Summing up 2016

I managed to get through 2016 without any serious illnesses or injury.  The streak will continue into 2017 with a half marathon tomorrow.  I ran laps this afternoon to rest up..

During 2016, I ran 79 races, down from 88 last year.  That's a total of 928 races since I started racing in 1983.  I hope to reach my goal of 1,000 in 2017.  Races completed in 2016:

Half Marathons - 17
10 Milers - 6
10K - 7
5-Milers - 2
5K - 47

Six days in a row on the trails

Tomorrow is Saturday and I do not have a race until Sunday.  So, I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  The temperature was in the 50's.  Except for the race on Sunday, it would have been a good day for a longer run.

A little cooler

The temperature was down a little today.  It was 58 when I went to the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Crowded park

After Iron Works this afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Passed a lot of people hiking.  When I meet families hiking the opposite direction, I always tell them to watch out for the alligator laying across the trail up ahead.

Still have visiting family

I still have visiting family.  This morning, I had to make a trip to the Houston Airport, but this afternoon I made it to Iron Works and the park.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Trails again with Amie

My niece, Amie, and I ran again at the park this afternoon.  We ran 2.4 miles on the trails and roads, mostly on the trails.  Can't believe this nearly 80-degree weather in late December.

Christmas day

Merry Christmas.  I had a lot of family in today, but this afternoon, I went out to the park with my visiting niece, Amie, and we ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K.  I finished in 36:54 and got to visit with some good friends.  This was my 79th and last race in 2016.

Short trail run

Being that it is Friday and I have a 5K tomorrow morning, I went to the park this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the trails.

More nice weather

After the cold weekend, it has been short-sleeve weather this week.  The trails at the park are in good shape.  I ran 2.5 miles this evening - and then started my Christmas shopping tonight.

Early trail run

I went out to the park earlier than normal this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  Nice running weather.

Last column

I have been writing a column on running twice a month for the Huntsville Item.  Today's column was my final after 10 years.  The column is on the paper's web site, but here is a link to the column and all previous ones on the Seven Hills Running Club web site http://7hills.us/RunningShorts.htm
It has been an honor to promote the sport of running in our county.  It has helped motivate me and hopefully, it has done the same for others.  When I started, there were few race results to report.  Now, they take up most of every column.  My friend, Darren Grant, will take over the column, but I will still compile the race results section.  Just don't know what I am going to do with all the spare time.
In the meanwhile, this afternoon, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Back to the park

After working out at Iron Works this afternoon, I went back out to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  It was 41 degrees, but no wind like yesterday.

Santa Hustle Half Marathon

I drove down to Galveston yesterday for the Santa Hustle Half Marathon this morning.  This was my 3rd consecutive year for running this race.  I am still trying to thaw out.  The temperature was 41 degrees during the race with a constant 30 mph north wind.  The course was basically down and back on Seawall Blvd.  The first half was going south, but coming back was brutal.  At times, I felt like I was going to blow over and during gusts, I almost came to a halt.  After the race, the long walk back to my car was worse.  I finished in 2:52:19 and was 3rd of 5 in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 78th race in 2016.

Saturday laps

This is one of the few Saturdays of the year that I do not have a race.  I went to the track this morning and ran laps.  Windy, but it is suppose to be windier tomorrow - and colder.

Back to the park

With no race tomorrow morning, I went to the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails - mostly in a light rain.

The Nelsons

Ten years ago, I met Dave Nelson and his high school daughter, Heather, at the Willis Wildkat 5K in Willis.  Dave was wearing an old Huntsville Half Marathon T-shirt, a race I was then directing.  We struck up a conversation, which eventually led to my talking about my running streak.  A year later, Dave contacted me by email and said that on the way home from Willis, he and Heather talked about my streak.  They decided to start one that day.  He wanted to let me know that they just completed their first year.  Since then, we have kept in touch and I have run into them at a couple races.  Heather went on to graduate from high school and college.  She is now married and working as s school teacher.  I missed 4 days in October 2009 and had to start a new streak, which is now over 7 years.  Today, Dave and Heather reached the 10-year mark on their streak.  Congratulations to them.  I am proud to had a small part of their motivation to start streaking.  I say a small part, because, as we streakers know, the motivation to run every single day has to come within.  I am borrowing their photo from FB and am including it with this post.
After working out at Iron Works this afternoon, I went to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Beautiful weather.

Looking ahead

This Sunday, I am running the Santa Hustle Half Marathon in Galveston.  The temperature is suppose to be in the 40's (that's fine), but a 27 mph north wind is in the forecast.  Most of the course is south and north on Seawall Blvd.  The south part sounds good.  This is going to be fun.
My sinuses felt better today.  Thank goodness they are not infected.  After Iron Works this evening, I went to the park and ran trails.  I did not wear my GPS and I ran a different course than usual.  My distance was at least 2.5 miles.

Sinus congestion continues

I still felt lousy today and napped on the couch.  However, I did workout at Iron Works and run 3 miles on the roads at the park.  It's funny how you seem to feel better after running.

Sinus problems

My annual sinus problems started a little late this year, but they have come on strong.  I picked up some stuff from the drug store and then slept for much of the afternoon.  Then, I went to work out at the new Iron Works (first day open at their new location) and went to the park and ran 2.5 mile on the trails.  The park was closed part of last week for squirrel hunting.  The lady at the gate said that they got a total of 28 squirrels.  When I started on the trail, I immediately saw two squirrels.

BCS Half Marathon

I ran the BCS Half Marathon in College Station this morning and finished in 3:00:16.  This was considerably slower than my last couple of halfs.  I felt tired to begin with.  Maybe it was from those two 5K's yesterday, lack of sleep, all the driving, or a combination of the above.  The temperature was up in the 60's, compared to the high 20's for the 5K in Lufkin yesterday.  In any case, I was 4th of 7 in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 80th half marathon.

Reindeer 5K and Jingle Bell 5K

I got up early and drove an hour and a half over to Lufkin to run the Reindeer 5K at the Lufkin Zoo.  I finished in 35:38 and was 5th of 7 in the 60 and over age group.  Had a nice visit with several good friends, including Leesha Stringer and Jimmie Jones.  From there, I drove an hour south to Livingston to run the Jingle Bell 5K at noon.  I finished in 36:15 and was 2nd in the 60 and over age group.  Then, I made the hour drive back to Huntsville for a shower before driving another hour west to College Station to pick up my packet for the half marathon tomorrow.

Laps

With 2 races tomorrow, I went to the track today and ran laps.

Waterway Jingle Bell Run

I took my daughter and granddaughter down to the airport in Houston for their trip back home to Chicago this afternoon.  On the way back, I stopped in The Woodlands to run the annual Waterway Jingle Bell Run at 6:30 p.m.  This is a non-competitive run along the well-lit waterway.  There were a couple course options, but I ran the 2.8-mile course in 35:25.  They had refreshments at Luke's Locker Running Store after the run and I got to visit with some good friends.  My visiting family are gone now; it is quiet for the first time in a week or so.  Three races coming up this weekend.

Visiting family

I still have visiting family.  More flew into the Huntsville airport this morning.  I drove them back to the airport this evening and then got in a 2-mile run on Veterans Memorial Parkway as it was getting dark.

Park closed

The state park is closed for 3 days this week for hunting, so I had to break my winter habit.  I ran a 2-mile loop around campus this evening just as it was getting dark.  The heavy traffic reminded me of why I have been running at the park when the students are in town.

Cold and rainy

It was cold and rainy most of the day.  After Iron Works, I went to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads in the rain.

Sunday Night 5K

I was suppose to run the Texas 10 Series Katy 10-Miler this morning.  I got up at 4:30 a.m. and left the house at 5 for the hour and a half drive down to Katy.  While backing out of my driveway, I got a call telling me that the race was cancelled due to storms and possible flooding in the area.  I went back to bed, but it took a while to get back to sleep after having downed a cup of coffee.  I did drive down to The Woodlands this evening for the Sunday Night 5K.  The rain let up for the race, but the temperature was about 50.  Jon Walk and I ran together and I finished in 35:30.  It was my fastest Sunday Night 5K since October of last year.

Rain all day

It rained pretty much all day.  My house is full of family (24 at the moment), but I slipped out this morning for a rare 1-mile + run in my neighborhood.  I have a 10-mile race tomorrow morning and it will be cold and rainy, plus I have to get up real early.

Got in a run

I did not get back from the airport until 2 this morning.  After getting up late this morning, I slipped away and went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  It is suppose to be a cold and rainy weekend and I have 2 races on Sunday.

Calm before the storm

Today is probably the calm before the storm.  I will have a lot of family at my house for the next few days.  In fact, I have to drive down to Houston tonight to meet an incoming flight at 11:30.  Routine day for running, though.  After Iron Works, I met up with the group and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

2,600

Minor milestone.  I hit 2,600 days on my current streak today.  I have a lot of family coming in this weekend and I did yardwork most of the day.  I finally got around to getting in a 2-mile run on the park roads just before dark and then a workout at Iron Works.

Back to the park roads

I met up with the group at the park this evening.  While they all ran trails, I ran 3 miles on the hilly park roads.

Much needed rain today

We got some much needed rain today, although not much at my house.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.  Obviously, there had been more rain at the park.  No mud, but the sand was packed down and the rain washed the leaves off many of the roots.  Nice running surface.

Leftover Turkey 5K and First Responder Half Marathon

We had our club's annual Leftover Turkey 5K yesterday morning.  I finished the hilly course in 38:14.  Then, I drove to Waco for the First Responder Half Marathon this morning.  The course avoids Cameron Park, so it is flat.  I last ran this race in 2013 and finished in 2:56:53.  This morning, I finished in 2:41:35, making it my fastest half marathon in recent years.  I was 2nd in the 70 and over age group.  The finisher medal was a police car, complete with battery powered flashing lights.  This was my 79th half marathon.

Trails instead of laps

With 2 races coming up this weekend, I would normally run laps at the track.  But the weather was so nice, that I went to the state park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler

For the 15th straight year, I ran the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler in The Woodlands.  I finished in 59:17, my fastest time in this race since 2010.  I was 4th of 4 in the 75 and older age group.

Thanksgiving eve

With a 5-mile race in the morning, I ran trails at the park this afternoon.  Part of my run was on the trails outside the park, so I am not sure of the exact distance, but it was 2 miles+.

Trails, again

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went back to the state park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Right now, we are getting a much needed heavy rain.

Crowded park

Being Thanksgiving week, the state park was crowded this afternoon.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and encountered a lot of hikers.

La Porte by the Bay Half Marathon

I made the 100-mile drive down to La Porte (east of Houston) early this morning to run the La Porte by the Bay Half Marathon.  The temperature was in the 30's when I left Huntsville and was in the 40's for the start of the race at 7:30 a.m.  Clear weather, so a perfect day for running.  I ran into a lot of old friends, including John and Julie Loftus, who were here from New Zealand.  For the most part, the course was flat.  Then, there were out and back trips over the Hartley Bridge over the Houston ship channel.  Each way over the 178-foot bridge was 2.6 miles.  I made it without having to walk.  In any case, I finished in 2:51:47, less than 2 minutes faster than my half marathon in Nacogdoches last Sunday.  There were nearly 1,800 finishers and I was 4th of 5 in the 75-79 age group.  Half marathon number 78 done.

Conroe Turkey Trot 5K

I like these races that start at 9 a.m.  I was able to get up relatively late to make it down to the Conroe Turkey Trot 5K.  Sorta cold and windy, but the course was flat.  I finished in 35:57 and was 2nd in the 60 and over age group.

Laps in the rain

Late this morning, I went to the track and ran laps in a light rain.  Usual weekend coming up, a 5K on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday.

No rain for a while

Seems like it has been weeks since we had any rain.  The forecast if 100% for tomorrow and clear and cool this weekend.  So, the weather looks good for my Saturday and Sunday races.  In the meantime, I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening.

Sluggish

I had to get up early this morning for the AC guy and had a doctor's appointment and several errands in Conroe.  I felt sluggish, but got in a workout at Iron Works and a 2-mile road run at the park.  Two races coming up this weekend; a 5K and another half marathon.

Park roads

After working out at Iron Works, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.  They must have had a big law enforcement meeting at the park, because I got passed by many state troopers and park police.  The bad news is that none of them gave me a speeding ticket.

Back to the park

The temps were back up today, but still comfortable for running.  I ran the new trails just outside the state park this afternoon.  Not sure what the distance was, but it was something over 2 miles.

East Texas Half Marathon

I drove 2 hours over to Nacogdoches yesterday for the East Texas Half Marathon at 7 a.m. this morning.  The temperature was in the high 40's and low 50's during the race.  Could not ask for better running weather.  The course was mostly flat, going back and forth across the city and into some neighborhoods.  The pavement was rough in places and we ran over some curbs, but I managed not to trip.  I finished in 2:53:10, my best half marathon time since December 2014.  I finished 2nd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning in 36:00.  Enjoying this cooler weather.  This was my 915th race and 2,582nd consecutive day of running.

Usual Friday

With a 5K in the morning and a half marathon on Sunday, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Club meeting

We had a running club meeting this evening, so I went out to the park early and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Oops

It is just after midnight and I realize that I forgot to blog for this Wednesday.  Nice weather today, about 70 degrees.  I went out to the park at mid-afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Election day

I will be thankful when this day and the entire campaign is over.  Tonight, I chose to watch a football game I found on TV, rather than election results.  Jason and I were the only ones who showed up at the park this evening.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads, while Jason ran trails.

Back to the park

I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.

Texas 10 Series Conroe and Sunday Night 5K

Long day.  I got up early this morning and drove down to Conroe for the Texas 10 Series 10-Miler at 7:30 a.m.  Nice weather, with a temperature in the 60's.  I finished in 2:09:54 and was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  I got back to Huntsville in time to get a shower and make it to 12;30 Mass.  It was in Spanish and I did not understand a word.  Being Catholic, Mass every Sunday is an obligation.  After Mass, I changed clothes and went down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  It rained early in the race, but then let up.  I finished in 36:54.  I returned home to visiting famiily.

Ready, Set, Go 5K

I drove over to College Station this morning to run the Ready, Set, Go 5K at 9 a.m. on the Texas A&M campus.  Had not run this race before, but have run the course several times.  I drove through a heavy rain as I entered College Station, but there was no rain during the race.  I finished in 36:08, two seconds slower than my 5K last Saturday.  It was non-competitive, but I would have been first in the 70 and over age group if it was.

Three-race weekend coming up

I plan to run two 5K's and a 10-miler this weekend.  To be normal, I ran laps at the track this morning.  Rested up, but I still have the soreness in my foot.

Sore foot

I have had soreness in the upper part of my left foot this week.  I am not too worried about it, but ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  I wonder what they would charge me at the Cryotherapy place just to freeze my foot.

Planned Half Marathons

This evening, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  I plan to run a lot of races this season, but my focus is on half marathons.  I have completed 3 this month to give me a life-time total of 76.  My goal is 101.  Below is a list of the half marathons I plan to run for the remainder of this season.  If I can complete these, that will give me a total of 91.  Then, I should be able to reach my goal next year.

Sunday, Nov. 13, East Texas Half Marathon, Nacogdoches

Sunday, Nov. 20, La Porte Half Marathon

Sunday, Nov. 27, First Responder Half Marathon, Waco

Sunday, Dec. 11, BCS Half Marathon, College Station

Sunday, Dec. 18, Santa Hustle Half Marathon, Galveston

Sunday, Jan. 1, Texas Half Marathon, Kingwood

Saturday, Jan. 7, River Road Half Marathon, New Braunfels

Sunday, Jan. 22, 3M Half Marathon, Austin

Sunday, Feb. 12, Rhythm & Blues Half Marathon, Houston

Saturday, Feb. 17, Love.Run Half Marathon, Huntsville State Park

Saturday, Feb. 25, Jail Break Half Marathon, Baytown

Saturday, March 4, The Woodlands Half Marathon

Saturday, March 18, Lucky Trails Half Marathon, Seabrook

Sunday, April 9, Vantage Half Marathon, Houston

Saturday, April 15, Big Star Half Marathon, Frisco

Zero traffic

I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening and faced zero traffic.  It reminds me why I tend to run at the park rather than on the roads in town when traffic is so bad around the university.

Easy Monday

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the roads.  I felt fine, except for some sore toes from running the half yesterday in sweat-soaked shoes and socks.

Houston Half Marathon

I was out of bed at 4 this morning to drive down to Houston to run the Houston Half Marathon at 7 a.m.  Arriving plenty early, I got a good parking place and a chance to visit with some friends before the race.  I finished in 2:57:43, which was 22 seconds faster than my half in Huntsville last Saturday.  I placed 7 of 10 in the 75 and over age group.  There were about 4,000 finishers in the half marathon and another 1,500 in the 10K.  A check of the weather conditions when I finished showed that it was 69 degrees and 99 percent humidity.

Run with the Saints 5K

I had to go down to Houston today to pick up my packet for the Houston Half Marathon tomorrow, so I found a 5K.  I ran the Run with the Saints 5K in far west Houston.  I finished in 36:-06, 3rd of 3 in the 60 and over age group.

Anniversary

My wife has put up with me for 49 years today.  I suppose that is my other streak.  With two races this weekend, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Voted

I voted today and did a lot of garden work.  To rest up, I worked out at Iron Works and ran 3 miles on the park roads just before dark.

Same as yesterday

I ran the same 2 miles on the park roads that I ran yesterday.

Easy 2 at the park

I ran an easy 2 miles on the park roads this evening.

Still breaking in the new shoes

I ran the half marathon on Saturday in my old shoes, which are about to be retired to work shoe farm.  So, I went to the park this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the park roads in the new shoes.  They should be ready for another half marathon this weekend.

Back to the park

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Must have run into 30 hikers on the trails.

Huntsville Half Marathon

I ran the Huntsville Half Marathon this morning.  Could not ask for better weather.  Temperature in the 50's, sunny and relatively low humidity.  It is a hilly course, but I finished in 2:58:05, about 7 minutes faster than my half last Sunday.  I was 3rd of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  It was great seeing and visiting with a lot of friends that I have not seen in a while.  It was my 75th half marathon.

Friday at the track

Half marathon tomorrow morning, so I ran laps at the track this morning.  Nice cool and clear weather is predicted.

No one else showed up

No one else showed up at the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Started year 8

Since the temperature was down into the 80's, I worked out at Iron Works early and got to the park at 3 p.m.  I continued to break in the new shoes with a 3-mile park road run.  Today was day 1 of 8 years.

7 Years

Today marked 7 years on my current streak.  I have been fortunate to stay healthy and have the support of my friends and family.  I plan to continue streaking for as long as I can.  If I have to break it for anything short of death, I'll start over again as soon as I can.  Nothing special today.  I put on a new pair of running shoes and ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  Looking forward to running my 75th half marathon at age 75 this Saturday in Huntsville.  The temperature is suppose to be in the 50's, such a contrast to the half in College Station on Sunday.

Sore toes

My toes are so sore from running the half marathon in sweat-soaked socks.  Otherwise, I feel fine.  I worked out at Iron Works this evening.  Last week, they closed the small one that I have always gone to, so I went to the big one.  All the machines are different, so I will have to adjust my routine.  Next month, they are opening a new one and then close the location that I went to today.  Maybe they will move the machines that I am familiar with to the new location.  After my workout, I went to the park and ran 2 miles on the trails, with my sore toes.

Octoberfest Half Marathon

I went back to College Station this morning to run the Octoberfest Half Marathon.  The race started in the dark at 7 a.m.  The weather forecast for 7 a.m. called for 99% humidity and 100% by 8 a.m.  I suppose the forecast was correct.  The temperature was in the 80's, so it was a challenge to stay hydrated during the race.  The start line was outside of Kyle Field and the finish line was inside the stadium.  I ran slow, but never walked a step and finished in 3:05:35.  I was second place of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 74th half marathon, working toward a goal of 101.

CapRock ER 5K

I ran the CapRock ER 5K in College Station this morning.  I thought I was running faster, but ended up finishing in 38:17.  There were 4 in the 70 and over age group and I got second.  The first place in every age group was awarded with a Garmin watch.  For 2nd place, I received a $50 gift card for the local running store (3rd place received a $25 gift card).  By the way, the overall male and female winners received a laptop.  Nice finisher medals for everyone.  Not bad for a $20 entry fee.

Regular Friday

With two races this weekend, I rested up today.  Ran laps at the track.

Two of us

There were only two of us who showed up at the park this evening, me and Glen Carter.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Summer seems to have returned.  I have a 5K and half marathon this weekend and the forecast is for hot weather.

New trails

I ran 3.5 miles this afternoon, mostly on the new trails on Federal land outside of the state park.  Just after I started the run, I met my good friend, Melissa Davis, who was finishing up a long run.  Nice visit with her.

Early trail run

I had a meeting this evening, so I worked out at Iron Works and ran trails at the park earlier.  I ran 2.5 miles, most of it in the rain.

Physical results

I had my annual physical last week and they called me today with the results.  Everything looked good.  Guess my streak can continue for at least another year.  After Iron Works, I went out to the park and ran a short loop on the new trails that go outside the park.  I am not sure what the distance was, but it was something over 2 miles.

Texas 10 Series Cypress

I drove down to Cypress (northwest of Houston) to run the Texas 10 Series 10-miler.  I met up with my niece, Amie, who lives in Houston.  She ran the 5-mile race.  Nice weather in the low 60's.  The 10-mile course was 2 loops on a 5-mile course.  Flat, but all concrete.  I finished in 2:10:31, about 13 minutes faster than the Texas 10 Series Huntsville a couple weeks ago on a hilly course with very high humidity.  I was 3 of 3 in the 70 and over age group.  It was nice today not being soaked from head to foot in sweat at the finish line.  I had a negative split today.  My second loop was 4 seconds faster than the first.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning and finished in 37:12.  Nice cool weather in the 60's.

Friday rest day

With two races this weekend, I ran laps at the track this morning.

Annual physical today

My annual physical was rather uneventful this morning.  The lab work will be complete in a  couple days.  Hopefully, everything will be normal.  In the meantime, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.

Getting close to 7 years

October 18 will mark 7 years on my current streak - and no end in sight.  It just does not seem that long ago when I broke my last streak in October 2009.  I ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.  I have a 5K and a 10-mile race this weekend.  Then, the next weekend I start running half marathons every weekend.

Park habit

This time of the year, I tend to run more at the state park.  Traffic is so bad in town during the school year and the cooler weather makes running at the park more comfortable.  After working out at Iron Works this afternoon, I ran 2.5 miles on the  trails.

Lost a good friend

I learned within the last hour that an old friend of mine, True Cousins, passed away today.  True and I were charter members of the Seven Hills Running Club founded in 1985.  He was 82, so for many years we competed in the same age group.  I always remember him beating me in races.  Then, I started edging him out.  That is when he told me that he was having transmission problems with his pacemaker.  It was stuck in a low gear.  He was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet.  We also shared a love for old VW's and he helped me keep my going for years.  He was a consistent runner until the last year, but continued to walk.  In fact, he was an engineer and never retired until today.  I will miss him.
    I went to the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

It is the first Sunday of the month, so I went down to The Woodlands this evening and ran the Sunday Night 5K for the 75th time.  I finished in 37:27.  This was my 904th race and 2,541st consecutive day of running.

Habitat for Humanity 5K

My computer konked out a couple days ago and I have been unable to post.  Thursday, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails, Friday, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  This morning, I drove over to Livingston and ran the Habitat for Humanity 5K.  I ran 35 something.  According to my GPS, the course was 2.9 miles, a little short.  There was no age group competition and the temperature was about 70 degrees.  Nice.

Mid-afternoon run

The temperature was about 85 at mid-afternoon, relatively cool.  So, I went out to the park and ran 4 miles on the trails.  After a shower, I went to Iron Works for a workout.

70's this evening

The temperature was in the 70's this evening.  Very comfortable for running after so much heat.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Back to the park

After Iron Works this evening, I went to the park and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Texas 10 Series Huntsville

I ran the Texas 10 Series 10 miler in Huntsville this morning.  An earlier forecast predicted rain.  No rain, but it was very humid.  I did not expect a good time with the hilly course and I was not disappointed.  I finished in 2:23:01, my slowest of 21 Texas 10 Series races.  I was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K in The Woodlands this morning.  I finished in 37:53.

Friday laps

Since it is Friday and I have two races this weekend, I ran laps at the track this morning.

Club meeting

We had a running club meeting at 6 this evening, so I worked out at Iron Works and went to the park earlier this afternoon.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Later run

I went out to the park about an hour later than usual this evening.  It was in the 80's and relatively cool.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads and felt much more comfortable.  Two races coming up this weekend, 5K on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday (maybe both in the rain).

Same 3

There was a little rain at the park this afternoon, so the temperature was down into the 80's.  Instead of trails, I ran the same 3-mile course on the park roads that I ran yesterday.

Still hot

It was in the 90's this afternoon, with a heat index of 105.  I went out to the park early with the intention of running 5 miles on the park roads.  I cut it to 3 miles.  Sure hope it cools off before the long races for the season start this weekend.

Back to the park

I took a break from football this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Woodforest Charity 10K and Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run

I ran the Woodforest Charity 10K in Conroe this morning.  The course was relatively flat and through various neighborhoods in Conroe.  I finished in 1:21:08 and won first in the 70 and over age group.  This was 21 seconds faster than my 10K time in New Braunfels last week.  It was hot and humid and I had to take on a lot of water during and after the race.  It was well-organized and I got to visit with a lot of good friends.  Then, I drove on down to Houston to run the 11:20 a.m.,Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run with my, niece Amie, who lives in Houston.  I stayed with her and we finished the 3.6-mile course in 52:30.  By then, it was really hot and humid.  We cooled off with a brew and then had lunch together.  This was my 900th race.

Thursday and Friday

Due to a computer issue, I was not able to blog last night.  However, I ran 2,5 miles on the trails at the park and ran laps at the track today.  10K race tomorrow.

Mid-afternoon trail run

I went out the park at 3 this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  Nice run until I tripped on a root and took a hard fall in the dirt in the last mile when I was good and sweaty.  I skinned up my left knee in the normal place.  I should just put on band aid on that spot before I run trails.

Regular Tuesday trail run

Regular Tuesday.  Ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  This was my 2,522nd consecutive day of running.  October 18 will be 7 years.

Park roads

After Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park and at the last second, decided to run on the park roads.  Ran 2 miles.

Easy park run

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran an easy 2.5 miles on the trails.

Gruene 10K

I drove over to New Braunfels yesterday afternoon to run the Gruene 10K this morning.  This was the 6th straight year I have run this race, so I suppose that it is now one of my streak races.  It was unusually humid for that part of the state and I was drenched in sweat when I finished.  My finish time was 1:21:29, a whopping two seconds faster than last year.  I was first place in the 75-79 age group (yes, I was the only one).  After the race, I went back to the hotel for a shower and then to lunch with my wife.  Then, I took a nap in the truck while she was at the Farmers Market and then another nap while she was in the health food store.  On the way back to Huntsville, I got in a third nap while she shopped at the Antique Rose Emporium in the town of Independence.  We finally got home about 5 p.m.

Laps - 10K tomorrow

With a 10K tomorrow, I went to the track this morning and ran laps.

Signed up for 14 Half Marathons

I have signed up for 14 half marathons for this season and will probably add 2 or 3 more.  My goal is to complete 101 half marathons to honor those who have served with my Vietnam unit, the 101st Airborne Division. So far, I have completed 73 half marathons and hope to reach my goal next year at age 76.   I completed my 101st  marathon at age 72 in 2014.
    In the meantime, I ran 3.5 miles on the trails at Huntsville State Park this evening.

Early run

I had to go down to The Woodlands this evening to have dinner with my son, so I worked out at Iron Works and ran trails earlier than usual.  While at Iron Works, I ran into my old friend and follower of this blog, Marvin Dittfurth.  We had a nice visit.  Good luck on your Tri this weekend in Tyler, Marvin.  I ran 3 miles and never saw any other person, just one snake and one rabbit.

Good to get back on the trails

After nearly a week of running on hard surfaces, it was good to get back on the trails at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles.  I suppose it rained at the park yesterday.  The trails were wet, but not muddy.

Labor Day 5K

I ran our club's annual Labor Day 5K this morning in the Spring Lake Sub-division. I finished in 40:24, which made it one of my slowest 5K's ever.  The course is very hilly and I was probably a little tired after so much travel over the weekend and two 5K's yesterday.  We had a nice crowd of 62 runners.

Kolache 5K and Sunday Night 5K

Thursday afternoon, I drove up to Arlington (between Dallas and Fort Worth) for the Cowboy-Texan football game.  After the game, I drove to Wylie (northeast of Dallas) and got there about midnight.  I visited family on Friday and Saturday and got in runs on a trail at a park in Plano.  I left Wylie at 5 this morning and drove 2 hours down to West (north of Waco) to run the 40th annual Kolache 5K at Westfest.  I finished 4th of 7 in the 70 and over age group, with a time of 37:59.  After the race, I attended a polka Mass in an open arena in the middle of the festival and then drove 2 hours+ back to Huntsville.  After a good nap, I drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 37:54.

Laps

Busy day.  I went to the track and ran laps this morning.  Running streak day 2,510.

5K x 500

The last few days, I have been working on some of my race stats in response to a request from Dr. Stephen W. DeBoer (number 3 on the national streak list) of the Mayo Clinic, who is working on an article about racing over the age of 50.  First, I found out that my lifetime race count is 895, not 897 that I thought.  The other surprise was that the 5K I ran last Saturday in The Woodlands was my 500th 5K.  Well, how about that?
      This afternoon, I continued my park habit.  Ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Old newspaper photo

Last night, I was going through some old Seven Hills Running Club files and came across this November 26, 1997 article in our local newspaper.  The month before, a 45-year old Houston police officer died of a heart attack while running our club's Huntsville Half Marathon.  I was the race director and club president.  He fell on the course and four CPR-qualified people tried in vain to save him.  One was a race road guard, another worked at the beauty shop across the street and two were driving by and stopped to help.  I presented all four with plaques at a city council meeting in the presence of the officer's widow.  I did not realize it until I saw the article last night that one of the four was Marcus Luttrell.  He later became a national hero as the "Lone Survivor."  Click on the photo above to enlarge.
      This evening, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Trail habit

With the students back on campus, traffic in town is terrible.  I am reluctant to run the streets around the campus.  So, I will probably be doing most of my runs on the trails at the park.  After Iron Works, I went out to the park and ran 3.5 miles.

Sunday afternoon trail run

I intended to do a long run at the park this afternoon.  However, it started raining on my way to the park.  I waited for the heavy rain to stop before heading out on the trails.  With the rain, standing water on part of the trails and lightening, I cut the run to 2.5 miles.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I drove down to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K for the 77th time.  With my sore back problem, I was a little concerned about my finishing time.  I ended up with a 37:47, which is in my normal "shot group."

Park, again

While it is not my usual Friday routine, I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails in a light rain.

Return to the park

It was back to Iron Works this evening and a return to the park for my Thursday routine.  My back is still sore, but I managed to get in 2.5 miles on the trails.

Back from North Carolina

I returned to Huntsville this evening from an 8-day trip to North Carolina to visit my daughter and her family.  She is married to a Marine and they live in government housing at Camp Lejeune on the coast.  I had not been there before and was surprised how big the base is (246 square miles).  I flew up on Tuesday and got in a run that evening.  The base has miles and miles of well-maintained 6-foot asphalt running trails.  No loose dogs on the base.  In fact, Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mix dogs are not allowed on the base. One day, I got a a 3-mile run on the beach.  My lower back was really sore and stiff the next day.  However, I did manage to get in a run everyday, including a couple 3-mile+ runs.  During one of my runs, I got caught in a storm, with heavy train and lightning.  Monday of this week was running streak day 2,500.  When I got home this evening, I ran an unplanned route in the avenues.  It turned out to be 1.7 miles.

Sore back

I guess it was all that climbing and descending on the trail run yesterday that caused my back to be so sore today.  Nothing serious, but I did a short (1.3 miles) on the roads in town this evening.

Cameron Park 6.5-Mile Trail Run, Waco

Saturday afternoon, I drove over to Waco (2+ hours) to run the Cameron Park 6.5-Mile Trail Run this morning.  I have run the steep roads through the park a bunch of times for the Waco Marathon and a couple different half marathons.  However, I have never been on the trails until this morning.  Obviously, it was hot and humid.  Soon after the race started, we went up "Jacob's Latter," which is a steep set of staris going up the side of the hill.  I had to wait in line to enter the stairs.  The trails were very rocky with steep ups and downs.  So many times, I had to grab trees or limbs to keep from sliding or falling.  There were plenty of roots to trip on too.  My goad was to take it easy, not worry about time and finish without an injury.  I almost stepped on a copperhead once and took one light fall.  The last mile or so was on the trail along the river and relatively flat.  My finish time was 2:14:32 and there were still 2 runners finishing after me.  I was the only runner over 70, so I picked up a first in age group win.  More good news:  when I got back to Huntsville this afternoon, I found over 3 inches in my rain gauge.

Saturday at the park

I did not have a race this morning, so I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the trails.  I did not encounter any police chases, though.

Exciting laps

I went over to run laps at the track this evening.  As I was finishing, a car drove by at a very high rate of speed.  I watched him pass another car on the street that runs by the track.  Then, he never slowed down for the next intersection on the corner (Ave. O & 19th St.).  He hit another car in the intersection and then slammed into a tree and embankment. About the time he wrecked, here come 3 police cars chasing him.  He jumps out of the car and starts running through the neighborhood.  I watched the whole sequence of events.  The police caught him a block away.  The guy in the car he hit was hurt, but apparently will be okay.  I have not seen anything on the news yet, so I do not know why they were chasing him.  I am just thankful that no one was killed.  I have run through that intersection hundreds of times over the years.

Regular trail run

I met up with the group this evening and ran my "regular" 2.5-mile loop on the trails.

Easy 2

After Iron Works this evening, I ran an easy 2 miles around the campus.  The students will be back soon, so I will be running around the campus less.  Just too much traffic.

5 hot miles

I ran trails ahead of the group this evening and ran 5 miles.  It was about 100 degrees and humid.  No trips or falls or snakes, people or other creatures.

Restful Monday

I took a break today and worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles around the campus this evening.

Sunday Night 5K

It was 100 degree when I showed up in The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night  5K this evening.  I ran the whole thing with my friend, Jon Walk.  We finished in 38:01.  After the race, I took my wife's shopping list and went to Trader Joe's, not far from the race.

Southern Star Brewing 5K

For the second year in a row, I ran the Southern Star Brewing 5K in Conroe this morning.  Since last year, they moved the brewery and the course.  There were 388 finishers.  I finished in 39:52, a little slow.  According to my GPS, the course was 3.17 miles.  It was very hot and humid and that may have slowed me down some.  In any case, I was first in the 70 and over age group (yes, I was the only one).  I really enjoyed visiting with a lot of friends - and having a couple of beers.  This was my 43rd race this year and 894th since I started racing in 1983.

2,483

Today was my 2,483rd consecutive day of running.  This ties my longest streak, which I broke in October 2009.  On that day, I was just over 1 mile on a 3-mile road run at Huntsville State Park.  I was going down a short, but steep hill, when I got a tremendous knee pain.  I ran a painful mile the following day before I had an MRI done.  The doctor looked at the MRI and said that I tore 80 percent of my quadraceps attached to my left knee.  He convinced me not run run for fear of tearing the other 20 percent.  So, I did not run for 4 days.  I saw an orthopedic surgeon who confirmed the tear.  However, he said that it was not a new tear and I could run all I wanted to.  The pain was probably just some bone hitting bone.  The other doctor specifically told me that I tore it that week.  So, I started a new streak on October 19, 2009, thinking that I would be 75 years old when I got back to 2,483 days.  Darn, I'm there.  Late this morning, I went to Huntsville State Park to run the same 3-mile course that I tried to run when I broke my streak.  I was especially careful going down that steep hill.  I finished it this time.

Missed Iron Works

I missed my workout at Iron Works this evening.  I was doing dirty work in my garage this afternoon, including changing the oil and lubricating my lawnmower.  It took longer than I expected and I just made it to the park for our 5;30 run.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Another hot day

Today was another hot day, but I suppose you can expect that in August.  This evening, I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus.

Hot trail run

It was right at 100 degrees when I went to the park to run trails this evening.  I ran 4 miles and finished soaking wet from sweat, even my shoes.  I fell once and skinned up my left knee in the usual spot.  Can't wait for cooler weather.  Three more days to tie my longest running streak of 2,483 days.  To me, that is a more important milestone than 1 year, 1,000 or 2,000 days.

Loop around the campus

After working out at Iron Works, I ran my 2-mile loop on the streets around the campus.

Wellness 5K

It was an early morning start to get down to Katy, just west of Houston, to run the Wellness 5K at 7 this morning.  It's an hour and a half drive.  I ran most of the race with my friend, Jon Walk,  My nience, Amie, who lives in Houston, ran the race too and we had breakfast at IHOP afterwards.  I finished in 37:19

Laps at the track

With a 5K in the morning, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  Then, I went to Houston to a club to watch my son perform.  Smoky rock concerts are not exactly my thing, but it is important to support the family.

Stretched out the distance

It's getting late in the summer and time to start stretching out the distance.  I have no race tomorrow, so I ran 4.2 miles around town at 6 this evening.  It was still around 90 degrees.

Rain is on a streak

Another day with rain.  I guess you can call it a raining streak.  It was just me and Jason at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Despite the recent rain, the trails are in good shape.

More rain - cooler temps

We had a little more rain this morning and I had a doctor's appointment in Conroe late this afternoon.  So, it was later than normal when I worked out at Iron Works and ran.  The temperatures was in the mid-80's when I ran 3.3 miles on the streets around town.

A little more rain

We got a little more rain this afternoon.  If this keeps up, the cracks in my yard will disappear.  No rain for the run this evening, though.  I met the group and ran 2.5 miles on the park trails.

No complaining

No complaining, but I had to run in the rain this evening.   We had a nice rain this evening, 2.75 inches at my house.  It was still raining when I ran 2 miles around the campus at 7 this evening.  The cooler temperature felt great.

It's been so hot -

It has been so hot that my pineapple plant is producing a pineapple.  I cut the top off of a grocery store pineapple a couple years ago, rooted it and then put it in a pot.  This is the first time it has produced a baby.  It was 99 degrees this evening when I went for a run.  I ran an unplanned around town and the campus.  It ended up being 2.6 miles.

Dog Days 5K

I ran our club's annual Dog Days 5K this morning at Elkins Lake here in Huntsville.  The course is very hilly and it was hot as blazes.  I thought I may finish in over 40 minutes, but I ended up with 38:42.

Short avenues run

With a 5K in the morning, I ran 1.3 miles in the avenues this afternoon, when the temperature (according to my truck) was 100 degrees.  This was my 2,469th consecutive day of running.  In another 14 days, I will equal my longest streak.

Just me and Glen

It was just me and Glen at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Hot and humid.

Day one of another drought

After one inch of rain yesterday, it looks like today may be day one of another long stretch without rain.  Besides, I think that one inch yesterday went down into all the wide cracks in my lawn.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran an unplanned route through the avenues and the campus.  It turned out to be slighter over 3 miles.

Rain at an inconvenient time

My son's big dog died suddenly this afternoon.  He decided to bury him in the woods behind my house.  So we dug a grave in the hard dark clay.  Just as we laid him to rest and started shoveling the dirt in, it started to rain very hard.  It was the first drop of rain in weeks, so, even though it came at an inconvenient time, it was welcome.  My rain gauge said one inch.  I made it to the park in time to meet the group.  I ran 2.5 miles - and no falls.

Ran late

I purposely waited to late evening to work out at Iron Works and then run.  I started my run at 7:30 p.m..  By then, the temperature was in the high 80's, noticeably cooler than the high 90's in the early evening.  Anyway, I ran 2.9 miles around the campus streets.  The pain in my hip is almost gone.  I am convinced that the Cryotherapy was the key to my quick recovery.

Improving hip

My hip was still sore today, but is improving.  I ran a 2-mile loop on the streets through the campus this evening.

Rock Island 4-H 5K

I got up early this morning and made the hour drive over to Hempstead to run the Rock Island 4-H 5K at 7 a.m.  I have run this race several times, but this time they had only 14 runners in the 5K and another 8 in the 3K.  My hip was painful for a while, but eased up during the race.  I finished in 39:01, a little slower than normal.  It was a flat course and my GPS showed it to be 3.17 miles.  In any case, I was first place in the 60 and over age group and was given a medal and a watermelon.  I am just thankful that my running streak has survived the hip injury.  Today was running streak day 2,463 (20 days from reaching my longest streak).

Cryotherapy

I was awake much of last night, with hip pain from the fall at the park yesterday.  I just could not find a comfortable position for sleep.  Then, I kept thinking about how I was going to run today.  I decided on cryotherapy at a relatively new place in Huntsville.  I went in for the first session at 10 this morning and a second session after lunch.  Each session lasted 3 minutes at a temperature of about minus 250 degrees F.  I really felt better after the second session and ran 1.3 miles on the road (98 degrees F).  There was some pain, but much better than before.  I have a 5K race in the morning and I plan on running it.

2 Falls

I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park this evening and fell twice.  The first time I hit my left knee and opened up the scabs from the cut from my fall last Thursday.  Now, back to the healing process.  Then, I fell a second time and landed hard on my left hip.  I have had ice on it tonight, but it is really sore.  I may have a painful run tomorrow.

Heat Index

When I checked this afternoon, the heat index was 106 and I am sure it was close to that when I ran this evening.  I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus.

Dry

We have had no rain for several weeks, so it is getting terribly dry.  We either get too much or none.  Now, we are in the none cycle.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  The sand is getting deep in places.

Back from the Valley

After running laps at the track on Friday morning, I drove 409 miles down to Edinburg in the Rio Grande Valley.  My son and his wife live there, but are moving to Arizona this week.  I went down to help them with the move.  I got in runs there on Saturday and Sunday, but no races.   I drove back to Huntsville this afternoon and got home at 8:30 tonight. I went to the track a little after 9 tonight and ran laps.

Hit the dirt

I was running 2.5 miles on the trails this evening and for the first time in a while, tripped on a root and hit the dirt.  I'm okay, just a skinned knee.  I have skinned it in the same place so many times, I wonder if the scar tissue eventually becomes callous.

Only 30 more days

Today was my 2,453rd consecutive day of running.  That means that I have only 30 more days before equaling my longest streak of 2,483 days.  Back in October 2009 when I started my current streak I remarked to myself that I will be 75 years old when I get back to where I was.  Gosh, I am 75 now.  Time goes by fast.  Anyway, after Iron Works this evening, I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus.

Felt like Monday

Today was Tuesday, but after the holiday weekend, it sure felt like Monday.  Jason and I were the only ones who showed up at the park tonight.  He said that the heat index was 110.  I believe it.  In any case, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Stu's Country Mile 5K

For the 21st consecutive year, I ran Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville this morning.  My visiting son ran it with me and we both finished in 39:08.  It was hot and very humid and I felt sluggish.  I was 2nd of 3 runners in the 70 and over age group.  And, as usual, a bunch of us had breakfast at the Town Cafe before heading home.

Sunday Night 5K

I had a house full of visiting family, but I slipped out this evening and drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K for the 72nd time.  I finished in 36:59.

No race Saturday

This was one of the few Saturdays of the year that I did not have a race.  Instead, I did yard work.  This evening, I ran a 2-mile loop around the campus.  This week, they made some of the streets through campus one-way with diagonal parking on one side of the street.  This will give a different look for the Huntsville Half Marathon and Texas 10 Series Huntsville courses.

St. Max's 5K - 888

I went down to Houston this evening and ran St. Max's 5K.  It was a small race put on by a church.  They probably had 30 to 40 runners and walkers, mostly walkers.  There was no age group competition and I came in 11th overall with a time of 37:13.  They had plenty of food and beer after the race and I met some nice people.  In any case, it was my 888th race.

Regular Tuesday

Workout at Iron Works and 2.5 miles on the trails at Huntsville State Park.

New course

After Iron Works this evening, I went to the track and started running an unplanned course through the avenues and the campus.  It turned out to be 3.3 miles.

Rainy trail run

It was just me, Jacob and Jason running trails this evening.  There was a light rain during my 2.5-mile loop on the trails.  It had obviously rained much harder at the park earlier today.  No complaints about the rain, except we got less than 1/2 inch at my house.

One hundred

I am not sure what the official temperature was when I started my run this evening, but my truck thermometer said that it was 100.  I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus.  We are past due for more rain and it is early summer.

Easy Sunday

I ran an easy 2-mile loop around the campus this evening.  RSD 2,443.  In 40 days, I will tie my longest running streak of 2,483 days.

Polish Pickle 5K

I ran the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond this morning.  It was my 21st consecutive year for running this race.  Bremond is 98 miles northwest of Huntsville.  I finished in 37:09, less than a minute faster than last year.  I was 3rd of 6 in the 75-79 age group.  Last year, there was only one runner in that age group.  We had a lot of our club members there, as usual, and I got a chance to visit with a lot of other friends.

Friday laps

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

Old timers back at the park

Becca was here from Tennessee, Jocelyn from The Woodlands and Sara from Lovelady were all back at the park this evening.  We had a nice run and visit.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Regular hot summertime weather and plenty of sand on parts of the trail.

New course

After Iron Works this evening, I ran a completely unplanned course through town and the campus.  I think I even ran a street that I had never run before.  Anyway, the course ended up being 3.1 miles.

No rain today

We had a good chance of rain today, but none at my house.  Looks likes we are entering a summer drought after so much rain early in the summer.  It was still hot and humid at the park tonight.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Monday routine

I worked out at Iron Works this evening and then ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus.  It seems to be my summer routine on Monday.  Looking forward to running my 21st straight Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond on Saturday.

Father's Day

We went to Mass on Saturday evening, so this morning I went out to support and take photos of our club members running the Gator Bait 15K and 5K Trail Run at Huntsville State Park.  I should have signed up to run.  Had a great time visiting with friends.  I spent the rest of the day with two of my sons.  This evening, I ran 2.8 miles on the streets around the campus this evening.  After eating too much today, I felt very sluggish.  I suppose the heat and humidity had something to do with that.  After so much rain, we have had none for at least a week.

June Bug 5K

I ran our club's annual June Bug 5K this morning in the Spring Lake Sub-division.  The course is very hilly and the heat and humidity was high.  I finished in 39:19.  While that is a minute or so slower than recent 5K's, I ran the same race on the same course last year in 39:47.  In any case, this was my 34th race this year and 886th since I started racing.  Today was my 2,435th consecutive day of running.

Snake at the track

As I do on many Fridays, I ran laps at the track early this afternoon.  There was a large dead snake on the turf a foot from the track.  At least I think it was dead.  They seem to be everywhere this summer.  My next door neighbors found a large rattlesnake in their backyard last week.

No title

I cannot come up with a title.  It would probably be the same as Tuesday.  Hot and humid 2.5-miles on the trails at the park.  It will be that way for most of the summer.

Mid-90's

It was in the mid-90's this evening when I went for a run.  Did my regular 2-mile course around the campus.

Hot and steamy trails

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  Hot and steamy, but no biting horse fly attacks.

Avenues 5K course

After Iron Works, I went to the track and ran the Avenues 5K course from there.  Low 90's and very humid.  In the last mile, a nice guy stopped and offered me a water.  I declined, but thanked him.  As he drove on, I noticed a Marine sticker on the back of his pickup.

Easy Sunday

During the afternoon heat, I ran 2.3 miles on the roads around the campus.

Greyhound 5K

For the 5th straight year, I ran the Greyhound 5K in Kosse this morning.  Kosse is 88 miles northwest of Huntsville.  It gave me a chance to visit with a lot of friends, including Mary Kaplan, founder of the 254 Texas club.  It is a club of runners striving to complete a race in all 254 Texas counties.  She only has 20 more to go.  I completed the race in 36:51 and was second in the 70 and over age group, behind my old friend, Dennis Alston.  After the race, I had breakfast at the Kosse Cafe and then headed back to Huntsville.  Race 885 completed.

Laps

In anticipation of running a 5K in the morning in the big city of Kosse, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  It was my first time on the track for a while, but the track has had standing water during all the heavy rains.

Avenues

We had a running club meeting at 6 this evening, so I ran in the avenues in the mid-afternoon heat.  I ran a completely unplanned route, which turned out to be 2.2 miles.

Favorite places to run

I was one of nine "prominent runners" asked by Texas Runner and Triathlete magazine to talk about our favorite local and out-of-town place to run.  The article is in the June 2016 issue.  I guess prominent doesn't mean fast.  In any case, I was honored to be asked.  If you have ever read this blog more than once or twice, it is obvious that Huntsville State Park is my favorite place to run.  Of course, I did not mention the biting horse fly season at the park.  Outside of Huntsville, I have a love/hate relationship with the extremely hilly Cameron Park in Waco.
    Maybe I am getting into a summer rut, but I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus this evening.

Finally transitioned to my new computer

I have had my new computer a week or so.  Even though I used it for a day after receiving it, I reinstalled my old computer with Windows XP, which did not seem so slow after all.  Windows 10 is a nightmare, even though I will eventually adjust to it.  I spent much of the day trying to install programs, some successfully and some not.  I will have to buy at least two replacement programs to install on the new computer.  All this is not easy when you are 75.
    I did go out to the park this evening after working out at Iron Works.  We figured out that the trails were too muddy, so we ran on the park roads.  I did 2-miles.  No biting horse flies.

Close call

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus.  I almost got hit by a car pulling out of a driveway.  Obviously, they were not looking in both directions.  At least it was not raining, although we got nearly a half inch at my house this evening.  Sure wish I could save some for August.

Sunday Night 5K

Since it is the first Sunday of the month, I went down to The Woodlands this evening and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 35:57.  There were puddles of water on the course, but no rain.  This was my 884th race and 2,422nd consecutive day of running.  I look forward to going beyond 2,483, which was my longest streak.

Heights 5K

I drove down to Houston this morning to run the Heights 5K for the 6th straight year.  Guess I need to add it as one of my streak races.  The course is out and back on both sides of Heights Blvd.  Flat all the way.  It was raining when I arrived at the race and rained continually until I left.  No lightning and the temperature was in the 70's.  I felt very comfortable throughout the race.  I finished in 37:32, 2 seconds faster than last year.  I was 2nd of 4 in the 75 and over age group.  The other 3 were all in their 80's.

Veterans Memorial Parkway

It's Friday and I have a 5K tomorrow morning in Houston, probably in the rain.  We had more rain in Huntsville today.  I mowed my long and wet grass this afternoon and ran 1+miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway.

It keeps on raining - and, bats

I know in a couple of months, we will be praying for rain.  But for now, there is too much.  I figured that there would be too much water on the trails at the park, so I ran the Avenues 5K course this evening.  It had quit raining, but it was very humid.  My wife and I went to the Farmhouse for dinner this evening.  It is down near the prison and the "bat warehouse."  It is an old warehouse that the prison system once used for cotton storage.  It is now home to many thousands of bats.  I suppose that it is now a local tourist attraction.  Since it was starting to get dark when we finished dinner, we decided for our first time to see the bats leave the warehouse at sunset.  They started swarming out at 8:23 and were still swarming out when we left 30 minutes later.  I am not sure what the latest count is, but it must be well over 100,000.  It is amazing how many are in that building.

Rained most of the day

It rained most of the day.  I squeezed in a workout at Iron Works and a 2-mile road run between the rain and somewhere I had to go this evening.  I am planning on running a 5K in Houston this Saturday, but right now, the forecast is for thunderstorms.  And, with all the flooding, especially in the Houston area, there may be a problem getting to the race.

Hot, humid and horse flies

It was hot and humid running at the park this evening and I got bit 3 times by horse flies.  Plus, I had to climb over fallen trees a couple times. It was not comfortable, but I got in 2.5 miles on the trails.

Hosted our club run today

Our club's annual Memorial Day 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk was at my house today.  We had about 100 runners and all seem to have a good time.  I got up early and put out the signs and cones and took photos during the race.  Then, after the race, I took all the equipment over to the club storage place and then worked on getting the photos and results posted.  I finally found time to run.  I ran my 2-mile loop around the campus this evening.

Run with my niece

My niece is here from Houston for the weekend and the annual club race at my house tomorrow.  She and I ran the 2-mile loop around the campus this evening.

Run the Woodlands 5K

While all my visiting family were still asleep this morning, I got up early and went down to The Woodlands to run the Run the Woodlands 5K.  It was my first race at age 75, even though they do not have age group competition at this race.  I finished in 36:38.  This was my 31st race in 2016.  Last year at this time, I was up to 28 and finished the year with 88.

Another rainy day

I rode down to Tomball with my youngest son and his wife and spent the day with them while they bought a new truck from Tomball Dodge.  There were heavy rains all afternoon and lots of flooding, especially on the service roads along I-45.  It took us nearly 3 hours to get back to Huntsville.  We got home about 6 p.m.  I went over to Veterans Memorial Parkway and ran 1-mile+; there was still some lightning in the area.  This was my 2,413th consecutive day of running.

Stormy day

It rained and stormed all day.  Lots of rain and lightning.  I gave up on running outside.  Instead, I ran the treadmill at Iron Works.  This was the first time in over a year that I ran on a treadmill.  Curtis posted on FB that he got in a run at the park.  While he was running a large tree fell over on the park road and he had to wait 2 hours for them to removed the tree so he could go home.

Trip to Conroe

I drove my wife down to Conroe for a late afternoon doctor's appointment.  So, I did not work out at Iron Works until later this evening.  Afterwards, I ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around the campus.  Busy weekend coming up.  I have relatives coming in for next few days and then I am hosting the club's annual Memorial Day 5K at my house on Monday.  We had 135 runners last year.

Horse flies are out

Usually, the biting horse flies are out at the park from May 1 through the end of July.  Here it is, late May, and they are finally out.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and managed not to get bit.  Maybe it was the deep woods OFF or I am too fast.

Moved the decimal point

Today was my 75th birthday.  If I was not such a wimp, I would have run 75 miles to celebrate.  Instead, I moved the decimal point and made it 7.5 miles.  With the temperature in the 80's and the nothing but hills on the Veterans Memorial Parkway course, the challenge was sufficient.

Last day on the old computer

I'm suppose to pick up my new computer tomorrow.  My old one has Windows XP and many of my programs will not work on a later operating system.  My new computer is being built from scratch and it will have two operating systems, Windows XP and Windows 10.  I can switch back and forth between the two.  So, I will not have to buy new programs.  We'll see how it works out.
      This afternoon, I ran a 2-mile loop on the roads around the empty campus.

Five-O 5K Color Run

I do not normally do color runs, but I did not want to pass up an opportunity to support our local Police Officer Association, which put on the run.  It was non-competitive and un-timed and the course was long.  Someone said that their GPS said 3.3 miles.  In any case, according to my watch, I finished in 40:53.  It was a good chance to visit with a lot of friends.

Short road run

When I have a race on Saturday, I usually run laps at the track on Friday.  There was plenty of standing water on the track this afternoon, so I ran a 1.3-mile loop on the roads.

Rainy day

It rained in Huntsville most of today.  Jason, Glen and I showed up to run trails at the park this evening.  Curtis had just finished.  After talking to him, we decided to run the park roads.  I ran 2.3 miles.
         The race results from my 5K in Plano on Sunday were finally posted today.  Immediately after the race, the timer said that I was 4th in the 70 and over age group, so I did not hang around for the awards ceremony.  The results posted today indicates that I was 1st of 5 in the age group.  It is not that I am getting fast; there was just a bunch old walkers.

Unplanned Avenue Course

After Iron Works this evening, I ran a completely unplanned loop course in the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2.8 miles.

Here it is after midnight

I was just getting ready to go to bed and realized that I had not posted today.  Not much to post. I worked out at Iron Works and ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  Very humid.

Road run

After doing yard work for much of the day, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus.

Free to Breathe 5K

Friday afternoon, I drove up to Wylie to spend the weekend with family.  I got in a 1-mile+ run on the roads in Wylie Saturday morning.  Then, this morning, I drove over to Plano to run the Free to Breathe 5K.  I finished in 37:35.  I am not sure how many runners were in the 70 and over age group, but I was 4th.  In any case, it was my 880th race and 2,401st consecutive day of running.

Veterans Memorial Parkway 5K course

I ran the Veterans Memorial Parkway 5K course late this morning.  The temperature was in the 80's, but it seemed hotter.

Getting into the summer routine

It is officially getting hot in Texas.  I have no long races lined up for the summer, except for a 11.5K in July.  Lots of 5K's.  This evening, I met the group at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Houston most of the day

I spent most of the day in Houston.  My son was having some tests run and they put him under general anesthesia.  I got back to Huntsville this evening in time for a workout at Iron Works and a road run around Huntsville.  My unplanned route turned out to be 2.8 miles.

Back to the park

I did a lot of physical labor around my house this afternoon, so I had to go run to rest up.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and felt a lot better.

Nearly empty streets

With most of the college students gone, the streets around the campus are nearly empty.  So, rather than running trails today, I ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around the campus.

Sunday at the park

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails, most of it in a light rain.

Fredonia 10K

I got up at 4:45 this morning for the 100-mile drive to Nacogdoches to run the Fredonia 10K.  While it was dark for most of the drive there, it is a scenic drive through the piney woods of Texas.  I finished in 1:16:11 and was 2 of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  Before leaving Nacogdoches, I had to take my wife to a plant sale someone told her about.  I caught a few z's while she was shopping.  From there, we drove 75 miles to Tyler for a family thing this evening.  In the meantime, I got a shower and a nap at my sister's place.  We made the 135-mile drive back to Huntsville tonight and got home at 10 p.m.  Long day.  In any case, the race this morning was my 879th race and my 2,393rd consecutive day of running.

Laps at the track

With a 10K race in the morning, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Waiting for the horse flies

Usually, the biting horse flies (or deer flies) come out at the state park on May 1st and harass the runners for 3 months.  Here it is the 5th of May and they are not out yet.  Maybe their little calendar got washed away in one of the recent heavy rains.  In any case, I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Dinner at Chili's

My wife was tied up with something this evening, so I went alone to eat at Chili's.  It was the first time in a long time that I have been there.  Anyway, I was seated and did not know anyone at the tables around me.  I finished up my dinner, but could not get the pay thing on the table to accept my credit card.  The waiter came over and said that someone at another table, who had left, had paid for my meal.  I had no idea why and the waiter did not know either.  The only thing I can figure is that I was wearing an Army Marathon T-shirt.  Maybe they assumed that I had served in the Army and wanted to show their appreciation.  I did serve for 22 1/2 years.  It was the first time anyone ever paid for my dinner for that reason.  In any case, it was sure nice of them.  I wish I knew who they were so I could thank them.
Earlier this afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  In the last mile, running friends, Dana and Samantha, came whizzing past me.  Beautiful day for running.

Normal Tuesday park run

As I have for almost every Tuesday evening for over 20 years, I met the group at the park.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Solo park run

After Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Never saw anyone else on the trails.  Nice quiet run, except for a hard trip and fall.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 71st time, I went down to The Woodlands this evening to run the monthly Sunday Night 5K.  My friend, Jon Walk, and I ran it together and we finished in 36:52.  That was 1 second faster than last month.

Got up at 9

With no race this morning, I got up at 9 a.m., after sleeping through a storm and 5 inches of rain last night.  I figured that the park trails would be too wet, so I ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus this afternoon.

Different Friday

Tomorrow will be my first Saturday without a race since last January 16.  So, instead of running laps at the track as I normally do, I went out to the park in the mid-afternoon heat and ran 4 miles on the trails.  I ran in a cotton T-shirt that I happened to have on.  Not wearing a tech shirt and carrying some water was a mistake.  I got a little hot and dehydrated, but I made it in okay.  It is nearing that time when the biting deer flies come out and start making things uncomfortable on the trails.

Early trail run

I had to meet an AC guy this evening, so I went out to the park ahead of the group and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Climbing over trees

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park for a solo run.  I ran 3 miles on some trails that I had not been on for a while.  The storm that came through early this morning knocked over a lot of trees in the park.  My run was interrupted by 5 or 6 brief stops to climb over fallen trees.

Skipped Iron Works today

I had planned on mowing my lawn tomorrow.  I checked the weather forecast for tomorrow and it is suppose to rain.  So, I skipped Iron Works this evening.  Instead, I mowed the lawn this evening and finished just in time to go to the park.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Laps on Monday

I had a lot of stress today, unrelated to running, and walked a long way behind a spreader to put fire ant poison on my yard this afternoon.  However, I did get to Iron Works this evening and then to the track to run laps.

Texas 10 Sienna

I got up at 4:30 a.m. this morning and left at 5 for the 1 hour and 45 minute drive down south of Houston to Missouri City to run the Texas 10 Series Sienna 10-miler.  It was two 5-mile loops on a very flat 100% concrete course.  It was a little warm for the 2nd loop.  I finished in 2:13:22 and was 3 of 3 in the 70 and over age group.  Best thing was that I got to visit with a lot of good friends.  I also ran into and had a nice visit with Susan Sternberg, who back in the 80's published a magazine in Houston, called Human Powered Sports.  It has probably been 25 years since I have seen her.

RTW and Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run

I had planned to run one race today, but at the last minute, decided on two.  I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K at 8 this morning.  I finished in 36:40.  Then, I drove down to Houston and ran the non-competitive Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run with my niece, who lives in Houston.  I finished the 3.6-mile course in 46:37.  After socializing a bit and having lunch at a nearby restaurant, I did not get back to Huntsville until about 4:30 p.m.

Hike and run

My wife and I went out to the park this morning and hiked for a while.  I then ran 1 mile+, while she continued to hike. Then, I did yard work all afternoon.  That's more tiring and hiking and running.

Usual Thursday

As usual, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  While the sun was shining this afternoon, we had more rain this morning and the trails were flooded in parts.  Looking forward to a couple races this weekend.

The sun came out

It was raining when I got up this morning, but the sun came out this afternoon.  After Iron Works, I went out to the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Steamy.

Rainy trail run

I got up a little early this morning to drive down to Magnolia to attend the funeral of a runner friend, Lou Wilson.  About half way down the back roads, I was stopped by a Deputy Sheriff, who had the highway blocked due to a fatal accident.  I had to turn around and head back to Huntsville.  There was no way I could make it time for the funeral by going another route.  Lou was a great guy and I hate that I was not able to say a final goodbye.  This evening, I met up with the group at the park  Jacob and Glenn ran 3 miles on the trails, so I ran 2.5.  It rained for most of the run, but nothing heavy.

6.5

We had a lot of rain overnight, but it cleared up this afternoon.  I worked out at Iron Works and then went out to the park and ran 2 miles on very wet and muddy (in places) trails.  Today marked 6.5 years (2,374 days) on my current running streak.  I am 3 months and 18 days away from matching my longest streak of 6 years, 9 months and 18 days.  I am still mad at the doctor and myself for causing me to miss those 4 days in October 2009.

Texas Big Star Half Marathon

Friday afternoon, I drove up to Plano (north of Dallas) to pick up my packet for the Texas Big Star Half Marathon on Saturday in Frisco (more north of Dallas).  The race started and finished at Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas (soccer).  I had never run in Frisco and the course was unexpectedly hilly.  The temperature was in the 60's and it was very windy for the entire race.  I finished in 2:56:55.  There were only 2 others in the 70-74 age group and I was 3rd.  Nice race, but I never saw another runner who I knew. After the race, I got a free cyrotherapy session being given in a portable setup at the race.  For an initial session, they had the temperature a minus 90 degrees.  It ultimately goes up to minus 276 degrees.  I did not feel much of the cold during the session and did not feel anything different yesterday or today.  Maybe I need the 276.  I spent the night with my son and family in Wylie (northeast of Dallas) and drove back to Huntsville through heavy rains until well south of Dallas.  When I got back to Huntsville, I went to the track and ran laps.

Friday mile

With a half marathon in the morning, I went out to Veterans Memorial Parkway and ran 1-mile+.  Feeling rested.

First snake of the year

While running 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening, I passed a snake.  The business end was under some brush along the trail, so I'm not sure what kind of snake it was.  I think it was a cotton mouth.  In any case, it was the first time I have seen a snake on the trail this season.  Of course, it does not mean that I have passed over some others; just the first one I have seen.

Avenues 5K course

After Iron Works, I took a break from the trails today and ran the hilly Avenues 5K course.  There was a light, misty rain for the entire run.

Me and the speedy J's.

There were only three of us who showed up at the park this evening.  Me and speedy Jason and Jacob.  They wanted to run 3+ miles, so I ran 2.1 miles on the new trails.  They were waiting for me when I finished.

Bad timing

It was suppose to rain this evening, so after lunch I went out to the park to get in a run on the trails.  No more than 100 yards into my run,  it started to pouring down.  I was soaking wet, but finished a 2.5-mile loop.  And, it never rained this evening.

Back problem

For some reason, I woke up this morning with a very sore and stiff lower back.  Maybe it was a calcium deposit from too much ice cream at the Blue Bell Run yesterday.  In any case, after church, I took four Ibuprohen tablets with lunch and then put a heating pad on my back for 30 minutes when I got home.  After that, I went to the park and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  Something worked, because I feel much better this evening.

Blue Bell 10K

I ran the Blue Bell 10K in Brenham this morning.  The temperature was relatively cool in the 50's.  Usually for this run, the temperature is around 90 degrees.  I felt okay throughout the race and expected a better time than 1:19:14.  I was 4th of 5 in the 70 and over age group.  After the race, my wife and I had lunch at a cafe in downtown Brenham and then drove about 12 miles to Independence, Texas.  There, she shopped at the Antique Rose Emporium (they sell native Texas roses and other native plants) and I slept in my truck.

Friday laps

With a 10K tomorrow morning, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  Then, I mowed the yard and planted corn in the garden.  The various animals that invade our yard at night will have fresh corn in a few months.

Beat up from roto tilling

It is that time of the year to get the garden started.  I got out the roto tiller this afternoon and broke ground.  That thing beat me up - plus I got stung by a mound of fire ants.  By comparison, running is easy.  After resting up a bit, I worked out at Iron Works and ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Trails, again

I am running trails at the state park most every day during the week.  Until it really gets hot and the biting horse flies are out in force and there is a spider web crossing the trail every few feet, I will probably run there during the week.  I went out there this afternoon after Iron Works and ran 3 miles.  This was my 2,362nd consecutive day of running.

Trying a new course at the park

After Iron Works, I tried running a new course at the park this evening.  It was partly in the park, partly on the new trails in the National Forest and partly on a trail outside the park that I had never been on.  Sounds adventurous, but it turned out to be only 2.1 miles total.

Monday rest day

I was tired today.  Not from running, but from all that driving and sleep deprivation this weekend.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went to the track and ran laps.

Texas 10 Series Boerne and Sunday Night 5K

After getting home from the Running of the Bears 5-Miler yesterday, I drove 4 hours+ to Boerne, Texas (west of San Antonio) to run the Texas 10 Series 10-Miler in Boerne this morning.  The race started at 7 a.m., so I had to get up very early at the hotel.  It was around 40 degrees at the start of the race, but warmed up quickly.  I felt comfortable throughout the race and finished in 2:10:11, a minute or so faster than last year.  I was 3rd place of 3 runners in the 70 and over age group.  I got back to Huntsville about 4 p.m., took a 15-minute nap and then drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 36:57 and had a nice visit with some friends.

DEER STORY:  A friend of mine showed up at the race in Boerne this morning with a knot on his forehead.  He told this story.  It was dark and he was about 2 blocks from the race and stopped to ask someone for directions.  He got directions, but before he could roll up his window, a deer came at his car, head first through the open window.  The deer hits him in the head, almost knocking him unconscious.  His wife had to grab the steering wheel to keep the car under control.  This is in the city of Boerne near the high school football stadium where the race started and finished.  All he remembers is this furry head suddenly in his car hitting his head.  Crazy!

Running of the Bears 5-Miler

I drove about 35 minutes down to Montgomery this morning to run the Running of the Bears 5-Miler.  The temperature was in the high 40's and clear skies.  Could not ask for better weather.  I finished in 1:01:09, a couple minutes slower than last year.  In any case, I was first of two in the 70 and over age group.  Best of all, I got a chance to visit with my niece and some other good friends.

Friday laps

As I do on many Fridays, I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon.  Up early tomorrow.

18.1-Mile weekend coming up

This weekend, I have 3 races, 5-mile, 10-mile and a 5K, for a total of 18.1 miles.  The weather is suppose to be nice in all 3 places.  It was in the 80's here this afternoon.  I met the group at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Falling on the trails

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails, part of it in the rain.  I tripped on roots and fell twice.  Ouch.  The park was virtually empty; I never saw another person on the trail.  If nobody was there to see or hear me fall, does that mean that I did not really fall?

Just me and Jason

It was just me and speedy Jason at the park this evening.  He ran 3.5 miles.  I ran 2.5 miles and he was waiting for me when I finished.

Monday at the park

With the cool weather this winter and spring, I have fallen into the habit of running at the park about every day during the week.  I went out to the park this evening and ran 3.5 miles before working out at Iron Works.

Easter

After church this morning, I went out to the crowded park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  By the time I got back home, visiting family had already arrived.  From then on, I ate a lot more calories than I consumed during my run at the park.  Happy Easter.

Super Hero 10K

I drove just over an hour east this morning to the Alabama-Choushatta Indian Reservation to run the Super Hero 10K.  One of my favorite courses; narrow paved roads through the East Texas forest.  The weather was perfect, clear and in the high 50's.  I finished in 1:19:34 and was 1st of 2 in the 60 and over age group.  Got a chance to visit with some good friends, including Mary Kaplan, Loren Sheffer and Amanda Cruise.

Not a normal Friday

I usually run laps at the track on Friday.  Since I have only a 10K in the morning, I went out to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Cooler weather

We had a storm come though during the night and it was cool today.  Just the other day, I was thinking about putting away all my long sleeve T-shirts.  I worked out at Iron Works this evening and then met the group at the park.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Back to normal

I must have walked a couple miles back and forth across my lawn this afternoon pushing a fertilizer spreader.  Soon, I will have to do it again for an application of fire ant control.  I did save enough energy to go out to the park and run 3 miles on the trails.  I feel back to normal after my colonoscopy yesterday.

Survived day 2

I had my colonoscopy this morning.  With no food all day yesterday and no nothing after midnight last night, I went into the hospital at 9 this morning.  I woke up in the recovery room about 10:45 this morning .  They released me and told me to take it easy for the rest of the day.  I headed straight for Olive Garden for a big meal and then home.  I felt sleepy and weak all afternoon, but took a good nap.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and met the group at the park.  Since I was not suppose to be running, I ran a little over a mile on the trails.  This was my 2,347th consecutive day of running.

Long day

The day before a colonoscopy is always a long day, if you know what I mean.  I did manage to take a break and go to the track and run laps.  On a separate trip, I went to Iron Works for a workout.

Annual club run at the park

We had our club's annual Run the Trails, 3.5-Mile, non-competitive run this afternoon at Huntsville State Park  I hiked out to a point on the course and served as a course monitor and race photographer.  We had a nice crowd and it was good seeing so many runners and walkers making their first trip to the park.  This evening, I ran laps at the track and went to the store to buy green jello.  I have a colonoscopy Tuesday morning, so I am having jello for 3 meals tomorrow.  Ugh.  Running will be a challenge for the next couple of days.

Seabrook Lucky Trail Half Marathon

I got up at 4:15 this morning to head down to Seabrook (on the coast east of Houston) for the Lucky Trail Half Marathon, which started at 7:15.  Earlier, there were forecasts for storms, but it ended up just very windy.  The course is a double loop on gravel trails along the roads and waterways.  I finished in 3:08:54, which was good for 3rd place of 3 in the 70-74 age group.  This was my 7th half marathon in the last 6 weekends.

Friday laps

With another half marathon tomorrow, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.

Houston most of the day

I had to spend most of the day on a non-running related matter in Houston, but got back in time to meet the group at the park.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and tripped and fell once.  No problem.

Forgot about the ankle

I ran 3.5 miles on the new trails at the park this afternoon and forgot about my ankle.  I guess that means that it okay.

Slower than my normal slow

The ankle was still a little sore today.  I ran 3 miles on the trails this evening, but a little slower than my normal slow.

Ankle almost normal

I was surprised to find my ankle almost back to normal this morning after being so sore yesterday.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran very carefully for 2.5 miles on the trails and then worked out at Iron Works.  Unless I screw it up this week, I should be ready for another half marathon on Saturday.

Longview Half Marathon

I drove up to Tyler Friday afternoon and then 43 miles over to Longview Saturday morning for the Longview Half Marathon.  Luckily, the rain held off until the end of the award ceremony.  Virtually all of the course was on the shoulder of major highways.  Water stops were few and far between, so I was a little concerned about hydration.  I learned quickly to take on plenty of water at each station.  At about 10 miles I started getting pain in my left foot and it never went away.  I finished in 2:57:21 (3rd place of 4 in the 70-74 age group).  I drove back to Tyler, took a nap and then went to visitation for my brother at the funeral home.  My left foot (ankle, I suppose) was sore, swollen and purple this morning.  Knowing that I would not get back to Huntsville until late tonight, I went for a run this morning in Tyler.  I ran for a little over a mile.  It was painful, but loosened up a little for the last half mile or so.  My brother's funeral was this afternoon and, as expected, I got back to Huntsville late this evening.  The streak is alive, but I have another half marathon to run this Saturday.  Hopefully, it will be okay by then.