Trail Run

I did not feel like running the roads today, so after working out at Nautilus, I went out to the park and did a 3.5-mile loop on the trails by myself.

Recovered

I felt fully recovered from the marathon on Sunday and ran a 3-mile loop on the roads in town. Nice weather.

Resting the Knees

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went over to the track and then ran a 2-mile loop on the roads around town. When I got back to the track, there was a group doing excercises on the grass. It was a group starting a 4-week boot camp. I should have brought some running club applications.
Congratulations to my trail running buddies, John, Chris and Hans for completing the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico yesterday.

Completion of Marathon Challenges

I completed the Seabrook Trail Marathon today in Seabrook, Texas. With that, I completed all three marathon challenges in Texas. I became the fourth and oldest runner ever to do that. The first of the three challenges was the Marathons of Texas (White Rock in Dallas in December, Houston in January and Austin in February). The second challenge was the Texas Marathon Triple (Kingwood in January, Surfside Beach in February and Seabrook in March). The third challenge was the Texas Marathon Challenge (any five Texas marathons in one season). The real challenge in completing all three in one season is running Surfside Beach and Austin the same weekend. For the season, I ended up with a 50K in California, marathons in Oklahoma, Arizona and Arkansas and a 50K in Texas and 8 marathons in Texas (total of 13).
It was cold and very windy in Seabrook today. The headwind gusts would almost stop you in your tracks. And, it was really tough on the volunteers. I especially appreciated them today. My knees really hurt today. I never walked between aid stations, but my pace was slow. I finished in 6:09:11.

Track Run

We had a good time at the Laff Spot in Spring last night. I did not get to bed until about 2 this morning. Got up at 9 and went to the track and ran one mile, just before the heavy rain and storm came through. Will leave for Seabrook this afternoon for the marathon tomorrow. The weather is suppose to be nice, except for wind.

Three

Did three miles on the roads in town this afternoon. Tonight, I'm going down to the Laff Spot in Spring to see Leif Skyving from Utah perform. He is funny - and a good runner. I met him several years ago through my friend, Loren Sheffer.

Tapering

I suppose it is time to taper for the Seabrook Marathon this Sunday. John and I met up at the park this evening and ran a 3-mile loop. Of course, he and Chris and Hans are running the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico on Sunday. I did that one last year.
I also mowed my grass for the first time this year and Marilynn wants me to roto-tiller her garden tomorrow. That may be toooo much work with the marathon on Sunday.

No Rain Today

Nice weather today. Sunny and cool. After doing yard work most of the day, I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran a 3-mile loop around town.

Where was everybody?

The group was suppose to meet up at the park this evening to run trails. I was the only one that showed up. What's a little rain? So, I ran 2 miles on the park roads and got soaking wet.

Different subject - I write a column on running twice a month in the Huntsville Item. I submitted a column yesterday for publication today. I had a lot of race results to report, so I had to keep my narrative short. I wrote about three trail running buddies going to New Mexico next Sunday to run the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon. I included a photo of the three, but the paper left the photo out when they published the column. Click here for the column. Since the photo did not make the paper, I will include it here. Left to right: Chris Wilson, John Cook and Hans Jaeger.

Rest Day

My left knee was hurting today. Since I have a marathon next Sunday, I thought it best to take it easy. I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around town. With the university on spring break, there was not much traffic. Nice.

Sunday Trails

After church this morning, I met up with the group at the park and we ran a 6-mile loop on the trails.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this morning for the Run the Woodlands 5K. Club members, Brian and Chris Zemlicka and John and Courtney Dunphy, were also there. I finished in 32:49. After getting back to Huntsville, I took a nap and then drove down to Katy with Ben for the Southland Conference basketball championship game between our Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin. Sam won easily.

Ditto

I ran trails again with the group this evening. Same 4.1-mile course as yesterday. I need to go somewhere tomorrow and run a race.

Trails

I ran 4.1 miles on the trails with the group this evening. Just over a week to go to the Seabrook Marathon on March 21. John, Hans and Chris are doing the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico on the same day.

Avenues 5K Course

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran the hilly Avenues 5K course.

First Warm Day

It was up to nearly 80 degrees today. I met up with the group at the park and ran 4.1 miles on the trails.

Back in Huntsville

Marilynn and I drove back from Little Rock today. After getting back, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran at the track in a light rain. I was tired, but I am not sure if it was from the marathon yesterday or from the drive home.

Little Rock Marathon

I ran the Little Rock Marathon today. My time was 5:49:08, less than a minutes faster than my time at the Cowtown Marathon last Saturday. Nice weather and some tough hills. I was surprized to see a bunch of the Duggars working an aid station. That's the family on TV with 19 kids. As we ran past the governor's mansion, he was out in front cheering the runners on. Of course, in Texas, the governor would have been running. It was good to visit with friends, Steve and Paula Boone and Ron and Karen Berglund, this morning before the race. Next is the Seabrook Marathon in two weeks.

Here in Little Rock

I ran in Huntsville yesterday and then went to Tyler to spend the night with family. Today, I drove up to Little Rock for the marathon tomorrow. I went to the expo this afternoon and picked up my packet. Just as I was finishing up a big dinner at the Olive Garden this evening, I realized that I had not run today. So, I went back to the hotel, put on my shorts and ran a mile+ in the area on a full stomach, just as it was it was getting dark.

Same Three

I had to go somewhere this evening, so this afternoon, I ran the same 3-mile loop that I ran yesterday.

Three in Town

After a workout at Nautilus this evening, I ran a 3-mile loop on the roads in town. Nice weather. As of now, the weather forecast looks good for the Little Rock Marathon this Sunday.

Trails

I had a doctors appointment in The Woodlands this afternoon, but got back in time to get in a 3-mile trail run at the park before it got dark.

Rainy and Cold

I had some sinus problems all day and did not feel like running. However, I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran a 2-mile loop on the roads in a light and cold rain. Now, I feel better.

Sweetheart 5K

Our Seven Hills Running Club held its annual Sweetheart 5K run this afternoon. I felt fully recovered from the marathon yesterday and ran 34:37 on the hilly course.

Cowtown Marathon

I ran the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth this morning. My time was 5:49:57 (4th of 6 in my age group). The weather was perfect; 35 at the start, sunny and it got up to 62 during the race. I have run Cowtown twice before, but the last time was 2002 and the course has changed completely since then. Much hillier now. At mile 11, I got dizzy and nearly fell. I walked a bit and started running again. Almost fell again. I made it to Mile 12 aid station, took a couple electrolyte capsules, a gel and lots of water and Powerade. Every station after that, I took on much more fluids. I felt okay after I got better hydrated and finished strong. I got home about 6 p.m. and went to the Sam Houston - Texas at Arlington basketball game. As expected, Sam won easily.

Ready for Cowtown

I ran 4.1 miles on the trails at the park this evening. Tomorrow, I will do a short run and then head for Fort Worth for the Cowtown Marathon on Saturday. It will be two weeks since my marathon double, so I am well-rested. The weather for Saturday looks good. I have run the Cowtown Marathon twice before, but the last time was 2002 and they have changed the course since then.

Road Run

After a workout at Nautilus this evening, I ran a 3-mile loop on the roads in town. Ben and I went to the Sam Houston State basketball game with McNeese tonight. Sam won and clinced the conference championship.

Snow Day

We actually had an inch or two of snow today. I have lived in Huntsville since 1985 and it is by far the most I have seen. Late this morning, before the rain and snow, I went to the track and got in a run. With a marathon this Saturday in Fort Worth, I will do short runs for the rest of the week, probably nothing more than 4 miles or so.

601st Blog Entry

I just noticed that yesterday's blog entry was my 600th since I started blogging on April 19, 2008. This will be 601. I missed a few days, but not many. Since I run every day, there is always something to blog about. The challenge is coming up with a title and saying something interesting. Since I am not very creative and my running for the most part is rather routine, that is hard to do.
Tomorrow, it is suppose to be cold, rainy and snowy, so the group decided to run trails at the park this evening. I did 4.2 miles and went to Nautilus afterwards.

Sunday Morning Trails

The group ran trails at the park this morning. While there were variations in the routes run by some, I did the regular 6.8-mile outer loop.

Day Off

After running 73.9 miles in the last 7 days, I decided to rest today. I went to the track this afternoon and ran one mile. Today was Boy Scout Merit Badge Day at Sam Houston State. I spoke to a classroom of scouts about my military service and answered a lot of questions. I was also introduced as a runner and I got a few questions about running too. However, most of the questions were about guns.

Added Another Marathon to the Schedule

I added the Little Rock Marathon (March 7, 2010) to my race schedule (scroll down to the bottom of this page). That will be one week after the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth and two weeks before the Seabrook Marathon. Yea! No long training runs needed.
I ran 4.1 miles at the park this evening and then worked out at Nautilus.

Nice Weather for Running Trails

I ran 8.2 miles on the trails at the park with the group this evening. Great weather and the trails are drying out after all that rain a few days ago.

Three on the Roads

After a workout at Nautilus this evening, I ran a 3-mile loop on the roads around town.

Marvin Dittfurth's Book

I received Marvin Dittfurth's book (I Hear Footsteps) in the mail today and have started reading it. Marvin and I have been friends for nearly 25 years and have been to a lot of races together. He lives in Midway, not far from Huntsville. For years, Marvin and I took turns being president of the Seven Hills Running Club. His book can be purchased at http://www.ihfootsteps.com/contact_us.html
I had a doctor's appointment in The Woodlands this afternoon. I dropped by Luke's Locker afterwards and bought a new pair of running shoes. I had my running shorts on under my jeans and met up with the group at the park on the way back to Huntsville. We went different directions, but Hans and I ran a 3.5-mile loop.

Recovery Day

Actually, I felt okay today. No blisters or particular pains from the two marathons this weekend. I met up with the group at the park this afternoon. They were doing 6+ miles and I opted to run a 2.7-mile loop alone. I did not stay around for the normal post-run party and went from there to Nautilus for a workout.

Marathon Double - Done

My goal this year was to run two marathons in one weekend. This was the weekend and it is done. I ran the Surfside Beach Marathon (south of Galveston) yesterday and the Austin Marathon today. In Texas, there are two 3-marathon series. First is the Texas Marathon Triple (Kingwood in January, Surfside Beach in February and Seabrook in March). Run all three and you get a jacket or some other stuff. I have completed this series for the last two years. The other series is the Marathons of Texas (White Rock in Dallas in December, Houston in January and Austin in February). Surfside Beach and Austin are on the same weekend. So, to complete both series, I had to run two marathons in one weekend. I had not done this before and was not sure what to expect. I appreciate all the advice from friends. One piece of advice was to take it easy on the first marathon. The weather was ideal at Surfside and the beach was in good shape. Basically, you run 13.1 miles up the beach and then back. I ran a slow steady pace and finished in 6:12:52. Then, I made the 4-hour drive to Austin. I felt okay at the start of the race, but was in fear of hitting a wall at some point. Austin is a very hilly course. At about 11 miles or so, I really began to tire. I took some gel and electrolyte capsules and convinced myself that it was more mental than physical. At the halfway point, I was at about 2:50:00, which was about the same as Surfside the day before. That gave me a boost in confidence and I picked it up during the second half. I was tired, but the strength was there. I finished in 5:55:00. I suppose that would be called a negative split for the two races. I picked up my finisher medal for Austin and then a finisher medal for the Marathons of Texas. I get the jacket for that later.

Rain All Day

It rained all day and the temperature was in the 30's. I worked out at Nautilus this evening and could not get myself to go run in the cold rain. So, I ran on the treadmill instead. I have no idea how people can run on those things on a regular basis. I will get in a short run tomorrow and then head to Surfside Beach for the marathon on Saturday.

Getting Anxious

I am getting anxious about my first marathon double this weekend (Surfside on Saturday and Austin on Sunday). I know that it will be a mental game on Sunday in Austin. I have never DNF'd and I no intention of getting one on Sunday. I will probably hit a wall somewhere, but will it be at 2 miles, 10 or 20? A friend advised me to get hydrated this week, stop every hour and walk during the drive from Surfside and Austin and get in a hot tub Saturday night. If you have run a double and have advice, please let me know.
I ran a 3-mile loop around town this afternoon and my foot was much better.

Park Roads

I met up with the group at the park this evening, but I was leery about running trails and aggrivating my sore foot. I had reoccuring sharp pains while walking around today. So, I ran 3 miles on the park roads while the others did trails. No sharp pain. That's good.

Track Run

I took a break today and ran one mile at the track this morning. I have some pain in the top part of my left foot and am not sure what it is. It bothers me more when I walk than when I run. I am really getting apprehensive about running two marathons this weekend, especially when I see there is a chance of rain in both Surfside Beach and Austin. I really do not mind running in the rain, except for a better chance of getting blisters. I just want to see that finish line in Austin.

Added a Marathon to my Schedule

I added the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth on February 27 to my race schedule. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the schedule. I figured that I would have to do those long boring training runs between the Austin Marathon on February 14 and Seabrook on March 21 if I did not run a marathon inbetween. I probably need to find another to run the first or second weekend in March.
Most of the group ran trails at the park this morning. Since the last of the Rocky Raccoon 100 milers would still be on the trails until noon, I decided to run trails this afternoon. Mary and Johnny joined me and we did the 6.8-mile outer loop. I took a hard fall with less than a mile to go and banged up my knee a little bit. I'll be okay. I suppose that most people my age break hips when they fall.

Willis Wildkat 5K

Ben and I went down to Willis this morning and ran the Willis Wildkat 5K. We both won first place in our age group (yep, we were both the only ones in our age group). I ran a 30:14, but I think the course was a little short. Someone said that their GPS measured the course as 2.9 miles. Since I have been running most 5K's is 33 something, 2.9 sounds about right. In any case, it was nice to visit with many friends at the race and meet some new ones. This afternoon, I went to a wedding and then to the Sam Houston - Central Arkansas basketball game. Sam won and is now 8-0 in conference play.

Trails

I usually skip Nautilus on Friday, but I did go and workout this evening since I missed yesterday. After my workout, I ran 4.2 miles on the trails at the park with the group. It was pretty muddy after two days of rain. That's not good for the runners doing the Rocky Raccoon 100 and 50-mile run at the park this weekend.

Same as Yesterday

I had to wait around this afternoon for a guy to come and work on my computer, so I never made it to Nautilus. However, just before dark I ran the same 3-mile course around town that I ran yesterday. Like yesterday, it was in the rain.

Rainy Run

I worked out a Nautilus this evening and then ran 3 miles around town in the rain. Then, Ben and I went to the Sam Houston - UT San Antonio basketball game. Sam won and is 7-0 in conference play.

First Run at the Park in a While

I met up with the group at the state park this evening and ran 4.2 miles on the trails. The trails are in good shape now, but it is suppose to rain this week. The Rocky Raccoon 100/50-mile race is this weekend and the trails may be muddy by then. I may go out there as a spectator after the Willis 5K on Saturday morning.

Day After the Marathon

I slept in this morning, wrote my column for the Huntsville Item, paid some bills, worked out at Nautilus and then went to the track to get in a run. When you are retired, it seems to take a lot longer to get things done. Now that I have done marathons three weeks in a row, I am trained as I am going to be for two marathons in one weekend on February 13 and 14.

Miracle Match Marathon

I ran the Miracle Match Marathon in Waco today and finished in 5:49:12 (3rd in age group). It was about 28 degrees at the start and did not get much above that for the rest of the race. There were even a few snow flurries. I wore shorts, long sleeve T-shirt, gloves and a sweat band over my ears and I was confortable the entire race. It is billed as the toughest marathon in Texas. Obviously, that is due to the steep hills between mile 14 and 24. Two years ago when I ran this race I finished in 6:03:52. So, today was an improvement. Finishers received a medal and a windbreaker. Nice. Plenty of aid stations and there were lots of freezing, but friendly volunteers. Logistically, the race is easy. Park in the Hilton parking lot, hangout in the hotel until race time and walk out the front door to the start line.

Frost Your Fanny 5K

It was appropriately named. I ran the Frost Your Fanny 5K club run this morning. It was the same hilly course that is used for the Huntsville 5K every October. Cold run, even a few light snow flurries. I finished in 34:01. Tomorrow is the Miracle Match Marathon in Waco.

Cold Winter

After what seemed to be a long hot summer, this seems to be a colder than usual winter. I ran 2 miles around town in the cold this afternoon after a workout at Nautilus. I plan to run the club 5K tomorrow morning and then head for Waco for the marathon on Sunday - in the cold.

Yuma Territorial Marathon

Marilynn and I got back from Yuma, Arizona this evening. We drove out there last Wednesday and Thursday to visit our daughter, Mary, and her family. While there, I ran the 1st Annual Yuma Territorial Marathon. I finished in 5:34:19, my fastest marathon time since Austin in 2004 (5:10:27). This was also my 50th marathon and I wore bib number 50 to commemorate the occasion. There were 53 finishers in the marathon and 110 in the half. No age group awards. The race started and finished in front of the Cocopah Casino in Yuma. The course was out and back along a major highway through the lettuce fields. Most of the course was flat and the weather was in the 40's, 50's and 60's - and, no humidity. I felt good during the run and Houston 6 days earlier never bothered me. Next is Waco on Sunday and I dread those steep hills from mile 14 to 24.

The drive to and from Yuma - After leaving Tucson and headed for Yuma, we drove into a sand storm. At first, visibility went down to about a 100 yards. Then, visibility went to zero and I was in the left lane on I-10. Just as I got into the right lane, there was a wreck in the left lane and I barely missed it. After we got out of the sand storms, it starting raining. As we got closer to Yuma, the wind picked up and it was hard keeping the car on the road. Went went around 4 18-wheelers that were blown over in the highway and another which had left the road. Yesterday evening on the way back, we passed a bad wreck just south of El Paso. I saw on the news last night that a couple were killed in the wreck. Today, we drove from Van Horn to Huntsville and it rained almost the whole way. Near Sonora on I-10, the rain got so heavy that I could see nothing and I got off the road. As we got closer to Sonora, it started hailing and the hail was one or two inches thick on the highway. It was like driving on ice. We passed several cars that slid off the road and wrecked. We were glad to make it back to Huntsville safely.

Avenue Hills

The group ran the avenue hills this evening. I did 1.6 on the streets and another .5 on the track and I had to leave to be at a dinner at 6. Thank goodness that this is the last week the park will be closed for deer hunting. While I do not have a trainer, I suppose that I should not do any long runs this week anyway with the marathon on Saturday.

Recovery Run at the Park

I met up with Hans and Mary this evening at the park. We ran 2.8 miles and then had a tailgate party. I still felt beat up from the marathon yesterday. It is giving me second thoughts about running two marathons in the same weekend in February. I have signed up for both. I have another marathon this Saturday in Yuma and another in Waco the next weekend. I will see how I feel after Waco.

Houston Marathon

I finished the Houston Marathon today in 5:46:31. Marilynn and I got up early this morning and drove down. Logistically, everything went well. We parked in a parking garage next to the Four Seasons and hung out in the lobby at the Four Seasons until race time. They put all veterans (10 or more Houston Marathons) in the first wave. I got in the back of that wave and never had to fight the crowd. The second wave did not start for another 10 minutes and they never started catching up with me until 4 or 5 miles. I was surprized about how many friends I saw during the race, both runners and spectators. I ran the last four miles or so with Bridgette Collins of Dallas. She and I use to work together in Huntsville in the early 90's. She has since written two books on fitness. It was good to visit with her again. I have not run Houston in the past two years and noticed a big increase in the crowd along the course. Maybe it was the nice weather.

Added a Marathon to my Schedule

With the Houston Marathon tomorrow, I rested up by running a mile at the track this afternoon. I signed up for the Yuma Territorial Marathon in Yuma, Arizona next Saturday. Hope the sand is not blowing. The next weekend is the Miracle Match Marathon in Waco. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for my schedule. After marathons on three consecutive weekends, I'll have two weeks to rest up for two marathons in the same weekend in February.

I need a bigger shirt

Marilynn and I went down to Houston today for the Houston Marathon Expo. After picking up my huge bib, I realized that I may need a bigger shirt. It was nice visiting with old friends at the Expo and I even ran into Allison Gullet, who was a Seven Hills Running Club member and graduated from SHSU several years ago. This evening, it was raining when I started to run, so I ran the treadmill at Nautilus and then worked out.

Test Run

I did a lot of digging in the yard yesterday and had sharp pains in the upper part of my left foot last night and today. I went to the track and ran a mile in the rain this afternoon to test it. I assume that I pulled a muscle in my foot from so much digging, but it did not seem to bother me when I ran. With a marathon this weekend, that was a relief. Then, we had a club meeting at Margaritas tonight. It is always fun visiting with other club members.

5K with Mariah

Mariah and I met at the track this evening and ran the Avenues 5K course. It is good to see her persistent in her running.

Heavy Traffic Again

The students are back in town and the traffic is heavy again. After a workout at Nautilus, I ran a 3-mile loop around town this evening and had to be extra careful. Earlier this afternoon, I went down to the doctor in The Woodlands and got the stitches out of my back. Thank goodness, no more surgeries.

Quiet at the Park

The park does not close this week for deer hunting until 5 p.m. tomorrow. So, I went out there alone this afternoon and ran a 7-mile loop. I only saw one hiker during the entire run and no animals. It was quiet and peaceful and a perfect day for trail running. I suppose I need to taper the rest of the week for the Houston Marathon on Sunday. This will be my 14th Houston Marathon, even though I have not run it the last two years.

It's What Streakers Do

We got up early this morning, drove to Tyler and spent the day visiting with family and eating too much. We got back late tonight and I was beat. It was about 10:30 and 29 degrees outside. I went to the track and ran a mile. It's what streakers do.

100 Degree Difference

I got up early this morning to go down and run the Run the Woodlands 5K. The temperature when I left Huntsville was 16 degrees. Last August, when I ran in Yuma, Arizona, the temperature was 116. I prefer colder temperatures for running, but this morning was a little extreme. I finished in 33:33.

Sinus Problems

It's that time of the year. My sinuses are stopped up. I woke up about 4 this morning and really never went back to sleep. I started to go over to the track this afternoon and run a mile. Since it was so cold, I ran a mile + on the treadmill at Nautilus.

Routine

Even though the stitches are still in my back, I have been able to get back to my routine at Nautilus. They seem to be holding well and they come out next Tuesday. After working out this afternoon, I did a 3-mile loop around town. It was cold, but I was dressed warmly.

Late Run

I did not get around to working out at Nautilus and running until late this afternoon. I ended up doing a 2-mile loop around town in a light rain, just as it was getting dark.

Avenues

I ran 1.6 miles in the avenues this afternoon and another mile on the track. Then, I went to Nautilus. Some machines pulled at my stitches and some not. So, it ended up as a half of a workout. I get the stitches out next Tuesday.

Cold

I don't remember when it has been so cold in Huntsville for such a long period. And, it is suppose to get down to 17 on Thursday. I much prefer to run in the cold, so I'm not complaining. I ran a couple miles in town this afternoon. Even though I still have stitches in my back, I am going back to Nautilus tomorrow and see if I can push some weights around without splitting anything.

7 at the Park

I met up with the group this morning and did a 7-mile loop on the trails. Andrew and Karen Husband were visiting from Lubbock and joined us. It was good to see them back on the trails again.

Rest Day

I went to the track this afternoon and ran a mile. The first quarter lap the day after a marathon is always rough, but once the joints are loosened up, its not bad.

Texas Marathon

Ben and I went down to Kingwood this morning for the Texas Marathon. I ran and he worked as a volunteer. Nice weather and I expected to do well after a 5:41:19 at the Dallas White Rock Marathon a couple weeks ago. The course is a 6.55-mile course through the greenbelt in Kingwood. All concrete and you run the loop 4 times. I timed my first loop at 1:20 and I was okay with that. Mentally, the 2nd and 3rd loop got to me and I ran slow. I took on plenty of fluids at the aid stations and never walked between the aid stations. I probably took on too much fluid and had to make several pit stops. Soon after starting the 4th loop, I realized that I was on a pace to go well beyond 6 hours. Then, I really picked up speed and started passing a lot of other runners. I finished in 6:08:21. My time in this race last year was 6:06 and the year before, 6:30. Houston is next.

Wrapping up the Year

To rest up for the marathon tomorrow, I went to the track and ran a mile this afternoon. I am suspending my workouts at Nautilus until I get those stitches out of my back. Except for breaking my streak for 4 days in October, this has been a good running year. I completed 45 races in 2009, up from 39 in 2008. Here are the distances:
50K (31 miles) - 2
Marathons - 6
18.2 miles -1
25K (15.5 miles) - 1
Half Marathon (13.1 miles) - 1
10K (6.2 miles) - 3
5 miles - 1
3.9 miles - 1
3.85 miles - 1
3.5 miles - 1
5K (3.1 miles) - 26
3.0 miles - 1

Streak Commemoration Run

John Wallace III of Seattle and his father, John Wallace, Jr. of Ishpeming, Michigan, both completed 20-year running streaks today. Also, Mark Washburne of Mendham, New Jersey completed 20 years today. I have gotten to know both John and his father through the U. S. Running Streak Assn. In 2004, John III completed a cross-country run of 3,800+ miles from Washington state to Georgia and he did it without a support vehicle. Click here for his web site. In 2007, John, Jr. and his wife, Karen, completed a run from Michigan to Mississippi. Click here for their web site. Karen has a current streak of 4+ years. I am in awe of these runners.
To commemorate their 20-year streak, John III set up a 4-mile run in Seattle and invited everyone to join him there or wherever they live. So, I ran 4 miles this afternoon on Veterans Memorial Parkway in Huntsville to commemorate their streak. Congratulations to all of them.

Last Surgery

I went down to The Woodlands today and got the stitches out of my face and had more surgery on my back to remove a spot (3 inch incision). Before heading back to Huntsville, I stopped by Luke's Locker and bought a couple pair of running shoes. After getting back, I made the mistake of working out at Nautilus. That was not good for my stitches. It was almost dark when I left Nautilus, so I ran a 2-mile loop on the roads. I'll do more tomorrow, then taper on Thursday for the marathon on Friday.

Would Have Been 7

It just dawned on me. As of yesterday, my streak would have been 7 years, if it had not been that doctor who did a bad diagnosis on my knee in October. Oh well, my new streak is over 2 months now and I'll reach 7 years when I get to be 75 years old. After working out at Nautilus this afternoon, I ran 3 miles on the roads in town. Tomorrow, more surgery.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this evening and ran The Woodlands Running Club's Sunday Night 5K (same course as the Run the Woodlands yesterday). J. C. Guzman was also there. I finished in 32:44, 3 seconds faster than yesterday.

RTW

I went down to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K in 32:47.

Empty Streets

Most of my family is coming in tomorrow afternoon, so we had a rather quiet Christmas Day. I went out and ran my 2.9 mile loop around town this afternoon. There was virtually no traffic.

Wet Trails

The group met up at the park at 11 a.m. today to run trails. With all the heavy rain last night, we figured parts of the outer loop would be flooded. So, we decided to run a 4.1-mile course instead. Parts of that course were flooded, but we were able to maneuver around the bad spots. Nice run. Merry Christmas to anyone reading this blog.

Stormy Night

It is stormy tonight, but I managed to get in a mile run at the track this afternoon after working out at Nautilus. Trails tomorrow.

More Surgery Today

I went down to The Woodlands today for additional surgery on my face. After a workout at Nautilus, I met up with the group at the park this evening. Instead of running trails and facing the chance of falling and tearing 2 inches of stitches, I ran 5 miles on the park roads while the rest of the group ran trails.

Three on Empty Streets

After working out at Nautilus this afternoon, I ran 3 miles on relatively empty streets. All the Sam Houston students are on Christmas break.

Rare Morning Training Run

If you have read this blog for long, you will know that I rarely do a training run in the morning. I much prefer evening runs. I met up with the group at the park this morning and ran 7 miles on the trails. Nice weather and the trails are in excellent shape.

Graduation

I thought my 2.9 mile loop around the campus would be nice with no traffic now that the fall semester is over and the students are out for the holidays. I headed down Bobby Marks Drive and ran smack into the crowd leaving the coliseum for the mid-term graduation ceremony. Lots of vehicle and foot traffic. I suppose from now through mid-January, it will be quiet in town and nice running on the roads.

Back to the Park

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles (Marisa's Course) on the trails. Talk about running weather and the trails being in good shape.

Small Group

I went over to the track this evening to run the avenues with the group. The temperature was in the 40's and the rain had stopped. I was the only one who showed up. So, I ran a 2.9 mile loop around town.

3.1 on the Roads

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went to the track and ran 3.1 miles on the roads from there. Nice running weather and no aches or pains.

Avenues

I went down to The Woodlands this morning for some outpatient surgery to remove a spot from my face and then ran the hills in the avenues with the group this evening. Since the park is closed during the week for hunting for the next few weeks, the group is meeting at the track at 4:30 p.m. to run the avenues. I had to attend a Christmas dinner tonight, so I ran 2.1 miles. I feel like I am fully recovered from the marathon on Sunday, even though I am probably not.

White Rock Marathon

I ran the White Rock Marathon in Dallas for the first time yesterday. My time was 5:41:19, compared to 6:00:20 in Tulsa three weeks ago. Not that my time was great, but it was my best marathon time since Houston in 2005. After my Tulsa experience, I drank a lot more water and Gaterade at the aid stations every two miles and after the race. Other than walking through the aid stations to drink, I ran the entire distance and finished without any particular aches or pains. The aid station at mile 19 (operated by Hooters) was so good that I doubled back and went through it again. The temperature and weather in Dallas was about the same as Tulsa and ideal for marathon running. I ran into several good friends at the race, to include Briana Kretzschmar, Dave Nelson and Beth Whitehead. And, thanks to Beth, who ran the half marathon, for waiting around for my finish.

Two on the Road

Since I am headed for Dallas tomorrow morning, I did a 2-mile loop on the roads in town this afternoon. I'm ready for Sunday.

Jingle Bell Run in The Woodlands

For the third straight year, I went down to The Woodlands tonight to run the Woodlands Fit Jingle Bell Run along the waterway. Ben went down with me and ran. Marilynn went down to shop. The run was untimed and started and finished at Luke's Locker behind the Mall. According to someone's GPS, the course, mostly along the waterway, was 3.5 miles. I forgot to time myself, but I am sure I ran fast. Other club members at the run were Pamela Walton and J. C. Guzman. Most of the runners met at Berryhill for dinner and conversation after the run. We had a great time. Thanks to Coach Beth Whitehead of Woodlands Fit for putting on this fun event.

U.S. Running Streak Association

Today, I received in the quarterly newsletter (more like a book) from the U.S. Running Streak Assn. They printed my broken streak announcement letter and then did a tribute page. That was nice. The good news is that my friend, Vince Attanucci of The Woodlands, moved up one on the new national streak list.
This evening, I ran a 2.2-mile loop around town and then went to a Master Gardener dinner with Marilynn. No running buddies there.

No Long Training Runs Needed

I suppose one of the advantages of running marathons every week or so is that long training runs are not needed. One marathon becomes the last long training run for the next one. I will be doing the White Rock Marathon in Dallas on Sunday, 8 days after the Texas Trail 50K. I have not done marathons that close together, but I think I will be okay. In any case, it is part of my training for two marathons in the same weekend in February. Scroll down to the bottom for my race schedule. I ran 3 miles on the streets around town this afternoon and then worked out at Nautilus.

Late Night Run

I was tied up most of the day and did not get a chance to run until about 10 tonight. It was cold and rainy, so I went to Nautilus and ran on the treadmill. How can anybody do that on a regular basis?

Sunday Track Run

Obviously, after the 50K yesterday, I took today off and ran a mile at the track this afternoon. All my parts were working okay.

Texas Trail 50K and Downhill Dash

It has been a long day. I got up early, picked up Chris Wilson and we met up with other club members at the park for the Texas Trail Runs, the replacement race for Sunmart. Most of us ran the 50K. The race started at 7:30 and the temperature was 25 degrees and only got up to 45 during the afternoon. While my running was rather slow, I did very little walking. I got distracted by some bikers and some other runners and fell twice during the first 12-mile+ loop. Not bad falls, though. I finished in 8:25:35, certainly not my best on this course, but not my worst. When you are 68 with bad knees, any finish is good.

The club held the Downhill Dash at 6 this evening. This was a 1.23-mile run down the Christmas Parade route, just before the parade began. I'm not sure how many runners we had. My job was to take the male and female winners with their trophies back to the parade start in my VW bug and give them a ride in the parade. Fernando Gonzales and Destiny Perrodin were the winners and they had a great time.

Promoting the Downhill Dash

The club's Downhill Dash is tomorrow night and I spent much of today at Mance Park Middle School speaking to five 7th and 8th grade classes about the Downhill Dash and running in general. That was interesting, especially since it was snowing outside and most of them had never seen snow. Then, I did a one-mile run at the track and tonight I picked up my packet for the Texas Trail 50K at the Huntsville State Park tomorrow morning. Marilynn, Ben and I had the pre-race dinner at the SHSU cafeteria. Ed and Trudy Thompson joined us and we had a nice visit. Gotta get up early tomorrow. It is suppose to be 29 degrees at the start and get up to 45 in the afternoon. At least, it is not suppose to rain or snow during the race.

Tapering

I met up with the group this evening at the park, but kept my run to about 2.5 miles. Another short run tomorrow and then the 50K on Saturday.

Short Run

I had to run errands down in Conroe this afternoon, so I did a one-mile run at the track before leaving. It was cold, but it is suppose to be much colder for the 50K at the park this Saturday.

Wet Park Run

The group at the park this evening was rather small - me and John. We did 4.2 miles on the trails and it rained the whole time and it seemed to get colder during the run. After the run, we didn't even hang around for a beer.