Run the Woodlands 5K

For the 70th something time, I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning.  It is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.  I finished in 39:03.  I have been watching football ever since.

5-Day Streak

I have a streak within my streak.  I went to the park this afternoon for the 5th straight day and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Tomorrow, I am running the Run the Woodlands 5K and then watching football for the rest of the day.  That will break my 5-day streak.

Trails everyday this week

This is the perfect time of the year to be running trails at the state park.  It's cool, the trails are in good shape, there are no spider webs across the trails and the biting horse flies are hibernating (or whatever they do in the winter).  So, I have run out there every day this week.  After Iron Works this evening, I met up with the group and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Rain returns

No complaining, but we are getting more rain.  I had to drive my wife down to Conroe this afternoon for an appointment, so I went out to the park and got in a 2.5 run on the trails before I had to leave.  It was still dry by then.

The nice weather continues

Clear and in the 50's.  Routine day.  I worked out at Iron Works and met the group at the park and ran the same 2.5-mile loop I ran yesterday.

Here it is after midnight

I got busy this evening and forgot to post.  Nice clear weather today, with a temperature in the 50's.  I worked out and Iron Works and then went out to the park alone and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

My mental calendar has been messed up due to the holidays.  Today did not seem like Sunday.  I told my wife that I thought I would go out to the park this afternoon and run trails.  Then, she reminded me to go to The Woodlands and run the Sunday Night 5K.  I did that and finished in 36:48.

Must have been tired

I thought I slept well last night, but my wife told me for the first time ever that I talked in my sleep.  However, she would not tell me what I talked about.  Surely, it was about my running streak.  I kept the streak alive for another day.  I went out to the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Texas Half Marathon

I ran the Texas Half Marathon in Kingwood this morning and finished in 3:10:21.  I got back to Huntsville in time for our club run at 2 this afternoon.  Rather than run, I opted to take photos.  Will sleep in tomorrow.

2015 in Review

With a half marathon tomorrow morning, I went to the track this morning and ran laps.  This was my 2,265th consecutive day of running.  Earlier this year, I received a friendly challenge from a couple of runners from Houston to see who could run the most races in 2015.  They have not reported in, but I am confident that I won the challenge with 88 races.  They include 1-25K, 13-half marathons, 13-10-milers, 1-11K, 4-10K's, 2-5-milers, 1-4.4-miler, 1-4.3-miler and 52-5K's.  I ran races in 32 different cities.  It is a good thing that gas is relatively cheap.  That gives me a total of 851 races since I started racing in 1983.  Even though I am getting slow, I am thankful that at age 74 that I am healthy enough to get out and keep moving.  Happy New Year.

Another park run

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.  Nice weather again - low 50's.

Four of us at the park

It was me, Jacob, Jason and Glenn at the park this evening.  Glenn and I ran 3 miles on the trails and speedy Jacob and Jason ran 3.5 and finished before us.  Nice cool weather, with a temperature around 50.

30 degrees cooler

It was 30 degrees cooler when I ran this evening.  After Iron Works, I ran my 2-mile loop on the empty streets around the campus.

Stormy weather

My visiting family left this morning.  The forecast was for heavy storms all afternoon, so late this morning, I went over to Veterans Memorial Parkway and ran 1+ miles.  During that short run, the winds were strong, it rained and there was even sunshine.  Now, the temperature has dropped from the 70's this morning to 45 right now.

Run with my sons

I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails with two of my visiting sons.  Nice weather, but it is suppose to be stormy tomorrow and get much colder.

Merry Christmas

I have a lot of family coming in this afternoon and some will be here for a couple of days.  With the temperature in the 70's, I ran 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway this morning.  Merry Christmas.

Squeezed in a run

Christmas eve is a busy time, with so much last minute stuff to do.  I was in the barber chair in my running shorts and then stopped by the track to run laps.  The temperature was still in the low 80's.  No snow this Christmas, for sure.

Crazy weather

Here it is December 23 and the temperature was in the low 80's.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the new trails.  Later, I worked out a Iron Works.  Gosh, I do not have a race until January 1.

Started Christmas shopping today

Well, I started Christmas shopping today and should finish up by tomorrow.  I hate the crowds at the stores.  This evening, I worked out a Iron Works and then ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Goose's Acre Christmas Run

Tonight, I went down to The Woodlands to run the Goose's Acre Christmas Run.  It was a double loop course along the lighted waterway.  It was billed as a 5K, but my GPS showed it to be just over 3.5 miles.  I finished in 46:05.  This was my 88th race in 2015.  I need to get busy getting ready for Christmas and I have family coming in.  I plan to make it my last  race this year.

Santa Hustle Half Marathon

My wife and I drove down to Galveston yesterday.  I picked up my packet, checked into the hotel, went to Mass and then out to eat at Marios's.  I ran the Santa Hustle Half Marathon and my wife walked the 5K.  Most of the half course was along Seawall Blvd.  The temperature was in the high 60's and low 70's with strong winds.  I finished in 3:06:36 and placed 4 of 4 in the 70-74 age group.  Last year, I ran the same race in 2:48:20.  My back hurt today only when I thought about it.  I did lose 2 minutes for a porta potty break, so my real time was about the same as the half marathon last Sunday in College Station.  We had lunch at a deli and then my wife went down to the beach, which I took a nap.
In any case, this was my 87th race this year (probably the last) and 850th lifetime race.

Dumb fall

I went out on Veterans Memorial Parkway this morning to get in a run before leaving for Galveston.  I tripped on a seam in the concrete and fell.  Most of me landed in the grass next to the sidewalk, but my left knee hit the concrete.  I keep the band aid companies in business.  I still got in a mile +.

Different Friday

Usually, I have a race on Saturdays, so on Fridays, I skip Iron Works and run laps at the track.  However, today was different.  I spent some time this afternoon with the heating pad on my back.  This evening, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran an unplanned route in the hilly avenues.  It turned out to be 2.3 miles.  I suppose I will be ready for the half marathon on Sunday.

Testing the back

This has nothing to do with running, but as I was going out my front door to check the mail, I found a lizard in the foyer.  I chased it outside and then crossed the lawn going toward the mailbox.  I walked right passed a Copperhead.  It is mid-December and the temperature is in the mid-50's.  I thought the snakes were hibernating.
      I treated my back with heat today and went out to the park this evening.  I decided to try 2 miles on the park roads.  Depending on movement, it was painful for that first mile.  The question was whether or not it would loosen up after that.  Just as I turned around to run the second mile, Scott, one of the park police officers, pulled up beside me in his patrol car.  I ran and we talked for the last mile.  He even gave me a report on my pace per his speedometer and lit up an oncoming car that was coming on too fast.  During that second mile, I was able to pick up the pace and run without pain.  I wonder if Scott will go down to Galveston on Sunday and pace me for the half marathon.  Joking aside, I do feel better about being able to run the half on Sunday.  The weather is suppose to be nice and most of the course is along the flat Seawall Blvd.

Not normal

My back was a little better today, but far from normal.  I had family visiting today, so I did not get a chance to run until after dark this evening.  I went over to the track and ran laps.  My lower back was stiff and sore, but I managed to get in a mile +.  I have 3 days to recover for the half marathon on Sunday.  Tonight, I got back on the heating pad.

The streak made me do it

After I got up this morning, I developed serious pain in my lower back.  I'm not sure what caused it, but I spent part of the day laying on a heating pad.  It was difficult to get around.  If it was not for my streak, I would certainly have not have run today.  I did skip Iron Works and went out to the park this evening.  I managed to get in a slow and painful 1.1-mile run on the trails.  My experience is that pain that comes on suddenly seems to go away suddenly.  Hopefully, I will be back to normal tomorrow.

Slept 10 hours

I went to sleep at 11 last night and woke up to a phone call at 9 this morning.  My right toe has a big blister on it from the half marathon in the rain yesterday.  Other than that, I felt okay.  After Iron Works this evening, I ran laps at the track.  I plan to get in my routine this week and look toward another half marathon next Sunday.

BCS Half Marathon

It was a dark and stormy drive over to College Station early this morning for the BCS Half Marathon.  Heavy wind and rain.  The race started a 7 a.m. and it rained throughout the race.  There were many places where the water was built up, so the shoes and socks stayed completely wet.  The temperature was in the 50's and I found that comfortable.  I finished is 3:03:50, about a minute slower than last year.  For the 2nd year in a row, I was 4th in my age group.  This was my 86th race in 2015 and my 849th lifetime race.  More importantly, it was my 2,247th consecutive day of running.

Reindeer Run and Jingle Bell Run

I drove 79 miles over to Lufkin this morning to run the Reindeer Run.  The distance was 3.3 miles and most of it was on trails.  The temperature was in the 70's and it was very humid.  I finished in 42:30.  I did not place in the 50 and over age group, but I did get a couple free dinners at a local restaurant for being the oldest runner.  I gave them to a local volunteers I was talking to.  After the race, I drove 51 miles south to Livingston and ran the Jingle Bell 5K, which started at noon.  I finished in 38:58 and did not place in the 60 and over age group.  From there, I drove 44 miles back to Huntsville, showered, and then drove 53 miles to College Station to pick up my packet for the BCS Half Marathon tomorrow morning.  I got back to Huntsville in time for church this evening and then dinner out.  I am going to try to go to bed early tonight.  I'm tired from all the driving, especially in heavy rain to and from College Station.

82

Here it is well into December and it was 82 degrees when I went to the track to run laps this afternoon.  However, the weather is suppose to be stormy this weekend and I have two 5K's tomorrow and a half marathon on Sunday.

Club meeting this evening

Our running club had a general membership meeting this evening, so I went out to the park early and ran 3 miles on the trails.  At the meeting, I was re-elected as the club treasurer and received the Speed Racer Award (certificate and $40 Academy gift card).  Maybe it was for being speedy in signing up for a lot of races.  In any case, it was appreciated.

Beautiful weather

Beautiful weather today.  Clear and in the 60's and 70's.  I have three races this weekend.  The weather for the two 5K's on Saturday should be okay, even with temperatures in the high 70's.  I bought tickets today for the 7 p.m. Saturday Sam Houston State - Colgate football game, but they just moved it to 11 a.m. due to weather Saturday evening.  I am running a half marathon in College Station on Sunday and the weather is suppose to be bad, including rain and dropping temperatures during the race.
This afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Trails

After Iron Works this evening, I met up with the group (Jason, Jacob and Glenn) at the park and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Another 3-race weekend coming up.

Late run

I drove 138 miles up to Tyler this morning to visit my brother in the hospital and drove back this afternoon.  It was nearly dark by the time I got back.  So, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran laps at the track.

Texas 10 Series Conroe and Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Texas 10 Series 10-miler in Conroe this morning.  Beautiful weather; 40's and 50's and sunny.  I finished in 2:12:11 and was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  While I did not place, I won a $100 bill in the door prize drawing and got to visit with a lot of good friends.  Conroe is the 7th and last of the 2015 Texas 10 Series.  I placed 2nd in the 70 and over competition for the Armadillo Cup for the series.  Besides some sort of a trophy, that comes with a $175 check.  I plan to run all 7 in the series again in 2016.
After driving home, I worked on race results for the club web site, watched football and took a nap at the same time.  Then, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 37:46.  It was my 83rd race this year.  Probably, 4 more to go.

St. Nick 5K

I ran the St. Nick 5K in College Station this morning and finished in 38:16.  They had a 60 and over age group and I was 7 of 13.  I think I was the only one over 70, though.  Race 81 this year.

Rare morning training run

In anticipation of driving up to Tyler today, I got up and ran a little over a mile on Veterans Memorial Parkway this morning.  Mornings are for sleeping.  I ended up not going to Tyler.  Three-race weekend coming up.

Park roads

I went out to the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  Cool and clear weather.

Trip to Houston

Late this morning, I drove down to Houston to visit a friend in M. D. Anderson Hospital.  I got back in time to work out at Iron Works and run the PTA 5K course before it got dark.

Darn door

I spent much of the day trying to get my disabled brother-in-laws front door open.  It has 3 locks on it and one is stuck.  I stopped short of breaking something.  Now, I will have to seek professional help.  After working out at Iron Works this evening, I went out to the park to meet up with the group.  I did not realize that the park was closed for hunting.  So, I went into town and ran a 2-mile loop on the streets around the campus.

Slept in

After getting up early 4 days in a row for races, I slept in this morning.  Had a lot of things to do today and did not get to Iron Works and running until it was late.  I managed to get in 2 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway before it was totally dark.  I have a 5K and a 10-mile race coming up this weekend.

Wellness 5K Katy

I got up early this morning and drove 92 miles down to Katy to run the Wellness 5K.  My friend, John Slate, was there and also Jon Walk.  Jon and I ran it together and he probably pushed me.  We solved a lot of world problems while we were running.  I finished in 37:07, which is probably my fastest 5K in several months.  This was my 80th race for 2015.

Leftover Turkey 5K

We had our club's annual Leftover Turkey Run this morning.  I had visiting family, so I opted for the 5K, instead of the 10K.  All this holiday eating really shows.  It is a hilly course, but I still finished in 40:10.  Too slow.  After the race, I met the family down at the Cafe Texan for breakfast.  Then, most of the family left early this afternoon, so I went to the Sam Houston State - Southern Utah football game in the cold, rain and wind.  I made it until half time and then left.

Friends of the Running Community 5K

My friends, Jon Walk and Bill Dwyer, put on a special 5K in The Woodlands this morning to complete the Montgomery County Triple Series.  They called the Friends of the Running Community 5K.  The first in the series was the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler yesterday and the last is the Run the Woodlands 5K tomorrow.  After eating so much yesterday, I really felt sluggish and my time showed it.  I finished in 40:48.  It was non-competitive and I had a great time visiting some good friends.  They gave me bib number 78 to mark my 78th race this year.  This afternoon, I drove 75 miles over to Somerville for another family get-together with my daughter-in-law's family.  More food and we have a club run at 9 a.m. tomorrow in the cold and rain.

Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler

For the 14th straight year, I went to The Woodlands this morning to run the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler.  There were thousands of runners and it seems to grow every year.  It was relatively warm and humid compared to lately, but tolerable.  I finished in 1:04:56.  This evening, I went back to look at my time last year and found that I never logged the race.  However, I found my time online and it was 1:00:47 last year.  I was a little slower this year, but for the first time in 14 years running this race, I placed.  Got 3rd in the 70-74.  I think the fast guys moved up to the 75-79 age group.  I would have been 4th in that age group.  I got to visit with a lot of friends and that always makes for a good race.  This was my 77th race this year, 840th since I started racing and it was my 2,230th consecutive day of running.

Friday routine on Wednesday

Friday is my usual rest day, with laps at the track.  Since I have a 5-mile race tomorrow (Thursday), a 5K on Friday, 10K on Saturday and a 5K on Sunday, I went to the track this afternoon and 1.3 miles on the streets from the track.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Rocky Raccoon and Hog's Hunt

I received an email today from my friend, Paul Stone of Tyler, who has directed the Rocky Raccoon 50K/25K (late Fall) and Hog's Hunt 50K/25K (Spring) at Huntsville State Park for many years.  I have either run or volunteered at both every year.  He told me that he will no longer be putting on these races.  However, he is trying to get someone to take over.  Hope he is successful.  I have enjoyed running and working with Paul over the years.  He is a first class act.  (This does not have anything to do with the Rocky Raccoon 100 and 50-Mile races in February, which are put on by someone else.)
In the meantime, it was me, Jason and Glenn at the park tonight.  I ran 3 miles on the trails.

Started new shoes

I took a new pair of shoes out of the box and ran 2 miles on the roads around the campus this evening.  The last pair lasted for 47 days, but were really worn out.  During that 47 days, I ran 178 miles.

Slept in

My wife woke me up at 10 this morning with just enough time to get ready for church.  After watching football early this afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the trails.  I ran into a large doe on the trail.  She stood there until I got about 15 feet from her and then she ran up the trail aways and waited on me.  As I approached her again, she took off again up the trail.  After doing that four times, she finally left the trail.  Years ago, we frequently encountered deer on the trails, but now, it is seldom.

Three races today

I got up at 5 this morning and drove down to Bellaire on the south side of Houston to run the Fall Fever 5K.  The temperature was in the 60's and it rained off and on during the race.  I finished the very flat course in 38:38 and was 2nd of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  The age group award was a $15 gift certificate to Fleet Feet.  I also won a nice door prize, a $50 gift card to Fuddruckers.  After that race, I headed up to the west side of Houston and ran the Buffalo Brewery non-competitive 4.4-miler at 11 a.m.  I finished in 58:40.  There was no rain during the race, but it had obviously been raining hard before the race. I had a couple beers and a nice visit with some friends and a couple of officials from Houston Marathon, the course director and the pace group coordinator.  I did not get back to Huntsville until 3:30.this afternoon.  I picked up friends, Donna and Maddie, and we drove to Lufkin for the Twilight 5K, which started in total darkness at 6:30 p.m.  The weather was clear, but it was windy and the temperature in was in the low 40's.  Maddie, who is on the Sam Houston State Tennis Team, was the fastest female and Donna came in first in her age group and was the second fastest female.  I finished in 38:12 and was 3rd in the 60 and over age group.  After the race, we ate dinner at the Cotton Patch and then drove back to Huntsville.  I did not get home until about 11 p.m.  A long day.  Tonight was my 76th race in 2015.

Sleepless

With my sinus issue, a lot of coughing and some other issues, I hardly got any sleep last night.  Then, I had to attend an all-morning meeting in the Woodlands.  I tried to nap this afternoon, but could not.  With three races tomorrow, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  I am going to try to go to bed early tonight.  Looks like the first two races will be in the rain and the third one in the cold.

Sinus Infection

I had a fever last night and was lucky to get a noon appointment with the doc today.  I told him that I was there for my annual sinus infection.  He prescribed antibiotics and other pills.  I slept most of the afternoon and then went out to the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the trails and feel much better tonight.  I have two races in Houston Saturday morning and one in Lufkin Saturday night.  It looks like a new front is coming through, so the weather may be a little funky.

2,222

Today was my 2,222nd consecutive day of running.  I suppose I could have run 22.22 miles to celebrate, but I have sinus problems and spent much of the day in bed.  I did go out on Veterans Memorial Parkway this evening and run 2.222 miles.  My GPS does not have the 4th digit, so I had to wing it.

The cracks in my yard are officially closed

This morning, we had the heaviest rainfall since I moved into my current home 10 years ago; maybe even the heaviest since I moved to Huntsville 30 years ago.  My 5 1/4-inch rain gauge was overflowing.  The cracks in my yard from the late summer drought are now officially closed.  It stopped raining this afternoon and I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Running late

It was late before I got a chance to workout and run.  After Iron Works, I ran out and back on Veterans Memorial Parkway.  I managed to get in 1.5 miles before it was totally dark.

Texas Road Romp Half Marathon

I got up at 4:30 this morning and drove 130 miles to Waco to run the Texas Road Romp Half Marathon.  The temperature was in the 50's and 60's with no rain.  The course has about five miles of steep hills.  I was determined not to walk a step during the race and I accomplished that.  I finished in 2:57:50 and was 3rd in my age group.  After the race, I tried to take a nap in my truck, but could not doze off.  So, I went to a restaurant in Waco for lunch and then drove back to Huntsville.  This was my 73rd race in 2015.  If all goes as planned, I should end up with about 85 races.

Run the Woodlands 5K

There were a lot of races around this morning, but I opted to go down to The Woodlands for the $1 Run the Woodlands 5K.  Cool and clear weather and I finished in 38:43.  I am running in Waco tomorrow morning, but because of the Oklahoma/Baylor game tonight, there is not a room available anywhere in the area.  So, I have to get up real early in the morning and make the 2+ hour drive to Waco.

Friday laps

With a couple races this weekend, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.

Winding down

With two races this weekend, I started winding down today.  We had a running club meeting this evening, so I went out to the park earlier this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the trails.

Veterans Day

In anticipation of rain this evening, I went out to the park late this morning to run trails.  As I was sitting at the park gate, I happened to look at my watch.  The time was 11 minutes and 11 seconds past 11 a.m. 11/11.  Since its Veterans Day, I will post my veteran photo from 31 years ago.  I suppose I should have run 11 miles today, but I only ran 4.

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.