Park run

It has been over a week since I have run at the park.  I went out there this afternoon and ran 2.4 miles.

Back from North Carolina

I ran laps in Huntsville on February 28 and then flew to North Carolina to visit family at Camp Lejeune Marine Base on the coast.  Just got home a few minutes ago.  No races, but I did get in a run every day while I was gone.  Great place to run.  Miles and miles of asphalt paved running trails everywhere on the base.  I got in a good 10.5-mile run on Monday and it was a single loop.  The weather ranged from high 30's to low 60's with rain on some days and other days with strong winds.

Back to the trails

After Iron Works this evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Another dental appointment

I finally got my new dental bridge installed late this morning.  Sure feels different than the temporaries and now I do not have to be so careful eating.  Worked out at Iron Works this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Then, I had to make the hour-long drive down to Cleveland (TX) this evening to drop off my grandson, then back to Huntsville.

Got wet

It rained virtually all day today.  It was not suppose to stop, so I went out to the park this afternoon and ran in the rain.  I ran 1.3 miles, almost all in water covering the trails.  Some of it over my socks.   Then, later this evening, it stopped raining.  Oh well.

Jail Break Half Marathon

I got up at 4 a.m. this morning to make the drive down to Baytown for the Jail Break Half Marathon.  No rain, but high humidity and a temperature in the high 70's.  I finished in 3:19:03 and was 3rd of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  Half marathon number 100 done.

Broke the park streak

With half marathon number 100 tomorrow, I opted for a short run today.  So, I ran a little over a mile on Veterans Memorial Parkway, breaking my 11-day running streak at the park.

11 Days in a row

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails this evening.  This was 11 days in a row at the park.

Rain all day

As forecasted, it rained virtually all day.  It was heavy at times, but I managed to find a window of light rain this afternoon and got in a 3-mile road run at Huntsville State Park.

Stormy run

It was lightning and raining when I left Iron Works this evening.  After making the 9-mile or so drive south to the park, it was a little calmer.  Glen and I were the only ones who showed up to run.  I decided to do a short 1.3-mile trail run.  By the time I finished, it was raining like crazy and lightning striking close by.  I was relieved to get in my truck.  Glen made it back in one piece too.

Dental problems

I ordered a BLT at a place downtown at lunch.  Two bites into the sandwich, and my temporary bridge broke in half.  I found half of it in my sandwich and the other half was still in my mouth.  I managed to get a dental appointment at 2 p.m.  I arrived at the appointment with my running shorts on under my jeans.  They made me a new temporary and then I went Iron Works for a workout and to the park for a 3-mile trail run.  When, I left for the dental appointment, I accidentally locked my wife out of the house while she was working in the yard.  Not a good day, except that she got a lot of yard work done.

Back to the park

It was sunny and nearly 80 this afternoon.  So, I went back out to the park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.  Half marathon number 100 coming up this Saturday.

Love.Run Half Marathon

I ran the Love.Run Half Marathon this morning on the trails at Huntsville State Park.  It was cloudy and 60 degrees.  Nice running weather, but as expected, the trails were muddy in places.  My shoes got a little muddy, but I managed to get around the standing water spots.  Took two falls - not from sliding, but for tripping over roots.  I finished in 3:42:02, a whopping 41 seconds faster than the same race last year.  I was 2nd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.  Half marathon number 99 done.  Me and the best race committee around in the photo.  Click on the photo to enlarge.

Morning run

With a half marathon on the trails at Huntsville State Park in the morning, I went to the park late this morning and ran 1.3 miles on the trails.  Parts of the course tomorrow will be muddy and there is a possibility of rain during the race.

Hotter

Here it is the middle of February and my truck thermometer said 85 degrees when I got to the park to run this evening.  I had to be back at my house by 6 p.m. for a running club officers meeting, so I ran 2.3 miles on the trails and left before everyone else finished.

Hot

I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.  The temperature was 75 degrees.  I expected to see snakes.

Late for trail run

I had a dental appointment at 4 this afternoon and was late for meeting the group at the park.  They were already running when I got there.  So, I just ran 1.3 miles on the trails and finished about the same time as they did.  My next race is the Love.Run Half Marathon at Huntsville State Park this coming Saturday.  The trails are already muddy or under standing water and more rain is expected. Half marathon number 99 is going to be fun.

Kilgore to Longview Run

Friday afternoon, I drove up to Tyler and spent the night with family.  At 5:30 Saturday morning, I drove over to Longview, picked up my race packet, got bussed to Kilgore and at 8 a.m. ran 11 miles back to Longview.  This was an old race that they brought back last year.  It was a well-managed race and I got to visit with some old friends.  I finished in 2:35:06 and was 2nd of 2 in the 75 and over age group.  The temperature was in the 60's and virtually 100% humidity.
After the race, I drove to Wylie (NE of Dallas) and visited with family there for the rest of the weekend.  Between Longview and Wylie, the temperature dropped to below freezing.  Yesterday, I went with my son to the Wylie Recreation Center, where they have an indoor running track (10 laps equals 1 mile).  I lost track of my laps, but I ran for 25 minutes.  I drove back to Huntsville this morning and went to the park this afternoon and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Laps

With a race tomorrow morning, I went to the track this morning and ran laps.  Running streak day 3,036.

Diesel

As I entered the park this evening, I drove through what I thought was water over the road.  Then, all I could smell was diesel.  Apparently, a truck's fuel tank was leaking and it spilled onto the park road.  My truck was covered with the stuff.  I ran 2.4 miles on the trails.  As I was leaving the park, I had to drive around cleanup vehicles spraying powder over the road.  Of course, I headed for a car wash.

Muddy trails

It rained most of the day.  When I went out to the park this afternoon, it was 38 degrees and the trails were muddy in parts.  I only ran 1.5 miles, but did meet up with a couple of deer.  Years ago,running into deer on the trails was frequent.  Now, very seldom.  Am not sure why the population at the park is down; they are in my back yard almost every day.

Foggy and rainy

It was foggy and we had light rain off and on all day.  Ugh.  Obviously, the group still met at the park this evening.  I ran 2.4 miles on the trails, partly in the rain.

Long dental appointment

I got up early for a 9 a.m. dental appointment this morning and ended up in the chair for a long time.  Lots of needles, drilling and burning blue lights.  Went from there to a painless haircut appointment.  At mid-afternoon, I worked out and Iron Works and then ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.  The park was rather quiet after the 100-mile Rocky Raccoon there over the weekend.  I never saw anyone else on the trail.  Looking toward the 11-mile Kilgore to Longview Run this Saturday and the Love.Run Half on February 17.  It will be half number 99.  Then, the next weekend will be the Jail Break Half Marathon in Baytown - number 100.

Helping with the Love.Run Half Marathon/10K

The Love.Run Half Marathon & 10K will be held at Huntsville State Park on February 17.  I met with members of the race committee this afternoon to walk parts of the course to show them the turnaround points and other changes I made to the course.  Am not sure how far we walked, but by the time we finished, it was too late to drive to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K.  So, before going home, I went back on the trails and ran 1.3 miles.

Katy Half Marathon

Not much sleep last night.  Did not need the alarm clock this morning.  I was wide awake at 4 a.m., which I got up and drove down to Katy to run the Katy Half Marathon at 6:45.  The temperature was in the 40's and some light rain off and on.  Flat course, almost all on concrete.  Nearly 1,200 finishers.  I finished in 3:20:23 and was 8 of 8 in the 70 and over age group.  Not happy with my time, but half marathon 98 is done.  After the race, I went to my son's house in north Houston, took a shower, went to lunch with him and then took a nap.  Then, we went to the Texas 10 Series annual awards party at a brewery in Tomball.  I picked up an Armadillo Cup and check for $100 for 2nd place in the series competition for 70 and over.  I stayed around for a couple beers and a nice visit with a lot of friends.

Short Friday run

With a half marathon tomorrow morning, I went out to the park late this morning and ran 1.3 miles on the trails.  Running streak day 3,029.

Breaking in new shoes

I put on a new pair of Brook Dyads this week.  Two days on the trails and today 2 miles on the park roads.

Early trail run

I had a doctor's appointment in Conroe late this afternoon, so I went to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Runners arriving at the park

With the Rocky Raccoon 100 Miler coming up this weekend at Huntsville State Park, runners are starting to arrive.  When I got to the park this evening, I met a Mom and her 14 year old son from Florida.  The son is running the 100 miler.  He said that he had already completed a 75-mile race.  With that, I ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Short trail run

I had to drive down to Cleveland (Texas) this afternoon, so I got a late start at Iron Works and running.  I ended up running 1.3 miles on the trails at the park.

Texas 10 Series Boerne

Yesterday afternoon, I drove 4+ hours to Boerne (west of San Antonio) to run the Texas 10 Series 10 Miler.  This was my 5th straight year for running this race.  Nice cool weather with a temperatures in the 40's.  I finished in 2:20:42 was a 2nd of 2 in the 70 and over age group.  I got beat out by a young 73 year old whipper snapper.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I drove down to The Woodlands this morning to run the Run the Woodlands 5K.  It rained on the way down, during the race and all the way back.  I finished in 41:39.

Laps

I have two races planned this weekend, so I went to the track late this morning and ran laps.  It was sorta bad wasting excellent running weather on a short run.

Good crowd at the park

We had some old timers show up at the park this evening, in addition to the normal group.  I ran 2.3 miles on the trails.

Sunny

It was sunny today, with a temperature in the 60's.  I got back to a normal routine.  Worked out at Iron Works and ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Better day

I had an appointment late this afternoon with the oral surgeon to get my tooth surgically removed.  After shots and a lot of drilling, he managed to get it out without surgery.  That was a relief.  I had running shorts on under my jeans, so I went from the dentist to the park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Rough day

I had a dental appointment at 8 this morning to replace a bridge due to the deterioration of the root of a tooth supporting one end of the bridge.  I spent nearly 3 hours in the chair, being subjected to a lot of needles, drilling and I'm not sure what else.  They could not get the deteriorating tooth out and tomorrow I have to get it surgically removed.  It was doing a fine job holding up it's end of the bridge.  It has already cost me over $2,600, plus the cost of removing the "bad" tooth.  That's a lot of race entry fees.  I felt a little beat up this afternoon.  However, I did work out at Iron Works and do a short 1.3-mile trail run at the park.  During that short run, I tripped over a root, fell and skinned up my knee.

3M Half Marathon

I drove to Austin yesterday afternoon to run the 3M Half Marathon this morning.  Packet pickup was at the Austin downtown Convention Center.  I had to pay $15 to park to go in and pick up my packet.  Stupid.  They need to find somewhere else to have packet pickup.  I stayed at a hotel about 5 minutes from the race, but hardly got any sleep.  The race started at 7:30 this morning on the north side of Austin.  The course was downhill to downtown next to the Capitol.  The temperature was in the 60's, but very humid with off and on rain during the race.  I felt very sluggish the entire race and finished in 3:20:52 and was 5th of 6 in the 75-79 age group.  Last year, I finished in 2:53:10 and was 3rd of 6 in the same age group.  With last year's time, I would still be 5 of 6 this year.  While I did not feel good about my time at the race, it was half marathon number 97 and my 3,017th consecutive day of running.

Frost Your Fanny 5K

I ran the club's annual Frost Your Fanny 5K this morning on the hilly Spring Lake Sub-division course.  Finished in a lousy 42:42.  Now, off to Austin.

Two trips to the park

I went out to the park late this morning to measure the out and back portion of the Love.Run Half Marathon course.  The race will be on February 17.  I measured point to point, but my wife was nice enough to drop me off and pick me up at the other end.  In any case, I got in a 2-mile+ walk.  I went back out this afternoon and ran a 1.3-mile loop.  It was running streak day 3,015.

And a little warmer

It was 41 when I arrived at the park this evening.  A little warmer than yesterday, but it seemed just as cold.  No one else showed up, except Curter and he started early for a long run.  I ran 2 miles on the trails and waited for him to finish.  I have a 5K and a half marathon coming up this weekend, but the weather forecast looks bad.

A little warmer

It was 24 degrees when I ran trails yesterday and 34 today when I ran 2.3 miles.  In between, it got down to 13 last night.  I have lived here over 30 years and I only recall it getting colder one time.  Cannot remember the year, but it got down to 9 degree.

Icy trails

It was just me and Jason who showed up at the park this evening.  It rained last night and snowed this morning and was 24 degrees this evening.  So, the trails were a little icy.  I ran 1.3 miles on the trails and Jason ran farther.  I think we spent more time having a hot chocolate and shooting the breeze than running.

Changing weather

It was 65 degrees when I went out to the park this afternoon.  I ran the same 3-mile course on the trails and then went to Iron Works for a workout.  It is starting to rain now and snow is forecast for tomorrow morning and the temp is suppose to drop to 25.

Early trip to the airport

I had to get up early this morning to drive my son and his wife to the airport in Houston.  Then, more family left later this morning.  Clear and cool weather this afternoon.  I went out to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  I am not sure I have seen so many hikers on the trails at the park.  Holiday weekend, I suppose.

Catching up

This weekend, I have a lot of visiting family (12 slept at my house last night).  I slipped out of the house yesterday and ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.  Could not blog last night because someone was sleeping next to my PC.  This morning, 3 of my sons went to Iron Works with me.  They wanted to stay longer, so I made an excursion to the park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.  More family coming in this afternoon.

Different Thursday

With visiting family and a running club meeting this evening, my Thursday routine was disrupted.  My visiting son and daughter-in-law went to Iron Works with me this afternoon.  While they were still working out, I ran the roads from there.  I was stopped during my run by an old friend and we had a nice visit.  The run turned out to be 1.5 miles.  Anyway, I made it home in time to shower and get to the club meeting.

Early park run

Since I had to pick up visiting family at the airport in Houston this evening, I went to the park after lunch and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Regular group at the park

We had the regulars at the park this evening, me, Glen, Jason and Jacob.  I ran 2.3 miles on the trails, while they ran farther were waiting on my at the finish.

Course work

I went out to the park this afternoon with an engineer wheel and walked a little over 2 miles to measure part of the course for the Love.Run Half Marathon and 10K coming up next month.  Then, I put the wheel in my truck and ran 1.3 miles on the trail before going to Iron Works for a workout.

Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  It was my 1,003rd race and 3,003rd consecutive day of running.  We had a little party at the race to celebrate Vincent Attanucci's 15-year running streak, which he achieved today.  I finished in a slow 41:07.  Probably a combination of the half marathon yesterday and a few extra pounds I put on during the holidays.

River Road Half Marathon

Yesterday, I ran laps at the track and then drive 3 1/2 hours to New Braunfels to run the River Road Half Marathon this morning.  Nice weather; overcast and a temp in the 50's.  My wheels felt much better today than they did at the half marathon in Kingwood on Monday.  I hit the half way point today in 1:29 something and finished in 3:02:56.  I was 3rd in the 70 and over age group.  I had a chance to visit with Esther Herklotz, a good friend who use to live in Huntsville.  She still belongs to our running club.  Half marathon number 96 done.

3,000

I woke up this morning with inflammation in my foot.  I started taking pills again today and ran 2.4 miles on the trails this evening.  The foot feels a little better this evening and hopefully I will be okay for a half marathon on Saturday.  Today was running streak day 3,000.

Let's hear a drum roll

Time for a drum roll.  Today was my 2,999th consecutive day of running.  I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.

Cold

It was 31 degrees when I went to the park this evening, but it seemed colder than that.  No one else was there, so I ran only 1.3 miles on the trails.  Jason's truck was there when I got back, so I waited in my warm truck until he finished his run.  We had a quick "hot chocolate" and went home.

Texas Half Marathon

I ran the Texas Half Marathon in Kingwood this morning.  Cold.  Temperature in the high 20's.  The course consists of two 6.55-mile loops on a concrete trail.  Lots of uneven gaps in the concrete, so tripping is a real possibility.  I have never had a good time on this course and today was no exception.  The results have not been posted, but my time should be 3:20 something.  That's about 15 minutes slower than Galveston on December 17.  The good news is that I got to visit with a lot of good friends and I completed the race.  This was half marathon number 95, race 1,001 and my 2,997th consecutive day of running.

14-Day streak at the park

With a half marathon in the morning, I did a short 1.3-mile trail run at the park this afternoon.  That's 14 consecutive days of trail runs at the park - every day since the Santa Hustle Half Marathon on December 17.

Morning trail run

There were a bunch of friends running trails at the park at 7:30 this morning.  Since I did not get up until about 8:30, I finally got to the park after they all finished.  I ran 3 miles on the trails and am declaring my foot pain free.

A little more distance

The foot seemed even better today.  So, I ran 5 miles on the trails at the park.  It was still a little sore, but I am confident that I can run the half marathon on Monday.

Pain almost gone

My foot was better today, the pain almost gone.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.  The temperature was about 41, but it seemed much colder.

Finally got to see the doc

My doctor's office reopened today and I got an appointment immediately.  Got my prescription renewed for my foot and got some new stuff to take for a couple weeks.  Hopefully, the pain will be gone soon.  It was cold (30's) and rainy all day, but I did get out to the park this afternoon and run 2.3 miles on the trails.  Running streak day 2,992.

Doctor's office was closed

I went to the doctor's office this morning, but they were closed.  The medicine I take for my gout are small purple pills.  I looked in the draws in my bathroom and found 4 in the back of one of the drawers.  No telling how old they are.  I took two today and cut my trail run to 1.3 miles this evening.  The foot feels a little better tonight.

Merry Christmas

I left visiting family again this afternoon and went to the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.  This evening, my foot starting getting inflamed again.  Darn.  I took the last of the medicine that I have.  Looks like I will be at the doctor's office tomorrow, getting an appointment and/or a prescription renewal.  I have a half marathon a week from today, so I must get back to normal by then.

Christmas eve

I left visiting family this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.  They understand.

Six day streak at the park

For six straight days, I have run trails at the state park.  While I still have pain in my foot, it seems to lessen after I run on it for a while.  I ran 2.4 miles this afternoon on the trails.  Hopefully, the worst is over.

Still inflamed this morning

My foot was still inflamed and very sore this morning.  In fact, it seemed to be getting worse.  I took a lot of pills today and drank a lot of tart cherry juice.  Later this afternoon, it seemed to be doing better.  My friend, Jon Walk from Spring, was in Huntsville on business today.  So, we met at the park this afternoon and ran 3 miles on the trails.  My foot hurt, but it was tolerable.  We had a good visit.

Thought it was getting better

I woke up this morning and my foot seemed much better.  However, as the day went on, the pain increased.  I met the group at the park this evening and ran on a trail that I have not been on for years, because it was smoother.  Am not sure how far I ran, but I ran for 25 minutes  I guess 1 mile+.

Extended the pain

Despite taking medication and drinking tart cherry juice today, the inflammation in my big toe joint has not lessened.  I went to the park this evening and attempted 2 miles on the trails. I got nearly a mile and decided it would be less painful to run on the road.  While running back on the road, a lady jokingly asked if I want to borrow her bicycle.  In any case, I got in close to 2 miles.  Running streak day 2,985 done.

Painful run

I woke up this morning with gout in my left big toe joint.  This was my first attack in years.  Gout is where the uric acid in your system crystallizes in the coldest joint in your body (big toes joint).  The crystals are like little needles in the joint.  Very inflamed and painful for a week or so.  If you take the medication early, it may head off the worst.  Hopefully, I did that.  I went out to the park this evening and managed to get in 1.3 miles on the trails.  Painful, but nothing to break the streak over.

Short trail run

After Iron Works this afternoon, I went out to the park and did a short trail run (1.3 miles to be exact).  A storm blew in just as I was finishing.

Race 1,000 - Santa Hustle Half Marathon

I drove down to Galveston yesterday to run the Santa Hustle Half Marathon at Moody Gardens this morning.  They were suppose to give me bib 1,000, but instead I got 13 thousand something.  They asked me to check in this morning before the race about the bib.  I did that at 6 a.m. this morning.  They said that my bib was accidentally left at the corporate office.  So, they did some cutting and pasting and made up one for me.  They are nice people and put on a good race.  There was no rain or wind during the race and the temperature was in the 50's.  Really nice.  I finished in 3:05:23 and was 5 of 6 in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 94th half marathon.  My wife walked the 5K.

Different Friday

I usually run laps at the track on Friday, pending a race on Saturday.  No race tomorrow, so I went out to the park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.  The ankle is nearly back to normal, so I am not worried about the race on Sunday.

Doing better

Both my PC and my ankle are doing better.  The ankle was so sore yesterday, but is much better day; hard to believe that it improved so much in one day.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening without much pain.  Looking forward to race 1,000 on Sunday.

PC in the shop

My PC was in the shop yesterday, so I missed a blog entry.  I ran 2.3 miles at the park yesterday, mostly on the trails.  I woke up this morning with a very sore ankle.  Not sure where that came from; I did not knowingly hurt it yesterday.  In any case, I iced it and took Ibuprofen and laid around much of the day.  I managed to get in a limpy 1-mile run at the track this evening.  My experience with pains that come on quickly is that they go away quickly.  With that said, hopefully the ankle will be much better tomorrow.  I got the PC back this evening, complete with a new hard drive.  Nice having a fast computer again.

Trails

After a busy weekend, I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.  I felt completed recovered from the half marathon yesterday.

BCS Half Marathon - Race 999

I ran the BCS Half Marathon in College Station this morning.  It was my 3rd year for running this half after running the full marathon there for 4 years.  It was in the 30's and 40's throughout the race.  Clear and no wind.  I finished in 3:10:51 and was 6th of 8 in the 70 and over age group.  Got to visit with a lot of good friends before and after the race.  This was my 999th race.

Reindeer 5K

I made the 80-mile drive over to Lufkin this morning to run the Reindeer 5K.  The temperature was 28 degrees and the race did not start until 8:35.  I finished in 38:07 and was 2nd of 2 in the 71 and over age group.  This was my 998th race.  I drove back to Huntsville for a shower and a nap.  After that, I drove to College Station to pick up my packet for tomorrow's half marathon.  Got the packet, visited with a few friends and picked up something from a store for my wife before heading back to Huntsville.  After getting back to Huntsville, went to church, ate supper and went to the Sam Houston - Kennesaw State football game.  I stayed through the 3rd quarter and came home to thaw out.  Long day.

Short trail run

I usually run laps at the track on Friday when I have a race on Saturday.  The track was too muddy, so I went out to the park and ran about 1.5 miles on the trails.

Snow

No one else show up at the park this evening.  So, I ran 2.3 miles on the trails.  I had a club officer meeting at 6:30, so I got back in plenty of time to shower and change.  When I got out of the meeting, it was snowing.  I have lived in Huntsville for 31 years and it snow a few times.  However, I think this was the most.  I photographed it from my front door tonight;  I'm sure it will be gone tomorrow.  After the meeting, I took my wife out to dinner to celebrate her birthday.

Cold and rainy

It was cold (about 40) and it rained all day.  The park was closed, so after Iron Works, I went to the track and ran 1.3 miles on the roads from there.

Park is closed for squirrel hunting tomorrow

The state park closed at 5 p.m. today for squirrel hunting tomorrow.  So, I went out earlier today and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.  I warned all the squirrels.

Back to the trails

After Iron Works this afternoon, I drove through rain to get to the park to run trails.  It stopped about the time I got to the park and I ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Texas 10 Series Conroe

I ran the Texas 10 Series 10 Miler in Conroe this morning.  I finished in 2:23:07 and was 3rd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.  I was not pleased with my time, but my hip was giving me problems and I slowed down so as not to aggravate it.  My bib number happened to be 668.  My cell phone number is 668-0668.  It must be a lucky number because they drew it for a $100 bill door prize after the race.  This was my 997th race and my 2,968th consecutive day of running.

St. Nick 5K

Drove over to College Station this morning and ran the St. Nick 5K.  This was my 996th race.  I finished in 39:54 and was 3 of 5 in the 60 and over age group.  My friend, Gretchen, went over with me and we had a Mexican breakfast at the LoCo Mexican restaurant in Bryan after the race.  I go there every chance I get.  Took a nap after I got home and then went to the Sam Houston State - South Dakota football game here in Huntsville.  10-mile race in the morning.

Friday laps

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

Unplanned course

I ran an unplanned course on the trails and roads at the park this evening.  Am not sure what the distance was, but something around 2 miles.

Early run

I had a doctors appointment in Conroe at 4 this afternoon, so I went to Iron Works late this morning for a workout and then to the park for a run.  Did 3 miles on the trails.

Trail and road

After Iron Works this evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2.3 miles, partly on the trails and partly on the roads.

Smoky trail run

There was a fire in the area this afternoon and the state park was blanketed with smoke.  I ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Nice Sunday Afternoon

Beautiful Sunday weather.  I went out to the park this afternoon and ran 4 miles on the trails.

Leftover Turkey 5K

I ran our club's hilly Leftover Turkey 5K this morning.  I finished in 42:43 and was first of two in the 70 and over age group.  This was my 995th race.  Here is my path to 1,000:

Dec. 2 - St. Nick's 5K, College Station - 996
Dec. 3 - Texas 10 Series 10-Miler, Conroe - 997
Dec. 9 - Reindeer 5K, Lufkin - 998
Dec. 10 - BCS Half Marathon, College Station - 999
Dec. 17 - Santa Hustle Half Marathon, Galveston - 1,000

Friends of the Running Community 5K

Volte Running Coach, Bill Dwyer, put on a special 5K this morning in The Woodlands on the same course as the Sunday Night 5K and the Run the Woodlands 5K.  This race was to provide a third race to complete the Montgomery County Triple over the Thanksgiving holidays. I went down this morning and ran the race.  My friend, Jon Walk, and I ran the whole thing together and finished in 40:10.  I will be doing my own triple, two in Montgomery County and one here in Walker County tomorrow.

Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler

I ran the Run Thru the Woods 5-Miler in The Woodlands this morning.  This was my 16th straight year running this Thanksgiving Day race.  I  finished in 1:05:22 and was 3 of 4 in the 75-79 age group.

Crowded park

As expected, the park was crowded with visitors today and I am sure it will be that way through the weekend.  Beautiful weather today.  Sunny and cool.  I ran 2.4 miles on the trails this afternoon.

Getting back to normal

Even though I have sinus drainage problems and the coughing that goes with that, I seem to be getting back to normal.  I moved the grass this afternoon (okay, it's with a riding lawn mower), worked out at Iron Works and met up with the group at the park.  I ran 2.3, partly on the trails and partly on the roads.

Still weak

I worked out at Iron Works this afternoon and then ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  I just noticed that the weights were heavier and it was a little harder running up the hills at the park.

Recovering, I think

I had a fever and felt terrible when I went to bed last night.  I did not have a fever this morning, so I went to the track and ran laps.  Only a slight fever for the rest of the day, so maybe I am recovering.  Really hate that I missed the half marathon in La Porte this morning.  A friend told me that my accomplishment were announced at the race and got a big round of applause.  Guess it would have been boos if they realized that I was not there.

Defend the Orphan 5K

I drove 35 minutes down to Montgomery this morning to run the Defend the Orphan 5K.  The race did not start until 9:30 a.m.  I checked my temperature before I left and it was normal.  However, my throat was so sore and it was tough running the race.  I finished in 43:00, nearly 5 minutes slower than my 5K last Saturday.  I did not know very many people there and I  tried to stay clear of everyone, in case I was contagious. The age groups were 39 and younger and 40 and older, so no age group award.  By the time I got home, my temperature was up over 100 and has been there every since.  I had to make a tough decision about my half marathon tomorrow in La Porte.  I hate to be a wimp, but I decided not to go.  That screws up my goal of running my 101st half marathon on February 17.  I still plan on running race number 1,000 on December 17, but will have to squeeze in another race between now and then.

Rough night

I had a rough night last night, with fever and chills.  I got into my doctor's office this morning and saw a nurse practitioner and she diagnosed my problem as the flu.  She gave me some stuff for flu.  I really think it is a sinus infection.  My temperature has been over 100 all day, but I did go run laps at the track this afternoon.  5K in the morning and half marathon on Sunday.  We'll see.  If I can't make the half marathon, there is no way I can keep up my schedule to complete 101 by February 17.

Fever

My wife has been sick for a week and the doctor diagnosed it yesterday as Flu.  Cannot remember of her ever having the Flu.  I started coughing today and sneezing.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads at the park.  Now, my fever is over 100.  I have a 5K and a half marathon this weekend, so I need to find a doctor early tomorrow and get on some antibiotics. I'm not sure I caught the Flu or have my normal annual sinus infection.  I have not had the Flu in about 40 years.  I went down to the drugstore last night and got a Flu shot, my first one since about 1980.  Maybe that had something to do with it.