Hamstring pain

I intended to go out to the park this afternoon and run trails after the Texans game, however, the game went into overtime and there was insufficient daylight left to do a long run at the park.  So, I ran an unplanned route on the roads in town.  It turned out to be 2.8 miles.  Toward the end of the run, I had sharp pains in my right hamstring.  Darn.  Hopefully, I just tweaked it.  I will go slow and easy tomorrow and see how it feels.  I sure do not need another hamstring injury in the middle of the marathon season.

Nottingham Forest Club 5K

I ran the Nottingham Forest Club 5K in far west Houston this morning.  The race did not start until 9 a.m., so I did not have to get up too early.  I finished in 34:38 and was 2nd of 3 in the 60 & Over age group.  Luckily, yesterday's pain in my right heel was gone.

Sore Heel

I woke up this morning with a sore right heel.  I think this was the same heel that got so bad a couple years ago that I had to get a cortizone shot.  I treated it Bio-Freeze a couple times today, ran laps at the track this afternoon and it feels better tonight.

Light Crowd at the Park

It seems like some people need to work or go to school.  Every since we moved up our park runs to 4:30 on Tuesday and Thursday, we lost a lot of runners.  Tonight, it was just me, James and Jason.  Hans was also there, but he rode his bike.  James and I ran 2.5 miles on the roads, while Jason ran trails.  Really ideal running weather.

2.9

I feel like I am fully rested up after the marathon last Saturday, but I do not have another long race until the Texas Trail 50K at Huntsville State Park on December 1.  I probably need to go a long trail run a week before the race.
In the meantime, I ran 2.9 miles in the Avenues this evening just before dark.  These days seem so short now.

Back to the Park

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I met up with the group at the park.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads, while everyone else ran trails.  We had a running club business dinner and business meeting at the Asian Star Restaurant this evening.  Since I do not eat chicken or anything out of the water, I had the pepper steak.  I hope it was beef.

Change of Plans

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I was driving to the track to run roads from there.  My left rear tire suddenly went flat.  I pulled off into a parking lot to put on a spare.  I found the jack that came with the truck, but it was light and flimsy.  It took forever to jack it up and then it fell off the jack.  Finally got it up the second time and got the tire off.  Then, the special tool needed to remove the spare was not there.  I called my wife to come to picked me up with the flat.  I raced across town to Discount Tire and made it there just as they were closing at 6 p.m.  The tire had a hole in the side and they replaced the tire.  I returned to the truck and put on the new tire and then drove to the track.  I had to be somewhere at 7:30, so I only had time to run laps at the track before getting home for a shower.  Tomorrow, I am buying a new jack and going to the Ford dealership to find out why I did not have the tool to remove the spare.

Soldier Marathon

I flew to Atlanta on Friday and then drove to Columbus, Georgia for the Soldier Marathon at Fort Benning on Saturday.  When I arrived in Columbus, I ran a mile+ on the downtown streets around my hotel. 
It was in the 30's at Fort Benning at the 7 a.m. race start on Saturday, but warmed up quickly during the race.  The first 7 miles of the marathon went through Fort Benning.  At about mile 2, we ran up a long steep hill.  They had drill sergeants on both sides of the road offering kind words of encouragement.  Nice touch.  After the run through Fort Benning, we ran on a paved trail along the river to downtown Columbus.  Then, we made a loop around downtown Columbus and then followed the river back to Fort Benning to complete the 26.2 mile run.  I ran the first half with Dorsey, 19, from Columbus.  She was running her first marathon.  I finished in 6:26:42 and she finished in just under 7 hours.  Congratulations, Dorsey.
I got back to Huntsville about 5 this evening and went to the track and ran laps.
Since it is Veteran's Day today, I will include the above 1983 photo from Fort Hood, Texas. Darn, time goes by fast.

Down to Two

With a marathon on Saturday, I cut my run to 2 miles on the roads at the park this evening.

Ran 3 today. Now time to taper.

I ran 3 miles on the roads in town this evening and now it is time to taper for the marathon this Saturday.

Out of the Box

I last used that title for my post on September 27, about 6 weeks ago.  The Asics Fortitude 5's I started wearing on September 27 are completely worn out.  At $100 a pair, that makes running an expensive pursuit.  During that 6 weeks, I only ran 2 road marathons and a trail 50K.  Maybe I need to start running barefoot.
I felt a little better today and ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening in the new shoes. 

Not Feeling Well

It is not often that I do not feel well.  Since the 50K on Saturday, my stomach has been hurting.  I woke up early this morning and could not go back to sleep.  My friend, Paul Stone, who directed the Rocky Raccoon Trail Run on Saturday, had to go back home to Tyler before removing all the flagging from the trails at Huntsville State Park.  So, I went out there this morning and walked about 2 miles of trails and removed the flagging.  I layed around much of the day, but I did go to the track this afternoon and run laps. Later, I went to Nautilus for a light workout.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 33rd time, I went down to The Woodlands this evening for the Sunday Night 5K, put on by The Woodlands Running Club.  Bill Dwyer and Mary Carter always do a great job with this race.  I finished in 37:58.  I felt reasonably well after the 50K yesterday.  At least, there were no roots on the concrete walkway.  Not a single fall during the entire 5K.

Rocky Raccoon 50K

I got up at 4:30 this morning and got out to Huntsville State Park for a 6 a.m. start of the Rocky Raccoon 50K.  This was the 12th straight year I have run the Rocky Raccoon 25K or 50K  The weather was clear, but it was unusally hot for this race.  We ran with flashlights for the first hour.  I finished in 9:22:36, a far cry from my 6:35:25 50K PR a few years ago.  I tripped on roots and fell several times and my body is sore tonight.  It is really frustrating.  It's not the roots you see, it's the ones hidden by pine needles and leaves.  I looked like Pig Pen when I finished.  Anyway, this was my 20th 50K race and I have another one on Dec. 1 and a trail marathon in February.  Maybe, I will retire from trail running after that and stick to smooth roads.

Getting Ready

I ran laps at the track this afternoon and then went out to Huntsville State Park this evening, first to pick up my packet for the Rocky Raccoon 50K tomorrow morning and then to set up our running club's aid station on the back side of the park.  Phillip and Donna and her two sons and I drove back there and set everything up.  It always seems odd driving the jeep trails that I have run so many times.

Resting Up

We had a nice crowd at the park this evening, including Karen, who ran with us and left town 3 years ago.  She was back for a visit to Huntsville.  Good to see her.  I am resting up for my 50K on Saturday, so I just ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Houston Most of the Day

I had to take my son down to Houston late this morning for major surgery on his finger to reattach some tendons and insert a pin.  I did not get back to Huntsville until after 8 tonight and went over to the track and ran laps after 10 tonight.

Park Roads

I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening, tapering for the 50K on Saturday.

Loop Around Town

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I drove to the track and ran an unplanned loop on the streets around town.  The distance turned out to be 3.4 miles and I finished as it was getting dark.  Nice cool weather.

Anniversary

Today, my wife and I celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary.  I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  Tonight, we went to The Woodlands, met our son there, and had dinner.

Huntsville Half Marathon

I ran the Huntsville Half Marathon this morning and finished the 13.1-mile distance in 2:52:34, about 5 minutes faster than last year.  The weather was perfect, but it is very hilly course.  The tentative race results show that I finished 2 of 3 in the 70 and Over age group.  This is our running club's big annual event and we had well over 400 registered runners.  I have directed or run this race virtually every year since 1985 and have gotten to know so many of the regulars.  So, I look forward to this race every year, because it gives me the opportunity to visit with so many friends.

Rainy Day

It rained much of the day.  I voted and then went to the running club's storage facility to pick up signs and other stuff for our half marathon tomorrow morning.  Then, I got in a 1.3-mile run on the roads in town.  Tomorrow, I will get up early, load up my truck and set up the finish line and race clock before running the race.  It is suppose to be 45 degrees and windy at race time.

Park Roads with Scholar

I ran 3 miles on the park roads with Scholar this evening, while the others ran trails.  I am running our Huntsville Half Marathon this Saturday and the high temperature on Saturday is suppose to be 64, compared to the high 80's today.

Late Start

I did yard work this afternoon and got a late start on my workout at Nautilus and run.  I managed to get in a 2.8-mile run on the streets in town before total darkness.

Not Sure What to Do

With a marathon 9 days ago, a half marathon this weekend, a 50K the next weekend and then a marathon the next weekend, I am not sure whether to train, taper or what.  So, I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening, while everyone else ran trails.

Signed up for the Soldier Marathon

I signed up for the Soldier Marathon at Fort Benning, Georgia, on November 10.  It will be 7 days after the Rocky Raccoon 50K (31 miles), but I should be recovered by then.  Gosh, I have not been to Fort Benning since Paratrooper School there in 1967, a few months before going to Vietnam.  I really do not expect to run into any old Army buddies there.  I retired from the Army in 1984 and most everyone in the Army came in after that.  Maybe I can go jump out of an airplane after the marathon.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran the hilly Avenues 5K course.

Sunday Off

I took today off and just ran laps at the track this afternoon.

First Trail Run in Awhile

I went out to the park about noon and ran 9 miles on the trails.  I tripped on a root and fell and skinned up my left knee, which was barely healed from the last time.  I think it was the same well-camoflauged root.  I think I will bring an axe with me next time and take care of that root for good.  The temperature was in the low 80's, but it was tolerable.  Tonight, I went to the Sam Houston State/McNeese football game here in Huntsville.  Sam won 45-10.

Signed up for Love.Run.Marathon

I just signed up for the Love.Run.Marathon (formerly Orphan Hope Marathon) on the trails at Huntsville State Park on February 9, 2013. 
For the first time in a while, I do not have a race this weekend. 
I spent most of the day today making new turn signs for our club's Huntsville Half Marathon on October 27.  This evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town and then went to Nautilus for a workout.

Three Years

Today marked 3 years on my current running streak.  A group of us met up this evening and ran one 6.55-mile loop of the Huntsville Half Marathon (Oct. 27) course.  Nice run, except that the traffic was heavy due to the Sam Houston State homecoming parade near the course.

Roads

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran an unplanned route on the roads in town.  It turned out to be 2.6 miles.

Back to Normal

It was back to a routine workout at Nautilus this evening and then a run at the state park.  It was raining and only James, Phillip, Jacob, Jason and myself showed up.  James and I ran 2 miles on the park roads while the others ran trails.

Mother Road Marathon

I ran laps at the track last Friday morning and then drove to Wylie (near Dallas) and spent the rest of the day with my son and his family.  On Saturday morning, I drove up to Joplin, Missouri for the Mother Road Marathon on Sunday.  It stormed Saturday night but quit raining in time for the marathon.  I caught the shuttle bus at 6:05 to take me to the starting line in Commerce, Oklahoma.  Some of the roads were so blocked off by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol that they would not let the shuttle bus full of runners take the direct route to the starting line.  We had to detour through some other cities and did not get to the start line until 7:25.  The race was suppose to start at 7:30.  So, in 5 minutes, we had to get to the porta potty and the drop bag truck.  Luckily, the motorcycle cop who was to lead the race was in the porta potty.  So, they delayed the race 5 minutes.  There were just under 200 runners in the marathon and I have no idea how many in the half marathon and 5K.  The temperature was in the 60's and 70's and strong winds, luckily most of the time behind us.  The course went through the northeast corner of Oklahoma, across the southeast corner of Kansas and on into Joplin, on the old Route 66.  We went through five cities.  I ran the whole thing (although slowly), except for brief stops at the aid stations to take on fluids.  I finished in 6:16:20, a few minutes slower than the Tyler Rose Marathon the previous Sunday.  Maybe it was mental, but I seemed to have more pains and a tougher time.  In any case, I was 1st in my age group (the only one) and received a nice trophy.
After the race, I drove a 140+ miles down to Fort Smith, Arkansas and had dinner with an old buddy that I had went to school with at Subiaco Academy in Subiaco, Arkansas in 1956 and 57.  I have seen him since 1958.  We had a great time recalling those days, old girlfriends and classmates.
I spent the night in Fort Smith and then this morning, drove 40+ miles to Subiaco Academy, which is located in a monastery.  I went up to the lake, where we use to hang out and then to the monastery.  It is a beautiful place up on a hill.  My wife and I walked the grounds and were greeted by one of the maintenance workers and a member of the faculty.  We were escorted up to the Abbot's office, who heads the monastery and the academy.  We received a very warm greeting and had a nice visit with him.  He was a student at the academy while I was there.  Also, one of the Brothers at the academy was called to meet with us, because he was a student at the Academy when I was there.  It has been over 50 years since I was there, so I was due for a visit.
We drove down through the mountains in western Arkansas on our way back home.  It took a while, but the drive is worth it.  We finally made it back to Huntsville a little after 9 tonight.  At 10 p.m., I went to the track and ran laps.  I will sleep well tonight.

Easy Week

With another marathon coming up on Sunday, I continued with an easy week.  James and I ran 3 miles on the roads at the park, while the others ran trails.

Back to Hot Weather

It is hard to believe that it was in the 50's just a few days ago.  It was back up to 87 this afternoon.  I ran an unplanned route on the roads in town this evening.  It ended up being 2.7 miles.  Somebody asked me today what I was training for.  Nothing.  I am resting for the next marathon on Sunday.

Signed Up for the Texas Trail Endurance Run 50K

I just signed up for the Texas Trail Endurance Run 50K (31 miles) to be held at Huntsville State Park on December 1.  This is the replacement run for the Sunmart 50K held there for 19 years.  I ran the Sunmart 50K for its last 13 years and the Texas Trail Endurance Run 50K for all 3 years.  So, this will be my 17th straight.  Roger Soler always does a great job putting on this race - and I don't have to travel far to get there.  It's like running in my backyard.
Today, I felt fully recovered from the marathon on Sunday.  I know that I am probably not, so I ran only 2 miles on the roads at the park this evening.

Catching Up

Friday, October 5 - I ran laps at the track and then drove to Wylie (northeast of Dallas).

Saturday, October 6 - Got up early and ran the St. Anthony Fall Fest 5K.  Finished in 36:11 and was 2nd in my age group.  The temperature was in the low 50's.  Later on Saturday, I drove 100 miles over to Tyler.

Sunday, October 7 - I ran the Tyler Rose Marathon.  This was my 83rd marathon or longer and the first since recovering from the hamstring pulls and tears from July 2011 to February 2012.  The race was little late getting started.  The head timing guy had stopped for coffee in Canton, Texas and got mugged by a couple guys.  He had two ribs broken and ended up in the hospital.  Others had to travel to Canton to get the timing equipment.  Thus, the race was a little late getting started.  It was overcast all day and the temperature was in the 50's all during the race.  Perfect weather.  When I ran this same marathon two years ago, the temperature was in the high 80's.  The course was very hilly, but I suppose I am use to that.  I ran the whole distance, except for brief walks at the aid stations.  As usual, I had pains here and there during the race (including the hamstrings), but no injuries or blisters.  I finished the first half in 2:58 and the whole marathon in about 6:12.  Apparently, they had more timing system problems and my official finish time is still not posted.  They did tell me that I was 2nd in my age group and gave me a nice trophy, in addition to a finisher medal and a rose bush.

Monday, October 8 -  I slept in this morning and then drove back to Huntsville late this morning.  This evening, I went back to my routine workout at Nautilus.  I was still a little stiff today and ran laps at the track this evening.  No long runs this week and another marathon on Sunday.

New Streak List

Today, I received my quarterly magazine from the U.  S. Running Streak Association,  http://www.runeveryday.com.  I always look forward to reading the many stories about what people have done to keep streaks alive, stories about others who had to break their streak and the many accomplishments of the members of the Association.  I am member 23 of 446.  Great organization!  With my current streak, I am 285 on the list of 384.  That's the same spot as 3 months ago.  Some people ahead of you drop off the list and others with streaks longer than yours are added to the list ahead of you.  So, it is hard to move up.  If I had not broken my streak with the knee problem and taken those four days off in 2009, I would be 149 on the list and approaching 10 years.  I am still upset with the doctor, but that is an old issue.  I may be the only one on the active list with 3 retired streaks, 600 days, 1,811 days and 2,483 days.  I keep coming back for more.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran an easy 2 miles on the park roads.

Tapering

I took it easy this evening and only ran 1.3 miles on the roads in town.  The forecast for cool weather in Tyler for the marathon on Sunday is holding up.  I will need all the help I can get.  I am always anxious about the first marathon of the season.  This year, especially, after all the hamstring problems last year.

Signed up for the Rocky Raccoon 50K

I signed up for the Rocky Raccoon 50K at Huntsville State Park on November 3.  Paul Stone always does a great job putting on this race.  Between now and then, I have 2 marathons and maybe a 3rd and a hilly half marathon here in Huntsville.  Weak hamstrings or not, here I come.
We had a good crowd at the park this evening.  I ran 3 miles on the roads.  Tapering now for my 5K on Saturday and marathon on Sunday.

Ten

After completing a lot of projects at home today, I went to the park and ran 7 miles on the trails and another 3 on the roads, for a total of 10.  Nice dry weather, with a cool breeze.  I just checked the weather forecast for the Tyler Rose Marathon next Sunday.  High of 66.  When I ran it year before last, it was 87.  Just hope the weather man is right on this one.  I am just anxious to get this first marathon of the season done. 

Sunday in the Park

I had a project I had to finish at home, so I went to the Park this morning and ran 3 miles on the roads.  The plan is to get in a long run tomorrow.

Turned Pro

I did not forget to blog yesterday.  My Internet service with AT&T was down all day and night and up until noon today.  I went to the track and ran laps yesterday, as I do on many Fridays.
This morning, I drove about 30 miles down to Montgomery to run the 1st Annual Run to the Son 5K.  It rained all the way down and during the race.  The overall male and female winners were to get $500 cash and first place age group winners $50 and second place age group winners $25.  I was really curious to see how many people would show up for the race.  I guess there were about 100 runners.  I doubt that the fast runners from Houston ever got the word.  I ran the race in 34:43 and won a medal and $50 for first place in the 60 and over age group.  Being 71, I sure never expected to even place in the age group.  The $50 cash prize was nice and I suppose that means I turned pro.
The overall male winner was Jose Torres from our club, who rode down to the race with me.  He finished in 17:23.  He won the $500, plus $50 for his age group.

Out of the Box

I put on a new pair of Asics Fortitude running shoes out of the box today and ran 2-miles on the park roads with Carla and Jenna, while everyone else ran trails.

More Course Measuring

I went out to the state park this afternoon with an engineer wheel and remeasured part of the Love.Run.Marathon course for February.  Someone had removed my markings for the marathon and half marathon turnaround points on the south perimeter road, plus I had to measure for the turnaround point for the new 10K course.  I marked them with the normal flagging, but I also moved some very heavy rocks to the turnaround points.  Maybe someone will be too lazy to move those.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2.7 miles on the roads in town.

Running Activities

I had a luncheon meeting today to help a local organization interested in starting a new 5K in Huntsville.  Then, I spent a couple of hours remeasuring part of the Huntsville Half Marathon course.  Walking about 4 miles with an engineer wheel seems harder than running a longer distance.  I finished that in time for a workout at Nautilus and then a 3-mile run on the park roads.

Short Road Run

I felt good this evening, but since I ran long yesterday, I ran only 1.5 miles on the roads in town.

18 Miles and a Spider

I went out to the park late this morning when it was good and hot and ran 10 miles on the park roads and another 8 miles on the trails, for a total of 18.  When I stopped at my truck in the parking lot to rehydrate, I ran into my friend, Karen Felicidario from The Woodlands.  She was also rehydrating between trail loops.  We looked down on the asphalt and there was a spider at our feet.  See Karen's photo above.  The big ball on the spider's back are seemingly hundreds of small baby spiders.  No wonder they say that if you are in Texas that you are never over 3 feet from a spider.

Fall Fun Run 10K

I ran the Fall Fun Run 10K here in Huntsville this morning.  It was our Seven Hills Running Club's monthly club run for September.  In the 27 years of the club's existence, we had the largest number of runners ever for a monthly club run.  We had a total of 88 for the 10K, 5K and 1-Mile.  All three courses are out and back and nothing but hills.  I finished in 1:19:43.  Then, this afternoon, I drove 2 1/2 hours up to Tyler for a family get-together and returned to Huntsville tonight.  Missed all the good football games.

Friday Rest

Since it is Friday and I have a 10K tomorrow morning, I ran 1.8 miles on the roads this afternoon.

Small Group

We had a small group at the park this evening and I ran a 3-mile loop on the trails with a couple other runners.  This 10 degree cooler weather really feels good.  I have lost about 12 pounds this summer and that helps.
Earlier, I received a call from my doctor's office to tell me that the lab results from all my blood work from my annual physical and everything is normal.

Late Night Track Run

Just got home from running a mile at the track about 11 p.m.  My foot felt much better, but the pain was not completely gone. 

Shot in the Foot

I had an appointment with a Podiatrist at 3:30 this afternoon.  Just in case I ended up getting a cortizone shot, I did a one mile+ run in my neighborhood.  He diagnosed the problem as a bruised forefoot from too much pressure on that part of the foot.  He immediately pulled out a long needle and gave me a cortizone shot in the top of my foot just behind the toes.  Then, he told me not to run for 2 days.  My next run will be one mile late tomorrow night at the track.  After that, I have to get in some serious training runs for the marathon in two and a half weeks.

Annual Physical

I went in for my annual physical this afternoon.  All went well, but I have to go in tomorrow morning for the blood work.  My left forefoot is very sore and really hurts after 10 miles or so.  My doctor referred me to a podiatrist, but was not confident about a quick fix before the marathon on October 7.  I will try to get a quick appointment tomorrow.  This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran the hilly Avenues 5K course.

Rain

Sure nice to have the rain today after having virtually none since mid-July.  After watching much football this afternoon, I went to the track and ran roads from there.  It started raining about the same time I started running and never stopped.  I ran an unplanned route and it turned out to be 1.9 miles.  My foot is still hurting, but I have my annual physical tomorrow afternoon.  Maybe the doc can resolve it quickly.  My first marathon of the season is only 3 weeks from today.

Buffalo Stampede 5K

Never got around to posting yesterday.  I got up early and drove to Buffalo for the Buffalo Stampede 5K.  I finished in 35:42 and got first in my age group (I was the only one).  I stopped in Centerville on the way back to Huntsville and had breakfast at the Town Cafe.  When I got home, I took a nap, updated the club web site and then drove to Waco for the Sam Houston State/Baylor football game.  Did not get home until after midnight.

Track Run

Since my foot was sore and I have a race tomorrow morning, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.

Just Rene' and I

We had a very heavy rain this afternoon in Huntsville.  In fact, it was the first rain at my house in over a month.  It was still raining at 6 p.m. when the group is suppose to meet at the park to run trails.  Rene' and I were the only ones to show up.  The heavy lightning had passed so we ran 1.4 miles on the trails and another 1.6 on the park roads, for a total of 3 miles.  She probably had to slow down some to keep up with me.  The trail was slippery in spots, but the cool rain felt good.

Combo

I had intentions of going to the park early this morning, but I never made it until 11 a.m.  I ran a combo of 8.9 miles on the trails and another 3.1 on the park roads for a total of 12.  I started to develop a blister on the bottom of my foot, so I stopped at 12.  I have been trying to run without my custom orthotics, but that looks like it is not working out.  I suppose caluses are better than blisters.

Houston

I had to go down to Houston this afternoon and did not get back in time to run at the park with the group.  However, I did squeeze in a 1.3 mile road run before I left town.

Avenues

I ran an unplanned route in the Avenues this evening.  It turned out to be 3.1 miles.  Relatively cool weather, with the temperature being in the high 80's.

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.