Lots of Sand on the Trails

It has been so long since we have had rain, that some sections of trails at the park are becoming sand pits. The temperature was over a 100 when the group ran this evening. We ran 3.8 miles.

Later Run

We went out to dinner early and I waited until after 7 to workout at Nautilus and go run. My hamstrings were hurting worse than usual. I ran a couple miles on the roads and then a half mile at the track. It is so dry here in Huntsville, that there are wide and deep cracks in the track, sorta like my yard.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 21st time, I went down to The Woodlands this evening to run The Woodlands Running Club's Sunday Night 5K. Bill Dwyer also does a great job in putting on this race. The temperature was in the high 90's with over 70% humidity. I finished in 36:16, about 2 minutes slower than the same race last month, but about 1 minute faster than my last couple of 5K's. It was the day after the Sunday Night 5K last month when I pulled the hamstring in my right leg in the 5K in Centerville. While both hamstrings hurt, I am encouraged by my improvement tonight. Maybe all the electronic treatments I have gotten in the last 3 weeks are helping.
On the way down to The Woodlands this evening, I stopped at the Health South Rehab Center just north of The Woodlands to visit my friend and age group competitor, Jerry Flanagan. He broke his hip in the race in Huntsville last Saturday and had surgery to replace parts of his hip on Monday. He is suppose to be in the Rehab Center for 7 to 10 days. He seems to be recovering well.

Late Run

I spent several hours in the heat of the day at Huntsville State Park with John and Elaine from Houston measuring the course for the Orphan Hope Trail Marathon on February 11, 2012. I think the course takes in the best trails that the park offers. We got most of it done. We walked 10 miles with a measuring wheel. I should be able to finish it up this week. I look forward to running the race in February. Click HERE for a link to registration.
I was busy for the rest of the day. We went to church at 6 this evening and then out to dinner. Finally, I went to the track after 10 p.m. and ran laps.

Finding Jesus

Every day now it is over 100 degrees and the forecast shows the same for the next 8 days. I ran 3 miles on the roads about 6 this evening. I recall a few years ago that an elderly lady stopped me while I was running on a hot summer evening and chewed me out for running in the heat. She said that she hopes that I find Jesus, so He would teach me not to run when it was so hot. Of course, the reason I run is so I don't meet Him too soon.

Hot

Just like in most parts of the country, it was hot in Huntsville today - 105 degrees this afternoon. I ran 3.8 miles at the park with the group this evening and when we finished about 7 p.m., it was 102. In my email correspondence with my son in Afghanistan, we always have discussion about the heat. I suppose the heat is worse over there. I always remember the heat and humidity in Vietnam. We had to drink water all day to stay hydrated.

When are they going to get better?

My hamstrings are still hurting, especially the right one. It has been a month tomorrow since I pulled it. I had treatments today and another appointment on Friday. With three different electronic stiumulation treatments, it always seems worse after the treatment. I am now convinced that my left leg collapsing several times this past year is a left hamstring problem. It is just over 2 months until my first marathon of the season and I am starting to wonder if I will be ready. Plus, it is so darn out, 105 degrees today and the same tomorrow. I was short of time this evening and kept my run to 2 miles on the road at 6 p.m.

Trails-Roads

The group met up at the park this evening, but we all seemed to be running a different course. I ran about 2 miles on the trails (being careful not to trip and worsen my hamstrings) and then about 1 mile on the park roads. I have to get my distance up soon; its just so hard when the temperature and humidity is so high, not to mention hurting hamstrings. Maybe I need to change my lifestyle and get up early in the morning to run. Ugh!

Clearing Woods

I woke up this morning to the sound of bulldozers. They were clearing the wooded lot next to my house. Several months ago, they cleared the other side of my lot to build a road. I left 50 feet of woods in the back when we cleared out lot to build, so that is safe.
I ran a different course on the roads this evening. With the heat, the course seemed a lot longer than it was. I checked it afterwards and it was 2.8 miles. Later this evening, I visited my friend, Jerry Flanagan, in the hospital. He had surgery this morning to fix his broken hip from Saturday's 5K race. He is doing well, but he will not be running for a while.

Marathon Schedule Taking Shape

My 2011/12 marathon schedule is taking shape. Hopefully, my hamstrings will be healed soon. I have appointments for two more treatments this week. Here is the schedule so far (* means that I have registered):
October 9 - Tyler Rose Marathon*
October 15 - Marathon2Marathon
November 5 - Rocky Raccoon 50K Trail Run*
November 13 - Fort Worth Marathon
November 19 - Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon*
December 4 - White Rock Marathon
December 10 - Texas Trail 50K
December 11 - BCS Marathon*
January 1 - Texas Marathon*
January 15 - Houston Marathon*
January 29 - Miracle Match Marathon
February 4 - Rocky Raccoon 50-Mile Trail Run
February 11 - Orphan Hope Trail Marathon
February 18 - Surfside Beach Marathon*
February 19 - Austin Marathon
March 3 - The Woodlands Marathon*
March 10 - Gusher Marathon
March 18 - Seabrook Marathon*
All 18 of these are Texas marathons. The challenge will be two doubles (2 marathons on the same weekend). I ran a double year before last and in retrospect, it was not that difficult. I ran faster the second day. I am convinced it is 90 percent mental.
I got up late this morning and went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the park roads. I finished up just about the same time the group was finishing their longer trail run.

Dog Days 5K

I got up early and put out the signs and set up the race clock for our running club's annual Dog Days 5K. My running 70 & Over running competition in the race was my old friend, Jerry Flanagan. About a half mile into the race, I saw him leave the course and run into an apartment complex, apparently trying to find a place to use the restroom. I figured that he would eventually catch up with me, but never saw him again until he was in an ambulance at the finish line. He had climbed over a fence in that apartment complex to find privacy. Then, he fell off the fence and broke his hip. Later, I visited with him in the Emergency Room and bragged about winning the 70 & Over age group. He will have surgery in a few days and hopefully he will recover quickly. My finish time at the race was a slow 37:30.

Signed up for New Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon

I just signed up for the new Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon on November 19. The course starts on the field and runs up and down the ramps to all levels within the stadium. You finish the 1.2-mile course back on the field. For the marathon, you run it 22 times. Sure sounds like fun to me. Assuming my hamstrings heal okay, I will do 3 or 4 marathons before November 19, including the Fort Worth Marathon the weekend before.
I had my 3rd hamstring treatment this morning and have 2 appointments next week. It was hurting more today, so I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Rain, Finally

We finally got some rain this afternoon, about 30 minutes worth. I am sure that most of it went down the deep and wide cracks in my yard, but hopefully some of it will reach the parched grass roots. We ran trails at the park this evening and it was like a sauna. We did 3.6 miles. In 17 years of running trails at the park, I cannot remember it every being that hot and humid.

Measuring Trails

After my appointment for treatment of my hamstring, I met up with Lloyd Cain at the state park. He is the cross country coach at Onalaska, Texas HS and was trying to work out a course at the park for his runners. Lloyd lives in Livingston, Texas and he and I go back for nearly 25 years. He was president of the running club in Livingston and he use to put on a lot of good races. I was a member of his club before it shut down. I have not seen him for years, so we had a good visit today. We measured some trails and worked out a plan for his team.
I then went to Nautilus for a workout and ran 2 miles on the roads in town. Darn, it was hot today. There is a tropical storm in the Gulf and hopefully we will get some rain in the next few days. My yard is so dry and cracked I fear walking across it because I may step in a crevasse and sprain an ankle.

Roads Instead of Trails at the Park

I met up with the group at the park this evening, but I ran 3 miles on the park roads while they were running trails. I intend to minimize trail running until my hamstrings are healed.

Hamstrings Felt Better

My hamstrings felt better today. Maybe the treatments are catching up. I ran a new course on the roads in town this evening after working out at Nautilus. Even ran some streets that I had never run before. I measured it online later and it turned out to be a 3.1 miles (5K). It had rained in town an hour earlier and maybe that it is why I felt better. Now, if we can just get some rain at my house 3 miles west of town.

Another Recovery Run

My right hamstring was hurting today, so I took another Celebrex and ran 1.2 miles on the roads this evening.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran slow and steady this morning. Finished the 5K in 37:33, which was probably my slowest time ever on that flat course. My goal was not to re-injure my hamstrings and I accomplished that.

Third Treatment this Week

I went in today for the 3rd treatment this week on my hamstring and have 3 more appointments next week. It was really sore this evening, so I ran a mile at the track. I have a 5K race tomorrow morning in The Woodlands.

Mostly Trails

I was hesitant about running trails this evening for fear that I would trip and pull my ailing hamstring. So, I ran about 1.5 miles on the trails and another mile on the roads at the park. I took a Celebrex capsule today and will get another treatment at the doctor's office tomorrow. It is hot, but I have to start getting in longer runs. First marathon of the season is on October 9.

Darned Hamstring

While running trails yesterday, I stubbed my right toe on a root. While I did not fall, I "re-pulled" by right hamstring. It was very sore this morning. I went in to the doctor's office at noon for treatments. I ran a mile at the track this evening. Hopefully, it will be better tomorrow. My next treatment is on Friday.

The Rain Missed Us

We have not seen rain lately in Huntsville t is extremely dry. There were heavy rains in south Texas today, but the line of storm and rain stopped at the Huntsville city limit. My friend 25 miles to the south said that it rained for 6 hours at his house. He called me to see if we were still going to run trails today. Business as usual here. The group ran 4.2 miles on the trails and I took a different route and ran 3.5.

New Shoes Out of the Box

I had another appointment for work on my hamstring at noon today. This evening, I took a new pair of shoes out of the box and ran 2 miles on the road.

Rare Sunday Morning Run

For the first time in a while, I met up with the group at the park to run trails on Sunday morning. They decided to do the nearly 7-mile loop around the lake. With my hamstring problem, I opted for a solo 3.5-mile loop. It was still sore, but I took it easy (I have never been accused of running hard, anyway).

Another Day Off

My leg was still sore from falling on my already sore hamstring last Thursday, so I went to the track this afternoon and ran a mile. It was better than yesterday, so I plan on running trails with the group tomorrow morning.

Signed up for Surfside Beach Marathon

They opened up registration for the 2012 Surfside Beach Marathon (2-18-12) and I signed up. It will be my 7th straight Surfside. The experience is all about the weather on race day. Every year seems to be a completely different experience. In any case, it is leg 2 of the Texas Marathon Triple (Kingwood, Surfside & Seabrook), which I have completed the last 4 years. I have done the Marathons of Texas (White Rock, Houston & Austin) for the last 2 years. This year, Surfside and Austin are again on the same weekend. That means I have to do another double. However, I plan to do a double before then. Texas Trail 50K on December 10 and BCS Marathon on December 11. I need all the challenges I can get, anyway.
My right hamstring was really sore today after that hard fall on the trails yesterday. I ran a painful and limpy mile at the track this evening.

Party at the Park

Instead of running, most of the group decided to party at the park this evening to celebrate several birthdays. However, me, James, Benito and Phillip ran and before partying. About a mile into the run, I tripped on a rock and took a hard fall right on the spot that I had treatments on this afternoon. Darn, it hurt. We ended up running 2.8 miles. We did get a few minutes of rain this evening, the first in several weeks. I just saw on the news that June was the hottest June in Texas since 1895. I believe it.

5K in Town

Maybe it was the inflamatory drug, but my hamstrings felt better today. It was hot as blazes, but I got in a 5K run on the roads around town. J. C. ran most of the way with me. About a mile into the run, we got stopped by a police officer. I thought we were going to get a speeding ticket, but he was someone I knew and he wanted to harass us about about running in the heat.

First Treatment

I spent three hours today at the chiropractor's office receiving treatments on my hamstring. It felt better this evening, but I am sure the immediate improvement was a result of the inflamatory drug that the doctor gave me. I worked out at Nautilus and then ran trails at the park with the group. I only did about 2.5 miles.

Doctor Visit

I went to the doctor this afternoon to get the hamstring(s) checked out. He gave me some anti-imflamatory drugs and a referal for heat, ultra-sound and other treatment at the chiropractor's office. My first treatment is tomorrow morning.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went to the track again and ran laps.

Course Measurement

I went out in the middle of the hot afternoon today with a measuring wheel and measured a course for a new 5K Christmas run on December 3. The Chamber of Commerce is putting it on with the help of Sam Houston State University. I have measured many courses in Huntsville over the years. My wife asked me one time how I got away with painting on streets, curbs and sometimes, sidewalks. I do not know. The police have never stopped and asked what I was doing. After the course marking, I went to the track and ran laps.

RTW

For the 48th time since 2004, I went down to The Woodlands and ran the Run The Woodlands 5K this morning. I finished in 36:28. The hamstring high in my right leg (my butt) is very sore and I probably need to get it treated for faster healing. Since my first marathon of the season is October 9, it will not be long before I need to start getting in longer runs.

Huntsville Half

I am on the race committee for the 33rd Annual Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk to be held on October 22. I invited international opera star, Melanie Holliday, to sing the National Anthem before the race. She called me back a couple days ago and told me that she would. I went to one of her performances a couple months ago and she is amazing. Can't wait to hear her sing again on October 22. Now, maybe I can get her to run the 5K.
It's Friday, both my hamstrings are hurting and I have a race tomorrow. So, I ran laps at the track this evening.

Hot and Humid

There was a heavy rain at the park yesterday (none at my house), so not only was it hot, it was very humid on the trails this evening. I ran 3 miles with James and a new guy, Benito.

Easy Three

I spent much of the afternoon buying and installing a new router on my computer. Then, I spent an hour and a half on the phone with ATT tech support in the Phillipines. He caught the "runner" in my email address and he is a runner. So, we talked some about running. Finally got the PC and the laptop to connect. It was a little late, but I then went to Nautilus and then to the track. Met J.C. at the track and timed some laps for him (all about 1:24). I have never been accused of doing speedwork. Before I could go run on the roads, I visited with one of our club members, Eva Edwards. She is about to graduate from Sam Houston State. Then, I did an easy 3-mile run around town. While passing through the campus, I met and visited with another runner friend, Tiffany Long.

Short Trail Run

To give my leg more recovery time, I kept my trail run this evening to a little over 2 miles.

Stu's Country Mile 5K

This morning, my wife and I made the 45-minute trip up I-45 to run Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville, Texas. There were about 50 runners, odd age groups and big trophies. I felt sore and stiff this morning and I may have pulled a muscle in my right leg about a mile into the race. I finished in 36:48 and got 3rd place in the 65 and older age group and a 12-inch trophy. My wife walked the course, made a pit stop at the Days Inn and finished last in the race with a time of 54:15. However, she was first in her age group and received a 18-inch trophy. It was only her third race ever. About half the runners were from Huntsville and most of us (as we have done for many years) went to the Town Cafe off the square after the race and had a big greasy breakfast. Nice start to the 4th of July Holiday.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this evening for The Woodlands Running Club's Sunday Night 5K. Bill Dwyer always does a good job putting on this race. I ran with Jon Walk (just back from the Kona Marathon in Hawaii) and finished in 34:30.

Saturday and Not a Race in Sight

There was not a race anywhere close to Huntsville, Texas this morning. So, I slept in. In fact, I did not get up until 10:45 this morning and only then because my wife called me from Wal-Mart and asked if I needed anything. I mowed the yard this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the roads this evening. Race tomorrow night in The Woodlands and Monday morning in Centerville.

Different Course

I went out this evening and ran an unplanned route around town. Mariah stopped me and we visited for a while. Her baby is due on July 12. Then, a good looking blonde lady stopped and offered me a beer. I was tempted. I then ran by the prison and got a wave from the guards in the towers (called "pickets" in Texas). I ran past the bat warehouse and endured the smell. It is an old warehouse belonging to the prison that is now inhabited by 60,000 bats. My course ended up being 4.4 miles. If I had brought water with me, it would have been a good day to go farther.

Good News and Bad News

I had my appointment with the doctor this afternoon to get the results of the MRI on my back last week. He had speculated that the arthritus in my lower back was pinching the sciatic nerve and that was causing my left left to occasionally collapse. He said the good news was that there was nothing touching my sciatic nerve and that my spine looked good. The bad news was that he did not know what was causing my leg to collapse. He said that if it continued, he would refer me to a neurologist. Well, darn; I like to get things fixed and move on.
I ran 3 miles on the roads in town in the heat of the early afternoon. I was stopped by Ramona Gonzalez, who drove by and saw me. She use to run with us, but left town about 14 years ago. She was in Huntsville for a concert. What a surprize! We had a nice visit. Then, I went to the hospital for a 6 p.m. meeting on a mud run they are putting on in Huntsville on October 29. I missed the group run at the park, but I made it out there in time for the post-run hydration. Tonight, I signed up for the new BCS Marathon in College Station on December 11. That will be the day after the Texas Trail 50K here at Huntsville State Park. I ran two marathons in one weekend two years ago, but this will be my first back to back 50K and marathon. We all need a good challenge once in a while.

Squeezed in a Run

I attended a meeting at the Chamber at 3 p.m. this afternoon to help them put on a new 5K race in December. It was after 5 p.m. when I got out of the meeting. I went home, changed clothes and went back into town for a run. Ended up running a mile on the roads and a lap around the track. I had to be somewhere at 7 p.m., so I had just enough time to get home, shower and be back in town at 7.

Late Post

Got busy on the computer tonight and forgot to post before midnight. As usual on Tuesday evening, I met up with the group at the park. We ran 3 miles on the trails.

Wife's Back

I just got back from picking up my wife at the airport in Houston. She has been visiting our daughter in North Carolina for 2 weeks. I got up this morning and helped Steve move all the running club signs and equipment to a new and larger storage room in town. I squeezed in a 2-mile run on the roads in town and then cleaned the house. With all those wild parties these last 2 weeks, it was a mess. Then, I went to Huntsville State Park for a meeting with the park superintendent and the director of a new marathon to be held at the park in February. Busy day.

Regular Three

I ran my regular 3-mile loop on the roads in town this evening. It was under 100 degrees, which made it relatively cool.

Bronze in Bremond

I was up early this morning for the 90-mile drive to Bremond. Courtney, Darren and Ben rode up with me. There were 560 runners there for the Polish Pickle 5K. The population of Bremond is only 860. It was hot, as usual, but you expect that in late June. My leg felt better and I finished in 33:59. I'm not sure how many runners were in the 70 and over age group, but I won third place.

Resting for the Pickle

I will be running the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond tomorrow morning - for the 16th straight year. Given my sore leg, I am not sure how I will do. Probably slow, but when you are in the 70 and over age group, you are not expected to run fast, anyway. To rest up, I went to the track this evening and ran laps.

Humid Trails

After a heavy rain yesterday, it was very humid on the trails at the park this evening. I ran 3.4 miles and my leg held up okay. Now, I suppose we will return to the normal drought.

Day Off

I took the day off and ran laps at the track this evening, after working out at Nautilus.

MRI Done

I went in this morning and got the MRI done on my lower back. It was cold in the place and my bare feet sticking out of the end of the big tube almost froze. Long 20 minutes. Now, I have to wait until June 30 to see the doctor and get the results. This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Tentative Three

After a workout at Nautilus this evening, I ran a tentative 3 miles on the roads in town. Even though it is still sore, my leg held up okay. I have to go in for an MRI tomorrow morning. I am really anxious the hear the results on June 30.

Tentative Two

Considering my leg problem, I ran 2 miles this evening, very tentatively. Can't wait to get the MRI done this Tuesday and the problem identified and fixed. In the meantime, I have two of my streak races coming up. The Polish Pickle 5K is in Bremond next Saturday and Stu's Country Mile 5K is in Centerville on July 4. This will be my 16th consecutive year for running both. There is no way that I will skip those races.

June Bug 5K

Got up early this morning to put out the signs and set up the race clock for the June Bug 5K here in Huntsville. Even at 8 a.m., it was hot. I ran the race and set a new PW (personal worst). Not only was it hot, the course is very hilly. My goal was not to let my left leg collapse. I ran very tentatively and it showed in my time of 37:36.

Took it Easy

I took it easy today and ran laps at the track this evening. We have a 5K club run tomorrow. I have to get up early (ugh) to set up the race clock and put out the signs.

Doctor Results

I had my appointment with the doctor this afternoon. He did a rather thorough examination and then took an xray of my hip and lower back. He found arthritus in my lower back and thinks that is interfering with the sciatic nerve. That would be consistent with the symptoms that I have. He scheduled me for an MRI next Tuesday and another appointment with him on June 30. If that is the problem, he would recommend a shot of cortisone in the lower back. No mention of surgery.
This evening, I ran 3 miles on the trails with the group. It was somewhat painful, but tolerable.

Doctors Appointment Tomorrow

I called the doctor's (orthopedic surgeon) office this morning and have an appointment tomorrow afternoon. I gave the nurse my symptoms and she immediately diagnosed it as a sciatic nerve problem. She gave me the appointment, but thinks that I will be referred to a back specialist. I was talking to one of my friends at Nautilus this afternoon. He had the same symptoms and ended up having back surgery to fix the sciatic nerve problem. My only question is: Can I have back surgery and run the same day? I'll wait and see what the doctor says tomorrow before I worry too much about it. In the meantime, my leg was still very sore today and I ran a mile at the track.

Back from Tyler

I was in Tyler yesterday for a family get-together. While there, I slipped out for a 1.25-mile painful run on a concrete running trail. I got back to Huntsville this evening in time to meet the group at the park. My leg was still hurting, so I did a gimpy 1 mile run on the trails. Tomorrow, I'm calling the doc for an appointment.

Just when I thought it was getting better

I was just over a mile into my run on the streets this evening, when my left leg almost gave way. The pain was from the calf to the hamstring. The shortest distance back to the track was a little less than a mile. I ran back, but with a big limp. Guess I need to get it checked.

They both beat me

Two of my grandkids, Sara, 10, from Wylie, TX and Phillip, 7, from Yuma, AZ raced me at the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning. They ran with my older son, George, and stayed just ahead of me the entire race. So, I gave them both $100. The race director, Melissa Keith, was nice enough to make a presentation of the envelopes and Sara and Phillip enjoyed the recognition. They have been training for the event and they did well. They both play sports and, hopefully, they will also take up the sport of running. My finish time was 35:36.

May get expensive tomorrow

I had a lot of family at the house today. Tomorrow is the day my grandson is going to try to beat me in a 5K race for $100. Now, I found out my 10 year old granddaughter, Sara, is challenging me also. So, I could be out $200 after the Run the Woodlands 5K tomorrow. I did slip away from the crowd at the house this evening and get in a 2-mile run on the roads.

Park Roads

My daughter and two grandkids came in today from Yuma, AZ. Phillip, 7, is challenging me at the Run the Woodlands 5K this Saturday for $100. He will have two uncles running with him to keep him on pace. I had to go to a meeting at the hospital at 6 this evening about an upcoming local run. I left the meeting early to get out to the park to run trails. By the time I got there, the group had been running for 45 minutes. So, I ran two miles on the park roads and then socialized with the group.

Run Dirty Early or Clean Late

I did yard work all afternoon, including mowing, edging and spraying insecticide around the house. I finished all my work and went to take a shower. No water. City workers were working on a broken pipe down the street. Rather than run dirty, I waited for them to fix the pipe and get the water running again. I was finally able to take a shower about 7:30 p.m. Then, I went to Nautilus for a workout and ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

Steamy Trails

After the rain yesterday and maybe a little this evening, it was hot and steamy on the trails this evening. The group consensus was to run 3 miles, rather than the normal 4.2. I did not argue. In fact, my leg felt a little better. I am debating with myself about going to the doctor and getting a referal for treatments at the pain clinic.

Resting the Sore Leg

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went over to the track and ran laps.

Sunday Night 5K

It is the first Sunday of the month, so I went down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K. Leah Koester and Curtis Barton from our club in Huntsville were there. I also met Tiffany Long, who was running her first race ever. She is from Huntsville and about to graduate from Sam Houston State. The temperature in the area was over 100 degrees today, but it had cooled down to 96 by race time at 7 p.m. I finished in 34:44.

I'm starting to like this new age group

I got up early this morning and drove 70 miles down to Houston to run the Heights 5K. The course was out and back on perfectly flat Heights Blvd. It was hot, but most of the course was shaded by trees. My leg bothered me the entire distance and I finished in 34:15, a little slower than normal. However, I won 1st place of 5 runners in my 70 and over age group. If I ran in my old 65-69 age group, I would have placed 13 of 18. This new age group ain't bad.

Grandkid Challenge

Last year, I told all five of my grandkids that I would give them $100 if they beat me a 5K race. I did this to encourage them to take up the sport of running at an early age. My grandson, Phillip, who is 7, is the first one to challenge me. He will race me at the Run the Woodlands 5K next Saturday, June 11. He and his family are moving from Arizona to North Carolina and they will be visiting next week. His dad is a Marine and is already in North Carolina. His mom has been training him in the Arizona heat. I wish him luck. The good news for him is that my leg is still sore. I took some Ibuprofen with my lunch, ran a mile at the track this evening and took more Ibuprofen with dinner. I have two 5K's this weekend and will take it easy in both.

Continuation of Leg Problem

I went out to the park this evening to run trails with the group. While my left leg was not too bad in Lufkin yesterday, it hurt today. So, I cut my run to 2.7 miles. I suppose that I should take some Ibuprofen tomorrow.

National Running Day

Today was National Running Day. The Lufkin Area Pacesetters, of which I am a member, got together for a trail run this evening to celebrate the occasion. I had not been over there for a while, so I made the 85-mile drive to the park on the other side of Lufkin. We ran a loop on the trails. The distance was about 3.2 miles. Thanks to Carla Morgan for setting up the event and even providing beer and a commemorative T-shirt. It was good to see my old friends, Ray Stanfield, Scott Harper and Cindy Springs and meet other members of the group.

Attempt at Trails

I went out to the park this evening to attempt to run trails with my sore leg. I ran 1.5 miles on the trails, but took the 1.2-mile shortcut back on the road (total 2.7). My leg was still hurting, but it has improved. I will still take it easy for a few days. It is a good thing that I do not have another marathon until October 9.

Memorial Day 5K

We had the club's annual Memorial Day 5K at my house this morning. The race did not start until 10 a.m., but I had to go out earlier and put out the signs and contact some neighbors on the course and ask them to lock up their dogs. Then, I directed the race. We had 46 runners. The race was followed by a cookout and everyone seem to have a good time. My good friend, Loren Sheffer of Houston, came up and ran and it is always nice to visit with him. It is a good way to celebrate Memorial Day and remember those who gave their life for our freedom.
My leg was still hurting today, so I waited until 10 p.m. tonight to go to the track and get in a run. I managed to get in a mile without too much pain.

Recovery Run

My leg was still sore today. I managed to get in a gimpy mile at the track this evening. A couple times, it felt like it was going to collaspe. I am not sure what the problem is, so I will rest it with short runs for the next few days.

Run the Woodlands 5K

Not a good race. My left leg from the calf to the hamstring hurt the entire distance and it has been burning for the rest of the day. The heat and humidity did not help, either. My finish time was right at 35:00. This evening, Marilynn and I attended a concert by international opera star, Melanie Holliday, and dinner at the Elkins Lake Country Club. Great performance and dinner.

Laps

Since I have a race tomorrow morning, I went to the track this evening and ran laps.

Steamy Trails

After a much needed heavy rain last night, the trails at the park this evening were hot and steamy. I met up with the group and we ran our usual 4.2-mile loop.

Sluggish

I spent most of the day installing an irrigation system around my house and the temperature was in the high 90's this afternoon. By the time I got around to working out at Nautilus and running, I really felt sluggish. If I wasn't a streaker, I would have taken the day off. I ran my regular 3-mile loop around town.

Different Tuesday

Typically, on Tuesdays I run trails with the group at the park. However, this evening I attended a presentation at Huntsville Memorial Hospital on gait and running shoes. The presentation was given by Melissa Keith of Luke's Locker in The Woodlands. This afternoon, I squeezed in a workout at Nautilus and a 2-mile run on the roads in town.

New Age Group

Today was my 70th birthday, so I am in a new age group. It is funny how most of us runners think of our age in terms of what age group we are in. I had a good day, even though the first half was filled with mowing and other yard work. I spent part of the afternoon in a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce helping them get a new December 3 race off the ground. Then, while in town, I stripped down to my running shorts and ran 7 miles around town. Maybe if my birthday was in January, I would have tried a 70-mile run. This evening, Marilynn and our son, Ben, took me out to dinner at the Texas Roadhouse in Conroe.

Three

It was hot and humid in Huntsville this afternoon. I went out in the middle of the afternoon and ran 3 miles on the roads in town. Nice not having to put up with heavy traffic.

David's Dream 5K

I ran the David's Dream 5K in The Woodlands this morning. There was not much to the race. No race numbers, no door prizes, no timing or awards and the race clock was set up, but not working. The course was flat and the humidity high. However, I did get a chance to visit with some friends and that made the trip worthwhile. According to my watch, I finished in 33:38.

Marathon Planning

I have already signed up for 5 marathons for the next Texas marathon season (October thru April) and I know that there some others that I plan to do. I am not sure that I will do 20 again next season, but I am considering doing the Rocky Raccoon 50-miler again in February. Today, I found out that the Surfside Beach Marathon will be on February 18, the day before the Austin Marathon. Surfside Beach is part of the Texas Marathon Triple and Austin is part of the Marathons of Texas. So, it looks like I will be doing two marathons in one weekend. I did that two years ago, but last year Surfside and Austin were on different weekends.
As for today, I ran 2.1 miles on the roads in town. Race tomorrow.

Short Trail Run

My son, Ben, asked me to go to the Sam Houston State baseball game with him this evening. I told him that I would, but that I would be late. I met up with the group to run trails at the park at 6 p.m. and the game started at 6:30. I cut the trail run to 2.7 miles and by the time I got home, showered, ate and got to the game it was 8 p.m. The game had moved rather quickly and it was already in the 8th inning. So, short run and short game.

Regular Three

I ran my regular 3-mile loop on the roads in town this evening. With university classes over, the streets are relatively quiet.

Crowd at the Park

We had a nice crowd at the park this evening. We all ran the 4.2-mile loop on the trails.

Was this Arbor Day?

While I had the auger rented over the weekend, my wife had me digging holes everywhere. This morning, I returned the auger and then planted 15 trees. Now, she wants me to add another section to the garden. This non-running stuff is tiring. Lifting was a little difficult at Nautilus this evening, but my 3-mile run on the roads in town afterwards was comfortable.

Empty Streets

I spent all afternoon digging holes with an auger and planting bushes (42 to be exact). This was one of those days I did not feel like running. However, I went into town this evening and ran a 2-mile loop around the university campus. With school being out for the summer, the streets were almost empty.

YMCA 5K Trail Run

I could not believe how cool it was this morning. Perfect for running the YMCA 5K Trail Run 30 miles down I-45 in Conroe. Maybe it was a combination of the short run yesterday and the cool temperature this morning, but I felt good. Finished in 31:35, which is actually my best 5K time in nearly 2 years. And, the race was all cross country or on trails. This afternoon, I rented an auger to dig holes for about 50 scrubs I am planting in my yard. I got 30 holes dug and I am exhausted tonight. I will have to do the other 20 or so tomorrow, so I can return the auger to the rental place first thing Monday. I need to get in a good run tomorrow to rest up.

Yard Work and Short Run

I did yard work today and then ran laps at the track. Race tomorrow.

Day Late

I was going to post last night, but the system was down. In any case, I ran 4.2 miles with the group on trails yesterday. We had a good rain yesterday afternoon, but the trails were in good shape.

Streak Story

There was a story on Yahoo News today about streakers and the U.S. Running Streak Assn. (I am member #23). Click HERE for the story. There are some amazing runners out there.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town. There was lightning and a few drops of rain, but that was it. We have had none since April 26.

Signed up for the Houston Marathon

This morning, I signed up for the Houston Marathon next January. It will be my 16th Houston. It is the only race I know of that gives a entry fee discount to active duty and retired military. Back to the trails this evening. I met up with the group and we ran 4.3 miles.

Record Temperature

Its was 96 degrees today in Huntsville. That beats a record for this day of 93 degrees set in 1967. Guess it is going to be a long hot summer. And, so dry. This evening, I ran the same 3-mile course on the roads in town that I ran yesterday.

Hot Sunday

The temperature was well up into the 90's today. After mowing my yard (the few blades of grass that grew in this drought) this afternoon, I went into town and ran 3 miles on the roads.

A rest day is a shorter run

I decided to rest today, so I ran a short 1.5-mile loop on the roads in town.

Dodging Traffic

I did a 3.9-mile run around town this evening in the 5 p.m. traffic. Seems like every driver is talking on a cell phone. You really have to run defensively. I often think of my runner friend, John Burick, who was struck and killed while running the streets here in Huntsville a little over 2 years ago.

Tour de Bayou, Stage 5

Jocelyn, John and I went down to Houston this evening and ran the 5th and final stage of the Tour de Bayou. The course was almost all rough trails around Memorial Park. I'm not sure what the official distance was, but someone said that their GPS showed 3.3 miles. I tripped on a root and took a hard fall. Skinned up my knee, but I will survive. I think my finish time was about 42 minutes.

Putting the Bug up for Sale

While this has nothing to do with running, I have decided to put my 1974 bug convertible up for sale. Tough decision. I bought it about 13 years ago and restored it. I just don't drive it much anymore. I have owned a bunch of bugs over the years. My first one was a 62, which I bought while in the Army in 1963.

I put on a new pair of running shoes out of the box today and did a 2.3-mile break-in run on the roads in town.

Texas Marathon Triple Dinner

I ran laps at the track this afternoon before driving down to Houston for the Texas Marathon Triple Dinner. This was a dinner for all 40 runners who completed the 2011 Texas Marathon in Kingwood, Surfside Beach Marathon in Surfside Beach and the Seabrook Marathon in Seabrook. I have done it all four years. We had a great time visiting with each other and we received our Texas Marathon Triple T-shirts and caps.

Unplanned Route

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went to the track and then ran an unplanned routes on the streets in town. I ran past the downtown square, around the prison walls and the old Texas Prison Rodeo arena and then through the SHSU campus. The route ended up being exactly a 5K. The cooler weather today will surely not last long.

1,000th Posting

This is my 1,000th posting since I began this blog on April 19, 2008. Many of my running friends were blogging back then and most have since abandoned their blog for Facebook. While I have a Facebook page, I seldom post anything on it. It is useful for locating and keeping up with friends. For the most part, my blog entries are short and only serve as a log of my daily runs. I have made it a point to run and blog every day. I have missed blogging a few days, but that it when I have been on the road. My blog must be the most boring blog in the system; I cannot imagine why it gets the readership that it does. For me, it is a source of motivation. It forces me to be accountable for my running and achievement of running goals. Maybe somewhere along the way it influences others to run and run on a consistent basis.
This evening, I made the 45-minutes drive down I-45 to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K. I finished in 33:25.