Down day

With the bombing at the Boston Marathon today, it was a down day.  I just did not seem to get anything done today.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran the hilly Avenues 5K course.

Late run

We got up this morning and drove 2 and 1/2 hours to Tyler to visit family all day.  We got home late tonight and I went to the track at 11 p.m. and ran laps.

Dumb me

I woke up at 3 this morning (alarm was set for 4),  Got dressed and went out to Huntsville State Park to volunteer at the Hog's Hunt 50K, 25K and 10K.  Starting at 4:45, I directed traffic coming into the race area.  Then, at 5:50, I drove my pickup over a mile on a jeep trail into the back of the park.  I set up and operated a water station and served as a course monitor until about 12:30 p.m.  On the way out of the park, I stopped often to removed flagging on the course.  Then, I really did something dumb.  I locked my keys in the truck, with the motor running.  Of course, my cell phone was in the truck.  I was still a mile from the gate at the Interstate service road.  Eventually, one of the volunteers from an aid station on the back side of the park pulled up behind me.  I called my wife on his cell phone and asked her to bring my other set of keys to the park.  Then, I cleared branches and stuff away so the other volunteer could get around my truck.  He drove me out to the gate and the service road, gave me a cold beer and then left.  Later, my wife showed up with the key.  She drove me to my truck and we both finally got out of there.  I was exhausted when I got home and took a nap.  Then, I went to the track and ran laps.

Track

We have friends in this weekend from Houston to run the Hog's Hunt 50K tomorrow at Huntsville State Park.  I managed to get to the track and run laps this morning.  Tomorrow, I am getting up at 4 a.m. and going to the park to work as a voluteer course monitor at the race.  Look forward to seeing many friends.

Roads at the park

I ran 3 miles on the roads at the park this evening.  About half way through the run, I met a friend, who was camping, and we visited for a while.  Just as I was finishing, I ran into my good friend, Paul Stone, who is directing the Hog's Hunt 50K, 25K & 10K at the park this Saturday.  He was marking the course.  I will be volunteering as a course monitor at Amy's Crossing, which I seem to do every year.

Rainy run

When I got up this morning, it was summer weather and I put on shorts.  Then, this afternoon, it started raining and the temperature got down in the 40's.  I tried to time my evening run between bands of rain, but I messed up.  After working out at Nautilus, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town in the rain and cold.  Actually, I felt like running longer, but I had to get back to meet someone at the house.

Crowd at the park

We had a good crowd at the park run this evening.  I was not mentally into it, so I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Easy day

After running 19.3 race miles this weekend, I took it easy today.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went to the track and ran laps.

Two-race day

The inagural Texas 10 Series race was held in Huntsville this morning.  First class 10 and 5-mile race.  I ran the hilly 10-mile course in 2:05:24 and received a nice finishers medal.  Since I was the only runner in the 70 & over age group, I won first place.  With that, I received a second medal and a free entry into next year's race.  It was nice to be able to get up and go to a race in Huntsville, without having to be there early to put out signs, register runners or set up a race clock or the finish line chute.  The next Texas 10 Series is in Waco on November 3 and I plan to be there.
This evening, I went down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I really felt tired, but finished in a "normal" 36:49.  My wife realized that this race is close to Trader Joes and she gave me a shopping list for there and at one other store in The Woodlands.  So, I did not get home until later tonight.

Superhero Dash 10K

I drove 65 miles east this morning to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation for the Superhero Dash 10K.  I have run a couple races at the reservation, but it has been many years ago.  For April, it was really cool, but perfect running weather.  The course was all through the forest, mostly on a single lane paved asphalt road.  It was a little hilly, but one of the best courses I have run.  Most ran the 5K, but the 10K was a single loop without any out and backs.  I finished in 1:12 something, a minute or so faster than last Saturday.  It was good enough for 2nd in the 60 and over age group.  They had hamburgers after the race.  I had a chance to visit with friends and meet some others, including the doctor from Austin who was first in my age group.  Later this afternoon back in Huntsville, I picked up my packet for the Texas 10-Miler tomorrow morning.

Yard work

I spent much of the day mowing the grass and doing other yard work.  I did go to the track this afternoon and run laps.  Then, went to the Sam Houston - McNeese State baseball game tonight.

Testing the toe

I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I was concerned about the sharp pains I had yesterday in my big toe joint.  The joint was a little sore today, but I ran 3 miles on the trails and did not have the sharp pains of yesterday.  Hopefully, I will okay for the 3 races this weekend.

New pain

I went out to the park alone this afternoon to run the roads.  Just over a mile in the run, I had a sharp pain in my right big toe joint.  I walked a few steps and then started running again.  It came back 3 or 4 times before I completed a 3-mile run.  Right now, the toe or the joint is not sore and I have no idea what caused the sharp pain.  We will see how it goes tomorrow.  With a 10K, 10-Mile and 5K race this weekend, I do not need a problem.

In between storms

It was storming and raining hard when I left Nautilus this evening to go to the park to run.  As I expected, only Jacob, Phillip and myself showed up.  By the time we got into the park and started our runs, the lightning and rain eased up.  They did 3 miles or so on the trails and I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  When I got home, it started storming again and still is.

Getting hot again

After a week or so of cool and even cold weather, it is starting to warm up again.  The weeds in my lawn need mowing again.  After working out at Nautilus and talking to my running friends there about weekend races, I ran a 2-mile loop in the avenues.  My marathon training schedule this weekend, includes three races, a hilly 10K on Saturday, a 10-miler Sunday morning and a 5K Sunday evening.  Then, the Army Marathon on April 21.

Easter

I went out to the park this afternoon, with the intention of running the outer loop.  During my run, it started lightning and acting like a storm was going to blow through.  I turned around and headed back, but still got in 4 miles.  I did not see any wild animals, except for a scraggly looking rabbit on the trail.  Guess you would expect to see a rabbit on Easter.

CASA 10K

I got up at 5:15 this morning to make the 80-mile drive over to Lufkin for the CASA 10K.  It was storming when I arrived at the race site.  They delayed the race to about 8:45, when it was sunny and steamy.  It was a rather small race, only 14 runners doing the 10K and a lot more doing the 5K.  I finished in 1:13:39, which, obviously, was good enough for 1st place in my age group.  The race gave me an opportunity to visit with a friend, Jimmie Jones.  After returning to Huntsville, I took a short nap and then drove down to Houston for a family gathering.

Good Friday

I changed the oil in my son's car this afternoon.  By the time I finished, I only had time to get in a 2-mile run on the roads in town before going to Good Friday services at church.  Just decided to go to Lufkin tomorrow for a 10K.

Park starting to fill

It is Thursday before Easter and Huntsville State Park is filling up with campers for the weekend.  Lots of people on the trails.  I met up with the group and ran a 2.5-mile loop on the trails.  We have not had rain for a while, so the sand on the trail is getting deep in spots.

Short avenues run

After working out at Nautilus, I ran an unplanned course in the hilly avenues.  I was not into it mentally and ran a shorter distance than I problaby should have.  It turned out to be 2.2 miles.

Early trails

I worked out at Nautilus this afternoon and then went out to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  I had to get back for Veterans Night and tailgating before the Sam Houston State - Rice baseball game, which started at 6:30 p.m..  Enjoyed visiting with friends and meeting others.  It really got cold late in the game, but for the second time this year, Sam beat Rice.

Freeze tonight

I cannot believe that it is late March, the temperature has been in the 80's, the grass if growing, Marilynn and I planted the garden and now it is suppose to freeze tonight.  We covered everything in the garden, so hopefully it will be saved.  However, the cold makes for good running weather.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran an unplanned road route in the avenues.  It turned out to be exactly 3 miles.

Annual Club Trail Run

Our running club had its annual non-competitive trail run at Huntsville State Park this afternoon.  I went out early and marked the 3.5-mile course with signs.  The last mile was an out and back section, so I got in a continuous one-mile run on the way back in.  A continuous one-mile run is a minimum requirement of the U. S. Running Streak Association.  Then, just before the race, I went out a mile to a key trail intersection to direct runners and take photos.  Good running weather, but it was cold just standing out in the woods.  It is great seeing runners and walkers out on the trails for the first time.

Run with Lions 10K

A local private academy put on the Run with Lions 10K this morning in Huntsville.  They had over 100 runners doing the 5K and 10K.  The course is very hilly and the 10K was a double loop.  I finished in 1:14:30.  I have not run that many 10K's lately, but it was my fastest in 2 years.  I suppose that running marathons is good training for 10K's.  I was the only runner in the 10K over 70, so I won my age group.  The temperature was in the 60's, so that was nice.

Marathon Goal

As of May 1, 2013, I will have been running races for 30 years.  Of the 645 races I have run, 95 have been a marathon or longer (73 marathons, 21-50K's and 1 50-Miler).  I will be 72 years old this May, so I have decided to retire from marathons after 6 more.  That will give me 101 and I will stop at that number.  I served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.  So, my 101st marathon will be to, in my small way, honor all Vietnam Veterans.  If you read my Facebook page, you will have already seen my remaining marathon schedule.  In any case, here it is:

96 - April 21 - Army Marathon, Killeen to Temple*
97 - October 13 - Tyler Rose Marathon, Tyler*
98 - November 9 - Soldier Marathon, Fort Benning, GA
99 - December 8 - BCS Marathon, College Station*
100 - January 1, 2014 - Texas Marathon, Kingwood*
101 - February 15 - Love.Run.Marathon, Huntsville State Park
          * Already signed up.

I will continue to run every day and continue to run races, just not marathons.  My goal is just to stay healthy and promote the sport of running.

I have a 10K race here in Huntsville tomorrow morning, so I ran laps at the track this afternoon.

Cool weather, again

Just when you think it is well into Spring, we get cooler weather again.  It was nice running trails at the park this evening, but I had to put on a jacket after running.  James and I did 3 miles on the trails, while Jacob, Becca and Melissa did 7 miles and finished after dark.

Squeezed in a run

I had a busy schedule today and ended up stopping at the track and running laps this evening.  After dinner on the run, I went to the Sam Houston State - Baylor baseball game here in Huntsville.

Lots of Yard Work

I spent most of the day doing various chores in the yard and garden, mowing, fertilizing, watering and rotor-tilling.  To rest up, I worked out and Nautilus and then ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.

Day After

I felt back to normal today.  I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran 1.3 miles on the roads in town.  Spring break is over and traffic is heavy again.

Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon

I ran laps at the track yesterday and then drove down to Seabrook for the Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon.  With spring break is session, the traffic on I-45 and in the Seabrook on the coast was extremely heavy.  I-45 was jammed up north of Conroe this afternoon and I ended up taking Hwy. 75 back to Huntsville.  That was not any better; there was a 3-mile back up getting into New Waverly.  Finally, got home at 5 this evening.
I finished the marathon (4 loops on a 6.55-mile flat trail) in 6:25:54 and was 1st place of 5 runners in the 70-74 age group.  Nice finisher medal and glass mug age group award.  It was really warm (about 81 degrees) and I was hoping for a light rain on the last loop.  A dark cloud went by and I felt a couple drops, but that was it.  Got to visit with a lot of close friends and I always enjoy that.  Marathon 95 done!

It's gonna be hot

I just check the forecast for the Seabrook Marathon on Sunday.  It's gonna be 81 degrees and a 20 % chance of rain.  This may be good training for the Army Marathon in central Texas on April 21.
This afternoon, I drove to the track and then ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus.

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.