Christmas Day

I drove over to the track and ran a 1.3-mile loop in the cold and light rain this afternoon. Still no complaining about the rain.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran my last race of the year this morning. Got up early and drove down south for the Run the Woodlands 5K. For being the day before Christmas, they had a good crowd (70+). It rained up until the start of the race and I finished in 39:47.
Merry Christmas to everyone who reads this blog entry.

Quarter Marathon

Leah asked me to run one loop of the two-loop hilly Huntsville Half course with her this morning. While doing training runs in the morning is generally against my nature, I consented. It was in the 40's and very comfortable for running. We ran one 6.55-mile loop.

Small Crowd

Only two of us showed up at the park this evening, me and speedy Jacob. I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while he ran 3.5 on the trails. We finished at the same time.

Squeezed in a Run

I have a lot of family visiting today, but squeezed in a run at the track this afternoon.

Trails Again

I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park this evening with the group. Despite the heavy rain last night, the trails are in good shape.

Solo Trail Run

I went out to the state park this afternoon and did a solo 3-mile run on the trails. I noticed that the wild pigs have been digging up the ground along the trails, especially down by the lake. I have run into them a number of times while running the trails, but not for several years. They seem to move in and out of the area. Certainly looks like they are in now.

Empty Campus

I went to the track this afternoon and ran a 2-mile loop through the campus. With classes over for the holidays, the only traffic was the university police. Luckily, I did not get a speeding ticket.

Willis Wildkat 5K and Wedding

For the 6th consecutive year, I went down to Willis (20 minutes or so south of Huntsville) for the Willis Wildkat 5K this morning. I made some improvement over my last 5K, but I'm still off my normal. I finished in 39:30. I guess hamstrings take a long time to heal. In any case, I was the only one in my age group and got a first place medal. My wife walked the race and won her age group also. This afternoon, I drove 50 miles over to Livingston to attend Mary Sweeten's wedding. Mary and I have run a lot together over the years. Beautiful wedding and she married a nice guy. I wish them a wonderful life together.

Track and a Football Game

I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon and then went to the Sam Houston State and Montana football game here in Huntsville tonight. Sam won 31-28 and will play either North Dakota State or Georgia Southern for the national championship (Division I) on January 7 in Frisco, Texas.

Jingle Bell Waterway Run

Tonight was the Jingle Bell Waterway Run in The Woodlands. My friend, Beth Whitehead, puts on this 3.5-mile non-competitive run every year and does such a great job. The course is out and back along with decorated waterway in The Woodlands. I finished in about 45 minutes, about 10 minutes slower than last year. We all met at Berryhill for dinner after the run.

Late Start

By the time I finished working out at Nautilus this evening, it was getting dark. I drove to the track and ran the roads from there. The course turned out to be 1.6 miles. With people texting and talking on the cell phone, I really hesitate running the roads after dark. Back when people only drove drunk, I felt more confortable running at night.

Another Morning Run

I had to take my brother-in-law down to Hobby Airport south of Houston this afternoon. That is a time consuming project, especially with the drive back in Houston rush hour traffic. So, I went over to the track this morning and ran roads from there. Turned out to be a 2.1-mile loop.

Easy Day

I went over to the Field House today and bought tickets for Friday's playoff game in Huntsville between Sam Houston State and Montana and then had lunch with my son, Ben, at the Potato Shack. I mowed the grass for the last time this season, worked out at Nautilus and then laps at the track.

BCS Marathon

Got up early for the drive over to College Station for the inaugural BCS (Bryan/College Station) Marathon. The race started at 7 a.m. with a temperature in the 30's. It got up into the 50's during the race. For me, it was ideal. The hamstring hurt, but it was tolerable for the first 15 miles. My half-way time was 3:04, compared to 3:22 at Fort Worth a few weeks ago. So, I am getting some healing. After 15 miles, it really hurt and affected my running. The race time limit was 6:30 and I was on track to finish within that limit. Then, at about 18 miles, just before getting to the Texas A&M campus, the cones on the course had been removed. I made a wrong turn and ran nearly a mile before I ran into a guy on a bike who had been working the race. He told me that I had run the same distance as the course and told me where to meet up with the course. I went back and started running through the campus and talked to some road guards, who told me that I was at the 20-mile maker. So I got back on the course. I soon realized that I was ahead of some runners who had been ahead of me. I kept running until I got within a few feet of the finish line chute. Then, I turned around and started running the course backwards. Eventually, I ran into the guy who had been ahead of me before I left the course. I let him pass me and then I turned around and headed back to the finish line, behind him. My finish time was 6:24:55 and I think I ran the 26.2-mile distance.
I was really upset about the early removal of the course markings, but there was a lot of positives about the race. Nice course and the aid stations were loaded with super friendly volunteers and virtually every aid station had a large medical staff.

Rare Morning Run

I got up and went to the track and ran laps this morning. A little later I had breakfast at the Cafe Texan on the square in Huntsville. It is suppose to be the oldest continually operated restaurant in Texas. From there, I went to the Sam Houston State/Montana State football game here in Huntsville. Sam is rated number 1 in the nation among small college and this was a quarter final game in the tournament to determine the national champion. Sam won 49-13 and plays Montana (the other Montana team) next weekend in a semi-final matchup. Later, I drove 50 miles over to College Station to pick up my packet for the marathon tomorrow and run some other errands. My son, Ben, went with me and we had pasta before driving back to Huntsville. I will have to push myself tomorrow to make the 6:30 cut-off for finishing. I know the problem I had in Fort Worth a few weeks ago.

Back from Tyler

I ran laps at the track yesterday and then drove up to Tyler for a family affair. After getting back to Huntsville tonight, I went to the track at 9 p.m. and ran laps again. Another short run tomorrow and then the marathon in College Station on Sunday.

Another Short Run

With the BCS Marathon in College Station on Sunday, I am resting my hamstring this week. Short runs, rolling the hamstring and taking lots of Ibuprohen. I ran a mile and a half on the track this afternoon.

Broken Marathon Series Streak

For the last two years, I have run the Marathons of Texas (White Rock in Dallas, Houston Marathon and the Austin Marathon). By not running the White Rock Marathon on Sunday, I broke that streak. At one time, I thought about Running the Texas Trail 50K on Saturday and then driving up to Dallas for the White Rock on Sunday. However, with my injuries this fall, doing two long runs in one weekend was out. The Texas Trail 50K is one of my streak races (16 straight years), so that was more important.
I still have a 4-year streak for the Texas Marathon Triple (Texas Marathin in Kingwood in January, Surfside Beach Marathon in February and the Seabrook Marathon in March). I have already signed up for all three. I should also be able to continue my 4-year streak for the Texas Marathon Challenge (any 5 Texas marathons in a season).
This evening, I ran 2 miles on the park roads while the rest of the group ran trails. I had to get back early to attend my wife's Master Gardener Annual Christmas Dinner. There was no one there to talk about running with, but the food was good.

Indoor Run

It was cold and rainy today and my hamstring was hurting from the 50K on Saturday and the 5K on Sunday. So, I went to Nautilus this evening, ran a mile+ on the treadmill (first time in a long time) and then worked out.

Sunday Night 5K

Even though it rained most of today (no complaints), I drove down to The Woodlands this evening for The Woodlands Running Club's Sunday Night 5K. Luckily, it did not rain during the race. I finished in 40:09, which must be a PW (personal worst) for a 5K.

5 Seconds

I went out to Huntsville State Park this morning to run the Texas Trail 50K, for the 16th consecutive year. It consisted of a 6.7-mile loop, followed by two 12.15-mile loops, to get in 31 miles. Cloudy day and rather warm and humid. Temperature got up into the 70's. With this hamstring problem, I know that I am running slow and cautiously. The race had a 10-hour time limit, but to continue the race, you had to start your third loop in 5 hours and 30 minutes. I ran most of my second loop with an old friend, Ed Thompson. We did not realize it until we approached the start/finish area that we were close to the 5:30 cut off. We had to boogie. We made it with only 5 seconds to spare. For the third loop, I got out ahead of Ed and passed 3 other runners. I finished in 9:50:30 and Ed came in just under the 10-hour cutoff. I never fell and messed up the hamstrings. Last year, my time was 8:50:40. My PR in this race is 6:33.25 (1999).

Rainy Forecast Revised

The forecast for tomorrow has been revised. 10 percent all day and then it starts going up at 5 p.m. Sounds like a good chance of no rain during the Texas Trail 50K. I went out to the park this evening to pick up my packet. Found out that I had registered online twice. Never done that before and, as a race director, always chuckled when people did that. Laugh was on me this time. Roger Soler was very accommodating and gave me a cash refund. Long day on the trails tomorrow.

Rainy Forecast

I hate to complain about rain, but as of now the forecast is 50 percent chance for Saturday's Texas Trail 50K. Ugh. I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park this evening, while everyone else ran trails.

Texas Trail 50K is On

I received an email from Roger Soler this morning telling me that the Texas Trail 50K this Saturday at Huntsville State Park has a 10-hour time limit, rather than 9 hours. In the 15 years that I have run this 50K, I have always finished in under 9 hours. However, with the hamstring problem, I an not sure. While my goal is to get in under 9 hours and not do anything to re-injure the hamstring, it is nice to know that I have some leeway. Roger always puts on a good race, so I am looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully, the rain will hold off until Sunday.

Late for Trail Run

I was at a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon and was about 30 minutes late for our trail run. For 4 p.m. on a weekday, we had a big crowd. I ran 2 miles on the trails and the rest of the group was finished by the time I got back. I did not hear from Roger Soler today about the 50K this Saturday. I am just not sure I can run it within their new 9-hour time limit.

They Changed the Rules

I am registered to run the Texas Trail 50K this Saturday at Huntsville State Park. This will be my 16th consecutive year for this race. Their web site says there is a 10-hour time limit. I finished in 8:50 last year and figured this year with my hamstring problem it would take me over 9 hours. This evening, I received an email from them saying the time limit is 9 hours. Hopefully, the 10-hour limit is correct. I just emailed Roger Soler of Soler Sports in San Antonio, who is putting on the race, to ask for clarification. I would rather break my 15-year streak for this race rather than chance getting a DNF.
I loaded up on Ibruprofen today and ran laps at the track this evening.

Cold and Windy

It was cold and windy this morning at the park. Good running weather. I ran 7 miles and no trips or falls. That will probably be my last run on trails until the 50K this Saturday.

Leftover Turkey 10K

I am really slow. I finished the Leftover Turkey 10K here in Huntsville this morning with a time of 1:28:05. That's exactly 16 minutes slower than the same race last year. It is an out and back course on the sidewalk along Veterans Memorial Parkway. All hills. And, it rained for the entire race. My old friend, Pete Cahill, was up from Seabrook and I ran much of the race with him. Have not seen him for a long time and we had a good visit.

Lots of Ibuprofen

I'm not sure if I aggravated the hamstring running the 5-miler yesterday, but I was hurting this morning. I took lot of Ibuprohen today and ran laps at the track this evening. I had thoughts of switching from the 10K to the 5K tomorrow, but I will make that decision in the morning. A couple weeks ago, I thought I would be fine by now. A week from tomorrow, I am running a 50K on the trails and then a road marathon the next weekend. Then, nothing long until January1.

Thanksgiving Day

For the 10th straight year, I ran the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler this morning down in The Woodlands. The first 9 years, all my times were between 51:10 and 58:56. My time this morning was 1:05:00. I realize that I am running slower with my injury; I just don't know how long before the pain goes away and I get my strength back. I have a lot of long runs scheduled in the next few months.

Signed up for the Texas Trail 50K

Today, I signed up for the Texas Trail 50K at Huntsville State Park on December 3. This is the replacement race for the Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance Run, which was held for 19 years and discontinued 3 years ago. This will be my 16th consecutive year for running this 50K (31 miles). It is a good thing that they have a 10-hour time limit; I may need it all. I had my last treatment on my hamstring this morning, but it will take a while to fully heal. December 3rd is also the day that our local 11 and 0 Sam Houston State Bearkats and ranked number 1 in the nation (small colleges) play their first playoff game. The race starts and 7 a.m. and the game at 2 p.m. At best, I will be able to only make the last part of the game.
I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon. Afterwards, I went to Nautilus to work out but they were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Park Roads

We had a nice group at the park this evening. Rather, than taking a chance with tripping and messing up the hamstring, I ran 3 miles on the park roads, while everyone else ran trails. Nice cool weather, following a heavy rain last night (1 inch at my house).

Next to Last Treatment

I had my next to last treatment on my hamstring this morning. The last treatment will be on Wednesday. My insurance will not pay for any more treatments, so I am sure I will be healed then. I took a day off today and just ran 1.2 miles on the roads in town this evening.

Visiting at the Park

This morning, I went out to the park and did a solo run of 4.8 miles on the trails. I ran into a guy hiking the trails and he stopped me to talk. Turns out that he is 79. He was wearing headphones attached to an old Panasonic cassette tape player/recorder. It was the kind that is about a foot long with a handle. He proceeded to tell me some of his life stories and travels. I asked him where he lived and he said that he lived in his van and was very comfortabe in doing so. Interesting guy and he seemed to appreciate my stopping to visit.

Ten Total

I ran the new Running to Shine 5K on the campus in Huntsville this morning. I finished in 32:22. While a few months ago, I would have believed that time, but today I think the hilly course was a little short. I did run with a little less pain, though. Sort of a nothing race. It was put on by a group of college students for some worthy cause. No age group awards and the race was not timed. Nice T-shirt, but the race was not worth $25. After the race, I went out to the park and ran 7 miles alone on the trails. No trips or fall. That gave me ten miles total for the day.

Tomorrow would have been the day

If it had not been cancelled, tomorrow would have been the day of the Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon in Houston. I was really looking forward to the challenge of running up and down all the ramps. After the other challenge last Sunday on the flat marathon course in Fort Worth, I doubt that I could have made the 6 and a half hour cutoff in Houston, anyway. I had three treatments on my hamstring this week and have two more treatments next week. I am running a 5K on the campus here in Huntsville tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. I like the late starts, since I am not an early morning person.
I went to the track this evening and then went to Nautilus for a workout.

Club Meeting

We had our quarterly Seven Hills Running Club meeting at Margarita's Mexican Restaurant this evening. It was a productive meeting and it is always great to get together with friends and talk about running.
Earlier, I met up with the group at the park. While they ran trails, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Treatment Continues

I went in for another treatment on my hamstring this morning and have another appointment on Friday. It was not as sore today and maybe that is a sign it is getting better. My thoughts while running the last 6 miles of the marathon on Sunday was there was no way I was going to run a 50K on December 3. However, this 50K is one of my "streak races" and there is no way I am going to miss my 16th straight year. Now that the Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon, scheduled for this Saturday, has been cancelled, I have more time to heal. There is a new 5K on campus Saturday morning and I went ahead and signed up.
After Nautilus this evening, I went to the track and ran roads from there. The distance turned out to be 1.7 miles.

Heavy Rain

According to my rain guage, we had just under 2 inches of rain this afternoon. That is the most since at least last Spring. No complaining. Hopefully that much will bring dead grass back to life.
The threat of rain this evening scared most of the trail runners away from the park. It was just me, Phillip and Jason that showed up and the weather ended up being nice. I ran 2 miles on the park roads while they ran trails.

Fort Worth Marathon

After running laps at the track on Saturday, I drove up to Fort Worth for the Fort Worth Marathon on Sunday. I ran the race last year and finished in 5:37:11. With the hamstring problem this year, I thought it would be closer to 6 hours. Was I wrong! It finished 7:09:25. The pain was constant for the entire time. I got so far behind that the aid stations were virtually all closed after 10 miles. The temperature got into the 80's and I had to scrounge for water to make it in. Most of the course was on a concrete or asphalt sidewalk along the Trinity River. Even my MP3 player would not work right. It was stuck on one Texas Tornados song. After hearing it for 10 times, I turned it off and went without music. I suppose a sane person would have quit. However, I have run 563 races and have never dropped out. It's a streak within my streak. To my surprize, they kept the finish line open and gave me an official time and a finishers medal, which can be removed from the ribbon and used as a belt buckle.
After the race, Marilynn and I drove through Dallas and over to Wylie to visit my son and his family. We spent Sunday night there and drove back to Huntsville late this morning. I got back in time to submit my bi-monthly column to the Huntsville Item and go to the doctor for my hamstring treatment. Later this evening, I went to the track and ran laps.

Veterans Day

At 11:11:11 this morning on the day of 11-11-11, I was in the doctor's office laying on a table with wires attached to my hamstring. That particular time won't come around for another 100 years. Hopefully, my hamstring will be healed by then.

Since it is Veterans Day, I will include the above photo taken in 1968 while I was serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. It just does not seem that long ago. I had two brothers who served in WWII and three other brothers have served since. I also have a daughter who served in the Army and a son now in the Marines.

I went to the track this evening and ran laps.

Counting Down

Only a couple more days until my first marathon of the season in Fort Worth on Sunday. I am always apprehensive about running 26.2 miles, but more so this time because of my injured wheels. With the short runs this week and three treatments, maybe I will be okay.
This evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park, while everyone else ran trails.

Another Easy Day

They turned up the power for my electrical stimulation treatments this morning. Hopefully, it will speed up the healing. After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went to the track and ran laps.

Rainy Day in Huntsville

It's not often that I say that. We had a little rain off and on all day. My rain gauge says a quarter inch total. I suppose it will take more than that to bring dead grass back to life.
I spent a couple hours at the state park today with Jennifer Burton, who is directing the first ever Orphan Hope Marathon at the park on February 11. She is working hard to make this a first class event and, based on early entries, it will be a big success. I plan on running it.
Because of a lack of daylight, we moved our Tuesday and Thursday park runs to 4:30 p.m. We had a light crowd today, only retired people and university professors, who probably no-showed for classes they were suppose to teach. Soon after we started running, it started raining hard. I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Dark Run

I had a meeting at the university this afternoon about an upcoming local 5K and did not get out until about 5 p.m. I went straight to Nautilus for a workout and then for a short 1.2-mile road run in the dark. With the time change this past weekend, I have to get use to the shorter days.
There was a nice story about my Marine son, Tim, on the front page of today's local paper. Click HERE to for a link to the online version. We look forward to his return from Afghanistan.

Strategy

I am not sure what strategy to use to be as ready as possible for the Fort Worth Marathon next Sunday. My thought is just to do short runs everyday this week, take Ibuprohen and get my electronic treatments. I can get by without more distance training; I just need to get the soreness out of my hamstring and improve the strength. If I had to run the marathon yesterday, I doubt that I could have completed it in under 6 hours.
Today, I had family visiting. I went over to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Rocky Raccoon 25K

I got up at 4:30 this morning and went out to the park for the Rocky Raccoon 25K. A little before 6 a.m., I drove Paula Boone and Sock Monkey Boone down to their road guard position on the course. We hiked the last quarter mile. The 25K race started at 7 a.m. My goal was to go slow and not do anything to make the hamstring worse. Other than running 15.5 miles with a sore hamstring, I seemed to accomplish my goal. I do not recall every running this course in more than 4 hours, but today I finished in 4:34:23. I have 3 appointments for treatment next week and hopefully I will be okay for the Fort Worth Marathon next Sunday. They have a 6-hour time limit, so I have to do better. It is a flat course and I ran it in 5:36 last year.
After finishing today, I drove out to the back side of the park and help take our club aid station down and haul the stuff in. Then, later this afternoon, Ben and I went back to the park and help the race director take down course markings. It was hard staying awake this evening to watch some good football games on TV.

Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon Cancelled

I received a letter and entry fee refund check today from the Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon, which was scheduled for November 19. It has been cancelled due to a lack participants. Darn, I was looking forward to the challenge of running 22 laps across the field and up and down the ramps of all three levels of the stadium. I cannot imagine why there was an insufficient number of Houston runners signing up.
My computer would not connect to the Internet this morning and I spent much of today on the phone with AT&T. It turned out that my modem was bad and I had to drive down to Best Buy in Conroe this afternoon to buy a new one. Ran laps at the track when I got back and then went out to the park with James and Ben to set up the aid station in the back of the park that our club will operate for the Rocky Raccoon 50K and 25K tomorrow. Then, we hiked a couple miles on the trails to set up a turn sign at one of the trail intersections. I talked to AT&T again tonight and got connected again.

Perfect Trail Running Weather

It was cool, windy and clear this afternoon, perfect trail running weather. I went out to the park alone this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles in the woods. The hamstring spoke to me the entire distance, so I can imagine what it is going to be like running 25K (15.5 miles) this Saturday. Then, I have a week to prepare for the Fort Worth Marathon. We took our son, Ben, down to the Texas Roadhouse in Conroe this evening to celebrate his 28th birthday. We have family coming in on Sunday for more celebration.

Short Road Run

I had a second treatment on my left hamstring this morning, mowed my grass (the little that is not dead from the dought), worked out at Nautilus and then ran 1.6 miles on the roads in town. My friend, Willie Fritz, was running in an opposite direction and we stopped for a brief visit. Willie is the head football coach for the Sam Houston State Bearkats, which are 8 and zero and ranked number 4 among small colleges in the U.S. Willie is a good runner, too.

Signed up for the Miracle Match Marathon

I just signed up for the Miracle Match Marathon in Waco, Texas, which will be on January 29, 2012, two weeks after Houston and one week before the Rocky Raccoon 50-Miler at Huntsville State Park. I have run it twice before. While it is very hilly (mile 14 to 24), logistically it is easy. No big crowds, park close by and hang out at the hotel next to the start/finish line until the race starts.
My annual park pass expired yesterday, so I went to the park this morning to renew it. They went up 10 bucks to $70. Since I go there about 150 times a year, it is worth it. We had a large group for our Tuesday run this evening. We split up into about 4 groups, each running a different course. I ran 3 miles on the park roads, while everyone else ran trails.

First Treatment

I went in this morning for the first treatment on my left hamstring. Treatment consisted of 3 different electronic stimulations and ice. Two more appointments this week and three next week.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went to the track and ran 2.8 miles on the roads from there.

Switching, Again

I went out to the park this afternoon with the intention of running the 6.9-mile outer loop. A mile or so into my run, may hamstring told be to turn back. I ended up running 3.8 miles. It also told me to switch from the Rocky Raccoon 50K this Saturday to the 25K. I start my treatments on the left hamstring tomorrow morning. It will be my last switch, though. I am determined to run the Fort Worth Marathon on November 13 and the Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon on November 19.

Rock the Mind 5K

My son, Ben, and I drove 50 miles to College Station this morning to run the Rock the Mind 5K. Robert Duncan and Skipper Nethery from Huntsville were also there. Nice weather - clear, sunny and in the 40's. The entire course was on concrete sidewalks. My hamstring was hurting worse and I took it easy. I am not sure what my time was. My watch said just under 38 minutes and the race clock said 37 minutes. In any case, I was 3rd place in the 60 and over age group. This afternoon, we went to the Sam Houston State and Lamar University football game. Sam won 66 to 0.

Regular Friday

Since I have a 5K race tomorrow morning in College Station and my hamstring is hurting, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps. That seems to be my regular Friday.

Easy Trails

I ran an easy 3 miles on the trails at the park this evening. The last mile was in a heavy rain. That's the first time in many months that I ran in heavy rain. No complaining.

I hate to say it.

I hate to say it, but it looks like I have pulled the hamstring in the upper part of my left leg. And, just when my right leg is much better. Maybe I need to take up the sport of checkers. My first appointment for treatment is next Monday and I have a 50K (31 miles) the following Saturday (November 5). I may have to switch to the 25K and start my mrathon season the following weekend in Fort Worth.
In the meantime, after working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 1.2 miles on the roads in town.

Tour de Bayou, Stage 4

John, Leah, Hans and I went down to Houston this evening to run Stage 4 of the Tour de Bayou. The course was 3.5 miles cross country and on trails along the bayou near downtown Houston, with mosquitos chasing you all the way. I finished in 46:51.

Resting the Hamstring

After 13.1 miles on Saturday and 6.9 on Sunday and a sore hamstring today, I decided to rest. I ran 1.2 miles on the roads this evening.

Return to Trails

I ran 6.9 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon. It was my first trail run since September 11.

Huntsville Half Marathon

I ran the Huntsville Half Marathon this morning and finished in 2:57:27, meeting my goal of finishing under 3 hours. Got 2nd place in the 70 and over age group (yes, there was only two of us). The skies were clear and the temperature got into the mid-80's. We had a total of 422 registered runners for the Half Marathon and 5K.

Resting up for Tomorrow

The hilly as heck Huntsville Half Marathon is tomorrow. My goal is to beat my Tyler Half Marathon time from two weeks ago. Looks like we will have well over 400 runners running the half and the 5K. I am looking forward to with many friends that I have not seen in a while. My good friend, Marvin Dittfurth, and I will be racing together for the first time in many years. Also looking forward to hearing international opera star, Melanie Holliday, sing the National Anthem. I have to get there early to set up the race clock, the finish chutes and deliver the trophies.
This afternoon, I ran 1.2 miles on the roads in town. I feel like I am well-rested for tomorrow. Maybe, too rested.

Back to the Routine

I got the "Where have you been" comments when I went into Nautilus this evening. It has been so long that I felt like I had to start over. After working working out, I went to the park and ran 3 miles on the park roads. Nice cool weather.

Back from North Carolina

Just got back from visiting my daughter and her family in Richlands, North Carolina. I drove 715 miles today and went to the track at 10 tonight to run laps.
On October 9, I ran the Tyler Rose Half Marathon in Tyler, Texas. I ran slow and steady and luckily did not trip on the red brick streets. My concern was not to do anything to reinjure my hamstring. Hilly course and a temperature up in the 80's. The finish line was in the middle of the largest municipal rose garden in the U.S. Nice setting. I finished in 3:00:41 (1st place of two in my age group). However, I had regrets about not running the full marathon.
The next day, I left from Tyler and drove to Lincoln, Alabama. Got there just in time to get in a run before it got too dark. Drove on to Richlands the next day. When I stopped for gas somewhere in South Carolina, I went for a run along the highway and up and down a road leading to the local landfill.
Had a great stay with my daughter, grandson and granddaughter. Her husband is a Marine in Afghanistan. Ran one day with my grandson and spent a day with him at a Cub Scout day camp. Had lunch with him at his school twice and went to his tumbling class. Also, went to my 4 year old granddaughter's ballet/tap dance class. Got in a run everyday in the town of Richlands.
Left North Carolina yesterday and drove to Ogden, Alabama. Ran there last night upon arrival. That run completed two years on my current running streak. I still have a long ways to go to get back to my longest streak of 6 years, 9 months and 18 days.
I drove back to Huntsville today.

Signed Up for Rocky Raccoon 50-Miler

Last night, I signed up for the Rocky Raccoon 50-Mile Trail Run at Huntsville State Park on February 4, 2012. It was a new distance for me last year and I enjoyed the experience. Hopefully, this year it will be cold again, but hopefully, no icy bridges.
This morning, I went over to College Station to run the Ram Run 5K. I did not realize that it was Cross Country. With this drought in Texas, the ground in cracked. So, I had to be careful not to trip in one of the crevaces. I finished in 38:46, which was good enough for 1st place in my age group. Actually, any time would have been good enough, since I was the only one there 70 and over.

Friday Off

Since I have a 5K race tomorrow and a half marathon the next day, I took today off and ran laps at the track. Besides, we have a 30% chance of rain today and I want to sit on the back porch and watch for it.

Switching to the Half Marathon on Sunday

I am definitely switching from the Tyler Rose Marathon to the Half Marathon on Sunday. With my training, or lack of it, in the past few weeks, even the half marathon will be a challenge. I was in for a treatment on my hamstring today and it will probably be my last. Most of the pain is gone; I just have to build strength.
In the meantime, I am staying off the trails at the park. I went out there this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads, while the rest of the group ran trails.

5 Miles

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 5 miles on the roads in town. Ran into Jesse Parker, SHSU Cross Country Coach, walking his dog by the Huntsville Prison Unit. We stopped and visited for a while.

Tour de Bayou, Stage 1

I met up with John and Leah this evening and we drove down to Hans' house in Conroe. From there, we all went down to Houston for Stage 1 of the fall Tour de Bayou series. The race is in what looks like a large bowl. You run up and down the steep banks and some on the rim of the bowl. All cross country. They said the course was 2.9 miles. I think I got off the course and ran a little extra. In any case, I finished in about 37 minutes. Nice cool weather, and, of course, no mud. I had another treatment on my hamstring this morning and it felt okay this evening. I am just anxious to get through the half marathon in Tyler this weekend without messing it up.

Signed up for Fort Worth Marathon

I just signed up for the Fort Worth Marathon, which will be on November 13, one week after the Rocky Raccoon 50K and one week before the Reliant Stadium Indoor Marathon. I ran Fort Worth last year and had one of my fastest times.
I received my new $500 custom orthotics in the mail today and ran in them this evening. For that much money, they should have little jet engines or something. In any case, I ran 2.9 miles on the roads in town and they were very comfortable.

Catching Up

I ran laps at the track Friday before heading for Wylie (northeast of Dallas) to spend the weekend with my son and his family. On Saturday morning, I ran the St. Anthony's Fall Festival 5K in Wylie. Good running weather and a flat course. I finished in 38:01. While this was still way off my normal 5K time, it was much better than the 46:50 for my 5K one week earlier. My hamstring is obviously getting better. I was the only one in my age group, so I picked up a 1st in age group medal. Also won a door prize ($20 gift certificate to Dick's Sporting Goods). I drove back to Huntsville this afternoon and got back just in time to drive 49 miles down to The Woodlands for the Sunday Night 5K - for the 23rd time. I finished in 36:37.

Back Up to Five

I went out to the park ahead of the group this evening and ran 3 miles on the road and then ran another 2 miles with Hans. On the way back to the Nature Center, we were stopped twice and asked if we had seen smoke. They said a pilot reported smoke in the park during a flyover. When we got back to the Nature Center, there were firemen from the Texas Forest Service standing by, along with two 18 wheelers with bulldozers. I guess they never found the fire, if there was one.

Getting Better

I think my hamstring is gradually getting better. I ran 2.7 miles on the roads in town. While I still have pain above my knee, I seem to lifting my right leg more when I run. I have another appointment for treatment tomorrow morning.

Park Roads

I had a treatment on my hamstring this morning and then met up with the group at the park this evening. I ran 3 miles on the park roads, while they ran trails. While I still ran slow and with a limp, there was not a much pain. My plan now is to switch from the marathon to the half marathon in Tyler on October 9.

Good Day

I ran 1.8 miles on the roads this evening. My hamstring was not much better, but the Cowboys beat the Redskins tonight. That makes it a good day.

Continuation

I am continuing to recover. My hamstring felt better today - until I started running. I did a 1.2-mile loop on the roads. I know that I cannot run the Tyler Marathon on October 9; the question is whether I will be able to do the half marathon option.

Fall Fun Run 5K

We had our club's annual Fall Fun Run 10K, 5K and 1-Mile this morning on the hilly out and back course along Veterans Memorial Parkway. We had a total of 43 runners for all three races. I opted for the 5K and slowly ran the entire distance. While I did so with a limp and in some pain, it was a lot more comfortable than the 5K last Saturday. We shared the course with several hundred participating in a 5-mile military ruck march. That made it interesting, especially with a B-17 (WWII bomber) flyover. Great weather, not too hot.

The Culprit

This is the back of my right leg, showing the bruise from my latest hamstring tear. Anyway, I went to the track this afternoon and ran another limpy mile. This is getting old. We have a 10K and 5K here in Huntsville tomorrow morning and I planned to do the 10K. I'm not even sure at this point whether I should even do the 5K.

Bruised

I went in for treatment on my hamstring this morning and they noticed the back of my leg above the knee was swollen and bruised. They said it was from new tears in the hamstring. The original problem was higher in my leg where the hamstring connects in the pelvic area. They think it happened when I fell at the track last week. Anyway, I still have to take it easy and continue to get treatments twice a week. This afternoon, I drove down to Memorial Park in Houston for the Houston Marathon Kickoff Party. Got to visit with a lot of good friends. Afterwards, I ran about a mile and a half on the Memorial Park trail. It was terrible to see so many dead trees from the drought. There must be thousands.

Wide Turn

If my recovery from the hamstring is making a turn, it's a wide turn. After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town. Still painful, but I did not have to drag my foot as much. Ran into my friend, Willie Fritz, Head Coach of the SHSU Football Team. He was running the other way, but we stopped for a short visit. I also ran within a couple blocks of the Walls Prison and they had the roads blocked off for an execution.

Turning the Corner, Maybe

I ran 1-mile+ on the roads at the park this evening and the hamstring was not as painful as it has been. Still slow and limping, though. Earlier today, I received a treatment at the hamstring fixing place.

Continuation

I ran a gimpy 1.2-mile course on the roads this evening. The sharp pain seems to have moved from the pelvic area to the back of my leg. Maybe that is a good sign. I have a treatment appointment tomorrow morning and I will ask.

700

According to my calculations, my current running streak is now 700 days. Of course, I have been well over 700 in two previous streaks, so it is no big deal. Over the years, I have had to do some painful one-mile runs to keep my streak alive, but usually it is just for a day or so. Today, was another one-mile run at the track. While fighting the hamstring problem, the pain in my foot (plantar faciitis) has subsided. That's good news and my new custom orthotics should be in soon. My goal this week is to get the hamstring problem fixed (have two treatment appointments) and do a 10K on Saturday and long run on Sunday.

Buffalo Stampede 5K

Marilynn and I drove an hour up to Buffalo for the Buffalo Stampede 5K this morning. It was an out and back course on a rough oil roads. I ran the first mile+, as slow and painfully as yesterday. After that, I did a combination of walking and running. Three people in cars stopped and asked me if I needed a ride. I finished with a PW and first place in the "Super Senior Division." Obviously, I was the only one in that division. Marilynn walked the entire course and got 2nd in her age group. After the race, we visited the local festival and then stopped in Centerville on the way back to Huntsville and had breakfast at the Town Cafe. My hope of recovery in time to run the Tyler Marathon on October 9 is fading fast.

Frustrating

This darn hamstring is starting to be frustrating. Another slow and painful mile at the track this afternoon. I have decided to try the 5K in Buffalo tomorrow. I will run the first mile and then if I have to, walk the rest. Don't expect me to report my finish time.

Another Mile

I went out to the park this evening after everyone else was already running trails and ran a little over a mile on the park roads. My hamstring was slightly better, but I stayed on level roads. I will see how it feels tomorrow. I have already signed up for a 5K in Buffalo, Texas on Saturday. It is a small race in a small town and they have a festival going on in the town after the race. I will decide tomorrow whether to attempt it and probably get a 5K PW (personal worst).

Ditto

I went to the track again tonight about 10 and ran a slow and painful mile. No improvement from yesterday. Maybe it will turn around tomorrow.

Slow and Painful Mile

After going to the doctor and getting a treatment on my hamstring, icing it all day and taking a lot of Ibuprofen, I went to the track tonight at 10 and ran a slow and painful mile. The good news is that I did not have pain shooting up into my back like yesterday and I never fell. The streak is still alive.

Sitting on Ice

To rest my hamstring, I decided to take a day off and run laps at the track. It was worse than I thought. On the first lap, I had sharp pains in my hip and pain shooting up into my back. I had thoughts of having to break my streak. However, I was determined to get in a mile. It was not a pretty sight, but I kept running. On the fourth lap, my leg collapsed and I fell. However, I got up right away and finished. Tonight, I am sitting on ice and watching Monday Night Football. I'll see what happens tomorrow.

9/11 Thoughts

I seldom veer from the topic of running, but today marks the 10th anniversary of a very important day in American history. I worked at the Pentagon twice. The first time from May 1962 to April 1965. I started there as a PFC in the Army and got promoted to SP4, Sergeant and then Staff Sergeant. I met my wife, Marilynn, in the Pentagon in 1965. She was working there after high school. I was assigned there again in 1979 as a Major and left in 1982 as a Lt. Colonel. So, I spent 6 years in that building and I knew it so well. In 1974-76, I was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany as a captain. One of my buddies and co-workers was Captain Tim Maude. I never saw Tim again and I retired from the Army in 1984. I found out after 9/11/01 that Tim had been promoted to Lt. General (3 stars) and was the senior military officer killed at the Pentagon on 9/11. Click here for his story.
A couple years ago, I was attended my 50th high school class reunion in Tyler, Texas. I was visiting with my classmate, William Allen. William became the Editor-in-Chief of the National Geographic Magazine and had recently retired. He was telling me that he was scheduled to be on the plane that hit the Pentagon. They were taking some kids, who had won a photo contest, on a trip. At the last minute, they were problems with the upcoming edition of the magazine, so William had to cancel and send an assistant in his place.
We lost a lot of great Americans on 9/11 and so many more since in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Back to running. I went out to the park late this morning and did a 6.9-mile solo run on the trails. My hamstrings tell me that I need to take a few days off. I still have time for some long runs before the marathon on October 9, so I may just do short runs the next few days.

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.