Ending July in Normal Fashion

We're making it back up to the century mark on the thermometer before month-end. The days of rain and clouds are gone, but they were nice while they lasted. Today I ran 4 miles and did the 1-2-3 minute walk thing. Surprisingly, I only saw three people out on the trail. One was a guy walking, and the other two were walking down Lake Forest with a gas can. They stopped at the bridge to light cigarettes, so I'm guessing they weren't out for exercise. I took it easy the whole time, keeping a slow, steady pace. My heart rate maxed out at 154 bpm, which means I felt good and didn't push it too much. That's going to be the way to go over the foreseeable future.

5 and Fine

After the weirdness with the cramps on Thursday, I have to admit a little trepidation when I started running this morning. Fortunately, all went well. I took the westward route, which is what I'd wanted to do a couple of days ago. This time I ran 5 miles with only a couple of walking breaks. One was at the two-mile mark for a minute, and the other at 3.8 up the big hill on Virginia east of Ridge. The temperature started a couple degrees shy of 80 and ended at 81 when I finished. A bit humid, as expected. That's probably the last relatively cool run I'll have as Texas summer weather returns next week after a little bit of a break. I still don't know why I had calf cramps and need to do a little research. Could be electrolytes or lack of Vitamin D? Plenty of ideas but not sure the cause yet.

Unexpected Cramps

Yesterday afternoon was weird. I set out for a 4-miler and made it less than a mile. About a quarter-mile into it, both calves cramped. Usually that only happens after I've run 20+ miles. This cramping wasn't as bad as what I've experienced in the late stages of marathons, but it kind of weirded me out a little. I'd gone west instead of my regular route, so I turned and took a loop around another block, running to see how it went. That went fine, but I decided to call it a day. Cramps like that usually point to something my body needs and isn't getting. I'd been drinking water all day, so it wasn't dehydration. Maybe potassium? Anyway, in the short term I dosed the problem with ice-cold beer. That seemed to help and I'll try again tomorrow. Disappointing. And weird.

Inspiration with Perspiration

Today was one of those days where I received a bolt of inspiration while I ran my 4 miles. I'm working on a sequel to my novel First, which came out last October. I've struggled with a few false starts and now am about two-thirds of the way through a draft that I felt was going well but would need a lot of extra work to make it a book I'd want to read, much less publish. About a mile into today's run I thought of an idea I probably should've realized before and it brought everything together in my mind. Some of the root problems I knew I'd have to fix will disappear and the book will be more compelling.

What about the run, you ask? Good question. I wish I'd been able to run this morning since the temperature was in the 70s and the sky overcast. This afternoon the sun poked out and temperature rose to the mid-80s. Still not bad for Texas in July, though. It was a good run with the built-in walks. The best thing I can say is that the perspiration gave me some inspiration.

What Was

Today I ran 6 miles, which used to be my regular running distance. What was regular is now my long run, at least for now. The turnaround point is by the lake at Bonnie Wenk Park and I can't remember the last time I saw it. My hope is that this becomes routine again for my regular outings. The temperature was only about 80 degrees when I headed out, another nice July day in Texas. I definitely sweated a lot with the humidity, but I've run in worse. I thought there'd be more people out. I mean, there were several runners and cyclists, I just figured it'd be more crowded. I did walk at each mile, one minute at the first and second mile marks, two minutes at three and four, and three minutes at mile five. That kept my heart rate in check and provided a little relief from the humidity. It was nice to get in a "long" run again.

Almost Bailed

I had plenty of excuses to bail on this afternoon's run. Rain came through mid-afternoon and left it hot and humid. I didn't sleep well last night. I really just wanted to go smoke a cigar and chill. Despite all the reasons, I pushed myself to get out the door and run 4 miles. Even though the temperature was at least ten degrees lower than the previous run, the humidity made up for it. And yes! Rain in Texas in July. We'll take it. It was nice to see the streams with enough water in them to detect a little bit of a current. Also, I saw an armadillo out by the running path. It's odd to see them out during daylight hours. I took a sidestep toward him and he dashed for the tall grass and trees. They're destructive little critters and I was kind of hoping he'd tuck himself into an armored ball, but no such luck. Anyway, glad I made myself run today.

Recovery in the Heat

I viewed today as a recovery run after the baseball trip this past weekend. I did get in plenty of walking, including twice walking back to the rental from the stadium, about 1.5 miles. I also shaved a mile off the normal distance today since the temperature was 101 degrees this afternoon. Head index hit 106, or at least that's what I saw when I checked before heading out. So, I ended up with 3 miles today. I used the built-in walks to my advantage, maybe a little more than normal for such a short distance. It's supposed to cool off here for the next few days, "cool" being a relative term. Supposedly there's a chance of rain, too, but we all know how accurate those forecasts have been lately.

Hello, Texas

Today was a typical summer day in Texas. No surprise. 98 degrees, heat index 102. That doesn't sound so bad regarding the gap between air and humidity, but it did feel a bit like a sauna. Plus, I'm trying to cut back on snacks and didn't have anything mid-afternoon, so my stomach felt kind of aggravated at me when I started out. Not really nauseous or queasy, just like it expected to be fed and I hadn't done it. That feeling disappeared once I got going, though. I ran 4 miles, with varying degrees of walks at each mile marker. At the first mile I walked a minute, but at the second that walk lasted until I got back in the shade, probably about 3 1/2 minutes. The third walk was probably about the same. I've had a good string of regular running going, but it's going to end this weekend since I'll be going to baseball games. I'm sure I'll get in plenty of walking to make up for the lack of a run.

Late Call

I have a work call late this afternoon, and when I got stood up for a lunchtime call I decided to use the opportunity to get out for a run. Plus, it's marginally cooler now than it will be later. Even though the sun rode high in the sky I still found plenty of shade along the route. I went 4 miles, with a minute walk at each marker. Hey, it was only 89 degrees with a nice breeze from the north. That kept me from overheating. Overall, an uneventful, routine run. Now I don't have to try and rush out for a run after that call later.

Temperature Drop

A coldish front came through late yesterday. No rain, but it cooled things down quite a bit. This morning when I ran it was barely 80 degrees, a far cry from the 100-degree temperature on Tuesday when I ran. Today I'm smoking a brisket but still managed to break away for 5 miles, with only a minute walk every mile. Except the fourth, where I walked three minutes. Still, a nice day for a run overall. Saw plenty of people out walking. I took the alternate route through the neighborhood to the north, which offers more shade than my normal path that traces the southern edge of the big pond. We're supposed to have somewhat cooler temps for the next week, probably due somewhat to the hurricane hitting south Texas in a few days. Heck, maybe we'll even get some rain.

Four on the Fourth

It's Independence Day in the United States, which means a holiday. And I took advantage of the day off to run this morning before the mercury hits 100 degrees later this afternoon. I ran 4 miles and since the temperature wasn't too bad (88 degrees, heat index 97) yet, I walked at each mile marker without adding on the extra time like I did a couple of days ago. Saw several people out walking as well as a few runners. Mostly walkers, though. The southerly breeze helped as usual. I'm still amazed at how the streams have pretty much dried up over the past month or so. A chance of rain is in the forecast overnight, along with a break in the high temperatures. As usual, I'm skeptical.

101 Plus

Today was the first day I've run over 100 degrees this year - I think. It was 101 with heat index of 108. Not really that different from running when it's 97 and feels like temp of 107. The breeze out of the south felt good, at times, and at other times felt like a blast furnace. Like when I ran across the bridge in the last mile. Anyway, I ran 4 miles and modified my walking routine by adding a half-minute to the normal walk at each mile marker. By the time I got to mile three and walked 3 1/2 minutes it seemed like a lot of walking. But by that point I needed it. I watched my heart rate and it maxed out at about 150, sliding back nicely to 130 or less when I walked. I figure that's probably a good indicator to watch when it's so hot.

Soupy

I might have used the title for this post before - I mean, after all, I've been posting here for something like 20 years. Maybe a few years' shy. Anyway, it still describes the humidity outside perfectly. When I left it was 87 degrees with heat index of 97. Humidity was about 75%. I did the run/walk thing, with an extra walk thrown in at the halfway point for the 5-mile total. I'd just reached the turnaround point and in the park, shielded by trees and the spare breeze at my back. I immediately felt like I should take it easy and not push too hard, so I walked for a couple of minutes. That seemed to do the trick and I did the rest of the run according to plan. This was a tough day for a run, but I did it.

A Bit Earlier

Today was light on calls for work, so I made the snap decision to run before lunch. Turned out to be a good one, as the temperature was 89 degrees with heat index of 98. In case that's not clear, the heat index was below 100 degrees. Yesterday it was 111 at about 4:30 p.m. Anyway, I did the usual run/walk for 4 miles with better results than the last outing. Meaning I didn't walk as much, especially the last mile. It was nice to get out when the opportunity presented itself. Can't count on that every time, but I'll take it when it arises.

Sweaty Steps

Today summer started hitting on all cylinders. I went 4 miles, a lot of the last mile in walking mode. The temperature hit 96 degrees but the heat index was 107. Yeah, humid. I'm still getting acclimated to the horrendous heat so I told myself to walk as needed. And yes, I needed it. When you're 50-something years old you have to slow down and listen to what your body's telling you. I'm sure there are plenty of people my age who push it and really exert themselves, but I'm not one of them. I want to live to run another day. Not that working out hard would necessarily kill me in this heat, but it sure would increase the odds. Now it's time to relax and cool off.

5 of 5

Today I made my plan, even though I had a few excuses not to do so. I planned 5 miles, and that's what I did. This in spite of sleeping horribly last night, getting up at 5 a.m. to take The Wife to the airport, and high humidity. I thought about taking a nap before running, but decided I might as well just get it done. I think that was the right choice. Temperature was 88 degrees and heat index of 96, which tells you a little bit about how humid it was. Lots of people out walking, running, and biking today. Now that I think about it, I don't remember anyone out walking a dog like I usually see. It was mostly just people. Glad I could be one of them.

4 of 5

My original plan was to go 5 miles today, but I ended up with 4. That was due to the humidity and my walking plan. See, I figured 4 miles with the built-in walks would take me about an hour. I was correct. And an hour out in that soup was plenty. As I've said many times before, I'm not out training for anything right now and no need to go one extra mile just to say I did it. I still felt okay by the end of the run and that means I didn't overdo it. Don't get me wrong, my legs were tired and I could tell I'd exercised. Just not to the point of dropping from exhaustion.

Routine

I'd say today felt like a routine run. I kind of lost myself in the music and the familiarity of the path, the significant points along the way, and the weather. Fortunately, clouds rolled through from time to time, blunting the heat of the sun a bit. The temperature only got up to 92 degrees but the breeze was probably in the mid-teens of miles per hour. I went 4 miles and walked a minute for each mile run (two minutes at the end of two miles, three at the end of three). That seemed to work feel and is definitely part of the summer running routine.

Saturday in Texas

A normal Saturday morning here in Texas, with temperature around 80 degrees and a nice dose of humidity to go with it. Today's plan was to go 5 miles and that's exactly what I did. It included a bit of walking at each mile marker, and as usual given the humidity it seemed wise. Plenty of people out today and it's good to see people getting some exercise. The stream levels have returned to normal after the dose of rain we've received this spring. The accompaniment today was the Old 97's new album, American Primitive. Great stuff as usual from my favorite band. My only problem with the album is that it's too short, clocking in at about 42 minutes. That's okay, though. I have all their music on my iPod so I just keep rocking.

Break

I had a break in my work calendar again today and used the opportunity to get out before the day grew too hot. I ran 4 miles again, with walk breaks at each mile. Hey, it might've been "only" 82 degrees but the sun and humidity combined to make it necessary for a break. Careful readers will remember that when it hits 80 degrees in Texas then I throw in walking breaks. I'm not trying to win any speed contests or conjure a heat stroke. The breeze helped somewhat and I feel that overall it was a nice outing.

Revolution

Who would've thought that standing out in the sun for two days at the Texas Music Revolution would wear me out? After Friday and Saturday, both in the 90s and humid, and feeling like a wrung-out sweat sock, running just wasn't in the plans for Sunday. Fortunately, this week my calendar has less meetings and I got out for an early afternoon run. I went 4 miles with a little less walking. Today's temperature is on only 82 degrees and cloudy. It was a nice run and I felt good overall. I put new heel inserts in my shoes but I might go back to the old ones. We all know from past experience how little it takes to change one's stride and mess with the mechanics further up the chain.

Higher Temp, Less Soup

Even though it was a couple of degrees warmer today than on Tuesday, the running conditions were actually better. That would be because the humidity registered lower, therefore making the heat index lower. I went 4 miles total, with walks of 2-3 minutes at each mile marker. Yes, the summertime protocol is now in full swing. Whatever the case, it was good to get out and sweat a little. There's going to be a lot of that going on as summer revs up.

Summertime Walking

Temperature got above 90 degrees today, which means it's time to build in walks every mile or so. I went 3.5 miles total and walked probably a half-mile of it, maybe a little more. The heat index was 103 due to all the humidity from the rain the last several days. I felt pretty good, other than the fatigue toward the end. But that was good, especially after the last couple of weeks. Looking forward to a summer of running. And walking.

More Kansas

Another run today in Kansas, this time in Wamego. I went at noon with a temperature around 80 degrees and lots of sunshine. Plus a little humidity. I went around the athletic complex three times for a total of 2.5 miles. Not a great distance, but after eating and drinking a lot the past several days, it was plenty. We're here to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday, and celebrate we did. Time to run a little bit and burn off some of the extra calories.

St. George Run

In Kansas today and ran a couple of miles in St. George. Walked a mile first with the family, so a total of 3 miles over some hilly ground, along with a little bit of sprinkles and a lot of humidity. I missed running Tuesday because of alleged storms that ended up totally missing us. But I got the grass mowed, which was a good thing. 

11 Days

It's been 11 days since my last run. During that time we had several bouts of rain and I was out of town for work. I could've run a couple of times if I'd really tried, but for some reason I just didn't. Back to it. This morning was humid and overcast and I went 3 miles. I did a different route, just for fun, and that was a nice change. Felt pretty good overall and I'm hoping to get back into the routine.

A Run in the Morning

I have work commitments later this afternoon, so I ran earlier in the day than normal. It was a good decision to get out in the morning since the temperature was perfect and the sky clear with a gentle breeze from the north. I only went 3 miles, but it was a good run. Since it's a work day there weren't many people out, which is fine. Fewer dogs to dodge. Actually, the dogs usually behave. It's the humans who think they can take up the whole running path. Anyway, glad I got out when I could.

Fantastic Four

Thursday ended up being full of meetings and it wasn't until today (Saturday) that I got in the third run of the week. Talk about a nice day! Temperature was only about 60 degrees and little to no wind. I went 4 miles and felt good the whole way. Even the humidity wasn't too bad. I took it slow and easy and just enjoyed the day with some nice music to listen to along the way. I'll take days like this in Texas any time.

Midday 3

I figured it was going to get close to 90 degrees today and since it was a light day for meetings I went for a midday run. Even so, it was still over 80 and humid. I ran 3 miles total, with a 2-1/2 minute walk at the end of the second mile. It'll take a little time to get used to the heat again and we're on the way. Overall, though, a good outing followed by mowing the lawn. I've definitely got my exercise in for the day.

Back on the Horse

Yesterday I smoked a brisket all day, so today was an outing much like the last one where I only went 2 miles. It was an outing to get back on the horse and prep for the upcoming week, where I hope to get out three times in the next six days. Plus, today was ultra-humid after a big storm last night. The stream running under Lake Forest was full and lots of debris jamming up part of it, including some big logs from trees that fell. Nice outing, though, and it served its purpose. 

Run then Walk

Tuesday I got up really early to take The Wife to the airport. By the time work ended, I knew an outing would not go well. Today was better, but humidity was up since it rained yesterday. Plus, my left knee has been aching a little. Not sure why. So I kept it to 2 miles today with a run for the first mile and walking the second. Mainly the walk was to keep my exercise time a little longer. I could've run the second part, but I wanted the extra minutes. And it was humid. Did I mention that?

Travel Gap

We left town last Saturday and I got back on Thursday. The schedule was packed so I didn't even try to bring running gear. When I arrived home, I was a bit worn out but new I needed to get out. I walked 2 miles, which didn't seem worthy of its own post. Today was better, with a 4-miler, although not all of that was running. I figure I ran a 5k with a ten-minute walk in the middle, mainly because I wanted to get more time exercising but didn't want to run the whole way. It was a nice compromise. Plus, I listened to an album I hadn't heard in probably a decade and that kept things fresh. Very windy and overcast, with rain yesterday and more forecast for this evening.

Soup Day

I felt better on today's run than I did Tuesday, but the humidity took care of that. Wow, was it soupy out there. I held the run to 3 miles, with a walk at the 2-mile mark to cool down a bit. The temperature was 86 degrees, which added to the mix quite nicely. I did enjoy the outing, though, since I loaded the new Old 97's album onto my iPod after only listening to it on vinyl for the past couple of weeks. Great stuff.

Bleh

I was hoping for a more energetic outing today, but overall I felt blechy. I think it's the cumulative effects of allergies over the past few months. I mean, I wasn't having an allergy attack today, but I did feel like I had the flu and someone beat me up with a baseball bat. Like a normal day. Anyway, I ran a little over a mile, then walked for a bit, ran some more, and ended up walking the rest of the way. Overall mileage was 2.8 miles, of which I probably ran 1.75 or so. Not great, but then again, I got out there. Sometimes that's the win.

Another 5

After the fun of allergies and a 4-miler on Thursday, I ended the running week with 5 miles this morning. I thought there'd be more people out since it was in the 60s and sunny, but what do I know? I mean, there were a few people on the trail, but maybe it was because I went out relatively early at just past 8 a.m. Anyway, the run was good and the only walking I did was a tenth of a mile up the big hill. I followed that up with trimming and mowing the yard and it's not even lunchtime yet.

More of the Allergies

After all these years I'm still not sure how this allergy thing works. I was fine Monday, which was the total eclipse and very enjoyable, and then Tuesday rain moved in and it was cloudy and wet all day. You'd think that'd knock all the pollen or whatever out of the air and I'd be fine, but you'd be wrong. Instead, I suffered through a major allergy attack and spent all day trying to maintain some momentum at work while continually sneezing and blowing my nose. What a great day. Any thought of running never crossed my mind. It rained again yesterday, so today was my first chance to get out of the house since Monday. I ran 4 miles in sunshine and a stiff breeze out of the north, but I have to say it felt good to get out. I can only hope and pray this doesn't set off another allergy attack, but as we established earlier, what do I know?

5 and Windy

Today's running conditions were much different than Thursday. The temperature was in the mid-60s with a lot of wind, kind of like earlier this week. Nevertheless, I persevered against not just the wind, but also my thoughts about cutting the run short. I told myself I had nowhere I needed to be and to suck it up. I went a full 5 miles, completing my 3-4-5 plan for the week. It's a start.

4 (Kind of)

It was a little warmer than I expected today, about 82 degrees. I could feel the change over the last few runs but still decided to go 4 miles, as per plan for this week. It ended up kind of being 4 miles. I walked two-tenths of a mile at the 2.35 mile mark, or about three minutes. So it ended up being a split of about 2.3 and 1.7 mile runs. Whatever the case, I did it. That little walk in the relative heat helped me make it. No complaints about what a beautiful day it turned out to be.

Gusty

Today was windy, like 20 mph constant and gusts up to 30 mph. This week I want to do the 3-4-5 step up in mileage, assuming I get in all three runs. Today was 3 miles and even though I probably could have gone more, it seemed like enough with all the wind. Also, I'm an idiot. Once again, I put on the wrong pair of shoes. I should know better by now since my left knee aches a little bit when I wear them. I think at this point I need to put my non-running pair of shoes in another location. You'd think it wouldn't be this difficult, but you'd be wrong.

Opening Day

Thursday was Opening Day for Major League Baseball, which IMHO should be a national holiday. I bring this up because I chose to watch the Cardinals opener against the Dodgers instead of running. It ended up being a mistake since the Cards got their butts kicked. Lesson learned.

Today was really nice and I ran 3.5 miles. Then I followed last Saturday's pattern and spent a couple hours working in the yard. Guess that means springtime is really here. It certainly burns some extra calories.

A Tad Cool

Cool breeze from the north today and temperature in the low 50s, plus a late-afternoon meeting on the calendar. I was resolved to not miss running today, though, and went out for 3 miles during a break between work calls. The breeze was strong when running against it, but not bad on the last mile mostly going south. Looks like the rain has moved out for a while so I'll take it.

Nice Morning

I missed Thursday due to rainstorms and laziness, but mostly laziness. Today was absolutely gorgeous, with temperature in the 50s and abundant sunshine. I ran 4 miles but with a break in the middle since I stopped and talked to someone I know. The running part felt good and not too much effort, which is good since I have lots of yardwork to do this afternoon. I'm getting in the physical effort today for sure.

The Glory of Spring

With the recent rain, the grass is turning green and the trees are budding. The day started off cold, 35 degrees, but warmed into the upper 60s with a load of sunshine. I felt good and ran 4 miles. I think the "race" on Saturday got me in the right frame of mind to work on my fitness and mileage. I want to keep it going but Thursday looks like a rainy day. I might have to rearrange my running schedule or hope that there are breaks in the storms.

Shamrock Run

The rain stayed away this morning so we could run the McKinney Shamrock 5k. Compared to my last couple of outings, this was actually a good run. I didn't push it and finished with a 10:20 pace, a little faster than my normal outings. Then I topped it off with a full Irish fry-up and a couple of pints. It was actually nice to do a race again, even though I wouldn't call what I did "racing." Just a good outing with some friends and about 1500 other people.

Dragging

Between work calls I was able to get out for a 3-miler. I still felt like I was dragging even though the weather was decent, if a little humid. Maybe that was the problem. Also, allergies since I felt like my windpipe wasn't operating at full capacity. Anyway, I walked briefly at the 2.3 mile mark since my heart rate was kind of high. I ran a little more, walked up the big hill, and finished with another short run. Then sneezed and had a runny nose for a bit. Such a joy. I was glad to make it out since rain was in the forecast but held off.

Is It Dookie or Dooky?

Whichever way you spell it, that's how I felt today. I slept like dookie/dooky last night and of course, that carried over into today's run. I actually ran a mile and then walked home, for a total of 2 miles. Maybe I can get a good night's sleep and try again tomorrow. Rain is in the forecast for Thursday, so it makes sense to move that run forward a day and see I feel better.

Sad

It's sad that the last couple of weeks I've averaged two runs and about six miles. That used to be my standard for one run. Thursday it rained all day, which makes for a good excuse, but overall it's just sad. This morning I went for a 3-miler and it was a decent run with a stiff, cool breeze from the north. Good news, though: yesterday I signed up for a St. Patrick's Day 5k, which will actually be on the 16th. It's not much in the running department but at least it'll be something fun.

Lagging

I felt kind of lethargic on this afternoon's 3-miler, like I was lagging behind the pack. Not sure what the deal was since I've slept all right the past few nights and allergies haven't been bothering me. Maybe I've been eating too much rich food, like the beef kind of rich food. Maybe I should eat smaller portions. Or eat something not so heavy. Maybe, but probably not.

Scrape

Tuesday evening I was taking out the trash and pivoted just outside the back screen door, which was closing behind me. As I pivoted, the back of my right heel scraped up the metal corner of the door, leaving a nice, long gouge. Yes, I swore. That kept me sidelined for Thursday but it felt good enough today.

There's a line from the late, great Kirstie Alley in her role from Cheers where her character, Rebecca Howe, has a bad moment and whines, "I am too stupid to live!" Well, I wasn't in that bad of a situation today, but still felt pretty idiotic. During my 4-mile run, I experienced a multiple instances where one knee or the other felt not quite right. I almost walked the last half-mile or so, but I focused on keeping my form moving straight and economical and all was good. However, when I got back inside and took off my shoes I realized I'd worn my walking shoes. In other words, the old pair of running shoes that I don't run in any more. I've now done that multiple times. I may not be too stupid to live, but maybe I'm too stupid to run.

In-Between Run

Today I had late-afternoon meetings and was able to get out for a 3-miler in between. The mercury got up to 84 degrees, which was a little cooler than the low 90s we had yesterday. I could feel the difference in temperature from last week, with a little more humidity. I felt like I was dragging a little, probably due to all the allergies over the past seven days. Or actually, a lifetime of allergies. Regardless, I overcame a sneezing fit this morning to still enjoy a run.

Allergy Week

Well, that was nice. After going for a birthday run on Tuesday, that evening I suffered a big allergy attack. It pretty much kicked my butt for a couple of days, and I thought it best to not run on Thursday and tempt fate even more. Especially since it was windy and that really seems to do the trick. Today, though, was much nicer. Sunshine, nice temperature, and even more important: very little breeze. After breakfast and coffee, I ran 4 miles. It was a good, steady run, and I went the whole way. Except for the big hill, of course. Then I spent an hour or so running the mower over the accumulated leaves in our yard, mulching them quite nicely. Now it's time to relax and hope the allergies stay away.

Another Birthday Run

What a nice day! Temperature was in the low to mid-50s this morning and I went a full 4 miles. Sun was shining, breeze very light, and just an all-around beauty of a day. Plus, it's also my birthday, and what better way to celebrate than to go for a run? I missed going out last Saturday due to cool and windy weather. I probably could have bundled up and went out, but I opted for laziness instead. Hey, at this age I'm entitled. Or so I hear.

Highs and Lows

Felt tired this afternoon for some reason. I started out fine, but by the time I got to 1.5 miles I felt like I could take a nap. That was the low part of the run. I walked a quarter-mile and then ran the rest of the way. I even kicked it into a sprint the last tenth. That was the high part of the run. It was another 3-mile outing and a beautiful day. I wish my run had matched the weather, but hey, i got out the door. That has to count for something.

Really Nice

It was almost too nice today. Temperature was 62 degrees, the sun shone in a cloudless sky, and barely a hint of a breeze. I went the usual 3-mile route, with walks at beginning and end. For math nerds, that made the overall total 3.3 miles, but I only count the running part in my reporting. I was glad to make it out today, since the weekend days were rainy and cool. As of today, subject to change tomorrow, the forecast is looking good with no precipitation or freezing temperatures through next week. Let's run!

Running in the 70s

The temperature was mild again, in the low 70s, and I ran 3miles. As mentioned last time, I'd planned on going more but just wasn't feeling it. And no reason to risk injury for just another mile. Gotta love these nice days in February. I think a little rain is in the forecast over the weekend, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Cooler Than It Should Be

On most days, especially during winter, 62 degrees would be a decent temperature. Today it felt cooler than it should have, even though the breeze wasn't that strong. I decided to go 3 miles, hoping to ratchet it up by a mile each outing this week. I mean, really, a day like today is outstanding in early February. No complaints here, and happy for a nice run.

Cool Sunday

I did the Sunday run this week since I had Saturday obligations. Today was a little on the cool side with a breeze from the north, with the mercury hovering around 50 degrees. I went 4 miles, with a quarter-mile walk at the three-mile mark. That was due to my heart rate being a little high, so I walked a little to bring it back down. Overall, it was a good outing. Not many people out on the paths, but that's okay. I enjoyed it and left myself enough energy to do some yardwork as well.

Another!

Today was absolutely gorgeous. 74 degrees when I went out late afternoon and barely any wind. I figured I should go at least three miles, maybe a half-mile more, and ended up with a tally of 4 miles. I thought about walking before I got to the turnaround but ended up running all the way (except the big hill). Why not? It was a really good run and an awesome day. No arguments here. 

Make-Up

Didn't run Saturday since it was cold and windy and I didn't run yesterday because I did other stuff. Today was nice, though, about 70 degrees and non-windy. I ran 3 miles and honestly, it felt a little like a struggle. Maybe because I didn't sleep well last night. Oh well, I did the rare Monday run and am glad I did.

Back from Vegas

Well, last Saturday I spent most of the day doing the things and getting ready for a trip out of town. I left on Sunday and returned late yesterday. Three full days in Las Vegas meant I was ready for some exercise. Even thought it's a little bit cool and overcast, my schedule today allowed me to get out for a run by late morning. I ran 3 miles and it did feel good after all the joys of modern travel. No travel in the immediate forecast for me, which I'm hoping means I can get back into a regular rhythm of goodness.

Breezy Outing

Didn't get out today until about 4:40 p.m., an hour or so before sunset. A little breeze from the north kept it pretty cool even though the temp was supposedly 58 degrees. I ran in shorts and long-sleeved tee. It felt nice and easy today and I went 3 miles with a sprint at the end. It was nice to feel like I could've run longer. Cold is back in the forecast starting tomorrow but I plan on getting out Saturday unless it turns ugly.

Geography Matters

Geography matters in a few ways. For instance, last week I was on the beach in Mexico and no way was I going to run. It would've ruined the general sense of laziness I enjoyed. I did go for a few walks, but they were mostly leisurely and counted for about as little activity as I could get away with.

Geography also matters in how I perceived today versus when we lived in Kansas City. Today in Texas the temperature at run-time was about 26 degrees. It was really cold and I wanted to turn around before I even made it a quarter-mile. However, I persevered and made it for a whole 2.5 mile outing. Compare that to the times in KC when the thermometer hit 26 degrees in January. I would've been ecstatic during some of those brutal winters. In fact, there were times that felt downright warm. Today, though, it was far from it. It's supposed to get warmer as the week goes along and I'm fine with that.

Four for Saturday

I waited until afternoon to run today since this morning just didn't look nice. The high today is only 48 degrees with a good breeze from the north, but at least the sun poked out after lunch. I ran 4 miles and overall felt much better than earlier in the week. It was nice to get some sunlight during the middle of winter. I didn't get out Thursday due to it being rainy so I was determined to get out today. Mission accomplished.

Number 2,000

This is post number 2,000. This log that I started in December 2006 has lasted 17 years now. I did it to track my progress in running a marathon and now 10 marathons and a bunch of halfs later I'm still going. My youngest daughter asked me yesterday if I would like to run a half with her later this year and of course I said yes. So, now I have a goal.

2,000 posts doesn't mean 2,000 runs. Some posts encompassed multiple runs while others recapped a walk. I guess that means I've done 2,000ish runs. This has been a simple way for me to log each one and go back someday to see what I experienced along the way. Hopefully there's plenty more to write about.

Last One?

Was today the last run of 2023? If so, it wasn't great. I ran a mile and walked another for a total of 2 miles. Just wasn't feeling it, I guess. It was a nice enough day, a little on the cool side with a breeze, but at least the sun was shining.

Which brings up the year in review: how did it go? Okay, I guess. I really do need a goal for next year, like a 10k or a half. The only race I ran this year was the turkey trot, which was fun but not really a stretch goal. All said, though, I'm still glad to be running. It's a good time of relaxation and keeps me reasonably fit. If I can avoid injury and laziness in 2024 that'll be a good thing.

Crispy Run

This morning it was crisp - very cool temperature, breezy, but at least the sun was out. I bundled up for my 4-mile run. Strangely enough, there weren't a lot of people out the day after Christmas. The run itself was good and I'm glad to be on the increase again with mileage. Hoping I can keep that up in the new year. And glad I didn't let the coldness keep my inside.

Misty Run

This morning was supposedly heavy fog, but in reality it was just misty. I needed to get out since I didn't have the chance on Thursday. I ran 4 miles. Overall, I felt good and the effort not too much. I thought about doing a shorter run, but then I figured: why? I wasn't in a hurry and in the holiday season I need the exercise. I spent the afternoon watching a friend work on the brakes on his truck and then coming home and making salsa verde. It's Christmas time!

Walking with The Wife

I had time in my work schedule to walk with The Wife yesterday, so I did. We walked just over 2 miles and it was a bit cool and windy. It was a nice, brisk walk with someone I happen to like a lot. My rib feels almost all the way better. It's weird because it seems to ache when I first wake up but fades as the day goes by. We have rain in the forecast coming up, so we'll see how I can get out between storms.

Frost

Frost on the ground this morning in north Texas and temperature was just above freezing when I went out. The sun was shining and the air was still, which made for a nice setting. I drove to Oklahoma and back yesterday and I felt a little stiff after 7+ hours in the car. This morning I walked briefly, ran 1.85, and then walked the last mile for a total of 3 miles I wasn't in a hurry and that was nice. I think today calls for maximum relaxation.

Odd Run

The mailman delivered a piece of mail the other day that belongs to the same house number, just a street over. So I started my exercise today by walking over and back and then going the regular route. That was a little odd but worked out okay. The good news is I took a few running steps and the pain in my ribs seemed dull. After a few yards it went away and seemed like I could keep going. I really didn't feel it the rest of the way, going 3 miles total and including 1.5 miles of running. I'm back!

Tender Ribs

The ribs are still tender so I walked again today. 2.5 miles or so - I had to make the turn a bit early since some lady was walking three dogs ahead of me and two of them got free when a couple walking toward me passed them by. I decided I didn't want to get in that mess and made an about-face. Very breezy today although the sun was out. I wore long-sleeved shirt and long pants, which turned out to be a good decision. I'd originally thought of wearing shorts but didn't regret going with pants instead.

Ribs

 About 3-4 weeks ago The Wife injured her ribs, I think by bending over a grocery freezer and popping a lower rib. I told her I'd never heard of that but watched her suffer quite a bit before it healed. Then I did the same thing last Friday leaning into my truck's engine compartment to check the oil. What are the odds?

Thursday it rained. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, I didn't run Saturday. Today I took two jogging steps and decided running wasn't for me. So, I walked 2.5 miles. That went okay but I really wanted to keep up the running progression. It might be next week before running is back in the plan. *sigh*

More in the Fall

Another nice autumn day here in north Texas. Just a few degrees under 60 with sun and hardly any breeze to speak of. I went 3.5 miles this time and thought about going another half-mile but decided I felt a little dead-legged. Saw a hot air balloon to the east and a couple of guys walking their dogs, but not much else. Pity since it was such a nice day.

Post-Turkey Run

That stomach virus earlier this week helped me shed four pounds or so, and I did my best to make it back the last couple of days. So today was important for doing my best to maintain some semblance of fitness over the holiday weekend. Temperature was in the low 50s but sunshine-y with a light breeze. I ran 4 miles plus the walking at the beginning and the end. Overall, a pleasant outing that saw me start off wondering if I'd go the distance but ended up making it with gas still in the tank. Plus, gotta take advantage of the cooler weather while it's around and bearable.

Turkey Trot 2023

Ran a turkey trot today for the first time since we moved to Texas from KC, I think. We used to do the Parkville Turkey Trot as a family, but kind of got away from the tradition as the years went by. Daughter #2 asked if I wanted to do one this year, so we did. Got in my 3.11 miles first thing and now it's on to breakfast and more. My run earlier this week was derailed by a fast-moving stomach virus. It hit Monday and left Tuesday, but I didn't feel 100% and decided it would be smart to skip it in lieu of resting. There it is, proof once in a while I actually do something smart.

Darn Near Perfect

Temperature in the upper 50s and sunshine today, almost a perfect day. Tiny breeze out of the north, barely enough to mention. I ran 4 miles overall and felt good the whole way. Plenty of people out today, including a father/son group along the bridge by the pond in the neighborhood to the north. Mostly blocking it on the way out and only slightly on the way back. Other than that, I didn't see a ton of people out, which is kind of amazing considering how nice it is. I'm ready for the Turkey Trot next week. Other than packet pickup, of course.

Avoiding the Dogs

Maybe it's just a function of the times. I ran 3.4 miles but it should've been 3.5. I turned around right before I got to a couple walking their dogs so I wouldn't have to pass them one way and immediately going the other. Then when I got back in the neighborhood I ran by the first house, with a fence running the length of the sidewalk. It was missing a small piece last week and now another, bigger, piece close to street. That dog is a dick. He snapped at me through the missing plank and if it was up to him would've crashed through and eaten me for an appetizer. Last week there was the dog across the street barely a hundred yards west. Maybe I should start carrying dog spray. Anyway, it was a beautiful day and a nice run, dogs notwithstanding. And this is from a dog person.

Pleasant Run

The day was mostly overcast but the clouds parted a bit this afternoon. Temperatures reached the upper 60s and it was a very pleasant day for a run. I thought about going longer than 3 miles but since I'm planning on running a couple more times this week I decided to ramp up on the next couple of runs. Looks likes it's supposed to stay this nice at least through Saturday before a chance of rain moves in. I'll take it.

This is the Week

I count today's run as part of the past Monday-Sunday week, so that means I got in two outings the past week. Better than the previous week. I think this is the week I get back on track. Not the track, just on track. Wanted to clarify. I ran 3 miles today with a temprature in the mid-60s. It was a nice afternoon for running. Last week I signed up for a Turkey Trot with Daughter #2. At least I can run that distance with no issues these days.

Slow Month

Yes, October ended up being a slow month for running. Last week I kind of let it all slide with my parents in town and lots of work obligations. Today I had a chance to get out before it got dark (screw you, daylight savings time) with a temperature of 84 degrees on a November day. The breeze was high and it felt good, but after more than a week off I walked most of a 2.5-mile walk. I ran about .4 of a mile early on but decided to take it easy. Not sure about running on Thursday since rain is in the forecast. We'll see. Hoping to make this a less-slow month.

Between Storms

Lots of rain overnight and this morning, and more expected this evening. Fortunately, a gap between storms arrived this afternoon and I had the chance to get out. I ran 4 miles with the temperature about 60 degrees. The creeks and ponds are way high and I expect they'll rise even more by the time the rain is all done. I walked up the big hill, as usual, and sprinted the last bit into the neighborhood. Overall, a good outing in good conditions.

A Little Water

It's amazing to me how we can go pretty much five months without rain of any kind to a couple of days of rain that causes the creeks to overflow. I guess the ground can't soak it all up or something. The creek I run over on Lake Forest was over its banks and probably has gone down a little bit today. We're due for more rain over the weekend so we'll see how it goes. Rain was the reason I didn't get out on Tuesday.

Today was a different story. I ran at lunchtime since I have a late call this afternoon and went 3.3 miles total. Just like before, I started running from my old spot after a short walking warm-up. Once again it felt pretty good and I think on Saturday, as long as it's not raining, I can run a bit longer. Even though I do love summer, it's nice to run when the sky is overcast and the temperature is only 72. A bit humid, but that's okay.

Multiple Outings

 I walked 1.25 miles with The Wife this morning and then stopped by the house to pick up my iPod before embarking on another 3.3 miles. The extra .3 is because I started running at the old spot, which used to be the usual mark for tracking my mileage. It's .15 miles from the house, so multiply it by two to get the .3. This is the first time I started running from the neighborhood in a long while, and I ran the whole 3 miles except for the big hill on the way back. It's a nice day, a little overcast, but the temperature and breeze feel good. After getting back I harvested the turd crop in the backyard and then mowed, putting me over 12,000 steps before noon. Time to relax the rest of the day.

Three Again

A nice day again, about 74 degrees at run time with sun and a light breeze. Another 4 miles with a half-mile walk to begin and end, a whole three miles in the middle without stopping. I figured I should go for it since I probably won't be able to get out on Thursday. Maybe tomorrow, but it will be just a walk if I do.

Eclipse Run

Solar eclipse today in Texas, and as I ran it started. It was pretty cool to see the crescent sunlight on the ground as it filtered through the trees. I went 4 miles total and ran 3 miles straight. It helped that the temperature was in the 50s with a cool breeze from the north. I actually ran a few hundred yards once I got back to the neighborhood since I spotted The Wife walking ahead of me. It was nice to run without breaks and the momentum toward higher mileage continues.

Around Work

I found an unexpected gap in my work schedule today and got out for a walk/run, which was nice because I have a late afternoon meeting that puts a crimp in my exercise schedule. It's a gray, cloudy day and temperature is only around 70 degrees with a breeze from the south. Almost underdressed in shorts and t-shirt but somehow survived. I went 3 miles total, with half of that running, once again in half-mile increments. I sprinted at the end of the third one and overall felt good. Still planning to increase mileage as the weather cools.

Anniversary Walk

Missed a few days of exercise due to a trip to Georgia to see family I did get in a little walking on Saturday when I took my nephew to a UGA football game. We got back yesterday and today is our anniversary, so The Wife and I went for a nice 3-mile walk. Temperature was only 71 degrees and it's a pleasant day, in many ways. Hard to believe we've been married this long, especially the part where someone would stick with me so many years. Every one of those years has been a gift.

I Love the 80s

Okay, the title is a reference to the temperature today, but I also did love the '80s. It was pleasant outside, sunny, with a nice breeze from the south. Rain is supposed to move in tomorrow night but as I've said before, I'll believe it when I see it. I walked 3 miles today, mainly due to soreness from yesterday when I was snaking a bathroom drain. Interesting that contorting myself into unnatural postions under a sink results in aches and pains the next day. Such is life for someone who lived through the '80s.

Late-Morning, Post-Coffee

The Wife and I went out to breakfast this morning, which was nice but delayed my exercise by a few hours. I went for a 4-miler and ran 2.5 miles of it in .5, 1.5, and .5 mile increments. The temperature wasn't too bad, nor was the humidity, and a nice breeze out of the southwest hit me at some good moments. I still feel like I'm doing well on the road to increasing mileage back to what it was a few years ago.

94?

The temperature says 94 degrees but it doesn't feel like it. Maybe it's because I went out for my walk/run after 5 p.m. as the sun was getting lower. I ran half of the 3 miles in half-mile increments, as I've done before. Even sprinted the last few hundred yards for a literal change of pace. There wasn't much breeze, which again makes me wonder why it didn't feel as hot as the thermometer said. Oh, well, I'll take it.

Sunny Walk

We finally got some rain Sunday night, which cooled things off briefly, but today we're back into the low 90s with lots of sun. I determined this was another good time to walk instead of running. It was a brisk pace, especially since usually I take a little bit to warm up. I can tell we're heading toward the end of the year as the shadows from the fences and trees grow longer. Overall, 3 miles and nothing unusual about it.

Normaler

Today seemed like a normal Saturday, temperature this morning in the upper 70s. I went 4 miles total, running half of that in half-mile intervals. I got out before 8 a.m. so I could come home and eat breakfast and drink my coffee at a leisurely pace. Running felt fine, although at the end I upped the pace and got the heart rate up nice and high. Yeah, that's normal, too.

Skating Fail

This was a new one on me today: almost a mile into my walk and a girl went by me on old-style four-wheel skates. She got about five steps ahead of me and fell. Poor kid, she was probably a high school sophomore or so, wearing backpacks both front and back. I helped her up and she said something about the weight of the backpacks, but I didn't really hear since I was wearing earbuds. Anyway, she seemed okay and skated off. Guess I did my good deed for the day.

Other than that the 3-mile seemed routine. Temperatures still in the low 90s but very breezy, and this might be our last week of hitting 90. We'll see. On Saturday's outing I'll try some running again.

A Little Walking, A Little Running

Today I got out for a 3-miler with storm clouds on the western horizon. I walked a half-mile, ran a half-mile, walked two-tenths of a mile, and was going to run another half but stopped after a quarter. All I can say about that is my knees felt...rickety. Not sure the cause, but I decided to walk the rest of the way. They feel fine now, a couple hours later, and whatever was going on was apparently temporary. I also mowed the back yard after returning home, where I got a few spits of rain but not much else. Youngest Daughter and I went out for dinner and I used the windshield wipers on the truck a little, but again, not much to report from the "storm."

40 Degrees

What a difference 40 degrees makes. A couple of weeks ago I was walking in 107 degrees and this morning started off at 67. Wow.

I missed Thursday's outing due to allergies. They kicked my butt starting Tuesday and by Wednesday I felt like I'd been beaten up multiple times. Seems like the allergy attacks have been more intense the past few years, almost putting me down for the count for multiple days. It sucks. Yesterday I felt almost back to normal. Today I was going to run as much as possible, but in the second interval I felt the effects of the allergies with breathing, so I stuck to 3 miles and ran half of it. Here's hoping the allergies take a hike and I can enjoy running more in the cooler weather.

Seriously

Today the temperature not only stayed in the low 80s but we also got a trace of rain this morning. Which means, of course, that it's time for my allergies to make a grand entrance. Seriously???????

About noon I felt sinus pressure and my head felt stuffy, and then as the afternoon wore on the mucous started running. Again I ask, seriously? So much for getting a chance to enjoy the nice weather.

Regardless, I went out for a walk. I'd planned on running but walked 3 miles instead, with plenty of snot rockets along the way. I got in my exercise, but seriously???????

Broken

The heat broke today and it looks like summer is on the way out. Mostly. Today's high is still 94 degrees but it was only 74 when I headed out for a walk/run. I ran 2.25 miles of the 4 miles and gotta say it felt pretty good. With milder temperatures I should be able to run more frequently and build up the mileage. I'd like to get back to the days of doing six-milers on a regular basis and getting back to the point where I can run a half marathon. It's been awhile but that's my plan over the coming months.

Is This It?

Is this the last time this year I'll be out for a walk where the temperature is over 100 degrees? Could be. Today was 105, tomorrow is supposed to be 107. I'm not walking tomorrow. Then Saturday's high is 99 but I'll be out in the morning before it reaches that point, and after that it trends to the low 90s before plummeting to a high of 78 on Tuesday with rain in the forecast. I went for a 3-mile walk today and it honestly felt like a blast furnace. Maybe it was just the thought this might be the end of the high heat. Whatever the case, I'll start enjoying some cooler walks and runs. At least until next year.

More Summer

Today we made it back over 100 degrees, with a lovely reading of 101 when I went out for a walk after work. Supposedly, this week is it for the high temps. As I've started before, we'll see. I enjoyed a nice 3-mile walk, listening to a podcast for a change. Nothing remarkable about today and the walk. Sometimes you're just in the groove and it all goes according to plan.

Another Delay

Yesterday I smoked a brisket and some other fine meats, meaning I didn't get out until today. Which was a little sad, since the temperature was 68 degrees yesterday morning.

Today wasn't bad, though. We clocked in at 80 degrees when I headed out, and I kept it to 3 miles since I ran half of it. Once again, it was nice to get in a little bit of running in half-mile increments. I also mowed the lawn and cleaned off the patio. Now it's rest time.