Just me and Jacob

It was just me and Jacob at the park for the group run this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails and Jacob 3 miles and he was waiting for me at the finish.  In fact, he probably waited a long time.

Back to the park

After Iron Works this afternoon, I ran 2 miles on the trails at Huntsville State Park.

Happy Easter

I had a lot of visiting family in the house today, but this evening I slipped out and ran 2 miles on the streets around the campus.

Yuri's 10K

I got up at 4:30 this morning and drove to Houston to run Yuri's 10K near NASA.  Really nice weather; sunny with the temperature in the 50's and 60's.  I finished in 1:28:56 (first place of one in the 75-49 age group).  After the race, I got to visit with good friends, Loren, Pete, Traci and Robert.

Laps at the track

With a race tomorrow morning, I ran laps at the track this morning.

9.5 Years

I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park this evening.  Today marked exactly 9.5 years (3,470 days) on my current running streak.  The soreness continued today, especially in both hands; sore and swollen.  Then, it dawned on me.  A few days ago, they switched my blood pressure medicine from a capsule to a tiny tablet.  It is suppose to be the same stuff, just in a different form. I talked to the pharmacist about the soreness today.  He said that it could be caused by something in the tablet and switched me back to the capsule form and gave me a whole new supply.  We will see.

Continued

I still felt sore all over today and felt like I had a fever, but I did yard work anyway and ran 2 miles on the park roads later this afternoon.

Sore today

I felt sore all over today.  Not sure why; probably from doing my taxes yesterday.  Anyway, I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening.

Post tax run

I worked on my income taxes much of the day.  I finished this afternoon and made it to the post office well before 5 p.m.  Then, I worked out at Iron Works and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Sunday afternoon at the park

It was sunny and cool today after the heavy storms through Texas yesterday.  I went to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 miles on the trails.

Run The Woodlands 5K

With a cancelled half marathon up in Frisco, I went down to The Woodlands this morning and ran the Run the Woodlands 5K.  It was hot and humid and I felt sluggish.  My time of 43:08 reflected that.  Last Sunday, I ran this course in 40:38.

Race cancelled

I ran laps at the track late this morning and then got ready to drive up to Frisco for the Big Star Half Marathon tomorrow.  The weather forecast continued to predict thunderstorms for the race.  I emailed the race and told them that I was leaving at 2 p.m. to drive up.  They had the courtesy to email me back at 2 to give me advance notice that they were cancelling the race.  Bad news, but I was not looking forward to running in the lightning.  I then thought about running the Blue Bell in Brenham, but it looks like it will be storming there too.  So, I plan to run the Run The Woodlands 5K if the weather is not too bad there.

Uncertain about the weekend

I am signed up for the Big Star Half Marathon in Frisco (north of Dallas) on Saturday, but for the last 4 days the forecast calls for a 100 percent chance of thunderstorms.  Hopefully, they will make a go/no go decision tomorrow before I drive up there.  In the meantime, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.

91

My truck thermometer showed 91 degrees when I went to the park to run this evening.  Yet, the forecast shows cooler weather ahead.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Bees

I mowed my yard this afternoon and thought about all the bees that I had run over.  Then, my son, who is a deputy sheriff in Arizona, called me this evening to tell me about a call he responded to Sunday evening.  A guy trying to remove a hive of bees from his backyard got stung about 200 times.  The fire department sprayed the guy with foam, while my son and another deputy removed him to an awaiting ambulance.  They were killer bees and the guy died at the hospital.  My son and the other deputy were stung several times, but they are okay.  I keep wondering about the bees that I encounter when I mow my yard, especially since I live in south Texas.  Anyway, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at Huntsville State Park this evening and only encountered a bunch of squirrels and spider webs across the trails.

Sluggish 3 Miles

After a lot of rain yesterday and high temperatures today, I felt sluggish running 3 miles on the park roads this evening.

Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  I finished in 40:38.  I ran the same race a month ago in 42:44.

Short trail run

It was suppose to storm today, so I went out to the park to run trails late this morning.  Got a half mile into my run and it starting lightning again.  So, I cut the run to 1.3 miles.  As it turned out, there was no rain this afternoon.  I should have waited.

Run the Ramps 5K

I ran the Run the Ramps at Kyle Field in College Station tonight.  This is the 11th time I have run this race since 1997.  It use to be called the Ramp Romp.  Now, the third different organization at Texas A&M is putting on the race.  They used a different course than last year and this is the first year that it has been a night run.  Three trips up and down the ramps and three trips around the top of the stadium.  Nice finisher medal and hamburgers after the race.  I finished in 44:48.  No awards.

Hot

It was about 80 degrees when we ran trails this evening.  A few days ago, it was down to about 39.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening and even broke a few spider webs.

Park roads

I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening.

Just Glen and me

Glen and I were the only ones who showed up for the Tuesday group run at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  All the fires are out from the controlled burn last week, but it sure smells different.

Back to the park

After working out at Iron Works this afternoon, I went to the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Texas 10 Series Huntsville

I ran the Texas 10 Series Huntsville 10-miler this morning.  It started a 7 a.m. on the university campus and consisted of two 5-miles loops around the campus.  It is the hilliest race around.  Nothing but up and down.  The temperature during the race stayed in the 40's with a fairly strong wind.  I finished in 2:27:18. and was 4th of 4 in the 70 and over age group.  This is far from my best time in the Texas 10 Series, but it was about 5 minutes faster than this same race last year.  Due to my surgery and all the hip problems, this was my first run over 5 miles in a couple months.  However, I felt strong throughout the race.  This gives me confidence for a half marathon in a couple weeks.

Muster 5K

I ran the Muster 5K here in Huntsville this morning.  It was held in conjunction with an annual celebration at the Veteran's Museum to honor the military, first responders and correctional officers.  I finished in 43:15 and was third in the 60 and over age group.

Laps at the track

With a 5K race tomorrow and a 10-miler on Sunday, I ran laps at the track this morning.

Back to the trails

While the controlled burn was completed at the park, there were still smoldering dead trees and plenty of smoke.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails, with scorched earth the entire way.

Another smoky run

I ran out of time this evening and cut my run to 2 miles on the smoky roads at Huntsville State Park.  The trails are suppose to reopen tomorrow.

Smoky Park

They had a controlled burn at Huntsville State Park today and all the trails were closed.  The group met up anyway, but we ran the smoky roads.  I did 2.2 miles.

After midnight

Just realized that is after midnight and I have not posted.  In any case, I went to the park this evening and ran 3 miles on the park roads.

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.