Tyler Azalea 10K

I ran laps at the track Friday morning and drove up to Tyler (135 miles) to run the Tyler Azalea 10K Saturday morning.  I have run this race several times over the years, but it was under new management this year.  Everything about the race was good this year, except that someone removed turn signs on the course (5K and 10K) and everything got screwed up on the course.  I was running with a girl I met on the course and we and others were stopped at over 2 miles and we told to run back the same way.  According to her GPS, we ran 4.4 miles total.  Runners at the finish line reported running different distances.  They cancelled the awards ceremony and the race director told me that they would give discounts for next year.  My official finish time was 1:03:07.  After the race, I met and visited with two guys, who were brothers of football great, Earl Campbell.  Neither ran the race.  Saturday afternoon, I took two grandkids to the Tyler Zoo, so I am sure I made up the mileage I missed in the 10K.  I drove back to Huntsville late this morning and got back in time for our club's annual Run the Trails at Huntsville State Park at 2 p.m.  Before the race, I ran 1.3 miles on the trails and then drove down to another trail head and ran (with my good camera) about 3/4th of a mile to a spot on the course to direct runners and take photos.  Busy weekend.

Thursday group run

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Park roads

Busy day with some heavy yard work, but this evening I managed to work out at Iron Works and run 2 miles on the park roads.

At the park twice today

This morning, I took my 3-year old grandson out to the park for a hike on the trails and then some time at the playground.  Beautiful weather;  cool and sunny.  This evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 3 miles on the trails.

Park roads again

After Iron Works this evening, I went to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Today, marked 9 years and 5 months on my current running streak.  Next October 18 will be 10 years.

Back from Glen Rose

Friday morning, I drove 3 and 1/2 hours northwest to Glen Rose for a family outing at an RV park.  Lots of families there and we had a good time.  I broke away from the family Friday afternoon and ran 2 miles on the trails at nearby Dinosaur Valley State Park.  I went out there again Saturday and ran 1.7 miles.  I got back to Huntsville this afternoon and went to Huntsville State Park and ran 5 miles on the trails.

Back to the trails

No rain today, so I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

More rain

After a few days without rain, it rained most of the day.  Rather than trails this evening, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Another 2.5

After manually digging holes and planting 9 trees today, I met up with the group and ran another 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Trails are getting to be a habit again

I went back out to the park this afternoon and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Longer trail run

A week ago, it was freezing.  This afternoon, it was 79 degrees when I went out to the park to run.  I ran 4 miles on the trails.

Run the Woodlands 5K

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning and finished in 42:48.

Back to trails

I went out to the park late this morning and decided at the last minute to get back on the trails.  Ran a very careful 2 miles.  No trips or falls.

Trip to Katy

I had to go down to Katy (west of Houston) this evening to attend a concert, so I ran earlier this afternoon.  Did 3 miles on the park roads.

Third and final shot

I went out to the park this morning and ran 2 miles on the roads, except for the last .2 miles on the trails.  First time on the trails in a long time.  After lunch, I went to the orthopedic surgeon and got the third and final cortisone shot in my hip.  My plan is to run a half marathon in Frisco on April 13.

Better weather today

It was sunny and in the high 40's when I went to the park this evening.  I ran 3 miles on the roads.

Freezing

The temperature was down to about freezing when I went to the park this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this evening and run the Sunday Night 5K.  I finished in 42:44, 2 minutes and 10 seconds faster than the same race last month.

Sam Houston 5K

I ran the Sam Houston 5K this morning in Huntsville.  This was a new race on the SHSU campus.  They got started late and the course was short.  Someone said it was 2.8 miles.  In any case, it was a very hilly course.  I finished in 35:20.  I was the only one over 70, so I was first in my age group.  After the race, I drove down to The Woodlands and took my niece to a birthday lunch on The Woodlands waterway.  Ran into a few friends who just finished the marathon and half marathon and watch a few late marathon finishers coming in to the finish line.

Early run

I had to run some errands with my wife in Conroe and The Woodlands today, so I did a short run before I left this morning.  Got in 1.3 miles on the roads from the track.

Dreary weather

I am not sure it was the dreary cold and wet weather all today, but I felt like I was coming down with something all day.  I did work out at Iron Works this evening and then run 2 miles on the park roads.  it was 41 degrees and very damp.

Gave up on the half marathon this Saturday

I am signed up to run The Woodlands Half Marathon this Saturday.  Just not ready.   Between the shoulder surgery, hip issues and sinus infections, I am too far  behind in my training.  My goal now is to run the Big Star Half Marathon in Frisco on April 13.  My weight is down 21 pounds from this time last year, but it is not resulting in speed or endurance.  Three miles on the park roads this evening.

Rainy run

Jacob and I were the only ones who showed up at the park this evening.  It was raining and there was nearby lightning.  I opted for a 1.2-mile run on the park roads.

Sunday and Monday

I had visiting family yesterday (Sunday) and got to the park late for a run.  Did 2 miles on the park roads.  Today, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Sweetheart 5K

I ran our club's annual Sweetheart 5K in Huntsville this morning.  Nothing but hills.  I finished in 45:54.

And another 3

I ran the same 3-mile course on the park roads this morning.  However, I tried to increase my speed.  I knocked off 2 minutes off of yesterday's run.

Another 3

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran another 3 miles on the park roads.  I am tempted to get back on the trails, but I suppose I need to build up strength in my shoulders first.  I would hate to fall and tear the rotator cuff again.

Three comfortable miles

With the hip feeling much better after the cortisone shot yesterday, I went to the park this evening and ran 3 comfortable miles on the park roads.  I still have thoughts about running The Woodlands Half Marathon (which I am signed up for) on March 2, but I need to get in a couple long runs to test my body for 13.1.

Morning run at the track

Since I was getting my second cortisone shot after lunch, I went to the track and ran laps this morning is a misty rain.  While visiting with the doctor, he checked my shoulder and cleared me to start exercising.  No more therapy.  He scheduled me for my 3rd and final shot on March 6.

Shot number 2 tomorrow

I have an appointment to get my second cortisone shot in my hip tomorrow afternoon.  Hope it is the last and I can get back to "normal running and racing."  In the meantime, I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening.

Back from Yuma

Last Saturday (Feb. 10), I went out to Yuma, AZ (southwest corner of the state) to visit family and got home at 1 a.m. this morning.  I did manage to get in a run everyday while gone.  On most days, I went to the gym downtown with my son and ran from there.  Other days, I ran in his neighborhood.  Perfect running weather; 50's and 60's and very low humidity.  The only problem was my hip.  I was never able to get much over 2 miles.  I went out to Huntsville State Park this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Need shot number two

The pain in my hip has returned for the last couple of days.  However, I am scheduled for cortisone shot number two on February 19.  I am signed up for The Woodlands Half Marathon on March 2.  It will be tough getting my distance up.  In the meantime, I ran 2 miles on the park roads this afternoon.  Rocky Raccoon 50M, 50K and 13.1 was in progress on the trails while I was there.  After my run, I had a nice visit with Bill, Leanne and others who were there in support of friends running.

3,400

I reached a minor milestone today; completed 3,400 consecutive days of running.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening - in the cold (34 degrees).  Well, that's cold for Texas, anyway.

Cooler

After a few days of warmer temperatures, it rained this morning and got down in the 40's this evening.  My truck thermometer showed 81 yesterday.  In any case, after Iron Works, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Appointments today

I had my first post-sling rehab appointment this morning.  Lot more to go.  This afternoon, I had an appointment with the skin doctor in Conroe.  I get checked every three months.  This evening, I put on a new pair of running shoes and ran 2 miles on the park roads to break them in.

Catching up on yard work

Now that I am somewhat recovered, I started catching up on yard work today.  This afternoon, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 3 miles on the park roads.

More time at Iron Works

While recovering from rotator cuff surgery, I continued to work out at Iron Works.  However, no upper body stuff.  I start physical therapy this Wednesday to get my range of motion and strength back.  So, I spent more time there this afternoon working on upper body strength.  I was careful not to break anything.  Then, I went to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Sunday Night 5K

I went down to The Woodlands this evening to run the Sunday Night 5K.  I was pain-free for the entire race, but weak.  I finished in 44:50, probably my slowest ever for this course.  I obviously need to start working on my distance after missing so many long races this season.

Not sure what went on

My fever went back to normal overnight, but the runs continued until noon today.  Not much sleep last night.  Late this morning, I was able to go to the track and get in a 1-mile run.  Was finally able to get some food down at lunch and then went down the the 11 Below Brewery in Houston for the Annual Texas 10 Series Awards Party.  I got first place in the Armadillo Cup age 70 & over age group.  That came with a nice mug and a check for $175.  Also got a pullover for completing the 10-miler in all seven of the races in 2018.  So far, no fever tonight.  Just not sure what brought it on last night.

Just when I thought

Felt great this morning and went to the park and had a very comfortable 3-mile road run.  Stopped just past the 1-mile point and had a nice visit with my friend, Chris McWatters, who owns Tejas Trails and directs the Rocky Raccoon 100, which will be this weekend at the park.  Then, this afternoon, I started to get "the runs" and feeling nausiated.  Even though I am taking antibiotics for the sinus infection, my temperature has been over 100 tonight.  My nurse advises me to go to the emergency room if my temperature continues tomorrow morning.

Turned the corner

Today was the last day of wearing the sling after rotator cuff surgery on Dec. 20.  So, I will be able to start more rehab for my right arm and will be able to sleep in my bed for the first time since surgery.  However, I must say, however, that I was starting to get use to the recliner.  My sinus infection is now under control with antibiotics and no more head and ear aches.  When I woke up this morning, the pain and soreness in my hip was mostly gone, thanks to the cortisone shot yesterday.  I can now sit down and get out of a chair without pain and instability.  I can now even put on my own socks and shoe (my wife is really thankful for that).  I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  The lack of pain and stiffness really made me realize what I have been putting up with for the last month.  Thankful that I was able to keep my streak going.

Working on the other issue

While I do not normally run in the morning, I went to the track this morning and ran laps.  My appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon was at 1:30 this afternoon.  After looking at the xrays and examining my hip, he said that there was nothing wrong with my hips, except inflammation.  He gave me the first of up to three cortisone shots.  That was a relief.  It doesn't seem much better tonight, but I will give it time.

One issue resolved

I went to the doctor (actually saw the PA) this morning concerning my sinus issues.  She prescribed several things, including an antibiotic.  Already feel better this evening.  Tomorrow, I see the orthopedic surgeon regarding the hip.  Hopefully, just a cortisone shot will resolve it and allow me to get back to longer running distances.  Jacob and I were the only ones at the park tonight.  I ran 1-mile on the park roads.

Doctor appointments scheduled

I set up an appointment with my regular doctor tomorrow morning to get my sinus problem fixed.  No fever for a couple of days, but head and ear aches.  Then, Wednesday afternoon, I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon on the hip issue.  I am getting to be a regular at his office lately.  In the meantime, I ran laps at the track this afternoon.  Three more days in the sling!

No race this morning

I had head and ear aches all night last night.  I got up at 4:30 this morning anyway to go to run the 5-miler in College Station.  When I realized that the hip was worse, I decided to go back to bed.

In the recliner most of the day

I had planned to go to our club run this morning, but my hip was so sore this morning, it was very difficult to get up and move around.  I stayed in the recliner until 2 this afternoon.  Took sinus medication and Ibuprofen and later in the afternoon, went to the track and ran laps.  No temperature today and feel better this evening and plan to run a 5-miler tomorrow.

Darn fever back

I am not sure why, but I started running a temperature today.  Tried to rest most of the day, but I did go over to the track this afternoon and run laps.

Hip issue continues

My shoulder is doing fine, but my sore left hip continues to be a nuisance.  I ran another 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  Tonight, I switched from the 10 to the 5-miler at the Texas 10 Series race on Sunday.

Two more at the park

My hip is still sore, but seemed to be a little bit better today.  I ran another 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  I am signed up for the Texas 10 Series 10-miler in College Station on Sunday.  I am considering switching to the 5-mile race.

Felt like I was coming down with something

I felt like I was coming down with something today.  I took my temperature several times, but it was normal.  I went out to the park this evening to meet up with the group, with the intention of running one mile.  I kept going and ended up with two on the park roads, without the sling.  I'm still required to wear it through the end of this month, but the doctor said that it was okay to run without it, as long as I kept my my arm down.

Better

My left hip was somewhat better today, so I upped my distance to 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  Applying more heat tonight.

Back from Tyler

Yesterday (Saturday), I got up early and ran 1+ miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway before driving up to Tyler for a family get-together.  The left hip is very sore and it is difficult to get around,  I ran laps at the track this evening after getting back from Tyler and treat the hip twice with a heating pad.

Short run, again

My hip and legs were really sore this morning.  I stayed on the recliner until noon.  Later this afternoon, I went out to the park and ran 1.2 miles on the roads - in a light rain.

Left hip really sore

Am not sure why, but my left hip was really sore today.  At shoulder rehab today, I tried to get them to divert treatment to my hip, but of course they would not.  I managed to get in a 1.2-mile road run at the park this evening, before attending the annual running club dinner.

Track run

For some reason, my left hip was very sore today.  So, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps - in a light rain.

Appointment with my Orthopedic Surgeon

I had a followup appointment with my orthopedic surgeon this afternoon.  The right should seems to be healing fine, but I will be in rehab for a while and the sling until the end of this month.  I am more concerned about the left shoulder.  If the pain returns after the cortisone wears off continues, it may need to be fixed too.  I went from the doctor's office to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

A little sore

I was a little sore from running the 5-miler yesterday.  It convinced me that I should probably not attempt the 3M Half Marathon in Austin (which I am signed up for) next Sunday.  The sling is really making me slower that slow.  Anyway, I went out to the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Texas 10 Series Bridgeland 5-Miler

I have been running the Texas 10 Series since 2012.  However, today was the first time I ran the 5-mile event.  My goal was not to fall and pull any stitches from my shoulder.  I accomplished that goal and finished in a slow 1:17:20.  There were three runners in the 70 and over age group and I was third.

Ready for tomorrow

Tomorrow's 5-mile race will be my longest run in a month.  Looking forward to seeing how I hold up.  This morning, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

3 more at the park

This afternoon, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.  I am starting to feel more comfortable and secure running with my big bulky sling.

Slept well

I slept well in my new recliner last night.  Woke up at 8:30 this morning.  Ran 2 miles on the roads at the park this evening.

New lift chair arrived

I bought a new lift recliner chair online and it arrived today.  That's my new sleeping place.  Very comfortable.  After a short workout at Iron Works this afternoon, I ran 3 miles on the roads at the park.  I plan to run a 5-mile race on Sunday and get back up to 10 miles by the end of this month.

Left shoulder diagnosis

My left shoulder has been hurting since the surgery on my right shoulder.  Had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon this afternoon.  After looking at the xrays, he thought that it was also a torn rotator cuff.  I had surgery on that shoulder in 1995 and he thinks part of it came loose.  Maybe to put off a fix until later, he gave me a cortisone shot.  Obviously, it feels better tonight and maybe I can get some better sleep.  Later this afternoon, I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.

Three at the park

I worked out on a couple leg machines at Iron Works this afternoon and then ran 3 miles on the park roads.

Two at the park

Between football games, I went to the park this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Felt better

I think I slept in three different places last night, but with sunny weather and the temperature in the 60's, I felt better today.  With football this afternoon and this evening, I went to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the park roads.  My next race is a week from tomorrow, the Texas 10 Series in Cypress.  However, I switched my entry from the 10-miler to the 5-miler.

Taking it easy on the left shoulder

Hopefully, my left shoulder is just sore from overuse.  So, I tried to take it easy today.  I did a quick lower body workout at Iron Works this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Third rehab appointment

I had my third rehab appointment on my right shoulder today and make an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon next Tuesday to look at my left shoulder.  Hopefully, the left shoulder is just sore from overuse.  This afternoon, I went to Iron Works and worked on a couple of leg machines.  Then, I met up with the group (just me and Jacob) and ran 1.2 miles on the park roads.

Hard to get up

Now, my left shoulder is sore.  I am not sure it is from overuse trying to get out of a chair or bed or I have torn a left shoulder rotator cuff.  Really frustrating, with my right shoulder in a sling day and night.  I slept on the couch last night and it took me forever to get up this morning.  It was raining all day and I never left the house until nearly 9 p.m. tonight.  Went to Iron Works and ran the 360-foot track (14.66 laps = 1-mile) inside the building.  I kept losing track of my laps, but it was around 20 laps.

Resolution 5K

For the past 11 years, I have run the Texas Marathon or Half Marathon in Kingwood.  I broke that race streak today.  Instead, I ran our club's Resolution 5K here in Huntsville.  My goal was to run the hilly course (mostly on sidewalks) without tripping and tearing out my stitches.  I accomplished that, even though I ran the entire distance very slowly.  I finished in 54:42, a new Personal Worst.

Back to 2

I felt a little better this afternoon and nicer weather.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Cold and raining

It was cold and raining this afternoon, but I interrupted my football watching with a trip to the park and a 1.2 mile run on the roads.  Fighting this sinus infection.

Stayed at 2

I did not feel well when I went to the park to run this afternoon.  Got in 2 miles on the roads.  My fever was back this evening, presumably from the return of my sinus infection.

Another 2 at the park

I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon.  Now, time to start getting in more distance.

First rehab appointment

I had the first shoulder rehab appointment this morning.  Many more to come, I suppose.  I had to go to Houston this evening, so I went out to the park earlier this afternoon and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Doctor appointment this afternoon

With a rain forecast this afternoon and an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon who fixed my shoulder this afternoon, I ran laps at the track this morning.  The first thing the doctor said, "Did you break your running streak?"  Reluctantly told him no.  He said that everything looked good, but I can't raise my right arm for six weeks.  He recommends that I continue to wear the big bulky sling I have worn since surgery, at least much of the time. When, I run, I have to immobilize the right arm, wearing the sling.   I start rehab tomorrow.  My plan is to start stretching out my distance and figure out what races I can run in January.

Back to the park

Slept better in my own bed and felt okay today.  Guess the antibiotic is working.  Went out to the park this afternoon and ran 1+ miles on the park roads.  I have an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon late tomorrow afternoon.  Maybe he will clear me to start "running" again.  Merry Christmas.

Another challenging day

I had a lot of visiting family at the house last night and lost some of my sleeping location options.  Since my pickup truck is so comfortable, I decided to sleep there.  Got my best sleep in weeks, except that I woke up three times about to freeze.  I suppose that exacerbated my sinus infection and my temperature went up to nearly 102 this afternoon.  My family called the doctor who did the shoulder surgery and his on-call doctor prescribed an antibiotic.  By 5 this evening, I was feeling better and I went to the track and ran another slow and careful mile.

Third easy and careful track run

My fever was back up this afternoon, but I did get to the track and run easy and careful laps.  It has been 3 days since my surgery and I am more confident that I can keep the streak alive, without tearing the newly attached muscles to my bones.

Another mile at the track

I ran another slow and careful mile at the track this afternoon.  Doubt that I will do anything else until I see the doctor the day after Christmas.

Streak Continues

It was nice and sunny this afternoon.  I went to the track and ran a very slow and careful one mile.  I did not feel any strain on the shoulder.  I got home and took the big bandage off and took a shower for the first time since the surgery.  There were five incisions that had to be covered with bandaids.  The streak continues.

Surgery

It's after midnight, so I am a little late posting.  I ran at the track at midnight last night to get in a run on surgery day.  It was raining and the track was mostly mud.  I can imagine what people driving by the track thought if they saw me running.  I got to the hospital at 6:30 this morning.  In pre-op, they got concerned about my pulse rate of 48.  I had to explain that it was from running.  My surgery lasted about 2 hours.  The doctor was pleased that he was able to gather all of the torn muscles and attached them to the bone.  He was also able to remove a bone spur, which had been cutting on the muscles and causing a lot of the problem.  I will be wearing a big sling for a while.  Tomorrow (Friday), I will have to make a decision on continuing my streak.  The doctor is afraid the movement may put too much pressure on the newly anchored muscles.

The day before surgery

I have to be at the hospital at 6:30 in the morning for surgery at 7:30.  I ran laps at the track this afternoon, partially in water since we had heavy rain last night.  I am going to the track tonight after midnight to get in my surgery day run.

9 years and 2 months

Reached a minor milestone today.  Completed 9 years and 2 months on my streak.  I met up with the group at the park and ran 1-mile+ on the park roads.  My plan is to run in the morning (Wednesday) and again after midnight tomorrow night.  My surgery is early Thursday morning.  I will have until midnight Friday night to get in a run to keep the streak alive.  If I can, I will run.  However, I don't want to do something stupid, like tear off newly reattached muscles.  My doctor is well aware of my streak and I value his opinion.

Slept better

At least, I slept in one bed last night and did not get up until 9:30 this morning.  Fever continued today and I ran laps again at the track this evening.

Got through another day

Tough night last night with shoulder pain.  I moved to different places in the house, trying to find a comfortable place.  And, the fever continued today.  I drove to the track later this afternoon and ran laps.  When I got home, I realized that my truck seat was very comfortable.  I sat in my truck for 30 minutes after I got home.  Maybe I should got sleep in my truck tonight.

Streak is hanging in there

I took a decongestant for my sinuses  this morning, as recommended by my nurse.  Felt a little better today, but still have a fever.  I am sleeping all over the house at night, trying to find a spot and position to reduce the shoulder pain.  I went back to the park this afternoon and got in a mile+ run on the park roads.

Now, fever

I assume that it is a sinus infection, but I had a fever today.  Stayed on the couch all day, except to go run.  Not easy, I bundled up and went to the park and ran a little over a mile on the park roads.  I have been in contact with my nurse this evening on what I can or can't do without delaying my surgery next Thursday.

Park roads

I met up with the group this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  I did not know Lorie took my photo until after she posted it on my FB page.

Continuation

I "slept" in a chair last night to reduce the shoulder pain.  Tried to nap all day to make up for lost sleep.  I am suppose to run the Santa Hustle Half Marathon in Galveston on Sunday, but cancelled my hotel reservations today.  My surgery is a week from tomorrow and I am looking forward to it.  I have been through it before and the rehab is rough.  Keeping my streak going will be tough.  Starting tomorrow, I cannot take any Aleeve or other pain killers until after surgery.  It is going to be a long week.  In the meantime, I ran laps at the track this evening, wearing my sling.

Another rough night

I slept most of last night sitting up on the couch in the living room.  Less shoulder pain in the upright position.  This evening, I met up with the group and ran 2 miles on the park roads, wearing a sling.  I had two people driving by stop and asked me what was wrong.

Surgery scheduled

Rough night last night; shoulder pain kept waking me up.  I had an MRI at 9:30 this morning and 4 p.m. doctor's appointment.  In between, I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.  The doctor looked at the MRI results and scheduled me for arthroscopic surgery on December 20.  I will probably have to forfeit some races I have already signed up for, but my goal is to eliminate the pain and keep my streak alive.

Sunday at the park

Last night, I reached down to the switch on the floor to turn off my computer and pulled something in my shoulder.  Back to more pain all night.  This afternoon, I did go out to the park and get in 2 miles on the park roads.

Reindeer Run and Jingle Bell 5K

Early this morning, I drove over to Lufkin (hour and a half) to run the Reindeer Run at the zoo.  Cold, windy and rainy.  Normally, it is a 5K, partly through the woods.  However, there was so much rain earlier, the trails were underwater or at least too wet.  So, they changed the course to the paved road around the zoo; 5 loops.  Turned out to be 3.64 miles.  I finished in 47:12 and got first in the 70 and over age group.  I was the only one.  From there, I drove an hour down to Livingston to run the Jingle Bell 5K.  I finished in 40:45, but they had no age group competition.  Then, an hour-drive back to Huntsville.  My shoulder did not hurt so much last night and this morning, so I did not wear my new sling during the races.

Update

I ran laps at the track yesterday morning and then operated the club's race clock for a series of races at a local school during the afternoon.  Then, I went down to Cypress for the Huntsville-Fort Bend Marshall High School playoff game.  I did not get back until near 1 this morning.  It was 50 degrees today and rained all day.  I ran in my old neighborhood, Forest Hills, in the rain this afternoon.  I ran for 17+ minutes, so that was one mile +.  No change in the shoulder and the inflammation in my big toe is worse today.  I have two 5K races tomorrow.  I bought an arm sling today and plan to wear it during the races to minimize the arm movement.  Really look forward to Monday for my MRI and hopefully a decision of how and when to fix my shoulder.

Sleeping in a recliner did not help

I tried to sleep in an upright position last night to ease the shoulder pain.  It did not help.  Can't wait to get the shoulder fixed.  In the meantime, I went to the track this evening and ran 1.25 miles.

Another rough night

Seems like I was up most of last night with shoulder pain.  I think I will sleep in a chair tonight, less pain when I am in an upright position.  I did get back to Iron Works late this afternoon for a limited workout and then went to the track and ran laps.  The park is closed for squirrel hunting until noon, Thursday.

3333

Today was my 3,333rd consecutive day of running.  Ran 2 miles on the state park roads this evening (with my right hand in my pocket).  Was up most of last night with shoulder pain.  I had my doctor's appointment this afternoon.  After Xrays and examination, he concluded that I probably had a rotator cuff tear.  He scheduled me for an MRI on December 10 and visit with him later that day.  He insinuated that most repairs are done now by arthroscopic surgery.  He knows my streak well and said that he did not want to be the doctor who made me break it.  That's somewhat reassuring, but I know that I have more pain to endure and more runs to do with my hand in my right pocket or arm in a sling.

Texas 10 Series Conroe 10-Miler

I got up this morning and drove down to Conroe for the Texas 10 Series 10-Miler.  Was not sure if I was going to run or just pick up my packet.  My big toe hurt, but I decided to go for it.  The toe was very painful for a couple miles, but not too bad after that.  I opted not to wear a sling for my right arm, but I paid for that the second half of the race and for the rest of the day.  My shoulder is hurting.  I am not sure what my finish time was, but somewhere around 2:25:00.  The chip timing system did not pick me up.  I emailed the race and maybe they can recover my time.  In any case, I was the only one over 70 and got a first place age group award.  My appointment with the orthopedic surgeon is tomorrow, so he should confirm the rotator cuff tear and decide how to fix it.

Missed my 5K

Late last night, the inflammation in my right toe joint began to get much worse.  Throbbing pain all night.  After treating it all day, I ran a painful mile at the track late this afternoon.  Ten-mile race tomorrow morning.  We will see.