2021 in Review

 2021 was not exactly a post-pandemic year, but it sure beat 2020.  I ended my 11 and a half+ year running streak on April 28 for implant of a pacemaker, due to a low heart rate.  I missed 13 days of running, but not a day since.  I turned 80 in May.  After so many years of running, this is the first year I have logged all my miles.  A monthly list is below.  The pacemaker includes a built-in heart monitor, so my doctor asked me to log what time I ran each day and how far, so he can check my chart and make sure the increased heart rate is consistent with the time I am running.  So, I plan to continue with my log.  In any case, I find it helps with motivation.  I ran 70 races in 2021, but nothing over a quarter marathon (6.55 miles).  My career total is 1,223 races.  Late this morning, I went to the crowded state park and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Miles run each month in 2021:

January                 114.3

February                 87.8      

March                   110.6

April                      86,6

May                       52,2

June                       76,1

July                        81.2

August                   87.5

September           106,0

October               114.2

November           102.1

December            110.3

      TOTAL       1,128.9

Twice on trails

 Early this afternoon, I went out to the park with my daughter and two young grandkids to hike the trails.  We did nearly 2 miles.  That hiking stuff is hard work.  This evening, I went back to the park to meet up with the group.  I ran 3.1 miles on the trails.

Another snake

 It is in the middle of winter and I saw another snake (Texas Brown Snake) on the trail at the park today.  I suppose you can expect that when the temperature is around 80 for a week or so.  In any case, I got in 4 miles on the trails late this morning.

Tuesday with the group

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.3 miles on the roads.

Same 4

 I made it out to the park early this afternoon and ran the same 4-mile course as yesterday.

Crowded park

 As expected this holiday week, Huntsville State Park was crowded this afternoon.  I made it out there about 3 this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Merry Christmas

 After church with visiting family this morning and a quick lunch, I went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Twice to the park

 I went to the park twice today.  Late this morning, I ran 4 miles on the trails.  Then, this afternoon, I took 2 kindergarten grandkids fishing.  No fish.

Trails/roads, again

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 1.9 miles on the trails and another 1.2 on the roads.  Total 3.1.

Trails/roads

 I got out to the park late this afternoon and ran 1.8 miles on the trails and then 1.8 on the roads, for a total of 3.6.

Allergy issues

 I am having some allergy issues today, stopped up sinuses, sore throat, etc.  However, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the roads.  The run was not much fun - not that running is fun when you feel well.

Park roads again

 I took a hard fall on the trails yesterday and beat up my left knee.  So, early this afternoon I ran 3.1 miles on the park roads.

100 Days

 I ran 5 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.  That makes my current running streak 223 days (at least a mile a day).  However, today marked 100 days of running at least 3 miles a day. 

Another late run

 I was in Bryan most of the day attending a high school wrestling tournament.  While there, I ran into an old running buddy, Ray, who I had not seen in about 20 years.  Ray is a retired Houston Police Officer and was at the tournament as an assistant wrestling coach.  I had a late lunch in College Station and then drove back to Huntsville.  I got out to the park about 4 this evening and ran 3.1 miles on the roads, partly in the rain.

Combination

 It was late this afternoon before I could get out to the park to run.  I started on the trails, but when the sun started going down, I switched to the roads.  Ended up with 5.2 miles total, mostly trails.

Thursday roads

 I met up with the group (just me, Jacob and Curtis) this evening at the park this evening and ran 3.2 miles on the park roads.

Early afternoon on the trails

 Early this afternoon, I ran 4.3 miles on the state park trails. 

Back with the group

 With the state park closed for hunting last week, the group met up at the park this evening.  I ran 3.1 miles on the roads.

Three on the trails

 Late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park, the last part in a light rain.

Nice cool Sunday afternoon at the park

 I made it out to the park late this afternoon and ran 4.2 miles on the trails.  Nice cool and clear weather.

Jingle Bell 5K

 I drove over to Livingston this morning and ran the Jingle Bell 5K at noon.  I finished in 44:56 and was 2nd in the 61 and over age group.  This was my 70th race this year - and probably my last this year.

Park trails

After being closed for 2 and a half days for squirrel hunting, Huntsville State Park reopened today.  Early this afternoon, I ran 4 miles on the trails.  Down by the end of the lake, I passed a water moccasin next to the trail.  I was not surprised, since the temperature was in the mid-80's.  It was only the third snake I have seen at the park this season.  Today, I completed 7 months on my new streak.  Also, I completed 3 months of never running less than 3 miles a day.

Roads and concrete trails in town

 This afternoon, I ran 3.3 miles, some on the roads and the rest on a concrete trail in a local park.

3.2 at the track

 With the park closed for hunting, I went to the track late this morning and ran 3.2 miles.  That distance seems so much shorter on the trails.

Park closed today

 Huntsville State Park closed at noon today for squirrel hunting and will reopen early Friday morning.  I managed to get out there late this morning and run 3 miles on the park roads.  I will have to run somewhere else for the next two days.

Empty trails

 It rained all morning, but by this afternoon the trails at the state park were in good shape.  After no rain for a week or so, they drain very well.  I ran 4 miles and saw no one else on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  It is held on the first Sunday of every month.  I finished in 44:43.

Reindeer 5K

 For the 7th consecutive year (not counting 2020 when the race was not held), I ran the Reindeer 5K in Lufkin this morning.  I finished in 44:18.  They did not give out age group awards, but according to the posted results, I was first in my age group.  I was the only one over 60.  Enjoyed visiting with good friends in Lufkin.

3-Mile trail loop

 I made it out to the park this afternoon and ran my normal 3-mile loop on the trails.

Late run at the track

 Early this morning, I drove up to Tyler for a funeral.  After returning to Huntsville this evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then went to the track and ran 3 miles.

Wednesday on the trails

 I made it out to the park late this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

5K distance

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.1 (5K) on the park roads.

Park again

 After not running at the park for a few days, I made it there late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Texas 10 Series Conroe 5-Miler

I ran the Texas 10 Series Conroe 5-Miler this morning.  I finished in 1:17:12, about 1 minute slower than my normal slow.  I was 3rd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.  I ran the entire race with Michael Murphy of Honor Flag Runner, who carried an American flag and wore a special bib with my photo on it.  He honors runners who are veterans.  I really appreciate the honor and he presented me with the flag after the race..

Leftover Turkey 5K

 I ran our club's Leftover Turkey 5K here in Huntsville this morning.  Luckily, the forecasted rain held off.  I finished in 48:58.

Friends of the Running Community 5K

 I went back to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Friends of the Running Community 5K.  This is a special race held most years to round out the Montgomery County Triple, a 3-race series around Thanksgiving time.  I finished in 46:55.

Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler

 For the 20th consecutive year, I ran the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler in The Woodlands this Thanksgiving Day morning.  There were just over 4,000 registered runners.  The heavy rain started in mile two and eventually turned into light rain.  I finished in 1:16:15 and was third of three in the 75 and over age group.

Early morning run

 I was suppose to run a 5K in Bellville this morning.  However, I have a very ill family member in Tyler.  I ran 3.2 miles on the track very early this morning and then drove to Tyler for a visit.  Got back to Huntsville this evening and am ready to race tomorrow in The Woodlands.

Park getting crowded for Thanksgiving

 I went to the park early this afternoon and had to wait in a long line to get in.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads, which included the road through a crowded camping area.

Same 4

 I had my annual physical today and did not get out to the park until late this afternoon.  I ran the same 4-mile course on the trails that I ran yesterday.

Sunday afternoon at the park

 After church and lunch, I went out to the state park and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Conroe Turkey Trot 5K

 I drove down to Conroe this morning and ran the Turkey Trot 5K.  I like the 9 a.m. start.  I finished in 45:18.  Good weather and I got to visit with some good friends.

3-Mile loop

 I ran a 3-mile loop on the park trails early this afternoon.

Two days

 Must be my age, but I forgot to blog last night.  In any case, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park and 3.1 today on the roads.

Split run

 I had a busy day, but ran 1.5 miles at the track this morning and 1.5 on the roads at the park this evening.  Total 3 miles.

3.5 on the trails

 Early this afternoon, I ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Trails at the park

Late this morning, I ran 4.2 miles on the trails at  the park.  Being a nice Sunday, there were a lot of people at the park.  Even saw a couple other runners on the trails.

CPT Inman Memorial 5K

 I forgot to post yesterday.  I was busy all day and did not have time to drive to the park.  I did make it to the track for 12 laps (3 miles).  This morning, I ran the CPT Inman Memorial 5K on the SHSU campus, put on my ROTC.  It was non-competitive, but I finished in 43:38, just over a minute slower than last year.  Given the very hilly course, I'll take it.

Back to the trails

 Since I had my stitches removed yesterday, I got back on the trails at Huntsville State Park this evening.  Did 3.1 miles.

6 Months

 I had an appointment in Conroe this afternoon to get the stitches removed from my neck.  While down there, I went over to Barton Park and ran 3.8 miles on the concrete trails.  Today's run marks 6 months on my new running streak.

Group Tuesday

  I met up with the group at the park this Tuesday evening and ran 3.5 miles on the roads.

Tempted to get back on the trails

 I was tempted to get back on the trails at the state park this morning.  However, I still have stitches in my neck from the surgery last Wednesday.  So, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Texas 10 Series Katy 5-Miler

 I ran the Texas 10 Series Katy 5-Miler in Katy this morning.  Nice cool weather.  I finished in 1:16:10 and was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group.

Back Pew 5K

 I drove an hour down to Porter this morning to run the Back Pew 5K Beer Run.  I finished in 47:28 (about 1 minute slower than last year) and was third of three in the 70 and over age group.  Had a beer after the race and got to visit with John Slate and other good friends.  This was my 60th race in 2021.

Friday at the park

 With races this weekend, I went to the park early this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the roads.

5K distance

 I could not make the group run at the park this evening, but I did go out late this morning and run 3.1 miles (5K) on the park roads.

Surgery this morning

 I went to Conroe early this morning for surgery.  Had a spot removed from my neck (3-inch incision).  The doc told me to take it easy for the rest of the day.  So, I stayed off the trails and ran 3 miles on the park roads, virtually all of it in a heavy rain.

Another 3

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

Shorter run

 After 7 miles yesterday, I ran 3 on the park roads this afternoon.

Longer trail run

 I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 7 miles on the trails.  That gives me 114.2 miles for the month of October.

Crowded park

 Not having a race this Saturday morning, I went to the crowded state park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Half and half

 I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 4.4 miles, half on the roads and half on the trails.

Continuing with the park roads

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.7 miles on the roads.

Cooler temps

 A much-need rain storm came though this morning, followed by cooler temps.  I ran roads at the park this afternoon, with the temp in the low 70's.  Got in 4.1 miles.

Back to the park

 The entrance to the park was no longer a "crime scene" this evening, so I met up with the group and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  I could see where the chased car left the park road yesterday and drove through the picnic area.  Luckily, no one was hurt (that I know of).

No park run today

 I went out to the park early this afternoon to run.  I took the state park exit off of I-45 and was turned around by a police officer.  He said the entrance to the park was closed because it was a crime scene.  I called the park later this afternoon and they said it was still closed.  According to them, there was a high speed chase on I-45 and the guy drove into the park.  He hit some trees and a picnic table and then headed out of the park.  The police put a spike strip at the entrance/exit and he ran over it.  The chase ended there and that is why it is a crime scene.  So, I went to the track in town and ran 4.2 miles.  Hopefully, the park will be open tomorrow.

Late Sunday run

 I had visiting family today and did not make it to the park until after 4 p.m.  The park was still crowded, so I parked outside the gate.  I ran a trail up to the south perimeter road and then ran out and back for a total of 3.1 miles.

Run the Woodlands 5K

 For the 105th time, I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  I finished in a slow 49:09.  The good news is that I won a pair of socks in the door prize drawing and got to visit with some good friends.

Two days

 I forgot to post last night, but yesterday, I met up with the group at the park and ran 3 miles on the roads.  This afternoon, I ran the same 3 miles.

Ran in Conroe

 I had a skin doctor appointment in Conroe this afternoon, so after the appointment, I drove to Barton Park and ran 4.1 miles on the park concrete trails.  I never ran in that park before, except for several Turkey Trot 5K's.  Nice place - and flat.

Same 3

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran the same 3 miles on the park roads.  I ran past the same campers 3 days in a row.  They are starting to say hello.

Another 3 on the park roads

 I made it out to the park late this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the roads.  I suppose no trails for a while.

Sunday at the park

 I was so sore all day from the hard fall yesterday.  I knew that it would be a challenge to keep my 3-mile minimum streak going.  I took a couple prescribed pain killers during the day and then went to the park a little after 5 p.m.  Once I started running, I felt okay and completed 3 miles on the park roads.

Huntsville Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles)

 I ran our club's Huntsville Quarter Marathon this morning, just over a half mile from my house.  Beautiful clear and cool weather.  About a quarter mile from the start, I tripped on some very rough asphalt and took a very hard fall.  I cut up my forehead, elbow, knee and hands.  I probably looked bad, but I kept going, washing the blood off the best I could with from water from an aid station.  I finished in 1:46:19 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.  After a shower, I went to the ER to make sure I did not need stitches on my forehead.  I did not, but they did Xrays and other tests to make sure nothing was broken.  I feel little beat up tonight.

Friday afternoon

 I had a doctors appointment late this morning and did not get out to the park until mid-afternoon.  I have a race tomorrow morning, but still ran my minimum 3 miles (trails).

Back to roads

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

Different course

 I changed up the course on my trail run at the park this afternoon, but got in 4 miles.

Minimum 3

 For just over a month now, I have run a minimum of 3 miles a day.  Don't think I have done that before.  In any case, I have been trying to increase my mileage.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Lots of people on the trails

 Since today is a holiday, I saw a lot of people on the trails at the park.  Early this afternoon, I ran 4.1 miles on the trails.  Actually, I intended to run exactly 4, but I missed the turnaround point.

Texas 10 Series Cypress 5-Miler

 I ran the Texas 10 Series Cypress 5-Miler in Cypress this morning.  It was not too hot, but plenty humid.  I finished in a slow 1:20:33 and was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group..

Run the Woodlands 5K

 I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning and finished in 47:01.  This was my 55th race in 2021.

Friday at the park

 I made it out to the park early this Friday afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Running with Bridgette

 My good friend, Bridgette Collins of Houston, joined our group at the state park this evening.  Bridgette and I worked together in the early 90's and she has since run over 30 marathons and has her 5th book on running and fitness coming out this month.  I ran 3 miles on the trails with her.

Tree collision

I ran 4.5 miles on this trails at the park this afternoon.  Late in the run. I tripped on a root and fell forward.  I tried to break the fall by grabbing a small tree.  That worked, except that I fell into the tree face first.  The good news is that there are no cuts on my knees.

Group at the park

Darn.  I forgot to blog last night, but I met up with the group at the park and ran 3.6 miles on the trails.

Back to park trails

 After road races the last two days, I went back to the park trails today.  Did 4 miles.  By the way, the visible counter on this blog has been disabled for some time.  I happened to look at the blog stats tonight and see that there has been exactly 160,000 visits since I began in 2008.  Thanks, ya'll for visiting.  It is a real source of motivation for me.

Sunday Night 5K

 For the 120th time, I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  I finished in 44:06.

Austin County Fair Stampede 5K

I made the foggy drive over to Bellville this morning and ran the Austin County Fair Stampede 5K.  Nice to visit with good friends.  I finished the hilly course in 47:49 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.

Three in the rain

 Steady rain this morning for my 3-mile run on the park roads.

Park roads

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

Dry

 It rained some at the park last night, but it was dry when I ran 4 miles on the trails late this morning.

Pending rain

 We are suppose to be getting some much needed rain today or in the next few days.  However, it was dry when I met the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3 miles on the trails.

Trails

 After two road races this weekend, I hit the trails again at Huntsville State Park.  Got in 4 miles.

Texas 10 Series Sienna 5-Miler

 I got super early this morning to drive about 100 miles to Missouri City for a 7 a.m. start of the Texas 10 Series Sienna 5-Miler.  I finished in 1:13:22 and was 2nd of 2 in the 70 and over age group.

Polish Pickle 5K

For the 25th straight year, I ran the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond this morning.  The race is normally in June, but was moved to  September this year.  Perfect weather, 50/60's.  I finished in 43:00 and was 1st of 4 in the 80 and over age group. The other old guys were walking, because the 2nd place winner was 13 minutes behind me.   It was the first time I ever placed 1st in my age group in this race.  That means I not only got a medal, but I got a jar of pickles.

3-Mile loop

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

Two days

 I forgot to blog last night, but I ran 3 miles on the park roads yesterday.  This evening, I ran 3.6 miles on the trails.

Early start

 I got to the park early to meet the group and got started before they arrived.  I ran 4 miles on the trails.

Back to the park

 After a lot of driving and two races this weekend, I returned to Huntsville State Park this morning and ran 3 miles on the roads.

Plano Balloon Festival 10K

 I ran the Plano Balloon Festival 10K in Plano this morning.  This was my first time running this race, usually held in conjunction with the balloon festival  The festival was cancelled, but they still had 15 or so balloon in the air during the race.  I finished in1:37:36 and was first (of one) in the 75 and over age group.  Great visiting with family up there and seeing some old friends at the race.

Heights 5K

 I ran the Heights 5K in Houston this morning, a flat out and back course on Heights Blvd.  Hot and humid, as usual for Houston.  I finished in 45:54 and did not place, since the age group was 50 and over.

Friday trails

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

5K distance

 I met up with the group and the park this evening and ran 3.1 miles on the roads.

Another 4

 I went to the park this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  That gives me 51.9 miles for the first half of the month of September (average 3.46 per day).

Much needed rain

 Even though it was a light mist most of the time, we finally got a little rain.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads - in a light rain.

Empty trails

 I went out to the park at mid-afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  Never saw anyone else the entire time.

Sunday at the park

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

Gruene Hall 10K

 I made the 3-hour+ drive over to New Braunfels yesterday to run the Gruene Hall 10K this morning - for the 11th straight year.  The weather was great.  Almost felt cold standing around for the start and very low humidity.  I finished in 1:33:09 and was first (of one) in the 80 and over age group.

Early run

 I am leaving town for a race tomorrow, so I went to Veterans Memorial Blvd. late this morning and ran 2 miles on the sidewalk.

Three on the roads

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

Mixed 4

 I did not get out to the park until after 5 this evening.  I ran 3 miles on the roads and another mile on the trails, for a total of 4.

Cool in the 80's

 I met up with the group  at the state park this evening and ran 3 miles on the roads.  After so many days in the 90's, the 80's seemed much cooler.

Labor Day 5K - 700th 5K

 I ran our club's hilly Labor Day 5K in the Spring Lake Sub-division this morning.  Finished in 48:11.  It was my 700th 5K race.

Sunday Night 5K - 1,200th race

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening and finished in 46:38.  It was my 1,200th race since my first one on May 1, 1983.

Hot 5

 I went out to the park in the early afternoon and ran 5 miles on the trails.  Hot.

Park roads

 Late this morning, I ran 3 miles on the state park roads.  The park was pretty empty, but I am sure it will fill up for the Labor Day Weekend.

No eye patch for 2 days

Today was my second day without wearing an eye patch.  Driving and running seem to be okay, but I still have some double vision at certain directions and distances.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

COVID booster shot

After getting shot one and two in February and March, I got my COVID booster shot this morning.  No side effects, so far.  My double vision was somewhat reduced today, depending on which way I am looking.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails.  I tripped a couple of times, but no falls.

Eye update

 I have seen several doctors about my double vision and had an MRI last Friday.  There was nothing in the MRI and the problem was diagnosed as an optic nerve something or another.  The double vision is suppose to go away on its own in a month or  two.  In the meantime, I am suppose to wear the patch when I drive or run.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the roads.

Short road run

 I had a lot of errands today, but I made it out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.2 miles on the roads.

Five hilly miles

 I ran 5 miles on the hilly roads at the state park this afternoon.

Run the Woodlands 5K

 I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning and finished in 48:13.  Got to visit with friends, including fellow streaker, Vincent Attanucci.

Afternoon at the park

 I made it out to the park late this afternoon and ran 2.3 miles on the roads.

Three in the new shoes

 I ran another 3 miles this evening on the park roads in the new shoes.  In another day or so, I will consider the "broken in."

Breaking in new shoes

 I put on a new pair of running shoes (Saucony Echelon) this afternoon and ran 2.3 miles on the state park roads.

Half and half

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.8 miles, half on the roads and half on the trails.  I found that the trails are too difficult with one eye patched. 

Park roads, again

 I still have double  vision.  The doc gave me a black patch today to wear over one eye.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads early this afternoon with the patch.  Worked okay.  I may try trails again tomorrow.

Park roads

 I went out to the park in the middle of the afternoon when it was good and hot and ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Watermelon Run for the Fallen

 I forgot to blog last night, but late yesterday I ran 2.1 miles on the concrete trails at a city park in Huntsville.  I got up early this morning and drove an hour over to Hempstead to run the Watermelon Run for the Fallen.  It is an annual non-competitive 5K to honor fallen service members.  Every one walks two laps around the track at the football stadium.  Then, if you want to run, its 2.8 miles to downtown Hempstead, watermelon and ceremonies to honor the fallen.  I finished the 2.8 segment in 45:10, just over a minute slower that the last race two years ago.

Roads, again

 My double vision will probably keep me off the trails for now.  I'm still getting it checked out.  In the meantime, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads.

To the roads

 Starting last Friday, I have been experiencing double vision.  That means that I see twice the number of roots to  trip on when running trails at the park.  Am not sure what is causing it, but it seems to coincide with the hard fall I took at Millican last Thursday evening.  I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to get it checked out.  So, today, I ran 3 miles on the state park roads.

Regular Tuesday on the trails

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

Monday in town

 I had a doctor's appointment late this morning, so I did not get out to the park to  run until mid-afternoon.  As I drove just a few miles south of Huntsville to the park, I  could see that it was storming with heavy rain and lightning.  I got into  to  the park and sat in my truck for a while.  It did not seem to be letting up, so I drove back to town and worked out at Iron Works.  Then, I ran and unplanned route in town.  It ended up being 2.3 miles.  Of course, no rain in town or at my house.

Back to the park

 After 3 days of running elsewhere, I went back  to the state park this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Southern Star Brewing 5K

 For the 7th straight year, I ran the Southern Star Brewing 5K in Conroe this morning.  Hot and humid, as usual.  I finished in 47:24 and was 3rd of 5 in the 70 and over age group.  Got to visit with a lot of good friends.

Laps

 I had a doctor's appointment late this morning and I felt a little beat up from the race and fall yesterday.  So, I went to the track later this afternoon and ran laps.  Another race tomorrow.

Millican Summer Series Race 6

 I ran the last of the 6-race Summer Series Trail Runs in Millican this evening.  I finished the 5K+ course in 57:23.  No slippery mud on the course this evening, but I did trip on a root and took a hard fall and skinned up my knee.

Regular

 I ran my regular 2.5-mile course on the trails late this morning.

3 months

 I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the state park this evening.  My new running streak is now 3 months old.  I think I will be something like 93 years old when I get back to 11 and a half year old streak.

Another hot 4 miles

 I got to the park about noon today and ran another 4 hot miles on the trails.

Back from Wylie

 Saturday morning, I drove up to Wylie (NE of Dallas) to visit family.  That afternoon, I went to a park in Plano and ran 2.3 miles on concrete trails.  When I got back to Huntsville this Sunday evening, I went to the track and ran 8 laps (2 miles), which is about my mental limit on a track.

Hot 4

 Late this morning, I ran 4 hot miles on the trails at the state park.  Not bad, but I donated a lot of blood to flying insects.

Regular 2.5

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

Early afternoon at the park

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

Tuesday with the group

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

Heavy rain at the park

 Late this morning, I headed south for the state park.  As I headed south on I-45, I could  see that there was heavy rain and lightning at the park.  So, I went home and went to the park later this afternoon.  I got in 3 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening and finished in 48:17.

Much better

 The inflammation in my foot was much better when I woke up this morning.  I cannot understand how it could improve so fast.  In any case, late this morning, I went out to the park and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Problem

I woke up this morning a little sore from the hard fall at the race yesterday.  However, I also had an inflamed right big toe joint.  I went to the park late this morning and ran a wimpy and painful 2 miles on the trails.  It has gotten worse this afternoon and evening.    Hopefully, it will be better tomorrow. 

Millican Summer Series Race 5

 I completed the 5th race of the 6-race Millican Summer Series Trail Runs this evening.  I expected the trails to be dry, but the race director said that they had a heavy rain in Millican this afternoon.  Much of the trail was very slippery.  I slipped and took a hard fall once.  Very hot and humid.  I finished the 5K+ course in 59:02.

Early afternoon run

 I made it out to the park early this afternoon, when it was good and hot, and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Tuesday with the group

 As usual for Tuesday, I met  up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Hot and humid, but that is expected for late July.

Spraying at the park

 I got to the park about noon today to run my 2.5-mile loop on the trails.  About a half mile into the run, I found a crew spraying the woods next to the trails.  Never saw that before.  I asked one of the guys what they were spraying for, but he did not speak English. Whatever it was for, the stuff smelled terrible.

Post 4,500

 This is my 4,500th post since I began blogging in 2008. I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Saw more hikers on the trails than I have seen all summer.

Dog Days 5K

 I ran our club's Dog Days 5K at Elkins Lake here in Huntsville this morning.  The course is very hilly and a little long according to my GPS.  I finished in 49:31 (49:57 last year).

Friday trails

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

Park roads

 I got out to the park this evening and decided not to dodge roots on the trails.  So, I ran 3 miles on the smooth park roads.

Later run

 I had a doctor's appointment late this morning for an ear infection and did not get out to the park until later this afternoon.  It was hot and I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Not a usual day

 I got up this morning and found a dead deer (young buck) in my front yard a few feet from the house.  I have no idea what killed him, but I had the task of getting rid of the body.  I met up with the group  at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  About a quarter of a mile from the finish, I got  stung on the hand.  It took off before I could identify it, but I figure it was a wasp, bee or hornet.  I have been bitten by a few insects at the park over the years, but that was the first time in many years that I got stung.

Little longer

 I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails, a little longer course than my regular 2.5.

Sunday at the park

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

Lunar Landing 5K

 I got up very early this morning and drove down to Houston near NASA to run the Lunar Landing 5K.  Great race and I got to visit with a lot of Houston friends that I have not seen in a while, including Ben Harvie and June Harris.  I finished in 44:57 and was 2nd of 2 in the 80-84 age group.

Regular park course

 Late this morning, I went to the state park and ran my "regular" 2.5-mile trail course.

Millican Summer Series Race 4

 Went back to Millican this evening for the 4th of 6 races in the Summer Series 5K (+) trail runs.  The trails were mostly dry, but still with a few muddy spots.  I finished in 58:31.

Sluggish 3 miles

 It was hot and humid at noon today when I went out to the park and ran 3 sluggish miles on the roads.

Caught in the storm

 I met up with the group at the park this evening as a storm approached.  As I headed out on the trails, the storm blew in.  Very heavy rain and lightning.  I ran a little past the half mile point and then headed back.  I made it back to my truck safely,  The others did too.

Back from Austin

 I got up yesterday (Sunday) morning and ran 1-mile+ on Veterans Blvd. and then drove to Austin.  I attended a private Pat Green/Brad Paisley concert last night at Austin City Limits Live.  I drove back to Huntsville late this morning at got back at 2 p.m.  The last 100 miles was in the rain, some very heavy at times.  This evening, I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Run the Woodlands 5K

 After being at a concert in The Woodlands last night and getting home at 11:40 p.m., I went back down this morning and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K.  I finished in 48:08.  It was my 102nd time for running this race, my 37th race this year, my 1190th race and my 689th 5K.

Short park road run

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

Wet trail run

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails, the last half mile in a heavy rain.

Another 2.5

 I made it to the park late this morning and ran my usual 2.5 miles on the trails.

Tuesday group run

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

RTW/SN5K history

 The Run the Woodlands 5K (2nd and 4th Saturday of each month) and the Sunday Night 5K (now on the first Sunday) are held on the same relatively flat course in The Woodlands.  I have run the RTW 101 times and the SN5K 117 times for a total of 218.  I started running these races when I was 63 and have run 3 since I turned 80.  With the help of my smart daughter, I charted my finish time in 216 and the chart is below.  Two races from 2014 were omitted due to the transition to a new course and the races were short of a 5K.  The chart is below.  I ran my last full marathon at age 72 and ran a lot of half marathons until age 78.  Obviously, I ran faster when I was younger.  In the early 80's when I started racing, most of my times were in the mid-20's.  My personal record is 23:45 (May 1987 when I was 45 years old.)  I have run a total of 688-5K races.  I'm not sure what the chart says, except that you run slower as you grow older.

In any case, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this morning.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening and finished in 46:57.  I suppose because of so many races this 4th of July morning, there were only 3 of us who showed up.  So, I was 3rd overall.

Stu's Country Mile 5K

 For the 25th straight year (except last year was cancelled) I ran the Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville this morning.  I finished in about 47:30 and was 2nd place of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  I actually ran this race on July 4, 1988 when it was 5.3 miles with no course volunteers or water on the course.  When I ran it again in 1996, it was changed to a 5K.  Have not missed a year since.  So, I have run the race 26 times.  We always have a lot of our club members there and we all go to the Town Cafe for breakfast after the race and finish in time for the 4th of July parade.

Noon run

 I went to the state park at noon and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Millican Summer Series Race 3

 I drove over to Millican this evening to run race 3 of the Summer Series.  The 5K trail race (3.2 on my GPS all three races) did not get started until about 7:20.  It was very hot standing around waiting for the start and I was glad to get on the shaded trails.  The trails were almost completely dry.  I finished in 1:00:03 (gun time), compared to 59:08 last time.

Park roads

 For a change, I ran 2.3 miles on the park roads late this morning.  That gives me 76.1 miles for the month of June.

Curtis' report

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails, partly in the rain.  Curtis was there and gave us a report on his 332-mile point to point race in a bunch of  states in the southeast.  Amazing race, 95% on the roads and 5% on trails.  He finished on Day 6 and came in second place of 76 runners.  Congratulation, Curtis.  Not many runners have a "332" sticker on the back of their car.  I was parked next to him this evening and it made me look like a wimp with my "50-Mile" sticker.

Found nothing

 I ran 2.5 miles on the trails early this afternoon and found nothing - except biting horse flies.

Odd find on the trails

 I ran 3 miles on the trails at the state park this afternoon.  About half way through the run, I found a lady's purse on the trails.  I have been running regularly at the park for over 30 years.  I found cell phones, cash and lost kids, but never a purse.  It was completely empty, so I left it where it was.  I did not want to finish my run carrying a purse, anyway.

Run the Woodlands 5K

 For the 101st time, I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  I finished in 48:50 and got the chance to visit with some good friends.

Trails at the park

 I worked out at Iron Works this morning.  As I was leaving, I ran into old runner friends, Jerry Flanagan and Marvin Dittfurth.  For many years, Marvin and I use  to  trade off being president of the running club.  Jerry ran Boston a number of times, until he broke his hip and had a hip  replacement.  Then, I went to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Just when I finished, Hans Jaeger and John Cook showed up riding bikes.  Hans, John and I went off to run a number of marathons together.  I have not seen either one for a while.  Hopefully, they will get back to biking at the park on a regular basis.

Got it over with

 No food or drink until this afternoon.  I went to the track this morning and ran laps and was at the hospital at 11:30 for my colonoscopy, which was done about 1 p.m.  Got it over with.  I suppose the next one will be in 5 years.

Long day

 I have a colonoscopy scheduled for 11:30 tomorrow morning.  So, I had to  start my preparation last night.  No food today, just clear liquids.  Nothing tomorrow before the procedure.  That made for a long day today.  This morning, I found a chance to go to the track and run a mile to keep the streak alive.

Regular 2.5 at the park

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

Park roads

 I ran an unplanned route on the state park roads late this morning.  It turned out to be 2.3 miles.

Late Sunday run

 I had visiting family much of the day and did not get to the park until about 5:30 this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and got bit a few times by flying critters.

June Bug 5K

 I ran our club's June Bug 5K this morning in the Spring Lake Sub-division here in Huntsville. I finished in 47:38 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.

Regular 2.5 at the park

 Late this morning, I made it out to the park and ran my normal 2.5 miles on the trails.

Millican Summer Series Race 2

 I drove over to Millican this evening to run Race 2 (of 6) of the Millican Summer Series at 7 p.m..  What a contrast to the rain, water and mud  two weeks ago!  There was no water on the trails and very little mud.  Of course, there were plenty of roots on the  trails and lots of ups and down.  According to my GPS, the course was 3.2 miles (like last time).  I finished in 59:08 (3 minutes and 1 second faster than last time).

Took a break from the trails

 I took a break from the trails (hard fall yesterday) and ran 2.1 miles on the park roads at the park late this morning.

Tuesday with the group

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  It was nice to have Sara from Lovelady and her son, Brady, join us.

Noon run

 I got to the park at noon today and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Hot Sunday afternoon

 It was 95 and humid when I got to the park in the middle of the afternoon.  The lady at the gate even offered me a bottle of water when I entered the park.  With no rain for a week, most of the mud on the trails has dried up.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Greyhound 5K

 I drove up to Kosse (88 miles) this morning to run the Greyhound 5K for the ninth time.  Hot and humid.  I finished in 47:40 and was 1st of 2 in the 80 and over age group.  Got to visit  with a lot of friends at the race and a bunch of us had breakfast at the Kosse Cafe after the race.  This was my 30th race so far in 2021.

Two on the road

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

One month

 My 5th running streak is now one month old.  In another 11 months, I can get back on the national list.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Summer time

 It was in the high 90's and very humid when I got to the park to run this afternoon.  I ran my "regular" 2.5-mile loop and for the third straight day, saw no one else on the trails.

Usual Tuesday

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

Trails still muddy at the park

 I went out to the park this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  They are still muddy in parts, even with less rain for the last couple days.  However, they are bone dry compared to the trails at Millican last Thursday.

Sunday Night 5K

 I went down to The Woodlands this evening and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 48 something, probably my slowest ever in this race.   Maybe I need to replace my pacemaker for one that has a high speed transmission.

Hope for Hospice 5K

I went back to Bellville (they are having a lot of races there lately) this morning to run the first ever Hope for Hospice 5K.  Nice untimed race with 20+ runners and walkers.  I enjoyed the course and, according to my watch, finished in a slow 47:40.  After the race, I had a good visit with Jason and Jerri Smalley and their  boys.  Jason is the Bellville Chief of Police and Jerri  is an RN.  

Back to the park

 After a rough race yesterday, I felt a little beat up today.  However, I went to the state park and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Millican Summer Series Race 1

 I drove 51 miles over to the Millican Reserve near Navasota to run the 1st of six 5K races in their summer series.  It rained all the way over and some during the race.  From where you park, it is a half mile walk to the start/finish line.  The course is all trails.  My GPS, which normally measures short on trails, showed the course to be 3.2 miles.  So, it was probably longer than that.  Very technical course.  Up and down, lots of roots, all very slippery mud and water everywhere.  There was 30 to 40 times we had to go through water over the ankles, sometimes up close to the knees.  I fell several times and was a muddy mess by the time I finished.  My finish time was 1:03:09.  There were a couple guys in their 70's running, but I suppose I was first in the 80 and over age group.  Awards are given at the end of the 6-race series, based on a point system.  It was my 24th consecutive day of running.

Global Running Day 5K

 I went to the Fleet Feet Store in The Woodlands this evening and ran their Global Day 5K along the waterway.  I finished in 43:47, but according to my GPS, the course was 3 miles.  Got a chance to visit with a lot of friends.  On the way back to Huntsville, I stopped in at Cheddars in Conroe and had dinner with my daughter and her family.

Hard fall

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  With more rain today, the trails were in bad shape.  I tripped on a root and took a hard fall.  No injuries that band aids won't cover up, though.

Memorial Day

 We hosted our club's annual Memorial Day 5K & 1-Mile at our house this morning.  Nice weather (not too hot).  We had 77 finishers and everyone seem to have a good time.  This afternoon, I went to the park to run.  Luckily, I made a reservation. because the park was full again.  I ran a 3-mile loop on the still muddy trails.  I encountered snake number 2 for the season.  I am not sure what kind it was.  Two feet were on the trail and the business end was in the bushes.  It looked like a water moccasin.

Got in

 I am hosting a club 5K at my house tomorrow, so I have been busy getting ready for that.  I did make it out to the park this afternoon.  After waiting in a long line to get to the gate, they told me that the park was full and that I could not get in without a reservation.  However, being about the most regular customer they have, they let me in anyway.  I ran the same 2.5-mile loop on the trails that I did yesterday.  Still muddy in parts.

Muddy and crowded trails

 There was a long line at the gate at the park this morning and it took me a while to get in.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  They are still muddy and there were a lot of other runners and hikers on the trails.  Surprisingly, the flying critters were not bad.  Maybe they were just not hungry anymore after I got there.  By the way, this was my 4,444th post since I starting blogging in 2008.

Park roads

 Even though this is the second day in a row without rain, I figured that the trails would still be muddy.  So, this morning, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Park roads

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

Catching up, again

 After having my computer working briefly, it went out again.  ATT came out this morning and got  it going again, along with the phone and TV.

May 25 - Ran 3 miles on the roads at the park

May 26 - Ran 2.5 on the very muddy trails at the park.

Catching up

 Last Friday night, I lost my Internet (and TV and phone) due to a blown Modem.  Just got a new one from ATT.

May 21 - Ran 2.4 miles on the trails and roads at the park.

May 22 - Mindy Moses Memorial 5K, Bellville.  I'm not sure who Mindy Moses was, but they put on a good race in her honor.  I finished in 45:46 and was 2nd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.

May 23 -  My 80th birthday.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park late in the morning and had family in for the rest of the day.

May 24 - I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park in heavy rain.  Luckily, the lightning was not too close.

Unusual Thursday morning run

 I normally meet the group at the park on  Tuesday and Thursday evening, but tonight I had to go to The Woodlands for my grandson's high school graduation.  So, I went to the park this morning and ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Park roads

 After a heavy rain last night, I did not even attempt to run on the trails this morning.  So, I ran 3 miles on the park roads late this morning.

Wet trails

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on very wet trails.  With a lot more rain tonight, the trails will be a mess tomorrow.

Partly

 I went to the park late this morning and ran 2.2 miles, partly on the trails and partly in the rain.

Same course

 Less than one week on my new streak and I forgot to post last night.  Yesterday, I ran the same 2.5-mile course on the trails at the park.

Back to the trails

 I went to the park this afternoon and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Luckily, no trips or falls.

2 at the park

 I had a lot of yard work this morning and early afternoon and did not get to the park to run until later this afternoon.  While tempted to get on the trails, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Back to 3

 I went out to the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the roads.  Was tempted to go on the trails, but am suppose to take it easy for 2 weeks,   I would hate to take a hard fall and knock the wires loose from my heart.

Cleared to run

 I went to the doctor this morning to get the 11 staples out of my chest.  All looks well and I am cleared to run.  I went to the park this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Day 1 of Streak Number 5

 Tomorrow, I have a doctors appointment to remove the bandages and stitches and/or staples from my chest.  Then, I am technically allowed to remove the sling from my left arm and be able to drive again.  So, I drove to the park this evening, met up with the group, and ran 1-mile+ on the park roads.

Streak Ended

 My 4th streak has ended.  The last day I ran was April 28, 2021, ending a 11-year, 6-month and 10-day streak.  My headaches continued today and with chest pain.  I went to the doctor this afternoon,  The pacemaker is working fine.  The headache is due to the sudden normal pulse rate, after so long at a slow rate.  The chest pain is from the surgery trauma (they removed the old heart monitor and inserted the pacemaker in a different place.  I go back to the doctor on May 12,  In the meantime, I have to wear s sling on the left arm, cannot get the bandage wet, cannot drive or run.  The danger is the wires being pulled out of the heart and infection.  I plan to start another streak when I can.  Thanks for your support.  The fact that a few people read this blog is a huge motivator.  I'll post again when I start streak number 5.

Pacemaker Implant today

 I went to the track at midnight last night and got in a mile for today.  This morning, I went down to The Woodlands to have a pacemaker implanted  Spent over 7 hours in the place.  The surgery lasted over an hour.  Right now, I am very sore and have an extremely bad headache.

Another 2.5

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

Back to the park

 After a couple days running races on concrete, I went back to the park late this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Texas 10 Series Cypress 5-Miler

 I ran the Texas 10 Series Cypress 5-Miler this morning in Cypress.  I finished in 1:13:33 and was 4 of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  That's 4 seconds faster than Sienna last Sunday.  Cypress was the last of 7 Texas 10 Series race in 2020/2021.  

Run The Woodlands 5K

 I ran the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month Run The Woodlands 5K this morning and finished in 44:36.  This was my 100th time for running this race.  The first time was on June 12, 2004, when I finished in 30:13.  This afternoon, I went to the Sam Houston State and Monmouth U. football game her in Huntsville.  Due to the pandemic, Sam Houston had a late 6-game season and today's game was the first round of the FCS playoffs.  It ended up being a close game, but Sam Houston won and will play North Dakota State in Huntsville next weekend.

Another 2 races this weekend

 With 2 more races this weekend, I went to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Thursday with the group

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  The others saw a rattlesnake in the parking lot, but it was gone by the time I got back from the run.  In my 30+ years of running trails at Huntsville State Park, I have seen about every kind of snake, but never a rattlesnake.

Cool and clear

 It was cool and clear for a run on the trails at the state park this morning.  I ran 3 miles.

Tuesday with the group

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  The knee is feeling better.

Trails on Monday

 After two races on the roads this weekend, I went to the park early this afternoon.  I have been having some pain in my left knee for a week, so I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  I may have to get the knee strap  out again.

Texas 10 Series Sienna 5-Miler

 I got up at 4:10 this morning to drive down to Missouri City for the Texas 10 Series Sienna 5-Miler. - 7 a.m. start.  Nice weather with the temperature in the 50's.  I finished in 1:13:37 and was 2nd of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  Two years ago, I ran the 10-mile course in Sienna in very high heat and humidity.  I ended up being taken by ambulance to the hospital with severe dehydration.  The race today was my 22nd race in 2021 and 1,175th race since I started racing 38 years ago.  Today was also my 4,200th consecutive day of running, which is exactly 11 and a half years.

Spring Fling 5K

 I ran our club's Spring Fling 5K at the Elkins Lake Sub-division here in Huntsville this morning.  It must be the hilliest course in Huntsville.  I do not have my official time yet, but it should be just over 46 minutes.  We did not have it in 2020, but in 2019, my time was just under 47 minutes.

Cardiologist appointment today

 I had an important appointment with the cardiologist late this morning and did not make it out to the park until later this afternoon.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Rain at the end

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails, the last half mile or  so in the rain.

Late afternoon run

 I had some errands to run today in Conroe and The Woodlands and did not get to the park to run until late this afternoon, breaking my late morning habit.  I ran 3 miles on the trails.  Lots of annoying (and biting) flying critters.   Guess it is time to get out the anti-bug spray.

Just me and Jason

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

Back to the park

 After a couple days of racing, I went back to the state park this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Texas 10 Series Katy 5-Miler

 I got up at 4:15 this morning to go down to Katy (just west of Houston) to run the Texas 10 Series Katy 5-Miler.  Beautiful sunny weather in the 50's.  I finished in 1:10:06 and was 2nd of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 20th race in 2021 and I have 2 races every weekend for the next 3 weeks.  After the race this morning, I had breakfast at IHOP with my niece, who lives in west Houston.  Nice day.

Blue Bell 5K

 I ran the Blue Bell 5K in Brenham this morning.  I ran my first Blue Bell in 1996 and today was my 18th.  Most of those years, I ran the 10K.  There were 745 finishers in the 5K today.  I finished in 44:02 and was 3rd of 4 in the 75-79 age group.  I would have been much slower had I not crossed the track before the train got there.  The guard rail almost hit my head as it came down.  While they did not have a post-race park to hang around with friends, I did get to visit with a couple friends that I had not seen in a while.

Definitely getting close to summer

 I ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.  Not only is it starting to get hot, the flying insects and spider webs across the trails were starting to appear.

Snake number one

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the trials.  I encountered my first snake of the year on the trails.  It was a common Rough Green Snake.

Still burning at the park

 They were still doing the controlled burn at the state park today.  However, late this morning, I was able to get in a 3.5-mile run on the trails.

Back to the smoky park

 Today was day two of controlled burns at Huntsville State Park.  I met up with the group this evening and ran my regular 2.5-mile course on the trails.  While the course was not in the burn area, it was a little smoky.

Waterway

 They had a controlled burn at Huntsville State Park today.  Even though some of the trails were to be open, it would be a smoky environment.  I had some errands to run in The Woodlands today, so while down there, I ran 4 miles along the waterway.  That makes for a lot of concrete running surface the last few days.  Hopefully, its back to trails tomorrow.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening and finished in 43:42.  Happy Easter.

Guns and Hoses 5K

 I ran the Guns and Hoses 5K in Bellville this morning.  I have been through Bellville a few times, but never ran a race there.  Am not sure how many runners they had, but well over 100.  I finished in 43:25 and was 1 of 1 in the 70 and over age group.  I would have been a little faster, except  that I had to make a quick porta-potty stop on the course.  After running the ramps last night, I was a little sore and stiff the first mile.  This was my 17th race in 2021 and 1,170th overall.

Run the Ramps 5K

 For the 13th time, I ran the Run the Ramps 5K at Kyle Field in College Station this evening.  This is 3 trips up and down the ramps at the stadium.  I ran it for the first time in 1997.  The date, time, course and the Texas A&M organization putting it on has changed several times over the years.  While the stadium was under renovation several years ago and in 2020, it was not held at all.  In any case, I finished in 44:05, almost a minute faster than in 2019.

Thursday with the group

 As usual for Thursday, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  5K races the next 3 days.

March

 I ran 4 miles on the trails this morning.  That gives me 110.6 miles for the month (average 3.57 per day).  Today was my 4,182nd consecutive day of running.

Tuesday with the group

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

Happy National Vietnam Veterans Day

 At noon today, I attended a flag ceremony and luncheon at the Veterans Museum in Huntsville to celebrate National Vietnam Veterans Day.  I served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1967 and 68.  Hanging around and telling war stories is not my thing, but it was nice to see the recognition of Vietnam Veterans and visit with some friends.  Afterwards, I worked out at Iron Works and ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the state park.

Texas 10 Series Huntsville 5-Miler

 No long drive for a race this morning.  I ran the Texas 10 Series 5-Miler here in Huntsville.  With a 7 a.m. start, I still had to get up early, though.  The course is on and around the campus, so it is very hilly.  I finished in 1:12:53 and was 2 of 2 in the 70 and over age group.

Run the Woodlands 5K

 For the first time in over a year, I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  It is held twice a month, but was not held for most of 2020 due to COVID.  This was my 99th time running this race, starting in 2004.  I finished in 43:17.

4 on Friday

 I went to the park late this Friday morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Small group

 It was a small group at the park this evening.  Me, Jacob and Curtis.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Regular 4

 Late this morning, I ran 4 miles on the trails at the park.

Run with the group

 I forgot to post last night, but yesterday I worked out at Iron Works and met up with the group at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Back to Iron Works

 After a year of skipping Iron Works due to the pandemic, I went there this afternoon for a light start-up again workout.  This morning, I went to the park and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Lots of time at the park

 I went to the park this morning, waited in a long line to get in, and then ran 2.5 miles on the  trails.  I went back out to the park this afternoon for our club's annual Run the Trails 3.5-mile  event.  I delivered the race clock and then hiked out  1-mile with my camera.  I served as a photographer and course monitor.  After the last runner, I hiked back in and took down course marking materials on the way back.

Green Ultra 10K Trail Run

 I ran the Green Ultra 10K Trail Run at Millican Reserve (between Navasota and College Station) this morning.  Beautiful  weather, clear and in the 40's.  According to my GPS, the course was 6.4 miles.  I finished in 1:53:50 and was 1 of 1 in the 70 and over age group.

Crowded park for a Friday

 I had to wait in a long line to get into the park late this morning.  Lots of people at the park for a Friday.  I ran 3 miles on the trails.

5K distance

 I got to the park ahead of the group this evening and took off running.  I ran 5K on the trails and finished up about the same time as the others.

Nice time of year at the park

 The park is starting to green up with the approach of Spring and the temperature is nice for running.  I went out late this morning and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

No line at the park

 There was no line to get into the park this evening to run with the group.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Long line at the park

 When I got to the state park yesterday, the line to get into the gate was so long (spring break) that I turned around.  I went to the parking lot near I-45 and ran and entered the trail head there.  I was suppose to have a day pass, but put my annual pass on my dash board, instead.  Luckily, I did not get a ticket.  I got in 3.3 miles, mostly on the south perimeter jeep trail.

Trip to Tyler

 I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this morning before driving up to Tyler for a long-overdue family get together.  The drive was 2.5 hours both ways in the rain, but it was nice to visit  with family again.

5K x 2

 I ran the Captain Rowdy Inman Memorial 5K on the SHSU campus this morning.  The course was in and around the campus was very hilly, but any race around that campus will be hilly.  I finished in 42:26.  There was no age group competition.   Later today, I went to the state park and ran the 5K distance on the trails, to give me 6.2 miles for the day.

Back to 4

 Back to the park this morning for 4 miles on the trails.

Thursday with the group at the park

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

Regular 4

 Late this morning, I went to the park and ran my regular out and back 4-mile course on the trails.

Earlier than usual Tuesday run

 I usually meet up with the group at the park on Tuesday evening.  However, I had to take my wife to The Woodlands for an appointment late this afternoon.  So, I went to the park this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Back to trails

 After two days of racing on concrete in The Woodlands, I returned to jumping over and around roots on the trails at Huntsville State Park this afternoon.  I ran 4 miles.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening for the 114th time.  My 5 year old grandson ran with me.  It was his second 5K.   I finished in 43:56 and he was a couple seconds ahead of me.

The Woodlands Marathon 10K

 I ran The Woodlands Marathon 10K this morning.  It was the first year they had a 10K in conjunction with the marathon and half marathon.  There were over 500 finishers just in the 10K.  I finished in 1:30:04 and was 5th of 5 in the 75 and over age group.

Nearly empty trails

 It was cloudy and in the low 60's this morning when I went to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Surprisingly, I only saw one other person on the trails.

Trip to The Woodlands

 I drove down to The Woodlands late this morning to pick up my packet for Saturday's race.  I ran some other errands down that way, so it was more than picking up a  bib and T-shirt.  This evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Nice day for trail running

 It was sunny and in the 60's when I went out to the park to run trails.  I was in between other things I had to do, but I got in 3.2 miles.

Got my second COVID vaccination

 I got my second COVID vaccination at 9 this morning at the Texas Health Department here in Huntsville, four weeks after getting the first.  I was not sure if I would have side effects, so after getting the shot, I ran one mile on the streets in my old neighborhood.  The only side effect was that I was hungry all day.  No fever, chills or anything else.  This evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  That gave me 4 miles for the day.  Since I got my second shot, the Governor announced later today that the mask mandate is over.  I did realize that he knew when I got my second shot.

Late morning trail run

 I went to the park this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.  This was my 4,152nd consecutive day of running.

80's

 It was in the low 80's when I went out to the park to run this afternoon.  Such a contrast to the cold weather a couple weeks ago!  I ran 4 miles on the trails.  For the short month of February, I got in 87.8 miles (average 3.14 per day).

The Woodlands Marathon 5K

 I ran The Woodlands Marathon 5K this morning.  The race is held one week before the marathon.  I finished in 41:29 and was 2nd of 3 in the 75 and over age group.

Three

 With a race tomorrow, I went to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Rain

It rained on the way to the park this evening to meet up with the group.  However, it eased up for 2.5 miles on the trails. 

Another warm day

 Today was another day with the temperature in the high 70's.  I went to the park this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Back to normal

 After single digit temperatures a week ago, it was in the high 70's today.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Park open again

 Huntsville State Park unexpectedly reopened today.  I went out there late this morning and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  The trails I ran were in good shape.  From what I was told, most of the damage was due to frozen and broken pipes in the buildings.

Lone Star Trail

 With Huntsville Stare Park closed for repairs, I ran on the nearly Lone Star Trail late this morning.  Also ran on the closed section of the I-45 service road.  Ran a total of 2.1 miles.

Race for Hope 5K - Virtual

 The Race for Hope 5K I was supposed to run in Lufkin this morning was changed to a virtual race.  So, late this morning, I went back to the church parking lot and ran the distance in 41:22.  Flat course and no  ice.  Huntsville State Park has been closed for the last few days and will not  reopen until next Thursday at the earliest.

Races cancelled

 I was suppose to run a 5K in Lufkin tomorrow morning, but it was changed to virtual due to the icy weather.  Then, on Sunday morning, I was going the run the Texas 10 Series 5-Miler in Sugar Land.  Also due to the weather, that was rescheduled for April.  Well, darn.  So, this afternoon, I went to the same church parking lot that I ran yesterday and ran 10 laps around the large parking lot.  That turned out to be 3.2 miles.

Church parking lot

 I think the high temperature today was 32, so most places were covered in snow and ice.  I found a large church parking lot near my house that was relatively clear.  I went late this afternoon and ran multiple loops around the lot.  I had to dodge some ice patches, but got by without a slip.  I ended up running 2.1 miles.

Something different

 We had freezing rain this morning and the road I ran the last 2 days was iced over.  So, I decided to go to Iron Works and run on the treadmill.  It was closed, so I decided to run in the snow at the track.  I got there and it was iced over.  On the way home, I noticed that there was no ice or snow on the shoulder of a ramp onto the highway near by house.  I parked my truck and ran up and down the ramp until I got in 1.5 miles.  I had 2 nice people stop and ask me if I needed any help. Running streak day 4,140 done.

Not much better

 No snow today, but the temperature was in single digits last night and in the 20's today.  I ran 1.3 miles in my neighborhood and slipped a few times.  With some traffic on the snow during the day, it was more like ice.  Freezing rain is in the forecast for tomorrow.  Ugh.

Streak saving run

 The temperature got down to 12 last night and I woke up to 4 and a half inches of snow (most since I moved to Huntsville 35 years ago).  The streets were not drivable.  Early this afternoon when it was up to 15 degrees, I ran a little over a mile on the roads in my neighborhood.  I feel sorry for the streakers up north.  I have no idea how they put up with the cold and snow.  The weather does not look much better for the rest of the week.

Back to the state park

 It was 28 degrees when I went to the park late this morning.  Luckily, the roads were not icy and safe to drive on.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Hog Wild 10K Trail Run

 I drove an hour and forty minutes up to Bremond to run the Hog Wild 10K Trail Run.  As I drove north, it go colder and the landscape became iced over.  The roads were pretty dry, but I did pass a flipped over car just west of Centerville on Hwy. 7.  And, the race director said that one of the volunteers flipped his car over on Hwy. 6 coming up for the race.  The temperature during the race was 25 degrees and the grass and the trees were iced over.  I dressed warmly and was comfortable during the race and I never slipped or fell on the ice.  According to my GPS (and others) the course was 6.5 miles.  I finished in 1:46:39 and was 1 of 1 in the 70 and over age group.

Just cold

 It was 32 degrees this morning when I went to the park.  I ran 3 miles and never saw anyone else on the trails.

Cold and wet

 It was 34 and raining when I met the group at the park this evening.  Four of us showed up.  I ran 2.3 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Wet run

 I thought I would  beat the forecasted rain, but not.  I went to the park late this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails, part of it in a heavy rain.  The good news is that I only saw one other person on the trails.

Normal Tuesday

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

Back to the park

 After 2 days not running at the state park, I went out this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails..

Texas 10 Series Bridgeland 5-Miler and Sunday Night 5K

My toe inflammation was better this morning.  I got up early and ran the Texas 10 Series Bridgeland 5-Miler in Conroe.  The race is normally held in Cypress in Harris County, but was moved to Conroe in Montgomery County, because Harris County would not give them a permit due to COVID.  That's fine with me;  Conroe is a lot closer.  I finished in 1:11:17 and was 2 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 45:13, almost 2 minutes slower than last month.  In any case, I finished the day with 8.1 miles, all on concrete.

Darned inflammation

 I woke up this morning with inflammation in my big toe joint.  Huntsville State Park was closed today for the Rocky Raccoon 100, so I went to the track late this morning and ran 1.5 miles.

Light rain

 There was a on and off light rain when I ran trails at the park this morning.  I ran 3.5 miles on the  trails.

78

 Here it is early February and it got up to 78 degrees this afternoon.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Out and back

 Late this morning, I went to the park and ran my out and back 4-mile course on the trails.

Got my first COVID vaccination

 I got my first COVID vaccination this at 9:15 this morning.  No side effects so far and this evening I met up with the group at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Back to the park

 After 5 miles on concrete streets yesterday, I went to the state park this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Texas 10 Series College Station 5-Miler

 I forgot to post last night, but I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.  I got up real early this morning and drove over to College Station  to run the Texas 10 Series College Station 5-Mile race.  I finished in 1:08:46 and was 2 of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  That gives me 114.3 miles for the month of January, an average of 3.68 miles per day.

Back to 4

 I went out to the park early this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.

New shoes

 This evening, I ran in my new New Balance shoes for the first time.  The last time I ran in New Balance was back in the 80's.  They were very heavy shoes then.  We will see how long the new lighter version lasts.  I haver custom orthodics, so I have to wear a neutral shoe.  Seems like when I get use to a brand and model, they discontinue the model.  In any case, I ran 2 miles on the park roads to break in the new shoes.

Regular 4-mile course

Late this morning, I went to the park and ran my regular out and back 4-mile course on the trails. 

Group Tuesday

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

Monday on the trails

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

Longer run

 I went to the park late this morning and ran 7 miles on the trails.  It was overcast and in the 60's, but saw very few others on the trail.

Frost Your Fanny 5K

 I ran our club's annual Frost Your Fanny 5K in Huntsville this morning in the hilly Spring Lake Sub-division and finished in 43:19.

Two days

 I forgot to blog last night, but I ran 2.5 miles on the state park trails yesterday and another 3 today.

Four bikers and a hiker

 Late this morning, I ran 6 miles on the trails at the state park.  Only saw 4 bikers and 1 hiker on the trails.  Overcast sky and a temperature of about 60.  Nice.

Another warm day

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  With the temperature in the 70's, we were attacked by mosquitos after the run.  Someone said that they saw a big rattlesnake at the park a couple days ago.

Warmer weather

 It was almost 70 when I went to the park late this morning.  Being a holiday, the trails were crowded, but I got in 5 miles.

Real early morning run

 I got a call yesterday from an old friend that I have not seen in many years.  He and I were officers in the Rose Runners Club in Tyler, Texas in 1984.  He was coming through Huntsville early this morning and wanted me to run with him at Huntsville State Park.  We met at 7:15 a.m. (middle of the night) and ran 4 miles on the trails.  We had a good run and visit.

More good running weather

 I made it to the park late this morning and ran 5 miles on the trails.

Nice running weather

 It was sunny and in the 50's today.  I went to the park and ran 4 miles on the trails.  Also, being a Friday, there were not too many people on the trails.

Group on Thursday

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

Back to 4

 After 3 days of slacking off with 2+mile runs, I went to the park this morning and ran 4 on the trails.

Half and half

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

Same course as yesterday

 This afternoon, I ran the same 2.5-mile trail course that I ran yesterday. It was 37 degrees, but the bridges were coated with ice and snow.  Again, I never saw anyone else on the trails.

Cold and wet run

 It was about 35 degrees and raining when I went to the park this morning.  I got in 2.5 miles on  the trails.  No surprise, but I did not see another person on the trails.  Later today, we had rare snow in Huntsville.  Probably about 2 inches.

Did not expect the park to be so crowded

 Late this morning, I had to wait in a long line to get into the park and then park in overflow parking.  There were so many people on the trails, I had to keep my mask on much of the time.  I ended up getting 4 miles on the trails.

4,100

 I ran trails at the state park this morning.  This was my 4,100th consecutive day of running.  To commemorate the milestone, I moved the decimal point three places and ran 4.100 miles.

Another 3

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

Earlier run

 It was suppose to start storming this morning about 11 and last most of the day.  So, I went out to the park earlier than normal this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Roads

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the roads.  Good to see Camille, who recently moved back from Portland, join us - after a 26-year absence.

Nice Monday weather

 It was sunny with the temperature in the 60's when I went out to the state park to run late this morning.  I got in 4 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

 Being the first Sunday of the month, I went down to The Woodlands this evening to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 43:34.

Back to trails

 After a couple days running roads, I went to the park late this morning and ran 4 miles on the trails.

New Year Resolution 10K

 I ran our club's New Year Resolution 10K this afternoon up and down the hills of Veterans Memorial Parkway and finished in 1:34:17.