Hot and Muggy on the Trails

I had a late afternoon telephone meeting with the race director of a new race in Diboll and never made it to Nautilus. I did meet up with the group at the park, but it was so hot and muggy that the consensus was to do only 3 mile. That worked out okay, because I had a Huntsville Half Marathon meeting at my house at 8 p.m.

Routine Monday

My Mondays seem to be routine. Yard work, workout at Nautilus, 3-mile run on the roads and dinner at the Farmhouse. It was a little different today. With classes over at Sam Houston, there was not much traffic on the roads and my run was a little safer.

Gold at Boogie Down 5K

I just got home from Wylie (northeast of Dallas). I ran the Boogie Down 5K while there on Saturday. Finished in 32:39, which was good enough for 1st place in my age group (no, I was not the only one in the age group). It was overcast and relatively cool and the course was flat compared to Huntsville. It was an inagural race put on by the Baptist Youth Group and they did a great job. My son, Ben, also ran and placed 2nd in his age group. This afternoon, I ran the roads again before heading back to Huntsville.

Day Off

I did not feel like running today, so I went to the track and ran a mile. Nice to have a rest day once in a while. With all that rest, I may be the overall winner in the Boogie Down 5K tomorrow.

New Race

I met with a lady at the Huntsville State Park this afternoon to help plan a new trail race there in January. Tentatively, it will be a 10-Miler and 5K on January 16. We finished up an hour before before I was suppose to meet the group to run trails. Curtis happened to be there, so we ran a 2.8 mile loop.

Three on the Roads

I worked on projects around the house most of the day and then worked out at Nautilus before running a 3-mile loop on the roads around town.

Nice Crowd at the Park

We had a nice crowd for trail running at the park this evening. Me, John, Ron, Chris, Annie, Stephanie, Mary, Liz, Jason and Lara. Most of us did the 4.1-mile "weekday loop." Jason did his own course and saw a bobcat on the trail. All I saw was some flying insects.

Back from Yuma (via Los Angeles)

Last Tuesday, I drove out to Yuma, Arizona with my Marine son, who had to return to his duty station. My daughter is married to a Marine and they are also stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma. Tuesday evening, I ran in Van Horn (middle of nowhere in west Texas) on the way to Arizona. During the rest of the trip, I ran on the Air Station. The temperature was in the high 90's and yesterday there was high wind with dust. The nice thing about running on the Air Station is that cell phones are not allowed while you are driving and the highest speed limit is 25 mph. People are actually paying attention to their driving. I had a nice visit with my family (including two grand kids). This morning, I flew west from Yuma to Los Angeles and then got a flight to Houston. After driving back to Huntsville, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran 3-miles on the roads in town.

Roads

This is Timothy's last day in Huntsville; he leaves for Yuma, AZ tomorrow morning. We took him out to dinner tonight at the Outback in Conroe. This afternoon, I worked out at Nautilus for the first time in a few days and then ran 3 miles on the roads around town.

Sunday Trails

Robert, Hans and I met up this morning at the park and ran 5 miles on the trails. We did not see any snakes or other critters, except for bikers.

Great Strides Run

I went over to College Station this morning for the Great Strides 5K on the Texas A&M campus. Robert Duncan was also there from Huntsville. Nice flat course, but it was 3.3 miles, not 5K, according to Robert's GPS. I cannot understand why race directors cannot lay out an accurate course. I am convinced that some do not care; they are more focused on raising money for their cause than worrying about what runners expect. In any case, I ran the course in 34:30. Yes, I kept my own time.

Couple Miles

The Veterans Museum in Huntsville gave my family a tour this afternoon and presented my Marine son, Timothy, with a nice certificate of appreciation for his overseas service. There were a lot of senior veterans there for the presentation and it was very thoughtful of them. I know that Timothy really appreciated the honor. It was sure different than when I got back from Vietnam in 68. I had not been in the new facility next door to the Texas Prison Museum. It is worth a stop if you are driving I-45 through Huntsville.
Later this afternoon I ran two miles around town. Race in College Station tomorrow.

Tour de Bayou, Stage 5

Hans, John and I went down to Houston this evening to run the Tour de Bayou, Stage 5. Almost all of the course was through narrow and winding trails with plenty of short hills and roots to trip on. Someone said the course was about 3.5 miles and I did not keep track of my time. It will eventually be published online. Since this was the last stage of the tour, they had a nice post-race party and door prizes. Hans won a new pair of running shoes.

Trip to Tyler

I went to the track this morning for a rare AM run. Afterwards, Marilynn, Ben, Tim and I drove up to Tyler for a family function to celebrate Tim's return from his overseas deployment with the Marine Corps. When we arrived in Tyler, we went to a friends massage school to return something that I had of his. We ended up getting a tour and a massage. That was nice.

Unseasonably Cool

It was cool and dry for our group trail run at the park this evening. And, it is suppose to get down to a record low of 47 tonight. My sons, Ben and Tim, ran trails with us. We did the usual Tuesday evening 4.1 miles, except for Ben, who missed a turn and did a longer run.

Outer Loop

I ran the 6.8-mile outer loop at the park this afternoon alone and then went fishing at the park later with my sons, Ben and Tim. After eating out with the family this evening, I went back into town to work out at Nautilus.

Party

We had a party at our house today to welcome Timothy home. I ate too much and did not get around to running until late this evening. I went over to the track and ran laps. The first one was particularly difficult.

Spring Fling 5K

I ran the Spring Fling 5K in Huntsville this morning. The weather was a little cooler after the front went through overnight. I ran the hilly course in 33:59. I noticed in the group photo taken after the race that I had my shirt on inside out. No one pointed it out to me. It reminded me of the time that I looked down after a race and noticed that I had two completely different running shoes on. I guess thats part of not being a morning person.

Sluggish Run

It was hot and humid today and I felt very sluggish during my 3-mile run around town this afternoon. Guess we have a storm approaching.

Timothy is Home

Our Marine son, Timothy, got back to Huntsville today. He returned from deployment in the Middle East to his homebase, Yuma, AZ, last week. He has to leave again for Yuma on May 4. Obviously, we are proud of him and his service.
This afternoon, I went to Nautlilus for a workout and then did a 3.5-mile solo run on the trails at the park. I did not see another person or any creature on the trails.

Starting to Plan

I am starting to give some thought about my marathon goals for the 2010/2011 season. I did 13 and a double (two in one weekend) this season. Do I go for 15 and a triple next year? I do not know yet, but I will be working on a schedule. In the meantime, I plan to do a lot of 5K's this summer, most certainly to include the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond on June 26 and Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville on July 3.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I did my normal 3-mile loop around town.

Tuesday Park Run

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 4.1 miles. Still nice weather, but I know that it will be hot and humid soon. Annie Brickell, who is a sophomore at SHSU, joined us for her first trail run. Hopefully, she enjoyed the experience.

Congratulations to Boston Finishers

I could not find the Boston Marathon on TV this morning, so I followed the race on the Internet. Congratulations to my Mass. friends, Ryan and Bethany, and my fellow streaker, Vincent Attanucci of The Woodlands, for their finish.
This afternoon, I wrote my column for the paper tomorrow, mowed by yard (on a riding lawn mower), worked out at Nautilus, ran 3 miles on the roads in town and took Marilynn and Ben out to dinner tonight.

6 Months

Today was a minor milestone. My new running streak reached 6 months. Woopie! In another 6 months, I can get back on the national streak list again - at the bottom, of course. The list is at http://www.runeveryday.com.
We had a lot of rain today, but I managed to get in a 3-mile run around town this afternoon, without getting too wet.

Blue Bell 10K

It was raining in Huntsville early this morning when I left for the 65-mile drive over to Brenham for the 32nd Blue Bell 10K. It was warm and humid in Brenham, but no rain. I had to park about an half mile from the race headquarters. I walk the half mile, picked up my packet, walked back to my truck and then back to race headquarters. The start line was about a quarter mile in the other direction. The race was suppose to start at 8:30, but it was nearly 9 before the actual start. Even though there are some tough hills, I like the course. I finished in 1:12:16. The post-race activities drug on forever. I left before they started the awards, drove straight home and did not get back until 1:15. This was my 9th time to do this race and am not sure I will do it again. Besides, this year they changed from 5 to 10-year age groups. I would not have placed in either case, but with about 1,000 runners in the 10K, 10-year age groups is ridiculous. It was nice to visit with a lot of friends, some of whom I have not seen in a long time.

Mostly Yard Work

I spent most of the day doing yard work in my yard and then helping my neighbors lay sod in their yard. I finally got around to running this evening; I went to the track and ran laps. I have to get up early tomorrow to get over to Brenham for the Blue Bell 10K. I skipped the race last year because of very heavy electrical storms and I was surprized that they still held the race. The forecast is for 40 percent chance of rain at race time tomorrow. The rain does not bother me. It's the lightning that I worry about.

Tour de Bayou, Stage 3

Hans, John and I went down to Houston this evening and ran the Tour de Bayou, Stage 3. My son, Ben, went along as a spectator. The course was 3.85 miles and my finish time was around 45 minutes.

Darn Taxes

I spent much of the day working on my taxes. I don't know why I am doing them this early. They are not due until tomorrow at midnight. Each time I got totally frustrated during the day, I went outside and did yardwork.
This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then did a 3-mile run around town. It rained during mile 2, but it felt good. Tomorrow, finish up taxes and then go to Houston to run Stage 3 of the Tour de Bayou.

Big Day

Our Marine son, Timothy, returned from his overseas deployment today. He is back at his base in Yuma, AZ and will be in Huntsville on April 22. We are proud of him.
I started working on my taxes today. Mine should be fairly simple, but it gets complicated. Hopefully, I will be able to finish up tomorrow.
I never made it to Nautilus today, but I did get out to the park this evening and run 4.1 miles with the group. Maybe it was the nice weather, but I felt strong.

Normal Monday

I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then did a 3-mile run on the roads in town. This seems to be a normal Monday routine.

Sunday Drive

Marilynn and I took a Sunday drive this afternoon and visited some small Texas towns to the south. We have been to many of them, but we also took some backroads and visited some towns we had never been to before. Obviously, the wildflowers are in full bloom. Hope you enjoy the photos. Check out the smallest Catholic church in the world and the longhorn with the crooked horn.

We got back to Huntsville about 7 p.m. and I went to the track and got in a run.

Hog's Hunt 25K

I got up at 4:45 this morning and went out to the Huntsville State Park. I checked on the race clock to make sure it was set up okay and then took a volunteer out to her place on the course. We hiked about a quarter mile on the trail with flashlights. The trail really looks different with flashlights. I have a hard enough time not tripping on roots in broad daylight; I would never make it running in the darkness with a flashlight.
I got back to the start line for the 7 a.m. start of the 25K (15.5 miles). The weather was nice and I never tripped and fell. I finished in 3:48:58, nine minutes faster than my last 25K on the same course in November.
After the race, I went home, cleaned up a bit and went to a 2:30 p.m. wedding in Brenham, 65 miles from Huntsville. Sara Lange, who is a member of our running club and a good friend, married Chuck Nagle. Got back at 9 p.m. I wish them the best and hope they have a bunch of little runners.

Work at the Park

I went out to Huntsville State Park this afternoon to deliver and set up our club race clock and canopy for the Hog's Hunt Trail Run tomorrow morning. I also picked up my race packet and got in a short run on the trails. I am running the 25K, starting at 7 a.m. The 50K starts at 6 a.m. I have to get there a 5:30 to get the clock in place and start it at 6. Then, I have to drive a course monitor out to an intersection on the trail and then get back to start running at 7. The weather is suppose to be cool. It would be a good time to switch to the 50K, but I have to be at a wedding in Brenham by 2 p.m.

Stage 2 of the Tour de Bayou

John, Hans and I went down to Houston this evening to run Stage 2 of the Tour de Bayou. This is a free race put on by the Houston Area Road Racing Association. The tour started on Thursday, April 1 and runs for 5 Thursdays. Each stage is run along a different section of the bayou. There were about 170 runners this evening. Stage 2 was 3.2 miles through tall grass, up and down embankments, narrow trails and some walkways. I finished in 41:30.

Stormy in Huntsville

I did yardwork much of the day and was trying to get a workout in at Nautilus and a run before the storm hit this evening. It hit as I left Nautilus and was driving to the track to run. Very heavy rain, hail and lightning. I ended up parking at the back corner of the Mall and running out and back on Veterans Memorial Blvd. It was still raining and lightning, so I kept the run to a mile+. I had to get to a church function, anyway.

Nautilus and Trails

I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran 4.1 miles on the trails at the park. After I got home, I developed a bad ear ache. I must have run too fast and got too much air in my ear.

Back in Town

After a few days on trails, I ran a 3-mile loop on the roads in town this evening. Back to trails tomorrow.

Easter at the Park

After church today, I went out to the park alone and ran the 6.8-mile outer loop. The trails were almost empty. I ran into one biker and one family hiking.

Muddy Trails 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this afternoon to run the Muddy Trails 5K. I thought the race started at 4 p.m. and I got there at 3 p.m. The race did not actually start until 5:40. The good news was that I got a good parking spot. With no rain for a while, it should have been called the Dusty Trails 5K. I finished in 34:19. I had a beer and a couple hot dogs, visited with a lot of friends and then drove back home.

Trails on Good Friday

I went back out to the park this afternoon alone and ran the outer loop (6.8 miles). The weather is getting much warmer, but not so warm that the flying insects are a problem. I almost expected to see some snakes, but I did not. However, since it is Easter weekend, there were a lot of hikers and bikers on the trails.

Back to the Park

I did yard work this afternoon, took a nap and then went to the park and ran 4.1 miles on the trails. No Nautilus today.

5K with Stephanie

I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then Stephanie and I met up at the track and ran the hilly Avenues 5K course.

Back from Mississippi

I got up early yesterday morning and drove 8 hours to Brandon, Mississippi for a family gathering. There was not a good place to run from the hotel at night, so I resorted to running a mile+ on the treadmill at the hotel at 10 last night. I left Mississippit at noon today and drove back to Huntsville and ran laps at the track at 9:30 tonight. Back to normal tomorrow.

2 x 3.5

We had our annual club trail run at Huntsville State Park this afternoon. It is a 3.5 mile non-competitive trail run/walk to introduce club members and others to the trails at the park. We had 24 runners and walkers and perfect weather. Phillip Clark and I went out ahead of the race and marked the trails with signs and streamers. I suppose you would call that a working run. Then, I ran the event and finished in 43:32. Darren Grant did a great job in directing the event.

RTW

I did the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning for the 41st time since 2004. The race is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month in The Woodlands. My time was 32:50, one second slower than two weeks ago. This afternoon, I went to the German Festival in Tomball and then on to Bryan to visit by brother-in-law in the hospital, and then back to Huntsville. Long day.

Stuffed

I spent part of the day over in Bryan. Anytime I am in that city, I always stop and eat at the Coco Loco Mexican Restuarant on Texas Avenue. I have eaten at a lot of Mexican Restaurants, but that is the best. I left there stuffed. It was hard to get excited about running today after eating that big meal. I went to the track and ran a little over a mile on the roads and then visited with J. C. Guzman and Randy Woodward at the track. I need to update my race schedule (bottom of this page). There are lots of races coming up.

Small Group at the Park

Only two of us showed up at the park for a trail run this evening. It was John and I. Since he ran the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico on Sunday, we only did a 3-mile loop. Nice weather and the trails are in good shape.

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.