Spring Break

Guess everyone is on Spring Break.  I went to the park this evening to meet up with the group - and no one showed up.  So, I ran 2 miles on the park roads and went home.

Solo Trail Run

The weather was so nice this afternoon, I went out to the park alone and ran 7 miles on the trails.  Seabrook Trail Marathon on Sunday.

Park roads

I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening with James.  Gosh, the camping areas were packed with spring-breakers.

Getting tired of this coughing

My fever is long gone, but the sinus drainage and coughing continues.  I only made it once to Nautilus last week, but am trying to get back on schedule this week.  So, I worked out this evening and then ran an uplanned route on the hilly roads in the Avenues.  It turned out to be 3.0 miles.  Next Sunday, I will run the Seabrook Trail Marathon down on the coast.  It will be my 95th race of a marathon or longer distance.

New Shoes

I took out of the box my last pair of Asics Fortitude running shoes and wore them for the first time today.  I think I went a marathon too far in my old ones.  They quit making Fortitudes, which I have worn for years.  The replacement shoe is the Asics Oracle and I bought a pair of those over the weekend and put them on the shelf.  We had a big family gathering at my house this afternoon and evening and I ate way too much.  I slipped away this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads in town.

Run the Woodlands 5K

Seems like I have been down to The Woodlands a lot lately.  I did not have another race, so I went down to run the Run the Woodlands 5K.  I finished in 35:21 and won a beanie doorprize after the race.  I stopped at Fleet Feet after the race and picked up my new running shoes and my age group award for the marathon last Saturday.

Garden and Yard Work

I spent most of the day planting corn in my garden, mowing and doing other yard work.  Later this afternoon, I went out to the park alone and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  My sinus's and throat are gradually feeling better, even though I still have drainage and coughing.

No Thursday trail run

I had to go somewhere this evening with the family, so I skipped trails at the park.  Instead, I ran an unplanned route around town this afternoon.  The course turned out to be 2.4 miles.

Fever gone, I think

I did not check it today, but felt like my fever was gone.  I had to make a trip down south today, but did get back to Nautilus this evening for a workout.  It was nearly dark when I finished, so I went to the track and ran 1.3 miles on the roads from there.

Fever continues

I still had a fever this morning and pretty much took it easy all day.  For the second day in a row, I skipped working out at Nautilus.  I did go to the park this evening with the intention of running one mile on the trails.  I ended up running 2.5.  Maybe the anti-biotics will fully kick in tomorrow and I will feel fine.

Streak challenge

I spent most of the morning working on my column for tomorrow's paper.  When not at the computer, I was in bed sick.  Finally got to see my doctor at 3 this afternoon.  As expected, he diagnosed the problem as a sinus infection.  He gave me a shot, decongestants and anti-biotics.  My temperature was still 101 tonight.  A little after 9 p.m., I drove to the track and ran laps.  That was a challenge, but the streak is still alive.  This was my first illness since a sinus infection in December 2010.

Sinus Infection

I had a high temperature last night and went to bed early.  By late afternoon today, I felt a little better and went down to The Woodlands this evening for the Sunday Night 5K.  I did not run very fast (obviously) and finished in 38:58.  I will try to see my doc tomorrow for some anti-biotics.

The Woodlands Marathon

My sinus's were draining so bad last night and my throat was very sore.  Only got a couple hours of sleep.  Got to The Woodlands about 5:45 for a 7 a.m. start.  It was cold and windy.  The marathon had nearly 1,000 finishers and a lot more runners in the half marathon, 5K and 2K.  All concrete and mostly flat.  I ran the whole thing and finished in 6:08:30, 16 seconds faster than my best time this year at the Louisiana Marathon, a few weeks ago.  Sure got to see a lot of friends on the course or along the course.  Even a cop at one of the intersections was a retired DPS trooper from Huntsville and a good friend.  I was 3rd in my age group.  Marathon 94 done.

Cold Marathon Tomorrow

I went down to The Woodlands today to pick up my packet for the marathon tomorrow.  Got to visit with several good friends.  That's a lot more fun than running.  Afterwards, my wife shopped at Trader Joes, while I napped in the car.  I have to get up very early tomorrow and get back down there for a 7 a.m. start.  The temperature is suppose to be 40 degrees at race time.  Maybe it will clear out my sinus's and make me feel better.

Allergies

I woke up last night with a very sore throat and I think a fever.  My allergies have been bothering me for several weeks and it has been worse in the last few days.  I felt lousy all day.  However, I did go out to the park this evening and run 2 miles on the park roads.  I just hope I do not have to run the marathon on Saturday with a fever.  I did that in Dallas a couple years ago and it was not fun.

Cool, clear and windy

With cool, clear and windy weather, it was a good day to run trails at the park.  I went out alone this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  I found a smart phone on the trail and turned it in to the office on the way out of the park.

Normal

My hip was better today.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  I will be running The Woodlands Marathon this Saturday, so no long runs this week.  Last year, because of the hamstring problem, I had to switch to the Half Marathon and I was barely able to finish.  This year, I hope to redeem myself with marathon #94.

Sore Hip

I am not sure why, but I had a sore hip today.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went to the track and ran laps.  Cold and windy.

Two 5K's Today

I got up at 5:15 this morning for an early start to go to Katy (west of Houston) for the Run for Wellness 5K at 8 a.m.  I was on Beltway 8 on the northwest side of Houston and all of a sudden, it was closed for repairs.  I got off and had to figure out how to get to I-40 West.  I finally made it, but ended up driving about 110 miles to get there.  I was invited to this race to look at their race timing system.  I ran the race in 34:50 and then spent some time with the timer.  Got back to Huntsville about 11:30, took a nap and then ran the club's Sweetheart 5K at 2 p.m.  Finished the hilly course in 36:42.  Took another nap and went to church at 6 this evening.

Ramp Romp

I ran the Ramp Romp this morning in College Station.  It was suppose to be a 5K, but, according to a couple runner's GPS, it was about 2.7 miles.  This has been an off and on race since the 80's.  The format and course is constantly changing.  This year, it was sponsored by the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University and was untimed; no age groups.  It looked like they had 300-400 runners.  We started outside of Kyle Field and then hit the ramps on one side of the stadium.  We ran up the ramps to the top, then across and down the ramps at the other end.  After running through the endzone to the other side, we ran up the ramps, across, down and back to the start line.  Then, we did it all again.  I finished in 31:50.  After the race, I had breakfast in College Station, drove back to Huntsville and then took an hour nap.  About mid-afternoon, I drove up to Tyler for a family get-together and got back late tonight.  Two more 5K's tomorrow.

Friday at the Track

Since I have a 5K tomorrow and two 5K's on Sunday, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Trail Run with Jan

Our group met up at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails with Jan.  Of course, she had to slow down a bit to keep up with me.

Park Roads

After working out at Nautilus a little earlier this afternoon, I went out to the state park alone and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  A week and a half to my next marathon.

Park and Baseball

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening and then went to the Sam Houston State - U. of Houston baseball game.  Temperature in the 50's is great for running, but I froze at the game.

Late Run

I worked on my son's car this afternoon and it was almost dark before I got to Nautilus for a workout.  So, afterwards, I went to the track and ran laps.

Park, again

It was such a beautiful afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 7 miles on the trails.  Tripped once, but no falls.

No race this weekend

This will be one of the few weekends of the year that I do not have a race.  I slept in and ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.  Tons of hikers on the trails.

New Sidewalk

I drove down a section of the I-45 service road today and see that they have added a sidewalk along the service road.  While a new sidewalk seems like no big deal, my good friend, John Burick, was struck and killed by a vehicle while running on that service road on October 31, 2008.  I wish the sidewalk had been there then.  Maybe it will save a life in the future.
After running trails for the last two days, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town this afternoon.

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.