Tried to stay in the shade

 I ran 3.5 miles in town late this morning, trying to stay in the shade as much as possible.  No more bleeding, but am still  sore from the surgery on Monday.

Millican Summer Series 5K Trail Run Number 6

 I was somewhat apprehensive about running the 3.2-mile technical trail run tonight in Millican.  My back has been bleeding off and on since the surgery on Monday.  I went to the doctor this morning and they rebandaged it.  So, I went on to Millican tonight and ran the last race of the summer series.  My goal was to finish without tripping and falling.  I accomplished that.  My time was 1:06;55, over 2 minutes slower than the last race in the series 2 weeks ago.

Late morning at the park

 I ran 3.4 miles on the roads at the park late this morning.  The doc called today and wants me to start physical therapy.

Split run

 While I am obviously sore from the incision in my back, I am finding it easier and less painful to get upright and move around.  Tissue was removed from around two vertebra to relieve pressure on the nerve by the bulging disk. It was also going down my right leg, causing pain there.  The surgery seems to be working.  According to the post-op instructions, I cannot do anything strenuous for two week - an I cannot take a shower for 4 days.  I went to the park late this morning and ran 2.2 non-strenuous miles on the roads.  Later this evening, I went back to the park, met up with the Tuesday group and ran another 1.3 miles.  Total for the day 3.5 miles.  I hope to get back to a normal running schedule tomorrow.

Surgery done

 At midnight this morning, I went to the old mall parking lot in Huntsville and ran 3.5 miles.  Did not get much sleep afterwards and got up early and drove down to Conroe for my back surgery this morning.  The doc said all went well.  I suppose time and running speed will tell.  I am back home and being real lazy for the rest of the day.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight.  It is held on the first Sunday of every month.  I finished in 55:22.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

I got up early this morning to run the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia at 7:30.  Finished in 55:03.

Early afternoon run

 With a race in the morning, I ran about 1 this afternoon.  Went to the park and ran 3.2 miles in the heat.

Completed one year of running at least a 5K every day

 With the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight, I have run at least a 5K (3.1 miles) every day for one year.  My average has been 3.56 miles a day.  My running streak (at least one mile a day per Running Streak Assn International) is nearly 4 years and 3 months long.

Stayed in town

 I stayed in town late this evening and ran 3.5 miles.

Group night at the park

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3.8 miles on the roads.

One week to surgery

 My back surgery is one week from today.  I am looking forward to obtaining some relief, but I know that keeping the streak alive will be a challenge, especially my "at least 3.1 mile" streak.  I waited until late this evening to run.  Stayed in town and ran 3.5 miles.

Dodging storms

 This was one of those afternoons with scattered thunder storms.  I went to the park late this afternoon and ran 3.4 miles on the roads.  There was lightning in the area, but no rain.  On the way home, I drove through a very heavy rain storm.  Then, no rain at my house.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning and finished in 56:12.  It was my 42nd race this year.

Hot mid-afternoon run

I went to the park in the middle of this afternoon and ran 3.3 miles on the roads.  Hot. 

Millican Summer Series 5K Trail Run, Race No. 5

 I ran the Millican Summer Series 5K (3.2 miles) this evening in Millican.  It was the 5th of 6 races in the summer series.  No mud this time.  I finished in 1:04:30 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group. After the race, I drove an hour over to Fass Brewing in Conroe.  They were celebrating the 3-year anniversary of the Fass Run Club.  I got there in time to join the celebration with a lot of good friends.

Hot and dry

 After so much rain for weeks, it has been hot and dry for about a week.  Guess that high pressure system found its way over Texas.  I waited until late this evening to run.  Got in 3.2 miles in town.

Group night at the park

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  Ran 3.8 miles on the roads.

Ran in town

 I ran 3.5 miles in town late this afternoon.  I am so looking forward to the back surgery on August 4.

Sunday evening at the park

 It was hot today, so I waited until late this evening to run.  Went to the state park and ran 4.1 miles on the roads.

Dog Days 5K

I ran our club's Dog Days 5K in the very hilly Elkins Lake Sub-division this morning.  Finished in a slow 57:56. 

Early run in town

 With a race on Saturdays, I try to run "early" on Friday.  Rather than the state park, I ran in town early this afternoon when it was overcast.  Not too hot.  Ran 3.5 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight - for the 80th time.

Late evening on the park roads

No rain today, but I waited until late this evening to run at the park.  Ran 3.8 miles, all on the roads.

Caught in a storm

 I went out to the park this evening to meet up with the group.  After about a mile on the roads, an unexpected thunderstorm hit.  I headed back away from the lightning to my truck in the rain.  After a short break, the weather eased up and I finished a 3.2-mile run.

No rain for a change

 No rain today.  At least at my house.  There was a good chance this afternoon, so I waited until late this  evening to run.  Got in 3.8 miles in town.

Run between the storms - almost

 I went to the park this afternoon just after a storm had passed to get in a run before the next storm.  Nice 75 degree running weather.  I ran 4 miles on the roads - the last half mile in a heavy rain.

Spindle Tree Park Run 5K

 I ran the Spindle Tree Park Run 5K in Magnolia this morning and finished in 55:17.

Split run

 I went to the state park early this afternoon to run on the roads.  Got in 1.9 miles before the thunderstorm and close lightning hit.  I went into town this evening and ran another 1.6 miles.  Total for the day 3.5 miles.

Millican Summer Series 5K Race 4

 I drove 51 miles to Millican this evening and ran Race 4 of the Millican Summer Series 5K (actually 3.2 miles) trail run.  The course was muddy and slippery in parts, so I took it easy and finished in 1:06:53.  No falls and my back is still intact.

Back doctor appointment today

 After getting a new MRI and Xrays on my back, I had an appointment with the pain management doctor this afternoon.  Last July, the same doctor removed tissue from around two vertebra to relieve bulging disc pressure on a nerve.  The MRI clearly shows that to still be working.  However, the pain is coming from a bulging disc between the next two higher vertebra.  He has scheduled the same surgery for those two vertebra.  The surgery date is August 4.  He also said that my leg pain stems from the back issue - not a hamstring pull.  I have no idea if my technical explanation makes sense.  In any case, I feel somewhat relieved.  I have potential relief in sight and should be able to keep my streak alive.  I may have to break my "at least 3.1 miles a day streak," which will reach 1-year at the end of this month, but I can do at least 1-mile a day for a few days after the surgery.  Phew!!! I made it out to the park late this afternoon and ran 4.1 miles on the roads.

Heavy rain late today

 We had a heavy rain about the time I usually meet the group at the park on Tuesdays.  So, I ran 3.2 miles in town just before dark tonight.

Monday at the park

 I waited until late this evening to run at the state park.  Got in 3.2 miles on the roads.

Sunday Night 5K

 Felt lousy all day, sinus issues, back and leg pain.  So, I went down to The Woodlands tonight and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  Very humid.  I finished in 59:20, probably a personal worst in the Sunday Night 5K.  However, they gave me and one other runner a special Firecracker 15K award for running three 5K's over the 4th of July weekend.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in a  slow 57:03.

Stu's Country Mile 5K

 I ran Stu's Country Mile 5K in Centerville this morning.  This was my 29th consecutive year for running this race and 30th time for running it.  I finished in 55:10, a little slower than the Polish Pickle 5K last Saturday.  In any case, I was 2nd of 3 in the 70 and over age group.

Fass Brewery 5K in the rain

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in a light rain in Conroe tonight.

Hot early run

 I had to run an errand in Cleveland (Texas) this evening, so I ran 3.2 miles in Huntsville early this afternoon.  Hot, but I ran in the shade as much as possible.

Group night at the park

 I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 3.8 miles on the roads.

Finished the month

 I ran 3.6 miles on the roads at the park this afternoon.  I completed the month of June with 104.6 miles (665.1 so far in 2025, average 3.67 miles per day).  While my running streak is over 4 years, I have run at least 3.1 miles every day now for 11 months.  I see the back doctor on July 9 and presume he will schedule another surgery.  Obviously, I am concerned about keeping my streak alive.  I was able to with the back surgery last July, even though I had to cut my distance to 1-mile plus for a few days.  We will see.

Sunday at the park

 I was surprised that the park was nearly empty when I went there to run this afternoon.  I did 4 miles on the park roads.

Polish Pickle 5K

 I got up very early this morning and drove 91 miles up to Bremond to run the Polish Pickle 5K for the 29th straight year.  I finished in 51:55 and was 2nd of 3 in the 80 and over age group.

No rain today, for a change

 There was no rain today in Huntsville, for a change.  I ran 3.4 miles in town early this afternoon.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I was suppose to run the Millican Summer Series Race 3 in Millican tonight.  However, it was still raining in Millican at race time.  I know how slippery the brown mud is on the trail and on the embankments.  With my back messed up, I did not want to risk the falls.  So, I went down to Conroe instead and ran the Fass Brewery 5K.

Another heavy rain

 I know that any day there will be a high pressure system build over Texas soon and we will not see any rain for a couple months.  However, we had another heavy rain this afternoon (1+ inches at my house).  After the storm passed this evening, I ran 3.6 miles in town.

Dodged the storm

 I went out to the park to meet up with the group this evening.  Storms were passing through the area.  Luckily, the heavy stuff bypassed the park.  I ran 3.2 miles on the road, partly in the rain.

Another heavy rain

 We had another heavy rain this evening (2 inches at my house).  It made for a cool run in town afterwards.  Got in 3.7 miles.

Late Sunday evening at the park

 I waiting until about 6:30 this evening to go to the park to run.  A heavy rain early this afternoon cooled things off a bit.  I stayed on the roads and ran 3.8 miles.

Went back to bed

 I got up at 5:45 this morning to drive 50 miles down to Magnolia to run the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run.  I went back to bed, instead.  After a lot of yard work this afternoon, I went into town and ran 4.1 miles.

MRI

 I had an MRI on my back this morning at the hospital in Huntsville.  However, I do not have another appointment with the back doctor until July 9.  Hopefully, the MRI will result in some effective treatment.  In the meantime, I do not expect to set any personal records.   I went to the park in the middle of the afternoon when it was good and hot and ran 3.1 miles on the roads.  Got caught in a 5-minute downpour, but it cooled things off a bit.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.

Back to the back doctor

 After the new doctor did an injection last month that did not help my ailing back, I went back to the back doctor who gave me two injections last year and did the surgery on my back last July.  I had an appointment with him this morning and he ordered an MRI, which I am in the process of scheduling.  I will probably have to have another surgery, but at least last time I was able to keep my streak alive.  In the meantime, I ran 3.3 miles in town this evening.

Group night at the park

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3.7 miles on the roads.

Hot run at the park

 Hot and humid today.  I ran 3.6 miles on the park roads this evening.

Fathers Day run

 Since it is Fathers Day, I had visiting family today.  I planned to run this evening, but a storm hit.  It was raining and lightning at 7 pm, so I reluctantly went to Iron Works and got on the dreaded treadmill.  Got in 1.1 miles and could not stand it anymore.  The lightning eased up, so I left Iron Works and hit the roads and side walks in town.  I ran another 2.5 miles - all in the rain.  Total for the day 3.6 miles.

June Bug 5K

 I ran our club's annual June Bug 5K in Huntsville this morning.  Very hilly course.  Finished in a slow 57:58.

Felt beat up today

 I guess it was the technical trail run last night and the back issue, but I felt a little beat up today.  I went to the state park early this afternoon and ran 3.3 slow miles on the roads.

Millican Summer Series Race 2

 I ran Race 2 (of 6) of the Millican Summer Series trail run tonight.  It is a 51-mile drive from my house.  After all the rain in the last few days, the trails were slippery in spots.  However, I managed not to slip.  I finished the 3.2-miles course in 1:02:44, a little faster than Race 1 a couple weeks ago.

After the rain

 It was a little cooler after a nice rain today.  I went out to the park and ran 3.7 miles on the  roads.

Group night at the park

 Being Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening (just me and Jason).  I ran 3.6 miles on the roads, without being bitten by any strange creatures.

Another late run in town

I had a busy day, to include mowing the yard late this afternoon.  It was after 6 this evening before I got a chance to run.  Stayed in town and ran 3.5 miles.

Late Sunday run

 I waited until late this evening when it was slightly cooler and ran 4 miles in town.  I made sure I was well-hydrated and I felt okay.  While running roads at the park on Friday, I noticed my left calf bleeding.  I had no idea what caused it.  When a horsefly bites, you feel it.  Here is a photo of the "injury" taken yesterday.  If you have any thoughts on what caused this, let me know.  Maybe a 3-fang snake.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  It was hot and very humid and I had a tough time in the second mile.  Kept getting dizzy and it cost me about 3 or 4 minutes in time.  I finished in 58:56.  I suspect it was dehydration.

Hot run at the park

 I arrived at the state park at 1 pm today when it was plenty hot.  Not much shade on the roads.  I ran 3.1 miles and that was enough.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K in Conroe tonight.  Earlier today, I had an appointment with the doctor who injected steroids in my back.  It did not help, so he says I need to see a neurosurgeon.  I'll have to think about that.

Global Running Day

Today was Global Running Day.  I usually go down to The Woodlands and celebrate with one of the groups running the waterway.  However, yesterday, I developed an infection in my left eye.  I went to an eye doctor late this morning and got a prescription for eye drops.  Just did not feel like driving down I-45 this evening with one eye.  It's hard enough with two eyes.  I went into town to run this evening.  Got in 1.7 miles and a heavy thunderstorm hit.  So, I quit and went home.  About 9:30 tonight, I went to the old mall parking lot and run 2.1 miles.  That's 3.8 miles for the day.  Tomorrow morning, I have a checkup with the dermatologist in Conroe and a follow-up appointment in Huntsville tomorrow afternoon with the back doctor.  I think the question is how can he fix my back without requiring me to break my running streak. 

Met up with the group

 As usual for Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  Got in 3.7 miles, all on the roads.

Monday at the park

 After yardwork this afternoon, I made it out to the park and ran 4.3 miles, all on the roads.

Sunday Night 5K

 After a Sunday trip to Tyler to celebrate my brother's 90th birthday, I drove down to The Woodlands and ran the Sunday Night 5K.  Finished in 54:50.

Tejas 5K

I ran the first ever Tejas 5K in Houston this morning, starting and finishing at the Tejas Brewery.  I followed someone off the course and ended up running an extra 10th of a mile.  My time for the 3.2-mile course was 57:26.  I was the only runner over 80, so I was first in my age group.  The post-race party was on a balcony on the 3rd floor of the brewery.  This is a photo of the view.  I have to go back some time at night to see that view.  My total miles for May was 105.

Late afternoon run

 I had a non-running errand in The Woodlands this morning and did not get around to running until later this afternoon.  Still felt a little beat up from the trail run last night.  Managed to get in 3.1 miles on the roads at the state park.

Millican Summer Series Race 1

 I ran Race 1 (of 6) of the Millican Summer Series 5K (actually 3.2 miles) in  Millican this evening.  Very technical trail run.  I fell once going down an embankment.  Not a hard fall, but with my back issue, I had to scoot over to a tree to get upright again.  I finished in 1:05:31 and was first of one in the 80 and over age group.

A little more distance

After some rain, it was a little cooler today.  I made it out to the state park late this afternoon and ran 4.3 miles on the roads.  My longest distance for the month.

Group night at the park

 Being Tuesday, I met up with the group at the park this evening.  I ran 3.3 miles, mostly loops on a smooth (trip-free) trail.  The rest, roads.

Long day

 We hosted the club's annual Memorial Day 5K & 1-Mile at my house this morning.  Got up early, put up the course markings and got things set up.  With a threatening storm, we only had 52 runners.  The storm held up until the awards ceremony (which got moved to my garage).  Then, we had to clean up and take all the signs and equipment to the storage bin.  Finally got around to running after 5 this evening.  Ran 3.2 miles in town.

Ran in town

 I was busy today getting ready for our club's annual Memorial Day 5K at my house.  Being a holiday weekend, I figured the state park would be crowded.  So, I took a break from my work at home this afternoon and ran 3.6 miles in town.

Spindle Tree 5K Park Run

 I ran the Spindle Tree 5K Park Run in Magnolia this morning.  Finished in 55:04.

Late morning at the park

 I went out to the park late this morning and ran 3.2 miles on the roads.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I drove back from San Antonio this afternoon and then went down to Conroe this evening to run the Fass Brewery 5K, for the 75th time.

Rare early morning run

 I have a trip today, so I ran 3.2 miles in town early this morning.  Early mornings are for racing or sleeping.

It is now biting horse fly season

 I ran 3.7 miles on the roads at the state park this evening.  The biting horse flies are now out.  A little late this year; usually they are out on May 1st and hang around until the end of July.

Another park road run

 I am so tempted to get back on the trails, but my back is no better.  Settled for a 3.3-mile road run at the park early this afternoon.

Four at the park

 It was hot this afternoon, so I waited until late to go to the park to run.  Ran 4 miles on the roads.

Mindy Moses Memorial 5K

 I ran the Mindy Moses Memorial 5K in Bellville this morning for the 5th straight year.  I never knew Mindy Moses, but over the last 5 years have met many of her family and friends.   She must have been a great person to be honored with a big race in a relatively small town.  I finished in 54:51 and was 3rd of 4 in the 70 and over age group.

Ran in town

 I saved the drive to the park this morning and ran in town.  Got in 3.6 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 I ran the Fass Brewery 5K social run in Conroe tonight and then had dinner with my daughter and son.

Rested today

 I rested today and felt a little better running this evening.  Still no relief from the back injection last Friday, but I got in 3.7 miles on the state park roads.

Starting to get hot

 After a relatively cool Spring, it is starting to get hot.  In the 90's today.  More yard work, a trip to city dump and then 3.6 miles on the roads at the park.

Yard work and run in town

 I had yard work to do today, but I took a break this afternoon and ran 3.6 miles in town.  I did receive a call from the doctor's office asking about my back, but they refused to come and help me with the yard work.

Waiting for relief

It has been 2 days since the injections in my back and I am still waiting for some relief.  The hard part is trying to get upright after bending over to tie my running shoes.  Once I start running, I am fairly comfortable, but slower than my normal slow.  Today was Mothers Day and we had visiting family.  I did not get out to the park until late this afternoon.  I got in 3.8 miles on the roads.  

Legacy of Courage 5K Trail Run

 I ran the new Legacy of Courage 5K Trail Run in Tomball at 7 am this morning.  Had to get up real early to get there on time.  The race was at a park only a couple miles from the place I got my back injections yesterday.  Checked my records.  This was the first race I ever ran in Tomball.  It was put on by an organization that raises funds to assist disabled veterans.  The course was out and back on a relatively flat trail that alternated between gravel, rocks, sand, roots and mud.  I took it easy and finished in 56:27.  I was the only one 70 and over, so I won first in my age group.  

MILESTONES REACHED:  Today I completed by 4th year of my current running streak (at least 1-mile per day) and 9 months and 10 days of running at least 3.1 miles per day.  Also, this was my 900th 5K race.  I have run a total of 1,456 races since I started on May 1, 1983.

Back injection day

 I had to be down in Tomball (just south of The Woodlands) at 9 am today for injections in my back.  I planned to run at midnight this morning, but decided just to get up real early to run just before leaving for the appointment.  However, I did not go to sleep until about 3:15 am.  So, I went to the appointment without running.  Got two painful injections and the instructions they gave me said no strenuous exercise for 24 hours.  I went home and took a nap until 3 pm.  Then, I went to the park did a non-strenuous 3.1-mile run.  No relief so far.  Maybe tomorrow.

Snake Number 2

 I ran the same 3.4-mile road course that I ran yesterday at the park.  I encountered a 3-foot snake on the road and veered around it.  When I passed it coming back, it had been hit and killed by a car and was on the shoulder.  Gray color with a 6 to 8-inch copper tail.  I cannot figure out what it was.  

First run at the park this month

 The biting horse fly season at the park is May thru July.  So, I expected to be attacked when I went there to run this afternoon.  Maybe the heavy rain washed away the little calendar they hang on the tree or maybe the prescribed burn ran them off.  I ran 3.4 miles on the park roads and was never bothered by any.

Before the rain

 We had another heavy rain today.  I checked the forecast and ran late this morning before the rain.  Got in 4 miles in town.  So looking forward to the injection in my back this Friday.

After the rain

 I really did not look at the weather forecast for today.  I went to the park to run and the heavy rain and lightning started after I got to the park.  So, I went home.  With the continuing rain and lightning, I thought I might have to go to Iron Works and get on the treadmill.  There was a break in the weather about 7 this evening.  I went into town and ran 3.5 miles without getting too wet.

Sunday Night 5K

 I ran the Sunday Night 5K in The Woodlands tonight - for the 160th time.  I finished in 54:34.

Miles and Smiles 5K

 

I ran the Miles and Smiles 5K in Madisonville (a marathon north of Huntsville) this morning.  After the heavy storms last night, it was clear and in the 60's this morning.  The course was on the trails and roads through a large park.  I finished in 53:55.  I was given an award for being the oldest runner.  Got a chance to visit with some good friends.

Early run in town

 I had family coming in late this morning and it was suppose to storm this afternoon.  So, I went into town early this morning and ran 3.2 miles.

Fass Brewery 5K

 When I arrived at the Fass Brewery this evening, there were emergency vehicles working a bad wreck one block away.  Then one block the other way, the road was closed and emergency vehicles working to fix a natural gas leak.  There was a strong odor of gas in the area.  There was threatening weather in the area, but I finished the 5K.  Not long after I finished, a very heavy storm hit and it was a rainy drive back to Huntsville.  While running tonight, I realized that I ran my first race (a 10K) on May 1, 1983, exactly 42 years ago.