Coming Back

I did 3.3 on the road this evening. It was probably not pretty, but the hamstring and lower back loosened up somewhat as I ran. With the marathon on October 18, I have a long way to go and a short time to get there. Aren't those words from an old Jerry Reed country song?

Roads Now Busy

The SHSU students are back this weekend, so the roads in Huntsville are busy again. I pulled something in my lower back this morning. I am not sure what I did, but it was hurting this afternoon. The good news is that it took my mind off my hamstring and normal sore and stiff knees. I hate to think about running when I get old. I did 2.7 miles on the roads this evening.

PW

I ran the Heat Wave 5K in Huntsville in 37:29, a PW (personal worst). Colleen Spencer, a physical therapist, was running behind me for a while and she said that I was running with only 20 percent use of my knees. Since they are sore and stiff all the time, that did not surprize me. It was the hamstring that really slowing me down. The last seven 5K races I have run, my time was 34 something. So, I broke somewhat of a streak. I'm glad I got my run in this morning. It would have been difficult fitting one in this afternoon between the thunderstorms. It's back to the road tomorrow and then a treatment Monday on my hamstring Monday morning.

Squeezing in a Run

For being a retired guy, life is busy. I went to a funeral this morning and then changed my oil in my truck and did yard work. Then I had to run errands in town. My nephew from Tyler dropped in late this afternoon for a nice visit and then another friend dropped by. Before I knew it, it was nearly 8 p.m. I went over to the track and ran laps in a light rain. The cooler temperature was certainly welcome. I think my hamstring is ready for the club 5K run tomorrow. If Darren Grant does not need my help in putting on the race, I will go ahead and run it. Lavonne will be there, so maybe she will push me.

Road Run at the Park

I had another treatment on my hamstring this morning and then mowed my tall wet grass inbetween rain storms. My doc advised me not to run on the trails, so I went to the park this evening and ran a couple miles on the road. My hamstring felt better. The usual group was at the park running trails, Hans, Chris, John, Phillip, Marisa and Karen. Amy and her friend, Sketch, were there running a different course.

Back in Town

Marilynn, Ben and I returned from Tyler this evening. We attended my brother's visitation yesterday and funeral this morning. Since he was a Tyler firefighter for 46 years and the Assistant Chief for the last 25 years of his career, the Tyler Fire Department was at the visitation and funeral in force. In fact, at the cemetery, they had four large trucks with their lights on and three bag pipers. The family really appreciated the honor. Mickey's oldest son is a DPS sergeant in Palestine, so there were about 30 state troopers at the funeral. We will miss Mickey. His obtituary is here.
I went to the track and ran laps when I got home. The hamstring is a little better. I have an appointment at the Chiropractor tomorrow morning for a third treatment. I have not given up on doing the Marathon 2 Marathon on October 18. Heck, I don't think they have a time limit.

Checking In

Ben and I went to the Astros game yesterday. On the way home, I received a call that my oldest brother, Mickey, in Tyler passed away. I got in a run when I got to Huntsville and then Marilynn and I drove up to Tyler. I left Marilynn up there and came back this afternoon to get some things done in Huntsville. Ben and I are driving back up to Tyler tomorrow afternoon for visitation and the funeral on Wednesday. Mickey was a veteran of WWII and retired from the Tyler Fire Department 14 years ago. He worked there for 46 years, most of that time as the Assistant Chief.

Still Recovering

Ben called me at 6 a.m. this morning when he got off work. His car would not start. He got a jump and brought it over to my house. I ended up spending most of the morning working on his car. I also received several calls from Tyler, as my oldest brother, who will be 84 next month, is in ICU at the hospital. In anticipation of maybe having to drive to Tyler today, I went to the track in the early afternoon and did an easy, but painful, one mile run. I may go up to Tyler tomorrow.
I did watch the Olympic Marathon this evening. I am humbled by the fact that if I were participating, I would still be on the course. The winner was from Romania. Seven Hills Running Club member and marathon runner, Mihaela Mullin from Kingwood, is also from Romania. She has good reason to be proud.

Back from the Desert

Marilynn and I drove out to Yuma, Arizona with Timothy on August 5. He will be stationed there at the Marine Air Station. Our daughter, Mary and her Marine husband, Eric, are also there. We all stayed with Mary and Eric and their little Phillip and Emma. We had a great time. Enroute to Yuma, we spent the night in Van Horn, Texas and I got in a run there. I ran at the Marine Air Station in Yuma about 6 p.m. every night when the temperature was down to 106. The hamstring felt okay until our last night there. I ran a mile on the asphalt road and then turned onto a sandy trail in the desert. For some reason the hamstring started really hurting. I ended up walking back to the house. We flew back home yesterday and I ran at the track late last night. I went to the doctor this morning and luckily they started treatment on my hamstring before lunch. I have another appointment Monday morning. I ran laps at the track this evening. I'll continue to take it easy for a few days and then try to do longer runs on the roads. Tripping on those roots at the park seems to aggravate my hamstring and it's only 2 months before the Marathon 2 Marathon.

Rehab Road Run

The ole hammy felt better today, so I hit the roads for 2.6 miles. Due to heat, injuries and stress, I have really been sluffing off lately with short runs. With the marathon coming up on October 18, I really have to start getting my distance up.

Gimpy Mile

My hamstring was burning today, so I went to the track this evening for a gimpy one mile run. Hopefully, tomorrow it will be better. The good news is that we finally got a little rain this evening.

Hamstring Acting Up

For some reason, my hamstring started acting up this morning. Does stress affect hamstrings? I did manage to get over to the track early this afternoon and do a painful one mile run. I have had a house full of people most of the day and every bed and couch and some of the floors are occupied tonight.

Stressed 2

Today was more stressful than yesterday. I survived and managed to get in 2.5 miles on the roads in town.

Stressed

I have been very stressed out today about something and did not feel like running. So, I ran one mile at the track. Tomorrow may be even more stressful.

Park Mysteries

I have been running trails at the Huntsville State Park for the last 13 years or so. The park is a great local resource for runners, bikers and hikers.
On the south perimeter road, there is a spot where water runs over the road in wet weather. For years, there was a sign at that spot that said, "Amy's Crossing." It was a common reference point when describing different courses on the trails. However, no one I knew had any idea who Amy was or why there was a water crossing named after her. Well, I got an answer from the park superinendent, Chris Holm. Here it is:
"According to my sources...Amy was a past employee (Environmental Ed. Coordinator) who apparently, after a brief rain shower one day, called out the troops to rescue her when she got "stranded" on the other side of that creek crossing. When everyone showed up to assist, it was discovered that the water was only ankle deep and she ended up "saving" herself by simply walking across the creek."
Mystery One solved.
When running trails in the hot summer months, occasionally you run into pockets of cold air, which last only a few seconds. When running with Lavonne and Amy last Sunday, we ran into one of the pockets of cold air. Lavonne asked me what caused it. I have no idea and asked a few other trail runners. They said they experience the same thing but do not know what causes it. Lavonne is pretty persistent and emailed USA Today for an answer. She received a response and posted their explanation on her blog. Click here for a link.
Mystery Two solved.
We had a nice crowd for our 4.5 mile run on the trails this evening. It was Hans, Chris, John, Phillip, Andrew and Karen, Katie, me and my Marine son, Timothy. Curtis had just finished his run when we arrived. We did not experience any pockets of cold air, but we did pass Amy's Crossing.

Long Summer

Hans, Chris, Phillip, Amy and I ran trails at the park this evening. Amy had a date tonight, so she cut her run to a mile and a half. The rest of us did the regular 4.5 mile loop.
I don't know if its just me, but this summer seems extra long. I know that I have spent more time on the trails at the park this summer. Usually, I let the horseflies have the park during the months of May, June and July, but most of them seem to be elsewhere this summer. The hot weather is relentless and its only the end of July. And, we still have two more months of hot weather to go. My first marathon of the season is the Marathon 2 Marathon (Alpine to Marathon, Texas) on October 18. One way or the other, I am going to have to get my distance up in August and September. Thank goodness for Electrolyte capsules! I am looking forward to the challenge of running 26.2 west to east on Highway 90 from Alpine to Marathon. I "drove" the highway on Google Earth and there is absolutely nothing between Alpine and Marathon. It will be like running the Surfside Beach Marathon, except there will be no noisy surf or seagulls. After two careers and six kids, I enjoy solitude.

Road Run

In anticipation of going to the Astros game this evening, I did a short 2.4 mile run on the roads in the 100 degree heat at 3 p.m. As it came out, we could not get the family together and we did not go to the game.
If anybody knows a good rain dance, I need you in my yard. We did not get a drop in my neighborhood during the hurricane last week and there is virtually nothing in the forecast. I dread seeing my next water bill.

Amy Does 6.8 - Barefooted

Lavonne, Amy and I did the 6.8 mile outer loop at the park this evening. It was a new distance for Amy and she ran in her usual manner - barefooted. She and Lavonne are running well. We started at 6 p.m. when it was still hot. By the time we finished, the sun was low on the horizon and it at least seemed much cooler.

Dog Days Done

The Dog Days 5K was this morning in Huntsville. This was our monthly club run for July. We had 13 runners, including several kids from Livingston, Groveton and Magnolia. Darren Grant and his daughter, Tammany, did a great job in putting on the race. I took care of putting out and picking up the turn signs on the course and driving the course during the race to keep an eye on the kids.
I ran 3 miles on the roads about 4 this afternoon. When I passed a temperature sign, it read 100 degrees.

Friday Trail Run

Amy and her friend, Sketch, and I did a little over 3 miles on the trails at the park this evening. We ran into Seven Hills Running Club member, Gerald Peters, who was finishing up his run.

Day Off

I had a bunch of stuff to do today and I have to go down to the airport this evening to pick up Timothy. I took the day off from running, except for one mile at the track this afternoon.

Dry at Home, Wet at the Park

My lawn is craving some rain water; there are so many cracks in the ground, it looks like we were hit with an earthquake. The outer bands of the hurricane did not quite reach Huntsville today. However, there was a heavy rain just south of Huntsville and it looks like the State Park received a good dose. We ran the "steamy trails" at the park this evening. We did the regular 4.5 mile loop. It was me, Hans, John, Josh, Karen and Amy. Phillip and Curtis had run earlier and were leaving the park when we got there.

Crowd at the Park

We had a nice crowd at the park this evening for the 4.5 mile loop. It was Hans, John, Lavonne, Phillip, Marisa, Amy and myself. Curtis was just finishing his trail run when we got started. Amy is still running barefooted and is doing well with the 4.5 mile course. She has made a commitment to run the outer loop (6.8) with me at 6 p.m. on Sunday. It will be a new distance for her, but she can do it.

2.7 Mile Loop in Town

After Nautilus this evening, I went out and ran my 2.7 mile loop in town. I noticed a lot of law enforcement activity in town and found out before I got home that there was an inmate escaped from the Wynne Unit in Huntsville between 4 and 5 this evening. They are still looking for him. My son, Ben, is a Correctional Officer at the Huntsville Unit and he got called in this evening to help with the search. Hopefully, they will find him soon. Update: 10:27 p.m. Ben just called me to tell me that he was just caught in Madisonville.

Sunday Seven

Lavonne and I did 7.0 miles at the park at 5 this evening. It was hot, but it is suppose to be this time of the year. We ran into J. C. Guzman on the trail and he said that Curtis Barton was out there also. My hamstring felt fine.

On the Wet Roads

I put on a new pair of shoes out of the box today and hit the roads in town just after a storm passed. After I started running, a lightning storm blew in and I had to cut the run to 2.2 miles. Obviously, I got back to my truck without being struck. My hamstring seemed okay, so its back to the trails tomorrow afternoon in the heat.

So Far So Good

With the hamstring problem yesterday, I took it easy all day today and ran laps at the track this evening - fortunately, without much discomfort. I'll try a longer road run tomorrow.
Being a streaker, injuries, especially lower extremity ones, become worrisome. You always think about injuries, ones that will stop your streak now or become worse and stop it later. My previous streak was stopped by appendicitus in mid-December 2002, the day after running the Sunmart 50K and two weeks short of five years. Stopping that streak was a no-brainer. I was in the hospital for four days hooked up to too many things. I missed 13 days and had to start all over again. Now, I have gotten past the five-year mark. There have been some days when it was really painful to get in a run. I certainly realize how fragile a running streak is. There are so many injuries and illnesses that could stop it cold. I don't enjoy running and streaking is a way to make myself do it. I am convinced that running in the heat, cold, rain and whatever has helped me build up immunity to the flu and maybe other things. I know that since I started streaking, I have not had the flu. Before streaking, I use to get it as much as anybody. Of course, my streak is nothing compared to the top guys in the U.S. At the top of the national streak list is Mark Covert of California, who hits 40 years on the 23rd of this month. I'm 134 on the list. The list is maintained by the U. S. Running Streak Association.

Darn Hamstring

Lavonne and I did the outer loop (6.8 miles) at the park this morning. About a mile into the run, I turned my ankle on a root. While my ankle was okay, I pulled my left hamstring (the same one I pulled a little over a year ago). We finished the run, but it took longer than usual. I'll know more when I run tomorrow. The last one was not a streak stopper and I don't think this is one either.
My son, Lance Corporal Timothy, called from Cherry Point, North Carolina. He just got his orders for his first duty station. After he finishes his training next week, he will be assigned to the Marine base in Yuma, Arizona. That's great, because our daughter, Mary, and her Marine husband, Eric, are assigned there. Timothy is really looking forward to being with family. Marilynn and I were out there last August and it was 114 degrees every day. I learned very quickly to run well after dark. That place really makes you appreciate what the Badwater runners go through, with temperatures ranging from over 130 to down below freezing, during that 135-mile race.

Another 4.5

It was back to the park this evening for the 4.5 mile loop. The group consisted of Hans, John, Andrew, Karen, Amy, Katie (not Katy) and myself. When we got finished, some of us were ready for an adult beverage. However, John's cousin, the park police officer, came by to visit. We finally came to an understanding with him and we had a beer.

Soggy Shoes

It was so humid on the trails this evening that my shoes and socks were soggy from sweat when we finished. Hans, Chris, John, Phillip, Lavonne, Amy and I did the 4.5 mile loop.

Rain - Finally!

After at least two weeks without a drop, we finally got a nice rain this afternoon. I enjoyed sitting on the back porch just watching it. After it was over, I went to Nautilus for a workout and then ran 2.7 miles around town. The cooler temperature felt good.

Outer Loop

After church, I went out alone and did the outer loop (6.8 miles) at the park. I did not see any runners or other wildlife, except for a tick crawling up my shirt after the run. I'm blogging early today, because I have to write a Running Shorts column this evening for the paper. It's Katy's turn to write the column, but she is very busy and asked me to take her turn. The only problem is that she did not give me a suggested topic. I'll come up with something. It's like writing papers in college; the hard part is deciding on a topic.

RTW and Picnic

I went down and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning. For the 8th straight time, my 5K race finish was 34 minutes and something. Not fast, but darn I am consistent. After the race, I joined some others at Skeeters for breakfast. This included Loren Sheffer of Inside Texas Running and Runner Triathlete News and his friend, Lief, a professional comedian from Utah. Debbie Tripp, Bill Dwyer and others joined us. Later today, we had our annual summer Seven Hills Running Club picnic at the Huntsville State Park. We had a good time and I ate too much.

Resting Up for RTW

If I was not streaking on my blogs, I would probably skip today. Marilynn and I spent most of the day in The Woodlands with Ben. He had to have surgery to remove the pin they put in last month when they did surgery to fix his broken thumb. Since I am doing RTW tomorrow, I went to the track this evening and ran laps.

Thursday in the Park

Amy and I did 3.5 miles at the park this evening. Hans, John and Andrew and Karen ran 4.5. Just as we all started, Curtis and Phillip Clark were finishing up a 7-mile run.

Feet

Here are the feet of two Seven Hills Running Club runners. Who do they belong to? Post your answer.

I ran 4.4 miles at the park this evening with the group. It was Hans, Chris, John, Andrew and Karen and a friend of Karen's, Katie McKee.

We have seen more armadillos this summer than in over 10 previous years combined. Is the eco system out of balance? Why are there so many?

Marisa's Course

Amy and I ran Marisa's Course (3.5 miles) at the park this evening. We did not see any wild animals, but we did see an unusually large number of bikers and hikers for a weekday evening.

TMC Stuff

I received my Texas Marathon Challenge (TMC) stuff today. Nice jacket, dri-fit singlet and medal. This is for completing at least five Texas marathons (or longer) during the 2007-2008 marathon season. I did the Sunmart 50K, Texas Marathon, Surfside Beach Marathon, Seabrook Marathon and the Hog's Hunt 50K. Norman Langwell and Curtis Barton also completed the TMC.
We got up at 3 something this morning to drive Lance Corporal Timothy to the airport for his flight back to North Carolina. It was great having him here for the weekend.
I ran trails this evening with Amy and Mary Sweeten. It was Mary's first time out in a while, so we did 3 miles. Hans, Marisa and Andrew and Karen did the 4.5 mile loop.

Knees

A little over a year ago and after much knee pain, I was diagnosed with chondromalicia. That's where the muscles on the outside of the legs become stronger from running. Since they are attached to the kneecaps, they tend to pull the kneecaps to the outside out of their normal groove. You start to get bone on bone pressure and inflamation and pain. To correct the problem, I had to wear elaborate braces that had straps around the kneecaps to pull them back to the center and into their groove. And, I still do excercises to strengthen the inside leg muscles, which are also attached to the kneecaps. This helps pull them to the center. My doctor would probably laugh if he heard this layman's discussion. In any case, they have improved somewhat, but my right knee more so than my left. My left knee has really been hurting more the last few days. It has been so painful that it is difficult to do my excercises. I have been taking some Aleeve, but I may have to dig my left knee brace out of the closet and start wearing it again.
Lance Corporal Timothy has been here for the weekend, but has to go back to Cherry Point, NC tomorrow morning. He has a 6:30 a.m. flight, so I have to leave at 4:15 a.m. to get him to the airport. We had his girlfriend and her whole family over for dinner tonight. Since I could not do a longer run this evening and my knee was hurting, I went over to the track and ran laps this afternoon.
I am impressed that some of you (i.e. Karen) are getting in longer runs in the heat. I know that with the Marathon 2 Marathon in October, I really have to get with it soon.

Busy Saturday

It was a busy Saturday with yard work and visiting family, but I managed to get in my 2.7 mile loop around town. The streets were empty; everybody else must have left town for the weekend.

Stu's

For the 13th straight year, I went up to Centerville this morning for Stu's Country Mile 5K. The races starts and finishes on the downtown square in the middle of the Centerville 4th of July Celebration. Before the race started, I cut my arm on the porta potty door. I stopped the bleeding with a napkin and a nice lady found me a bandaid. Anybody else ever have a porta potty accident?
It was good to see all the other Seven Hills Running Club members there, including Jon and Waverly Walk, who made the long drive up from Spring. Jon and I ran the whole race together and finished in 34:01. My Marine son, Timothy, as of July 1 Lance Corporal Timothy, flew in yesterday from North Carolina to spend the weekend in Huntsville. He ran the race this morning, as did another son, Ben. Both won 3rd place in their age groups.
I have had a lot of other family at my house all day and I only have time to blog because most of them went to the fireworks stand not far away.
Hope all you had a nice holiday.

Chris Wilson Busted

Chris Wilson got busted yesterday by the state park police for drinking a Dr. Pepper. Since the park cop is John Cook's cousin, maybe Chris will get off light.
In anticipation of Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville tomorrow, I took today off and ran laps at the track in 96 degree heat. Guess I had better go have a Dr. Pepper.

Amy Does Her First 4.5

Amy got her distance up to 4.5 miles at the park this evening. She is running well and it will not be long before she is doing the 6.8 mile outer loop. Also running with us was Hans, Chris, Josh, Karen and Andrew. I am surprised by how little the horse flies have bothered us this summer. They are usually bad during May, June and July.

3.2 at the Park

Amy and I ran trails at the park this evening. She says that she is ready for a longer run. So, tomorrow we will run 4.5 miles, which will be a new distance for her.

Change in the Weather

My plan was to run my 2.7 mile loop around town this evening. After a mile or so, I realized that it was not as hot as usual and/or the humidity was low. I actually felt comfortable. However, since I was siked up for 2.7, I left it at that.

Stormy Weather

We are finally getting some much needed rain on the west side of Huntsville. I had to time my run between storms this evening (Sunday, June 28). I started at the track in town and made a loop around the avenues and the campus. It was a new route and I had to check the distance on the USATF Route Finder when I got home. It came out to be 4.05 miles. The next storm hit just as I finished at 7 p.m.
I figure that the Marathon 2 Marathon on October 18 will be a strong motivator to do longer training runs late in the hot summer months. Usually, my first long race is not until Sunmart in early December. This year, it will be M2M in October and San Antonio in November.
Congratulations to my friend Vincent Attanucci of The Woodlands, who completed 2,000 days on his running streak on June 28. I am quick to point out that he is 11 days behind me and is unlikely to ever catch me. He is 135 on the national list and I am 134.

Bremond in June

There were about 500 runners at the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond this morning. As usual, it was a fun event. The Seven Hills Running Club had 10 members running and there was a whole bunch there from The Woodlands Running Club. In fact, Debbie Tripp and I ran the last mile or so together. Adrienne Langelier ran a PR 18:56 and she was the third female finisher. Obviously, she had some tough competition. Jerry Flanagan, J. C. Guzman and Robert Duncan all got first place in their age groups. Ben Johnson, John Loftus, Norman Langwell, True Cousins and Keanu Cousins from the club also ran. I picked up second in my age group with a time of 34:26. There was probably only two in my age group. A group photo and unofficial race results for SHRC members are on the Latest News page of the club web site. Marilynn did some shopping at the booths and we stayed around to watch the pickle parade. Marilynn, Ben, Adrienne, Norman and I stopped at Robles Mexican Restuarant in Centerville on the way back to Huntsville.

Resting for the Pickle

The Polish Pickle 5K is tomorrow in Bremond, so I rested with a one-mile run at the track. It will be my 13st straight pickle. Ben, Norman and Adrienne are riding up with me also. While we are running, Marilynn will be buying a bunch of stuff at the booths up and down the main street.

2008 in 2008

Today was 2008 consecutive days of running ending in the year 2008. Guess that match up won't occur again. While I thought we might be running trails in the rain, the rain was over by the time Lavonne and I started running at 6 p.m. The rest of the group started earlier and we met up with them on the trails. Lavonne and I ended up doing about 3.2 miles.

Went to the Astros Game

Marilynn, Ben and I went to the Astros game tonight (Wednesday, June 25). The photo above was a free one taken by the ATT people. They had it on their web site by the time we got home. Coincidently, Ben received a big box from the Texas Lottery today. He had mailed in one of those losing $5 baseball scrach offs and won a bunch a Astros stuff in a drawing. One thing was the jersey he was wearing in the photo. The same jersey was $88 at the Minute Maid Park store. He also received a cap, heavy jacket, light pull over jacket, Astros flag and two real nice stadium seats. Looks like he did okay with his losing ticket.

I did get in a 2.7 mile run on the road late this morning.

Marathon Plans

For several years, I ran a 50K and two marathons a year. This year, I stretched it out to three marathons and two 50K's. Now that I have gone beyond my 3-marathon mental limit, I will do more this year. Here's my plan:

October 13 - Marathon 2 Marathon (Alpine to Marathon, Texas) - Signed up.
November 16 - Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, San Antonio - Signed up.
December 6 - Sunmart 50K, Huntsville State Park
January 1 - Texas Marathon, Kingwood
February 14 - Surfside Beach Marahon, Surfside Beach
March 14 - Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon, Seabrook
March 29 - Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon, New Mexico

The big challenge will be doing the long training runs in the late summer and fall to get ready for M2M in October. I just took a Google Earth tour of the course between Alpine and Marathon. There is nothing between those towns except desolation. Who need noisy spectators, anyway? I ran most of Surfside alone in the fog this year; a desert highway has to be about the same. M2M has to be a good race; years ago, they bought my book, "How to Put on a Road Race."

I ran trails this evening with Amy and Lavonne. Amy wanted to run a different course, so we headed south from the Nature Center and did some out and back on the south perimeter road when we got to that point. I figure we did 3.2 miles. Amy and Lavonne are running well.

Crowd at the Park

It was good to see John Cook back on the trails while still recovering from a leg injury. Also running trails this evening were Hans Jaeger, Christopher Wilson, Phillip Clark, Marisa Padilla and Andrew and Karen Husband. Curtis Barton was already out there doing the outer loop. I ran with John for about 2.5 miles, while the others did 4.5.

Lazed About

Sure didn't do a whole lot today. After church and dinner at Margarita's, I watched the Astros game and then watered all the new bushes and trees in the yard. It is so dry. What little rain we have had lately in Huntsville bypassed us on the west side of town. This evening, I finally got around to running 2.7 miles on the roads in town.

June Bug 5K

I got up early this morning (Saturday, June 21) to put out the signs for the Seven Hills Running Club's June Bug 5K race at 8 a.m. We had 22 runners show up. What surprized me was that most were not club members or even from Huntsville. Most were from Buffalo, Madisonville, Midway, Willis and New Waverly. Complete results and a group photo are on the club website on the Latest News page. After the race, Marilynn, Ben and I had breakfast at the Cafe Texan with True and Esther Cousins. Later this afternoon, I went over to the campus and ran the same 5K course.

Huntsville Half Registration Open

Niki and I were back and forth today finalizing registration forms for the 30th Annual Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk on October 11. Niki will be the new race director and I will assist her. We finished the project and put it all on the Seven Hills Running Club web site. So, registration is now open. We are fortunate this year in that our race will not be on the same day as Ten for Texas in The Woodlands. This year, it will be held on October 18.
I also took time today to sign up for the Marathon 2 Marathon on October 18. The race starts in Alpine and runs to Marathon, Texas. It should be fun, but will require long distance training runs in the hottest months. Then, I will do the San Antonio Marathon in November.
Late this afternoon, I ran laps at the track and went to the trophy store to buy award ribbons for tomorrow's club run and to Walmart for bananas, water and Gaterade. Hopefully, we will have a nice crowd.

Relatively Cool at the Park

Relatively cool in the middle of June means it is still hot, but not the worst. It looks like the light and scattered rain in the area cooled things off a tad. Chris, Hans, Andrew and Karen Husband and I ran 4.5 miles. The new park police officer visited us for a long time after our run. Of course, we offered him Kool Aid.

2,000 Done

This was my 2,000th consecutive day of running. Thanks to all my friends who came out this evening to run the Avenues 5K course with me and celebrate at my house afterwards. Running were Hans Jaeger, Katy Lampson, Christopher Wilson, Andrew and Karen Husband, Norman Langwell, Lavonne Zaiontz, Adrienne Langelier and Darren Grant. Joining us at the house was True and Esther Cousins, John Cook, Linda Jaeger and my son, Ben. Thanks to Marilynn for cooking a nice spaghetti dinner. The next party is on March 15, 2011, when I celebrate 3,000 days. Mark your calendar.

Snake-less Trail Run

Amy and I did 3.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening. After reading Curtis' blog entry yesterday, I expected to see some snakes. Maybe they only come out in bunches at night. In any case, we didn't see any.
Tomorrow will be my 2,000th consecutive day of running. If you want to run with me, be at the Avenue O track at 7 p.m. We will run the Avenues 5K. If you don't want to run my pace, print out a course map and bring it with you.
Spaghetti dinner at my house after the run.

Late Evening Run

I did not run until 7:30 this evening, so it was a little cooler and there was a lot more shade on the streets. I ran the 5-mile Tour de Huntsville course, which starts and finishes at the Avenue O track. When I passed the Lodge just off the downtown square, I stopped for about 30 minutes and visited with some friends who were hanging around the entrance. By the time I got back to the track it was nearly dark.

Father's Day

I had planned to do a longer run this evening when the temperature was cooler. Then, I found out we were having a family get-together this evening to celebrate Father's Day. So, I ran 2.7 on the roads about 5 p.m. when it was 95 degrees.

Losing the Saw Trophy

We had our inter-club competition with The Woodlands Running Club this morning at the Run the Woodlands 5K. The Seven Hills Running Club lost and we had to turn over the Saw Trophy. We still had a good time at the race and enjoyed the post-race breakfast at Skeeter's Mesquite Grill in The Woodlands. I ran 34:56. Guess my rest day yesterday did not help.
This evening, I attended the wedding of James Reynolds and Mariah Reynolds (no relation I am told) in Midway. Mariah is a member of the SHRC and has been running trails with us. They had a beautiful outdoor wedding on the family ranch.

The Fawns Arrive

We have deer in our backyard everyday. Even though we have not named them, most appear on a regular basis and we have gotten to know them individually. We have not seen the pregnant doe for the last couple weeks. She returned this evening with her two new fawns. Now, we will watch them grow up.

Tomorrow is our Seven Hills Running Club competition with The Woodlands Running Club at the Run the Woodlands 5K. I know that this may be scary for the TWRC, but I rested today in preparation for the big race. I ran one mile at the track.

Group in the Park

Amy, Norman and I ran 3.5 miles in the park at 6 this evening. I ran into Gerald Peters on the trail and talked to him briefly. Hans, Chris, Curtis, Brian and Josh started their run earlier and were finished when we got back. We all got hydrated and then went home.

Busy Day

I drove up to Tyler early this morning for a funeral at 10 a.m. After the funeral, lunch and visiting with my family, I drove back to Huntsville for another funeral at 6 p.m. Lavonne and I met at the track at 7:45 p.m. and ran the Avenues 5K course. I don't understand how a course that starts and finishes at the same point can be almost all uphill.

2,000 is Near

I have a minor milestone coming up with my running streak. Next Wednesday, June 18, will be my 2,000th consecutive day of running. You are welcome to join me. I'll run the Avenues 5K course at 7 p.m. The course starts and finishes at the track on Avenue O. After the run, you are welcome to come to my house for refreshments.
Today was 1,992. I ran 2.7 on the roads.

Surfside

I was a little surprized to receive a box in the mail today from the Surfside Beach Marathon. Inside was a nice Surfside Beach Marathon pewter serving tray. As the accompanying letter explained, I won it as a respondent to their online post-race survey. Guess I'll start answering more online surveys.
I have done that marathon three years in a row and I'll do again next February. I know some others who say they will never do it again. I like being able to park on the beach near the start/finish, relatively few runners and no noisy spectators. And, the hard-packed sand is easier on the feet and the joints.

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2.7 miles on the roads.

Five on the Road

After eating Mexican food after church and then having a couple beers with Hans at his place in Conroe, I went back to Huntsville and ran 5 miles on the roads. It was hot, but I found some shady spots.

Laps

In between social engagements late this afternoon, I went to the track and ran laps. Back to the roads tomorrow.

Rainy Run in the Park

Amy and I ran trails at the park this evening. It was raining hard when we started and I was impressed that Amy showed up to run. She is no wimp. We did 2.3 miles and saw no wild animals, unless you consider horse flies as wild animals.

Summer in the Park

Amy, Lavonne, Norman and I ran trails this evening at the park. We were doing the 3.5 mile course, but Norman and Amy missed a turn (my fault) and ended up with a longer run. A snake hissed at Lavonne, Amy saw an armadillo, a deer ran across the trail in front of me and I got chased my some horse flies. In other words, it's summer in the park.

Amy's Back

Amy Lanham emailed me and wanted to run trails this evening. She injured her foot at home a couple weeks ago and has had to lay off running. We did 2.3 miles and she was okay.
I received my Texas Marathon Challenge jacket today from Soler Sports in San Antonio. Beautiful jacket, but they sent a medium rather than an extra large. Maybe they looked at my times and are trying to tell me something.

Loop Around Town

Even though it was rather warm, the humidity seemed to be down today. I ran 3.5 miles on the streets around town this evening. It is between the spring and summer sessions at SHSU, so the traffic is lighter than usual.

Don't Feel Like Running

I put off running until about 6 this evening. I told Katy yesterday that I was going to do a long run in town today. I got to the track and decided that I just don't feel like running today. Of course, the streak over-rode that feeling. I thought about just running a mile at the track. Instead, I took off on what is becoming a regular 2.7-mile course around the campus. I deviated somewhat, so maybe it was more than 2.7. While on the sidewalk on the northside of the soccer field, I ran through a swarm of bees or hornets, I'm not sure which. Luckily, they were not mad or hungry.

Saturday in The Woodlands

Katy and I drove down to The Woodlands this morning for the David's Dream 5K. We met up with other Seven Hills Running Club members, Jon Walk from Spring, Sara Lange from Houston and Karen Felicidario from The Woodlands. Bill Dwyer was also there to take photos and help present Montgomery Country Triple awards. Those were given to the 14 runners who completed the Conroe YMCA 5K Trail run two weeks ago, the Run the Woodlands 5K last week and the David's Dream 5K this morning. Katy, Sara and I were 3 of the 14. The race this morning started and finished in front of HEB at the Market Square behind the Mall. Nice flat course, but as expected, it was hot. I ran a 34:41 and was 3rd in the 60 and above age group.

Back to Normal

My back was much better today and almost normal. The sore back yesterday was a small glitch in the routine of streaking. I have been through much worse and kept my streak alive. I skipped Nautilus again today, but did run my 2.7-mile course around the campus. June 18, 2008 will be 2,000 days on my current streak.

Sore Back

I did a lot of lifting this morning and this afternoon my lower back was hurting. Laid around most of the afternoon. Skipped my workout at Nautilus and went to the track late this evening and ran laps. Hopefully, my back will be okay tomorrow.

8 Things About Me

I ran my 2.7 mile course around the campus this evening. Hot and humid, but otherwise uneventful. I got tagged by Curtis earlier to list 8 things about me. My response is a little slow, but so is my running.

1. I was born in Tyler, Texas, 8th of 9 children. My dad, who was born in 1881, was 60 when I was born.

2. After flunking out of junior college, I enlisted in the Army in 1961 and got out as a Staff Sergeant in 1965. I spent most of that time in the Army Chief of Staff’s Office at the Pentagon. Met Marilynn there.

3. I happened to be in the White House when Kennedy was assassinated. I worked around the clock for days handling communication for the Chief of Staff.

4. Later in 1965, I received a commission as a Second Lieutenant and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984. Went to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division in 1967 and 1968. Got my bachelors in 1971 and masters in 1975.

5. I always ran some in the Army, but did not start running distance and racing until 1983. I have never enjoyed running and only do it for my health. Getting involved in every aspect of the sport, including streaking, helps me stay motivated.

6. I don’t consider anything out of the water as edible and have not eaten poultry since I was a kid.

7. I hate getting up early in the morning. If I were in charge, races would not start earlier than noon.

8. I never watch sitcoms and have not seen a movie in years (except Spirit of the Marathon).

Rained Out Trail Run

We were suppose to run trails at the park at 5:30 this evening. It was still storming at that time. I did not go and assume that no one else did either. Later, I ran 2.7 miles on the streets around the campus in a light rain.

Memorial Day 5K

We had our SHRC's Memorial Day 5K at my house in the Timberwilde Sub-division at 10 a.m. this morning. It was all followed by a cookout. I directed the race and Marilynn fixed all the food and Ben did the grilling. We had a great time and hope that everyone else did also. Marilynn forgot to put out a big tray of deviled eggs from the refrigerator. So, I suppose that I will be eating them for a few days. Norman Langwell and Darren Grant tied for first in the race with a time of 23:26. Sheridan Grant, 15, had led but missed the last turn. He was going so fast, I suppose the turn sign became a blur. The results and group photo are on the club web site on the Latest News page.
After eating too much at the cookout and taking a nap, I went to Nautilus and did my routine and then went to the track and ran laps.

Two Streakers

Bill Dwyer got a photo of me and Vince Attanucci at the Run the Woodlands yesterday. Vince lives in The Woodlands and is another streaker. I have not missed a day running for 1,976 days and Vince for 1,965 days (assuming he got around to running today). I am 139 on the national list and Vince 140. By the way, Number 1 is approaching 40 years without missing a day of running. The U.S. Running Streak Association (http://www.runeveryday.com/) maintains the list.
I ran 2.7 miles around the campus this afternoon. School is out, so the streets were pretty empty.

RTW #32

Ran my 32nd Run the Woodlands 5K this morning. There were lots of other Seven Hills Running Club members there: Katy Lampson, Karen Felicidario, John and Sam Dunphy, Sara Lange, John Cook, Robert Duncan and Jon Walk ran the race. Bill Dwyer and Waverly Walk worked the finish line. It was unusually hot and humid, but everyone survived.

Walk and a Run

I started the day by measuring the Memorial Day 5K course for next Monday in the Timberwilde Sub-division. I walked it with an engineer wheel. People look at you funny when you are out walking with those things with a can a spray paint in your hand. It did give me the opportunity to meet a couple neighbors that I had not met before. I am very comfortable with my measurement of the course. It will be interesting after the race on Monday to see what the Garmin-wearing runners tell me about the length of the course.
Later this afternoon, I got in a 2-mile run in town, went out to dinner with the family this evening and then the Sam Houston State baseball game tonight with Ben. After the game, Ben and I had a beer at Tops and Bottoms.

Short Trail Run

Went out to the park this evening to meet the group. Curtis, Phillip, John and Amber ran 5 miles. I had to get back to go to the SHSU baseball game at 7 with Ben, so I just did a short 2 mile+ run by myself and left. I asked Ranger Karly at the Nature Center about the three zebras, which had been running loose in the park. She said that one was shot and killed and the other two were caught. It reminded me about the time about 10 years ago that a friend, Jim Zeller, was running trails at the park. He heard something coming up behind him. He turned around and it was an emu. Zebras and emus. What else may be lurking in the woods?

Trails on Wednesday

I ran trails at the park this evening with brand new Huntsville firefighter, Norman Langwell and brand new lawyer, James Spencer. We did the 3.5 mile loop. It was very hot and humid and I got a little dizzy after the run. Maybe I need to start carrying water and electrolyte tablets even for the shorter trail runs.

Training for the Polish Pickle

I am in the running doldrums. No long races coming up until the fall, so it's hard to get motivated for a long run. It's a matter of keeping the streak alive and maintaining a base. To sound more positive, I'm actually training for the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond on June 28. Maybe my life is not too exciting, but that race seems to be one of the highlights of the summer. It's also one of my streaks, you know. This year will make 13 in a row.
I ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park with Amy this morning. She runs well; imagine what she could do if she ran with shoes on.

Back from Florida

Marilynn and I and Ben drove down to Florida on Friday to visit our Marine son, Timothy, at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. We got back this evening. While running early in the morning is against my religion, I ran in my sub-division here Friday before leaving. It was the first time I ran in Timberwilde in the year that we have lived here. We had a great visit with Timothy over the weekend. He stayed at the hotel with us off the base. We saw all the sights in Pensacola and even got to spend some time on Pensacola Beach. I got in a run on the streets of Pensacola on Saturday and Timothy and I ran together on the Naval Air Station Sunday evening. The photo was taken at the Naval Air Museum on the base. After driving nearly 600 miles today, I went over to the track and ran laps this evening.

Running Shoeless

A whole bunch of us met at the park this evening to run trails. Most ran the 4+ mile course. I ran 3.5 with Amy Lanham. She had never run over 2 miles before and she did very well with the added distance. What is amazing is that she runs barefooted. I have stubbed my toes and tripped over so many roots on the trails over the years, I cannot imagine running barefooted. Many of us have had plantar faciatis problems (muscles that go from the heel to the toes). Years ago, I had surgery on both feet to correct the problem. I have read that the African runners exercise those muscles more by running barefooted and never have plantar faciatis problems. Maybe Amy is on to something.

Trail Run Rained Out

John Cook, Megan Williams, Katy and I were suppose to run trails this morning at 9:30. We cancelled due to a tornado watch and expected heavy rains. There was a tornado touched down in nearby New Waverly and the rain hit about 9:30. So, I made it a rest day. I ran one mile+ this evening at the track.

Sticky in the Sticks

It was really humid running in the woods this morning. Katy and I did the outer loop at the park. According to her new Garmin, it was exactly 6.7 miles. According to how beat I was, it was 10 miles. As I was driving out of the park, a bobcat (or maybe it was a bearkat) ran across the road in front of me. It was the first one I have seen at the park in the 13 years that I have run there. I did have one growl at me a few years ago, but I never actually saw it.

Nice Day for Trails

It seemed to be cooler and less humid this evening. I ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park with Mariah Reynolds and Mary Sweeten. We got a late start. Hans, John, Chris, Curtis and Phillip were already on the trails doing the outer loop. It's back to the trails tomorrow.

Back on the Road Again

After church this morning, Ben and I took Marilynn to eat at the Junction Restaurant. Afterwards, I laid down a while to let the chicken fried steak settle before going back into town for a run on the roads. I had run a mile when I passed Bowers Stadium. The Southland Conference Track & Field Meet was in progress and I could not resist stopping for a while to watch. They wanted me to run hurdles for Sam Houston, but I declined after noticing that the hurdles were higher than the roots that I trip on at the state park. I finished my run with 2 more miles to get in a total of 3. Ben came over and Kenny came up from Houston for a cookout this evening. Marilynn received phone calls from our other kids in Plano, Yuma, Chicago and Pensacola and she seemed to enjoy the day.

YMCA Trail Run in Conroe

Marilynn, Ben and I went down to the YMCA Trail Run in Conroe this morning. Marilynn walked the 3K in 24 minutes, I ran the 5K in 34:55 and Ben, with his broken thumb all bandaged up after surgery, worked as a volunteer on the course. We all had a good time. Katy Lampson, Hans Jaeger and Sara Lange from the Seven Hills Running Club walked away with "hardware" (engraved boards). Congratulations to them. Jan Parks and John Cook from the club also did the 5K. Jon Walk was there supporting everybody and doing what reporters do. There was a much larger crowd this year and it was good visiting with our many racing friends.

Friday Trail Run

Lavonne Zaiontz and I ran trails at the park this evening. It was her first time on the trails in a month or so, but she did well. It was hot and humid and we ran "Marissa's Course" (3.5 miles). Now, I have to rest up for tomorrow's YMCA Trail Run in Conroe, the first leg of the Montgomery County Triple.

Wandering Around the Park

Seems like everybody went in different directions at the park this evening. Phillip Clark, Hans Jaeger, Chris Wilson and Curtis Barton did the outer loop, John Cook and Ron Davis did an out and back, and Mary Ann Davis went for a hike. With no planned route in mind, I ran a combination of trails and roads for 40 minutes. Everyone made it back okay and we had our usual social hour.

Uneventful 3.5

Did a 3.5-mile loop on the streets in Huntsville this evening. After running mostly on the trails at the park lately, it's sorta scary sharing the streets with all the drivers talking on cell phones.

Late at the Park

I intended to meet the group at the park at 5:30 this evening. However, I had to wait for someone from College Station to return the club's race clock they had rented for a race on Saturday. They did not get to my house until about 5:30, so I did not get to the park until nearly 6. I ran the roads and trails for nearly 45 minutes and then joined the group for the usual social hour. Nothing exciting, but a streaker's life for the most part is pretty routine. The decision every day is not whether to run, but when, where and how far.

Wylie Running

Marilynn and I drove up to Tyler Saturday afternoon to visit my brother, who is home from the hospital, but with a long road to full recovery. After that, we went to my nephew's lake house on Lake Palestine for a big family get-together. My son, George, and his family drove to Tyler from their home in Wylie, northeast of Dallas. About 10 p.m. that night, we followed George back to Wylie, arriving about midnight. After church on Sunday morning, we ate Mexican food, went fishing and then George (photo above) and I ran 3.2 miles in his neighborhood. Marilynn and I drove back to Huntsville today. I went to the track and ran one mile in a light rain this evening.

Social Run

Ran 4.5 miles around town this morning. Started at the track on Ave. O. I ran past the square in the middle of a quilting show, with a band playing at the gazebo. I did not see any quilters that I knew. Made it to the SHSU campus and caught the end of the awards ceremony for the triathlon held there this morning. Several SHRC members were there, including Blythe Ernst, Michael Deane and Angie Burns. I visited with them a bit, as well as my friends, Jason Horton and Amanda Seeholm. Amanda was a gymnist in Bela Karoli's camp a few years ago. I went up Bowers Blvd. and right on Sycamore. Down by the Baptist Church, a couple guys held at me. It was SHRC member, Darren Grant, and Doyle Cousins, True's son. They were parking buses at the church parking lot. I visited with them a bit and they assured me that I could not get a cold beer at the Baptist Church. I headed back to the track via Sam Houston Ave. When I got to the Sam Houston Museum complex, I stopped and visited with Sergeant Collins, Huntsville PD, who was working the entrance to the Sam Houston Folk Festival. Finally made it back to to track. The weather was nice and relatively cool. I never timed the run. Because of all the socializing, it would not have meant much anyway.
Now on to Tyler for a family get together this evening and then a drive to Wylie (near Dallas) to spend the rest of the weekend with my son, George, and his family.

Got Home Late

I drove down my son, Ben, down to The Woodlands this morning for surgery to fix a broken thumb. That took most of the day with all the paperwork, pre-op procedure, nearly 2 hours of surgery and then post-surgery recovery. A long wait and nothing but golf magazines and ultra-liberal CNN news on the TV in the waiting room. We did not get back to Huntsville until about 7 p.m., so I missed the 5:30 trail run with the group. I took his pain pill prescription to the drug store and then went to the track and ran one mile+ while it was being filled.

More Trail Changes

I have been running trails at the Huntsville State Park for 13 years. Because some sections of the trail wash out and overly expose the roots, the park occasionally re-routes around the washed out sections. Obviously, this changes the distance of those segments of the trail. This is not a real problem for training on the trails, but there are four major races held at the park, Rocky Raccoon 25K & 50K, Sunmart 50K & 50M, Rocky Raccoon 50M & 100M and the Hog's Hunt 25K & 50K. Trail re-routing changes the distances for these races.
Katy and I ran the outer loop this morning. What is usually a 6.7-mile course is now probably 6.8 due to re-routing on the segment of the trail between the Nature Center and the south perimeter road. We had a good run. Katy slows down to run with me (Coach Bill told her it was okay a couple times of week) and I speed up to run with her. Thanks, Katy.