About Half and Half

I went out to the park late this morning and ran 6.5 miles, about half on the trails and half on the park roads.

Gruene Hall 10K

I ran 1.3 miles on the roads in Huntsville yesterday before leaving for New Braunfels (between Austin and San Antonio) and the Gruene Hall 10K this morning.  Last year, I ran this race in 1:16:38, a couple months after first pulling one of my hamstrings.  Sure felt a lot better this morning and ran it very comfortably.  I was surprized that my time this morning was 1:16:17, just a few seconds faster than last year.  I was 3 of 4 in the 70-74 age group. This is a great race, with about 500 runners, super post-race party with plenty of beer and live country music at Gruene Hall.  My wife and I made some stops on the way back to Huntsville, but got back in time for Sam Houston State's first football game of the season.  They won 54-7 before the largest crowd in regular season game history.  I think I got in another 10K walk from where I had to park.

Tapering

Since I did 6.5 yesterda and have a 10K on Saturday, I decided to start tapering today.  Besides, it was hot.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads while the others ran trails.

Park, again

It was in the high 90's this evening.  After working out at Nautilus I went to the state park and ran roads alone.  At least, the roads there are somewhat shady.  I ran 6.5 miles and got home in time to watch the Dallas Cowboys beat the NY Giants.  Off to a good start.

Back to Park Roads

With cuts on both knees from falling during last Saturday's trail run, I went back to running park roads this evening.  I ran 3 miles and tried to pick up my speed.

Unplanned Course

I drove to the track this evening and then ran an unplanned course through the Avenues.  Even ran on a street that I had never run on before.  The course ended up being 2.1 miles.

Sunday Night 5K

As usual on the first Sunday of the month, I went down to The Woodlands this evening and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  It was particularly hot and humid, but I can survive a 5K in any weather.  I finished in 37:08, a little faster than last month, but still way off my pre-hamstring injury times.

Signed up for the End of the World Marathon

I signed up for the End of the World Marathon in Humble, Texas on December 21, 2012.  The Day After the End of the World Marathon is on December 22 at the same place.  At this point, I am not sure I will do both.  I went out to the park late this morning and ran 9 miles on the trails.  It was hot and humid and that new Camelbak I bought really worked well.  I used up all 70 oz of water during the run.  I fell twice and cut my knees.  Oh heck, they heal in a week or so.  As long as the hamstrings are not pulled or torn, I am okay.

Signed up for the Mother Road Marathon

I just signed up for the Mother Road Marathon in Joplin, Missouri on October 14.  It is 7 days after the Tyler Rose Marathon, but I should be okay as long as my hamstrings hold up.  If all goes well, I will run another one the next weekend.  In the meantime, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town this evening, after doing yardwork this afternoon.

New Member of the Group

We had a new member join the trail running group this evening at the park.  Blake is a 13 year old 8th grader.  She had never run at the park but she went 6+ miles around the lake with our fastest runners.  We were impressed.  I ran a 4.2 miles course on the trails and finished at the same time the fastest group finished.  I did trip and fall running down a hill, but fortunately it was a relatively slow fall into a sandy area.  Just got dirty.

Heavy Traffic

With Sam Houston State back in session, traffic in town is much heavier.  After working out at Nautilus, I went to the track and ran an unplanned route on the roads around town.  The route turned out to be 5K (3.1 miles).

Trails Again

I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  Thank goodness for no trips or falls and my hamstrings are still intact.  I am always apprehensive about the first marathon of the season.  My first will be the Tyler Rose Marathon on October 7.  After that, no more long training runs.  Just run a marathon almost every weekend for the season.  That's my goal, anyway.

Return to the Trails

After staying off the trails all summer to avoid reinjuring my hamstrings, I returned this morning.  Lavonne had the day off and asked me to run with her on the trails.  We met up at the park at 8 a.m. and ran 8 miles.  After we finished, I went ahead and ran 3 miles on the park roads to get in a total of 11.  Thanks for running with me, Lavonne.  Before running this morning, I weighed 202 pounds.  I drank six 16.9 oz. bottles of water during and immediately after the run.  When, I got home, I weighed 200.  That means that I lost 8.3 pounds while running.  I also tried my new Camelbak during the trail run.  Surprizingly, t was very confortable easy to use.  I never felt burdened by it.

Short Sunday Run

I plan to do a long run tomorrow, so I ran 1.9 miles on the roads in town in the middle of the afternoon heat.

Heat Wave 5K

I ran the annual Heat Wave 5K here in Huntsville this morning.  I ran a disappointing 38:35 (1st of 3 in my age group).  Last year, I ran the same race about a minute faster and that was with a freshly pulled hamstring.  It is a very hilly out and back course, but I thought I would do better.

Plowing

I spent much of the afternoon plowing my wife's garden with a roto-tiller, so she can plant her fall garden.  Hard work.  However, I took a shower and ran a short 1.3-mile road course in town.  We have a race here in Huntsville tomorrow.  I have to get up early, put out the signs and then run.

Thursday Park Run

We had a nice group at the park this evening, including 3 new runners.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads and enjoyed slightly cooler temperatures.

Oh my God, they are coming back

As I ran 3 miles on the roads in town this evening, I realized that the students are coming back for the fall semester.  That means more traffic and people talking and texting while driving, rather than watching for runners.  Gotta be careful.

Got up early this morning

I got up early this morning and drove my wife down to Conroe for surgery to remove something from her ear and a skin graft.  All went well and we were back by noon.  When I met the group at the park this evening, we had a light rain.  However, by the time I finished 3 miles on the park roads, it had stopped.  It was a little cooler, though.  No rain at my house; in the last month, we have had 1/4 inch of the stuff.

Sqeezed in a Run

I have a lot of family visiting this evening and tomorrow, so after doing more yardwork this afternoon, I went to Nautilus early, worked out and then ran 1.6 miles on the roads in town.

Sore Today

I was really sore today after that fall yesterday on the asphalt in the race yesterday.  I bandaged up my knee and did a lot of yard work this afternoon.  Afterwards, I crashed for an hour and then forced myself to get up.  I was due for a long run, but cut it to 5.8 miles on the roads in town.

Watermelon 5K for the Fallen

I drove an hour to Hempstead this morning for the Watermelon 5K for the Fallen.  Hempstead is the watermelon capital of Texas and I think that every race they have there includes "watermelon" in the name.  The race this morning was to honor the servicemen from Texas killed in the mideast wars.  There was a large military and law enforcement presence at the race.  The pre-race ceremonies included a 4-plane flyover, swearing-in ceremony for new military recruits and parachutists landing on the football field.  There were around 600 runners and walkers and everyone had to walk around the track twice before exiting for the race.  We started running after leaving the gate to the football stadium.  About a half mile into the race, we running on very rough asphalt.  I tripped and fell and cut my knee.  Before anyone had a chance to help me up, I was able to get up and continue running.  Embarassing!  The race was not timed and I have no idea if the course was accurate.  The approach to the finish line, which was at a downtown park, was lined with about 100 motorcyclists holding American flags.  Can't beat that.  There was no race timing or competition.  My watch said 34:10 at the finish line.  After the race, there was a live band and more ceremonies to honor the fallen.  I was really impressed with what this small town put together to honor fallen servicemen.  Being a Vietnam veteran and retired from the Army, I really enjoyed visiting with some of the active duty and fomer military members there.  I'll be back next year.

Finished the Logging

I did a short 1.3-mile run on the roads in town this afternoon and then finished cutting up, loading and hauling off the fallen tree on my property.  I did some heaving lifting and feel sore all over this evening.  I suppose I will not get a PR in the 5K tomorrow.

Logging this Afternoon

I got my chainsaw out of the shop yesterday, so this afternoon I proceded to cut up and haul off a large oak tree that fell on my property.  Tiring work.  This evening, I had to go to Nautilus and then run 3 miles at the park to rest up.

Light Traffic

With only the summer school students in town, traffic is relatively light around the campus.  That will change soon.  So, my 3-mile loop around the campus this evening was rather uneventful, except that it was darned hot.

Where is the Rain?

After so much rain in the early part of the summer, green grass and mowing every few days, we have not had a drop of rain at my house for weeks.  It is starting to look like the drought of last summer.  I had to run an errand over in College Station (50 miles) today.  While there, I stopped at Academy (sporting goods store) and bought a camelback.  My plan is to try it on my long run this weekend.  This evening, it was my regular workout at Nautilus and 3-mile run on the roads at the park.  I suppose that I looked good in my new running shoes, but I ran alone on the empty roads.

Shoe Report

Maybe it is the way I run, but I seem to go through a lot of shoes.  The Saucony's that I tried this summer lasted 29 days (69 miles).  On June 15, I started running in a pair of Asics Fortitude 4's.  My last run in them was yesterday.  The left heel came apart and the outter right heel was worn out.  Those are going in the trash can.  They lasted 59 days (163 miles).  This evening, I started running in a new pair of Asics Fortitude 5's ($97 with my running club discount).  My break-in run was 1.3 miles on the roads in town.

Double Digits

I hit the roads this evening about 5:30 and ran 10.5 miles.  One of the problems with long runs in the summer heat is hydration.  I have to plan my route to make sure I can get water during the run.  Even though I hate to run with anything, I am thinking about buying a camel back.  Anybody out there run with these?

Run the Woodlands 5K

I have family visiting this weekend, but I slipped away this morning and went down to The Woodlands for the twice a month 5K.  As expected, it was hot and humid.  I finished in 37:12, a little faster than my run on the same course last Sunday evening.  This afternoon, we had the annual Seven Hills Running Club picnic.

Usual Friday

As usual on many Fridays, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  Race tomorrow morning.

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.