Lazy Day

I did some light yardwork today, but mostly I watched TV and messed around on the computer. I did go over to the track this afternoon and run laps. No blisters or new black toes from the marathon yesterday. The hamstring does not seem worse, but my intention is to do short runs all week and then run the Surfside Beach Marathon on Saturday.

Ophan Hope Trail Marathon

Me and the Race Committee, Melanie, Jennifer and Dawn

I got up early (ugh!) this morning and went out to Huntsville State Park for the 1st ever Orphan Hope Trail Marathon. It was in the 30's at the start. The course was two loops of 13.1 miles. By the time I started my second loop, it was warmer and I got rid of the gloves and headband. I ran the first loop in 3:22, but was being careful not to trip on a root and reinjure the hamstring. I stubbed my left foot a couple times and jarred the hamstring. Fort most of the first loop, I ran with Stacy Orr of Spring, Texas and our visit seemed to make the course shorter. She was running the half marathon race, so I ran the second loop alone. It seemed to take forever and I finished in 7:18:04 (2nd in age group). I tripped and fell four times during the race, but did not reinjure the hamstring. Since no one saw or heard me fall three of the four times, I'm not sure those count as falls.
They had over 400 registered runners for the full marathon, half marathon and relay. The race went very well and I expect that it will grow as the word gets out. Nice tech shirt, finisher medal and age group award and plenty of enthusiastic and helpful volunteers.

Ready for Tomorrow, I Guess

It rained last night, so I do not know what the trails will look like for tomorrow's Orphan Hope Trail Marathon at Huntsville State Park. However, I do know that it will be cold; 37 at the start and up into the low 50's in the afternoon. No rain in the forecast.
I had some errands to run in Conroe and The Woodlands today, so I stopped by the new Fleet Feet store in The Woodlands and picked up my race packet. Later this afternoon, I ran laps at the track.

Different Directions

We all seemed to run in different directions at the park this evening. Hans and I ran down to Amy's Crossing to check out the muddy section from the Rocky Raccoon 100 & 50 over the weekend. With no rain since, it was okay. We actually only ran a little over a mile and then walked most of the rest. Based on everyone's report, the trails seem to be in good shape for the Orphan Hope Marathon this Saturday. The problem is, though, there is a 70 percent chance of rain tonight and tomorrow.

Another Short Run

I ran laps this evening, after working out at Nautilus. The hamstring hurts worse in the morning and seems to loosen up as the day goes on. Looking forward to the trail marathon on Saturday. I have not run a trail marathon since March 1, 1997.

Shingles Shot

A good runner friend of mine in Houston, who is in his mid-60's got Shingles a few months ago. It started on his side and affected his Sciatic nerve and ultimately left the lower part of his leg numb. He was on pain medication for a month. He recommended that I get a Shingles shot and this afternoon, I went down to Walgreens and got one.
From what I have read, if you had chicken pox when you were a kid, the diseases stays in your body in a dormant stage. Later in life (i.e. 60's) it can come back as Shingles. The possibity of getting it increases with age. The pain from burning and blistering can be severe and can go on for weeks.
The pharmacist that gave me the shot said that if I ever do get the Shingles it will not be as severe because of the shot.
I met up with the group this evening and ran a 3-mile loop on the trails.

Not Much to Report

Not much to report. I worked out at Nautilus and ran laps at the track.

Sunday Night 5K

I drove down to The Woodands this evening for the monthly Sunday Night 5K. The hamstring loosened up a bit as I ran and I finished in 36:52. My intention is to take it easy for the rest of the week and definitely run the Orphan Hope Trail Marathon at Huntsville State Park this Saturday. The next Saturday, I will run the Surfside Beach Marathon, which is the second leg of the Texas Marathon Triple series. I have completed the series for all four years of it's existence, so I will definitely be spending time on the beach on February 18.

Character Flaw and Dogs

I got up at 5:15 this morning and went out to the park to turn in my chip and then run (unofficially)one of the three 16.67-mile loops of the Rocky Raccoon 50-Mile course. When I got to the park about 6:30 for a 7 a.m. start, it was lightning with a heavy rain. I had to park a long way from the start line. I sat in my truck. My hamstring burning and I had not gone to the restroom. It got close to 7 and I decided that I was not going to face the elements for an unofficial 16.67-mile training run. I went home and went back to bed. It must be a character flaw, but in retrospect, I feel like I wimped out. Later in the morning, I went back to the park, turned in my chip and visited with friends. This afternoon, I went to the Sam Houston State girl's basketball game, ran 3 miles on the streets in town and went back to the park to take some photos of our club volunteers on one of the aid stations.

Speaking of my 3-mile run in town. I was running past the house next to Wendy's on Sam Houston Ave. and a dog ran out to tell me that I was in his territory. Some college guys on the porch called him back and kindly offered me a beer. I declined and finished my run. About 20 years ago, I was running past the same house and a dog ran from the house and tried to grab my leg. I avoided the bite and a girl came out of the house and retrieved her dog. Late that same night, I was driving past the house in my Suburban, when the same dog chased a squirrel across the street in front of me. Unfortunately, I could not avoid hitting and killing the dog. Today, I did not stop and relate the story to the college guys; they may have perceived it as a threat, anyway. Sam Houston Ave. is a very busy street and I hope they keep their dog on a lease when it is outside.

Compromise

Having pretty much decided not to run tomorrow because of my injury, I went out to the park this afternoon to pick up my packet for the Rocky Raccoon 50-Miler. I met up with a bunch of friends and we visited for a while. Then, I ran 1 mile+ on the trails before a storm came through. When I got home and looked in my packet, I found my non-disposable chip. So, that means I have to take it back out there tomorrow. I have decided to compromise. I will turn in my chip before the race, put on my race number and run one of the three 16.67-mile loops. My hamstring should be able to survive the distance and recover for marathons the next two weekends. There is a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms throughout the morning, so it should be fun. That will be on top of all the rain tonight and in the last few days.

Two Trips to the Park, Again

I attended a meeting with the new Huntsville State Park Superintendent and organizers of the Orphan Hope Trail Marathon to discuss arrangements for the race on February 11. Then, we spent some time on the trails and then meeting with Joe Prusaitis, who is directing the Rocky Raccoon 100 and 50-Mile Race this weekend. Then, I went back to the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads, while the group ran trails. We all got caught in a heavy rain during our runs. The hamstring hurt all day and I am seriously considering not running the 50-mile race on Saturday. When I pulled it last October, I never imagined that it would still be hurting in February.

Week Going By Fast

With the marathon on Sunday and a 50 miler coming up this Saturday, the week seems to be going by fast. Just two more days to rest up. I went to the track this evening and ran laps.

Two Trips to the Park

This morning, I met up with Jennifer Burton and Dawn Rodgers from Spring at Huntsville State Park. They are putting on the Orphan Hope Trail Marathon at the park on February 11. I walked 6 miles of the course with them to talk about course marking. It rained off and on, but fortunately the temperature was in the 70's. They have nearly 400 signed up and it is shaping up to be a good race.
After working out at Nautilus this afternoon, I went back out to the park to meet up with our group. I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while the others ran various trail distances.

Resting Up

I spent most of the day resting and relaxing. However, I did workout at Nautilus this evening and run laps at the track.

Miracle Match Marathon

Yesterday, I helped with the club 10K and 5K and then ran laps at the track. About 2 p.m., I drove over to Waco for today's Miracle Match Marathon. Because of the hills from mile 14 to 24, it is billed as the toughest marathon in Texas. I have run it twice before, the last time 2 years ago (finished in 5:49:12). Some of the hills are so steep, it is dangerous to run down them. I finished today in 6:43:39, which by default was good for 1st place in my age group. It is a well-organized marathon. Nice race T-shirt, finisher medal, finisher jacket and age group award.

Laps

I ran laps at the track this evening. One more short run tomorrow and then off to Waco for the marathon on Sunday.

Slight Deviation

I met up with the group at the park this evening. I had intended to run 2 miles on the roads, but ended up running 3 miles on the trails.

In Keeping with the Plan

In keeping with my plan, I did another short run today. This evening, after a day of storms and heavy rain, I ran 1.5 miles on the roads in town this evening.

Park Roads

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads while they ran trails. I plan to do short runs all week and make progress on the hamstring before the marathon on Sunday.

Resting and Healing

With the marathon coming up on Sunday, I am going to rest the hamstring this week. It was worse today, so I went to the track this evening and ran laps.

Short Trail Run

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran a 2.3-mile loop on the trails. It was 80 degrees and a hiker told me that he saw a snake on the trail. He said that it was a "Diamond Head," so I am not sure if he knows what a snake looks like. It's January and it is suppose to be cold

River Road Half Marathon

I ran the River Road Half Marathon in New Braunfels, Texas this morning. You could not ask for better weather conditions, clear, low humidity and temperature in the 50's and 60'. The race started at the River Road Ice House and went out and back on River Road (along the Guadalupe). The first mile was a steep downhill and then it was relatively flat all the way to the turnaround point. I felt strong and comfortable the entire race, except the hamstring hurt with every step. My time at the turnaround point was 1:25 and I finished (including the steep uphill climb for the last mile) in 2:59:15. That was good enough for 2nd place in my 70 and over age group.

Here in New Braunfels

I ran laps this morning and then drove to New Braunfels (north of San Antonio) for the River Road Half Marathon tomorrow morning. It will be a good test of the hamstring for the Waco Marathon next Sunday.

Last Week the Park is Closed

This is the last week is closed for controlled hunting. Next week, it's back to the trails on Tuesday and Thursday. The group met up this evening for a run in the avenues. I ran the hilly Avenues 5K course with Bill. Nice weather today and it is suppose to get up to 75 degrees tomorrow.

Slow Recovery

My foot felt better today, but the hamstring does not seem to be improving. My friend, John Pontikas, recommended that I take L-Glutamine Powder and Arica Muscle Rub. I bought both at the GNC store today and started taking them. Maybe that will help. I had to go to Houston this afternoon to pick up my wife from the airport, so I ran laps at the track before leaving.

Foot

I woke up this morning with severe pain in my right foot. It had eased enough during the day that I was able to run laps at the track this evening.

Roads Getting Busy Again

The students are getting back into town after the holiday break. So, there is more traffic on the roads in town. I got started late and ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around the campus.

Houston Scratched

I skipped the Houston Marathon this morning. That will give me two more weeks to heal the hamstring before running the Waco Marathon on January 29. I had several friends run the Houston Marathon or Half Marathon and, for some, it was their first marathon. Congratulations to all.
I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Seven Miles

I got up relatively early this morning and drove down to Bush Airport to pick up my brother-in-law and bring him back to Huntsville. He arrived an hour late and it was afternoon before we got back to Huntsville. I took a nap and then went out to the park and ran 7 miles on the trails. Nice cool weather, but there were a ton of bikers and hikers on the trails.

Expo

I drove down to Houston late this morning for the Houston Marathon Expo. I picked up my packet, bought some new running shorts and visited with a lot of friends, including Bridgette Collins of Dallas. Bridgette and I worked together in Huntsville back in the early 90's. Other friennds included Loren Sheffer, Ben Harvie, Mark Robinson, Chris Dunkle, June Harris, Mihaela Mullins and Ron Berglund. I watched presentations by Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit.
I am still undecided about running the marathon on Sunday, but am leaning toward not running. It hurts just to sit on my hamstring. I intended to run Memorial Park in Houston while down there, but I needed to get out of town fast to beat the Friday evening traffic jam up I-45. I left at 3:15 and still got caught up in it. I stopped at a couple stores on the way home and it was getting dark by the time I got back to Huntsville. So, I went to the track and ran laps.

Cold and Windy

Only three of us showed up for the group run in the avenues and the other two decided that it was too cold and windy to run. So, I ran laps at the track and went home. We had our Seven Hills Running Club meeting at The Junction Restuarant tonight. Nice crowd and a good meeting. We had election of officers and I will serve as the Treasurer for another year.

Avenues 5K Course

My HS felt a little better today. So this evening, after working out at Nautilus, I ran the hilly Avenues 5K course. Tonight, Ben and I went to the Sam Houston State Women's basketball game with UT - Arlington. Sam won.

Group Run in the Avenues

With the park still closed during the week, the group met up for a run in the Avenues. My hamstring recovery has regressed and Hans had an injury also. So he and I ran a relatively flat course of 1.6 miles.

Early Start

I usually get up between 8 and 9 a.m., but this morning I had to get up at 3:45 to take my wife down to Houston for an early morning flight. And then, it rained all day. After much napping during the day, I went to Nautilus late this afternoon, ran 1 mile+ on the treadmill and then worked out.

Solo on Trails

The park was open this weekend, so I went out alone this afternoon and ran 4.8 miles on the trails.

Football Day

I ran laps at the track this morning and then spent most of the rest of the day watching three football games on TV.

Texas Prison Rodeo Arena - Going, Going

The Texas Prison Rodeo was held from 1931 to 1986. The arena is located next to the Walls Unit here in Huntsville. The arena in the photo above was built in 1951 and is now being torn down. I ran a 3.1-mile loop around town this evening. My route included the streets around the prison and rodeo arena. Only about 1/4th of the arena is still standing. The rest is a pile of concrete, bricks and steel.

Houston in Doubt

I hate to be negative, but I may have to skip the Houston Marathon on January 15. The distance would not be a problem. With this darn hamstring problem, I doubt that I could finish within the 6-hour time limit. Today, I received an email from them. It included my bib number, which is 518. Having run the Houston Marathon 15 times, I am in the first wave. That may give me more than 6 hours to finish. I will talk to them when I go down to the Expo the day before the race and then make a decision.
The hamstring was worse today, so I did a 1.6-mile run on the roads this evening.

Signed up for the Texas Marathon

Registration opened last night for the Texas Marathon on January 1, 2013. This race sells out fast, so I cannot mess around. It is part of the Texas Marathon Triple series and that series is on my series streak list. This year will be my 5th consecutive year for completing the series, assuming that I finish the remaining two, Surfside Beach in February and Seabrook in March.
Today, I ran a non-planned course around town, which ended up being 2.8 miles.

Hills

Since the park is closed for hunting this week, the group met up next to the gazebo in town and ran the steepest hills in the avenues, including up and over the highest point between Dallas and Houston. I did one loop of 1.7 miles.

Resting Up

I took a lot of Ibuprohen today and went to the track this evening and ran laps.

Texas Marathon

For the fifth consecutive year, I ran the Texas Marathon this morning in Kingwood (northeast of Houston). The course is four loops on a 6.55-mile concrete sidewalk through the greenbelt in Kingwood. Tough course and lots of trip opportunities (did one of those last year). Previous finish times:
2008 - 6:30:24
2009 - 6:06:50
2010 - 6:08:21
2011 - 6:07:53
With the hamstring problems, I figured I would finish between 6:30 and 6:45. The concrete was harder on the hamstrings than I thought. Several times, my legs almost collasped. I ran the entire distance, but very slow. I heard a spectator use the word "wobbily." There was an opportunity to switch to the half marathon during the race, but I decided to finish the full marathon. I have not seen my exact time, but it should be about 7:21. As last year, they presented the finishers with a Texas-size finisher medal (3.3 pounds). I also received a plague for completing the race 5 times.
Got to see and visit with a lot of good friends down there. Had a chance to visit with Larry Macon, 66, of San Antonio before and during the race. In 2010, he ran 106 marathons and set a new world record, breaking his own record of 104. He ran a marathon in south Texas yesterday, which gave him 113 for 2011 and a new world record. I met him last year at the Texas Marathon and also ran into him at the Athens (Ohio) Marathon last spring. I asked him if he was going to do something crazy in 2012 and he said no.

Review of 2011

Just as 2010, I ran every day in 2011. That is what streakers do. I had no major injuries until late in the summer when I started pulling and tearing hamstrings. Recovery continues. Because of the injuries, I had to cut back on my fall marathon schedule. I still completed a total of 67 races during the year, compared to 59 last year.
The 67 consisted on 1-50 miler, 1-50K, 13 marathons, 1-25K, 2 half marathons, 3-10K’s, 37-5K’s and 9 other races with distances ranging from 2.7 to 5 miles.
This afternoon, I went out to the park with visiting family and hiked 2.5 miles. After getting back home, I ran a little over a mile on the roads in my neighborhood. Marathon tomorrow.
Happy New Year.

Warm and Sunny

It was warm and sunny today, so I went out to the park this afternoon and ran a 2.5-mile loop on the trails.

Long Day

I got up early this morning and drove 135 miles up to Tyler in a heavy fog. We had a family get-together and then I drove back tonight. I went to the track and ran laps after 10 tonight.

Another New Course

After working out at Nautilus this afternoon, I drove to the track and ran a new course on the roads from there. Even ran some streets in the avenues that I had never run before. The course had some tough hills and turned out to be 2.0 miles. Tonight, we went to the Sam Houston-Samford basketball game. Visited a little with my friend, Willie Fritz, head coach of the Sam Houston football team. They will be playing North Dakota State on January 7 for the national FCS championship. Willie is a good runner, but probably better football coach.

Signed up for the Orphan Hope Marathon

I just signed up for the Orphan Hope Marathon at Huntsville State Park on February 11. This is a new trail marathon and I designed and measured the course. It takes in the best trails at the park. It is just one week after the Rocky Raccoon 50-Miler, but I should be recovered. My hamstring still hurts when I run. Guess it is going to take a while for it to heal. I will be running the Texas Marathon in Kingwood this Sunday and then the Houston Marathon two weeks later. My concern about Houston is meeting the 6-hour time limit. I'll see how it goes in Kingwood.
This afternoon, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran a new course on the roads around town. It turned out to be 2.8 miles.

Late Start

I did not get much sleep last night, so I took a nap this afternoon. It was late when I awoke and I went to Nautilus. By the time I finished working out, it was dark, so I ran on the treadmill. I do not see how anybody can do a long run on a treadmill. Terribly boring.

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.