Maddie, who is on the Sam Houston State Tennis Team, was the fastest female and Donna came in first in her age group and was the second fastest female.  I finished in 38:12 and was 3rd in the 60 and over age group.  After the race, we ate dinner at the Cotton Patch and then drove back to Huntsville.  I did not get home until about 11 p.m.  A long day.  Tonight was my 76th race in 2015.

Sleepless

With my sinus issue, a lot of coughing and some other issues, I hardly got any sleep last night.  Then, I had to attend an all-morning meeting in the Woodlands.  I tried to nap this afternoon, but could not.  With three races tomorrow, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  I am going to try to go to bed early tonight.  Looks like the first two races will be in the rain and the third one in the cold.

Sinus Infection

I had a fever last night and was lucky to get a noon appointment with the doc today.  I told him that I was there for my annual sinus infection.  He prescribed antibiotics and other pills.  I slept most of the afternoon and then went out to the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the trails and feel much better tonight.  I have two races in Houston Saturday morning and one in Lufkin Saturday night.  It looks like a new front is coming through, so the weather may be a little funky.

2,222

Today was my 2,222nd consecutive day of running.  I suppose I could have run 22.22 miles to celebrate, but I have sinus problems and spent much of the day in bed.  I did go out on Veterans Memorial Parkway this evening and run 2.222 miles.  My GPS does not have the 4th digit, so I had to wing it.

The cracks in my yard are officially closed

This morning, we had the heaviest rainfall since I moved into my current home 10 years ago; maybe even the heaviest since I moved to Huntsville 30 years ago.  My 5 1/4-inch rain gauge was overflowing.  The cracks in my yard from the late summer drought are now officially closed.  It stopped raining this afternoon and I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Running late

It was late before I got a chance to workout and run.  After Iron Works, I ran out and back on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  I managed to get in 1.5 miles before it was totally dark.

Texas Road Romp Half Marathon

I got up at 4:30 this morning and drove 130 miles to Waco to run the Texas Road Romp Half Marathon.  The temperature was in the 50's and 60's with no rain.  The course has about five miles of steep hills.  I was determined not to walk a step during the race and I accomplished that.  I finished in 2:57:50 and was 3rd in my age group.  After the race, I tried to take a nap in my truck, but could not doze off.  So, I went to a restaurant in Waco for lunch and then drove back to Huntsville.  This was my 73rd race in 2015.  If all goes as planned, I should end up with about 85 races.

Run the Woodlands 5K

There were a lot of races around this morning, but I opted to go down to The Woodlands for the $1 Run the Woodlands 5K.  Cool and clear weather and I finished in 38:43.  I am running in Waco tomorrow morning, but because of the Oklahoma/Baylor game tonight, there is not a room available anywhere in the area.  So, I have to get up real early in the morning and make the 2+ hour drive to Waco.

Friday laps

With a couple races this weekend, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.

Winding down

With two races this weekend, I started winding down today.  We had a running club meeting this evening, so I went out to the park earlier this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the trails.

Veterans Day

In anticipation of rain this evening, I went out to the park late this morning to run trails.  As I was sitting at the park gate, I happened to look at my watch.  The time was 11 minutes and 11 seconds past 11 a.m. 11/11.  Since its Veterans Day, I will post my veteran photo from 31 years ago.  I suppose I should have run 11 miles today, but I only ran 4.

Run, only

I had some guys over late this afternoon to service my aerobic system (home sewer plant in my backyard).  So, I never made it to Iron Works.  I went straight to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Two races coming up this weekend, a 5K and a half marathon.

Nice day for running

It was clear today and the temperature in the 60's.  Nice day for running.  After Iron Works, I ran a 2-mile loop around the campus.  If I was training for something, it would have been a good day for a long run.

Back to the park

With nice sunny weather this afternoon, I went back out to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Rocky Raccoon 25K

For the 15th straight year, I ran the Rocky Raccoon Trail Run at Huntsville State Park this morning.  For some of those years, I ran the 50K, but for today and recent years, the 25K.  The temperature throughout the race was in the low 60's, but for most of the race it rained.  Lots of water and in some places, slippery mud.  My hamstring was fine, but I never tripped or fell.  That must a first for me at that distance on the trails.  I finished in 4:26:47, compared to 4:12 last year.  There was no age group competition, but I was the oldest runner at the event.

Busy day

I went down to Houston this morning to attend the funeral of a good friend's father.  Great family and I got to meet more of them.  On the way back, I stopped in Tomball and had lunch with my son.  Got back at 3 p.m. and went to the track and ran laps.  Then, I went to the rental store to rent tables for the Rocky Raccoon Trail Run tomorrow, picked up another table and the canopy from our club storage place and went to the State Park.  I drove to the back corner of the park and put up the canopy and left a table.  It was totally dark by the time I got out of the woods.  The forecast is for rain all morning tomorrow.  It's gonna be a fun race.

Tapering

I guess you can say that I am tapering for the 25K trail run on Saturday.  I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  I am still hesitant about running trails.  Saturday will be test.

Three on Veterans

After Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles on the sidewalk along Veterans Memorial Parkway.  Dana was the only other club member running there and I ran into her as I was going out and she was coming back in.  The hamstring seems to be improving.  I have a 25K trail race this Saturday and that will be a big test.

Two trips to the park

I made a couple trips to the state park this afternoon.  The first trip was with an engineer wheel to measure for a turnaround point for the Rocky Raccoon Trail Run this Saturday.  The second trip was to meet up with the group this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  With my hamstring still tentative, I am hesitant about running the trails just yet.

Avenues

I was a little tired today from the weekend.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran an unplanned route in the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 1.7 miles.

Texas 10 Series Katy and Sunday Night 5K

I made it an hour and a half down to Katy this morning for the Texas 10 Series 10-mile race.  An old friend ran the first 5-mile loop with me, but he was only doing the 5-mile race.  It rained for much of the race, especially the second loop.  My time was 2:23:12, 3rd place in the 70 and over age group.  The hamstring held up okay.  I got back to Huntsville just in time for church.  I then headed down to The Woodlands through heavy rain for the Sunday Night 5K, which I ran with my friend, Jon Walk.  We finished in 38:40.  This evening's race was my 70th race in 2015.

Saturday race cancelled

This morning's 5K in Willis was cancelled due to storms.  I was sort of relieved because I was not sure how my pulled hamstring would react to trails.  I went over to Veterans Memorial Parkway this afternoon and ran one mile on the concrete sidewalk.  No sharp pains from the hamstring, but I am apprehensive about tomorrow's 10 miler.

Weekend in question

I ran laps at the track today and was disappointed that the hamstring hurt while running.  I am suppose to run a 5K trail run in Willis tomorrow morning, but there is a 95% chance of heavy thunderstorms at race time and for the next 2 or 3 hours.  They will decide whether to cancel it at 6:30 tomorrow morning.  Then, I have the 10-mile Texas 10 Series in Katy Sunday morning.  Now, I am wondering about the hamstring holding up for that distance.

Another 2

While the hamstring is healing, I ran another 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  Three-race weekend coming up, one 10-miler and 2-5K's.

Being careful

I have been cautious the last couple of days, hoping not to re-pull or tear the hamstring.  After Iron Works, I met up with the group (me and Steve) behind the Mall.  I ran 2 miles out and back along Veterans Memorial Parkway.  I have been trying to burn out a tree stump in my backyard for 2 days.  Now, my wife is ill from the smoke.  Today was our 48th anniversary, but she did not feel well enough to eat out.  She really puts up a lot with me, but she supports my running streak - at least she tolerates it.

Nursing the hamstring pull

Depending on how I moved today, the hamstring hurt.  I skipped Iron Works this evening and went directly to the park.  I ran 2 miles on the smooth park roads without pain.  A trip on a root on the trail would probably be extremely painful and cause more hamstring damage.  In any case, today was my 2,200th consecutive day of running.

Injury

Looks like I pulled a hamstring.  I was getting out of my truck this evening and stepped down wrong.  I felt a pull in my right hamstring where is connects to the hip.  It really hurts, depending on which way I move.  So, after working out at Iron Works, I went to the track and managed to get in a slow and steady mile without too much pain.  Depending on how it feels tomorrow, I may go to the doctor and start therapy treatments.  I have three races this weekend, one of which is the Texas 10 Series 10 Miler in Katy on Sunday.  Sure can't miss that one.

Rained most of the day

No complaining, but it rained most of today.  Tomorrow, I will have to check and see if those big cracks in my yard have closed up.  I still felt a little beat up after the half marathon yesterday, so I ran 1.3 on the streets in town this afternoon - in the rain.

Race for Success Half Marathon

I drove an hour and a half over to Lufkin this morning to run the Race for Success Half Marathon at 8 a.m.  I expected to cut some time off last Saturday's Huntsville Half Marathon, but it did not happen.  The rain held off until after the race, but the humidity was virtually at 100%.  I ran every step of the race and tried to take on 2 cups of water at every aid station, but in the end I was dehydrated.  I really got dizzy after the race and drank 4 bottles of water.  I eventually felt okay to drive home.  My time was around 3:12 and I was last in the race.  I'm not sure how many finishers there were, but they 59 registered runners before the race.  The last couple miles, the high school cross country team jumped in and ran to the finish with me.  I enjoyed visiting with them.  It was great seeing a lot of my Lufkin friends and thanks to Cindy Sosa Springs, Sara Neal and Steve Allen for "watering me down" after the race and making sure I was okay.  I really feel drained this evening and have a blister on my toe, too.  Glad I do not have another race tomorrow.  The good news is that it rained all the way home and has been raining in Huntsville ever since.  My rain gauge says 4 inches and it is suppose to rain all night tonight and all day tomorrow.  I hate that the people in Mexico had to under Hurricane Patricia, but we appreciate the rain that it brought.

Laps

As I normally do on Friday, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  Tomorrow's half marathon should be interesting with storms coming through the area.  We had a whopping quarter inch of rain this morning.

Unfulfilled promises of rain

It was suppose to rain today.  In fact, earlier today the forecast was for 100% at 5 p.m.  None at my house.  Maybe tomorrow.  I got up early this morning for an 8 a.m. consultation appointment at Physical Therapy Associate.  My left knee is giving me problems and I needed some advice on how to stabilize the knee cap.  I bought a strap and started wearing it for my run today.  In anticipation of rain, I went to the park early today and ran 2 miles on the park roads, followed by a workout at Iron Works, where it rained hard for about 1 minute.

Dehyrdration

For some reason, I became dehyrdrated late this morning.  I started losing my vision, so I drank 3 bottles of water and felt somewhat better.  I laid around much of the day and then ran 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway and worked out at Iron Works.

It is finally suppose to rain

After weeks on no rain, we are suppose to get some this week.  I am running a half marathon in Lufkin on Saturday and the chances of rain are 90%.  It is so dry, I would even welcome running in the rain.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles on the state park roads.

Day 1 of my 7th year

I had a busy day getting information together for the running column I write for the local paper and a bunch of followup treasurer work for our club's half marathon on Saturday.  I finally got to Iron Works and then a 2-mile run on the campus streets.  It was day 1 of my 7th year of streaking.

6 Years

Today marked completion of 6 years without missing a day of running.  I had family visiting today.  After Mass this morning, I spent some time at our church bazaar and then went to Houston to attend a birthday party.  I got back late this evening and then went to the track to run laps.  My last streak and my longest was 6 years, 9 months and 18 days.  I look forward to going beyond that point.

Huntsville Half Marathon

I ran the 37th Annual Huntsville Half Marathon this morning.  Beautiful clear weather in the 60's and 70's.  I finished in 2:59:59 and took 2nd in the 70 and over age group.  Yes, there was only 2 of us.  It's nice to have a prison in town to make license plate awards.  My time last year was 2:54:02, but I was about 10 pounds lighter then.  This was my 67th race this year, 829th lifetime race and 2,190th consecutive day of running.

Laps

After hauling two pallets of potting soil this morning, without breaking the springs on my truck, I ran laps at the track.  Guess I'm ready for the half tomorrow.  Gonna be hot.

Early park run

I had some time to spare mid-way through the afternoon, so I went out to the park and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  Busy weekend coming up.  Family and friends coming in tomorrow night, half marathon Saturday morning and a birthday party in Houston Sunday afternoon.  My wife is in charge of the plant sale at the Church Bazaar on Sunday.  I have to get up early tomorrow and go to the Scott's Company and pick up two pallet loads of potting soil and deliver them to the church.  I have to make two trips and get them to the church for the inmates to unload before they leave at 9 a.m.  I sure do not want to unload them myself.

Veterans Memorial Parkway 5K

A bunch of us met up this evening and ran the 5K course out and back along Veterans Memorial Parkway.  My next race is the Huntsville Half Marathon this Saturday.

Just me and Jason at the park

Jason and I were the only ones who showed up at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and he ran farther and finished when I got back.  With no rain for weeks, the sand is deep on parts of the trail.

Tired Monday

I was tired today, but am not sure if it was from the races this weekend or all the travel.  Maybe, some of both.  I stayed busy all day with different projects.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

Texas 10 Series Fort Worth

After getting home from the 10 miler in The Woodlands yesterday, I took a nap and then drove 2 hours+ plus up to Tyler for a family get-together.  At 7 p.m., I left there for another 2-hour+ drive to Fort Worth to run the Texas 10 Series this morning.  It was suppose to be a 10-mile course on the gravel and concrete walkways along the Trinity River.  Somebody messed up the course and everyone ran a course that was 8.7 miles.  In any case, I was 2nd of 2 in the 70 and over age group, with a time of 2:00:45. I got beat by the young 71 year old guy in the photo. However, being over 70, we got exempted from climbing the high steps of the podium.

10 for Texas

I ran the 10 for Texas in The Woodlands this morning.  I finished in 2:20:11, compared to 2:07:12 last year.  It was probably warmer this year, but I am also 9 pounds heavier this year.  This was my 65th race this year.  I just found out that my two competitors for the most races in 2015 are at 52 and 49.

Friday mile

With a 10-mile race in the morning, I ran a little over a mile on the roads this afternoon.  Earlier, I drove down to The Woodlands to pick up my packet.  Nearly 3,000 runners are signed up, so I opted to avoid race-day packet pickup.  Besides, gas is relatively cheap now.

Park roads, again

After Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park and ran 5 miles up and down on the park road hills.  This Saturday, I will be running the 10 for Texas in The Woodlands.  I ran this race in the late 80's before it was discontinued and brought back in 2006.  I ran the race on October 15, 1988 in 1:25:16 (my PR for 10 miles).  I was 47 then, but still wonder how I ran that fast.

New shoes

I put on new running shoes this evening and ran 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  My last pair lasted 51 days.  With all the long runs coming up, I doubt that my new pair will last that long.

2,500

Well, this is my 2,500th post since starting this blog on April 19, 2008.  I suppose blogging was popular back then and has since been replaced by Facebook for most people.  Jon Walk and Katy Lampson encouraged me to start a blog.  While it is probably the most boring blog in the system, it seems to help me be more accountable for my running.  So, it goes on.
I got the stitches out of my neck/jaw this afternoon.  Then, the doctor says that the pathology report indicates that the thing he removed was not cancer.  Instead, it was a enlarged oil gland.  I did not know that I have those.  In any case, I went out to the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Around the campus

It seems like every Monday, I run 2 miles on the streets around the campus.  Today was no exception.  It is nice to have the cooler temperature.  Looking forward to two 10-milers this weekend.

Audie Murphy Hero 5K and Sunday Night 5K

Friday afternoon, I drove up to Wylie to spend the weekend with my my and his family.  We went to the high school football game that night.  I could not believe how cold it was (low 50's)  sitting in those stands.  It was a good thing I brought my jacket.  I got up early Saturday morning and drove 16 miles up to Farmersville to run the Audie Murphy Hero 5K.  For those who may not know who Audie Murphy was, he was the most decorated soldier in WWII.  After the war, he became a movie start.  He starred in his own biography, To Hell and Back, and many westerns.  Farmersville was his hometown.  It was a nice small 5K in the middle of a local festival.  Probably 30 to 40 runners.  The course was a single loop around the town and the temperature was perfect for running.  I finished in 37:57 and was first in the 70 and over age group (yes, I was the only one).  After the 3-hour drive back down to Huntsville this afternoon, I drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  Because of construction, the course had to be modified.  It turned out to be 2.9 miles.  My friend, Jon Walk, and I ran together and we finished in 34:48.  This was my 64th race this year;  my 826 lifetime race and my 2,177th consecutive day of running.

Friday routine

With a 5K tomorrow morning, I ran laps this morning.  Nice cool weather.

Park roads, again

I am a little leery of running trails with 10 stitches on my jaw, so I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening.

5K on Veterans Memorial Parkway

Several of us met up this evening and ran the 5K course on hilly Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Medical day

I had my annual physical this morning here in Huntsville and then went down to Conroe for surgery to have a spot of cancer removed from my neck/jaw.  I survived both and made it back to Huntsville in time to work out at Iron Works and go to the park and run 2 miles on the park roads.  Now, I do not have to shave for a couple weeks.

Most of the day in bed

I woke up this morning with a bad sinus blockage and vertigo.  It must be the change in weather.  We had a light rain most of the day.  All in all, just over 1 inch.  I took medication and felt better later this afternoon.  I drove to the track and ran 1.3 mile on the roads from there.  Then, I went to Iron Works, but did not stay long.  I have my annual physical tomorrow morning, followed by some minor surgery in Conroe tomorrow afternoon.

Texas 10 Series Huntsville

For the second race in a row, I did not have to leave town.  I ran the Texas 10 Series Huntsville 10-Miler this morning.  As you would expect, it is the hilliest of the 7 races in the series.  The temperature was nice, about 70 degrees at the start.  However, the humidity was around 90 percent.  I finished this race last year in 2:12:44.  Today, my time was 2:27:24 (3rd of 3 in the 70 and over age group).  I was disappointed in my time, but there was an announcement by the race director this evening that the turnaround point was at the wrong place and the course was actually 10.4 miles.  That is of some relief, but I was still slower than last year.

Fall Fun Run 5K

I ran our club's annual Fall Fun Run 5K this morning.  I finished in a slow 40:52.  Not to make excuses, but the course is very hilly.  Race 61 for the year done.

Easy Friday

With a 5K tomorrow and a 10-mile race on Sunday, I took it easy today; ran laps at the track this afternoon.

Early trail run

We had a running club meeting this evening, so I went out to the park earlier this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Afternoon in Conroe

My wife and I both had doctor appointments in Conroe this afternoon, so we spent much of the day there.  I went in for my quarterly skin cancer check.  He froze a couple spots on my neck and found another spot that will need to be cut out.  That surgery is scheduled for September 29, the same day as my annual physical.  Guess I should have stayed out of the sun when I was a kid.  Anyway, I got back to Huntsville in time to work out at Iron Works and run 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Stretching it out

I stretched it out a bit this evening by running 7 miles on the trails at the park  Guess that is my long training run for the 10-miler on Sunday.

Back to Monday

With three races and other things, the weekend went fast.  Now, it's back to Monday.  This afternoon, I mowed what little rain-starved grass growth there was, worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles around the campus.  Two races this coming weekend, a 5K and a 10 miler.

Running of the Bulls 5K

I got up early this morning and drove down to NRG Stadium on the southside of Houston to run the Texan's Running of the Bulls 5K.  They had about 5,000 runners.  I finished in 39:35, about 2 minutes slower than last year.  I was 6th of 8 in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 60th race this year and 822nd lifetime race.  Today was my 2,163rd consecutive day of running.

Dye for Dogs Run and Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run

I drove down to New Waverly this morning and ran the Dye for Dogs Run.  It was suppose to be a 5K, but was actually 3.75 miles.  I finished in 46:17 and managed to avoid all the color stuff being thrown around.  I went from there to Houston to run the Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run at 11:20 a.m.  It was 3.7 miles and I finished in 47:39.  It was hot and humid for both races.  I stopped for lunch on the way home.  I took a nap and then went to the Sam Houston State and Lamar football game at 6 this evening.  It was televised, so it lasted a full 4 hours.  Back to Houston for another race tomorrow morning.

Restful Friday

Since I have two races tomorrow morning and another one on Sunday, I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon.

Running Injury Prevention Clinic

This evening, I attended a Running Injury Prevention Clinic put on by Physical Therapy Associates here in Huntsville.  They did a great job.  Earlier, I worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

Early run at the park

I had to go to a visitation in west Houston this evening, so I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  After visitation, I drove up to northwestern Houston and picked up my packet for Sunday's Running of the Bull 5K (Houston Texans' race).  Since it was fairly close to where my son lives, I had dinner with him.  I made it back to Huntsville at 9:30 tonight.  I am debating on whether I should wear a Dallas Cowboy shirt at the race on Sunday.  I grew up in East Texas, so my team has always been the Cowboys.

Park roads

Despite rain in the area, it was not raining at the park when the group met up at 5:30.  While the others ran trails, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.  It did rain some at my house, but when I got home from the park, I found the rain gauge tipped over.  Hopefully, it was too full to stay upright.

Bastrop State Park

Five years ago this month, we had a tremendous drought in Texas and there were brush and forest fires in many parts of the state.  One of the heaviest hit places was the Bastrop area, including Bastrop State Park.  I recall driving to the Gruene 10K in New Braunfels five years ago and having to take a different route to avoid the Bastrop area because of the raging fire.  On the way home from the Gruene 10K this year, I drove through Bastrop State Park.  The photo is what most of it looks like now.
This evening, I ran 2 miles in the hilly avenues.

Almost Fall

Beautiful sunny Sunday, with low humidity.  I went out to the park between football games and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Gruene 10K

Yesterday, I ran laps at the track and then left for New Braunfels to run the Gruene 10K this morning (for the 5th straight year).  Beautiful weather, 70's and low humidity.  For a change, I was not drenched in sweat when I finished.  I finished in 1:21:31, about 3 minutes slower than last year.  There was 2 of us in the 70-74 age group and I was second.

Back from Wylie

I got up early this morning and ran a mile+ on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  Then, I drove 3 hours up to Wylie for a family get-together.  Got home tonight at 10.  The first thing I did was get a flashlight and check the rain gauge.  We were suppose to get a lot of rain today.  One quarter inch in my gauge.

New Wednesday group

Dana organized a new running group for Wednesday evenings.  We met behind the mall and ran the Veterans Memorial Parkway 5K course.  It was less than 3 miles from my house and when I got home, it was RAINING.  I checked the gauge and found that we got one inch.  So now, that's 2 inches since June 30.

Just Jacob, Jason and me

Only three of us showed up at the park to run this evening, speedy Jacob and Jason and slow me.  I'm not sure how far they ran, but I ran 2.5 miles and they were finished when I got back.

Sluggish

I went to town this evening to work out and run.  Iron Works was closed and just after a heavy rain in town, I ran 2 sluggish miles on the streets.  I felt like I was running the last two miles of a marathon.  Maybe it was mental.  I went home to find that we had not gotten a drop of rain.

Wellness 5K and Sunday Night 5K

I got up early and drove to downtown Houston to run the Wellness 5K.  The temperature was in the high 80's with very high humidity.  I finished in 38:35, first in the 70 and over age group, because I was the only one.  My wife walked the course.  This evening, I drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  Because of construction, the course was modified.  The race director said that it was 3.25.  I finished in 39:52.  This was my 56th race in 2015 and 818th race since I began racing in 1983.  Today was my 2,149th consecutive day of running.

CapRock 5K

I went over to College Station this morning to run the 1st Annual CapRock 5K at College Station High School.  I was surprised about the crowd; they had 369 finishers.  It was well organized, with nice finisher medals for a 5K.  I was the only male in the 70 and over age group, so I won first.  The prize was a $130 Garmin Activity Tracker for all age group winners.  My time was 39:15, a minute or two slower than normal.  It was probably due to the very high humidity.  After the race, I drove to the neighboring city, Bryan, and had breakfast at my favorite Mexican restaurant, CoCoLoCo.  Then, I stopped by a store to get some stuff for my wife.  After that, I drove to a drug store in Conroe to pick up my wife's prescription.  It was after lunch before I got home.

Laps

With 3 races this weekend, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  My wife and had lunch in town today.  When we came out of the restaurant, it was raining.  Of course, none at my house.  We have had on two 1/2 inch rains since June 30.  And, I am sure all that rain just went down into the cracks in my yard.

Back to the park

It was back to the park this evening for our normal Thursday trail run.  I ran 3 miles on the trails, while the others ran 3.5 and finished before I did.  Oh, the benefits of being a senior citizen.

Finished measuring the new trails at the park

I went out to the park late this morning and finished measuring the new trails on the Federal land adjacent to the park.  I walked about 6.5 miles with an engineer wheel.  If I was smart, I would have waited for the weekend when the bikers were on the trail to break the spider webs across the trail.  I must have run into 100's.  I also got bitten by a tick and several deer flies and walked passed a snake.  I never saw another person on the trails.  However, I got it done and hopefully my measurements will benefit race directors and runners who use the trails in the future.  I am not use to walking and was tired this evening.  After Iron Works, I went over to the track and ran laps.  It was my 2,145th consecutive day of running.

Park roads

It rained all around Huntsville this afternoon, but none at my house.  So, that's two 1/2 inch rains since June 30.  I got to the park this evening and decided, instead of trails, to run 3 miles on the park roads.

Unplanned avenues route

After Iron Works this evening, I drove over to the track and ran an unplanned route through the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2.1 miles.

Wellness 5K Katy

I got up at 4:30 this morning and drove 92 miles down to Katy to run the Wellness 5K at 7 a.m.  I finished in 37:36, exactly 1 minute faster than the last time I ran this race.  I was 2nd in the 70 and over age group.

Forgot the wheel

I went out to the park this afternoon with the intention of measuring the last 5 miles or so of the new trail with an engineer wheel.  I got to the trail head and realized that I forgot to bring the wheel.  Rather than go all the way back home, I stayed at the park and ran 3.5 miles on the new trails.

Long day

I got a call this morning that my disabled brother-in-law fell at his house across town.  My wife was running errands so she and I met at his house and loaded him up for a trip to the doctor.  They admitted him to the hospital for 3 days to check him out.  Then, I went out to the park with an engineer wheel and made some adjustments to the Rocky Raccoon 50K/25K course.  While there, I measured about 3 miles of the new trails.  They are longer than what my GPS says, but that is always the case when measuring trails under a tree canopy.  So, I walked about 4 miles with the engineer wheel..  When I was finished, I put the wheel away and then ran a little over a mile on the trails.  This evening, I went to Houston to surprise my son, who was singing with his band at the Concert Pub.  Being 74 years old, I was really out of my element.

New trails, again

The group went in different directions at the park this evening.  James and I ran 3.4 miles on the new trails.  For the first time in months, I tripped on roots and fell - twice.

Better

I felt a little better today and did not take any more decongestants.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran an unplanned route in the avenues.  It turned out to be 2.25 miles.

Woke up dizzy

I woke up with dizzy (a touch of vertigo).  I took a decongestant this morning and felt better later this afternoon.  After working out at Iron Works, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Off day

I did not feel well all day;  due to sinus congestion, I think.  I napped much of the day.  However, this evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 1.3 miles on the streets in town.

Rocky Raccoon Course

Lately, I have been working on a new Rocky Raccoon 50K & 25K course at Huntsville State Park and it is now finalized.  The race will be held on Nov. 7.  The course change is necessary because much of the park will be closed for 9 months for reconstruction, starting in September or October.  My friend, Paul Stone, who is the race director, came down from Tyler this morning and we walked over 5 miles of the new course.  Later today, I ran 2.6 miles on the streets in town.

Heatwave 5K

This morning, I ran our club's Heatwave 5K about 15 miles east of Huntsville in the Waterwood Sub-division.  White the temperature was in the mid-80's, the humidity must have been close to 100.  It rained for a few minutes right after the start and again as I was finishing.  My time was 38:52.  This was my 52nd race in 2015 and 814th lifetime race.  Today was my 2,134th consecutive day of running.

Woke up to rain

I woke up this morning to rain.  However, we only got an half inch.  It probably all went down into the deep cracks in my yard.  I went out to the park this afternoon and hiked to a turnaround point that I had lightly marked the other day.  I improved the marking with tape and flags.  Then, I ran a mile + on the trails; 5K in the morning.

It was suppose to storm this evening

The weather forecast was for heavy storms at trail running time this evening.  So, earlier this afternoon, I ran 2.9 miles on the roads around the campus.  This evening, Sara emailed me and asked why no one else was at the park.  She took off alone on the trails, so I went out to the park to make sure she got in okay.  Not a drop of rain all day.

Most of the day at the park

I went out to the park late this morning with an engineer wheel to measure trail distances for use in an upcoming race.  I walked with the wheel for about 7 miles.  My leg passed within 6 inches of the business end of a water moccasin.  Luckily, he was not too hungry.  As I reached the Nature Center, it started lightning.  I met Sibley Lovett from Houston, who just finished a training run for the Chicago Half Marathon.  We had a nice visit and she kindly gave me a ride to another trail head a mile away where my truck was parked.  I came back to the the park a couple hours later to measure a mile+ out and back part of the course.  After marking the turnaround point, I carried the wheel and ran back to the start.  So, I got in about 8 miles walking and a 1-mile+ run.  Still no rain at my house.

Park roads

For a change, I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening, while everyone else ran trails.

A day it was suppose to rain

We had a good chance for rain today, but none at my house.  The only rain at my house since June 30 was the 1/2 inch or so on August 12.  I ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus this evening.  I ran into an old friend, Steve, who I have not seen in months and we had a nice visit.  He is a Texas Ranger, but not the baseball player type.

Sunday at the park

I went out to the state park at 2:30 this afternoon and ran 6.9 miles on the trails.  The temperature was down to about 95, so it was tolerable.

Watermelon Run for the Fallen

For the fourth year in a row, I ran the Watermelon Run for the Fallen in Hempstead this morning.  It is a race honoring our fallen servicemen.  After several ceremonies, a 4-plane flyover and 3 parachutists jumping into the football stadium, everyone (probably 600+) participants walk two laps around the track.  Then, those who want to run, leave the stadium and run 2.8 miles downtown, where they have refreshments and more ceremonies.  I finished the 2.8-mile run in 36:34, according to my GPS.  The race is not timed and there are no awards.

Short Friday run

I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  The temperature was a cool 98.  Then, I worked on digging the large tree stump in my backyard.  Makes running seem easy.

Old trails

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles on the old trails at the park.

Rain, finally

After not a drop of rain at my house since June 30, we got just over an half of an inch this evening.  Maybe more will come soon.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went over to the track.  There was lightning in the area, so I just ran laps.  Got soaking wet during the last lap.

Almost got a little rain

There was rain in the area this evening, but none at my house.  I ran 3.4 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  During our social hour after the run, it started raining at the park.  On the 10 mile drive home, there were wet streets until I got to mine.  No rain streak day 42.

Hand is better

My right hand is still sore, but I was able to go back to Iron Works and work out this evening.  It was 6 p.m. before I went for a 2-mile run around the campus.  The temperature was still 100.  And, this is no rain streak day 41.

Hot

I went out to the park at 2:30 this afternoon when it was 101 degrees and ran 5.4 miles on the new trails.  I started and finished at the trail head on the I-45 service road just north of the park and never saw anyone else on the trails.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning for the 71st time.  Of course, it was hot and humid.  I finished in 39:28.  This was my 50th race this year and my 2,120th consecutive day of running.  Also, today was the 39th day of our no rain streak.

Warrior 5K

I went up to Madisonville (26 miles north of Huntsville) to run the Warrior 5K at 9 tonight.  It was a non-competitive  and un-timed run..  The course was not marked very well and I and others got off course.  My friends who stayed on course said it was 2.8 miles.  According to my GPS, my route was 2.98.  I finished in 38.55.  I ran into several old friends at the race, including Mary Kaplan, who lives out near Marble Falls in central Texas.  She is 76 years old and a retired Air Force full colonel.  She is a on a quest to run a 5K and win her age group in all 254 Texas counties.  Tonight was her 200th county.  I think it was the 4th time I have seen her at a race.  I also had a chance to visit with Dr. Jennifer Sullivan of Madisonville.  I met her at a race many years ago when she was in Vet school in College Station.

Another hot day

This was another hot day with no rain.  Backyard photo above.  My swollen hand felt better today and I was even able to tie my own shoes.  Icing it seems to be helping.  I skipped Iron Works again today, but ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.

Swollen hand

Yesterday, I was drilling holes in a tree stump in my backyard.  The bit caught on something and the drill twisted my right hand.  It was swollen today and very sore.  Hopefully, nothing is broken.  My wife had to ties my shoes today and it is painful typing this post.  I iced it a couple of times this afternoon, skipped Iron Works and ran 2-miles on the streets in town.  This was No Rain Streak Day 36 and no rain in the forecast.  It is suppose to get up to 105 degrees on Monday.

Old trails

The whole group ran on the old trails at the park this evening.  I ran 3 miles.

No rain streak

I work to keep my running streak going, but I'm worried about this no rain streak;  34 days now without a drop of rain at my house.  After so much rain in May and June, nothing.  Now, the temperature forecast for later this week and next week is 103.  Ugh.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

Wellness 5K and Sunday Night 5K

I got up very early this morning and drove 74 miles to downtown Houston for the Wellness 5K at 7 a.m.  I finished in 37:46 and was 1st of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  This evening, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 38:13.  This was my 48th race this year and 810th since I started racing in 1983.  It was my 2,114th consecutive day of running.

Southern Star Brewing Company 5K

I made the 30-minute drive down to Conroe this morning to run the inaugural Southern Star Brewing Company 5K.  There were several hundred runners at the race, so it was a good chance to visit with many old friends and meet some new ones.  I ran the whole race with my friend from The Woodlands, Debbie Tripp.  We finished in 37:46.  I was the only runner over 70, so I was first in my age group.  The age group award was nice and practical - a bottle opener.  Two races tomorrow, one at 7 a.m. and one at 7 p.m.

Laps in the middle of the afternoon

With three races this weekend, I went over to the track in the middle of the afternoon and ran laps.

Early trail run

I had to make a trip over to Bryan and College Station this morning.  On the way back early this afternoon, I received a call from my son in Edinburg that he was on his way up to Huntsville for business and would stop by this evening for dinner.  So, I went out to the park at 3 p.m. when it was 100 degrees and ran 4.7 miles, mostly on the new trails.  I ran over a snake before I realized what it was.  I stopped, when back and checked it out.  Non-poisonous green snake.  In any case, it was the first snake I have seen on the trails this summer.  However, a few days ago, I found a Copperhead on the front porch next to the door.  Looking for water, I suppose.

Another hot day

Day 29 of our no rain streak and temps up around 100.  About 6 p.m., I ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

New trails, again

James and Monica were at the park this evening and had not been on the new trails.  I ran 3.4 miles with them. Today was our 28th consecutive day without a drop of rain after so much in the early summer.

The heat goes on

It has been at least a month since it has rained at my house.  The cracks in my yard are so wide you have to be careful not to fall in.  For almost every day this month, the forecast was for a 10% chance of rain.  If my math is correct, it should rain every 10 days.  So much for forecasts.  It was in the high 90's when I ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus this evening.

Wellness 5K

I got up at 4:30 this morning to make it down to Katy for the 7 a.m. start of the Wellness 5K.  If I seem to be doing a lot more races this year, I am.  I have averaged 64 races a year for the last 3 years.  The race this morning was my 45th for 2015.  My friend, Jon Walk, of Spring, started competition between he, myself and Graham Schooley of Houston to see who could run the most races in 2015.  A couple weeks ago, I was at 43, Graham was at 38 and Jon at 35.  I was down in the valley last weekend and did not race, so I am sure at least Graham got in a couple of races.  Jon is the premier and busiest race announcer in the Houston area, so it will be difficult for him to catch up  I have no idea if anyone else in the Houston area has run more races, but it would be interesting to find out.  This coming weekend, I have 3 races.  In the meantime, I finished the flat 5K this morning in 38:36, a little faster than yesterday.

Dog Days 5K

I woke up early this morning and could not go back to sleep.  I left the house at 6:30 a.m. with my pickup full of signs, a race clock, water and a lot of other race stuff.  I drove over to Iron Works, where we started and finished our club's annual Dog Days 5K & 1-Mile.  Steve and I put out the signs and I ran the race at 8 a.m.  I finished in a slow 40:12.  Maybe it was a combination of the hills and heat.  We loaded all the stuff in the truck and then drove the course and took down and loaded up the signs.  I then drove over to the club storage place and unloaded it.  I was really beat, mostly from all the loading and unloading.  I have to get up early tomorrow for a 7 a.m. race down in Katy.

Regular Friday

With 2 races this weekend, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  It was only 95 degrees.

Back to the new trail

I ran 3.4 miles on the park trails this evening, including about 2 miles on the new trail.  There is still about 5 miles of new trails that I have not run and they are currently building more.  All the new trails are part of the national forest, but connect to the state park trails.

High pressure

There is a high pressure system hanging out over Texas for several weeks, so we have not had a drop of rain and none is in sight.  Another hot day to run.  It was 97 when I ran about 6 p.m. today.  I ran an unplanned route around town and the campus.  It turned out to be 2.8 miles.

New trail

They have been clearing some new trails at the state park.  Actually, most are in the adjoining national forest, but connect to the state park trails.  I ran a little over 3 miles this evening, including about 1 mile on the new trail.  Hot, 97 degrees.

Back from Edinburg

I ran laps last Thursday morning and then drove 412 miles down to Edinburg in South Texas to visit my son and his wife.  I could not find a race in that area during the weekend.  Even though it was a busy weekend, including a visit to South Padre Island, I managed to get in a run every day.  Even in the evening when I ran, it was 100 degrees.  Yesterday, was my 2,100th consecutive day of running.  I drove back to Huntsville this morning and finished up my column for tomorrow's newspaper.  Then, it was back to my routine.  After working out at Iron Works, I ran my 2-mile course around the campus.

Ran out of time

I mowed the yard this afternoon and got a late start on my run this evening.  I only had time for a quick workout at Iron Works and a 2-mile run around the campus before having to be somewhere tonight.  Besides, it is getting hot and we have not had rain for a couple weeks.  And, none in sight. It is such a contrast to earlier this summer.

Just Jacob, Jason and me

It was just Jacob, Jason and me at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Easy 2

After that 11.5K race in the high heat and humidity yesterday, I was beat today.  I worked out at Iron Works this evening and then ran 2 miles around the campus.

Magnolia Hill 11.5K Trail Run

It was hot and humid this morning for the XTerra Magnolia Hills 11.5K Trail Run near Navasota.  I had never run this race before or ran at the location.  Most of the trails were very narrow, ups and downs and twists and lots of muddy spots.  I took one light fall, but managed to grab a tree and cushion the fall.  I walked through the muddy areas to avoid slipping and falling.  I finished in a slow 2:13:27.  However, it was a PR, since I never ran a 11.5K race before.  I was the only runner in the 70 and over age group, so I was first.  I also won a door prize, a free entry into a future XTerra race.  This was my 43rd race in 2015, my 805th lifetime race and my 2093rd consecutive day of running.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  I finished in 38:36.  No age group competition or awards, but I won a pair of socks from Luke's Locker in the door prize drawing.  I gave them to my wife as an early Christmas present.  After the race, I drove on down to Houston and spent most of the dark helping my son with work around his house.  It was a hot day for that.  Another race tomorrow morning.

Friday laps

With 2 races this weekend and a lot of family and visitors at my house over the weekend, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Ran short of time

We had a running club social meeting this evening, so I had to skip running at the park.  By the time I got around to running this evening, I only had time to get in 2 miles around the campus.

Posting late

It is well after midnight; I fell asleep on the couch.  After a busy day, including yard work, I worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus.

Getting dry

It has been a while since it has rained.  My lawn is starting to need watering and the muddy parts of the trails at the state park have dried up.  I met up with the group this evening at the park and ran 3 miles on the dry trails.

Sore knees Monday

My highly medicated knees were sore today after 3 races this weekend.  After Iron Works, I ran 2 miles around the campus.

Wellness 5K and Sunday Night 5K

I got up at 4:45 this morning to make it to downtown Houston for the Wellness 5K at 7 a.m.  I finished in 38:31 and was 1st in the 70 and over age group (I was the only one).  Then, I drove back to Huntsville, took a nap and mowed the yard and did some work on my wife's car..  This evening, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  Finished in 38:02

Stu's Country Mile 5K

For the 20th straight year, I ran Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville this morning.  I finished in a lousy 39:49.  It was hot and my GPS showed the course to be a little long.  In any case, I was 2nd of 5 in the 70 and over age group.  We had over 20 of our club members there and we all met at the Town Cafe just off the downtown square after the race for breakfast.  Then, we watched the 4th of July parade after that.

Toe

I woke up today and my right little toe was dark red and slightly swollen.  I ran laps at the track this afternoon and it never bothered me.  So, it's off to the races this weekend.

Back from Houston

I had to go down to Houston today for a family matter.  Early this morning, I somehow dropped an empty coffee mug on my little toe.  It is really sore, but hopefully nothing is broken.  I made it back from Houston in time to meet the group at the park.  My toe was hurting, so I cut my run to 2 miles on the trails.  Hopefully, it will be okay for the weekend races.

Thought I was going to Houston

I thought I was going to drive down to Houston for a family matter this afternoon, so I did a quick 1.8-mile run in town.  As it turned out, I did not have to go.

More rain

My lawn has never looked so good in the summer., but I have to mow it ever 4 or 5 days.  It rained again today.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening, mostly in a light rain.

New shoes

I put on a new pair of shoes this evening and ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.  They always feel so cushiony when they are new.

Wellness 5K - 800th race

I got up very early this morning and drove 90+ miles down to Katy to run the Wellness 5K at 7 a.m.  I drove through rain most of the way, but it let up for the race.  However, my wife walked the race and got caught in heavy rain for the last 10 minutes.  I finished in 38:57 (2nd in my age group).  This was my 800th race since I started racing in 1983.  On the way back, we stopped in north Houston and had breakfast with our son.  Lots of rain yesterday and today, but none at home in Huntsville.

Polish Pickle 5K

For the 20th consecutive year, I ran the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond this morning.  Bremond is about 95 miles northwest of Huntsville.  It was raining when I arrived and the rain continued for most of the race.  The lightening had passed and it was relatively cool for this race.  I finished in 37:43, which placed me 4th of 7 in the 70-74 age group.  On the way home, my wife and I stopped at the Kosse Cafe in Kosse and had breakfast.  This was my 37th race in 2015, my 799th lifetime race and my 2,078th consecutive day of running.

Normal Friday

With a race tomorrow morning, I went to the track today and ran laps.

Solo park run

I went out to the park at 5:30 this evening.  Jason and Curtis were already out running and no one else showed up.  So, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  When I finished, I visited with former runners, Hans and John, who had been biking.

Avenues 5K course

Waiting for it to cool down a bit, I did not run until 7 p.m. today.  After Iron Works, I ran the Avenues 5K course.  It is a relatively shady course, but has some tough hills.  It traverses the highest point between Houston and Dallas.

Flying J's

I met up with the group at the park this evening.  The three "Flying J's", Jason, Jacob and J. C.,  ran 3.5 miles together and finished before I completed 2.5.  Glen, James and April ran other distances.

Got it out

I have not mentioned it in my blog, but last Thursday night, I took out my contacts for the night.  My right eye kept waking me up during the night.  When I went to put them in Friday morning, I found that only half of the right eye contact was there.  The other half was obviously still in my eye.  I tried to find it all weekend and periodically felt it in my eye.  It kept waking me up during the night.  I went to the eye clinic this morning.  It took some searching by two ladies, but they finally found it and removed it from the corner of my eye.  That was a relief.
After Iron Works this evening, I ran 2.3 miles around the campus.  A good friend, Haleigh, stopped and we visited for a while during my run.  Great news.  She moved back to Huntsville and will be the track coach at Huntsville HS.

Gator Bait 5K

For the first time, I ran the Gator Bait 5K Trail Run at Huntsville State Park this morning.  Very hot and especially humid.  I felt sluggish and unmotivated and my finish time of 50:36 (50:23 chip time) showed it.  With all the rain lately, the trails were muddy in spots, but I managed to not to trip over a root and slip in the mud.  It was probably a new 5K PW (personal worst) for me.  However, I won first in the 70-74 age group (I was the only one).  I did beat the guy in the 75-79 age group.  My next race is the Polish Pickle 5K on Saturday.  It will be my 20th straight year for running this race.

June Bug 5K and Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run

I ran our club's June Bug 5K this morning in the Spring Lake Sub-division.  Hilly and humid.  I finished in 39:47m about 2 minutes slower than my normal 5K time lately.  I went home, showered and then left for Houston to run the Buffalo Bayou Brewery 3.5-Mile Run at 11:20 this morning.  Being Houston, it was a flat course, but the heat was terrible.  I plugged along and finished in 47:08.

Resting up for a 3-race weekend

It's Friday and I plan to run 3 races this weekend.  Late this morning, I went to the track and ran laps.

Wet trails

It seems as though it has been a while since I went to the park.  I ran 2.5 miles on wet and muddy trails this evening.  Lots of rain earlier today.

The storm has passed

Tropical Storm Bill has passed this area and has moved up north.  According to my rain gauge, we had one inch of rain overnight, but none today.  However, as expected, the humidity was very high.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles around the town and campus.  Felt very sluggish.

Pre-tropical storm run

Tropical Storm Bill was headed up this way from the Gulf and there was a 100% chance of heavy storms this evening when we usually run at Huntsville State Park.  So, late this morning, I drove over to Veterans Memorial Parkway and ran 2 miles in a light rain.  It looks like the storm took a more westerly path and there was no rain this evening.

Cool run after the rain

We had a nice rain this afternoon and it was relatively cool.  After the rain, I ran 3.5 miles around the campus and avenues.

It was suppose to rain

The forecast was for 100 percent chance of rain today.  After church, I managed to mow the yard and still no rain.  I went for a run at 5 p.m., expecting to finish before the rain began.  I ran an unplanned course around the campus, which turned out to be 2.2 miles.  Here it is after midnight and still no rain.

Greyhound 5K

For the fourth straight year, I ran the Greyhound 5K in Kosse this morning.  Kosse is 88 miles northwest of Huntsville.  As usual for this time of the year, it was hot and humid.  I finished in 37:50 and was 2nd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.  I got a chance to visit with some good friends, including Dennis Alston, who I had breakfast with at the Kosse Cafe after the race.  Today was my 2,064th consecutive day of running.  This race was my 33rd this year and 795th since I started racing in 1983.

Laps at the track

As on most Fridays, I went to the track and ran laps this morning.  5K race tomorrow morning.

Running club meeting this evening

We had a running club meeting this evening, so I skipped running at the park.  I ran an unplanned route through the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2.5 miles.

Easy day

I did not feel well today, but got in a 2-mile run in the heat of the early evening.

Dry trails

After so much rain in May through the 29th, we have not have a drop since.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  The trails were very dry, with deep sand in places.

Back to Monday

Mowed the yard, worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.  The knees were a little wobbly after 3 races this weekend.

Wellness 5K and Sunday Night 5K

I got up at 5 this morning and drove down to Houston to run the Wellness 5K at 7.  It started and finished at the U. of Houston Downtown campus.  I planned to come down Main St. from the north to the campus and avoid the downtown area.  However, roads were closed due to construction and I ended up south of downtown.  I finally made it to the race, but with little time to spare.  The course was out and back on a concrete trail along the bayou (probably under water a week ago).  I finished in 37:37.  They did not have age group awards, but I was the only runner over 70.
This evening, I went down to The Woodlands with Julia Buck to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 37:03.

Heights 5K Race

For the fifth straight year, I went down to Houston this morning and ran the Heights 5K Race - about 1,000 of Houston's fastest runners on a flat out and back course on Heights Blvd.  The overall winner ran 14 something.  I finished in 37:34, 4th of 5 in the 70-74 age group.  It was my 30th race in 2015 and I have 5 more scheduled this month.
After the race, I went to a couple stores in Houston, looking for a replacement part on my old binoculars, which I bought in Vietnam 48 years ago.  Luckily, I found the part.
On the way back to Huntsville, I stopped and had lunch with my son on the north side of Houston.

Friday routine

With a race tomorrow morning, I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon.

Avenues 5K course

Normally I run at the park on Thursday.  However, we had a club officers meeting this evening and I missed the park.  So, I ran the hilly Avenues 5K course late this afternoon.  As far as my knees go, it was the most comfortable run I have done in a long time.  Cortizone works well.

Post cortizone shot day

Since I had a cortizone shot in my left knee yesterday, this had to be a short run day.  I spent most of the day mowing the yard and working on my son's car, but I did get to Iron Works this evening and then ran laps at the track.  Nice comfortable run without much knee pain.

Scare at the track

Since I had a doctors appointment at 1 p.m. today to presumably to get a cortizone shot in my left knee, I went over to the track and ran laps this morning.  During my my last, a Huntsville Police Officer, who I did not know, parked and waited for me to finish my lap.  I was a little scared.  I knew that I was not getting a speeding ticket for running too fast, but I thought maybe a family member had been in an accident.  He said that he needed to talk to me.  He said that he was training for the Huntsville Half Marathon in October and wanted to know if he could push a baby stroller.  I told him that I would talk to the race director, but was sure it was okay if the stay behind all the other runners.  Whew!
   The doctor and I were convinced that the pain in my knees was caused by the arthritis under my knee caps.  The cortizone shot in my right knee three weeks ago really helped.  So, as expected, he gave me a shot in my left knee.  I have to do another short run tomorrow, but no restrictions after that.  We had a serious talk about so much running, verses alternative exercises for cardio.  He said that even with my knee issues, I was in better shape than 99 percent of his other patients my age.  He said that he would continue to support me the best he could.  Reminder to myself - keep streaking.

Second day of the drought

Two days in a row now with no rain.  Seems like a drought.  After working out a Iron Works, I ran an unplanned route on the streets in town.  It turned out to be 2.7 miles.

OMG, no rain today

It was sunny all day and no rain is forecast for the next few days.  I ran 2 miles on the streets this afternoon, but felt sluggish and my knees were stiff.  I have concluded that the cortizone shot that I received a couple weeks ago is really helping.  So, I presume that when I see the doctor this Tuesday, he will give me one in the left knee.

Chupacabra 10K

I just got home after running the Chupacabra 10K run in New Caney, an hour and 5 minutes southeast of Huntsville.  It started at 8:30 tonight.  It was suppose to be on trails, but the trails were waist high deep with water from so much rain.  So, they moved the race to muddy and pot-holed gravel roads in the park.  The 5K was an out and back course and the 10K was the 5K course twice.  I carried two lights and felt fortunate not to have tripped and fallen.  It rained for the entire race.  I finished in 1:29:32, but there was no age group competition or any awards given.  However, they had a good BBQ dinner and beer after the race and I got to visit with some friends, including Jon Walk, who was announcing the race, and make some new friends.

ER

I woke up Wednesday morning very dizzy.  I assumed it was vertigo, based on my sinus congestion.  I took a decongestant and that helped.  I woke up dizzy again this morning.  I stumbled to the cabinet and took decongestant tablets and then went back to bed.  I woke up at 10 a.m. and was still dizzy.  My doctor is out on Friday, so I went to the Emergency Room (Physicians ER) about 2 p.m.  They were very thorough.  Besides taking all the vital signs, they ran blood tests, conducted an EKG on my heart and an MRI of my head.  In the meantime, they gave me an IV and a pill for vertigo.  All the tests came back normal and the doctor concluded that it was vertigo.  I was at the emergency room about 2 hours and felt better after the vertigo pill took affect.  He prescribed pills should I get vertigo again and suggested an over-the-counter decongestant.  After getting back home, I laid down for a while and then went to the track and ran laps at 6 p.m..  10K tomorrow.

Muddy trails

I ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  They were really muddy in places.  For the second time this year, I got bit by a tick  Jacob also got bit.  I have read that ticks are really suppose to be bad this year.

PTA 5K course, again

It's Wednesday, so after working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran the PTA 5K course.  Running Streak Day 2,047.

Back to the park

It was back to the park this evening.  Some ran on the wet and muddy trails, but James and I ran on the park roads.  The course we ran was about 2 1/4 miles.

Memorial Day 5K at my house

When I went to bed last night, the chance of thunderstorms at 8 a.m. this morning was 30%.  I got up at 6 a.m. this morning and immediately checked the weather - sunny with 0% chance of rain for the morning.  What a relief.  Our club's annual Memorial Day 5K has been at my house for years.  Nothing like having an inflatable start/finish arch over your driveway.  Anyway, I drove the course, putting out all the signs and cones.  Then, worked on the arch, race clock and other things.  The race is open to the public, so you never know how many people are going to show up.  We ended up with 131 runners, plus a lot of family members.  In the nearly 30-year history of our club, it was the largest number of runners we ever had for a monthly club run.  All went well, but it was a relief to have the race completed and everything put away.  I was working on posting photos from the race this afternoon, when Julia emailed me and suggested that I go get my run in, because a storm was headed this way.  I drove to the track and ran on the roads from there.  I intended to run 3 miles, but the storm was blowing in and I cut it to 2 miles.

Getting ready for tomorrow

We have our club's annual Memorial Day 5K at our house every year.  Depending on the weather, we should have over 100 runners and others here.  So, I spent most of the day getting everything ready.  My wife and 3 other ladies were fixing breakfast to be served after the race.  My truck is all loaded with signs and cones for the course. The inflatable arch will go over my driveway tomorrow morning, after I put out all the signs.  I did take a break this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the roads in town.

Birthday

Today was my 74th birthday.  I celebrated by running three races.  I got up early and drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K at 8 a.m.  I finished in 38:50.  Then, I drove down to Houston and ran the Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run at 11:20.  It was suppose to be 4 miles, but according to my GPS, it was 4.3 miles.  In any case, it was non-competitive and I hung back with my niece from Houston.  We had to stop several times and wait for lights to cross major streets and I stopped once to hug Rachel, a member of our club who graduated from Sam Houston State and moved to Houston.  She happened to be out for a training run.  I also stopped briefly at the Gary Price Memorial Park Bench in Memorial Park.  Gary was a 45 year old Houston Police Officer, who died of a heart attack while running the Huntsville Half Marathon in 1997, while I was serving as the Race Director.  I finished the Buffalo Brewery Run in 59:20 and then enjoyed some good beer.  Then, I went to my niece's apartment in Houston and got a shower.  Then, I drove up to Cypress and had dinner with my son, Kenny.  That was followed by the Light Up the Lake 5K in Cypress at 7:30 p.m.  I finished in 38:50, which was the same time as the first race this morning.  I was the only runner in the 65 and over age group, so I received a nice plague for first place.  I finally got home about 10:30 tonight.  It was nice visiting with so many friends at all three races.

No rain today

I took advantage of no rain today and mowed and trimmed my yard.  Tomorrow is my 74th birthday and I plan to celebrate by running three races, a 5K in The Woodlands, 4-Miler in Houston and a 5K in Cypress.  Long day tomorrow and a lot of driving.  To rest up, I ran 1.3 miles on the streets in town this morning.

Rain must be here to stay

It rained again today.  My yard is completely saturated, with standing water in low spots.  To avoid the mud at the park, I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park this evening.

PTA 5K course

After Iron Works this evening, I went to Physical Therapy Associates and ran the 5K course, starting and finishing in front of their building.

Measured a course this morning

We are having our club's annual Memorial Day 5K at my house next Monday.  I tweaked the course a bit, so I re-measured it this morning with an engineer wheel and marked the miles and turnaround point.  I am not use to walking 5K's, but I survived.  After working out a Iron Works this evening, I went out to the hot and steamy park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Woke up to more rain

I woke to more rain this morning.  The ground is so saturated, I have standing water in places in my yard.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 2 miles around the campus.  About a half mile into my run, Lucio from the Sam Houston State Track and Cross Country Team started running with me.  I have never met him before, but we had a nice visit.  He ran with me until the end of my 2-mile course.  I appreciate him running slow to keep up with me and I am sure I ran faster than normal to stay with him.

More rain

Our visiting family went home this morning and it rained most of the day.  I finally got out at 6 p.m. and ran 3 miles on the roads around the campus.

2 Miles and then off to Tyler

I just ran 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  Now, off to Tyler for a family get-together for the rest of the day.

Back from Wylie

I drove up to Wylie (NW of Dallas) Wednesday afternoon.  My windshield wipers were on for the whole trip.  I ran 3.2 miles on a concrete trail (partly under water) in Plano yesterday.  My right knee felt better during the run, but went back to its usual hurting afterwards.  I'm just not sure the cortizone shot is helping.  I drove back to Huntsville this afternoon, mostly in the rain and especially heavy rain in the Dallas area. I worked out a Iron Works this afternoon and tried to get in a couple miles between thunderstorms.  I ended up running 1.3 miles before the storm hit again.  Now, I have family coming in tonight and we will be in Tyler tomorrow.

Post cortizone shot run

In keeping with the doc's instructions, I did another short run this morning (1.3 miles on the road).  Although it was not painless, my right knee felt better.  Hopefully, that is a good sign.

Doctor visit today

Just in case the doctor would do something and tell me not to run today, I ran laps at the track late this morning and went to see the doctor about my knees at 1 p.m.  He said that there were two possibilities.  One, the Synvisc injections for the arthritis under the knee caps was no longer working.  Or, second, there was inflammation in the muscles that attach to the top of the knee caps.  Since my right knee is worse, he injected cortizone under the knee cap to supplement the Synvisc.  He said that if the arthritis under the knee cap is the problem, it will feel better soon.  In 3 weeks, I go back.  If my right knee is okay by then, he will inject cortizone in the left knee.  If it is not better, it is inflammation in the muscles above the knee caps.
I have to do a short run (1-mile) tomorrow and then I can get my mileage back up.  I have family visiting this weekend, so no race.  I have 2-5K's on May 23 (my 74th birthday) and a 10K night trail run on May 30.

Heavy storm this morning

A heavy storm came through Huntsville this morning and it rained much of the day.  My rain gauge said 1.5 inches, but someone at Iron Works told me that they got 6 inches.  Anyway, by the time I went out to run this evening, it was clear.  I ran an unplanned route on the streets in town.  It turned out to be 2.8 miles.

Empty campus

Sam Houston's graduation was yesterday, so the campus was empty today.  This afternoon, I ran a 2-mile loop around the campus.  My knees were sore and unstable, especially for the first mile.  They loosened up somewhat for the second mile.  My doctor's appointment is only two days away.  I hope he has a solution.

Run the Woodlands 5K

For the 68th time, I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  It was very humid and I felt very sluggish the entire race.  I finished in 38:41, my slowest on this course in almost 2 years.  In any case, it was my 25th race this year and my 2,029th consecutive day of running.

Friday workout

I normally skip Iron Works on Friday, but since I have been out-of-town, I worked out there this afternoon before running laps at the track.

Back from North Carolina

I just got home from a trip to Hickory, NC to visit my daughter and her family.  Flew up last Thursday and back this evening.  I could not find a race there during my visit, but it was just as much fun spending time with family.  Some days, I ran in her neighborhood and other days at the YMCA half mile asphalt track.  I never got in over 3 miles on any day.  I did not realize how pleasant the weather was in NC, until I stepped outside in the heat and humidity at the airport in Houston tonight.  I am looking forward to my doctor's appointment here on May 12 to see what he might be able to do about my sore knees.