Steamy at the Park

It rained at the park this evening, so it was hot and steamy.  My intention was to run 5 miles on the roads, but I was done after 3.

Unplanned Route

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I drove to the track and ran an unplanned  road route from there.  It turned out to be 4.4 miles.

Tempted to get back on the trails

I have stayed off the trails all summer for fear of tripping and repulling my hamstrings.  I keep meeting the group at the park and running the hilly paved park roads while the others run trails.  This evening, I ran 3 miles.  Starting with the Tyler Marathon on October 6, I hope to get in 3 road marathons in October.  Then, I plan to run the Rocky Raccoon 50K Trail Run at Huntsville State Park on November 3 and the Texas Trail 50K at the same park on December 1.  Both are streak races.  This will be my 12th consecutive year for Rocky Raccoon and my 17th for the Sunmart/Texas Trail 50K.  If I can resist the temptation, I will wait until late September before getting back on the trails.  Long training runs on the trails seem a lot easier than long runs on the roads.

Mid-Afternoon Run

I had to take my wife down to The Woodlands for a 4:30 doctor's appointment today.  So, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town at 2:30 this afternoon.  After the appointment, we met my son, who lives in Houston, at the Olive Garden in The Woodlands for dinner.

Sunday Night 5K x 2

As usual on the first Sunday of each month, I went down to The Woodlands this evening to run the Sunday Night 5K.  It rained shortly before the race, so it was hot and steamy.  I was completely soaked in sweat when I finished.  My time was 37:35.  Since I had already made the trip to the "flatlands," I went ahead and ran the course again.  Not really a long run, but I got in a total of 6.2 miles.

Outriggers 5K on the Bay

I got up at 4:30 this morning for the 100-plus mile drive down to Seabrook for the Outriggers 5K on the Bay.  As expected, it was hot and humid down on the coast.  However, the course was flat and the post-race pizza and beer was good.  I finished in 35:50, which placed me 4th in the 70-79 age group.  

Short Friday Run

Since it is Friday and I have a race tomorrow, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Six Chicks Showed up at the Park

When we run at the state park, the group meets at the parking lot outside the park next the the I-45 service road and then drives into the park together.  This evening, there were six chickens hanging out in the parking lot.  I cannot imagine where they came from or how they got there.  We did find out that chickens love M&M's.  I ran 2.2 miles on the park roads with James, while the others ran trails.  When we left the park, the chickens were still in the parking lot.

Quiet Streets

With only the summer classes going on at Sam Houston State, the streets around the university are relatively quiet.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran a 3-mile loop on the streets in town.

Easy Two

Due to a couple hamstring pains late in my run yesterday, I did an easy 2 miles on the roads at the park this evening.  No problem with the hamstring, but it was hot and humid.  Guess you expect that on the last day of July in Texas.

Avenues 5K with Mary

I ran the hilly Avenues 5K course this evening with my old running buddy, Mary Jenke.  She is starting to train for the Huntsville Half on October 27.  Late in the run going up the steep hill on Avenue O, I felt some pain in my right hamstring.  Ugh!  Sure do not want that injury again.  I took it easy and finished up the run.  Short run tomorrow.

Marathon Training has Begun

I started my marathon training today with a 7.5-mile run on the streets in town this evening.  It was hot, but I planned my route so I could stop at my truck once and get more water.  With my first marathon of the season on October 6, I have just over 2 months to train.  The longer run today was much more comfortable than the long runs last fall with pulled hamstrings.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I drove down for the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  This race is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, but I have not run it for some time.  It was hot, but I thought I was running well.  I was surprized by my slow 37:23 finish.
I went back down to The Woodlands tonight for a party hosted by John and Gina Slate.  It was to celebrate John's upcoming Leadville 100-Mile Trail Run in Colorado.  It was nice party and I wish John the best of luck at Leadville.

Friday Routine

As I do on most Fridays before a Saturday race, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Went to the Park Twice

I spent most of the afternoon at the state park fishing with my son.  We did not catch anything.  Guess it was too hot.  Then, I went back to the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Three More

I ran a 3-mile course on the roads in town this evening.  It is hot, but nothing compared to the heat wave/drought last summer.  In fact, I still have green grass in my yard.

Three at the Park

We had a nice crowd for our trail run at the park this evening.  Even had some new people.  It was also good to have Callye back from her surgery.  I am still off the trails and my hamstrings continue to improve.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads while everyone else ran trails.

Visiting Family

I had visiting family today, but I managed to squeeze in a short workout at Nautilus and a 1.3-mile road run.

Muggy

It was very muggy today and I had a sluggish 4.5 mile run on the roads in town.

Rock Island 4H Hempstead Watermelon Festival 5K

I drove a little over an hour to Hempstead this morning for the Rock Island 4H Hempstead Watermelon Festival 5K.  I ran this race in 1996 (28:03) and they have not had it since until this year.  The course was fairly flat and through neiborhoods near downtown and the Watermelon Festival.  Rather small, less than 100 runners.  The course seemed accurate and I thought I ran fairly well.  I finished in 34:53, which was my best time since pulling and tearing my hamstrings last summer and fall.  I finished 2nd of 4 or 5 in the 60 and over age group.  Besides a 2nd place medal, I was given a framed certificate for being the oldest runner in the race.  Then, I also got a free watermelon.  What a deal!
After the race, I drove over to Fleet Feet in The Woodlands to return the Saucony shoes I bought in May.  I ran in them for 29 days (69 miles) and the right heel wore out.  They gave me store credit for the full price of the shoes.  That was nice of them.  I will buy another pair of Asics from them when they get them in.

Yard Work

I spent most of the hottest part of the day doing yardwork.  With all the rain this summer, I have to mow and trim every few days.  It is such a contrast to the drought last summer.  Since I have a race tomorrow, I did a short 1.5-mile run on the roads in town this evening.

Houston Today

I picked up the brochures/entry forms for the 34th Annual Huntsville Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K Run/Walk from the printer this morning and then drove south and distributed them at running stores and other places in The Woodlands and in Houston.  It was a 190-mile drive.  When I returned, I worked out at Nautilus, distributed some at places locally and then ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.  The race is on October 27.

Cross Training

My left foot was still sore today, so I removed the new custom orthotics and replaced them with the old ones.  I will see if that makes a difference.  I ran laps this afternoon and decided I needed some cross training.  So, I went fishing.

Bald headed rooster somewhere

I ran laps at the track early this afternoon and then had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for Synvisc injections in both knees.  I have arthritis under both knee caps and Synvisc is a lubricate that works for 15 to 18 months.  Synvisc is the stuff from a rooster's cone.  So, there is a bald headed rooster out there somewhere and I appreciate his donation.  This is the third time I have received the injections and they work great.

Stormy Weather

After working out at Nautilus, I went out for a run on the streets.  A storm was moving in, but I managed to get in 2.4 miles.  My left foot is sore (feels like plantar fasciitis).  I sure do not need that now.  Many years ago, I had surgery on that foot to fix that problem.  So, I am not sure what the problem is.  I iced it when I got home and will take it easy for a few days.

Day 1 of the Next Thousand

My run today was the first of the next thousand days.  It rained early this afternoon as we drove down to Houston for lunch with my son and niece.  The sun was out when we left the restaurant and we stopped at a couple of stores on the way back to Huntsville.  I ran 2.7 miles on the roads in town this evening.  I felt sluggish as the humidity was very high.

1,000 and 600

I ran the Dog Days 5K here in Huntsville this morning.  Today was my 1,000th consecutive day of running.  I have been at the 1,000 mark twice on previous streaks, even got over 2,000 on one.  The race was my 600th since I started racing in 1983.  I finished the race this morning in 37:15.

Mushrooms

With all the rain lately, my yard is full of mushrooms.  I have enough to put Monterey Mushrooms out of business.  While it is not raining this morning and the grass was fairly dry, I went out to mow the lawn.  I made one swath through the yard and then there was a sudden downpour for 5 minutes.  So, when the rain let up, I finished mowing anyway.
Since I have a race in the morning, I went over to Veterans Memorial Blvd. and ran a mile plus.  Day 999.

Sun was shining

The sun was actually shining when the group met at the park this evening.  I did my normal 2 miles on the park roads, while the others ran trails.  Day 998!

Cooler, but very humid

It was cloudy all day, with some light rain.  With that, it was very humid.  I ran 4.8 miles on the roads in town this evening and was completely soaked in sweat when I finished.  It was day 997 of my current running streak.  I will run the Dog Days 5K on Saturday.  That will be 1,000 and my 600th race.

Birthday Party Today

Once a year, we have a birthday party at the park for several members of our trail running group who have a brithday in the summer.  We meet at a parking lot just outside of the park and most of the spouses also attend.  Most of us run before the party starts.  I did 2 miles on the park roads before joining the party.  It was raining when we arrived at the park, but luckily it stopped soon afterwards and the party was dry.

Run between rains

We had a lot of rain this afternoon (still no complaining).  After working out at Nautilus, I ran the roads around town.  The lightning got close during my run and I cut it off at 2.9 miles.

Much needed rain

The rain was all around us yesterday, but we missed out at my house.  However, we finally got some this afternoon and chances look good for the week.  In any case, so much more than last year.  I still have grass in my yard.  I ventured out this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads in town.  I have soreness in my left foot, so I will take it easy this week.

Freedom 5K

Marilynn and I drove 100 miles up to Nacogdoches (oldest city in Texas) this morning for the Freedom 5K.  Donna Fabian from Huntsville was also there.  It was hot and very humid, but I finished the relatively flat course through residential neighborhoods in 36:20.   It was my 599th race since 1983.

Laps

I ran laps at the track at 3 this afternoon.  Resting up for a long drive and 5K in Nacogdoches.

Felt like it should have been Sunday

With the race yesterday, it felt like today should have been Sunday.  I guess that means that my body clock is based on racing every Saturday.  I ran the usual 2-mile road course at the park this evening.  It's plenty hot, but 2 miles is survivable.

Nowhere but Centerville

Nowhere but Centerville are you going to find a $10 race entry for a 5K with a T-shirt, 14-inch trophy for 2nd in age group and refreshments after the race.  My wife and son and drove up to Centerville for Stu's Country Mile 5K this morning.  This was my 17th consecutive year for running this race.  I finished in 37:38 and got 2nd in the 66 and over age group.  My wife walked the distance and came in last place.  However, she won 1st in her age group win and came home with a bigger trophy.  We had a lot of club members there and, as usual, we all went to the Town Cafe for breakfast before watching the 4th of July parade around the downtown square.

Centerville Tomorrow

Tomorrow, I will be running Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville, 45 minutes north of Huntsville.  It was in that race last year that I pulled the hamstring in my right leg.  Later, I tore the hamstring above the knee in my right leg and then pulled the hamstring in my left leg.  Then, in February, I fell and repulled the one in my left leg.  It has been a tough year.  I have run slow, ugly and at times in much pain.  For months, I felt like my legs were going to collapse - and at one point they did.   I managed to run 6 marathons, switched to the half in some others and skipped some others altogether.  Most of the pain is gone now and I am slowly rebuilding strength.  Through it all, however, I have kept my running streak alive.
This evening, I went to the park and ran the usual 2 miles on the park roads, while the others ran trails.

Back to Monday

This morning, I wrote my running column for the paper tomorrow and then did yardwork.  The column is already online.  Click HERE.  This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran an unplanned route on the streets in town.  The course turned out to be 3.1 miles.

Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight for the 30th time.  Finished in 36:52, a few seconds slower than last month.

No race this Saturday

There were no races around this Saturday morning.  I ran laps at the track this morning and then attended a long lunch hour meeting with the other Seven Hills Running Club officers.  Then, I left for a family get together in Tyler and just got back to Huntsville.

Signed up for The Louisiana Marathon

I just signed up for The Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge on January 20, 2013.
My son, Ben, and I went fishing at Huntsville State Park this afternoon, but did not even get a bite.  Since it was Friday afternoon, the pier was loaded with people.
This evening, I ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

Signed up for Tyler Rose Marathon

I just signed up for the Tyler Rose Marathon to be held on October 7, 2012.  It will be my first marathon of the season.  I hope to get in about 15 total for the Texas season.  Just hope the hamstrings hold up.  I ran the Tyler Marathon two years ago and was signed up to run it again last year.  Because of the hamstring problem, I had to switch to the half marathon.  It is a hilly course, but I am use to running hills.  It is those uneven red brick streets that I hate.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.

Only 100

It got up to only 100 degrees this afternoon and was a cool 97 when I ran 3 miles on the roads in town this evening.

Even Hotter

I had to run some errands 30 miles down I-45 in Conroe this afternoon.  The exterior thermometer on my car showed it to be 110 degrees.  The group ran at the park at 6 p.m. and it was surely over 100 degrees then - with high humidity.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while most did a 3-mile loop.

Hottest Day

It was over 100 degrees in Huntsville today for the first time this summer.  I woke up early this morning to the sound of an alarm on my aerobic system (sewage treatment plant) in my backyard.  I had to get a serviceman out to fix the pump in the system and that cost me $250.  Maybe we will eventually be annexed by the city and get connected to their sewer system.  So, I finally got to take a shower later this afternoon.  Such is country life.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town.  I suppose that it was still over 100 when I ran about 6 p.m.

Three

I waited until about 6:30 this evening and then drove to the track and ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

Polish Pickle 5K

I went to bed after midnight last night with the intention of getting up at 5 a.m.  I woke up at 3 a.m. and never went back to sleep.  Got out of bed at 5 a.m. and drove up to Bremond (90 miles) for the 17th consecutive Polish Pickle 5K.  As usual, it was hot and they had a record crowd of about 700 runners.  I finished in 35:44 and got 2nd of 7 in my 70-74 age group.  That was my best 5K time on an accurate course since my hamstring pulls and tear, so I was okay with that time.  I took a short nap this afternoon after getting home and then went to an anniversary party for some friends tonight.

Rest Day

Since I am running the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond tomorrow, I rested today.  Ran laps at the track.

Two at the Park

I met up with a small group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  The hamstrings seem to be getting stronger.  I plan to run my first marathon of the season in Tyler on October 7, so I will need to start getting my distance up next month.  I am always apprehensive about the first marathon of the season, especially after the pulled and torn hamstrings during the last year. 

Longest Day

Today, June 20, is the longest day of the year.  I started the day with breakfast at IHOP.  A young couple and their small child were at the table next to me.  The young man was wearing Wounded Warrior T-shirt and was missing both of his arms.  He ate with his foot.  We must not forget the sacrifices that our servicemen have made and continue to make to protect us from terriorism.
I worked much of the day on my lawn.  Then, I lawn mower broke and I drove 30 miles down to Conroe to get a part to fix it.  While there, there was a very heavy rain storm.  Unfortunately, it was not headed for Huntsville.  So, after getting back home, I was able to fix the lawn mower and  finish the yard.
About 6 p.m., I worked out at Nautilus and then ran 4.2 miles on the roads in town.
It's nice to have a long day to get everything done.

Back to the Park

I went back to the state park this evening to run with the group.  It was raining, so just the hardcore runners showed up.  It was Phillip, James, Craig and me.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while they all did 3 on the trails.  One good thing, the horse flies do not attack while it is raining.

Cross Training

I decided to do some cross training this afternoon, so I took my son, Ben, fishing at Huntsville State Park.  There was a 5-foot alligator hanging around the fishing pier the whole time we were there.  I could not find my good rod and reel, so I fished with an old one.  I left it unattended on the railing for a few seconds and a big fish took the bait and my rod and reel.  Ben had a second one, so I used that and was careful to hang on to it.  Ben and I both caught a Bass (3 to 4 pounds).  Nice relaxing afternoon.
This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran 1.8 miles on the roads in town.

All 4 Quadrants

I went to the track this evening and then ran an unplanned road route from there.  It took me through all 4 quadrants of the city and turned out to be 5.9 miles.

June Bug 5K

It was hot and humid this morning for the June Bug 5K in Huntsville.  I finished the very hilly course in 38:27, almost a minute slower than the same race last year.

New Shoes

I ran 2 miles on the roads in town in new Asics Fortitude 4 shoes.  It will be the last pair I buy.  After they are worn out, I will try the new Fortitude 5's that are still in the box in my closet.

No more Saucony's

A month ago, I bought a pair of Saucony ProGrid 4 running shoes for $100.  The sole is worn out.  I'm tough on running shoes, but one month is crazy.  I wear custom orthotics and need a neutral shoe.  For years, I have worn Asics Fortitude and they last me several months.  Then, they came out with the Fortitude 4 model and my big toes come out of the top of the shoe in just a couple weeks.  They did not do that on the earlier models.  That is why I tried Saucony ProGrid.  I still have one more pair of the Fortitude 4, but recently found a new Fortitude 5 online for $72.  I have those now and it appears that the upper part of the Fortitude 5 is like the old 1, 2 and 3's.  Maybe they will be okay.  I just have to find a reliable source at a good price.
As usual, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2-miles on the roads.  Biting flies were bad; I need to run faster.

In Houston Today

I ran laps at the track this morning and then went down to Houston for a family get-together.  From there, I drove my son and his girlfriend to the airport in Houston and got back tonight.

Rain when you don't expect it

With a low percent chance of rain today, I watered my lawn this morning.  Later this afternoon, we had heavy wind, rain and lightning.  I sure do not want to complain about the rain, but Jacob and I were the only regulars who showed up at the park this evening.  My son, Tim, and his girlfriend, Phoebe, who are visiting from Yuma, AZ, and my wife came along this evening.  They went hiking in the rain and lightning, while Jacob and I ran.  I did 2 miles on the road, while Jacob ran trails.

Early Run

Even though it was awfully hot and humid, I worked out early this afternoon because I had to go to a family thing this evening.  I ran an unplanned course on the roads in town, which turned out to be 2.6 miles.  Earlier today, I received my copy of the quarterly newsletter from the U. S. Running Streak Association.  It is always great reading the stories written by fellow streakers.  Some have gone to extremes to keep their streak alive.  It makes me realize that I am a wimp.

Sluggish

I don't know if it is the hot and humid weather or the fact that I had family visiting today and ate too much, but I ran 3.1 miles on the roads in town this evening and felt very sluggish.

Greyhound 5K

I got up at 5 this morning to drive 90 miles up to Kosse, Texas for the Greyhound 5K.  Nice race with about 150 runners and walkers.  I ran it once before year before last.  My time then was 33:48 and this morning it was 36:12, exactly the same as my time at the Heights 5K in Houston last Saturday.  Slow, but consisent.  I was first of two in my 70 & Over age group.  After getting back to Huntsville and taking a nap, I drove down to Houston to pick up my son and his girlfriend at the airport.

Funeral in Spring

My wife and I drove down to Spring, Texas this morning to attend the funeral of a friend who passed away last Sunday night.  He was only 39 and died from a brain tumor.  We were down to visit with him on May 18.  I did yard work this afternoon and ran laps at the track this evening.  I have to get up early tomorrow for a race.

Robinson Plantation

Darren, our running club president, and I drove 20 miles east over to Point Blank, Texas this morning to visit the old Robinson Plantation.  It is now owned by the parents of Leah, one of our club members.  She and her parents proposed it as a great place for a race.  So, Darren and I went to check it out.  What a beautiful place!  The plantation house was built in 1857 and once sit on over 3,000 acres.  Now it sits on a well-manicured 40 acres.  The owners, Bill and Barbara, searching with metal detectors, have found many artifacts over the years.  In fact, so many that they have built a museum to house and display their collection.  The plantation was 8.4 miles from General Sam Houston's plantation and General Sam had visited the Robinson Plantation house many times, as well as Govenor Wood, the second govenor of Texas.  We received a guided tour of the museum and a jeep tour of the entire grounds.  Then, Leah and her parents treated us to a wonderful lunch at the plantation house.  We have some running courses in mind and will try to set up a race their later.
In the meantime, I went to the ye olde state park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads, while the others ran trails.

Astros Game

It is after midnight and I just got back from the Astros-Cardinals game in Houston.  Before going down this afternoon, I got in a workout at Nautilus and a 1.9-mile run on the roads in town.  It was mid-afternoon and hot!

Two at the Park

While the others ran trails at the park this evening, I ran 2 miles on the hilly roads.

Cotton T-Shirts

I had on a cotton race T-shirt this afternoon and left the shirt on when I went running this evening.  I normally run in tech shirts and forgot how uncomfortable it was to run in a cotton shirt in hot and humid weather.  I ran 3 miles on the roads and my shirt was completely soaked in sweat.  No more cotton for running.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 29th time, I went down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 36:45, 33 seconds slower than the 5K in Houston yesterday.  Both are flat and accurate courses and it was hot and humid for both.

Heights 5K

For the second year in a row, I drove down to Houston early this morning to run the Heights 5K.  The course is out and back and very flat.  The surface is smooth asphalt.  The best runners in Houston were there.  In fact, there were 9 runners who finished in under 17 minutes.  Last year, I ran 34:15 and was first of five in the 70 -74 age group.  This morning, I finished in 36:12 and was third of four.

Houston

My wife and son and I drove down to Houston late this morning for the Sam Houston State - University of Arkansas baseball game at 1 p.m. at Rice University.  It was the first game of the Houston Regional NCAA Tournament.  Arkansas won, but it was a close game.  After the game, I went to Luke's Locker in west Houston to pick up my packet for the Heights 5K in Houston tomorrow.  We got caught up in the evening rush hour traffic and did not get back to Huntsville until about 6:30 this evening.  I went over to the track and ran laps when I got home.  The race starts at 7:30 tomorrow, so I have to get up early.

Steamy Evening

After a much needed rain this morning, it was hot and steamy at the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while everyone else ran trails.

3.3

After Nautilus this evening, I ran an unplanned course on the roads in town.  It turned out to be 3.3 miles.

Went to Bryan

I had to drive over to Bryan, Texas (50 miles) this afternoon for an appointment.  While there, I had dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant, the Coco Loco.  I missed the run with the group at the park this evening, but I did get to Nautilus for a workout and then laps at the track after dark.

Memorial Day 5K

My wife and I hosted our Seven Hills Running Club's annual Memorial Day 5K at our house this morning.  The race started and finished in front of my house and was followed by breakfast fixed and served by my wife and two other club members.  We had 82 runners and a lot of family members.  Beautiful weather and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  There was virtually no traffic on the course and no dogs.  However, one runner made the wrong turn and ran an extra mile or so.  It did not seem like Monday, but this evening, I worked out at Nautilus and ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

Getting ready for tomorrow

Tomorrow, we are having the club's annual Memorial Day 5K starting and finishing at my house, with breakfast afterwards.  So, I spent most of the day getting ready.  I expect that we will have at least 75 runners.  I finally got around to running this evening.  Ran 2 miles on the roads in town.

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.