Burritos and Beer

Yesterday, I ran laps at the track before heading for New Braunfels for the Gruene 10K this morning. Because of the wildfires around Bastrop and road closures, I had to take the long way to get to New Braunfels, 200 miles, 4 hours and heavy rush hour traffic in Austin. It was very painful sitting on my hamstrings that long and I had to stop and walk around several times. The race was at Gruene Hall, which is the oldest dance hall in Texas (built in the 1880's). Nice weather this morning and a nice race. There were about a thousand runners. After the race, they served burritos and beer and live country music. I finished in 1:16:38 (4th of 5 in my age group). I made the drive back to Huntsville, with several stops to get off my hamstrings. I took a 30-minute nap and then drove 100+ miles to Frankston, Texas to attend my nephew's retirement party. He is retiring after serving 32 years as a Texas State Trooper. Got back home about an hour ago. Long day.

Two Appointments Today

I had my semi-annual appointment with a doctor this morning in The Woodlands to check my skin for spots. He only froze one spot off my forehead. While in The Woodlands, I stopped at Luke's Locker and bought a bottle of Electrolyte capsules for my training and marathon season. Also stopped at Academy and stocked up on GU (carbohydrate concentrate). They had them at half price! So, I am ready for the marathon season. This afternoon, I had my appointment with my regular doctor for my annual physical. I have to go to the lab tomorrow morning for blood work.
I did not have time to work out at Nautilus, but I did go out to the park to meet up with the group. I ran a 6.5-mile loop on the trails and finished just before dark.

Late Morning Run

I got in a short 1.3-mile road run this morning before heading to Houston for my appointment with Podiatrist, Dr. Jeff Ross. His wall is covered with photos of him crossing the finish lines at marathons with people, such as Rick Perry and Mike Huckabee. Also, plenty of photos of he and both President Bush's. We had Dr. Ross as a guest speaker at our club meeting several years ago and other podiatrists showed up to hear him speak. He is the best. He prescribed some treatments for my sore plantar faciitis and cast my feet for new custom orthotics. I should get them in a couple weeks. In the meanwhile, it will be a challenge to train for the marathon on October 9.

Gotta Love this Cooler Weather

There was no high wind today and I have not heard of any new wild fires in our county. I had an appointment today for treatment of my hamstring. It does not seem to be doing much good. It is especially painfull when I drive and first get out of my vehicle. After a couple miles running, the pain subsides. My plantar faciitis is still very painful. Tomorrow afternoon, I have an appointment with Dr. Jeff Ross in Houston to be fitted for new custom orthotics. Hopefully, he can give me something for the pain in the meantime.
I ran 4.8 miles on the trails at the park this evening and was careful not to do anything to aggravate the hamstrings or sore foot.

Not as Hot

I could get use to running in this less than 100 degree weather. While it was not as hot today, there was smoke in the air from the wild fires in the area. No rain lately and none in sight. I went to the track this evening and ran a couple miles on the roads. Earlier, I mowed my lawn, or what's left of it.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this evening for the monthly Sunday Night 5K. For the first time in a long time, the temperature was not around 100. I finished in 35:25. While this is still a couple minutes slower than my usual, it is my best in a couple months. Maybe the hamstrings are getting better.
This race was also a minor milestone; it was my 550th race since I started racing in 1983.

15 Miles

I went out to the park this morning and did a 15-mile solo run on the trails.

Appointments Next Week

I was just looking at my calendar. Next Tuesday, I have an appointment with the chiropractor for treatment of my hamstring. The next day, I have an appointment with Dr. Jeff Ross, podiatrist in Houston, to get my plantar faciitis checked out and get fitted for new custom orthotics. On Thursday morning, I have an appointment with Dr. Yee, plastic surgeon in The Woodlands for a periodic check of my skin to make sure I do not have any pre-cancerous spots that need to be burned off. Later on Thursday, I have an appointment with my doctor in Huntsville for my annual physical. Later this month, I have my dental checkup. So, by the end of this month, I should be in good shape and ready for the Tyler Marathon on October 8. Glad I have good insurance.
It's Friday and I plan on doing a long run tomorrow, so I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Mid-Afternoon Trails

Since I was going to the Sam Houston State/Western Illinois football game at 6 this evening, I went out to the park at 3 p.m. and did a 5-mile solo run on the trails. Hot and dry. Did not see a person or other creature on the trails.
Sam won 20-6.

Squeezed in a Run

I had an appointment for treatment of my hamstring today and had to be in Houston at 4 p.m. for a family thing, so I went out to the park early this afternoon and ran 2.2 miles on the trails.

Nursing the Foot

I called the Podiatrist's office today and was able to move my appointment up one day to September 7. They suggested that I buy and use over the counter orthotics in the meantime. I had bought a pair several years ago and still had them. I put those in my shoes and ran 3 miles on the trails at the park this evening. I was careful with my footing so as not to aggravate my plantar faciitis. At one point, the pains were sharp, but I iced it when I got got home.

Road Run

This morning, I made a September 8 appointment with Podiatrist, Dr. Jeff Ross in Houston. He made custom orthotics for me before and he is suppose to be the best. Governor Rick Perry is one of his patients. In the meantime, I went to the track this evening and ran the roads from there. I had some sharp pain in my foot and limited my run to 2.5 miles.

Run and Ice

I went out to the park this morning and ran 2.8 miles on the trails and then went home and iced my plantar faciitis. Tomorrow, I will get an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment and probably, new orthotics.

Falling Apart

Now, on top of knee problems and two pulled hamstrings, my right plantar faciitis is hurting. It started a couple days ago and it was very painful running the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning. Stinging pain. I had problems with it many years ago and ended up having the spurs in that heel surgically removed. I have been running with custom orthotics for at least 10 years and have had no more problems with it until this week. The Army made a pair for me about a year ago and I suspect they were made without much care. For example, they took a lazer image of one foot and reversed the image to get an image of the other foot. My plan is to see a podiatrist next week and go from there. I ran 36:25 in the 5K this morning. My plan was to do a long run at the park tomorrow. I iced it a couple times today and will wait and see how it feels tomorrow.

Woke Up to High Temperatures

The rain yesterday morning must have been a fluke. Today, it was back to the 100+ temperature and sunny skies. Tomorrow, it is suppose to get up to 107. It's Friday and I have a race tomorrow, so I ran mid-day laps at the track. No one else there to run with. This evening, Ben and I went fishing again at the same pier as a few days ago. The same darn alligator was there at the pier eating or scaring away the fish. From what I saw, the alligator got one and Ben and I got none.

Woke Up to the Sound of Rain

I woke up this morning to the rare sound of rain. After so long without rain, it was nice to get enough to wet the ground. However, there is no more rain in the forecast and it is suppose to get up to 108 on Sunday, when I plan to do a long run. Heat or not, I have to train for that first marathon of the season on October 9.
This evening, I ran an easy 3 miles on the trails, being carefult not to trip and aggravate the hamstrings.

Marathon Changes

If you have read my blog for a while, you will realize that I not only run every day, I have races that I do every year and even marathon series that I do every year. Guess I'm a streaker at heart. One streak I am breaking this year after 9 consecutive years is the Bearkat Bash 5K in Spring. They increased the early entry fee to $30. I called the race director and told her it was too high for a 5K. While it is probably for a good cause, the general running public (including me) does not care what the cause is. I race for other reasons.
I just found out today that the Texas Trail 50K (I have completed the last 15 years) has been moved from December 10 to December 3. I had planned to run it on the 10th and then drive over to College Station (50 miles) and run the BCS Marathon the next day. Now, the Texas Trail 50K is the day before the White Rock Marathon in Dallas, which is part of the Marathons of Texas series (White Rock, Houston and Austin), which I have done for the last two years. So I am thinking about skipping White Rock and Austin and the Marathons of Texas series this year, which means that I would not have to do two marathons in a weekend twice this season. I'll probably just wait and see how my training goes and how my hamstrings hold up in my first marathon of the season in Tyler on October 9.
In the meantime, I am signed up for the Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon in Houston on November 19. I have contacted a lot of runner friends and cannot find anyone else running the marathon or the half marathon event. I emailed the race director and asked how many are signed up. He answered my email, but did not answer the question. My guess is that there are not many. He said that they are putting out a news release for the Houston Chronical in a couple weeks. I hope that they are not thinking about cancelling the race. I am looking forward to running a 1.2 mile course across the playing field and up and down the ramps to three levels - 22 times.
I went to the track this evening and ran a new course on the roads in town. The college students are back in town, so I avoided the streets around the campus. While I was running, a thunderstorm blew in and I headed back toward the track. I ended up running 2.1 miles. While it rained in town, there was very little rain at my house, three miles west. Maybe tomorrow.

Maybe I'm Getting Use to the Heat

This was another usual day with 100+ heat, yet it was not bad at the park at 6 p.m. The group split up into two groups, running different courses and distances. I ran 4.1 miles on the trails with one group. My hamstrings and knee did not bother me too much. My friend, Loren Sheffer from Houston, joined us for the first time.

Now, a Knee Issue

After doing the 10 miles on the trails yesterday, I developed pain in my left knee. I have been treating it with Topricin, which my friend, Loren Sheffer, gave me earlier. It felt better later today and I ran 1.6 miles on the roads in town. The good news is that it took my mind off the hamstring pain.
I spent a couple hours in meetings at the Chamber of Commerce today, helping them get a new 5K off the ground on December 3, 2011. They are getting a lot of support from the community and I am sure it will be a successful race.

Double Digits, Finally

With my first marathon of the season less than 2 months away, I finally got in a 10-mile run today. I went out to the park about 9 this morning and ran the whole thing on the trails. I ran slow and was careful not to trip on roots and aggravate my hamstrings. I'll see how the hamstrings are tomorrow.

Heat Wave 5K

We had our club's annual Heat Wave 5K this morning. It is an out and back course on the sidewalk along hilly Veterans Memorial Drive. The race name fit the conditions. Hot and no shade. We had 46 runners. I finished in 37:27, about 3 minutes slower than last year. A bunch of us went to the Cafe Texan on the downtown square for breakfast after the race.

Fishing at the Park

I usually blog about running at Huntsville State Park, but this afternoon, my son, Ben, and I went fishing at the park. We did not catch anything. I believe that the alligator at the fishing pier had something to do with it. He (or she) kept coming from beneath the pier and swimming past our fishing lines and then going back under the pier.
This evening, I went over to the track and ran laps. Race tomorrow.

Run in the Rain

The group seemed to go in different directions and distances at the park this evening. I was 2 miles into a 3-mile park road run, when a thunderstorm came through. The lightning was bad, so I took cover in the lodge entry way for a few minutes. The mile back to the Nature Center was in a light rain. It was the first rain in several weeks and it felt great. As I drove the 9 miles back to Huntsville, I noticed that the streets were dry. Then, as I got to my neighborhood 3 miles west of Huntsville, it was obvious that it had rained. I am sure that most of it went into the cracks in my yard, but it was the first rain in so long.

Easy Day

After 5 miles yesterday, my hamstrings were very sore today. So, I ran an easy 2 miles on the roads in town this evening. I was at the doctor earlier for treatment. It's less than 2 months until my first marathon of the season and I am getting concerned about being ready.

Another 5

I was tempted to run trails with the group this evening, but I did a 5-mile solo run on the park roads, instead. I have another appointment with the doctor for electronic treatments on my hamstring tomorrow.

Seemed Cooler

I know that it was over 100 again today, but for some reason it seemed cooler this evening when I ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

5 Miles

I got to the park later this morning than I had planned. It was hot and my hamstrings were hurting. I resisted the temptation to run trails and ran 5 miles on the park roads, instead. The heat index was well over 100 and I was soaked with sweat by the time I finished.

Blues Capital of Texas 5K

I drove 45 minutes this morning over to Navasota for the 1st Blues Capital of Texas 5K. There were 71 runners in the race. Half the course was cross country. The only problem with that is the ground had large cracks from the drought. I had to slow down some to avoid stepping in a crack or hole. The race was at 8 a.m., but the heat was tough. I was drenched with sweat when I finished. Wet socks and shoes, included. My time was 36:36 (2nd in age group). After the race, I drove to The Woodlands for an interview with the Shoe Manager at Luke's Locker. I have to write my column for the newspaper this weekend and I am writing on what's new with running shoes. I got back to Huntsville in time for the Seven Hills Running Club picnic. Had a good visit with a lot of friends and ate too much.

Trip to Lufkin

The Lufkin Area Pace Setters (LAPS) had an appreciation dinner for the outgoing prez, Mike Burton. I am a member and Mike has done a great job in putting together a very successful running club. Lufkin is an hour and a half from Huntsville, but a nice easy drive. I went over for the dinner tonight and had a great visit with Mike and other members. Before leaving Huntsville, I went to the track and ran laps in the 100+ heat of the afternoon. Tomorrow, I have a 5K in Navasota, Texas and a 20% chance of rain here in Huntsville. Of course, that means that there is an 80% chance that it will not rain.

Cooler Weather Must be Near

The NFL Pre-Season has started, so cooler weather must be near. It did not start today; maybe tomorrow. It was 102 when we got to the park to run this evening. Because of the hamstring problem, I ran 3 miles on the roads at the park while everyone else ran trails. Maybe it is the Ibuprofen I have taken the last couple of days, but my hamstrings were not as sore today. This weekend, I need to test them with a long run.

Continuing Hamstring Saga

I had breakfast this morning with my son, Ben, at the Cafe Texan on the downtown square. (It is the oldest continually operated restaurant in Texas). Later this morning, I went to the doc for more electronic treatments on my hamstring. It does not seem to be getting better and I am concerned about all the marathons that I have signed up for. In the heat of the afternoon (about 104), I went to the park to finish measuring the course for the Orphan Hope Marathon in February. While there with the measuring wheel, I went ahead and measured some other trails that we run on a regular basis. So, I ended up walking about 5 miles with the measuring wheel. I finished up and drove 10 miles home and then realized that I left my measurement notes on the top of my truck and drove off. I went back to the park and luckily found them in the parking lot. Whew! I then went to Nautilus for a workout and then to the track and from there, a 2-mile run on the roads.

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.