Avenues

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I drove to the track and ran 2.5 miles up and down the hills in the avenues.

Working Run

Our club had our annual 3.5-Mile Run the Trails non-competitive run/walk at Huntsville State Park this afternoon. The course is a lollipop shaped course, goes out one mile and then does a 1.5-mile loop back to the 1-mile point. An hour before the race, I ran the first 2.5-miles as a working run, putting up turn signs. When I got to the 1-mile point intersection, I stayed there as a course monitor for the entire race. Then, I ran the 1-mile back to the starting point. I'm tired from all that standing.

BMI 5K

I drove down to Conroe this morning for the BMI 5K. Nice race. I parked with a 100 feet of the start/finish line; indoor restrooms, chip timing beautiful and safe flat course through a nice neighborhood and nice age group plaques. I finished in 37:12 (1st in my 70 & over age group). The hamstring is still slowing me down, but it is definitely feeling better.

Laps

This morning, I had the final treatment on my hamstring. It's getting better; I just have to avoid anything that will re-injure it. I spent most of the day doing yard work, but did go over to the track this evening and run laps. I should be well-rested for the 5K tomorrow.

Late Night Run

I drove up to Tyler this morning for a family get-together and did not get home until late tonight. I went to the track about 10:30 tonight and ran laps.

Rare Morning Training Run

I ran 1.3 miles on the roads this morning before going on a trip for the rest of the day. I hate running in the morning; mornings are for sleeping.

Heavy Rains

We had heavy rains today, but it had stopped in time for our run at the park this evening. I ran two easy miles on the trails and managed to avoid the muddy areas.

Easy Run

I went in for a treatment on my hamstring this morning. After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 1.3 miles on the roads - in the rain. Felt good.

Seabrook Lucky Trail Half Marathon

I got up at 4 a.m. today and drove down to Seabrook for the Lucky Trail Half Marathon. I ran the full marathon there the last 4 years, but this was my first time for the half (2 loops, instead of 4). It was hot and humid. I felt a little better than at the half marathon in The Woodlands two weeks ago, but my time was only slightly better and still about 45 minutes slower than my normal half marathon time. Of course, the trail slows you down some. I finished in 3:29:07 and got first in my age group. The Mayor of Seabrook presented my award. No more long distance races or running in the near future. I am going to concentrate on hamstring recovery.

Ready for Tomorrow

I ran laps at the track again today and then drove two hours up to northeast Texas for a wedding this evening. Just got back and have to get up at 4:15 a.m. for the half marathon in Seabrook.

Resting Up

I went in this morning for the third treatment on my hamstring this week. Three more treatments next week and that will probably be it. With the half marathon coming up on Sunday, I rested up today and ran laps at the track. After the difficulty in finishing the half marathon in The Woodlands on March 3, I am anxious to see how I do on Sunday.

Small Group at the Park

Guess most everyone around here is on spring break. Only three of us showed up to run trails at the park this evening. It was me, Ron and Glen. I ran 3 miles on the trails.

Making Progress

With three treatments a week on my hamstring, I think I am making progress. Even though I have to regain strength, it is not so painful when running. I am just trying to take it easy. I ran a new route on the roads this evening; it turned out to be 1.8 miles.

Muddy Trails

After all the rain lately, the trails at the park were a little muddy today. I ran about 2.5 miles, most of it very carefully on the trails and the rest on park roads. With the mild winter and rain and warmer temperatures, it will be a bad year for mosquitos. They are out in force.

Sunshine

It was sunny today and that gave me a chance to mow and trim the grass. I'm torn between resting the hamstring and training for the half marathon next Sunday. I had a pretty aggressive treatment on it this morning and it was sore this afternoon. I did a short 1.3-mie run on the roads this evening.

Wet Roads

It rained most of the day, but after it stopped this afternoon, I ran 2.8 miles on the roads in town. With the students gone for spring break, there was not much traffic.

Empty Trails

I went out to the park alone this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails. Did not see another runner, a hiker or biker. Even after all the rain the last few days, the trails were in good shape.

Cold and Rainy

It was cold and rainy all day. I wimped out and ran the treadmill at Nautilus this evening.

Beat the Storm

We had a light rain for most of the day, we we got in our trail run at the park this evening, just before a storm blew through. I ran two miles on the trails, while most of the group did three.

Had to run to rest up

I spent most of the day doing heavy yard work. To rest up, I went to Nautilus to work out and then to the track to run laps in the rain.

Switched to Seabrook Half Marathon

I officially switched from the Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon on March 18 to the Half Marathon. I learned my lesson by attempting the full marathon in The Woodlands last Saturday. I have to let the hamstring heal first.
We had a nice group at the park this evening We split up into three groups and ran three different courses. Hans and I ran the short 2.9-mile course, while the others ran longer.

Unstable Wheels

I had a good treatment at the chiropractor's office today, but my legs felt unstable. I ran laps at the track this evening, but I think I need to spend more time at Nautilus loosening up the knees. Maybe that will help.

Sunday Night 5K, The Woodlands

For the third day in a row, I drove down to The Woodlands. This time was to run the Sunday Night 5K, which is held on the first Sunday of every month and put on by The Woodlands Running Club. With the marathon and half marathon in The Woodlands yesterday, there were only 3 runners (2/3rds of us from Huntsville). I ran a 40:15, which placed me 3rd overall and last place. I was not too far behind my friend and fellow streaker, Vince, who ran the full marathon yesterday and tripped over the Mile 16 marker and cut his knee and bruised his ribs. When you are a streaker, you run when it hurts.

The Woodlands Half Marathon

Since re-pulling my hamstring on February 15, I have been in a recovery mode. I have continued to keep my streak alive by running at least a mile a day, but have not run over 3 miles on any one day. I completed three treatments at the chiropractor's office and will continue with the treatment for a few more weeks. I was registered for The Woodlands Marathon this morning. I decided to attempt it. It was a two-loop course with a 6:30:00 time limit. They told me that if I did not meet the cutoff for starting the second loop, they would give me an official Half Marathon finish. I ran the entire 13.1-mile first loop, but finished in 3:30:42. The last 5 miles was very painful and I felt that my leg was going to give way. I was right at the time cutoff, but there was no way that I could have finished another loop. I stayed around for a while and visited with a lot of friends. It was a well-organized and supported marathon and I expect to be fully recovered next year and run the full marathon with a respectable time.

Setback

Late last night, I tripped in my home, fell and re-pulled my hamstring. I was up most of the night in pain. I went out to the park this evening and managed a very slow and ugly 1-mile+ run on the trails. I am giving up on even attempting the marathon on Saturday. That will break my streak of 6 consecutive Surfside Beach Marathons and my streak of 4 consecutive Texas Marathon Triples. Surfside is leg 2. At this point, I am not sure about my two marathons in March. In the meantime, I am going into a recovery mode and keep my running streak alive. Since I am tired of blogging about my hamstring and short and slow recovery runs, I will not be blogging every day until I am back into racing.

In Keeping with my Plan

In keeping with my plan, I did another short run today. I ran 1.3 miles on the roads in town this evening. The forecast for Saturday's marathon is 70 percent chance of rain. I hate running in wet socks.

Long Run of the Week

I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park this evening and that will probably be my longest run of the week. Resting up for the Surfside Beach Marathon on Saturday; 26.2 miles on the sand. I have run it for the last 6 years and every year the weather is different. Wind, rain, cold, hot, fog, you never know.

More Rain

It rained most of the day, but still no complaining. Just wish I could store some of it for the summer. More or less a routine Monday. I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then went to the track and ran roads from there. My run ended up being 1.5 miles. Back to the park tomorrow.

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.