Monday, June 10, 2024

Noon run

 I went into town at noon today and ran 3.1 miles on the roads and sidewalks.

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Late Sunday run

 I had a busy day and did not get around to running until about 7 this evening.  I went into town and ran 3.6 miles on the roads and side walks.

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Greyhound 5K, Kosse


 For the 12th time over the years, I ran the Greyhound 5K in Kosse this morning.  The country road we run on keeps getting worse every year.  There is a trip hazard every step.  However, I ran extra slow and managed not to trip and fall.  My back definitely needs the surgery scheduled on June 24.  I finished in a slow 1:00:11 and was 2nd of 2 in the 80 and over age group.  My good Marine friend, Dennis, just turned 80, so we are competitors again.

Friday, June 7, 2024

3.1 in town

 Early this afternoon, I ran 3.1 miles on the sidewalks and roads in town.  

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 I went down to Conroe tonight and ran the Fass Brewery 5K for the 40th time.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Global Running Day

 Today was Global Running Day.  As I have done for many years, I went down to The Woodlands waterway and joined The Woodlands Marathon group (two other groups were also running the waterway).  I ran 3.5 miles, with several stops to visit with friends.

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Park re--opening date moved again

 The state park re-opening date has been moved to June 12.  I feel guilty that I have not volunteered to help with the cleanup work at the park, but with my back issue, I would not be much help.  I did go to the hospital today for some pre-op testing, followed by yard work and a 3.1-mile run in town.

Monday, June 3, 2024

Two surgeries scheduled this month

 On June 11, I am scheduled for the 3rd and final surgery to neutralize a vein in my leg.  I kept my streak alive through the first two surgeries, so I am confident that I can get through the third.  The two injections in my back for the bulging disc have not helped much.  So, on June 24, they are going in and remove some ligament around the spinal cord.  The nurse said that I would have to rest for a week.  I explained to her about streaking.  She talked to the doctor and came back and said one easy mile a day for a few days.  In any case, I will be glad to get through this month and get back to my normal slow.  I did yard work for most of the afternoon and then went into town and ran 3.6 miles on the roads and sidewalks.

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Back home in time for the Sunday Night 5K

 I squeezed in a 1.1-mile run Friday morning before leaving for Wylie (NE of Dallas).  I was so beat up from the trail run Thursday night, it would have been hard to get in a longer run.  After a busy day on Saturday, I went to run concrete trails at the park in nearby Plano.  I waited at the park for a while until it quit raining and then took off on the trails.  Some were under water and I had to double back and get creative.  I ended up with 3.1 miles.  I drove back to Huntsville this afternoon, changed into my running short and drove on down to The Woodlands to run the Sunday Night 5K for my 149th time.  I finished in 54:00.  My bulging disc is still a problem, despite the two injections.  I am waiting to be scheduled for a surgery to resolve the problem.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Millican Summer Series - Race 1

 I drove (51 miles) tonight to run Race 1 of the Millican Summer Series, 5K (+) Trail Run in Millican.  About the time the race started, there was heavy rain and lightning.  It was so dark in the woods, it was hard to see the trail.  Many of the trails were under water and the brown mud was extremely slippery.  This was the most miserable race I have ever run.  I slipped in the mud and fell at least 6 times.  I finished in about 1:12:00, but my back and the rest of my body is so sore.  I suppose the good news is that I won my 80 and over age group.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Park opening date moved

 The state park reported more damage from yesterday's storm and moved the reopening date to June 4.  Even then, the trails will still be closed.  In the meantime, I ran again in town this afternoon.  Did 3.3 miles.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Another heavy storm

 I was at Iron Works about noon when we got hit with another heavy storm, heavy rain, wind and hail.  When I got home, I found that one of the trees (next to the one that had the beehive two weeks ago) had several large broken limbs at the top.  It must have been a lightning strike.  The state park is suppose to reopen in a couple of days, but I suppose today's storm will delay it further.  Today's storm moved on and the weather for the rest of the day was pleasant.  I went into town this evening and ran 4 miles.

Monday, May 27, 2024

Long day


 I had to get up early this morning and put out the course marking signs and other tasks for our club's Memorial Day Run at my house.  All went well, except for the heat and humidity.  I took a nap this afternoon and then ran 3.3 miles in town late this evening.

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Another busy day

With church today and a lot of tasks to get ready for the race at my house tomorrow, it was a busy day.  It was after 7 this evening that I finally got in a run.  Did 3.2 miles in town.

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Saturday without a race

 I started to go down to Magnolia to run Spindle Tree this morning, but I decided not to since I had to be in Conroe at noon for a family affair.  When I got home later this afternoon, I had yardwork to do and then get all of the equipment out of the running club storage locker for our annual Memorial Day run at my house.  I ran the streets in town at 7:30 tonight.  Got in 3.3 miles.

Friday, May 24, 2024

Friday on the streets

 With the park still closed, I got my Friday run in on the streets.  Ran 3.1 miles.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Birthday


 I spent most of my birthday today doing yard work.  Tonight, I went down to Conroe and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.  I do have to share of photo of a pair of socks I received from my good friend, Bridgette Collins.  I'm glad she thinks I'm only 38.  Bridgette and I worked together in the early 90's.  Then, she moved to Dallas and began running.  She has since run a bunch of marathons, written 5 books (4 on running) and serves as a running coach.  She now lives in Cypress.  She is a great person and has done so much for the sport of running

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

State park still closed

 The latest is that the state park will reopen on May 30.  And even then, the trails will still be closed for a while.  At least, it is during biting horse fly season.  In the meantime, I ran 3.2 miles on the streets in town.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Amazing ankle recovery

 I learned over the years that injuries that come on suddenly tend to go away suddenly.  The ankle that hurt so much yesterday was much better today.  I ran 3.6 miles on the roads in town this evening.  I only had to deal with the back issue.  Wish that had come on suddenly.

Monday, May 20, 2024

Streak saver mile

 My ankle was sore as heck today.  I iced it three times today and waited until nearly 9 tonight to try to run.  I went to the mall parking lot and got in a little over a mile.  Painful, but I am confident that I did not make it worse.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Day did not go as planned

 I had to go to Houston this afternoon.  After church, I got in a mile at the mall parking lot, with the intention of running more at the track late tonight after getting back from Houston.  While in Houston, a beekeeper was suppose to remove a beehive from the tree in my front yard.  He showed up about 9 p.m. just after I got back from Houston.  My grandson went outside barefooted and stepped on a bee and got stung.  Somehow, in all the commotion, I did something to my ankle.  I figured it was a pinched nerve and would be okay after I started running.  I got to the track at 11 tonight and ran one painful lap.  I decided not to risk making it worse.  So, the streak is alive with 1.2 miles today.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Mindy Moses Memorial 5K

 I did not know Mindy Moses, but I ran the Mindy Moses Memorial 5K in Bellville (for the 4th time) this morning.  A nice town and a lot of nice people.  Mindy Moses's Mother came up and introduced herself and then introduced me to Mindy's brother.  Mindy must have been a well-liked person;  they always have a large crowd at this race.  I finished the race in 53:56 and was 2nd of 4 in the 70 and over age group.

Friday, May 17, 2024

No rain today

 For a change, we had no rain today.  With the park still closed, I ran 3.1 miles on the streets in town early this afternoon.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Another heavy storm

 Another heavy storm came through this evening and there is a lot of flooding in the area.  Huntsville State Park was suppose to reopen tomorrow, but I see on FB that they will remain closed for now.  This was my day for running with the Fass Brewing Run Club in Conroe, but the storm was in the forecast.  I went into town early this afternoon and ran 3.3 miles on the track and on the roads.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Streets in town

 Late this evening, I ran 3.3 miles on the streets in town.  The state park is suppose to re-open in 2 days, but another heavy rain is in the forecast for tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Back to the mall

 I went back to the old mall parking lot late this evening and ran 5 laps for a total of 3.5 miles.

Monday, May 13, 2024

More rain today

 I had appointments this morning and then it rained most of the afternoon.  I finally got in a 3.5-mile run on the streets in town late this evening.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

New venue

 It rained most of the day and I did not get a chance to run until later this evening.  With the state park still closed, I had to run elsewhere.  I ended up running around the outer edge of the West Hill Mall (now state offices) parking lot.  Not bad.  It is 7/10th of a mile around, flat, concrete and no tripping hazards and virtually no traffic.  I ran 5 laps for a total of 3.5 miles.  It might be a good place for one of those pre-operation midnight runs.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Miles and Smiles 5K


 I started streak year 4 off with the Miles & Smiles 5K in Madisonville.  I like the relatively short drive and 9 a.m. start.  Accurate course, mostly on a rough trail through a large park.  I felt lucky to have no slips and falls, but I did not have to stop once and get a rock out of my shoe.  I finished in a slow 57:46 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.  I appreciate the belt buckle age group award, huge, heavy and beautifully designed.  It is much nicer than any marathon finisher belt buckle I have received.  I have been introduced at races before, but this was the first time I have been handed the microphone and asked to speak.  Well, it was a nice chance to convince everyone to start a running streak.

Friday, May 10, 2024

3-year streak

 I ran 3.2 miles on the streets in Huntsville late this morning.  This completed 3 years on my current running streak.  During this streak (1,096 days), I ran 3,903.1 miles, an average of 3.56 per day.  Also, during this 3 years, I ran 213 races, an average of 71 per year.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I went down to Conroe tonight and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.  Not much pain in the back, but felt a little unstable.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Back injection #2

 I had the 2nd injection in my lower back to treat my bulging disc about noon today.  I was suppose to be completely asleep, but I sure felt it.  Hopefully, it will help.  I ran laps at the track early this morning to keep my streak alive.  Because of the injection, I was not able to eat or drink anything all morning.  I kept the distance at the track to 1 mile to avoid any dehydration issues.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Kate Barr Ross Park run

 Late this morning, I went over to the Kate Barr Ross Park and ran 3.1 miles on the roads.  A city cemetery maintenance truck passed me twice.  I must have looked bad.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Running the streets in town

 I worked out at Iron Works this afternoon and then took off running the streets from there.  So much traffic.  I got in 3.2 miles without getting run over.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight.  I finished in a slow 54:33.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Hog Crazy 5K Trail Run

 I ran the Hog Crazy 5K Trail Run in Millican this morning.  As I expected, it would be muddy and slippery.  I fell once going up a muddy embankment.  No injuries; just got muddy.  I finished in 1:04:02 and was first  of one in my age group.

Friday, May 3, 2024

Day 1 without the park

 With the park closed due to damage caused by about 21 inches of rain since Sunday, I had to find another place to run today.  I waited for the heavier rain to ease up today and ran 3.2 miles on the streets in Huntsville, partly in a light rain.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  Nice sunny weather after about 12 inches of rain in Huntsville last night and this morning.  At Huntsville State Park, they worked this week cleaning out the lodge after the flood last Sunday.  Well, it flooded again today, as can be seen in the photo.  There is a paved street in front of the lodge, which is part of my road running route.  Of course, there are a lot of trees down and other damage to the park.  They announced today that the park will be closed until May 13.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

First post-surgery run

 I ran 3.3 miles on the roads at the park early this afternoon.  I had some pain in the right leg from the surgery yesterday, but my back was more bothersome.  My upcoming challenge will be a 10K race this Saturday.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Leg surgery today

 I ran very early this morning (2 miles at midnight).  Normally, I would go to the track for a midnight run.  With all the rain, half the track would be muddy.  So, I went to the state park.  They gave me the code to get in after 10 pm and I ran on the roads, away from the camping areas.  Never saw anyone else or any cars driving around.  The only wildlife I saw were fizzy black caterpillars on the road.  I had an appointment with my pain management doctor in Huntsville this morning and he scheduled another injection in my back next Wednesday.  Then, I drove down to Tomball (just south of The Woodlands) for the 2nd of 3 surgeries to neutralize bad veins in my legs.  No running for the rest of the day.  For the month of April, I ran a total of 95.4 miles (average 3.18 miles a day).  This was the first month since August 2021 that I ran less than 100 miles.

Monday, April 29, 2024

Lots of trees down at the park

 Lots of trees fell at the park during the heavy storm last night.  Just driving into the park, 3 large trees had fallen over the road and had been removed.  I talked to the superintendent and he said there had been a lot of flooding.  There was 14 inches of water in the lodge.  I do not recall that ever happening in my 35 years or so visiting the park.  The trails must be a mess.  I stayed on the roads and got in 3.3 miles.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Before the rain

 We have a very heavy rain tonight, but I got in 4 miles at the park this evening, mostly on the trails.  I am sure the trails will be a mess tomorrow.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Unusual Saturday run at the park

 I usually have a race somewhere on Saturday.   I woke up a little before 6 this morning with the intention of driving down to Magnolia to run the Spindle Tree 5K at 7:30.  I decided against it and went back to sleep.  I went to the park late this afternoon and ran 4.4 miles on the trails.

Friday, April 26, 2024

Friday at the park

 I made it out to the park late this morning and got in 3.2 miles, mostly on the roads.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 I felt much better today and went down to Conroe this evening and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Tough 5K

 My BP was low this afternoon, but I managed to get in 3.1 slow miles on the roads at the park.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Group night at the park

 As usual for Tuesday evening, I met up with the group at the park.  I ran 3.1 miles, almost all on the trails.

Monday, April 22, 2024

Back to Iron Works

 I stopped working out at Iron Works for 3 weeks while my back was at its worst.  I started back a few days ago, but am being careful not to make matters worse.  I worked out early this afternoon and then ran 3.4 miles at the park, mostly on the roads.  I have a follow up appointment with the pain management doc next week.  Maybe he has some solutions besides the inversion table.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Roads and trails

 I had visiting family today and did not make it out to the park until about 5 pm.  I started running on the roads and then switched to the trails.  Got in 4 miles.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Spring Fling 5K

 I ran our club's Spring Fling 5K at Elkins Lake Sub-division this morning.  My back and leg condition was a continuation of yesterday and I finished the very hilly course in 1:00:56.  Last year, I finished in 51:11.

Friday at the park

 I seem to have regressed on my back and leg issue, but I got in 3.4 miles on the trails at the park this afternoon.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight - for the 35th time.

Inversion table

 The pain management doctor recommended that I get an inversion table to help ease the bulging disc.  I bought one and started using it today.  In the meantime, I ran 4 miles at the park this afternoon, mostly on the roads.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

All roads

 I stayed on the roads at the park this evening and got in 4 miles.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Tax day

 This April 15th, I finished up my taxes this afternoon and gave them to the lady locking the post office door at 4:30 pm. I then went to the park and ran 4.4 miles, mostly on the trails.  The back and left leg are better, but still a way  to go to get back to 100 percent.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Trip to Tyler

 After the race in Conroe yesterday, I attended my grand son's football game in Huntsville and then drove to Tyler to attend my high school class reunion (class of 1959).  I drove back to Huntsville this afternoon and got to the park at 6 pm.  I ran 4 miles, some on the trails, but mostly on the roads.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

B52 Brewing 5K

 I ran the B52 Brewing 5K in Conroe this morning and finished in 53:41.   Was 1st of 2 in the 80 and over age group.

Friday, April 12, 2024

Back to park trails

 Seems like it has been a while since I have been on the park trails.  Late this morning, I ran 3.3 miles on the trails and realized that my back and leg are not fully recovered.  However, the hardest thing I did all day was trying to assemble the inversion table I bought at the doctor's suggestion.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 Tonight was my first post-injection run.  I felt better today and caught up on some yardwork.  Tonight, I went down to Conroe and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.  While my back and leg were not at 100%, I was able to finish the 5K without much pain.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Injection day

 At mid-night this morning, I ran 1.2 miles on the muddy track in town.  Then, this morning I went in for the injection in my back.  They put me out for the injection, but I was at the doctor's office for less than an hour.  Quick process.  The pain is still there from my bulging disc, but I do feel better.  The doctor recommended that I get an inversion table and I bought one this evening (a lot of assembly required). 

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Streak saver run

 I went to the park early this afternoon and ran 1 mile, which is the minimum for the Streak Association.  I have to run again at midnight tonight, because I get the injection in my back tomorrow morning and cannot run for the rest of the day.

Monday, April 8, 2024

Eclipse day run

 I drove my son and grand son up to Waco this morning to watch the total eclipse and return to Huntsville.  I went to the park this evening to run.  It did not go well.  I only ran 1.2 miles.  I was afraid that my left leg was going to collapse.  I hope the injection in my back on Wednesday helps the leg too.

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woo0lands tonight and finished in 59:25.  I am so looking forward to the injection in my back and, hopefully, getting back to my normal slow.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Little further

 The pain in my back and left leg continues, but I was able to get in 3.2 miles on the park roads this evening.

Friday at the park

 It was not fun with the back problem, but I got in 3.1 slow miles on the roads at the park this afternoon.

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

While it was slow and somewhat uncomfortable, I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  With the change in seasons, it has changed from a night run to a daylight run.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

New issue

 I woke up this morning with a very sore left calf.  I have no idea where that came from, unless it is from awkward running due to the bulging  disc.  I iced it and took it easy all day.  Late this evening, I went to the park to see if it was possible to run and try to get in a mile.  It was tough getting in a mile, but it did not get worse.  I kept going and got in 3.1 miles.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Pain Management doctor appointment

 I had an appointment with the pain management doctor this morning in reference to my bulging discs.  He schedule me for an injection in my back on May 10.  I did not get into the streaking with him.  He did say that they will put me out for the injection and someone will have to drive me home.  So, this evening, I met up with the group at the park and ran a slow 3.7 miles on the roads.

Snake number 1

 I went to the park late this Monday morning, but my back would allow me to run 1.2 miles on the trails.  I tried again this evening and was able to add 2.3 miles, for a total of 3.5 miles.  During the brief time on the trails this evening, I encountered a large black snake (about 4 feet), laying across the trail.  I'm not sure what kind of snake it was.

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Easter 5K

 I ran the first ever Easter 5K in Magnolia this evening and finished in 53:48.  This gave me 101.9 miles for March and 338.7 for 2024 (1 mile ahead of last year at this time).

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Late run

 Had a busy day and did not get a chance to run until about 7 p.m.  I drove to Kate Barr Ross Park and ran 3.2 miles on the roads.

Friday, March 29, 2024

Park getting crowded

 The park is getting crowded for Easter weekend.  I made it out there late this afternoon and got in 3.5 slow miles, mostly on the trails.  I have an appointment on Tuesday with a Pain Management doctor.  Hopefully, he will have a quick solution to the bulging disc in my lower back.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I made it down to Conroe tonight and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Unplanned course

 I went to the park this afternoon and started an unplanned course from a different trail head.  The back is no better, but I got in 3.8 slow miles.

All trails

 Since it is Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I stayed on the trails and ran 3.4 miles.

Monday, March 25, 2024

MRI results

 My doctor's office called today and said that my MRI shows that my back pain is from arthritis and a bulging disc.  They are referring me to a pain management clinic.  Years ago, I had a bulging disc problem, but as I recall the pain was more severe and it went away after a short time.  I cannot remember what treatment I went through.  I had a busy day, but managed to get in 3.2 miles at the park, mostly on the trails.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Back to trails

 We had our club's annual 3.5-mile run at Huntsville State Park this afternoon.  My job was to hike out to the 1-mile point, take photos of all the runners and then pick up the course markings on the way back to the starting point.  My left eye is much better and I was able to put my left contact back in.  3-D vision now!  So, after the race, I ran 3.2 miles, mostly on the trails.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Tyler Azalea Run

 I drove up to Tyler last night to run the Azalea Run this morning.  This was my 13th time running this race, the first time in 1983.  I have always run the 10K, but with my back issue, I switched to the 5K this year.  I finished in probably a Personal Worst 56:18.  I was 3rd place of 3 in the 80 and over age group.

Friday, March 22, 2024

MRI and run

 I had my MRI on my lower back this morning and then went to the park and ran 3.3 miles on the roads.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight, partly in a light rain.  The heavy rain began a little later.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Stayed on the roads at the park

My infected eye is improving, but am staying on the roads for now.  Got in 4 miles at the park this evening.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

No MRI today

 I was looking forward to the MRI on my back this morning.  The imaging place would not do the MRI because of my pacemaker.  I am trying to get an appointment at the hospital, but I have to go to the cardiologist first and get the pacemaker placed in a "safe mode."  In the meantime, my left eye is a little better today and I have an appointment with the eye doctor tomorrow.  Hopefully, I can start using my contact on my left eye and return to 3-D vision.  I stayed on the roads again at the park this evening and got in 3.1 miles.

Monday, March 18, 2024

Eye not much better

 I had an appointment with my regular eye doctor this morning.  I showed him the ER doctor prescribed anti-biotic I was taking for my infected eye.  He said that it was for glaucoma and was not an anti-biotic.  He gave me a new prescription.  Turns out, the ER gave the right prescription, but Walgreens gave me the wrong medicine. I hate that place anyway and wish my insurance would contract with CVS.  I  am taking the right medicine now and hopefully I can get my regular vision back  soon.  I stayed on the roads again at the state park later today.  Got in 3.6 miles.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Mono-vision run

 My left eye was sore and swollen shut this morning, presumably from my allergy problem.  I had an appointment with the eye clinic tomorrow, but decided not to wait.  So, I went to the ER late this morning.  As expected, it is infected and the doctor prescribed anti-biotics.  Hopefully, it will clear up soon.  In the meantime, I went to the park this afternoon to run.  With one eye swollen shut, I had mono-vision and stayed on the roads.  I got in 3.5 miles, the last mile in a light rain.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Avoided a PW

 At the risk of sounding positive, I avoided a PW (Personal Worst) this morning.  I had planned to get up early and go down to Magnolia and run the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run.  However, with my back issue, I figured I would set a new 5K PW.  So, I slept in.  I went out to the park later this afternoon and ran 4.1 miles on the trails, partially ii a light rain.  I spent much of this evening on a heating pad.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Slow trail run

 I went to the park this afternoon and ran 3.5 slow miles (slower than my normal slow) on the trails.  I have an MRI on my back next Tuesday morning.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K (Minus)

 I had my last appointment for rehab on my back this afternoon.  It including dry needling.  Tonight, I went down to Conroe to run the Fass Brewery 5K,expecting not to be able to run the whole thing with my back pain and a question mark on the right leg.  When I started running the right leg pain was bad, but eased up after running a while/  It probably masked the back pain.  I thought about completing the whole 5K, but I did not carry a light for the second half in the dark.  I ended up running 1.5 miles.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Surgery day

 I ran 1 mile at the track at midnight this morning to keep my streak alive.  I did not get much sleep and had to be down in The Woodlands for surgery on my leg at 8 this morning.  I guess all went okay.  I had to take it easy all day, but I notice some weakness in the leg where the vein was neutralized.  In the meantime, I called my doctor's office about the possibility of getting an MRI on my back, which is my primary concern right now.  Two more veins to go - and then no compression socks.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Back issue worsens

 My lower back issue was worse today.  After my rehab appointment this afternoon, I went to the track.  I was barely able to run one mile.  I met up with the group at the park this evening and started out on the trails.  It did not take long to realize that I could get in 2.1 miles for my minimum daily run of 3.1.  I ended up with .7 for a total of 1.7 for the day.  One mile is the minimum for the Streak Association, but I have been running at least 3 a day for about 2 1/2 years and 3.1 a day for nearly 2 years.  I have leg surgery in The Woodlands early tomorrow morning and will be able to run for the rest of the day.  My plan is to go back to the track at midnight tonight and get in a run for tomorrow.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Split run

 My BP seems to be back to normal, but I am still dealing with sinus and back issues.  I spent much of today in bed on a heat pad.  I went to the track early this afternoon and ran a mile to make sure I kept my streak alive.  Late this evening, I went to the state park and ran 2.5 miles on the road and trails.  So, 3.5 today.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Another challenging run

 I went back to the park this afternoon and got in a challenging 3.4 miles on the trails.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Skipped a race

 I had planned to run the Spindle Tree 5K in Magnolia this morning, but with the low BP problem, I slept in.  Later this afternoon, I went to the spring break crowded state park and ran 3.4 miles on the trails.  Not easy.  I had to stop and rest a couple times.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Streak challenges

 I seem to have a lot of challenges to my streak lately.  Back pain, sinus headaches and earaches, blood pressure and upcoming surgeries.  I had another episode of low BP today.  I managed to get in 1.6 miles on the trails at the park early this afternoon, but had no strength to go further.  While the minimum distance for Streak Runners International is 1 mile, I have maintained a minimum of 3 miles for about 2 and a half years and a 3.1 minimum for nearly 2 years.  So, I went to the track late tonight and ran 2 miles, to give me 3.6 for the day.  Hopefully, the BP will be back to normal tomorrow.  Next Wednesday, I am having surgery in The Woodlands to remove the first of three bad veins in my legs.  I have a plan to keep my streak alive, but am not sure if it will be the 1-mile minimum or the 3.1 mile minimum.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Fass Brewery 5K

 As usual for Thursday, I went down to Conroe tonight and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Mid-80's

 I am not sure winter is over, but it was in the mid-80's when I went to the park early this afternoon to run.  No change in the back issue (now accompanied by a sinus headache).  I ran 3.8 miles on the roads and trails.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Mostly park roads

 I went from my third physical therapy appointment (back problem) this afternoon to the park to run.  Got in 3.2 miles, mostly on the roads.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Back to trails

 After 4 days of running in Conroe or The Woodlands, I went to the park early this afternoon and ran trails.  With my back issue, it was not a pretty site.  However, I got in 3.3 miles.

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Sunday Night 5K

 This was a bad day for my lower back, but I made it down to The Woodlands this evening for the Sunday Night 5K.  It was probably my slowest 5K ever and I finished in 56:15.  

Saturday, March 2, 2024

The Woodlands 10K

 I ran The Woodlands 10K this morning.  It is held in conjunction with The Woodlands Marathon and Half Marathon.  I finished in 1:47:25 and was 3rd of 3 in the 75 and over age group.  This was about 7 minutes slower than the last time I ran it (2 years ago).  Got to visit with a lot of good friends.

Friday, March 1, 2024

To The Woodlands for Packet Pickup

 I went to The Woodlands late this morning to visit the expo and pick up my packet for The Woodlands 10K tomorrow morning.  Gotta get up real early in the morning for a 7 a.m. start.  While I was down there, I ran 3.2 miles on the waterway.