Perfect running weather continues

Another day of cool and dry weather, perfect for running.  We met up at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails with James.  He started running with us about a year ago and could barely make it 3 miles.  He has come a long way and completed his first half marathon last Saturday at the park.

Solo Trail Run

Since I had to go to Ash Wednesday services at 6 this evening, I worked out at Nautilus earlier this afternoon and then went to the park and ran 3.5 miles alone on the trails.  Perfect weather.

Another Easy Day

I spent part of the day working on the lawn mower.  Finally figured out why it would not start (blown electrical fuse).  Got it running again.  If it does not rain tomorrow, I must mow the grass.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Sore Back

I got my riding lawn mower out of the storage building today and put it in the garage to clean it up, charge up the battery, change the oil, remove and sharpen the blades, air up the tires and lubricate everything.  Lots of work, but now it won't start.  Guess that is a project for tomorrow.  By the time I got to Nautilus this evening, my back was sore and stiff.  Guess I am not use to real work.  I did a light workout and then went to the track and ran laps.

Allergies

After I got home from running 7 hours in the woods yesterday, I started sneezing and it continued all day today.  My allergies have not been bad for the last few months, so hopefully, this will be a short bout.  Plus, I have been sleepy all day.  I did get in a 1.3-mile road run this evening.  I felt like running further, but it was probably best not to.

Love.Run.Marathon

I ran the Love.Run.Marathon on the trails at Huntsville State Park today.  I finished in 6:59:34.  Last year, I ran it on pulled hamstrings and finished in 7:18 something.  I felt strong today.  It is one of the best managed marathons in Texas and the volunteers on the course were super.  Nice finisher medal and age group award.  I was first in my 70 & over age group (the only one).  The weather was perfect, overcast and temperature in the 50's and 60's.  No rain, except for a few sprinkles during the last mile.

Hooters

I drove my son down to Houston this morning for a doctor's appointment.  Afterwards, we met another son who lives in Houston, and we had lunch.  Hooters was around the corner, so we ate there.  My first time at Hooters.  I cannot imagine how many calories were in that burger and fries, but surely enough to get me through the marathon tomorrow.  This evening, I ran laps at the track.

Easy week

With the trail marathon on Saturday, no long runs this week.  I worked out at Nautilus, ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park and then went to the Sam Houston State - McNeese basketball game tonight.

Rain

I woke up (not early) to rain this morning.  It was clear this afternoon and evening and nice for running.  After Nautilus, I ran an uplanned route around town.  It turned out to be 2.6 miles.  I am ready for marathon #93 this Saturday at Huntsville State Park.

Seems like Spring

With all the warm weather we are having, it seems like Spring.  My grass is growing and I will have to mow soon - and it is still in early February.  I met up with the group (larger than usual) at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Up Early

I got up a little early this morning to attend a graveside service in Caldwell, Texas (west of College Station).  Then, my wife and I had dinner with family at a restaurant in College Station on the way back to Huntsville.  Got back in time to finish up and submit my running column for tomorrow's paper.  This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around the university.  This should be another easy week, resting up for the Love.Run.Marathon on the trails at Huntsville State Park this Saturday.

Sunday Night 5K

I skipped the first part of the Super Bowl and went down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 35:51.  I got back to Huntsville about 6:20 and found that I had not missed too much of the game.

River Road Half Marathon

I ran laps at the track yesterday before making the 3-hour+ drive over to New Braunfels, north of San Antonio, to run the River Road Half Marathon this morning.  Perfect running weather - 50's/60's and clear.  I ran this race last year with my hamstring pulls and finished in 2:59 something.  My legs felt better this morning.  It is an out and back course along the Guadalupe River.  The first mile was a steep downhill, then the course was relatively flat and until you get to the last mile uphill.  I hit the turnaround point at 1:20.  I kept hearing a car following me and I turned around and saw that it was the sheriff.  I was in last place (of 78 runners).  It was a narrow 2-lane road and there was a lot of traffic.  While I was a little embarrassed about being in last place, I appreciated the protection from the traffic coming from the rear.  When I got to the last aid station 2 miles before the finish, 4 high school students (all Army ROTC) who had been operating the aid station, joined me for the run to the finish.  With a mile to go, 20 more Army ROTC cadets joined me for the last mile.  They were really excited when I told them that I was a retired US Army Lt. Colonel.  Visiting with them that last 2 miles was most enjoyable and I had a nice visit with their leader at the finish.  I finished the race in 2:48:04, first and only one in my 70 and over age group.

Trails, Again

I met up with the group at the park this evening and I opted to run trails rather than park roads.  I ran a 2.5-mile loop.

1,200

Today was 1,200 days on my current running streak.  I'll soon be half way to where I was on my previous streak.  I was late getting started this evening and ended up running laps at the track as it was getting dark.  Earlier today, I signed up for the Texas Marathon in Kingwood on January 1, 2014.  Why so early?  They are almost full.

Trails

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Day After the Marathon

I woke up this morning feeling like I was fully recovered from the marathon yesterday.  My big toes were a little sore, but that was about it.  And, I am sure that was from going up and down the steep hills.  I am going to New Braunfels this weekend for a half marathon and then I will run the Love.Run.Marathon on the trails at Huntsville State Park on February 9.  I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran a 1.3-mile course on the roads in town.

Miracle Match Marathon

For the fourth time, I ran the Miracle Match Marathon this morning in Waco.  The temperature got up in the 70's with strong winds.  It was tolerable, but certainly not ideal running conditions.  I completed the first half in 3 hours flat, 51 seconds faster than in the Louisiana Marathon last Sunday.  My second half, however, was much slower and I finished in 6:26:59.  The first half is relatively flat, but mile 14 thru 24 is very hilly.  Some are so steep it is virtually impossible to run up or down.  So, a slower time was expected.  I did place 2 of 5 in my 70-74 age group.  I made the 2+ hour drive back to Huntsville and got home in time to take a 30-minute nap, go to church and have dinner out with the family.

Frost Your Fanny 5K

Our club had it's annual Frost Your Fanny 5K this morning in Huntsville.  I usually run the 10K, but I have a marathon in Waco tomorrow and opted for the 5K.  I finished in 37:08 on a very hilly course.  I posted all the race results on our club web site and then left for Waco.  It is supposed to get up to 74 degrees tomorrow, so staying hydrated will be important.  Several years ago, I ran this same marathon and we had snow flurries.  At the expo in Waco, I met the race director of the new Army Marathon (April 21) and had a nice visit with my good friend, Loren Sheffler of Houston.

Helping with the Love.Run.Marathon

This morning, I met up with five ladies from Houston, who comprise the race committee for the Love.Run.Marathon to be held at Huntsville State Park on February 9, to discuss the race and walk some of the course.  The race consists of a marathon, half marathon and 10K.  They gave me a sneak peek at the finisher medal, which will be given to the finishers in all three races.  It really looks good.
I am running a 5K tomorrow morning and a marathon on Sunday, so I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon.

Back from Dallas

I ran laps at the track yesterday morning and then drove up to Dallas for my son's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Ceremony.  He has worked hard for it for the past 9 years.  Today, I went to lunch with three grandchildren at their schools before driving back to Huntsville this afternoon.  Lunch was at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon at 2 different schools.  The cafeteria noise is still ringing in my ears.  I got home in time to go to the park and run 2 miles on the park roads.  Tonight, I attended the annual Seven Hills Running Club meeting, awards presentation and election of officers.  I received the award for running the most races in 2012 (55 of 'em) and was reelected as the Treasurer.

Heavy Yard Work

I spent much of the afternoon digging up shrubs and replanting them.  Then, I found it relaxing to work out at Nautilus and run 2 miles on the park roads.

Louisiana Marathon

I ran the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge yesterday.  It was my 91st race of a marathon or longer distance.  Since I was leaving early Saturday morning for Baton Rouge (5 hours plus drive) I ran at the track after midnight Friday night to get in my Saturday run.  We stayed in the Hilton downtown next to the Mississippi River and only about 3 blocks from the race start and finish in front of the state capitol building.  The race started at 7 a.m. with the temperature in the 40's.  Before the race was over, it was in the 60's.  Beautiful running weather and no rain or wind.  The course was relatively flat and very scenic.  It included a loop through the LSU campus.  Those people in Baton Rouge are really nuts about LSU.  Purple and yellow everywhere.  We went to Mass at the cathedral Saturday evening and half the people there, including a 90 year old lady in front of us, were wearing purple and yellow.  Back to the race.  I got to the halfway point in 3:00:51 and finished the race in 6:08:46.  While it was nearly 30 minutes slower than my pre-hamstring pulls and tears last year, it was my best marathon time this year.  I ran into several runners from Texas that I knew.  What really surprized me was running into John and Karen Wallace of Michigan.  I have been communicating with John and Karen and their son, John III of Seattle for years, but never net them in person.  They are all streakers with streaks much longer than mine.  John III ran across the USA a few years ago and John and Karen ran from Michigan to Mississippi.  I ran into Karen and John on an out and back section of the course and had a nice visit with them after the race.  Then, we drove an hour west to Lafayette and spent the night there before driving back to Huntsville today.  This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and ran laps at the track.

Park is Open Again

Huntsville State Park is open again after 4 weeks of being closed on weekdays for hunting.  Now, we can get back to our Tuesday and Thursday park runs.  I went out there this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Nice weather for a longer run, but I am resting up for the marathon on Sunday.

Easy Day

In keeping with my plan to take it easy this week in preparation for a marathon on Sunday, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town this evening.  Nice sunny day, again.

At Least it was Sunny

The temperature was in the 40's today and it was sunny, for a change.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2.8 miles on the roads around town.  The students are back in town, so the traffic is back to normal.

Signed up for the Miracle Match Marathon

I just signed up for the Miracle Match Marathon in Waco on January 27.  It is billed as the toughest marathon in Texas because of the hills, but I have run it twice before and it is not that bad.  Maybe it is because I am use to running the hills in Huntsville.  It will be my 92nd race of a marathon or longer distance.  My goal is 101, because I served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam.
I have already completed 8 marathons or longer this season and here is what I have signed up for the rest of the season:
91 - Jan. 20, Louisiana Marathon, Baton Rouge
92 - Jan. 27, Miracle Match Marathon, Waco
93 - Feb. 9, Love.Run.Marathon, Huntsville State Park
94 - Mar. 2, The Woodlands Marathon
95 - Mar. 17 - Seabrook Trail Marathon, Seabrook
96 - Apr. 21 - Army Marathon, Killeen
In the meantime, it was cold, rainy and windy again today.  After working out at Nautilus, this evening, I ran an unplanned route on the roads in town.  It was in the 30's and windy.  The course turned out to be 1.8 miles.

Another Cold Day

I stayed indoors this morning and wrote my column for tomorrow's paper.  Later this afternoon, I worked out at Nautilus and got in a 2-mile road run in new running shoes just as it was getting dark.  Looking forward to longer and warmer days.

No Houston

Having run the Houston Marathon 15 times, for the second year in a row, I did not run it this morning.  However, I got up this morning and watched the TV coverage, while having a hot cup of coffee.  It must have been miserable running with the wind, cold and rain.  Congratulations to all my friends who endured.
I went out to the state park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  No rain, but it was windy and cold.  The trails were really in good shape, with no mud.  I am running the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge next Sunday, so I will take it easy this week.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning and finished in 36:21.  Afterwards, I drove further south to Houston for the Houston Marathon Expo.  I am not running the Houston Marathon tomorrow, but the Expo gave me a chance to visit with a lot of friends, buy some running supplies and pick up a race packet for a friend.

Rare Morning Run

I had to drive up to Tyler this morning for a family get-together today, so I ran in my neighborhood early this morning.  I only ran 1-mile plus and it was miserable.  Guess I am not a morning person.

Sunny Day

After many days of rain and cold, it was sunny and mild today.  It gave me a chance to do some work outside and it was also a great day for running.  I ran a 6.8-mile loop on the streets around town.

Treadmill

It rained all day, with occasional lightning.  I just did not feel like running outside, so for the first time in a long time, I ran on the treadmill at Nautilus.  I just do not see how people can run on those on a regular basis.  I only did a mile+ and was totally bored.

More Rain

It rained much of today, but I did squeeze in a dry 2.4-mile run in the avenues this afternoon, before working out at Nautilus.

Dry Day, for a Change

It was sunny most of the day and I took down the outside Christmas lights and did some yard work.  100 percent chance of rain for the next 2 days.  I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then got in a 2-mile run around the campus just as it was getting dark.

Sunday Night 5K

I drove down to The Woodlands this evening and ran the Sunday Night 5K, put on by The Woodlands Running Club.  I finished in 35:33.  It was my 630th race since I started racing in 1983.

Cold and Wet Trails

Since I started watching football games at noon, I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the cold and wet trails.  I was suprized about how many other runners were out there.

Campus Run

I ran 2 miles on the roads through the campus this afternoon.  As usual lately, cold and rainy.

Health

I had an appointment with my doctor yesterday to review the results of my colonoscopy a few weeks ago.  They found an ulcer in my colon and did a biopsy.  It was not cancerous, but the doctor told me that the biopsy shows that I have Crohns Disease.  However, I have none of the symptoms and he attributed that to blood flow from running.  The RX is to eat yogurt every day and come back in 3 years for another colonoscopy.  I can handle that.
It was cold and rainy again this evening.  Surprizingly, six of us showed up at the park.  I think all of us ran different courses and distances.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Cold Run

I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then went to the track and ran laps just before dark.  The high temperature today was 43, so it had to be in the 30's when I ran.  No aches or pains from the marathon yesterday.

Texas Marathon

I ran the Texas Marathon in Kingwood this morning.  The weather ended up being fairly nice.  It was in the 50's throughout the race, with occasional light rain.  The course is 4 loops on a 6.55-mile concrete trail.  I feel really beat up tonight.  Last year, I ran it with pulled hamstrings in 7:21, after running it the previous years in 6:06, 6:07 and 6:08.  While I do not have the pain from the hamstring pulls, I do not think that I have my strength back.  I forgot to set my watch today, but I think my time was about 7:06.  I was really disappointed with that.  I sure got to visit with many good friends and that made it worthwhile.  As usual for the Texas Marathon, the finisher medal was enormous.  They said that it weighs 3.3 pounds.  On the way home, my son called me and asked me if I would stop in Conroe and pick up his girlfriend from work at the outlet mall and give her a ride back to Huntsville.  Then, my wife called and wanted me to pick up something at a department store in Conroe.  So, I went to the department store, ate at McDonalds and then slept in my truck in the outlet mall parking lot until my son's girlfriend got off of work at 6:15.  Long day.

The Year in Review

I started 2012 with pulled hamstrings on both sides and repulled the right hamstring in mid-February.  Even though I had to skip some marathons that I had signed up for and switched to half marathon in others, I still managed to complete 3 marathons by spring.  This fall, I have completed 2-50K's and 5 marathons.  That gives me a total of 10 marathons or longer for 2012.  While I did not complete as many marathons as I would have liked, I ran everyday in 2012 and completed 55 races of various distances.
Tomorrow, I am running the Texas Marathon in Kingwood (near Houston) for the 6th straight year.  The weather forecast calls for a 80 percent chance of rain at the start and a temperature of 50+ during the race.  Jim Simpson from California is scheduled to be there and run his 1,000th marathon.  Also, Larry Macon of San Antonio.  Yesterday, he broke his own world record after completing his 157th marathon in 2012.  Tomorrow, will be my 90th marathon in my life time.  I may have the most marathons on my block, but I have to put it in perspective.  It is absolutely amazing what people can accomplish.
This afternoon, I went to the track and ran laps in the rain, resting up for tomorrow.

Trails

In between football games this afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 3+ miles on the trails.

Roads

I ran 2.6 miles on the roads in town this afternoon.  It was 49 degrees, but felt colder.

Would Have Been

It dawned on me today that yesterday would have been completion of a 10-year running streak - if that darn doctor had not misdiagnosed my knee problem in October 2009 and made me miss those 4 days.  Oh well, I'll just be a lot older when I reach the 10-year mark.  It was late when I got around to running today.  I worked out at Nautilus and then went to the track and ran laps in the cold wind.

Cold and Rainy

The group was suppose to meet up at the park this evening.  However, it was cold and rainy.  So, it was just me and my visiting, son, George.  I ran 3 miles on the roads and George ran 3.5 on the trails and was waiting at the truck when I finished.

More Family

We had more family in today and again, I ate too much.  It was very cold today, but I did get in a 2.4-mile run on the roads in town this afternoon.  It is really nice running the roads with so little traffic.

Merry Christmas

We had storms early this morning and 20 mph winds most of the day.  This afternoon, the temperature dropped rapidly and it is suppose to get down to 28F tonight.  Before family started arriving early this afternoon for a Christmas celebration, I went into town and ran 3 miles on the roads.

Queasy

Except for sinus infections every couple of years, I have not been sick since I started streaking.  However, my stomach felt queasy most of day and I laid around.  I ran 1.6 miles on the roads this evening and felt better tonight.  I have relatives coming in for Christmas tomorrow.  Sure do not want to be in bed.

Empty Streets

When I went out to run the streets in town today, the streets were nearly empty.  I think that everyone at Wal-Mart.  In any case, I ran a 2-mile loop.  I have another marathon to run on January 1, so I will take it easy until then.  That's whats nice about running a marathon every week or so.  No long boring training runs.  Tonight, I signed up for the Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon on March 17.

Looking Up

Things are looking up.  The world did not end yesterday and starting today, the days are getting longer.  The results of yesterday's marathon (actually 28 miles) were posted today.  My time was 7:45:49.  I was very surprized that I was 3rd of 7 in my 70 and over age group.  Overall, I placed 310 out of 334 finishers.  I felt good today and went over to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

End of the World Marathon

I am almost too tired and sleepy to write this report.  I drove down to Humble near Houston this morning for the End of the World Marathon.  It was a one-time race, but they are having the Day After the End of the World Marathon tomorrow at the same place.  Except for about 1 tenth of a mile, the entire race was held off road.  High grass, ruts, mud, rocks, roots, deep sand, some nice hard ground.  The course was 4 loops of 6.55 miles.  My goal was to finish without spraining an ankle and I accomplished that goal.  During the race, I visited with Larry Macon of San Antonio.  He is the world record holder for the most marathons in one year.  He said that he will break his old record this year with 150!  That's about 3 a week.  How do you find that many and get to them?  I also visited with Yolanda Holder of California.  She is the female record holder (no pun intended).  She said that she will break her own record this year with 120.  While I did not meet him, Jim Simpson was also at the race.  He is closing in on 1,000 lifetime marathons.  These people are amazing.  I am a wimp with 89 lifetime.  Had a lot of other friends at the race and it was great visiting with them on the course and after the race.  While few people seem to care, the course was long.  I knew that after completing my first loop.  The consensus of the runners with a GPS was that the course was 28 miles, rather that 26.2.  That extra distance and going slow to avoid an ankle sprain gave me an excuse to run about 7:45:00.  The finisher medal was 1.1 pounds.  Tomorrow, I will take a photo of it and post it here.

Easy Day

With a marathon tomorrow, I took it easy today.  I went to the track this evening, ran laps and then worked out at Nautilus.  It is suppose to be near freezing tomorrow morning, but get up to about 60 by the time I finish.

Not Bad News

One of the phone calls I was waiting on yesterday was the results of the lab work following my colonoscopy last Thursday.  The found something, did a biopsy and sent it to the lab.  Found out this morning that it was not cancer.  However, it is an ulcer in my colon and the doctor wants to see me on January 2.  So, that's not bad news.
The temperature was up to 80 degrees this afternoon in Huntsville.  Someone said that it is a record for December 19.  However, a storm is headed this way later tonight and a cold front will follow.  That's good news for my marathon down in Humble on Friday.  I heard that the new Mexican restaurant had opened on the Intersate service road.  I was running errands this morning and stopped by there at 11 a.m. to check to see if they had a meeting room for our running club meeting in January.  While I was there, I decided to eat.  Turns out, it just opened and I was their first customer.  I don't know if that it an honor, but I sure got good service.
It was late before I got to Nautilus this evening and was nearly dark before I started running on the streets in the avenues.  My course ended up being 3 miles.  I have become leary of running the streets after dark, with so many distracted drivers.

Late Start

I was tied up this afternoon waiting on some important phone calls and did not get to Nautilus until after 5 this evening.  After my workout, I went to the track and ran laps.

Signed up for next year's BCS Marathon

Late last night, I took advantage of an early bird special and signed up for the BCS Marathon next December.  If all goes well and the world does not end this Friday, it should be close to marathon number 100.  The End of the World Marathon this Friday will be number 89.
I mowed my grass today, hopefully for the last time until next Spring.  This evening, I ran an unplanned route in the avenues, even ran a street that I had never ran before.  The course turned out to be 2.2 miles.

Run between Games

I went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the park roads during the last part of the Texans game and the first part of the Cowboys game.  Apparently, my missing parts of both games did not hurt the teams.  They both won.

Willis Wildkat 5K

I drove about 30 minutes down south for the Willis Wildkat 5K this morning.  I helped them get this race started and have run it all 7 years.  I finished in 35:28, second in my age group.  Marilynn went down with me and walked the course.  She was first in her age group.

Short Road Run

Before doing yard work most of the afternoon, I ran errands and 1.3 miles on the roads in town.  5K race tomorrow.

Waterway Jingle Bell Run

I got to the hospital at 7:30 this morning for my colonoscopy.  I woke up in the recovery room a little after 9 and was out of the hospital an hour later.  I will not know the final results for a few days.  Boy, was I hungry by the time I got home.  This evening, I went down to The Woodlands to run the Waterway Jingle Bell Run.  This is a 3.5-mile, non-competitive, untimed run on the lighted walkway along the waterway in The Woodlands Mall.  It is beautifully decorated at Christmas.  My intention was to only run 2 miles.  However, I felt okay and ran the whole thing.  My time was 47:44.

Not a fun day

I am preparing for a Colonoscopy tomorrow morning, so today was not a fun day.  Excuse me, I will be back in a minute. - - - - - - Okay, I'm back.  However, I did manage to run laps at the track this afternoon and get in a quick workout at Nautilus.  With nothing but clear liquids all day, I am starving tonight.  I watched TV some, but all they had were food commercials.

Couple Miles

I ran a couple miles on the park roads this evening.  Then, a quick shower, dinner and off to an running club officer meeting to plan our event schedule for 2013.

Hot to Cold

It is hard to believe it was 80 degrees yesterday and the high today was 54.  Tonight, it is suppose to get down to 30.  After the marathon in the heat yesterday, I rested much of today.  This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran laps at the track.  I feel fully recovered.

BCS Marathon

I ran the BCS Marathon in College Station this morning.  Hot and humid.  I ran the whole thing, except for walking through the aid stations and taking on plenty of fluids.  My hydration seemed to be okay, but I did drink 3 bottles of water on the way back to Huntsville after the race.  The race director said that 10 runners were transported to the hospital.  Luckily, the storm and rains held off until later this evening.  The course was mostly flat and much of the surface concrete.  A lady working at one of the aid stations, said:  "You ran this last year, I remember your knee."  I'm glad I am known for something.  I finished in 6:17:54 and received a second medal for 3rd place in the 70 and Over age group.  This was a well-managed race.  A long sleeve race T-shirt, plenty of great aid stations, nice finisher medal, finisher T-shirt and lots of food and drinks after the race.

Marathon Expo

I ran laps this morning and then went over to College Station to pick up my packet for the BCS Marathon tomorrow and visit the Expo.  Nice to visit with some friends there.  The temperature at the start is suppose to be 69 degrees, with 93% humidity and a 20% chance of rain.  By the time I finish, it will be 80 degrees, 63% humidity and a 45% chance of rain.  It should be an interesting day.  I just want to get it over with - and not be struck by lightning.

Another taper

With the 50K last Saturday and a marathon this Sunday, I have had an easy week.  Peaked out at 3 miles.  I ran 1.9 miles on the roads in town this evening.  I have to go 50 miles over to College Station tomorrow to get my race packet for Sunday.

Alone at the Park

After working out at Nautilus, I went out to the park to meet up with the group.  I was the group.  With the park being closed for part of this week, I assume that everyone else thought the park was still closed.  So, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.  This evening, I had a meeting at my house with our running club president, Darren Grant, and Willie Fowlkes of The Woodlands to discuss a new 10-mile race in Huntsville next April 6 as part of a new Texas 10 Series.

Ran out of time

I got started late on my Nautilus and running routine this evening.  I ended up only having time for a 1.3-mile road run before having to get home, showered, dressed and off to my wife's 6 p.m. Master Gardener annual dinner.  And, I ate too much. 

Park closed early today

The park closed at 5 p.m. today and will reopen on Thursday.  For several weeks each year in December and January, they close for controlled hunting.  I would not want to be a squirell at Huntsville State Park for the next couple of days.  I went out there earlier this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  Scott and James were out there running.

Back to my Bug

I am having transmission problems on my truck and had to take it in to the dealership early this morning and leave it for a few days.  So, I had to get out my 74 VW Bug Convertible for transportation.  It's been in the garage collecting dust for a year with a For Sale sign in the window.  In fact, I have not driven it for six months.  I spent a part of the day getting it inspected and cleaning it up. 
Since I ran 34.1 miles this weekend, I took today off and ran 1.3 miles on the roads in a brand new pair of running shoes.  The old ones were completely worn out.  I first wore them on the 6th of November, so they lasted less than a month.  And, I wore an old pair of shoes for the 50K trail run on Saturday and the 5K on Sunday.  Maybe I need to start running barefooted.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this evening and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 37:08.  Last month, I ran the same race the day after the Rocky Raccoon 50K and finished in 37:58.  So, I made a little improvement.

Texas Trail 50K

For the 17th consecutive year, I ran the Texas Trail 50K (31 miles) at Huntsville State Park today.  My PR for this race is 6:33:25 (1999 at age 58).  The weather has varied over the years, but it is usually cold.  Sometimes very muddy.  Today, the temperature got up to 80 degress, with humidity in the high 90's.  I felt really drained early in the race and worried a lot about hydration.  I carried a water bottle between aid stations and always emptied it before the next aid station.  I finished in a disappointing 9:46 something, 30 minutes slower than the Rocky Raccoon 50K at the park last month.  I suppose it was the heat.  On the bright side, I only tripped on roots twice and fell down and got to visit with many good friends.  My thinking at this point is to make this my last 50K.  It is just not fun to zig zag and dodge roots for 31 miles.  My wife, Marilynn, came out to the park and was there for my finish.

I am in awe of some people

Since I am running the Texas Trail 50K tomorrow here at Huntsville State Park, I ran laps at the track this afternoon and later went out to the park to pick up my race packet.  Had a nice visit with Roger Soler, the race director, and then ran into my friend from Dallas, Angela Tortorice.  Tomorrow will be her 71st race of a marathon or longer distance - THIS YEAR.  She ran a total of 72 last year and was selected as the Marathon Maniac of the Year.  I am in awe of some people.

Another Day at the Park

In keeping with my taper, I went out to the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Tapering for Saturday

With a 50K on Saturday, I am taking it easy this week.  I ran 1.9 miles on the roads in town this evening, after working out at Nautilus.

Normal Tuesday

As usual, I went out to the park this evening after working out at Nautilus.  I ran 3 miles on the park roads while the others ran trails.  Nice cool weather.

Rest Day

I went over to the track this evening, ran laps and then worked out at Nautilus.  Rest day.

Outer Loop

I went out to the park alone this afternoon and ran the 6.9-mile outer trail loop.  I have run this course a zillion times over the last 18 years or so.  I use to worry about how fast I could run the loop; now that I am over 70 with an accumulation of knee and hamstring problems, I worry about if I will trip on a root and fall.  Only did once today.

Leftover Turkey 10K

Our club held it's annual Leftover Turkey 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Run this morning.  All three races are out and back on the sidewalk along Veterans Memorial Blvd.  There is no level section on the course - all hills.  I finished the 10K in 1:18:51, not a good time, but 10 minutes faster than last year when I was running with pulled hamstrings on both legs.  Next is the Texas Trail 50K here at Huntsville State Park next Saturday.

Park Run

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  The trails are in good shape, but being a holiday weekend, there were a lot of hikers and bikers on the trails.

Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler

For the 11th consecutive year, I ran the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler in The Woodlands this morning.  They announced that there were a total of 6,000 runners in all three events.  I finished in 1:00:44.  The good news is that I did not have the sharp pain in my hamstring.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Well rested

I ran laps at the track this afternoon.   So, with short runs all week, I am well-rested for the 5-mile race in The Woodlands tomorrow morning.  No sharp pains in the hamstring today, but the race tomorrow will be a good test.

Okay today

I went out to the park this evening wondering how long I could run without the sharp pain in my hamstring returning.  I took it easy and ended up running 2.3 miles on the trails without pain.  I feel more confident about being able to do the 5-mile race in The Woodlands on Thursday.  This will be my 11th straight year for that race.  My major concern is the 50K on December 1 at Huntsville State Park.  This will be my 17th straight year for that race.

More Pain

I started on a road run this evening and at about a half mile got sharp pains in my right hamstring.  I looped back to the track and finished with a 1.3-mile run.  Now, I am concerned about my upcoming races.  I'll try again tomorrow.

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.