Stayed Home

Since I planned to get up at 4:30 this morning to make the 75-mile trip to downtown Houston for the Race for the Pennant 10K at Minute Maid Park, I went to bed at 11:30 last night.  My normal is 12:30.  I woke up at 2:30 a.m. and could not go back to sleep.  At 4:30 a.m., I got out of bed and then changed my mind several times about going down.  In the end, I stayed at home for fear of falling asleep at the wheel on I-45.  I was really looking forward to the race, but felt it was not worth of risk of driving sleepy.  I went back to bed and slept for an hour or so and took a couple naps on the couch during the day.  At 5:30 this evening, I ran 5 miles on the roads in town.  It was hot, but the humidity was low.

Resting Up

Since I have a 10K tomorrow morning in hot downtown Houston, I rested up today.  I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  Gotta get up early tomorrow.  Ugh!

No trails for a while

I am still trying to rebuild the strength in my hamstrings and have decided to stay off the trails for a while.  While I much prefer running trails, I hate to take a chance on tripping on a root and re-pulling the hamstrings before they are stronger.  I plan to be back on the trails in the fall.  So, I ran 2 and a half miles this evening on the roads at the park, while the group ran trails.

Birthday

Today was my 71st birthday.  No big deal; it doesn't even put me in a new age group.  My son and I drove over to San Marcos in south central Texas this morning for Sam Houston State's first game in the Southland Conference baseball tournament.  Sam was the number 1 seed and lost to the number 8 seed.  However, it is a double-elimination tournament, so it is not over for Sam.  On the way back, we stopped in Caldwell, Texas to get gas.  At this particular station, gas was $3.36, cheaper than the other stations.  When I pulled up to the pump, a guy came out and started cleaning my windshield.  My first thought that it was a guy off the street trying to make a buck.  Then, I realized that he worked for the station and was cleaning everyone's windshield.  It has been many years since a service station attendent cleaned my windshield.  Of course, I remember the days when gas was 19.9 cents a gallon.  I would pull up to the pump in my 48 Chevy and get a dollars worth, which would last me most of the week.  Back then, you were not allowed to pump the gas yourself.  They did it, cleaned your windshield and checked a bunch of other things on your car.  My, how things have changed.
It was later than usual, but I worked out at Nautilus this evening and went to the track after dark and run laps.

Other Running Blogs

I read other running blogs and am always impressed by the adventures and experiences of other runners.  Many are well-written and creatively displayed.  My blog seems to be more of a log of my daily running.  While most of my posts are short and report my distance for the day, latest pain or completed race, I think it reflects of life of streaking.  Sometimes, it is even hard to come up with a title for the daily entry.  Unless I am befallen with a serious injury or illness that keeps me from running at least a mile, I will get out and run.  That has not occurred in over two and a half years, so I will keep working on my streak and writing short reports.  Do not expect more from this blog.  If you are inspired by my consistency, wonderful.
In the meantime, I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening, while the others ran trails.  It was very humid and even rained a little during the run.  No complaints about the rain, but got none at my house.

Feeling Good

The pain in my calf seems to have gone and  there is very little pain in my hamstrings.  And, I am careful to stretch before running.  So, at the moment, I am feeling good, even though I know that I have to rebuild strength in my hamstrings.  After more heavy yard work this afternoon, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran 3 miles on the roads in town.  School is out, so the traffic is lighter.

Recovery Run

I realize that it is Sunday, but after church I did a lot of heavy yard work, including heavy lifting.  My back was really sore and stiff, so I layed down for a while.  It was hard to get up and go run.  But, that is what streakers do; run when you don't want to.  I went to the track in town and then ran 1.8 miles on the roads.

Running Jacks 5K

I drove about 75 miles east this morning to Diboll, Texas to run the Running Jacks 5K.  Diboll is just south of Lufkin and I am a member of the Lufkin Area Pacesetters (LAPS).  The photo here is of me and my LAPS friends.  Nice course, starting and finishing at the high school track.  I finished in 36:30 and was first in my 70 & over age group (yep, I was the only one in the age group).  I was relieved that I did not have sharp pains in my calf.  With that, I will sign up for the Race for the Pennant 10K (Astros Run) next Saturday.

Friday

After doing yard work today and spraying around the house to keep the critters out, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  Then, my wife, son and I went down to Spring (north of Houston) and met up with another son and my niece to visit with a very ill friend.  After visiting, we all went out to dinner.

Another switch to 2 miles

I planned to run 3 miles on the park roads this evening while the others ran trails.  I had sharp pains in the left calf after a quarter mile, so I cut the run to 2 miles.  This is getting old.  I need to get back to normal.

Signed up for the BCS Marathon

I took advantage of the early bird special today and signed up for the BCS Marathon on December 9, 2012 in College Station.  That is the third marathon I have signed up for for the 2012/2013 season.  The others are the Texas Marathon on January 1, 2013 and The Woodlands Marathon on March 2, 2013.  If my hamstrings hold up, I plan to get in 10 to 15 total for the season.
I went out for a 3-mile road run this evening, but cut it to 2 miles after that left calf started hurting.  I drank a real cold beer when I got home and iced it for 30 minutes.

Cool Evening

After a light rain much of the day, it was rather cool this evening.  I put on new Saucony running shoes out of the box, worked out at Nautilus and then ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.  It was the first time in many years that I have run in anything but Asics. 

Darned Calf

I spent much of the day over in Bryan, Texas, but got home in time for a workout at Nautilus and a road run.  The darned left calf was sore, so I only ran 1.3 miles.  Guess I will have to take it easy for the next few days.

Six Miles

After church today, I went to the Sam Houston State and Southeast Louisiana baseball game and watched Sam Houston clinch the conference title.  Really nice weather today, temperature in the low 80's and low humidity.  After the game, I ran 6 miles on the roads in the city.  I felt strong, but that left calf bothered me after a couple miles.  I'll walk a few feet and then it is okay.  I have the whole summer for it to get better.

YMCA 5K Trail Run

I drove about 30 miles to the south this morning to run the YMCA 5K Trail Run in Conroe.  After all the rain yesterday, the trails were muddy and slippery.  I took it easy, zig zagging to avoid slipping or tripping and messing up my hamstrings.  I managed to get through the course without falling.  My time was 40 minutes even.  I finished 3rd in the 65 & Over age group and at 70, was the oldest runner in the race.
After taking a nap this afternoon, I went to the Sam Houston State-Southeastern Louisiana baseball game and then took my wife and son to the new Olive Garden Restaurant in Huntsville.  My son could not make it tomorrow, so it was an early Mothers Day dinner for my wife.

Easy Friday

As I do on many Fridays, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  I have a 5K trail run tomorrow morning in Conroe and it may be a little muddy after today's rain.  However, I am still not complaining about the rain.

Yard Work

I spent most of the day working on my front yard, trying to reestablish a lawn devastated by last summer's drought.  With more rain this spring, it looks fairly healthy.  The problem is that I have too many healthy weeds.  I did take a break this evening for a workout at Nautilus and then 2 miles on the roads at the park.

Non-Routine Day

I got up this morning and found that my computer would not connect to the Internet nor would my house phone work.  I went to the AT&T store and found that some construction workers working on a highway project near our sub-division cut the telephone cable.  They said it would be fixed by May 12 (4 days from now).  So I had no phone or Internet all day.  I went to Nautilus early this afternoon to work out and then ran 1.7 miles on the roads in town.  This evening, I attended my wife's annual Master Gardener banquet.  It lasted 2 and a half hours.  I should have received an award for all the weeding I have to do in her garden.  The good news is that when we got home late tonight, the phone was working again.

Despite the Threat of Rain

We had a good crowd at the park this evening, despite the threat of a heavy rain.  Got a fews sprinkles, but that was it.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while the others ran trails.  I have decided to stay off the trails until I get the strength back in my hamstrings.

Unplanned Course

I ran an unplanned course on the roads in town this evening, even ran a couple of streets I have never ran on before.  Thought the course was at least 3 miles, but when I measured it online tonight, I found it to be only 2.3.  Oh well, another day of streaking.

Skipped a Day

You may have noticed that I did not blog yesterday.  I got up yesterday and drove 300+ miles to Baton Rouge., LA to attend my niece's wedding last night.  I did get in a run on the streets of Baton Rouge before the wedding.  Actually, it was the first time I have ever run in Louisiana.  I drove back to Texas today and went down to The Woodlands for the Sunday Night 5K.  It was my 28th time for running that race (1st Sunday of each month) and I finished it in 37:30.

Sore Calf

I have had pain in my left calf for the last few days, so I am taking it easy.  I already have enough issues with my wheels.  I ran 1.6 miles on the roads in town this afternoon.

Shoes

I had to go down to The Woodlands this evening for a family get-together, so I worked out at Nautilus this afternoon and ran laps at the track.  While in The Woodlands, I visited the Fleet Feet running store and talked to my old friend, Stan Timmer about running shoes.  I have been running in Asics Fortitude for years, because they are a nuetral shoe and are suppose to be the best shoe if you run in custom orthotics.  The problem is that the Fortitude IV's are poorly designed and quickly develop holes in the top of shoe over the big toes.  My "new shoes," which I have been running in for just a few weeks already have holes in them.  I did not have that problem with the II and III models, which are no longer available.  Since I go through 5 or 6 pairs of shoes a year, it is important that I make them last as long as possible and that I get a good price.  So, I will no longer run in Asics.  Stan sold me a pair of Saucony Progrid 4's, which is another nuetral shoe.  I'll try them.  Besides, they are much lighter than the Fortiude and I may just run faster.

Wandered around town

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I drove to the track and then started running roads, some of which I had never run on.  I checked the distance later and it turned out to be an even 3 miles.

Should have run trails

I worked out at Nautilus early this afternoon and then ran 3 miles on the roads around town.  I finished in time to attend the Sam Houston State and Texas A&M baseball game here in Huntsville.  The game started at 6:30 p.m., so I skipped meeting the group at the park.  It was a terrible game; I should have run trails.  Sam Houston, rated #21, lost to Texas A&M, rated #9, 10 to 0.  However, the good news is that my leg seemed okay today.  It was a little painful when I used certain muscles, but it was not painful while I was running.

Pulled Something

I was sitting down this evening and somehow pulled or tore something in the hamstring area of my left leg.  Sharp pain.  The pain came back several times when I got up or sat down.  I worked out and Nautilus and then ran 1.7 miles on the roads.  Thankfully, the pain did not come back while running.  Hopefully, it is nothing to worry about.  I hate to think about what it is going to be like when I get old.

Race to Educate 5K

I ran the Race to Educate 5K on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station this morning.  Finished in 36:30.  They rented our club's race clock, so I took it over and set it up.  I was almost late.  There was a bad traffic accident a couple miles from College Station and the highway was closed.  I had to drive nearly 20 miles on a detour to make it the last 2 miles.  It was a nice small race with no age group awards or other such frills.  They did have a nice race clock, though.  After the race, I went to my favorite Mexican Restuarant for breakfast, the CocoLoco in nearby Bryan.

Spring Fling 5K

Our Seven Hills Running Club held its monthly club run this morning in the Elkins Lake Sub-division.  Sixty two runners and walkers participated in the Spring Fling 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk.  The 5K course was out and back on the roads and nothing but hills.  I finished in 37:23, exactly 1 minute faster than the trail 5K last Saturday.

Laps

After doing yard work for much of the day, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  Then, on to the Sam Houston State baseball game.  Nice clear and cool weather for the same, but Sam lost.

Late Post

I am posting a little late tonight.  This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Then, later tonight, I went to a movie with my son.  No big deal, but it was the first time I have watched a movie in years.  When I got home from the movie, I signed took advantage of the early bird special (expires at midnight tonight) and signed up for the March 2, 2013 The Woodlands Marathon.  If the early bird entry fee was $90, I hate to think what the regular entry fee will be.

Usual Routine

I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran 3 miles on the roads in town.  Nice weather, still not too humid.

Two on the Park Roads

While the rest of the group ran trails at the park this evening, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  After getting home and a quick shower and dinner, I made the last half of the Sam Houston - Houston Baptist U. baseball game on campus.  Of course, Sam Houston won.

Out of Order

I had to go to an informal dinner to welcome our new pastor at church at 5 this evening, so I ran laps at 4.  Then, I went home for a shower and on to the church.  After eating too much, I went straight to Nautilus for a workout.  That was hard after a heavy meal.  The sequence was out of the normal order.

New 5K

I went to the track this afternoon and started running an unplanned route on the roads in town.  I passed the downtown square, ran in front of and around the Walls Prison Unit, through the Sam Houston State University campus and then back to the track.  I had never run this particular course before, so when I got home I measured the distance on the USA Track & Field Route Finder web site.  It turned out to be exactly a 5K (3.1 miles).

Footprints on Earth 5K Trail Run

I ran the Footprints on Earth 5K Trail Run in College Station this morning.  It was put on by the Forestry Department of Texas A&M.  After the rain came though yesterday, it was cold last night and this morning.  The temperature was in the low 50's at race time.  It is surely the last cool temperature we will see until next fall.  The race was rather small, a little over 100 runners and walkers.  What I did not realize was that the race was on trails.  Lots of heavy gravel and places to turn an ankle.  With my weak hamstring, I took it easy and finished in 38:23.  Each finisher was given two trees and I won a nice door prize, dinner for 5 at Chipotle's.

Restful Friday

I did not do a whole lot today, but I did go to the track late this morning and run laps.   Besides, it rained this afternoon and I have a 5K tomorrow morning.

Rebuilding Strength

Most of the pain from my hamstring pulls and tears is gone now. I am just trying to rebuild strength. My legs feel a lot more stable than they did just a few weeks ago. I will continue to run at the park a couple times a week, but I will minimize trail running for the fear of tripping and repulling the hamstrings. I met up with the group this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads, while the others ran trails.

Football Game

I worked out at Nautilus this evening, squeezed in a 1.3-mile run in town and then attended the Sam Houston State orange-white football scrimmage game. Finallty got around to eating supper about 9 p.m.

Flashlight Dash 5K

I went to the Sam Houston State baseball game with University of Houston this evening in Huntsville. The game started at 6:30 and I left the game just before 8:00 to go run the Flashlight Dash 5K on campus at 8:30. The course was 2 loops around the campus. Nice race for $10. T-shirt and plenty of pizza after the race. I finished in 32:52, which means the course was a little short. Sam Houston won the game 5 to 4.

Finally, more rain

Not expecting any rain today, I started watering my lawn this morning. I was glad to turn off the water when it started raining. It rained off and on for most of the day. I finished up my column for the paper this afternoon, worked out at Nautilus and then ran 2 miles on the roads in town.

Late Post

Busy day. Church, yard work, 3-hour running club officer meeting, working on my newspaper column, guests over tonight. Earlier today (Sunday), I squeezed in a 2.8-mile run on the roads in town. Tomorrow, I have to start working on my taxes.

Hog's Hunt

I got up at 5:15 this morning to work as a volunteer at the Hog's Hunt 50K, 25K and 10K Trail Runs at the Huntsville State Park. I worked as a course guard back in the park and at the same time, manned a water-only aid station. I was there on my feet from 6:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. When I finally got home, I worked on race results for the club web site and then ran laps at the track. Then, I attended a birthday party tonight. I will sleep well tonight.

Couple Miles

I ran 2 miles on the roads in town this evening. Nice weather. Not too hot, yet.

Roads at the Park

I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening. No strange encounters, except for a couple horse flies.

Strange Encouters

I suppose we all encounter strange things when we are out running. I remember getting growled at by a bobcat while running trails and being chased by a duck when running the streets of Huntsville. Today, I was doing a 1.7-mile run on the streets. I heard someone coming up behind me and it was a guy about 15 years old who I have never seen before. He said, "You run pretty fast for an old guy. I've been trying to catch up with you for a long time." He was running in shorts and cowboy boots. He turned left and I went straight. Only in Texas!
A few years ago, I was running in the evening in July or August, when I got stopped by an old lady. She started chewing me out for running in the heat. I tried to tell her that I was use to running the heat and was always careful. Finally she said, "I hope you find Jesus so He can teach you not to run in the heat."
Another strange encounter was on the trails at the park years ago. I was running alone and saw two does on the trail ahead. They ran off, but right where they were standing there was two bucks laying on the trail. I picked up the two bucks and bought a lottery ticket on the way home, but I lost. That was the only money I have ever found on the trails.

Another Three with Amie

Amie and I went out to the park this evening and met up with the group. Amie and I ran the same 3-mile course that we ran yesterday.

Three with Amie

My niece, Amie, is visiting with us. So, this evening we went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Three on Easter

After our big family get-together yesterday, it was a relatively quiet Easter. This evening, I ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

Late Run

We had a house full of visiting family all day and I ate too much. I finally got around to running laps at the track after 8 tonight.

Nine Miles

I met up with Callye at the park this morning and we ran 9 miles on the trails.

900

Today was my 900th consecutive day of running. I went well past 900 in two of my previous 3 streaks. Since 1997, I have only missed 18 days, 14 in 2002 for an appendectomy and 4 in 2009 due to the doctor's misdiagnosis of a knee injury.
We had a large group at the park this evening. I ran 3 miles on the trails with the mosquitos.

Work on the Knees

I have three different problems with my knees and I am doing more work at Nautilus to gain strength and flexiblity. I did extra work on the knees at Nautilus today and then ran 2.1 miles on the roads in town.

Tuesday Trails

Normal Tuesday, trails at the park with the group. We went different directions and I think the course I ended up running with about 3.5 miles.

Short Road Run

My hamstring was a little sore today, so I ran 1.3 miles on the roads in town this evening.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 27th time, I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands. My friend, Debbie Tripp, was there and ran it with me. We had a nice visit and finished in 37:32.

10K in Livingston

I ran a 10K on the park roads at Livingston State Park in Livingston this morning. That's about 50 east of Huntsville. It was one of the most poorly managed races that I have been to, starting with no restrooms in the start/finish area. I am considering sending them a critique, so they will have an opportunity to improve it next year. I finished in 1:21:13 and did not place in the 50 & Over age group (combined males and females). They gave certificates for age group awards, anyway. The race T-shirt was one of the worst I ever received. I gave mine away. If the race had not given me the opportunity to visit with some old friends in Livingston and get a hamburger after the race, it would have been a complete waste of $30.

Four Days in a Row at the Park

I met up with Jacob and Callye this morning at the park to run trails. They ran 8+ miles and, since I am running a 10K tomorrow, I ran 3.

Rain Scared Most Runners Off

We had heavy rains in Huntsville this afternoon, but it quit raining in time for our group trail run this evening. It was just me, Jacob, Phillip, Jason and Glen. I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while they ran trails. The hamstring feels a lot better, but I know that I have to rebuild the strength. That will take some time, but it is nice not to have the pain.

Trails on Wednesday

Phillip, Jacob, Callye and I met up at the park at 10 a.m. today to run trails. I ran 6.9 miles and managed to avoid any trips on roots that would aggravate my hamstrings.

Alligator

We had a large group running trails at the park this evening. I ran 3 miles on the trails, which included the trail along the lake. In all the years I have been running trails at the park, it was the first time I've seen an alligator while running. It was in the water a few feet from the shore.

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.