No race this Saturday

There were no races around this Saturday morning.  I ran laps at the track this morning and then attended a long lunch hour meeting with the other Seven Hills Running Club officers.  Then, I left for a family get together in Tyler and just got back to Huntsville.

Signed up for The Louisiana Marathon

I just signed up for The Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge on January 20, 2013.
My son, Ben, and I went fishing at Huntsville State Park this afternoon, but did not even get a bite.  Since it was Friday afternoon, the pier was loaded with people.
This evening, I ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

Signed up for Tyler Rose Marathon

I just signed up for the Tyler Rose Marathon to be held on October 7, 2012.  It will be my first marathon of the season.  I hope to get in about 15 total for the Texas season.  Just hope the hamstrings hold up.  I ran the Tyler Marathon two years ago and was signed up to run it again last year.  Because of the hamstring problem, I had to switch to the half marathon.  It is a hilly course, but I am use to running hills.  It is those uneven red brick streets that I hate.
After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads at the park.

Only 100

It got up to only 100 degrees this afternoon and was a cool 97 when I ran 3 miles on the roads in town this evening.

Even Hotter

I had to run some errands 30 miles down I-45 in Conroe this afternoon.  The exterior thermometer on my car showed it to be 110 degrees.  The group ran at the park at 6 p.m. and it was surely over 100 degrees then - with high humidity.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while most did a 3-mile loop.

Hottest Day

It was over 100 degrees in Huntsville today for the first time this summer.  I woke up early this morning to the sound of an alarm on my aerobic system (sewage treatment plant) in my backyard.  I had to get a serviceman out to fix the pump in the system and that cost me $250.  Maybe we will eventually be annexed by the city and get connected to their sewer system.  So, I finally got to take a shower later this afternoon.  Such is country life.  After working out at Nautilus this evening, I ran 2 miles on the roads in town.  I suppose that it was still over 100 when I ran about 6 p.m.

Three

I waited until about 6:30 this evening and then drove to the track and ran 3 miles on the roads in town.

Polish Pickle 5K

I went to bed after midnight last night with the intention of getting up at 5 a.m.  I woke up at 3 a.m. and never went back to sleep.  Got out of bed at 5 a.m. and drove up to Bremond (90 miles) for the 17th consecutive Polish Pickle 5K.  As usual, it was hot and they had a record crowd of about 700 runners.  I finished in 35:44 and got 2nd of 7 in my 70-74 age group.  That was my best 5K time on an accurate course since my hamstring pulls and tear, so I was okay with that time.  I took a short nap this afternoon after getting home and then went to an anniversary party for some friends tonight.

Rest Day

Since I am running the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond tomorrow, I rested today.  Ran laps at the track.

Two at the Park

I met up with a small group at the park this evening and ran 2 miles on the park roads.  The hamstrings seem to be getting stronger.  I plan to run my first marathon of the season in Tyler on October 7, so I will need to start getting my distance up next month.  I am always apprehensive about the first marathon of the season, especially after the pulled and torn hamstrings during the last year. 

Longest Day

Today, June 20, is the longest day of the year.  I started the day with breakfast at IHOP.  A young couple and their small child were at the table next to me.  The young man was wearing Wounded Warrior T-shirt and was missing both of his arms.  He ate with his foot.  We must not forget the sacrifices that our servicemen have made and continue to make to protect us from terriorism.
I worked much of the day on my lawn.  Then, I lawn mower broke and I drove 30 miles down to Conroe to get a part to fix it.  While there, there was a very heavy rain storm.  Unfortunately, it was not headed for Huntsville.  So, after getting back home, I was able to fix the lawn mower and  finish the yard.
About 6 p.m., I worked out at Nautilus and then ran 4.2 miles on the roads in town.
It's nice to have a long day to get everything done.

Back to the Park

I went back to the state park this evening to run with the group.  It was raining, so just the hardcore runners showed up.  It was Phillip, James, Craig and me.  I ran 2 miles on the park roads, while they all did 3 on the trails.  One good thing, the horse flies do not attack while it is raining.

Cross Training

I decided to do some cross training this afternoon, so I took my son, Ben, fishing at Huntsville State Park.  There was a 5-foot alligator hanging around the fishing pier the whole time we were there.  I could not find my good rod and reel, so I fished with an old one.  I left it unattended on the railing for a few seconds and a big fish took the bait and my rod and reel.  Ben had a second one, so I used that and was careful to hang on to it.  Ben and I both caught a Bass (3 to 4 pounds).  Nice relaxing afternoon.
This evening, I worked out at Nautilus and then ran 1.8 miles on the roads in town.

All 4 Quadrants

I went to the track this evening and then ran an unplanned road route from there.  It took me through all 4 quadrants of the city and turned out to be 5.9 miles.

June Bug 5K

It was hot and humid this morning for the June Bug 5K in Huntsville.  I finished the very hilly course in 38:27, almost a minute slower than the same race last year.

New Shoes

I ran 2 miles on the roads in town in new Asics Fortitude 4 shoes.  It will be the last pair I buy.  After they are worn out, I will try the new Fortitude 5's that are still in the box in my closet.

No more Saucony's

A month ago, I bought a pair of Saucony ProGrid 4 running shoes for $100.  The sole is worn out.  I'm tough on running shoes, but one month is crazy.  I wear custom orthotics and need a neutral shoe.  For years, I have worn Asics Fortitude and they last me several months.  Then, they came out with the Fortitude 4 model and my big toes come out of the top of the shoe in just a couple weeks.  They did not do that on the earlier models.  That is why I tried Saucony ProGrid.  I still have one more pair of the Fortitude 4, but recently found a new Fortitude 5 online for $72.  I have those now and it appears that the upper part of the Fortitude 5 is like the old 1, 2 and 3's.  Maybe they will be okay.  I just have to find a reliable source at a good price.
As usual, I met up with the group at the park this evening and ran 2-miles on the roads.  Biting flies were bad; I need to run faster.

In Houston Today

I ran laps at the track this morning and then went down to Houston for a family get-together.  From there, I drove my son and his girlfriend to the airport in Houston and got back tonight.

Rain when you don't expect it

With a low percent chance of rain today, I watered my lawn this morning.  Later this afternoon, we had heavy wind, rain and lightning.  I sure do not want to complain about the rain, but Jacob and I were the only regulars who showed up at the park this evening.  My son, Tim, and his girlfriend, Phoebe, who are visiting from Yuma, AZ, and my wife came along this evening.  They went hiking in the rain and lightning, while Jacob and I ran.  I did 2 miles on the road, while Jacob ran trails.

Early Run

Even though it was awfully hot and humid, I worked out early this afternoon because I had to go to a family thing this evening.  I ran an unplanned course on the roads in town, which turned out to be 2.6 miles.  Earlier today, I received my copy of the quarterly newsletter from the U. S. Running Streak Association.  It is always great reading the stories written by fellow streakers.  Some have gone to extremes to keep their streak alive.  It makes me realize that I am a wimp.