Run, only

I had some guys over late this afternoon to service my aerobic system (home sewer plant in my backyard).  So, I never made it to Iron Works.  I went straight to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  Two races coming up this weekend, a 5K and a half marathon.

Nice day for running

It was clear today and the temperature in the 60's.  Nice day for running.  After Iron Works, I ran a 2-mile loop around the campus.  If I was training for something, it would have been a good day for a long run.

Back to the park

With nice sunny weather this afternoon, I went back out to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Rocky Raccoon 25K

For the 15th straight year, I ran the Rocky Raccoon Trail Run at Huntsville State Park this morning.  For some of those years, I ran the 50K, but for today and recent years, the 25K.  The temperature throughout the race was in the low 60's, but for most of the race it rained.  Lots of water and in some places, slippery mud.  My hamstring was fine, but I never tripped or fell.  That must a first for me at that distance on the trails.  I finished in 4:26:47, compared to 4:12 last year.  There was no age group competition, but I was the oldest runner at the event.

Busy day

I went down to Houston this morning to attend the funeral of a good friend's father.  Great family and I got to meet more of them.  On the way back, I stopped in Tomball and had lunch with my son.  Got back at 3 p.m. and went to the track and ran laps.  Then, I went to the rental store to rent tables for the Rocky Raccoon Trail Run tomorrow, picked up another table and the canopy from our club storage place and went to the State Park.  I drove to the back corner of the park and put up the canopy and left a table.  It was totally dark by the time I got out of the woods.  The forecast is for rain all morning tomorrow.  It's gonna be a fun race.

Tapering

I guess you can say that I am tapering for the 25K trail run on Saturday.  I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  I am still hesitant about running trails.  Saturday will be test.

Three on Veterans

After Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles on the sidewalk along Veterans Memorial Parkway.  Dana was the only other club member running there and I ran into her as I was going out and she was coming back in.  The hamstring seems to be improving.  I have a 25K trail race this Saturday and that will be a big test.

Two trips to the park

I made a couple trips to the state park this afternoon.  The first trip was with an engineer wheel to measure for a turnaround point for the Rocky Raccoon Trail Run this Saturday.  The second trip was to meet up with the group this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.  With my hamstring still tentative, I am hesitant about running the trails just yet.

Avenues

I was a little tired today from the weekend.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran an unplanned route in the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 1.7 miles.

Texas 10 Series Katy and Sunday Night 5K

I made it an hour and a half down to Katy this morning for the Texas 10 Series 10-mile race.  An old friend ran the first 5-mile loop with me, but he was only doing the 5-mile race.  It rained for much of the race, especially the second loop.  My time was 2:23:12, 3rd place in the 70 and over age group.  The hamstring held up okay.  I got back to Huntsville just in time for church.  I then headed down to The Woodlands through heavy rain for the Sunday Night 5K, which I ran with my friend, Jon Walk.  We finished in 38:40.  This evening's race was my 70th race in 2015.

Saturday race cancelled

This morning's 5K in Willis was cancelled due to storms.  I was sort of relieved because I was not sure how my pulled hamstring would react to trails.  I went over to Veterans Memorial Parkway this afternoon and ran one mile on the concrete sidewalk.  No sharp pains from the hamstring, but I am apprehensive about tomorrow's 10 miler.

Weekend in question

I ran laps at the track today and was disappointed that the hamstring hurt while running.  I am suppose to run a 5K trail run in Willis tomorrow morning, but there is a 95% chance of heavy thunderstorms at race time and for the next 2 or 3 hours.  They will decide whether to cancel it at 6:30 tomorrow morning.  Then, I have the 10-mile Texas 10 Series in Katy Sunday morning.  Now, I am wondering about the hamstring holding up for that distance.

Another 2

While the hamstring is healing, I ran another 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  Three-race weekend coming up, one 10-miler and 2-5K's.

Being careful

I have been cautious the last couple of days, hoping not to re-pull or tear the hamstring.  After Iron Works, I met up with the group (me and Steve) behind the Mall.  I ran 2 miles out and back along Veterans Memorial Parkway.  I have been trying to burn out a tree stump in my backyard for 2 days.  Now, my wife is ill from the smoke.  Today was our 48th anniversary, but she did not feel well enough to eat out.  She really puts up a lot with me, but she supports my running streak - at least she tolerates it.

Nursing the hamstring pull

Depending on how I moved today, the hamstring hurt.  I skipped Iron Works this evening and went directly to the park.  I ran 2 miles on the smooth park roads without pain.  A trip on a root on the trail would probably be extremely painful and cause more hamstring damage.  In any case, today was my 2,200th consecutive day of running.

Injury

Looks like I pulled a hamstring.  I was getting out of my truck this evening and stepped down wrong.  I felt a pull in my right hamstring where is connects to the hip.  It really hurts, depending on which way I move.  So, after working out at Iron Works, I went to the track and managed to get in a slow and steady mile without too much pain.  Depending on how it feels tomorrow, I may go to the doctor and start therapy treatments.  I have three races this weekend, one of which is the Texas 10 Series 10 Miler in Katy on Sunday.  Sure can't miss that one.

Rained most of the day

No complaining, but it rained most of today.  Tomorrow, I will have to check and see if those big cracks in my yard have closed up.  I still felt a little beat up after the half marathon yesterday, so I ran 1.3 on the streets in town this afternoon - in the rain.

Race for Success Half Marathon

I drove an hour and a half over to Lufkin this morning to run the Race for Success Half Marathon at 8 a.m.  I expected to cut some time off last Saturday's Huntsville Half Marathon, but it did not happen.  The rain held off until after the race, but the humidity was virtually at 100%.  I ran every step of the race and tried to take on 2 cups of water at every aid station, but in the end I was dehydrated.  I really got dizzy after the race and drank 4 bottles of water.  I eventually felt okay to drive home.  My time was around 3:12 and I was last in the race.  I'm not sure how many finishers there were, but they 59 registered runners before the race.  The last couple miles, the high school cross country team jumped in and ran to the finish with me.  I enjoyed visiting with them.  It was great seeing a lot of my Lufkin friends and thanks to Cindy Sosa Springs, Sara Neal and Steve Allen for "watering me down" after the race and making sure I was okay.  I really feel drained this evening and have a blister on my toe, too.  Glad I do not have another race tomorrow.  The good news is that it rained all the way home and has been raining in Huntsville ever since.  My rain gauge says 4 inches and it is suppose to rain all night tonight and all day tomorrow.  I hate that the people in Mexico had to under Hurricane Patricia, but we appreciate the rain that it brought.

Laps

As I normally do on Friday, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  Tomorrow's half marathon should be interesting with storms coming through the area.  We had a whopping quarter inch of rain this morning.

Unfulfilled promises of rain

It was suppose to rain today.  In fact, earlier today the forecast was for 100% at 5 p.m.  None at my house.  Maybe tomorrow.  I got up early this morning for an 8 a.m. consultation appointment at Physical Therapy Associate.  My left knee is giving me problems and I needed some advice on how to stabilize the knee cap.  I bought a strap and started wearing it for my run today.  In anticipation of rain, I went to the park early today and ran 2 miles on the park roads, followed by a workout at Iron Works, where it rained hard for about 1 minute.

Dehyrdration

For some reason, I became dehyrdrated late this morning.  I started losing my vision, so I drank 3 bottles of water and felt somewhat better.  I laid around much of the day and then ran 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway and worked out at Iron Works.

It is finally suppose to rain

After weeks on no rain, we are suppose to get some this week.  I am running a half marathon in Lufkin on Saturday and the chances of rain are 90%.  It is so dry, I would even welcome running in the rain.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles on the state park roads.

Day 1 of my 7th year

I had a busy day getting information together for the running column I write for the local paper and a bunch of followup treasurer work for our club's half marathon on Saturday.  I finally got to Iron Works and then a 2-mile run on the campus streets.  It was day 1 of my 7th year of streaking.

6 Years

Today marked completion of 6 years without missing a day of running.  I had family visiting today.  After Mass this morning, I spent some time at our church bazaar and then went to Houston to attend a birthday party.  I got back late this evening and then went to the track to run laps.  My last streak and my longest was 6 years, 9 months and 18 days.  I look forward to going beyond that point.

Huntsville Half Marathon

I ran the 37th Annual Huntsville Half Marathon this morning.  Beautiful clear weather in the 60's and 70's.  I finished in 2:59:59 and took 2nd in the 70 and over age group.  Yes, there was only 2 of us.  It's nice to have a prison in town to make license plate awards.  My time last year was 2:54:02, but I was about 10 pounds lighter then.  This was my 67th race this year, 829th lifetime race and 2,190th consecutive day of running.

Laps

After hauling two pallets of potting soil this morning, without breaking the springs on my truck, I ran laps at the track.  Guess I'm ready for the half tomorrow.  Gonna be hot.

Early park run

I had some time to spare mid-way through the afternoon, so I went out to the park and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  Busy weekend coming up.  Family and friends coming in tomorrow night, half marathon Saturday morning and a birthday party in Houston Sunday afternoon.  My wife is in charge of the plant sale at the Church Bazaar on Sunday.  I have to get up early tomorrow and go to the Scott's Company and pick up two pallet loads of potting soil and deliver them to the church.  I have to make two trips and get them to the church for the inmates to unload before they leave at 9 a.m.  I sure do not want to unload them myself.

Veterans Memorial Parkway 5K

A bunch of us met up this evening and ran the 5K course out and back along Veterans Memorial Parkway.  My next race is the Huntsville Half Marathon this Saturday.

Just me and Jason at the park

Jason and I were the only ones who showed up at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and he ran farther and finished when I got back.  With no rain for weeks, the sand is deep on parts of the trail.

Tired Monday

I was tired today, but am not sure if it was from the races this weekend or all the travel.  Maybe, some of both.  I stayed busy all day with different projects.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

Texas 10 Series Fort Worth

After getting home from the 10 miler in The Woodlands yesterday, I took a nap and then drove 2 hours+ plus up to Tyler for a family get-together.  At 7 p.m., I left there for another 2-hour+ drive to Fort Worth to run the Texas 10 Series this morning.  It was suppose to be a 10-mile course on the gravel and concrete walkways along the Trinity River.  Somebody messed up the course and everyone ran a course that was 8.7 miles.  In any case, I was 2nd of 2 in the 70 and over age group, with a time of 2:00:45. I got beat by the young 71 year old guy in the photo. However, being over 70, we got exempted from climbing the high steps of the podium.

10 for Texas

I ran the 10 for Texas in The Woodlands this morning.  I finished in 2:20:11, compared to 2:07:12 last year.  It was probably warmer this year, but I am also 9 pounds heavier this year.  This was my 65th race this year.  I just found out that my two competitors for the most races in 2015 are at 52 and 49.

Friday mile

With a 10-mile race in the morning, I ran a little over a mile on the roads this afternoon.  Earlier, I drove down to The Woodlands to pick up my packet.  Nearly 3,000 runners are signed up, so I opted to avoid race-day packet pickup.  Besides, gas is relatively cheap now.

Park roads, again

After Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park and ran 5 miles up and down on the park road hills.  This Saturday, I will be running the 10 for Texas in The Woodlands.  I ran this race in the late 80's before it was discontinued and brought back in 2006.  I ran the race on October 15, 1988 in 1:25:16 (my PR for 10 miles).  I was 47 then, but still wonder how I ran that fast.

New shoes

I put on new running shoes this evening and ran 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  My last pair lasted 51 days.  With all the long runs coming up, I doubt that my new pair will last that long.

2,500

Well, this is my 2,500th post since starting this blog on April 19, 2008.  I suppose blogging was popular back then and has since been replaced by Facebook for most people.  Jon Walk and Katy Lampson encouraged me to start a blog.  While it is probably the most boring blog in the system, it seems to help me be more accountable for my running.  So, it goes on.
I got the stitches out of my neck/jaw this afternoon.  Then, the doctor says that the pathology report indicates that the thing he removed was not cancer.  Instead, it was a enlarged oil gland.  I did not know that I have those.  In any case, I went out to the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Around the campus

It seems like every Monday, I run 2 miles on the streets around the campus.  Today was no exception.  It is nice to have the cooler temperature.  Looking forward to two 10-milers this weekend.

Audie Murphy Hero 5K and Sunday Night 5K

Friday afternoon, I drove up to Wylie to spend the weekend with my my and his family.  We went to the high school football game that night.  I could not believe how cold it was (low 50's)  sitting in those stands.  It was a good thing I brought my jacket.  I got up early Saturday morning and drove 16 miles up to Farmersville to run the Audie Murphy Hero 5K.  For those who may not know who Audie Murphy was, he was the most decorated soldier in WWII.  After the war, he became a movie start.  He starred in his own biography, To Hell and Back, and many westerns.  Farmersville was his hometown.  It was a nice small 5K in the middle of a local festival.  Probably 30 to 40 runners.  The course was a single loop around the town and the temperature was perfect for running.  I finished in 37:57 and was first in the 70 and over age group (yes, I was the only one).  After the 3-hour drive back down to Huntsville this afternoon, I drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  Because of construction, the course had to be modified.  It turned out to be 2.9 miles.  My friend, Jon Walk, and I ran together and we finished in 34:48.  This was my 64th race this year;  my 826 lifetime race and my 2,177th consecutive day of running.

Friday routine

With a 5K tomorrow morning, I ran laps this morning.  Nice cool weather.

Park roads, again

I am a little leery of running trails with 10 stitches on my jaw, so I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening.

5K on Veterans Memorial Parkway

Several of us met up this evening and ran the 5K course on hilly Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Medical day

I had my annual physical this morning here in Huntsville and then went down to Conroe for surgery to have a spot of cancer removed from my neck/jaw.  I survived both and made it back to Huntsville in time to work out at Iron Works and go to the park and run 2 miles on the park roads.  Now, I do not have to shave for a couple weeks.

Most of the day in bed

I woke up this morning with a bad sinus blockage and vertigo.  It must be the change in weather.  We had a light rain most of the day.  All in all, just over 1 inch.  I took medication and felt better later this afternoon.  I drove to the track and ran 1.3 mile on the roads from there.  Then, I went to Iron Works, but did not stay long.  I have my annual physical tomorrow morning, followed by some minor surgery in Conroe tomorrow afternoon.

Texas 10 Series Huntsville

For the second race in a row, I did not have to leave town.  I ran the Texas 10 Series Huntsville 10-Miler this morning.  As you would expect, it is the hilliest of the 7 races in the series.  The temperature was nice, about 70 degrees at the start.  However, the humidity was around 90 percent.  I finished this race last year in 2:12:44.  Today, my time was 2:27:24 (3rd of 3 in the 70 and over age group).  I was disappointed in my time, but there was an announcement by the race director this evening that the turnaround point was at the wrong place and the course was actually 10.4 miles.  That is of some relief, but I was still slower than last year.

Fall Fun Run 5K

I ran our club's annual Fall Fun Run 5K this morning.  I finished in a slow 40:52.  Not to make excuses, but the course is very hilly.  Race 61 for the year done.

Easy Friday

With a 5K tomorrow and a 10-mile race on Sunday, I took it easy today; ran laps at the track this afternoon.

Early trail run

We had a running club meeting this evening, so I went out to the park earlier this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Afternoon in Conroe

My wife and I both had doctor appointments in Conroe this afternoon, so we spent much of the day there.  I went in for my quarterly skin cancer check.  He froze a couple spots on my neck and found another spot that will need to be cut out.  That surgery is scheduled for September 29, the same day as my annual physical.  Guess I should have stayed out of the sun when I was a kid.  Anyway, I got back to Huntsville in time to work out at Iron Works and run 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Stretching it out

I stretched it out a bit this evening by running 7 miles on the trails at the park  Guess that is my long training run for the 10-miler on Sunday.

Back to Monday

With three races and other things, the weekend went fast.  Now, it's back to Monday.  This afternoon, I mowed what little rain-starved grass growth there was, worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles around the campus.  Two races this coming weekend, a 5K and a 10 miler.

Running of the Bulls 5K

I got up early this morning and drove down to NRG Stadium on the southside of Houston to run the Texan's Running of the Bulls 5K.  They had about 5,000 runners.  I finished in 39:35, about 2 minutes slower than last year.  I was 6th of 8 in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 60th race this year and 822nd lifetime race.  Today was my 2,163rd consecutive day of running.

Dye for Dogs Run and Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run

I drove down to New Waverly this morning and ran the Dye for Dogs Run.  It was suppose to be a 5K, but was actually 3.75 miles.  I finished in 46:17 and managed to avoid all the color stuff being thrown around.  I went from there to Houston to run the Buffalo Bayou Brewery Run at 11:20 a.m.  It was 3.7 miles and I finished in 47:39.  It was hot and humid for both races.  I stopped for lunch on the way home.  I took a nap and then went to the Sam Houston State and Lamar football game at 6 this evening.  It was televised, so it lasted a full 4 hours.  Back to Houston for another race tomorrow morning.

Restful Friday

Since I have two races tomorrow morning and another one on Sunday, I went to the track and ran laps this afternoon.

Running Injury Prevention Clinic

This evening, I attended a Running Injury Prevention Clinic put on by Physical Therapy Associates here in Huntsville.  They did a great job.  Earlier, I worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

Early run at the park

I had to go to a visitation in west Houston this evening, so I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.  After visitation, I drove up to northwestern Houston and picked up my packet for Sunday's Running of the Bull 5K (Houston Texans' race).  Since it was fairly close to where my son lives, I had dinner with him.  I made it back to Huntsville at 9:30 tonight.  I am debating on whether I should wear a Dallas Cowboy shirt at the race on Sunday.  I grew up in East Texas, so my team has always been the Cowboys.

Park roads

Despite rain in the area, it was not raining at the park when the group met up at 5:30.  While the others ran trails, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.  It did rain some at my house, but when I got home from the park, I found the rain gauge tipped over.  Hopefully, it was too full to stay upright.

Bastrop State Park

Five years ago this month, we had a tremendous drought in Texas and there were brush and forest fires in many parts of the state.  One of the heaviest hit places was the Bastrop area, including Bastrop State Park.  I recall driving to the Gruene 10K in New Braunfels five years ago and having to take a different route to avoid the Bastrop area because of the raging fire.  On the way home from the Gruene 10K this year, I drove through Bastrop State Park.  The photo is what most of it looks like now.
This evening, I ran 2 miles in the hilly avenues.

Almost Fall

Beautiful sunny Sunday, with low humidity.  I went out to the park between football games and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Gruene 10K

Yesterday, I ran laps at the track and then left for New Braunfels to run the Gruene 10K this morning (for the 5th straight year).  Beautiful weather, 70's and low humidity.  For a change, I was not drenched in sweat when I finished.  I finished in 1:21:31, about 3 minutes slower than last year.  There was 2 of us in the 70-74 age group and I was second.

Back from Wylie

I got up early this morning and ran a mile+ on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  Then, I drove 3 hours up to Wylie for a family get-together.  Got home tonight at 10.  The first thing I did was get a flashlight and check the rain gauge.  We were suppose to get a lot of rain today.  One quarter inch in my gauge.

New Wednesday group

Dana organized a new running group for Wednesday evenings.  We met behind the mall and ran the Veterans Memorial Parkway 5K course.  It was less than 3 miles from my house and when I got home, it was RAINING.  I checked the gauge and found that we got one inch.  So now, that's 2 inches since June 30.

Just Jacob, Jason and me

Only three of us showed up at the park to run this evening, speedy Jacob and Jason and slow me.  I'm not sure how far they ran, but I ran 2.5 miles and they were finished when I got back.

Sluggish

I went to town this evening to work out and run.  Iron Works was closed and just after a heavy rain in town, I ran 2 sluggish miles on the streets.  I felt like I was running the last two miles of a marathon.  Maybe it was mental.  I went home to find that we had not gotten a drop of rain.

Wellness 5K and Sunday Night 5K

I got up early and drove to downtown Houston to run the Wellness 5K.  The temperature was in the high 80's with very high humidity.  I finished in 38:35, first in the 70 and over age group, because I was the only one.  My wife walked the course.  This evening, I drove down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  Because of construction, the course was modified.  The race director said that it was 3.25.  I finished in 39:52.  This was my 56th race in 2015 and 818th race since I began racing in 1983.  Today was my 2,149th consecutive day of running.

CapRock 5K

I went over to College Station this morning to run the 1st Annual CapRock 5K at College Station High School.  I was surprised about the crowd; they had 369 finishers.  It was well organized, with nice finisher medals for a 5K.  I was the only male in the 70 and over age group, so I won first.  The prize was a $130 Garmin Activity Tracker for all age group winners.  My time was 39:15, a minute or two slower than normal.  It was probably due to the very high humidity.  After the race, I drove to the neighboring city, Bryan, and had breakfast at my favorite Mexican restaurant, CoCoLoCo.  Then, I stopped by a store to get some stuff for my wife.  After that, I drove to a drug store in Conroe to pick up my wife's prescription.  It was after lunch before I got home.

Laps

With 3 races this weekend, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  My wife and had lunch in town today.  When we came out of the restaurant, it was raining.  Of course, none at my house.  We have had on two 1/2 inch rains since June 30.  And, I am sure all that rain just went down into the cracks in my yard.

Back to the park

It was back to the park this evening for our normal Thursday trail run.  I ran 3 miles on the trails, while the others ran 3.5 and finished before I did.  Oh, the benefits of being a senior citizen.

Finished measuring the new trails at the park

I went out to the park late this morning and finished measuring the new trails on the Federal land adjacent to the park.  I walked about 6.5 miles with an engineer wheel.  If I was smart, I would have waited for the weekend when the bikers were on the trail to break the spider webs across the trail.  I must have run into 100's.  I also got bitten by a tick and several deer flies and walked passed a snake.  I never saw another person on the trails.  However, I got it done and hopefully my measurements will benefit race directors and runners who use the trails in the future.  I am not use to walking and was tired this evening.  After Iron Works, I went over to the track and ran laps.  It was my 2,145th consecutive day of running.

Park roads

It rained all around Huntsville this afternoon, but none at my house.  So, that's two 1/2 inch rains since June 30.  I got to the park this evening and decided, instead of trails, to run 3 miles on the park roads.

Unplanned avenues route

After Iron Works this evening, I drove over to the track and ran an unplanned route through the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2.1 miles.

Wellness 5K Katy

I got up at 4:30 this morning and drove 92 miles down to Katy to run the Wellness 5K at 7 a.m.  I finished in 37:36, exactly 1 minute faster than the last time I ran this race.  I was 2nd in the 70 and over age group.

Forgot the wheel

I went out to the park this afternoon with the intention of measuring the last 5 miles or so of the new trail with an engineer wheel.  I got to the trail head and realized that I forgot to bring the wheel.  Rather than go all the way back home, I stayed at the park and ran 3.5 miles on the new trails.

Long day

I got a call this morning that my disabled brother-in-law fell at his house across town.  My wife was running errands so she and I met at his house and loaded him up for a trip to the doctor.  They admitted him to the hospital for 3 days to check him out.  Then, I went out to the park with an engineer wheel and made some adjustments to the Rocky Raccoon 50K/25K course.  While there, I measured about 3 miles of the new trails.  They are longer than what my GPS says, but that is always the case when measuring trails under a tree canopy.  So, I walked about 4 miles with the engineer wheel..  When I was finished, I put the wheel away and then ran a little over a mile on the trails.  This evening, I went to Houston to surprise my son, who was singing with his band at the Concert Pub.  Being 74 years old, I was really out of my element.

New trails, again

The group went in different directions at the park this evening.  James and I ran 3.4 miles on the new trails.  For the first time in months, I tripped on roots and fell - twice.

Better

I felt a little better today and did not take any more decongestants.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran an unplanned route in the avenues.  It turned out to be 2.25 miles.

Woke up dizzy

I woke up with dizzy (a touch of vertigo).  I took a decongestant this morning and felt better later this afternoon.  After working out at Iron Works, I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Off day

I did not feel well all day;  due to sinus congestion, I think.  I napped much of the day.  However, this evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 1.3 miles on the streets in town.

Rocky Raccoon Course

Lately, I have been working on a new Rocky Raccoon 50K & 25K course at Huntsville State Park and it is now finalized.  The race will be held on Nov. 7.  The course change is necessary because much of the park will be closed for 9 months for reconstruction, starting in September or October.  My friend, Paul Stone, who is the race director, came down from Tyler this morning and we walked over 5 miles of the new course.  Later today, I ran 2.6 miles on the streets in town.

Heatwave 5K

This morning, I ran our club's Heatwave 5K about 15 miles east of Huntsville in the Waterwood Sub-division.  White the temperature was in the mid-80's, the humidity must have been close to 100.  It rained for a few minutes right after the start and again as I was finishing.  My time was 38:52.  This was my 52nd race in 2015 and 814th lifetime race.  Today was my 2,134th consecutive day of running.

Woke up to rain

I woke up this morning to rain.  However, we only got an half inch.  It probably all went down into the deep cracks in my yard.  I went out to the park this afternoon and hiked to a turnaround point that I had lightly marked the other day.  I improved the marking with tape and flags.  Then, I ran a mile + on the trails; 5K in the morning.

It was suppose to storm this evening

The weather forecast was for heavy storms at trail running time this evening.  So, earlier this afternoon, I ran 2.9 miles on the roads around the campus.  This evening, Sara emailed me and asked why no one else was at the park.  She took off alone on the trails, so I went out to the park to make sure she got in okay.  Not a drop of rain all day.

Most of the day at the park

I went out to the park late this morning with an engineer wheel to measure trail distances for use in an upcoming race.  I walked with the wheel for about 7 miles.  My leg passed within 6 inches of the business end of a water moccasin.  Luckily, he was not too hungry.  As I reached the Nature Center, it started lightning.  I met Sibley Lovett from Houston, who just finished a training run for the Chicago Half Marathon.  We had a nice visit and she kindly gave me a ride to another trail head a mile away where my truck was parked.  I came back to the the park a couple hours later to measure a mile+ out and back part of the course.  After marking the turnaround point, I carried the wheel and ran back to the start.  So, I got in about 8 miles walking and a 1-mile+ run.  Still no rain at my house.

Park roads

For a change, I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening, while everyone else ran trails.

A day it was suppose to rain

We had a good chance for rain today, but none at my house.  The only rain at my house since June 30 was the 1/2 inch or so on August 12.  I ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus this evening.  I ran into an old friend, Steve, who I have not seen in months and we had a nice visit.  He is a Texas Ranger, but not the baseball player type.

Sunday at the park

I went out to the state park at 2:30 this afternoon and ran 6.9 miles on the trails.  The temperature was down to about 95, so it was tolerable.

Watermelon Run for the Fallen

For the fourth year in a row, I ran the Watermelon Run for the Fallen in Hempstead this morning.  It is a race honoring our fallen servicemen.  After several ceremonies, a 4-plane flyover and 3 parachutists jumping into the football stadium, everyone (probably 600+) participants walk two laps around the track.  Then, those who want to run, leave the stadium and run 2.8 miles downtown, where they have refreshments and more ceremonies.  I finished the 2.8-mile run in 36:34, according to my GPS.  The race is not timed and there are no awards.

Short Friday run

I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  The temperature was a cool 98.  Then, I worked on digging the large tree stump in my backyard.  Makes running seem easy.

Old trails

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 3 miles on the old trails at the park.

Rain, finally

After not a drop of rain at my house since June 30, we got just over an half of an inch this evening.  Maybe more will come soon.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went over to the track.  There was lightning in the area, so I just ran laps.  Got soaking wet during the last lap.

Almost got a little rain

There was rain in the area this evening, but none at my house.  I ran 3.4 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  During our social hour after the run, it started raining at the park.  On the 10 mile drive home, there were wet streets until I got to mine.  No rain streak day 42.

Hand is better

My right hand is still sore, but I was able to go back to Iron Works and work out this evening.  It was 6 p.m. before I went for a 2-mile run around the campus.  The temperature was still 100.  And, this is no rain streak day 41.

Hot

I went out to the park at 2:30 this afternoon when it was 101 degrees and ran 5.4 miles on the new trails.  I started and finished at the trail head on the I-45 service road just north of the park and never saw anyone else on the trails.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning for the 71st time.  Of course, it was hot and humid.  I finished in 39:28.  This was my 50th race this year and my 2,120th consecutive day of running.  Also, today was the 39th day of our no rain streak.

Warrior 5K

I went up to Madisonville (26 miles north of Huntsville) to run the Warrior 5K at 9 tonight.  It was a non-competitive  and un-timed run..  The course was not marked very well and I and others got off course.  My friends who stayed on course said it was 2.8 miles.  According to my GPS, my route was 2.98.  I finished in 38.55.  I ran into several old friends at the race, including Mary Kaplan, who lives out near Marble Falls in central Texas.  She is 76 years old and a retired Air Force full colonel.  She is a on a quest to run a 5K and win her age group in all 254 Texas counties.  Tonight was her 200th county.  I think it was the 4th time I have seen her at a race.  I also had a chance to visit with Dr. Jennifer Sullivan of Madisonville.  I met her at a race many years ago when she was in Vet school in College Station.

Another hot day

This was another hot day with no rain.  Backyard photo above.  My swollen hand felt better today and I was even able to tie my own shoes.  Icing it seems to be helping.  I skipped Iron Works again today, but ran 3.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.

Swollen hand

Yesterday, I was drilling holes in a tree stump in my backyard.  The bit caught on something and the drill twisted my right hand.  It was swollen today and very sore.  Hopefully, nothing is broken.  My wife had to ties my shoes today and it is painful typing this post.  I iced it a couple of times this afternoon, skipped Iron Works and ran 2-miles on the streets in town.  This was No Rain Streak Day 36 and no rain in the forecast.  It is suppose to get up to 105 degrees on Monday.

Old trails

The whole group ran on the old trails at the park this evening.  I ran 3 miles.

No rain streak

I work to keep my running streak going, but I'm worried about this no rain streak;  34 days now without a drop of rain at my house.  After so much rain in May and June, nothing.  Now, the temperature forecast for later this week and next week is 103.  Ugh.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

Wellness 5K and Sunday Night 5K

I got up very early this morning and drove 74 miles to downtown Houston for the Wellness 5K at 7 a.m.  I finished in 37:46 and was 1st of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  This evening, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 38:13.  This was my 48th race this year and 810th since I started racing in 1983.  It was my 2,114th consecutive day of running.

Southern Star Brewing Company 5K

I made the 30-minute drive down to Conroe this morning to run the inaugural Southern Star Brewing Company 5K.  There were several hundred runners at the race, so it was a good chance to visit with many old friends and meet some new ones.  I ran the whole race with my friend from The Woodlands, Debbie Tripp.  We finished in 37:46.  I was the only runner over 70, so I was first in my age group.  The age group award was nice and practical - a bottle opener.  Two races tomorrow, one at 7 a.m. and one at 7 p.m.