New shoes out of the box

I put on a new pair of Asic Oracles today and ran 1.5 miles on the streets in town.  I did not run too fast, but I looked good.

Surprize rain

I mowed the lawn late this morning and then it rained for about 30 minutes.  I checked the forecast yesterday and it was not suppose to rain today.  We have had plenty of rain this spring and summer, so much more than usual.  My lawn has never looked so good.  After working out at Nautilus, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles, most on the park roads, but some on trails.

Back in the mowing business

I drove down to Conroe this morning and bought a new belt for my riding lawnmover.  While down there, I went to a couple other stores for my wife.  After returning, I put the lawnmower back together, loaded it up in my pickup and took it over to the repair shop.  Surprizingly, they told me that they would install the new belt and that I could pick it up this evening.  So, I picked it up this evening and am back in the mowing business.  After getting it back home, I worked out at Nautilus and ran 2 miles on the roads in town.

Broken down

I'm almost broken down, but my lawn mower really is.  I was halfway through mowing the front yard on my riding lawn mower this afternoon, when it quit on me.  I pushed it in the garage and soon found out that I had a broken transmission drive belt.  I had to remove a lot of parts just to get the broken belt out.  According to the manual that came with the mower, I have to have a real mechanic install the new one.  So, tomorrow morning, I will drive down to the Western Auto store in Conroe and buy a new belt.  Then, I will have to load up the mower in my pickup (not an easy task) and take it to the local lawnmower repair place.  The real challenge will be getting them to install the belt before my grass gets too long to mow, or at least the half that did not get mowed today.
To work off my frustration, I went into town and ran an unplanned route on the streets.  It turned out to be 3.9 miles.

Greyhound 5K

I got up early this morning and drove 90 miles up to Kosse, Texas to run the Greyhound 5K.  I always enjoy visiting with my friend, Dennis Alston, who runs this race every year.  He is 69 and has always been fast.  He was hurting this morning.  Five weeks ago, his bull threw him over a fence and broke two of his ribs and a vertabre.  Well, he still beat me this morning.  He's a tough old Marine.  I finished in 36:24, which was good enough for 1st in my 70 and over age group.  I also enjoyed visiting with my friend, Jon Walk from Spring, Texas.  He had a longer drive than I did.  We ran the race together.  After the race, I stopped in Centerville and had breakfast at the Town Cafe, the same place we have eaten for the last 17 years after the 5K in Centerville on July 4.

Regular Friday

Like most Fridays, I did not work out at Nautilus and ran laps at the track.  5K race tomorrow.

Missed the rain

We had a storm pass through Huntsville this evening.  I went in to Nautilus to work out and then to the park to run.  There was rain in town and at the state park, but none at my house just west of the city.  I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.

National Running Day

Today was National Running Day, but that does not mean much to streakers.  We run every day anyway.  I ran 3.1 miles in the hilly avenues this evening.

Had to skip the park

My wife and I had to go to a dinner at our church this evening, so I had to skip my normal run at the park.  After doing yard work most of the afternoon, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran laps at the track.

Knees

My knees have been sore and stiff lately.  They really feel unstable when I run and I cannot come close to doing a squat.  I have started working on them at Nautilus and maybe that will help.  After Nautilus this evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 40th time, I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight.  The humidity was not as bad as in Houston yesterday morning.  I finished in 37:21, a little faster than the Heights 5K yesterday.  Both are on relatively flat courses.

Heights 5K

I went down to Houston this morning and ran the Heights 5K.  The course is down and back on Heights Blvd. and flat.  It was very hot and humid.  They ran out of water at the finish line.   When I finished, there was a guy who had collasped and it took a long for them to get medical help for him.  Hopefully, he is okay.  I finished in 38:00, which placed me 3rd in the 70 to 74 age group.  However, they only gave awards to the top two in each age group.

Friday at Nautilus

I normally skip Friday at Nautilus, but since I never made it there yesterday, I worked out there this evening.  They were just bought out by Iron Works, effective July 1, so it will no longer be Nautilus.  After working out this evening, I went to the track and ran 1.3 miles on the roads from there.  5K in Houston early tomorrow.  I hate getting up early.

Squeezed in a track run

I had a busy day, but managed to squeeze in a run at the track between other things.

Avenues 5K backwards

I ran the hilly as heck Avenues 5K course backwards this evening.  That means I started by running up the Avenue O hill to the 21st Street intersection, which is the highest point between Dallas and Houston.

Knees

As usual after a 3-day weekend, today feels like Monday.  I need to get back to a more regular schedule at Nautilus and work on the knees more.  They are always sore and stiff; I could not do a squat for anything.  Found out today that Nautilus was bought out by the local Iron Works, which is only a couple blocks from Nautilus.  I hear that they are going to operate in both locations.  We will see.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

57 runners in my driveway

I got up early this morning to put out the signs and set up for the club's annual Memorial Day 5K at my house.  We had fewer than expected, but 57 was still a good crowd.  We had a great time and everyone hung around for breakfast, awards and visiting.  After we got everything put away, I took a good nap.  Then, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town and this evening, my wife and I attended a Memorial Day program at the Veterans Museum in Huntsville.  Nice day.

Getting ready for tomorrow

We spent most of today getting ready for the 5K starting and finishing at my house tomorrow.  My wife and two friends fixed breakfast for 125.  I slipped away and ran 2 miles on the streets in town this evening and then loaded up the signs to be put out early tomorrow morning.

Run the Woodlands 5K

For the 56th time, I went down to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K, which is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.  My streaker friend, Vincent, ran it this morning for the 150th time.  Of course, he lives in The Woodlands and does not have so far to drive.  In any case, congratulations on reaching the milestone, Vincent.  It was hot and humid and I finished in a slow 38:07.  After the race, I had breakfast and then went to several stores in the area.

East week

It has been an easy week, as far as running goes.  I went to the track this afternoon with the intention of running the streets from there.  It started raining, so I ran laps instead.  5K tomorrow.

Traffic

I managed to get in a run at the track before leaving for Sugar Land (south of Houston) for the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament.  I left at 4:15 p.m., drove 94 miles and arrived at 6:30 p.m.  I hit the worst of the rush hour traffic around the Houston beltway and south on US 59.  The traffic were terrible.  I watched the Sam Houston State - Southeastern Louisiana game and Sam lost.  It is a double elimination tournament, so Sam will play again tomorrow - without me.  After the game, I was introduced to Coach Gary Kubiak (Houston Texans) at the game and we had a brief visit.

Getting ready for the Memorial Day 5K

We are hosting the club's Memorial Day 5K and breakfast at my house next Monday.  Nothing like having an inflatable arch over your driveway and a hundred or so runners in your yard.  Lots of fun.  I modified the course for this year.  This morning, my wife and I walked the course and measured it with an engineer wheel.  I'm not use to walking; it is more tiring than running.  I worked out at Nautilus this evening and then ran laps at the track.

Hilly park roads

I ran 2.1 miles on the hilliest park roads this evening.  Tough when it is hot and humid.

Back to the airport

We drove our son and his girl friend down to the airport in Houston today for their flight back to Yuma, AZ.  We had lunch with my other son in Houston on the way to the airport.  Got back this evening, worked out at Nautilus and ran 2.6 miles on the roads in town.  Things should be normal at my house for a few days until we host the Seven Hills Running Club's annual Memorial Day 5K run at my house on May 27.  Nothing like having an inflatable arch over your driveway and a hundred or so runners for breakfast after the race.

Posting late

For some reason, I had a tough time getting into my blog tonight.  Got some strange messages about being logged in somewhere else.  I contacted the chip timing company that timed the race last night.  For some reason, my chip was never read.  Luckily, I checked the clock when I finished and they worked me into the results with an official time of 1:35:15 (1st in the 60 and over age group).  Someone said that the age group winners got a pecan pie, but I doubt that they will mail me one.  I slipped away from visiting family this evening (Sunday) and ran 2 miles on the roads in town.

Nighttime Trail Run

My wife and I drove 64 miles over to Caldwell tonight to run the 1st annual Nighttime Trail Run at Royalty Pecan Farms.  They had a 5K, 10K and 15K, with a total of 700 registered runners.  My wife walked the 5K and I ran the 10K.  The race started just before 9 p.m. and the course was through the pecan orchards.  The mosquitos and other bugs were annoying.  Other trail runs that I have done were during the winter and the bugs were not so bad.  So, I ate my share of protein tonight.  My results were not included in the chip-timed race, but my finish time was 1:35 something.  That should be good for 1st place in the 60 & over age group.

Hike in the park

I went out to the park this afternoon and hiked trails with my son and his girlfriend.  I took my new Nikon camera with expensive telephoto lens.  I was standing on a bridge and taking a photo of my son swinging on a vine.  I backed up to get a better shot and fell off the bridge.  Luckily, that section of the bridge was not over water and I survived the fall.  However, the zoom telephoto lens no longer zooms. 
Later this afternoon, I slipped away and went to the track and ran laps.  10K trail race tomorrow night..

Visiting family

With visiting family today, I never made it to Nautilus.  However, I did go to the park this evening and run 2 miles on the park roads.  Later, I joined the family at the Sam Houston State baseball game with U. of Central Arkansas.

More rain today

It rained much of today.  I had to go down to the airport to pick up my son and his girlfriend this afternoon.  I managed to get in a 1.3-mile road run between the rain and leaving for the airport.

Hard to get out of the hammock

I spent most of the day doing yard work and cleaning out the storage shed.  I was really beat, so I layed down in the hammock in the back yard.  There was a cool breeze and it was so comfortable.  It was hard to get out and go to Nautilus.  Finally did.  Worked out and then went to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Quiet streets

After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran a 3.4-mile course around town.  With classes over at Sam Houston State, the streets were quiet and relatively empty.

Mother's Day

Since it was Mother's Day, I spent most of the day with family.  However, this evening, I went to the track and ran laps.

YMCA Trail Run

After so much rain in the past two days, I expected muddy trails at the YMCA Trail Run 5K in Conroe this morning.  It was not that the mud was so deep, it was very slippery.  I tried to run on the roots and grass as much as I could.  Luckily, I never slipped and fell.  I finished in 37:29.

Milestones

I ran my first race, a 10K at Fort Hood, Texas, on May 1, 1983.  That was 30 years ago.  During that 30 years, I ran 653 races.  Then, I have run 3 races during my second 30 years.  Today, I ran 2.1 miles around town, my 1,300th consecutive day of running on my current streak.

Heavy storm

I did yard and garden work most of the day.  This evening and night, we had a heavy storm.  I managed to get in a 1-mle run at the track before it started.  Luckily, no hail and we got plenty of rain.

Disconnected

My phone and Internet went out yesterday.  ATT said that a cable was cut somewhere and it may be Saturday before my service is restored.  Sometime during the night, service was restored.  I ran a 2.1-mile course in the avenues yesterday.

Park

For the first time in a week, I went out to the state park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Getting back into the routine

After being out-of-town most of last week, I got back into my routine today.  This morning, I wrote my column for the paper and worked out at Nautilus this evening.  Then, I ran an unplanned course on the streets in town.  It turned out to be 2.6 miles.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands tonight to run the Sunday Night 5K, held on the first Sunday of every month.  This was my 7th consecutive month and my 39th time for running the race.  Nice cool weather.  I finished in 36:35.

Run Forest Run 5K

Our club put on the Run Forest Run 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk this morning at the Forest Glen Camp, in the deep woods east of Huntsville.  We had 80 runners and beautiful cool weather.  The course was almost all gravel road and forest trails.  Before running the 5K, I set up the inflatable arch and a race clock.  My finish time was 37:11.  Given the course, I expected a slower than usual 5K time.

Checking back in

On Tuesday, I ran laps at the track and then drove up to Fort Worth.  My brother had surgery on Wednesday morning and the family gathered there to support him.  Looks like all went well.  Wednesday afternoon, I drove across Fort Worth and Dallas to Wylie to visit my son and his family.  I ran 1-mile+ in Wylie Wednesday evening and then ran 2.3 miles in the cold and wind on Thursday.  I drove back to Huntsville this afternoon, ran laps at the track and then went to the Sam Houston State baseball game tonight.

Yard work Monday

After spending most of the day mowing the lawn and doing other yardwork, I went to Nautilus this evening and ran an unplanned route on the roads in town.  It turned out to be 3.0 miles.  I have two more 5K races this coming weekend and a lot of other races this summer.  No more marathons until next October.

Race to Educate 5K

I drove back over to College Station this afternoon for the Race to Educate 5K, put on by the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineer students at Texas A&M.  They rented our club's race clock and inflatable arch, so I took those over and set them up.  The course was a flat loop around the A&M campus.  The race did not get started until 2:20 p.m. and it was rather hot by that time.  I finished in 35:20 and was first place in the 30 and over age group.  I was the only one.  I thought the group photo was interesting.  Notice that the tree completely fills the space inside the arch and none of it extends outside the arch.  Looks like a doctored photo.

Teal Ribbon 5K

I drove over to College Station this morning to run the Teal Ribbon 5K.  It rained before the race, but at race time it was just hot and humid.  The course started and finished at Scott-White Hospital and ran through a residential area.  Relatively flat.  As I recall, I ran that same course many years ago.  I finished in 34:58.  There was no age group competition. 

Lucky day

I received a $100 Academy Sports gift card in the mail today from a business in Belton, Texas.  I won it a drawing at the Army Marathon Expo last Saturday.  Lucky day, I guess.
Since I am running a 5K tomorrow, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Adjusted

I was checking the final race results for last Sunday's Army Marathon and see that they have adjusted the results.  The guy in my age group that I met before the race, who I assumed dropped from the race, was added in and was ahead of me.  So, he got first and I got second.  Good for him.
It was relatively cool today for this time of the year.  No complaints from runners, I am sure.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening and even managed to trip on a root and fall. 

"Tapering up"

After running the marathon on Sunday, I ran 1 mile on Monday and 2 miles on Tuesday.  Today, I ran a 2.9-mile route in the Avenues.  Nice cool weather, but probably the last until next Fall.

Back to normal

I felt back to normal today.  I finished the porch ceiling and made it up and down the step stool a hundred times.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Then, I made it to the last few innings of the Sam Houston State - UT Arlington baseball game.

Resting up

Surprizingly, I did not sleep well last night.  I need to continue painting my porch ceiling, but I did not feel like stepping up and down the step stool after running the marathon yesterday.  So, I did not get a lot done today.  This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran laps at the track.

Army Marathon

I left Huntsville in a hurray yesterday to get over to Killeen for the Army Marathon this morning.  Just outside of Killeen, I realized that I had not packed my running shorts.  There was a vendor at the Expo, but they did not have my size.  So, I went to Academy in Killeen and bought a pair there.  My wife and I attended Mass at St. Joseph's Church in Killeen.  We attended that church when we were assigned to Fort Hood from 1982 to 1984.  As we were going into the church, we ran into Bill and Bridgett Moeller from Spring, Texas.  I have known them from races for many years.  They had a good friend down from Dallas to run the marathon and he was at the church.  After Mass, we all went to Olive Garden for dinner.  As we talked, Bill mentioned that he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division at the same time I was there from 82 to 84.  We were the Army's night fighting division at the time and we had a 10K run at 3 a.m. on May 1, 1983.  It was my first race.  Bill and Bridgett ran the same race.  We all had a great time visiting at the dinner.  It was after 9 p.m. before I went to the hotel to check in.
The race started at 6:30 a.m. at the Killeen Convention Center and went east to a finish line in Temple.  Overall, the drop in elevation was 200+ feet, but there were so many hills that you would not notice a drop in elevation.  It was cool and overcast for the first half at my time at the 13.1 miles was 2:53.  Then, the temperature started warming and we had a wind in our face.  The course was on the streets in Killeen and then open highway to Temple.  No shade trees.  I really started to tire at about 18 miles and I walked occasionally, which I normally do not do in a marathon.  I was surprized that my finish time was 5:53:35, my best marathon time this year.  The race results show that there were exactly 600 finishers and I was the only one in the 70 and over age group.  I met a guy at the start line who was 78, but he must have dropped.  So, another age group win.  This was my 96th race of a marathon or longer and my 14th since the season started in Texas in October.  Five more next season and that is it.

Spring Fling 5K

I ran the Spring Fling 5K in the Elkins Lake Sub-division in Huntsville this morning.  Needless to say, the course was hilly.  I finished in 35:34.  Off to Killeen.

Busy Friday

Busy day, with yard work, painting and a baseball game tonight.  With 2 races this weekend, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.

Gearing up for the weekend

This weekend, I am running a 5K here in Huntsville and then heading for Killeen, Texas to run the Army Marathon on Sunday.  We had a lot of rain in Huntsville today and it was rather cool.  The latest forecast for Killeen on Sunday indicates a high of 79.  Not too bad.  The record high for April 21 is 97.  The course is point to point, Killeen to Temple.  I was in the Army and assigned to Fort Hood in Killeen when I ran my first race on May 1, 1983 (a few days short of 30 years ago).  I know there will be some hills, but overall, the elevation drops from start to finish.
This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran 2 miles on the roads in the park.

Run for Boston

I helped organize one of several Run for Boston runs in Huntsville today.  Our group ran a untimed, non-competitive 5K at 7 p.m. to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

SHSU vs. Texas A&M

I met up with the group at the park this evening, but only ran 2 miles on the roads.  Then, I went to the SHSU - Texas A&M baseball game here in Huntsville (already in progress).  It went into extra innings, but Sam Houston won.

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.