Streak challenge

Late last night, I started getting pain in my right heel.  It was extremely sore this morning and all day.  I realized that it was probably gout.  When I had it in the past, it was always in my big toe joint.  I have been taking a pill every day for years to avoid it.  However, one of the pills that the doctor told me to quit taking daily was that pill.  So, I spent all day, icing it, rubbing it with icy/hot, putting icy/hot pads on it and taking some of the pills that I had quit taking.  It was a challenge to get up at 7 p.m. tonight and go run.  I went to the track and ran one slow painful mile.  It feels a little better tonight.

Nice running weather

A frant came through last night.  By this afternoon, the rain stopped and the temp was in the low 50's.  I ran 3 miles on the trails at the park.

Ditto on the run

After Iron Works, I met up with the group at the park and ran the same course as yesterday.  2.2 miles, half on the trails and half on the roads.

Cardiologist appointment

I had an appointment with the cardiologist this morning.  The results from my chest scan last week were negative.  In other words, no blockage that would be causing the Afib.  Over this last weekend, I slept in an apparatus that checks for sleep apnea, which can also cause Afig.  Those results are not back yet.  The doc did eliminate one of the medications that I had started taking to reduce my pulse rate.  Maybe that will help.  Anyway, after working out at Iron Works this evening, I ran 2.2 miles at the park, about half on the trails and half on the roads.

Went back to Iron Works today

Due to RA issues and pain in my left shoulder, I have not been to Iron Works for the last week.  I went there this afternoon for a light workout and then a 2-mile road run at the park.  Cardiologist appointment tomorrow.

Park roads

The RA is slowing me down, but I got in 2 miles on the park roads this afternoon.  Running day 10 years and 3 days.

Short trail run

Busy day, but I went to the park this afternoon and ran a 1.4-mile loop on the trails.

Huntsville Quarter Marathon

I ran our club's annual Huntsville Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) this morning.  The race is less than a mile from my house, so it is nice to sleep in before a race.  I finished in 1:39:52, right at 6 minutes slower than last year.  I was the only one in the 75-79 age group, so I got first.

10 Years Done

With a race tomorrow morning, I went to the park this morning and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Park roads, again

I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Park roads

This afternoon, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.  Nice cool weather.

Getting close

After my 2-mile road run at the park this evening, I have 3 more days to reach 10 years on my streak.

Back to summer

After it got down into the 40's a few days ago, it was back into the 80's today.  I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park late this afternoon, about half in a light rain.

Texas 10 Series Cypress 5-Miler

I got up at 4:30 this morning to make it down to Cypress for the Texas 10 Series 5-Miler.  I was originally signed up for the 10-mile race, but switched to the 5.  The weather was perfect, 50's and low humidity.  When I finished the 5-mile loop, I was tempted to go around again.  I finished in 1:14:23 and was 5th of 5 in the 70 and over age group.

Saturday trip to Tyler

With a race tomorrow morning, I ran 1.3 miles on the roads in town this morning.  Then I made a trip to Tyler this afternoon for a family affair and got back late this evening.

Cold and rainy

We suddenly went from summer to winter.  A storm came through overnight and the temperature was in the high 40's this afternoon.  I ran 2.4 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon, most of it in the rain.  One week to 10 years.

More testing

More testing today, in relation to the heart issue.  Had a CTA (???) scan on my chest.  I am not sure when I will get the results.  This evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Trails

late this afternoon, I got in 2.4 miles on the trails at the park.

Cardiologist appointment

I had an appointment with the cardiologist this morning.  I have to go to the hospital on Thursday for a scan.  In the meanwhile, they are monitoring my heart via the thing embedded in my chest.  Then, they removed the five staples from the incision in my chest.  My plan is to run the Texas 10 Series 5-miler in Cypress next Sunday and the Huntsville Quarter Marathon on October 19.  Hopefully, I can get to back to the 10-mile distance by November 3 (Texas 10 Series Katy).  I met up with the group this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  Ten days to ten years.

Another change in medication

I received a call from my cardiologist's office this morning.  They have been monitoring my heart (from the implant in my chest) and found that my heart rate sometimes gets too low.  So, they reduced the dosage of the medication I am taking that slows it down.  Apparently, the device does not have a GPS, because they did not say anything about how slow I'm running.  Anyway, I hope the reduced dosage will result in a corresponding reduction in side effects.  I went to the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Wylie and laps

I drove up to Wylie (NE of Dallas) Friday night to visit family for the weekend.  The new medicine is worse than the old.  I really felt tired, sore and unsteady all weekend.  I got a a short 1.2-mile road run in Wiley on Saturday and then ran laps at the track in Huntsville this evening.  I was signed up to run the Space City 10-Miler this morning in Houston, but was advised by the doctor not to do, since I ended up the ER last Sunday.

Doctor appointment

I had an appointment with my Rheumatologist this morning.  Due to my fatigue and other side effects, he changed my RA medicine.  Maybe that will help.  Later this afternoon, I went to the park, and despite five staples in my chest, ran 2 miles on the trails.  Two weeks to 10 years.

Iron Works and the park

I made it back to Iron Works for a workout this afternoon, followed by a 3-mile road run at the park.

Tuesday at the park

After errands in The Woodlands and Conroe this afternoon, I ran 2 miles on the state park roads.

Short trail run

After working out at Iron Works this afternoon, I ran 1.4 miles on the trails at the park.

Texas 10 Series Sienna 10-Miler and my first ride in an ambulance

I got up at 4 this morning to make the drive down to Missouri City for a 7 a.m. start of the Texas 10 Series Sienna 10-miler.  Hot, extremely humid, sunny, concrete course and no wind.  I took on extra fluids at the aid stations, but struggled to finish.  I ran the whole race, but my time was about 20 minutes slower than my worst time in a Texas 10 Series race.  While sitting down and trying to hydrate after the race, my vision got blurry and I was approached by an EMT.  Then, I threw up all the water that I had taken down.  They put me in the ambulance and gave me an IV.  While the IV was going, they checked my heart and found it not functioning right (I'm not sure I understood what it was doing or not doing).  Anyway, they transported me to the hospital emergency room.  More IV's, heart tests and a medication to bring down my heart rate.  I was finally released just after 3 this afternoon and got home about 5.  Thanks to my friends, Gretchen and Steve for their support, especially to Steve for hanging out at the hospital and driving me back home.  It was running streak day 3,633 and 19 days from 10 years.

Short park run

Late this morning, I went to the park with my wife and 3-year grandson.  While they were at the playground, I ran 1.2 miles on the roads.  Then, we had a picnic lunch.

Park roads

With staples in my chest (not sure how many), I plan to stay off the trails at the park to avoid the risk of falling.  So, this afternoon, I ran 3 miles on the park roads.  Ten miles on Sunday will definitely be a challenge.  I even started a new pill yesterday, one that keeps my body from rejecting the device (about the size of a thumb drive) they implanted in my chest.

2-Run day

I had an appointment for more testing at the cardiologist's office early this afternoon, including surgical insertion of a "loop" in my chest to allow remote monitoring of my heart.  So, I ran 1.1 miles on Veterans Memorial Parkway late this morning, just in case I was told not to run after the surgery.  At the doctor's office, they told me that I could run today.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and got in another 2 miles on the park roads.

Squeezed in a run

Got busy today and hosted a running club officer meeting at my house this evening.  However, I managed to squeeze in a 2-mile road run at the park late this afternoon.

Me and Jacob

It was just be and Jacob at the park this evening.  I ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  Jacob ran 3 and was waiting for me when I finished.

Park roads

After Iron Works this evening, I got in a 2-mile run on the state park roads.

Trails, again

In between football games this afternoon, I ran 2.4 miles on the trails at the park.  Next challenge is a 10-mile race next Sunday.

Change of plans

I was signed up to run a 5K in the Dallas area this morning, but plans changed and I did not make the trip.  So, late this morning I went to the park and ran 5 miles on the trails.

Lots of rain in the area

We had a lot of rain in the area today, but little at my house.  In fact, part of my normal 2-mile loop around the campus was under water.  I went out to the park this afternoon.  Traffic on I-45 was backed up and it took me a long time to get to the park.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Another early run to beat the rain

It was suppose to rain this afternoon and evening, so I went out to the park late this morning and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.  I did not see anyone on the trails and I broke a lot of spider webs.

9 Years and 11 Months

I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening in a light rain.  Today marked 9 years and 11 months on my current running streak.  This morning, I had an appointment with the cardiologist.  He reviewed the 10 days on a heart monitor, ultra-sound on my heart and all the other tests and concluded that I have Afib, caused in part by a leaky valve.  I still have to have more tests done, but starting today, I am on a blood thinner.  I have no restrictions on running, but I know that with the RA and Afib and the side effects of the medication, my running will not be like it use to be (not to imply that I was ever fast).

No one else showed up

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I drove through rain getting to the park to meet up with the group.  No one else showed up.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads and then another 1.1 miles on the trails, for a 5K total.

Park roads

Got caught in some wind and a little rain, but I ran 3 miles on the park roads this evening.

Back to the park

In between football games this afternoon, I ran 2.4 miles on the trails at the state park.

Gruene Hall 10K

I ran laps at the track yesterday (Friday) before making the 3 1/2-hour drive to New Braunfels to run the Gruene Hall 10K this morning.  Had a rough day physically yesterday.  I'm not sure if it is the RA, the heart issue or the medications I am taking for both.  Of course, the weather was warm in New Braunfels this morning, but with low humidity.  This is the 9th straight year I have run this race.  I finished in 1:37:23 and was 4th of 4 in the 75-79 age group.  This must have been a PW (personal worst) for the 10K distance.  Here is my history for this race:

2019 - 1:37:23 (age 78)
2018 - 1:30:48
2017 - 1:26:13
2016 - 1:21:29
2015 - 1:21:31
2014 - 1:18:40
2013 - 1:22:42
2012 - 1:16:17
2011 - 1:16:38 (age 70)

Park roads

I met up with the group this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Morning run at the park

I ran 5 miles on the trails at the park late this morning.  Ran on some trails that I have not been on for a while and broke up a few spider webs across the trails.  This was my 3,615th consecutive day of running.

Could not get to the park

After working out at Iron Works this evening, I headed to the park to meet up with the group.  There was a wreck on the southbound side of I-45 and traffic was backed up both on I-45 and the service road.  So, I made a U-turn on the service road and went to the track in town.  I ran an unplanned route in the avenues, which turned out to be 1.6 miles.

Rain

We finally got a little rain this evening.  I left Iron Works this evening to go to the park to run.  When I got there, it was lightning and raining.  So, I decided to go to the track and run laps.  The rain was heavier at the track.  I went home and checked my rain gauge;  3/4 inch.  Most in about 2 months.  By this time, it had quit raining.  I went up to Veterans Memorial Blvd. and run a mile +.

Sunday at the park

Early this afternoon, I went to the state park and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Stretching out the distance

With no race this morning, I went out to the park about 11 a.m. and ran 6 miles on the trails.

Mid-Friday afternoon run

I went out to the park in the middle of this Friday afternoon, when it was 100 degrees or so, and ran 2.4 miles on the trails.

Got to the park early

I arrived at the park ahead of the group this evening.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads and another 1.4 on the trails for a total of 3.4.

Morning run for a change

I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3 miles on the roads.

Trails, again

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Park was full

I went out to the state park about 2 this afternoon.  About a mile from the gate, they were turning cars around because the park was full.  I got up to the turnaround point and the guy told me that the boss told him that I could go in anyway.  Guess being a "regular" has its perks.  There was plenty of parking at the Nature Center and I ran 3 miles on the park trails.  The picnic area must have been packed, because I only saw about 5 people on the trails.

Sunday Night 5K

I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening - for the 102nd time.  I finished in 46:21, exactly 2 minutes slower than last month.

Crowded park

I went out to run trails at the park late this morning and had to wait in line at the gate for a while.  Holiday weekend.  I ran 4 miles on the trails.

Park roads

I went out to the park late this evening and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Trails, again

I had an appointment this morning for the ultra-sound on my heart.  The technician implied that I have an electrical problem and my heart is still skipping beats and they usually fix that with medication or a pacemaker.  I turned in the heart monitor and am now free of all the wires.  I still have to take the medicine that makes me sleepy until I see the doctor on September 18.  In the meantime, I have to take and record my blood pressure and heart rate twice a day and continue my normal routine.  Speaking of normal, I went back to the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Late laps

I had to go down to The Woodlands this afternoon and did not get back until later this evening.  So, I went to the track and ran laps about 8 p.m. 

No Lyme disease

I got a call from the doc today to tell me that my Lyme disease test came back negative.  Guess that means that I am stuck with the Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis and whatever long term medication comes with that.  I have two more days on the heart monitor and get an ultra-sound on the heart this Thursday.  In the meantime, I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening.  Running streak day 3,600.

Another nap day

This was another day of frequent naps, but I went out to the park late this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Still tired and sleepy

I am not sure which illness or medication I am on that is causing it, but I still felt tired and sleepy all day.  About 6 this evening, I went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the roads.

Heat Wave 5K

I ran the club's annual Heat Wave 5K in Waterwood (east of Huntsville) this morning.  I purposely ran as slow and finished in 47:26.  So looking forward to getting these wires off my chest.

Short avenues run

I felt tired and sleepy most of the day, but drove to the track this evening and ran 1.3 miles in the hilly avenues.

Keeping the streak going

Seven more days of being wired up with a heart monitor.  I spent several hours doing yard work today and was tired this evening.  I met up with the group and ran 1.5 miles on the park roads.

More testing

I talked to my Rheumatologist today and suggested that I be tested for Lyme Disease.  I read somewhere that one symptom for Lyme is heart problems.  He pointed out that one of the side effects of steroids is an increased heart rate.  He reduced my steroids, but sent me to the lab for Lyme testing.  I should get the results back in 3 to 5 days.  In the meantime, my heart rate is under control and I ran 2 miles on the park roads this evening.

First full day of hookup completed

I completed my first full day of being hooked up to wires for heart monitoring.  I was in HEB this morning and found a wire that had come loose hanging down out of my T-shirt.  No one called from what ever company monitors the hook up to see what was going on.  Anyway, I met the group at the park this evening and ran 1.5 miles on the park roads.  No problem.  So far, the streak continues.

Another medical issue

It has been a tough last 6 months or so.  Last week, my health insurance provider sent a nurse to my home for an in-home health assessment.  The nurse found that my heart was skipping beats and told me to see my doctor.  I saw him last Thursday and he referred me to a Cardiologist.  So, I took it easy on my runs since Thursday.  At my appointment with the Cardiologist this afternoon, they found my resting heart rate to be 144 (normally in the low 50's).  They ran some blood tests and put me on medication to bring the heart rate down.  I go back in 10 days for an ultra-sound on my heart.  In the meantime, I have to wear a heart monitor (3 wires to the chest hooked to a pager-looking device) for 10 days.  Some company is looking at the results 24 hours a day and will call my doctor if they see something bad.  With the medication, the rate was in the low 40's this evening.  I ran 1-mile+ plus on Veterans Memorial Parkway just before dark this evening and never got a call from anyone.

Late evening run

I had to go down to Conroe this afternoon for my grand daughter's birthday party, but ran an unplanned course in the avenues later this evening.  It turned out to be 1.75 miles.  Today's run marked 9 years and 10 months on my current streak.

Watermelon Run for the Fallen 5K

I drove over to Hempstead this morning to run the Watermelon Run for the Fallen 5K.  It is a un-timed "5K" to honor fallen military from Texas.  After military ceremonies, everyone is required to walk 2 laps around the stadium track (total 1/2-mile).  Then, if you want to, run 2.8 miles to downtown Hempstead for watermelon and more military ceremonies.  Good friends, Bill and Bridget Moeller ran with me from the track to downtown.  I have no idea what my time was, but I am sure it was slow.

Laps

As usual for many Fridays, I ran laps at the track this morning.

Regular Thursday

I met up with the group this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Rain in the area

No rain at my house, but I drove through heavy rain a mile away going into town.  I finished up measuring the course for our club run next month and then went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the wet park roads.

Back situation

Today marks three weeks since I hurt my lower back.  I thought the pain would be gone by now, but it lingers.  However, it seems to be improving and I will assume that it will continue to get better.  Between the back and lower dosage of steroids for my RA, my running has been definitely affected.  I will just have to accept the slower times.  My goal is to run a few half marathons and the Texas 10 Series 10 milers this season.  In the meantime, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails this evening.

Around town

After working out at Iron Works, I drove to the track and then ran an unplanned loop around the town.  It turned out to be 2.2 miles.

Course measurement

Our running club is putting on a new 5K in September and the course is in the hilly avenues.  I walked most of it this afternoon with an engineer wheel to measure the distance.  Afterwards, I went to the park and ran 2.1 miles on the roads.

Run the Woodlands 5K - 1,100th race

I ran the Run the Woodlands 5K this morning and finished in 44:54.  Hot and humid, as expected in August.  This was my 630th 5K and my 1,100th race.

Morning laps

With a 5K in the morning, I ran laps at the track this morning.  Running streak day 3,582.

Iron Works and Trails

A regular Thursday evening.  I worked out at Iron Works and then ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.

Roads

I did another light workout at Iron Works this evening and then ran 3 miles on the roads at Huntsville State Park.

Monday and Tuesday

I forgot to blog last night, but I ran 2 miles on the state park roads.  This evening, I did a light workout at Iron Works and then ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park.  According to my truck thermometer, it was 100 degrees when I started the run.  Today marks two weeks of back pain.  I thought it was be gone by now. I'll see how it goes this week.

Sunday Night 5K

For the 101st time, I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands this evening.  It was also my 1,099th race.  I finished in 44:21, a few seconds slower than the same race last time and about 2 minutes faster than my 5K yesterday.

Southern Star Brewery 5K

For the 5th straight year, I ran the Southern Star Brewery 5K in Conroe this morning.  It's nice to only have to travel 30 minutes to a race.  There was a light rain throughout the race, but none at my house in Huntsville.  My back was still hurting and I finished in a slow 46:05.  I was 5th of 6 in the 70 and over age group and I was the oldest runner of 558 finishers.  My time was about 3 minutes slower than at the same race last year.  The beer was good and it was great visiting with a lot of friends.

Laps

With a 5K in the morning, I went to the track this afternoon and ran laps.  Still treating the lower back; it's been nearly 2 weeks since I pulled it or whatever I did to it.

Another trail run

I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2.5 miles on the trails.

Back to trails

I did a light workout at Iron Works this evening and then went out to the park and ran 2 miles on the trails.

Wet trail run

I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the park this evening.  The last half was in a heavy rain.  Of course, I got back home and not a drop here.  In fact, no rain for weeks.

Avenues

Still not ready to go back to Iron Works, but I went to the track this evening and ran an unplanned route through the hilly avenues from there.  It turned out to be just over 2 miles.

Laps at the track

The hilly 5K yesterday was a bit too much on my lower back.  So, I took it easy today and ran laps at the track this evening.

Dog Days 5K, 9-9-9

I ran our club's annual Dog Days 5K at Elkins Lake here in Huntsville this morning.  It is one steep hill after another.  I finished in about 47 minutes, probably my slowest 5K ever.  I ran every step, but two guys walking kept pace with me.  I hate that.  My back held up okay, but is sore this afternoon.  Today's run extends my running streak to 9 years, 9 months and 9 days.

Finally getting better

I ran laps at the track this morning, a painful mile.  However, this evening, my back started feeling better.  My intention is to attempt a 5K in the morning.

The back issue continues

I was hoping that the lower back pain would be gone this morning.  No such luck.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and slowly ran 23 minutes on the park roads.

Another one

The lower back was about the same today.  Again, I spent much of the day on a heating pad.  I went to the track this evening and ran slow and painful laps to get in a mile +.

Streak saving run

I woke up this morning with an extremely sore lower back.  At Iron Works yesterday, I increased my weights to that before rotator cuff surgery in December.  Obviously, it was too much.  I spent most of today laying on a heating pad, but got up in time to meet the group at the park this evening.  Although it was hard and painful getting started, I ran 21 minutes on the park roads.  As I am getting close to the 10-year mark on my running streak, I keep facing more challenges.

Short trail run

I went out to the park this evening with the intent of running a couple miles on the roads.  The biting horse flies have not been bad this summer and I did not use spray or wear a cap to fight them off when necessary.  I got a quarter mile down the road when I started being attacked.  I slipped off the road onto a trail where they continued to attack.  I ended up getting in about 1.5 miles before calling it a day.  Tomorrow, I will be better prepared.

Lunar Landing 5K

I got up at 4:30 this morning and drove down to the Clear Lake area of Houston to run the Lunar Landing 5K.  Lots of older runners there and I finished in 43:19 and was 5th of 5 in the 75-79 age group.  As expected, it was hot and humid, but I got to visit with good friends, Loren, Traci, Pete and Larry.

Saturday laps

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

Park road run

With no race tomorrow, I went back out to the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Back to the trails

For the first time since June 11, I ran 2.5 miles on the trails at the state park this evening.  No falls, snakes or wild pigs - just heat and humidity.

Yard work

I did yard work this afternoon, worked out at Iron Works and got to the park a little late.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Stitches out

I went down to the doctor's office in Conroe late this afternoon and got the other half of the stitches out of my forearm.  When I got back to Huntsville, I went straight to Iron Works and then to the park.  I started to run trails, but decided to give my arm a little more healing time.  So, I ran 2 miles on the park roads.

Three

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