Reindeer 5K - 1,500th race

  I drove to Lufkin early this morning and ran the Reindeer 5K - for the tenth time.   This was my 1,500th race.  My first race was a 10K at Fort Hood on May 1, 1983.  The 1,500 includes 941 5K races.  I finished the race this morning in 49:34 - finally got back under 50 minutes.  I was first of two in the 80 and over age group.

Lots of squirrels

 The park was open again today after squirrel hunting.  Obviously, the hunters did not get them all.  I ran 3.2 miles, mostly on the trails, and many of them running all over the place.

Fass Brewery 5K

 It was in the low 40's in Conroe tonight for the Fass 5K social run.  At least, it was not raining.

Run in town

 With the state park closed today, I ran 3.6 miles in town.

Last run at the park before it closes

 The state park is closing for a few days for squirrel hunting, as it does every year about this time.  I went to the park early this afternoon and ran 3.9 miles, mostly on the trails. 

Back to the park

 After four straight days of running races, I returned to the state park late this morning.  Low 40's and a light drizzle.  The camping area was almost empty and I saw only one other person on the trails.  I ran one mile on the roads and 2.7 on the trails.

Leftover Turkey 5K and Holiday Showdown 5K

 Yesterday (Saturday), I ran our club's hilly Leftover Turkey 5K here in Huntsville.  I finished in 54:40 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.  After the race, I drove up to Tyler for a visit with family and to run the Holiday Showdown 5K this morning.  Cold -35F.  I finished in 53:23 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.  That's 68 races so far this year.  For the month of November, I ran 110.7 miles (average 3.69 per day).  November also marks 16 months of running at least 3.1 every day.

MC3 Hash Run

 I went back down to The Woodlands this morning to run the MC3 Hash Run.  It is a race designed to get you off course.  There are about 12 intersections with arrows pointing both ways.  If you go the  wrong way, there will be a sign telling you that you went the wrong way.  If you never make any wrong turns, the distance is less than 3 miles.  I made 3 wrong turns and finished in about 60 minutes.  My distance was 3.15 miles.  The MC3 stands for Montgomery County Triple.  The Hash Run was part of a 3-race series during Thanksgiving week.

Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler

 

I ran the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler in The Woodlands this morning - for the 24th straight year.  I finished in 1:29:54, about a minute slower than last year.  My GPS shows the course to be 5.17 miles.  I was 2nd place of 2 in the 80 and over age group.

Resting up for Thanksgiving

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I always run the 5-miler in The Woodlands, I rested up today.  I went to the park about noon and ran an easy 3.3 miles on the roads and trails.

Stayed on the roads

 I stayed on the roads at the park this evening.  Ran 3.8 miles.

Before the storm

 It was suppose to storm all afternoon, so I went into town this morning and ran 3.2 miles.  Most of the heavy storm this afternoon missed Huntsville, but we did get a little rain.

Crowded park

 The state park was very crowded this afternoon when I went there to run.  I guess that is expected for Thanksgiving week.  I got in 5 miles, mostly on the trails.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning and finished in a disappointing 52:58.  This was my 50th parkrun.  Parkruns are free 5K races put on by the British worldwide.  There are 3 in the Houston area.  My first parkrun was in The Woodlands along the waterway, just before COVID.  They were all suspended for COVID.  That particular parkrun was brought back at Spindle Tree.  So, today was Spindle Tree number 49.

Roads/trails

 I went to the park early this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the roads and trails.  What I have been doing for a month or so is parking in a certain spot and running one half mile to a trail head, running trails and then the half-mile on the road back to my parking spot.  So, if I post a road/trail run, it usually means one mile on the roads and the rest on the trails.  When you streak, you have to change up your routine once in a while.

Fass 5K

 After having a doctor's appointment in Conroe this morning, I went back down tonight and ran the Fass 5K.

Mostly trails

 I got in 4.7 miles at the park early this afternoon, 3.7 on the trails and 1.0 on the roads.

Group night at the park

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.4 miles on the roads.

Monday at the park

 Being a Monday, the park was not so crowded today.  I ran 3.3 miles early this afternoon, mostly on  the trails.

Snake number 3

 I went out to the park this sunny afternoon and ran 4.2 miles, mostly on the trails.  I was going across one of the long bridges and saw a couple on bikes coming toward me.  They suddenly stopped.  Rather than looking down as I usually do, I looked up to watch them.  I assumed they stopped to let me pass.  As I got very near them, they said that there was a snake on the bridge.  I looked down and there was a water moccasin coiled with its mouth open about a foot from my leg.  Darn.  Why didn't they say something before I got that close?  It  was only the third snake I have seen this year while running at the park.

Back Pew 5K

 I ran the Back Pew Brewery 5K in Porter this morning.  Nice running weather, but the course is a little rough and hilly.  I finished in 50:15.  I need to get back below 50, but this was my fastest 5K time this year.  I was the only runner over 80, so I was first in my age group.

Late morning at the park

 A nice easy 3.4 miles on the roads and trails at the park this morning.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.

Roads and trails

 Early this afternoon after working out at Iron Works, I went to the state park and ran 4 miles, 3 on the trails and 1 on the roads.  Nice weather, but we are so far behind in rain.

Veterans Day

 It is Tuesday and I usually meet up with the group at the park in the evening for a run.  I ran 3.8 miles on the roads and trails early this afternoon and then attended a Veterans Day dinner in Huntsville this evening.  Always good to visit with a lot of non-runner friends.

Split run

 Busy today.  Had to run twice.  The first run was 2.5 miles in town late this morning, before I had to leave town for appointment in Conroe.  After that appointment, I drove a little further south to Jones State Forest Park.  Ran another 2 miles on the trails.  That gave me 4.5 miles for the day.  By coincidence, today marked 4.5 years on my current running streak.

Five at the park

I ran 5 miles (4 on the trails) early this afternoon at the state park.  Sunny and cool (60's) and lots of people on the trails. 

CPT Rowdy Inman 5K

 I ran the CPT Rowdy Inman 5K at Sam Houston State University here in Huntsville this morning.  It is put on my the ROTC in memory of one of their graduates.  Very hill course around the campus.  I finished in 51:47, a minute or so faster than last year.  No age group competition.

Early afternoon

 With a race in the morning, I ran early this afternoon.  Got in 3.3 miles at the park, mostly on the trails.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K run in Conroe tonight.

Mostly trails

 After working out at Iron Works late this morning, I went to the state park and ran 4.3 miles, mostly on the trails.

Last PT appointment today

 I had my 22nd and last Physical Therapy appointment this morning.  It is taking longer than I expected to recover after back surgery on August 4.  With the treatment and prescribed exercises, hopefully I can get back to my normal slow running.  I went from my appointment this morning to Iron Works and then a run at the park later this afternoon.  Got in 4.2 miles on the park roads.

Noon run at the park

 It was relatively cool at noon today when I went to the park to run.   I started and finished a 4.6-mile run on the roads and trails.  While on the trails, I took a hard fall.  When I got back to the roads through the camping area, a lady (wearing a Salvation Army tag) stopped me and asked me if I wanted to kneel and pray with her.  Why didn't she ask me before I fell?

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight and finished in 51:49, my fastest finish in this race in one year.  Maybe it is the cooler weather, but I had less pain in my leg and ankle.

Alex's 5K

 I ran Alex's 5K in south Houston this morning.  Big crowd and a lot of old friends.  I finished in 50:40 and was 5th of 5 in the 80 and over age group.  I was less than 10 seconds behind the 3rd and 4th place finishers.  This was my 60th race in 2025.

Wrapping up October

 I ran 3.5 miles on the roads and trails at the park this afternoon.  That wraps up October with 111.4 miles, an average of 3.59 per day.  It brings my total to 1,098.6 miles for 2025.  While my running streak (at least 1 mile per day) is nearly four and a half years, today I reached 15 months of running at least 3.1 miles every day.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.

Late run in town

 Got busy today, with some unexpected errands.  So, I ran in town late this evening.  Did 3.6 miles.

Stayed on the roads

 I stayed on the roads at the park this evening.  Got in 3.7 miles.  Still fighting the sore ankle soreness.  The doctor says it is an extension of the back problem.  The sciatic nerve goes from the back down to the ankle.  Hopefully, it will get better over time.

More physical therapy treatments

 Got a call from the clinic today saying that my insurance company has approved three more treatments for my back.  That's good news.  I went to the park this afternoon and ran 3.7 miles, half roads and half trails.

Sunday at the park

 I went out to the state park mid-afternoon and ran 4.7 miles, almost all on the trails.

Rainy day

 We had a much needed heavy rain very early this morning and another tonight.  I had no race today, but did get out to the park this afternoon and run 3.3 miles, mostly on the trails.  No mud.  The trails were so dry that the rain was quickly absorbed.

Last day before the big rain

 We are suppose to get a lot of rain tomorrow after many weeks of virtual zero rain.  No complaints, but I'll have to squeeze in a run sometime tomorrow.  This afternoon, I went to the park and ran 4.5 miles on the trails.  One trip and fall, but no trip to the ER.  Not even a band aid. 

Fass Brewery 5K +

 I had what might be my last rehab appointment on my back this morning.  Then, worked out at Iron Works.  After that, I received a call from the dermatologist in Conroe.  The  biopsy from a spot on my leg turned out to be cancer and they wanted me there at 4 this afternoon to have it removed.  So, I had it removed quickly at 4 and killed some time at a couple stores in Conroe.  I got to Fass Brewery over an hour before the run  I went ahead and ran 5K and got back to the brewery before the group run started.  Took off again, but only ran a mile.  That gave me 4.1 miles for the day.

Annual physical today

 I went in for my annual physical today.  The doctor looked good, even lost some weight.  As for me, I got my flu shot and blood work.  And, I had to explain my answer in the questionnaire, "Have you fallen in the last year?"  The doctor does not run trails.  I will know the results of the lab work in a few days.  This afternoon, I went to the park and ran 3.6 miles on the trails.

Stayed on the roads

 I stayed on the roads at the park this evening.  Ran 3.8 miles.

Back to Monday

 After a busy weekend, it is back to a relatively slow Monday.  I worked out at Iron Works this morning and went to the park later this afternoon.  Ran 3.5 miles, mostly on the trails.

Pumpkinpalooza 10K Trail Run

 I ran the Pumpkinpalooza 10K Trail Run in Millican this morning.  Very technical trail, with plenty of steep embankments.  There was also a 5K and Half Marathon race.  I am not sure if I got off the 10K course or the 10K course was just long, but my GPS showed to 7.11 miles at the finish line.  Should have been 6.2 miles.  In any case, I finished in 2.38:51 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.  Really tired tonight.  I think from climbing down and up those embankments.

Hooves & Heels Historic 5K

 I drove 75 miles up to Calvert, Texas this morning to run the Hooves & Heels Historic 5K.  I have no idea where the race name came from, but I am sure the locals in Calvert do.  It is the first time in a long time that I ran a race in a new city.  My long time friend and fellow Vietnam veteran, Dennis Alston, is from Calvert, so I did not want to miss the race.  I finished the course in 53:11.  Dennis and I were the only ones over 80 in the race;  he was first and I was second.  After getting back home and trying to take a nap, I drove down to Humble for my grandson's football game.  Lots of driving today.

Two trips to Conroe today

 After running in Conroe last night, I went back down early this morning for an appointment with the skin doctor.  I left that appointment and went to Carl Barton Park and ran 3.3 miles on their nice concrete trail.  I went back down to Conroe this evening for a family dinner.

Fass Brewery 5K

As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight. 

Need some rain

 It is getting very dry here; no rain at my house for over a month and the trails at the park are getting sandy in parts.  I went back to the park this afternoon and ran 4.1 miles, 1-mile on the roads and 3.1 on the very dry trails.

Group night at the park

 I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3.4 miles, mostly on the trails.

Strenuous day

 I had a strenuous physical therapy appointment this morning and then a lot of strenuous yard work this afternoon.  I finally got to the park late this afternoon to run.  Running seemed restful.  Got in 3.5 miles, mostly on the trails.

Sunday afternoon on the trails

 Being a 3-day weekend, the state park was crowded this afternoon.  I ran 4.8 miles, mostly on the trails.  Lots of people in the camping area and out hiking trails.

Heights 5K

 I got up super early this morning and drove down to Houston to run the Heights 5K for the 13th time.  The start time was 7:15 this morning, so the temperature was about 70 degree.  The course is out and back on Heights Blvd. and is very smooth asphalt and flat.  I finished in 52:46.  I was first of two in the 80 and over age group.  I left the race and drove straight back to Huntsville to attend the Seven Hills Running Club 40th Anniversary Party, which was in progress when I got back.  Since I was the co-founder of the club in 1985, it was important that I be there.  Left the party and went direct to my grandson's football game in Huntsville.  After that, a nap.

Early (relatively) Friday run

 With a race tomorrow morning, I ran this Friday morning, 11 something am.  Ran 3.5 miles, all on the trails at the park.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight.  With a 7 pm start and less daylight, it is a night run for the next few months.

Met the new trail czar at the park

 I ran 3.7 miles at the state park this afternoon, mostly on the trails.  While on one of the bridges over the swampy area, I met Eric, the new trail czar at the park.  Seem like a nice guy.  He was replacing missing or rotted boards on the bridge.  That's good.  Maybe I can get him to cut all the protruding roots and stumps on the trails.  Gosh, I have spent a lot of time and miles on those trails for nearly 40 years.

15th Rehab appointment

 I had my 15th rehab appointment at physical therapy today since my back surgery on August 4.  Most of it is focused on strengthening the muscles around my spine.  It is difficult to exercise those muscles.  They think my current ankle problem is a sciatic nerve issue caused by the back problem.  I ran 3.5 miles this evening at the park, mostly on the trails.  The ankle still hurts, but not so much that I cannot  run.

Back to the park

 After running elsewhere for a few days and a busy weekend, I returned to the state park this afternoon.   Ran 3.6 miles, about half on the roads and the other half on the trails.

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

After getting home late last night, I got up at 5 something this morning and drove down to Cypress (northwest of Houston) to run the Texas 10 Series 5-Miler.  Nice sunny and relatively cool weather.  I finished in 1:29:32 with some pain in my ankle.  I was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group (the other 3 were in their 70's).  While I did not place, I won $50 cash in the door prize drawing.  Later this evening, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 55:33.  With these races, I exceeded 1,000 miles for 2025.

Back from Wylie

 Got back from Wylie (north east of Dallas) late tonight.  I ran 3.3 miles in Huntsville Friday morning before leaving for Wylie.  After spending most of today at a Taekwondo Tournament in Allen,  I got in a 3.1-mile run on a city trail in Wylie this evening before driving back to Huntsville.  I have a 5-mile race tomorrow morning and it will be a test on my sore ankle.

Fass Brewery 5K

I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  My ankle felt a little better. 

Limpy run

 When I started running at the park this afternoon, I immediately started feeling pain in my right ankle.  I assumed the pain would go away, but it never did.  I had no idea how I had sprained it or otherwise injured it.  I ran 3.4 limpy miles and then went home and iced it.  We will see how it goes tomorrow.

End of the month

 Wrapped up the month of September today with a 3.5-mile run (mostly trails) at the state park this evening.  That gives me 104.6 miles for the month (average 3.49 per day) and 983.2 miles for the year (average 3.60 per day).  I have run at least 3.1 miles every day for 14 months.

Interrupted run

 I started running on the roads at the state park this evening.  After a quarter mile, I found a couple with a dead battery and in need of a jump start.  So, I ran back to my truck and drove back to their car.  Gave them a jump and took off running from there.  Ended up with 3.9 miles, about half on the trails.

Sunday afternoon at the park

 Nice sunny 90 degree afternoon at Huntsville State Park.  Got in 4 miles, mostly on the trails.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  I finished in 53:40 something (according to my watch), but the official results online shows 54:08.  No enough difference to worry about.  Slow either way.

All trails

 I stayed on the trails at the state park early this afternoon.  Got in 3.5 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  It is getting dark so early now, that for me  most of the run is a "night run."

Cooler weather

 A cold front moved through today and the high temperature went from the 90's to the 80's.  However, the rain in the area missed my house.  I went to the park about 3 this afternoon and ran 3.7 miles, about half on the trails and half on the roads.

Ran into an old friend on the trails

  

I went to the park to run trails this evening.  Barely go started and ran into an old friend, Monica, who I had not seen in a year or so.  She is an amazing trail runner.  We had a great visit.  Finished up with 3.5 miles.

Mostly trails

 I made it out to the park late this afternoon.  Ran 3.6 miles, mostly on the trails.

6000

 As a runner and streaker, I am always on the lookout for a milestone.  Well, this is my 6,000th post on this blog.  I started on April 19, 2008 at the suggestion of my running friends, Jon Walk and Katy Lampson.  Over the years, the blog has become an important part of my motivation to keep running.  And, I really appreciate those who follow me and help keep me motivated.  Hopefully, somewhere along the way, the blog has encouraged someone else to start running to stay healthy.  According to the stats provided with the blog, it has received 761,774 visits.  It was a nice hot (low 90's) Sunday afternoon in Huntsville.  I went to the park and ran 4.5 miles on the trails.  Managed to stay upright the whole time.

Lumber Jacked 5K

 I drove 81 miles to Lufkin this morning to run the Lumber Jacked 5K, which is run in conjunction with the Lumber Jack Festival.  The course was on concrete walkways and trails.  I finished in 55:51, but they had no age group competition.  I was the only runner over 70.  Met some nice people and got to visit with some old friends.

Noon run at the park

 I went to the state park at noon today to run.  I ran 3.5 miles, mostly on the trails. 

Fass Brewery 5K

As usual for Thursday, I went down to Conroe tonight and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.  With the shorter days, it is quickly turning into a night run.

Rehab evaluation today

 I had my rehab evaluation appointment with  the doctor today.  He even had me running in the parking lot.  Then, one of the techs having me do exercises.  Not sure where it is going from here,  but I have a regular rehab appointment tomorrow.  Guess, it depends on the insurance company.  Anyway,  I went into town this evening and ran 3.3 miles

Challenging rehab appointment

 I had a new "rehaber" for my back rehab appointment today.  Lots of new strenuous new exercises.  The table was covered with sweat after I finished.  So, when I got to the park this evening to run, my back and leg hurt.  That was on top of sinus issues.  I managed to get in 3.5 miles on the park roads.

Back to park roads

 I felt like I was coming down with something, so I laid around much of the day.  I did go out to the park this evening and get in a slow 3.2 miles on the roads.

All trails

 I waited until late this afternoon and then went to the state park and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Change of plans

 I  did not sleep well last night and woke up feeling lousy.  So, I decided not to go down to Magnolia to run Spindle Tree.  I went into town to run this afternoon, but quit after 1.2 miles.  I have to go to my grandson's football game this evening and then out to dinner.  Late tonight, I went to the track and ran 2.3 miles  (total of 3.5 for the day).

Mid-afternoon run

 With a race in the morning and a high school football game tonight, I ran at the state park at 3 this afternoon.  It was hot and my BP was still low.  I ran 3.5 miles, mostly on the trails.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  With the days getting shorter, it is pretty dark for my last half mile or so.

Back in town

 It has been a week or so since I ran in town.  Rather than driving to the park, I ran 4 miles in town this afternoon.

Tuesday with the group

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.5 miles, mostly on the trails (no falls).  Even though my allergies continued to cause sinus problems, I felt much better than yesterday.

Park roads

 I seem to be experiencing a bout of low BP, which probably explains my slow 5K yesterday.  Plus, my allergies are acting up.  Sneezing all day.   I went to the park this evening and ran 3.3 miles on the roads.  It was a struggle.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening - for the 164th time.  The race is held on the first Sunday of every month.  After running a 51:06 5K race yesterday, I expected something close to the same time.  However, that was not the case.  I finished in 58:09, one of my slowest 5K's in a while.  Maybe it was the weather.  The temperature was only 80, but the humidity was extremely high.

Tunnel to Towers 5K

 I got up early this morning for the 82-mile drive down to Cypress to run the Tunnel to Towers 5K.  I finished in 51:06, which is my fastest 5K since last December.  They did not not have age group competition, but I would have won the 70 and over age group.

Mostly trails

 I made it out to the park early this afternoon and ran 3.6 miles, mostly on the trails.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.

Mostly roads

 I ran 3.8 miles at the park this evening, mostly on the roads, but partly on the trails.

Continuing rehab

 I had my 4th back rehab appointment today, worked out at Iron Works and then ran 4.1 miles on the roads at the park. 

Labor Day 5K

 I ran our club's Labor Day 5K in the hilly Spring Lake Sub-division in Huntsville this morning.  I finished in 52:47 and was 1st of 1 in the 80 and over age group.  This was my 50th race in 2025 (not counting any Fass Brewery social runs).  I should end up with about 75 for the year.

Finishing up August

 After a lot of rain today, I went out to the park this evening and ran 3.6 miles on the roads.  With that run, I completed 107.8 miles for the month of August (average 3.48 per day).  So far in 2025, I have run 878.6 miles (average 3.62 per day).  My streak is 1,574 days or 4 years, 3 months and 21 days.  However, with today's run, I have run at least 3.1 miles per day for 13 months.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in 51:40.  Not fast, but my fastest 5K since last April.

Friday morning run

 With a race on Saturday, I usually try to run earlier on Friday.  So, I made it out to the park late this morning and ran 3.9 miles on the roads.  Not much traffic on the roads, but one of the rangers said that they are completely full this holiday weekend.

Fass Brewery 5K

I had my 3rd rehab appointment this afternoon and then worked out at Iron Works.  Then, ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight.

Four in town

 I stayed in town this evening and ran 4 miles in around the park on 7th street.  With the heat, its nice to have some shaded areas.

Group night at the park

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.4 miles, one mile on the trails and the rest on the roads.

Back to the roads

 After all trails yesterday, I returned to the roads at the state park late this evening..  The camping areas are almost empty, so there is very little traffic on the roads.  Got in 3.4 miles.

Like the old days

 It was a hot Sunday afternoon and I went out to the state park to run TRAILS.  I ran 4.4 miles.  I tripped on  a root, fell and skinned up my knee.  However, I was able to get upright again without crawling over to a tree.   I started running again, but then got bit twice by biting horse flies.  It was like the old days.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in 53:22.  Slow, but my fastest 5K in a while,  Hopefully, I can get my 5K time back under 50 minutes.  The doc said that rehab on my back will help with my speed.  I see him at the gym once in a while, but have never seen him running.

Rainy run

 It rained much of the afternoon.  It was letting up later this afternoon, so I went into town for a run in the rain.  Ran 3.5 miles.  After a mile or so, it stopped raining.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewry 5K in Conroe tonight,  83rd time.

First rehab appointment

 I had my first rehab appointment for my back today.  Am not sure how many appointments I will have, but I am booked for twice a week through September.  Hopefully, it will help.  Storms  were moving through the area late this afternoon, but I managed to get in a 4-mile run on the roads at the park.  No rain there - or at my house.

Trails!!

 According to my post-op instructions given to me on August 4, today is the day I can start doing strenuous activity again.  So, I went to the part this evening and got on the trails.  Gosh, I have not been on the trails at the park in a long time.  I ran 2 miles on the trails (no falls) and another 1.6 on the roads.  Total 3.6 miles.

Dodged the storms

 I went out to the park to run late this evening.  Storms were moving through the area, but managed to get in 3.2 miles on the roads with only a few drops of rain.  None at my house, either.

Sunday at the park

Due to the heat, I waited until late this evening to run.  Went to the state park and ran 4 miles on the roads.

Heat Wave 5K

 I ran our club's Heat Wave 5K this morning.  It is held in the Waterwood Sub-division, about 20 miles east of Huntsville.  Nice course, but hilly and hot.  I finished in 54:35 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.

Noon run in the heat

 I usually have a race on Saturday morning and run earlier on Friday.  So, I went into town at noon and ran 3.7 miles in the 90+ degree heat.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight.

Tied my own running shoes

 My back must be getting better.  I tied my own running shoes today with little pain.  Before surgery, when I tried it, it was a very painful process.  Getting out of a chair is easier now, too.  And, I feel a little more stable while walking.  However, I realize that it is going to take a while to fully recover and get back to my normal slow running pace.  I waited until late this evening to run.  Got in 3.6 miles on the roads at the park.

Follow up doctor visit

 After bleeding at the surgery site and going to the doctor for rebandaging last week, I had a follow up appointment with the doctor this afternoon.  He took the bandage off and said I could leave it off and that I did not need to come back and see him next week, as scheduled.  I did not ask him if I could resume "strenuous activities."  I proceeded to the park and ran 3.9 miles on the roads.  I start physical therapy on August 20.

Hot early afternoon run

 I ran 3.1 miles in town at 1 this afternoon, mostly on the shady walkways in the park on 7th Street.

Millican post series party and awards

 I went to Millican late this morning for the Millican Summer Series post-series party and awards.  Lots of good food and friends.  I won the 80 and over age group award for the series, but I was the only one over 80 running.

Late this evening, I went to the state park and ran 4.3 miles on the park  roads.

Southern Star 5K

I ran the Southern Star 5K in Conroe this morning - for the 11th straight year.  I finished in 55:16 and was 1st of 1 in the 80 and over age group.

Tried to stay in the shade

 I ran 3.5 miles in town late this morning, trying to stay in the shade as much as possible.  No more bleeding, but am still  sore from the surgery on Monday.

Millican Summer Series 5K Trail Run Number 6

 I was somewhat apprehensive about running the 3.2-mile technical trail run tonight in Millican.  My back has been bleeding off and on since the surgery on Monday.  I went to the doctor this morning and they rebandaged it.  So, I went on to Millican tonight and ran the last race of the summer series.  My goal was to finish without tripping and falling.  I accomplished that.  My time was 1:06;55, over 2 minutes slower than the last race in the series 2 weeks ago.

Late morning at the park

 I ran 3.4 miles on the roads at the park late this morning.  The doc called today and wants me to start physical therapy.

Split run

 While I am obviously sore from the incision in my back, I am finding it easier and less painful to get upright and move around.  Tissue was removed from around two vertebra to relieve pressure on the nerve by the bulging disk. It was also going down my right leg, causing pain there.  The surgery seems to be working.  According to the post-op instructions, I cannot do anything strenuous for two week - an I cannot take a shower for 4 days.  I went to the park late this morning and ran 2.2 non-strenuous miles on the roads.  Later this evening, I went back to the park, met up with the Tuesday group and ran another 1.3 miles.  Total for the day 3.5 miles.  I hope to get back to a normal running schedule tomorrow.

Surgery done

 At midnight this morning, I went to the old mall parking lot in Huntsville and ran 3.5 miles.  Did not get much sleep afterwards and got up early and drove down to Conroe for my back surgery this morning.  The doc said all went well.  I suppose time and running speed will tell.  I am back home and being real lazy for the rest of the day.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight.  It is held on the first Sunday of every month.  I finished in 55:22.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

I got up early this morning to run the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia at 7:30.  Finished in 55:03.

Early afternoon run

 With a race in the morning, I ran about 1 this afternoon.  Went to the park and ran 3.2 miles in the heat.

Completed one year of running at least a 5K every day

 With the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight, I have run at least a 5K (3.1 miles) every day for one year.  My average has been 3.56 miles a day.  My running streak (at least one mile a day per Running Streak Assn International) is nearly 4 years and 3 months long.

Stayed in town

 I stayed in town late this evening and ran 3.5 miles.

Group night at the park

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3.8 miles on the roads.

One week to surgery

 My back surgery is one week from today.  I am looking forward to obtaining some relief, but I know that keeping the streak alive will be a challenge, especially my "at least 3.1 mile" streak.  I waited until late this evening to run.  Stayed in town and ran 3.5 miles.

Dodging storms

 This was one of those afternoons with scattered thunder storms.  I went to the park late this afternoon and ran 3.4 miles on the roads.  There was lightning in the area, but no rain.  On the way home, I drove through a very heavy rain storm.  Then, no rain at my house.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning and finished in 56:12.  It was my 42nd race this year.

Hot mid-afternoon run

I went to the park in the middle of this afternoon and ran 3.3 miles on the roads.  Hot. 

Millican Summer Series 5K Trail Run, Race No. 5

 I ran the Millican Summer Series 5K (3.2 miles) this evening in Millican.  It was the 5th of 6 races in the summer series.  No mud this time.  I finished in 1:04:30 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group. After the race, I drove an hour over to Fass Brewing in Conroe.  They were celebrating the 3-year anniversary of the Fass Run Club.  I got there in time to join the celebration with a lot of good friends.

Hot and dry

 After so much rain for weeks, it has been hot and dry for about a week.  Guess that high pressure system found its way over Texas.  I waited until late this evening to run.  Got in 3.2 miles in town.

Group night at the park

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  Ran 3.8 miles on the roads.

Ran in town

 I ran 3.5 miles in town late this afternoon.  I am so looking forward to the back surgery on August 4.

Sunday evening at the park

 It was hot today, so I waited until late this evening to run.  Went to the state park and ran 4.1 miles on the roads.

Dog Days 5K

I ran our club's Dog Days 5K in the very hilly Elkins Lake Sub-division this morning.  Finished in a slow 57:56. 

Early run in town

 With a race on Saturdays, I try to run "early" on Friday.  Rather than the state park, I ran in town early this afternoon when it was overcast.  Not too hot.  Ran 3.5 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight - for the 80th time.

Late evening on the park roads

No rain today, but I waited until late this evening to run at the park.  Ran 3.8 miles, all on the roads.

Caught in a storm

 I went out to the park this evening to meet up with the group.  After about a mile on the roads, an unexpected thunderstorm hit.  I headed back away from the lightning to my truck in the rain.  After a short break, the weather eased up and I finished a 3.2-mile run.

No rain for a change

 No rain today.  At least at my house.  There was a good chance this afternoon, so I waited until late this  evening to run.  Got in 3.8 miles in town.

Run between the storms - almost

 I went to the park this afternoon just after a storm had passed to get in a run before the next storm.  Nice 75 degree running weather.  I ran 4 miles on the roads - the last half mile in a heavy rain.

Spindle Tree Park Run 5K

 I ran the Spindle Tree Park Run 5K in Magnolia this morning and finished in 55:17.

Split run

 I went to the state park early this afternoon to run on the roads.  Got in 1.9 miles before the thunderstorm and close lightning hit.  I went into town this evening and ran another 1.6 miles.  Total for the day 3.5 miles.

Millican Summer Series 5K Race 4

 I drove 51 miles to Millican this evening and ran Race 4 of the Millican Summer Series 5K (actually 3.2 miles) trail run.  The course was muddy and slippery in parts, so I took it easy and finished in 1:06:53.  No falls and my back is still intact.

Back doctor appointment today

 After getting a new MRI and Xrays on my back, I had an appointment with the pain management doctor this afternoon.  Last July, the same doctor removed tissue from around two vertebra to relieve bulging disc pressure on a nerve.  The MRI clearly shows that to still be working.  However, the pain is coming from a bulging disc between the next two higher vertebra.  He has scheduled the same surgery for those two vertebra.  The surgery date is August 4.  He also said that my leg pain stems from the back issue - not a hamstring pull.  I have no idea if my technical explanation makes sense.  In any case, I feel somewhat relieved.  I have potential relief in sight and should be able to keep my streak alive.  I may have to break my "at least 3.1 miles a day streak," which will reach 1-year at the end of this month, but I can do at least 1-mile a day for a few days after the surgery.  Phew!!! I made it out to the park late this afternoon and ran 4.1 miles on the roads.

Heavy rain late today

 We had a heavy rain about the time I usually meet the group at the park on Tuesdays.  So, I ran 3.2 miles in town just before dark tonight.

Monday at the park

 I waited until late this evening to run at the state park.  Got in 3.2 miles on the roads.

Sunday Night 5K

 Felt lousy all day, sinus issues, back and leg pain.  So, I went down to The Woodlands tonight and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  Very humid.  I finished in 59:20, probably a personal worst in the Sunday Night 5K.  However, they gave me and one other runner a special Firecracker 15K award for running three 5K's over the 4th of July weekend.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in a  slow 57:03.

Stu's Country Mile 5K

 I ran Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville this morning.  This was my 29th consecutive year for running this race and 30th time for running it.  I finished in 55:10, a little slower than the Polish Pickle 5K last Saturday.  In any case, I was 2nd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.

Fass Brewery 5K in the rain

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in a light rain in Conroe tonight.

Hot early run

 I had to run an errand in Cleveland (Texas) this evening, so I ran 3.2 miles in Huntsville early this afternoon.  Hot, but I ran in the shade as much as possible.

Group night at the park

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.8 miles on the roads.

Finished the month

 I ran 3.6 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon.  I completed the month of June with 104.6 miles (665.1 so far in 2025, average 3.67 miles per day).  While my running streak is over 4 years, I have run at least 3.1 miles every day now for 11 months.  I see the back doctor on July 9 and presume he will schedule another surgery.  Obviously, I am concerned about keeping my streak alive.  I was able to with the back surgery last July, even though I had to cut my distance to 1-mile plus for a few days.  We will see.

Sunday at the park

 I was surprised that the park was nearly empty when I went there to run this afternoon.  I did 4 miles on the park roads.

Polish Pickle 5K

 I got up very early this morning and drove 91 miles up to Bremond to run the Polish Pickle 5K for the 29th straight year.  I finished in 51:55 and was 2nd of 3 in the 80 and over age group.

No rain today, for a change

 There was no rain today in Huntsville, for a change.  I ran 3.4 miles in town early this afternoon.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I was suppose to run the Millican Summer Series Race 3 in Millican tonight.  However, it was still raining in Millican at race time.  I know how slippery the brown mud is on the trail and on the embankments.  With my back messed up, I did not want to risk the falls.  So, I went down to Conroe instead and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.

Another heavy rain

 I know that any day there will be a high pressure system build over Texas soon and we will not see any rain for a couple months.  However, we had another heavy rain this afternoon (1+ inches at my house).  After the storm passed this evening, I ran 3.6 miles in town.

Dodged the storm

 I went out to the park to meet up with the group this evening.  Storms were passing through the area.  Luckily, the heavy stuff bypassed the park.  I ran 3.2 miles on the road, partly in the rain.

Another heavy rain

 We had another heavy rain this evening (2 inches at my house).  It made for a cool run in town afterwards.  Got in 3.7 miles.

Late Sunday evening at the park

 I waiting until about 6:30 this evening to go to the park to run.  A heavy rain early this afternoon cooled things off a bit.  I stayed on the roads and ran 3.8 miles.

Went back to bed

 I got up at 5:45 this morning to drive 50 miles down to Magnolia to run the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run.  I went back to bed, instead.  After a lot of yard work this afternoon, I went into town and ran 4.1 miles.

MRI

 I had an MRI on my back this morning at the hospital in Huntsville.  However, I do not have another appointment with the back doctor until July 9.  Hopefully, the MRI will result in some effective treatment.  In the meantime, I do not expect to set any personal records.   I went to the park in the middle of the afternoon when it was good and hot and ran 3.1 miles on the roads.  Got caught in a 5-minute downpour, but it cooled things off a bit.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.

Back to the back doctor

 After the new doctor did an injection last month that did not help my ailing back, I went back to the back doctor who gave me two injections last year and did the surgery on my back last July.  I had an appointment with him this morning and he ordered an MRI, which I am in the process of scheduling.  I will probably have to have another surgery, but at least last time I was able to keep my streak alive.  In the meantime, I ran 3.3 miles in town this evening.

Group night at the park

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3.7 miles on the roads.

Hot run at the park

 Hot and humid today.  I ran 3.6 miles on the park roads this evening.

Fathers Day run

 Since it is Fathers Day, I had visiting family today.  I planned to run this evening, but a storm hit.  It was raining and lightning at 7 pm, so I reluctantly went to Iron Works and got on the dreaded treadmill.  Got in 1.1 miles and could not stand it anymore.  The lightning eased up, so I left Iron Works and hit the roads and side walks in town.  I ran another 2.5 miles - all in the rain.  Total for the day 3.6 miles.

June Bug 5K

 I ran our club's annual June Bug 5K in Huntsville this morning.  Very hilly course.  Finished in a slow 57:58.

Felt beat up today

 I guess it was the technical trail run last night and the back issue, but I felt a little beat up today.  I went to the state park early this afternoon and ran 3.3 slow miles on the roads.

Millican Summer Series Race 2

 I ran Race 2 (of 6) of the Millican Summer Series trail run tonight.  It is a 51-mile drive from my house.  After all the rain in the last few days, the trails were slippery in spots.  However, I managed not to slip.  I finished the 3.2-miles course in 1:02:44, a little faster than Race 1 a couple weeks ago.

After the rain

 It was a little cooler after a nice rain today.  I went out to the park and ran 3.7 miles on the  roads.

Group night at the park

 Being Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening (just me and Jason).  I ran 3.6 miles on the roads, without being bitten by any strange creatures.

Another late run in town

I had a busy day, to include mowing the yard late this afternoon.  It was after 6 this evening before I got a chance to run.  Stayed in town and ran 3.5 miles.

Late Sunday run

 I waited until late this evening when it was slightly cooler and ran 4 miles in town.  I made sure I was well-hydrated and I felt okay.  While running roads at the park on Friday, I noticed my left calf bleeding.  I had no idea what caused it.  When a horsefly bites, you feel it.  Here is a photo of the "injury" taken yesterday.  If you have any thoughts on what caused this, let me know.  Maybe a 3-fang snake.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  It was hot and very humid and I had a tough time in the second mile.  Kept getting dizzy and it cost me about 3 or 4 minutes in time.  I finished in 58:56.  I suspect it was dehydration.

Hot run at the park

 I arrived at the state park at 1 pm today when it was plenty hot.  Not much shade on the roads.  I ran 3.1 miles and that was enough.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  Earlier today, I had an appointment with the doctor who injected steroids in my back.  It did not help, so he says I need to see a neurosurgeon.  I'll have to think about that.

Global Running Day

Today was Global Running Day.  I usually go down to The Woodlands and celebrate with one of the groups running the waterway.  However, yesterday, I developed an infection in my left eye.  I went to an eye doctor late this morning and got a prescription for eye drops.  Just did not feel like driving down I-45 this evening with one eye.  It's hard enough with two eyes.  I went into town to run this evening.  Got in 1.7 miles and a heavy thunderstorm hit.  So, I quit and went home.  About 9:30 tonight, I went to the old mall parking lot and run 2.1 miles.  That's 3.8 miles for the day.  Tomorrow morning, I have a checkup with the dermatologist in Conroe and a follow-up appointment in Huntsville tomorrow afternoon with the back doctor.  I think the question is how can he fix my back without requiring me to break my running streak. 

Met up with the group

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  Got in 3.7 miles, all on the roads.

Monday at the park

 After yardwork this afternoon, I made it out to the park and ran 4.3 miles, all on the roads.

Sunday Night 5K

 After a Sunday trip to Tyler to celebrate my brother's 90th birthday, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  Finished in 54:50.

Tejas 5K

I ran the first ever Tejas 5K in Houston this morning, starting and finishing at the Tejas Brewery.  I followed someone off the course and ended up running an extra 10th of a mile.  My time for the 3.2-mile course was 57:26.  I was the only runner over 80, so I was first in my age group.  The post-race party was on a balcony on the 3rd floor of the brewery.  This is a photo of the view.  I have to go back some time at night to see that view.  My total miles for May was 105.

Late afternoon run

 I had a non-running errand in The Woodlands this morning and did not get around to running until later this afternoon.  Still felt a little beat up from the trail run last night.  Managed to get in 3.1 miles on the roads at the state park.

Millican Summer Series Race 1

 I ran Race 1 (of 6) of the Millican Summer Series 5K (actually 3.2 miles) in  Millican this evening.  Very technical trail run.  I fell once going down an embankment.  Not a hard fall, but with my back issue, I had to scoot over to a tree to get upright again.  I finished in 1:05:31 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.

A little more distance

After some rain, it was a little cooler today.  I made it out to the state park late this afternoon and ran 4.3 miles on the roads.  My longest distance for the month.

Group night at the park

 Being Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3.3 miles, mostly loops on a smooth (trip-free) trail.  The rest, roads.

Long day

 We hosted the club's annual Memorial Day 5K & 1-Mile at my house this morning.  Got up early, put up the course markings and got things set up.  With a threatening storm, we only had 52 runners.  The storm held up until the awards ceremony (which got moved to my garage).  Then, we had to clean up and take all the signs and equipment to the storage bin.  Finally got around to running after 5 this evening.  Ran 3.2 miles in town.

Ran in town

 I was busy today getting ready for our club's annual Memorial Day 5K at my house.  Being a holiday weekend, I figured the state park would be crowded.  So, I took a break from my work at home this afternoon and ran 3.6 miles in town.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in 55:04.

Late morning at the park

 I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3.2 miles on the roads.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I drove back from San Antonio this afternoon and then went down to Conroe this evening to run the Fass Brewery 5K, for the 75th time.

Rare early morning run

 I have a trip today, so I ran 3.2 miles in town early this morning.  Early mornings are for racing or sleeping.

It is now biting horse fly season

 I ran 3.7 miles on the roads at the state park this evening.  The biting horse flies are now out.  A little late this year; usually they are out on May 1st and hang around until the end of July.

Another park road run

 I am so tempted to get back on the trails, but my back is no better.  Settled for a 3.3-mile road run at the park early this afternoon.

Four at the park

 It was hot this afternoon, so I waited until late to go to the park to run.  Ran 4 miles on the roads.

Mindy Moses Memorial 5K

 I ran the Mindy Moses Memorial 5K in Bellville this morning for the 5th straight year.  I never knew Mindy Moses, but over the last 5 years have met many of her family and friends.   She must have been a great person to be honored with a big race in a relatively small town.  I finished in 54:51 and was 3rd of 4 in the 70 and over age group.

Ran in town

 I saved the drive to the park this morning and ran in town.  Got in 3.6 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight and then had dinner with my daughter and son.

Rested today

 I rested today and felt a little better running this evening.  Still no relief from the back injection last Friday, but I got in 3.7 miles on the state park roads.

Starting to get hot

 After a relatively cool Spring, it is starting to get hot.  In the 90's today.  More yard work, a trip to city dump and then 3.6 miles on the roads at the park.

Yard work and run in town

 I had yard work to do today, but I took a break this afternoon and ran 3.6 miles in town.  I did receive a call from the doctor's office asking about my back, but they refused to come and help me with the yard work.

Waiting for relief

It has been 2 days since the injections in my back and I am still waiting for some relief.  The hard part is trying to get upright after bending over to tie my running shoes.  Once I start running, I am fairly comfortable, but slower than my normal slow.  Today was Mothers Day and we had visiting family.  I did not get out to the park until late this afternoon.  I got in 3.8 miles on the roads.  

Legacy of Courage 5K Trail Run

 I ran the new Legacy of Courage 5K Trail Run in Tomball at 7 am this morning.  Had to get up real early to get there on time.  The race was at a park only a couple miles from the place I got my back injections yesterday.  Checked my records.  This was the first race I ever ran in Tomball.  It was put on by an organization that raises funds to assist disabled veterans.  The course was out and back on a relatively flat trail that alternated between gravel, rocks, sand, roots and mud.  I took it easy and finished in 56:27.  I was the only one 70 and over, so I won first in my age group.  

MILESTONES REACHED:  Today I completed by 4th year of my current running streak (at least 1-mile per day) and 9 months and 10 days of running at least 3.1 miles per day.  Also, this was my 900th 5K race.  I have run a total of 1,456 races since I started on May 1, 1983.

Back injection day

 I had to be down in Tomball (just south of The Woodlands) at 9 am today for injections in my back.  I planned to run at midnight this morning, but decided just to get up real early to run just before leaving for the appointment.  However, I did not go to sleep until about 3:15 am.  So, I went to the appointment without running.  Got two painful injections and the instructions they gave me said no strenuous exercise for 24 hours.  I went home and took a nap until 3 pm.  Then, I went to the park did a non-strenuous 3.1-mile run.  No relief so far.  Maybe tomorrow.

Snake Number 2

 I ran the same 3.4-mile road course that I ran yesterday at the park.  I encountered a 3-foot snake on the road and veered around it.  When I passed it coming back, it had been hit and killed by a car and was on the shoulder.  Gray color with a 6 to 8-inch copper tail.  I cannot figure out what it was.  

First run at the park this month

 The biting horse fly season at the park is May thru July.  So, I expected to be attacked when I went there to run this afternoon.  Maybe the heavy rain washed away the little calendar they hang on the tree or maybe the prescribed burn ran them off.  I ran 3.4 miles on the park roads and was never bothered by any.

Before the rain

 We had another heavy rain today.  I checked the forecast and ran late this morning before the rain.  Got in 4 miles in town.  So looking forward to the injection in my back this Friday.

After the rain

 I really did not look at the weather forecast for today.  I went to the park to run and the heavy rain and lightning started after I got to the park.  So, I went home.  With the continuing rain and lightning, I thought I might have to go to Iron Works and get on the treadmill.  There was a break in the weather about 7 this evening.  I went into town and ran 3.5 miles without getting too wet.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight - for the 160th time.  I finished in 54:34.

Miles and Smiles 5K

 

I ran the Miles and Smiles 5K in Madisonville (a marathon north of Huntsville) this morning.  After the heavy storms last night, it was clear and in the 60's this morning.  The course was on the trails and roads through a large park.  I finished in 53:55.  I was given an award for being the oldest runner.  Got a chance to visit with some good friends.

Early run in town

 I had family coming in late this morning and it was suppose to storm this afternoon.  So, I went into town early this morning and ran 3.2 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 When I arrived at the Fass Brewery this evening, there were emergency vehicles working a bad wreck one block away.  Then one block the other way, the road was closed and emergency vehicles working to fix a natural gas leak.  There was a strong odor of gas in the area.  There was threatening weather in the area, but I finished the 5K.  Not long after I finished, a very heavy storm hit and it was a rainy drive back to Huntsville.  While running tonight, I realized that I ran my first race (a 10K) on May 1, 1983, exactly 42 years ago.

Wrapping up the month

 I ran 4 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon, partly in a heavy rain.  That gives me 105.9 miles for the month of April, an average of 3.53 miles per day.  While my running streak is nearing 4 years, I have run at least 3.1 miles (5K) every day for 9 months.

On the roads again

 I got back on the roads at the park this evening.  Got in 3.4 miles.  A lady at one of the camp sites called me by my first name.  I stopped to visit with her for a few minutes.  She said that she ran the Love Run Marathon at Huntsville State Park when I ran my last marathon (over 11 years ago).  She remembered my running gait.  I'm not sure what to think about that.

Another afternoon on the trails

 I went to the park this afternoon with the intention of running roads.  Somehow, I was drawn to the trails, instead.  I ran 3.3 miles, but tripped on a root and fell.  It knocked off the band aids I had from yesterday's fall.  Maybe I need to stick to the roads for a while.

Late Sunday afternoon at the park

 I did not make it out to the park until late this afternoon.  I ran 4.4 miles on the trails, but tripped and fell - 50 feet into the run.  There was no one around to see me fall or hear me say, Oh, darn, so maybe it did not happen.  I will probably wake up tomorrow with something hurting.

Spring Fling 5K

 I ran our club's Spring Fling 5K in the Elkins Lake Sub-division here in Huntsville this morning.  Very hilly course.  And, the course is 3.25, according to my GPS.  Last year, my time in this race was just over an hour.  Finished in 57:11 this year.

Warm and humid

 After all the rain late yesterday, it was rather humid today, with the temperature in the 80's.  I went to the park this afternoon and ran 3.3 miles on the trails.  I expected biting flies, but did not encounter any wildlife.  However, I did have to stop a twice to visit with old friends I ran into on the trails.

Back issue and dreaded treadmill

 I have not mentioned my back issue for a while.  The pain has been getting worse the last couple of months.  I had an appointment this morning with another pain management doctor.  He wants to try another injection and that is scheduled for May 9.  Maybe it will help.  This evening, I headed down to Conroe for the Fass Brewery 5K social run.  After driving down I-45 in extremely heavy rain and lightning, I exited in New Waverly (about half way to Conroe) and returned to Huntsville on a backroad.  Hated to miss the run, but in heavy rain on I-45, some people drive 45 mph while others are doing 80.  Accidents about to happen.  After getting back to Huntsville, it was still raining.  I went to Iron Works and ran 3.1 miles on the dreaded treadmill.  I would end my streak if I had to run on one of those things every day.

Roads at the park

 With the rain last night, I decided to stay on the roads today at the state park.  Got in 3.6 miles early this afternoon.  Hardly any traffic.

Mostly trails

 Being Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.7 miles, mostly on the trails.

Back to the smoky park

 After some heavy yard work this afternoon, I went to the state park and ran 3.6 miles on the trails.  I thought yesterday's rain would have put out the smoldering fires from the prescribed burn at the park for the last week or so.  Not so.  It is still smoky from burning dead trees in the park.

Easter 5K

 After spending Easter Sunday with family, I went down to Magnolia this evening to run the Easter 5K on the same course as the Spindle Tree Park Run.  The weather was threatening, with some light rain, wind and lightning in the area.  Maybe it made me run faster.  I finished in 51:23, almost 4 minutes faster on the same course as yesterday.  Just as soon as I left the race and started to drive home, the heavy rain started.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning and finished in a slow 55:09.  Today marks 17 years of maintaining this blog.  It is part of my system of motivation to keep running.  And, hopefully, it has encouraged others to run to stay healthy.  During this 17 years, I have made 5,849 entries and the blog has had a total of 527,375 visits.

Park is getting crowded for Easter weekend

 I went out to the park this morning and ran 3.7 miles on the trails.  Since it is the beginning of Easter weekend, there were a lot of people on the trails, even a few other runners.

Fass Brewery 5K

 Nice cool weather for running the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  The crowd there has really grown since I started running there.  A good mix of experienced runners and newbys.

Still burning

 They are still burning at the state park.  Today, it was in the back side, so the smoke was not bad.  I stayed on the trails this afternoon and got in 3.7 miles.

Trails open again at the park

 The trails were open today at the park, even though there were a lot of fallen trees still smoldering from the prescribed burn in the last few days.  I ran 3.5 miles, mostly on the trails and the rest on the roads.

Busy day

 I had a busy day, mostly working on my taxes (I know I am starting early).  They are not due until tomorrow.  To save time, I ran in town this evening.  Got in 3.6 miles.

Back to the smoky park

 I ran 3.2 miles on the trails at the park late this afternoon.  The trails I usually run were closed due to the prescribed burn,  so I had to run on trails I have not been on for a while.  A lot more roots to trip on, but I managed to stay upright.

B52 Brewing 5K

 I ran the B52 Brewing 5K in Conroe this morning.  Nice clear and cool weather.  I finished in 54:25 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.  This was my 1,450th race.  Got to visit with a lot of good friends.

Smoky roads

 The state park reopened today after being closed this week to get rid of some of the alligators.  However, they were in the middle of a prescribed burn today.  They were still burning early this afternoon when I went there to run trails.  All the trails were closed, so I ran 3.3 miles on the smoky roads.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  The crowd at Fass keeps growing.

Another run in town

 With the back issue, I am still running slower than my normal slow, but I got in 3.5 miles in town this Wednesday afternoon.

Stayed in town

 With the state park still closed, I ran in town this afternoon.  Did 4 miles.

Park closed until Friday

 Huntsville State Park is closed for "natural resource management" (getting rid of some of the alligators) until Friday.  So, I ran 3.6 miles in town this afternoon.  I was suppose to have an appointment at the chiropractor's office, but I received a letter from my insurance company declining to pay.   In the meantime, my allergies hit today and I was sneezing and draining all day.  Not a fun run this afternoon.

Art Car 5K and Sunday Night 5K

 I got up at 5 this morning and got to the Art Car 5K in Houston at 6:30, two hours before race time. There were over 4,000 runners for the race, so I managed to get a parking place about a block away.  The was my first time running the Art Car 5K, which is connected to the big Art Car parade.  Finished the race in 55:36 was first of one in the 80 and over age group.  I drove back to Huntsville and then drove down to The Woodlands this evening for the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 55:37.  While I was slow today, I was consistent.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in 54:28.

Friday at the park

 I stayed on the roads at the state park early this afternoon.  Got in 3.4 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight - for the 70th time.  On the way back to Huntsville, the odometer on my 2016 Ford F-150 truck, which I bought new, passed 200,000 miles.  That's a lot of races.

Wet trail run

 No rain at the house, but when I started running trails at the park this afternoon, it started raining.  Rained for 3.7 miles.  Went home and still no  rain.

Second chiropractor appointment

 I had my second chiropractor appointment late this afternoon.  So far, no improvement in my back.  I ran earlier this afternoon.  Ran 3.2 miles in town.

Finishing up another month

 I ran 3.1 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon.  That gives me 116.7 miles for the month of March and 349.6 for 2025.  While my running streak is nearing 4 years,  I have run a minimum of 3.1 miles every day for 8 months.  So far in 2025, I have run 15 races.

Lots of flying critters

 I ran 4.6 miles on the trails at the state park this afternoon.  There are lots of flying critters out and I am sure it will not be long before they are joined by the biting horse flies.

Snake #1

 No race this Saturday morning.  I went my granddaughter's Taekwondo tournament this morning instead.  Later this afternoon, I went to the park and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  I encountered my first snake on the trails this season.  It left the trail in a hurry, so I did not get a good look at the head.  Large black snake.  Could have been a cotton mouth, but more likely a coachwhip.

Trails to myself

 I was a little surprised, but I ran 3.9 miles on the trails at the state park this Friday afternoon and never saw anyone else - or any wildlife.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight.

Another day on the trails

 I headed out on the trails at the park early this afternoon.  While running 4.1 miles, I ran into two old friends I have not seen in a while, one running and one biking.  I had to stop and visit both times.  It is starting to get hot, but I have not encountered a snake on the trail.  And, it is only about a month away from biting horse fly season.

Appointment with the Chiropractor

 The bulging disc in my back has been getting worse in the last few weeks.  I am trying to avoid another surgery, so I had an appointment this afternoon with a Chiropractor.  I was there for two hours, being evaluated and treated.  I go back next week.  I left his office and went straight to the park for a 3.4-mile trail run.

Back to the trails

 I went out to the park early this afternoon and ran  3.7 miles on the trails.

Tired today

 After the 10K and zoo visit yesterday, I was really tired today.  However, I went to the park late this afternoon and ran 3.5 slow miles on the trails.

Tyler Azalea 10K

 I ran the Tyler Azalea 10K in Tyler this morning.  Really nice weather, clear and in the 60's.  I finished in 1:52:37, a little over a minute faster than my l0K three weeks ago.  And, this course is much more hillier and a lot of it is on brick streets.  Lots of opportunities for tripping.  I was the only runner over 80, so I won first in my age group.  After lunch, I took my grandson to the zoo in Tyler.  Trying to keep up with him was harder than the 10K.

Resting up

 With a 10K tomorrow, I rested up today.  I ran 3.1 miles on the trails at the park this morning.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight.

Low BP again

 I ran 3.4 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.  It was obvious that my BP was down somewhat, but I finished.  Lots of fluids the next couple  days.  10K in my hometown of Tyler this Saturday.  I first ran this race in 1985.

Trails, again

 I went back to the state park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

BP almost back to normal

My BP is almost back to normal.  I was able to run 4.6 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon. 

Conroe

 I attended a family birthday party in Conroe this afternoon.  Then, I slipped into running clothes and stopped at the Barton Park in Conroe on the way back to run.  Got in 3.2 miles on the concrete trails around the park.

No Spindle Tree

 I got up at 5:30 this morning and checked my BP.  I had planned to run the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia, but the BP was too low.  I drank a lot of fluids during the day and took electrolyte tablets.  Later this afternoon, I went to the crowded state park and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  Not 100 percent, but sure felt better than yesterday.

Tough run at the park

 I ran 3.2 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon and struggled to finish.  I checked my BP when I got home and it was very low, like a few weeks ago when I could not finish the Law Week 8K in Houston.  Took on a lot of fluids and electrolytes when I got home.  Hopefully, I will be back to normal (back and leg pain) tomorrow.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  With the time change last Sunday, most of the run was in daylight.

Warmer weather

 It was a little warmer this afternoon - in the 80's.  I ran 4.6 miles on the trails at the park.

Nice running weather

 No rain lately and the temperature is in the 60's and 70's.  Too early for biting horse flies at the park  Nice running weather.  Late this afternoon, I ran 3.7 miles on the trails at the park.

All trails at HSP

 I made it out to the state park late this afternoon and ran 4.5 miles, all on the trails.

Stayed in town

 I had a busy day and had to work in a run in town.  Being Spring Break, I figured there would be a long line to get into the park.  So, I stayed in town to run.  Got in 3.7 miles.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in a slow 57:56. 

Back to the trails

 I got in 3.4 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.  No falls.

Fass Brewery 5K

I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight.  The group is growing in size.

All trails

 This afternoon, I went on some trails at the state park that I have not been on since they were closed due to heavy storms last summer.  I took it easy to avoid tripping and falling and finished with 4.1 miles.

Stitches out

 I went down to the doctor's office in Conroe this morning to get the stitches out of my face from the surgery last week.  From there, I went a little further south to the Jones State Forest Park to run trails.  It rained last night and the trails were a little muddy.  I got in 3.1 miles.

Slipped onto the trails

 I started running on the roads at the park this afternoon, but after a couple miles I slipped onto the trails.  Got in a total of 4.2 miles.  No trips or falls.

Sunday Night 5K

 Today, I made my 3rd trip to The Woodlands in 3 days.  Ran the Sunday Night 5K this evening.  Finished in 54:53.  I ran the entire race with an old friend, who ran with his dog on a leash.  He was also an Army officer back in his day, so we talked Army all the way.  That did not help with the speed.

The Woodlands 10K

 I ran The Woodlands 10K yesterday (743 finishers).  There were a lot more running the half and full marathon).  Nice clear weather in the 50's.  Of my 3 issues, the only one that bothered me was the leg.  I think it must be a hamstring.  I limped the whole way and finished in 1:53:44.  I was 2nd of 3 in the 75 and over age group.  The other guys were 75 and 76.

Expo in The Woodlands

 I drove down to Expo in The Woodlands this morning to pick up my packet for The Woodlands 10K tomorrow morning.  The 10K is held in conjunction with the marathon and half marathon.  With my back pain, leg pain and low BP, I was not sure if I could make a 10K.  On the way back, I went a little out of the way and stopped at the Jones State Forest Park for a "test run."  I ran 3.1 miles on the trails and felt okay.  So, my plan is to run the 10K tomorrow.  The 3.1 miles today, gives me 101 miles for the short month of February.  It also gives me 7 full months of running at least 3.1 miles every day.

No Fass tonight

 There was no Fass Brewery Run in Conroe tonight, so I ran 3.4 miles on the roads at the state park this afternoon.

Waited late to run

 The doc told me not to sweat for 2 days after the surgery.  It was up to about 80 degrees today, so I waited to late this evening to run.  Got in 3.2 miles in town.

Surgery today

 I went to my dermatologist in Conroe this morning.  He removed a cancer spot on my face, between my nose and left eye.  I'm not sure how many stitches, but I am not suppose to sweat or otherwise get it wet for 48 hours.  Oops.  The temperature was in the 70's today, not like the 30's a couple days ago.  So, with a sore leg and back, I went to the park this evening and ran 3.4 miles, trying not to sweat.

Tough runs right now

 I was doing some awkward heavy lifting at home on Sunday and I think I messed up my bulging disc, which I had surgery on last July.  Yesterday's run was hard, but today I had strong pains in my back during some movements.  I was not sure what running would do.  I applied heat and ice today.  This evening, I went into town and struggled to run 3.4 miles on the roads.  However, no sharp pains when running.  Am scheduled to run The Woodlands 10K this Saturday.  I would sure hate to miss that.  More ice and heat to come.

Late Sunday afternoon

 I felt lousy this afternoon and did not make it to the park until after 4 p.m.  Ran 3.5 miles on the roads.

The Woodlands 5K

 I ran The Woodlands 5K this morning.  It is held one week before The Woodlands Marathon.  There were 465 runners and it was cold (30's).  I finished in 51:27, about a minute slower than last year.  I was 4th of 6 in the 75 and over age group.

Still cold

 It was still in the 30's this afternoon when I went to the park.  I ran 3.5 miles on the roads, except for about a quarter mile on the trails.  Just could not resist.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight - for the 65th time.

Cold

 For Huntsville, Texas, it was cold today.  It was in the mid-20's went I went to the park late this afternoon.  Got in 3.4 miles on the virtually empty roads.

Another 4.2

 I ran another 4.2 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon (not the same course as yesterday).  Not back to 100 percent yet.

BP still a little low

 My BP was still a little low today, but I managed to get in 4.2 miles on the park roads this afternoon.

Better day

 I loaded up on electrolytes and salt today to get my BP up.  I felt better this afternoon and went to the park and ran 3.7 miles on the roads.

Got a ride in a police car

 I went down to Houston to run the Law Week 8K this morning.  It started at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston and went out and back on Allen Parkway.  I felt weak when I started and it only got worse.  I made it to the turnaround point and a little further and finishing seemed hopeless.  I even tried walking a bit.  A police officer gave me a ride back to the starting area.  In over 1,400 races, this was my first DNF (did not finish).  I hung around for a while and visited friends and then drove back to Huntsville.  Later this afternoon, I went into town and ran 1.2 miles, just to make sure I had at least a 5K for the day.  I checked my blood pressure this afternoon and it was unusually low.  I suppose that was the cause.

Wet run

 I went to the park this afternoon to run.  With the ongoing back pain and leg pain, I felt weak, like I am coming down with something.  Then, at about 2 miles into the run on the roads, it started raining.  Got soaking wet, but finished up a slow 3.1 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight.

After the rain

 It rained all morning, but was cloudy and low 50's this afternoon.  Good running weather..  Got in 4.1 miles on the roads at the park.

Back to the park this Tuesday

 It rained pretty much all day, but it was a light rain when I went back to the state park to run this afternoon.  Got in 4 miles on the roads.

New running venue

 I had a doctor's appointment this morning in Conroe.  I had been wanting to run at Jones State Forest in southern Conroe for a while.  So, after the appointment, I headed for Jones and hit the trails.  I never saw a trail map, so I just headed out and tried to remember how to get back the same way.  Lots of turns and options.  I ran for 1.7 miles and came back in the same way, for a total of 3.4 miles.

Back from Wylie

 I drove up to Wylie (northeast of Dallas) Friday afternoon to visit family and got back to Huntsville late this evening.  On Saturday, I ran 3.2 miles on a concrete trail in Plano and 3.3 miles this afternoon on the same trail.

In town run

 I ran 3.6 miles in town this morning.  The leg is not any better; I may have to cut back.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight. Still limpy.

About the same

 I ran 3.7 slow miles on the roads at the park this afternoon.  The leg pain was about the same as yesterday.  At least, it is not getting worse.

Better

 Even though I started my run at the park in pain, it lessened after a mile or so.  Got in 3.5 miles on the park roads.

Super slow 5K at the park

 I spent some time on a heating pad today, skipped my workout at Iron Works, took some Tylenol and then went to the park late this afternoon.  I was relieved to get to the 1-mile mark, but I kept going and finished with 3.1 miles.  Super slow and painful, but the streak is alive.

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

Long day.  I got up at 5 this morning and drove down to Missouri City (southwest of Houston) to run the Texas 10 Series Sienna 5-Miler.  I finished in 1:25:17 and was first of one in the 70 and over age group.  Nice clear weather with the temperature in the 60's.  I started getting some pain in my upper right leg in the last mile, but did not think much about it.  After the race, I drove up to Cypress and met my son for breakfast.  Then, went to the Asics Store in the Outlet Mall in Cypress and bought a couple pair of new running shoes.  Drove on back to Huntsville, took a shower and a nap.  Later this afternoon, I drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  As soon as I started running, I knew that my leg was worse than I thought.  About 2/10ths of a mile into the race, my right leg collapsed and I fell on the concrete.  I should have quit then, but in over 1,400 races, I have never had a DNF (did not finish), so I got up and kept running.  I almost fell again, but I finished the race in a slow 55:41.  I am not looking forward to tomorrow's run.  I may have to break my "at least 3.1 miles" streak and do at least a mile.  We will see.  Today's total drive was 320 miles.  No wonder my 2016 truck is about to hit 200,000 miles.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in 51:41.

Wrapping up the month

 I ran 4.3 miles on the roads at the park early this afternoon.  There were a lot of runners arriving for Rocky Raccoon 100-Miler at the park this weekend.  In fact, the park is completely closed to everyone not associated with the race.  My run today gives me a total of 131.9 miles for the month (average 4.2 per day).  That is my highest monthly total since my cardiologist told me to record my miles and the time I ran.  I started recording in January 2022.   My pacemaker automatically sends my heart rate data to his office and they check to see if increases coincide with my running.  Today also marks 6 months of running at least 3.1 miles per day.

Missed Fass tonight

 I missed the Fass Brewery run tonight.  We had a running club meeting this evening, so I ran 4.4 miles on the roads at the state park earlier this afternoon.

Warming up

 Gosh, the temperature was in the 60's when I went to run at the park early this afternoon.  First time in a while that I ran in a short sleeve T-shirt.  Got in 5.2 miles on the roads.

Group night at the park

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 4.1 miles on the roads.

Park roads again

 I went back to the park this afternoon and ran 4.4 miles on the roads.

Park, again

 After 3 days of running elsewhere (Conroe, in town and Bremond), I returned to the state park to run this Sunday  afternoon.  Ran  4.3 miles, all on the roads.

Hog Wild 10K

 I ran the Hog Wild 10K (actually 6.4 miles) trail run on a ranch outside of Bremond this morning.  Great having my 17-year old granddaughter go with me and run the 5K.  I finished in 2:03:03 and was 1st of one in the 80 and over age group (about 5 minutes slower than last year).  My granddaughter was 3rd overall in the 5K.

Morning run

 I had visiting family this afternoon and I have a race tomorrow morning, so I got my run in this morning.  Did 4 miles in town.

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I went down to Conroe tonight and ran the Fass  Brewery 5K social run.

Warmer

 The temperature when I ran at the park this afternoon was in the high 40's, although it felt like the 30's.  Maybe it was the wind.  The guy at the gate said that I was only the 18th vehicle to enter the park all day.  I ran the roads and there was virtually no traffic.  I think about the days I ran the streets in town and there was so much traffic - and it seems that everyone was on a cell phone.  I got in 5.1 miles today.

Most of the snow was gone today

 Most of the snow last night melted today with the temperature getting in the high 30's.  We did not get as much in Huntsville as areas to the south, anyway.  The roads at the nearly empty state park were clear this evening.  I got in 4 miles with no problem.

Snowing tonight

 I ran 4.3 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon, but it is snowing tonight.  Tomorrow may be a rare run on the treadmill, if the gym is open and I can get there.

Back down to the 30's

 It was back down to the 30's today and it will get colder for the next few days.  I stayed on the park roads this afternoon and ran 5 miles.  Congratulations to all my friends who ran the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon today.

Frost Your Fanny 5K

 I ran our club's hilly Frost Your Fanny 5K this morning.  The temperature was in the low 50's, so not bad.  I finished in 51:31 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.

Friday at the park

 I got in 4 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight - for the 61st time.

Another park road run

 I got in another 4.3 miles on the park roads this afternoon.  So tempted to get back on the trails.

Group night

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  Ran 4.4 miles on the roads.

Staying on the roads for now

 While  I am drawn to the trails, I am staying on the roads for now.  My back pain is back and a fall or two on the trails may have aggravated it.  So, this afternoon I ran 4.3 miles on the park roads.

Sunday afternoon at the park

 Nice warmer weather (60's) this afternoon for a Sunday run at the park.  Got in 3.4 miles, all on the roads.

Late Saturday run

 I went to my granddaughters high school wrestling match this morning and then attended a funeral this afternoon.  I did not around to running until about 4:30 pm.  Got in 4.1 miles in town.  Another subject:  They announced today that Jon Sutherland, 74, of Utah, who held position 1 on the international streak list ended his 55+ year streak.  I cannot imagine a streak that long.  I suppose it is a combination of self-discipline and good health.  Congratulations, Jon.  The next 5 on the streak list have at least 50-year streaks.

Stuck in the 30's

 The temperature seems to be stuck in the 30's.  It was 37 degrees when I got to the park to run this afternoon.  Ran 3.5 miles on the roads.  Today, my running streak reach 3 years and 8 months (1,341 days).  That makes me number 3,703 of 4,887 on the international streak list.  Got a ways to go.

Cold and rainy

 I had to attend a memorial service in Bryan this morning, so I did not get to run until this afternoon, when it was cold (37) and rainy.  Got in 3.3 miles on the roads at the park.

Virtually empty park

 It was 38 degrees when I got to the park this afternoon and the park was virtually empty, one guy fishing and a couple of campers.  I stayed on the roads and ran 3.7 miles.

Mostly park roads

 The temperature was up in the 40's today.  Nice for running.  Got in 4.4 miles at the park, mostly on the roads.

Cold park run

 After running 6 races in 6 days, I went to the park this afternoon and ran 3.6 miles on the roads.  Cold - 38 degrees, but nice and sunny.  About the only vehicle to pass me while I was running was the Park Police Officer.  Luckily, I did not get a speeding ticket.

Texas 10 Bridgeland 5-Miler and Sunday Night 5K

 This was another 2-race day.  I ran the Texas 10 Series Bridgeland 5-Miler in Cypress this morning.  The temperature was in the 70's.  I finished in 1:29:53 and was 3rd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.  Then, I drove back to Huntsville, partly in a heavy rain.  The second race for the day was the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands.  I finished that in 53:12 in much cooler temperatures.  It is dropping into the 20's tonight.

Spindle Tree Park Run 5K

 I ran the Spindle Tree Park Run in Magnolia this morning and finished in 52:42.

Early run

 If you follow my blog at all, you know that I prefer to sleep in and run later in the day.  I had to go to a funeral in Caldwell, Texas this afternoon, so I got up a little early and ran in town.  Got in 3.6 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran my 60th Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  Clear and cool weather.

Spindle Tree Park Run 5K and Resolution 5K

 I started 2025 off with two races, The Spindle Tree Park Run 5K in Magnolia early this morning and then our club's Resolution 5K in Huntsville this afternoon.  I finished Spindle Tree in 53:49 and the hilly Resolution Run in 55:22.