The 16th annual North Trails Half Marathon

On Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2012, I ran in my 5th Half.  The 16th annual North Trails Half Marathon which was located close to Flag Pole Hill, White Rock Lake, Dallas TX.  www.whiterockracing.com put on this race in conjunction with RunOn!, Baylor Medical Center, and several other sponsors. I only did a half mile warm up, then waited for the 7:30 am start.  It was in the high 60s to start.  I didn't train as hard as I should have because of my tight hamstring and I never went over 8 miles in any of my training runs.  My previous 4 Halves were all under 2 hours, but I knew I needed to slow my pace down in order to run this 13.1 mile race.  I stared out at about an 8:40 pace but after about a 10K, my pace started to climb up as the temperature reached 80 degrees.  Before I got to the 15K marker I started to get fatigued in my right leg and started to cramp up.  The more I tried to increase my pace, the more pain I felt.  So I decided to just do my best to finish the race.   My 20K time was 2:02 and I still had over a half mile to go.  Finally I reached the end of the trail and back on the street to the finish line.  I crossed the finish line at 2:07:39.   Several other RunOn! runners also ran this Half.  Alan Carruthers, 52, was right behind me.  Earl Henley, 63, who works at the RunOn! Dallas store, placed in the Clydesdale division.  Meg Pinrose, 46, was the female Masters winner, second female runner, and 13th overall.  Mark Olateju, 50, was the male Masters winner, and 3rd overall.  Doug Walters, who is also a member of the Carrollton's Runners Club, was 6th overall.   I finished 66 out of 118 overall and 45 out of 61 men. I placed first in my age group out of five.  I received my finishing metal and everyone that placed also received a trophy.   Have you seen the new USMD Prostate Cancer Center commercial?  It usually plays during the Texas Ranger game on FSSW.  It shows a small robotic instrument putting a golf ball on a tee and even tying running shoes.  If it can do that, imagine how well it can perform when having to treat Prostate Cancer.  If you are looking for the best Prostate Cancer Center, call USMD at 214-989-7440 for an appointment.   I would like to thank my wife for blessing me with my two sons and my 87 year old mom for her love all of these years.   I love you always momma... Place    Bib Number    Age        Men Overall    Overall    Chip Time    Pace 1/5        1879        60        45/61        66/118    2:07:39        9:49  I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

http://www.racephotonetwork.com/QPPlus/Proofs.aspx this is pictures from labor day texas rangers race I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Plano Pacers Hall of Fame 8K

I ran in the Plano Pacers Hall of Fame 3K/8K and Junior Sprint held at Bob Woodruff Park, in Plano TX.  The race honored a couple of long time volunteers.  It is a free race for members and $10 for guests.   I decided to run in my second 8K which is 4.97 miles.  The first one I ran was on Christmas day 2010.  Before the race I took a picture with Bob Smeby, 55, master winner in the 3K with an outstanding time of 10:47.  I also ran into Thomas Vaughan, 66, who has low grade Prostate Cancer and is on the watchful waiting treatment.  Thomas, who ran in the 3K, said that he monitors his PSA to see if it has increased before deciding on further treatment.   At the start of the race I see Robert Benson, one of the fastest runners in our age group.  He was also running in the 8K.  John Nance ran in the 3K.  I didn't start out as fast as I had planned, I waited until after the turn to pick up my pace.  I made it back to the park area, then I ran around a pond to the finish line.   John won the 3K for our age group and Robert's time in the 8K was 36:44…good for first place.  I finished 2 out of 7, 42 out of 77 men, and 47 out of 117 overall, with an 8:26 pace and a 71.1% age grade.  My last 8K time was 44:53, so I reached my goal of a new PR.  I finished in 41:54.   A sports therapy expert checked out my painful knee and said it was actually a hamstring pull.  I didn't know that my hamstring went all the way down to my knee. I've talked to Thomas and have recommended that if his PSA increases, he should contact the most experienced robotic team in Texas…USMD Prostate Cancer Center.  I had my robotic treatment done at USMD in 2007 and I am now a 5 year cancer survivor. Place  Bib Number   Men Overall  Overall    Chip Time    Pace    Age Grade 2/7         2787              42/77        47/114       41:54        8:26        71.1%    I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Fw: Celebrated Images-Your Race Proofs Are Online

hi picture of my first 25k race. teddy I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com --- On Tue, 10/23/12, Celebrated Images <momo2@airmail.net> wrote: From: Celebrated Images <momo2@airmail.net> Subject: Celebrated Images-Your Race Proofs Are Online To: viator1@sbcglobal.net Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 1:10 PM Dear Teddy, Your photos from the race are online! Order online today by going to: www.celebratedimages.com. You can also forward this e-mail to family and friends! Thanks! ----- Customer Service www.celebratedimages.com Click here to be removed from this mailing list.

On April 21, 2012, I ran in the NCR Sprint for Cancer 5K held at Urban Towers in Las Colinas/Irving TX.  They also had a free fun walk/run and a 10K race.  It benefited Young Texas Against Cancer (www.ytac.org/Dallas) who donated $40,000 to UT Southwestern Medical Center for pediatric cancers.  Geoff Godsey, from DFW Active Lifestyle (http://www.dfwactivelife.com/), emceed the races.  My son John and his family came out to encourage me and take pictures of the race. I took my 1 mile slow jog then looked around at the sponsors tents.  Before the race started, I noticed my Garmin was missing from my wrist so I ran this race without knowing what my pace was.  It was a cool 50 degrees for this fast loop around race.  Those that did the 10K run had to loop around twice.   I had some pain in my right knee during my warm up, so I didn't start out running full speed.  Several runners passed me up with some of them running in the 10K.  I waited until I reached the 2 mile marker to start running faster.  I started to pass up a few runners who had started out too fast.  Without proper training, starting too fast will cause most runners to have to slow way down to finish the race.  My RunOn! speed training class has helped me to pace myself and have enough energy to run the last mile strong... for an old man at least.  When I looked up to see the finishing clock I was surprised to see that my time was under 25 minutes.  Without my Garmin, it was difficult to keep a consistent pace or know what time I was running.  I finished with a time of 24:52.  There were over 20 races this weekend so there were not very many 60 and over runners at this race.  I finished first out of only 2 in my age group, 47 out of 184 men overall, and 55 out of 446 overall.   I wore my DadFest bandana to help promote the June 16 Prostate Cancer race.  Go to www.dadfest.com for more information about this race.  My son and I spoke to several men about the  importance of early PSA screenings.  If you need info, contact the best at USMD Prostate Cancer Center. After I got home I ended up finding my Garmin... in the back seat of my truck... I guess that happens when you get old.  It made me happy to find it as I cannot afford a new one... life is good.  Place    Bib #     Men Overall    Overall    Chip Time    Pace 1/2      919          47/184       55/446      24:52        8:00 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 5th Annual Seton Soles 5K

On April 14th, I ran in the 5th annual Seton Soles 5K Walk/Run, held at St. Elizabeth and Seton Catholic Church in Plano TX. This race raised funds for the Monsignor Henry V. Petter endowment fund for support for peace and justice.  A local agency recieved $10,000 from the fund.   Justin Sucato, a 12 year Prostate Cancer survivor and mentor to me and all who attended local Prostate Cancer support group meetings in the area, suggested this race to me before he died last year.  We all miss our friend and his great research on Prostate Cancer.  The advice he gave helped everyone make the most informed decisions in regards to their care and treatment of Prostate Cancer.  He was a well respected member of the Prostate Cancer community. So much so that the North Texas Prostate Colition gives out an award each year in his honor.  This was a Run-On! race and I was able to meet a few of the Team Run-On! winners: Meg Penrose,  Betty Haynes, and Jj Jenkins.  I also met some DRC (Dallas Running Club) runners: Scott McKissick and  Bill Shirley.  After the 1 mile fun run, I started a few rows back at the start line.  The first 3/4 of a mile was a straight shot right down the street, then we turned right.  There was no turnaround, just a circle around and back towards the starting line.  We had a 30 mph wind blowing in our faces to start the race.  I did not go all out becaue I tried to save my energy for the trip back with the wind behind me.  The mile markers were a little off but the final 5K marker was correct.   I was following Bill Shirley, 68, who I've neve finished ahead of.  He missed several weeks because of an injury. Just before getting back to the 3/4 mile straight away towards the finish line, as I passed  Bill, I encouraged him to finish strong.  I ended up finishing with a time of 24:54.  Bill's time was 25:07.  He won his age group by over seven minutes.  For the second week in row I finished just ahead of Scott McKissick who also ran and finished 2nd in the Big D 5K the following day.  He's always telling me to take it easy before the race... turns out he took it easy on me.   I finished first out of 11 in my age group, 43 out of 242 men, and 50 out of 493 chip timed runners, with a pace of 8:01.  Many Church supporters ran in the race but did not use their chip timer.   As always, thanks to my Run-On! Training coaches and running group for making me the best runner I can be.  Many runners say hello to me at my races, and it makes me feel wonderful about running for a cause.  I am able to race just about every week thanks to my sponsor and treatment center USMD Prostate Cancer Center.   Place    Bib number    Men Overall    Overall    Chip Time    Pace 1/11        1415            43/242        50/493      24:54        8:01 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 2012 Tal Morrison Classic 5K

On Saturday April 7, I ran in the Dallas Running Club Tal Morrison Classic 5K and 15K.  The event was held at Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake, Dallas TX. This race was one day after my little brother Jimmy's birthday.  He died 6 days after his 54th birthday last year.  I miss him very much.   After my 1 mile slow jog I took a few pictures with three fast runners: Tommy and Leslie Smith, and Hector Hinozosa.  Both men are in their 40's and I wanted to speak with them about the importance of getting a baseline PSA screening to find out where their numbers are at while they are healthy.   Both the 15K and 5K stared at the same time and I ran in the shorter 5K.  This was a fast, flat, turnaround course.  The Dallas Running Club, which is a non profit organization, gives out college scholarships to DISD high school seniors who participate in their high school cross country program.  The scholarships are named after Tal who started the DRC in 1969, which is coincidentally the same year I graduated from high school in Louisiana.  I moved to Dallas permanently that same summer.  I wished I had started running before I had gotten so many health problems.  820 DRC members pre-registered for the race.  I ran my normal 5K race.  Just before the turnaround I stopped running, counted to 10, then started running again.  It seems to help my breathing and I can make up the lost time without a problem.  My recovery after the race is a lot better now that I started using this technique.  My muscles are not as sore and I seem to be able to recover the next day alot easier.   My finishing time was 24:39 with a 7:56 mile pace.  I was first out of five in my age group, 51 out of 143 men overall, and 58 out of 317 overall.  Tommy was the Master's winner and Leslie won her age group in the 15K.   USMD has a new member to their outstanding medical team, Dr. C.K. Wang.  He is the director of medical Oncology.  If anyone needs advice prior to deciding on your Prostate Cancer treatment, please contact USMD Cancer Center in Arlington TX at 214-989-7440.   Place     Bib #     Men Overall   Overall   Chip Time    Pace 1/5       2270        51/143      58/317     24:39        7:56 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Jog With the Frog 5K

I ran in the Jog With the Frog 5K on March 31, 2012.  It was held at Fair Park Banshell, Dallas, TX. The race benefited Educational First Steps, who's mission is to improve the quality and availability of early childhood education for economically disadvantaged children. The children's 1K started and 8:00 am and the 5K at 8:30.  This  was Run-On's speed training goal race, ending this years second session.  My coach Daniel Hagelburg will soon start a new job with Adidas and he came out to the race to encourage us.   This was a fast, flat course that went around the outside of the park and back inside the park.  At the 1 mile marker, Coach told me my pace as I ran by.  It was about 7:25 per mile.  I started to slow down my pace some just before the half way mark.  At that point, I stopped running, counted to 10, then started running fast again. With about 3 tenths left, Coach said to "sprint hard to the finish line... you're almost there."  I crossed the finish line in 24:47.   Coach and I went to the 3 mile marker and waited for Ken Clayton, who after finishing the race in 23:08 (10 overall) jogged back to meet his wife who was pushing their two young children in a race stroller.  Just before the 3 mile marker, their young daughter got out of the stroller and started running along with her father Ken towards the finish line with mom right behind them pushing the other child.  It was a joy to watch them have so much fun together as a family.   I placed first out of four, 19 out of 75 men overall, and 20 out of 185 overall.  About 10 or more www.backonmyfeet.org runners won awards.  I high-fived each one after they received their award with such joy and happiness.  They may be homeless through no fault of their own, but their spirit was great.  Coach Daniel has inspired me to be the best runner I can be.  I will forever be grateful to him and I'm sure everyone in his class will miss him. Place  Bib #  Men Overall  Overall  Chip Time 1/4     988     19/75      20/185     24:47 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Debbie fettermen wrote a short article on me about the Dadfest race in her weekly Friday of the Dallas morning new she also has it on her blog its on the last page of the sports page.  teddy I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Carrollton Runner's Club 5K

On Sunday March 25, 2012, I ran in the Carrollton Runner's Club 5K and 1 mile at McInnish  Park in Carrollton, TX. It was 61 degrees and clear at the 7:50 AM 5K start. My oldest son John and his family came out to support me and surprised me by having his two step daughters sign up for their fist 5K together.  The girls had special t-shirts with my picture and blog info on them...it was really cool. David Mask, who is difficult for me to beat, is still 59 and this was my last chance to win a race in the 60-64 age group  before he turns 60.  It will be a long 4+ years for me when he turns 60.  Another club runner, Julio Lopez, 56, will be running in the Boston Marathon in April.  All of our club members are very proud of him.   There were only 32 5K finishers.  The Rock and Roll Half Marathon was on the same day, and many runners chose to run the rock instead.  I wanted to break my own club record in this race, so I decided not run the 1 mile like I normally do.  Just before the turnaround, I stopped running and walked.  I then counted to 12 and then started running fast again.  Kim Andres, 59, who races many of the same race I do, always stops for a few seconds which she says helps her breathing.  Since her time is always faster than mine, I decided to try out her strategy.  I have tired this strategy on my longer runs because I also breathe heavily, and it does help me recover quicker, giving me an excellent second wind.   At the halfway mark, my time was 12:36.  I always try to run faster in the second half of the race which is called a negative split.  However, this time I finished the second half with a time of 12:46, 10 seconds slower that the first half... for a positive spit.  At least I achieved my goal, setting my new club record in my final time of 25:21.  I finished first out of 2 runners in my age group, 15 out of 21 men, and 18 out of 32 overall.  My pace was 8:09, and my age grade was 63.2%.   I doubled back to run with the girls since it was their first 5K. When we got to the 3 mile marker, I said "who wants their name in the Dallas Morning News results".  Jasmine, the younger sister, took off sprinting to the finish line.  I stayed back with Kimberly, the older sister.  My son John took some pictures of the race.  I am extremely proud of the girls for their effort to better their health and show their support for me.   My hope is always to make a difference in someone's life before they start having health related illnesses that could lead to Cancer.  I waited until after I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer to start exercising and taking better care of myself and I wish I had started earlier.  One of the best decisions I made was to take the advice of the Doctors at USMD Prostate Cancer Center in Arlington, and begin exercising. If you need a Urology Doctor, don't waste time, contact the best at USMD Prostate Cancer Center in Arlington Texas.    After the race I visited with John and his family.  We had lunch and John even helped me type up some of my blogs.  Now my younger son Edward just has to add the pictures and post it to Tumblr.  Thanks John and Edward.  You are both great sons. I hope you know how much I love you both.  Jasmine and Kimberly, I hope to see you running at another race...good job girls and congratulations on a well run race. Place     Men Overall    Overall    Chip Time     Pace    Age Grade                              1/2          15/21         18/32       25:21         8:09        63.2% I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The Dash Down Greenville 5K

On March 17, 2012, I ran in one of my favorite races of the year... The Dash Down Greenville 5k.  This is the third race of the 7 Run On! Project Series.  After the race, Run On! handed out a $60,000 check to the North Texas Food Bank. After ariving early to find parking, it started raining which pushed temperatures close to 70 degrees by race time.  It was very humid.  There were over 7,600 runners registered for the Dash.  Some registered late without chip timing.  Thanks to Mark Cuban and other merchants, the annual parade that started after the race was amazing.  I stayed and took a few pictures as usual. This race did not have a turnaround.  It started out on Greenville Ave, and circled back around to finish with a long dash down Greenville to the finish.  I started about 10 rows back.  The Sunday Edition of The Dallas Morning News had a color photo of us lining up at the start. The Run On! website has over 100 photos of the race... I showed up in 3 of them.  Thanks to the Gerry Glover Photography team.  I stated like most of my 5k races... as fast as I can... just following the large crowd of runners.  I knew I would not get lost in this race because there were more than enough people to follow.  After about a mile and a half, I started to get fatigued with the humidity climbing.  Several Run On! runners passed me and encouraged me, like 72 year old Jim Sampson who finished in the time of 22:29... incredible!  I took a picture with Jan Goss (24:19), her son, and long time Run On! team runner, 75 year old Larry Martin who finished in 34:58.   I waited until the home stretch to increase my pace because if I would have done so earlier, I would have ran out of gas.  I gave what I could, passing some runners, while other passed me up.  I was totally exhausted and finished in 25:06...30 seconds slower than my time in last years race.   The female 25-29 age group had 822 total finishers which was more than the total for most entire races that I've run.  I finished sixth out of 25 in my age group and 521 out of 5035 chip timed overall finishers with a pace of 8:06. I'd like to thank my Run On! speed training coach Daniel Hagelberg and all the encouragement that I recieved from our speed group.   You probably already know that Prostate Cancer is the second most common Cancer amongst men.  What you may not know is that USMD has some of the best Prostate Cancer Doctors in the US.   Robotics Surgery - Dr. Rich Beven Thomas, Dr. Justin T. Lee, and others...Cryo Surgery --  Dr. Thomas and Dr. Cliff Vestal...Radiation -- Dr. Peter La Nasa. Place    Bid#   Overall    Time    Pace 6/25     653    521/5035   25:06   8:06 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Just For The Heck of It XIV - Race Against Hunger III 5K

On March 10, 2012 I ran in the Just For The Heck of It XIV - Race Against Hunger III 5k run and walk.  The event was held at Mike Lewis Park, in Grand Prairie, TX.  To support the cause, racers were encouraged to bring canned goods for the Community Food Bank.  There were 27 female and 30 male finishers. Race director Jeph Abara has the race results at www.runningintheusa.com/Jeph.   It was about 50 degrees and cloudy at the event.  The forecast for the morning was heavy rain, but it held off until after the race.  This was my first time running the fast trail course.  After the start, I followed behind John Nance.  But as we came upon some smaller hills, I started to fall a little further behind.   At about 1.2 miles into the race, I came to 2 trails.  I didn't know which way to go so I decided to stay right and soon saw John up ahead heading for the turnaround.  This is where I started to speed up my pace.  I ran all out and started to close the gap between me and John.  I looked at my Garmin at 2.65 miles and it had 19+ minutes showing.   John seemed to be the last one in the faster running group ahead.  I was leading the rest of the runners but at about 3 miles in, there were trails in front, to the left, and to the right of me.  I did not see which way John went, so I decided to go right.  I soon realized that I had gone the wrong way.  I ended up running 3.7 miles instead of 3.1.   At the award ceremony John Nance won our age division with a time of 24:27.  Dick Hartnett who goes by the race name Forrest Gump, offered me the second placed award for getting lost, but I told him the he earned it and that it was not his fault that I went the wrong way.  His time was 26:03.  Jeff adjusted my time on his race report and I finished with a time of 24:55. Place    Bib#    Men    Overall    Time     Pace 2/5      969    15/30    19/57    24:55     8:01 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Trinity River Levee Run 10K and 5K

On March 3, 2012, I ran in the 8th annual Trinity River Levee Run 10k/5k and 1 mile fun run. It was held in West Dallas. The start/finish line was on Singleton Blvd.   The new Marget Hunt Hill Bridge was designed by Santiago Calatwaa. This race is one of the monthly races produced by the Dallas running running club and the Trinity Commons Foundation. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawling handed out $300 each to the male and female 800 meter dash winners. The Dallas Fire/Rescue won the challenge defeating the Dallas Police Department in the 10k.  The President of the DRC, Peggie Monroe, as well as few other DRC members including myself, were on Good Morning Texas (ABC channel 8) on Thursday with the Fire/Rescue to help promote the race.  After arriving early, I took a few pictures of the bridge and managed to get one with Dallas Morning News blogger/runner Spareribs Lamothe and my friend John Nance. There were 1,412 10k finishers and 1,306 5k finishers. My goal this race was a PR for my 7th 10k race.   It took seven minutes for everyone just to cross the start line. I lined up about 50 rows back... a lot farther back than I usually line up.  I took off slow as the bridge was right in front of us. Lots of people with cameras were taking pictures of themselves as they crossed the bridge. As I reached the 5k turnoff, I sure wanted to go that way, but I continued with the 10k course. My 5k split was 26:24. Just past the 5 mile marker I started to run all out.  I guess I was looking at all the beautiful ladies when I stepped in a pothole and fell. A nice lady and a Fireman helped me up. I was ok and told them to keep going, but they stayed with me. When I got to the bottom of the bridge, I told them I'm slow going up hills so they should finish strong and off they went as I thanked them for their support.   There were still some 5k finishers running as we were directed to the 10k lanes. My final time was 54:13, a new PR. I finished 12 out of 24 a few spots behind John Nance who finished 10th. A former Dallas Police chief, Dave Kunkle, beat me on a photo finish for 11th place. I was 361 out of 736 men and 477 out of 1412 overall 10k finishers.   I mingled with a lot familiar runners that I've seen over the years encouraging them to be aware of the importance of Prostate Cancer screenings.  USMD has all the treatments you can imagine along with the best Doctors in the field.  Please consider them as one of your top choices for Prostate Cancer treatment.   They were not my first choice, but I decided to get a second opinion and chose USMD for that.  After my consultation, I knew I had come to the right place and decided to have their Robotic surgery.  After being diagnosed in 2007, I am still Cancer free thanks to USMD. Place   Bib #   Men    Overall   Time    Pace 12/24   1500  361/736  477/1412        54:13    8:44 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The Carrollton Runners Club 5K

On Sunday, February 26, 2012, I ran in the Carrollton Runners Club 5k at McInnish Park in Carrollton, TX. I was still recovering from a few injuries so did not run in the one mile race like I normally do. It was 40 degrees and clear at the 7:50am 5k start. This was a small group since alot of members ran at the Cow Town races in Ft. Worth. There were only 26 men and 15 female runners in the 5k, and 14 runners ran the one mile race. As I've said before race director Ruben Saguil has a timer at the half way mark and his race reports show your time for both halves of race. I ran the first half in 12:59 and the second half in 12:48, an 11 second negative split... which is ideal. My finish time was 25:46 with 8:17.9 pace and a 62.2% age grade. I finished first out of 2, 15th out of 26 men, and 17 out of 41 overall 5k finishers. After the race, two nice ladies led us all in some Yoga stretches. For only a $2 registration fee, this is the best bargain in racing. Check out Ruben's website at www.carrolltonrunners.com. They have the best race report around. Place   Men    Overall   Time   Pace  Age Grade  1/2   15/26    17/41   25:46   8:17    62.2% I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Dash for the Beads

I ran in the third annual Dash for the Beads 5k on Saturday, February 18, 2012. It is held at the Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff / Dallas, TX. This race benefited Fido AK Cliff who hope to bring a dog park to Oak Cliff. About 40 sponsors helped get together and make this Mardi Gras race fun. It was raining when I left the house to go to the race; it didn't look good. We got lucky and it stopped raining just before the 9AM start time. I met a few Run-On! runners at the starting line. This course had no turnaround. We ran through the neighborhood and back to the start/finish line in the Arts District.   The knee that I hyperextended going down hill at a race several weeks ago started to feel better, but I stepped in a pot hole during my Sunday Morning long run (10 miles) and my ankle swole up. I decided not to push it too hard for this event and just tried to enjoy the race along with the other runners.   There were three hills that slowed me down some. At about 2.3 miles, it was flat the rest of the way. As I made it back to Sponsor Row towards the finish line, there were lots of people cheering us on. I finished in the time of 26:32 good for first place out of 4 in my age group. I finished 43 out of 136 men overall and 56 out of 371 overall finishers.  Jane McGarry form NBC 5, was the MC for the event. Since it was in the neighborhood, I went to the Mardi Gras parade the next day. While there, I spoke to a few men about how African-American men seem to get Prostate Cancer sooner and should get screened earlier than the normal age 50 limit. I was lucky, by getting myself checkout early and often through my annual screenings, the doctors were able to diagnose my Prostate Cancer early and set me up with treatment. Thanks to USMD medical center I am now Cancer free for over 4 years.  Thanks USMD for extending my life. Place    Bib#   Men     Overall    Time   Pace  1/4     1662  43/136   56/371    26:32   8:30 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The Texas Half Marathon and 5K

I ran in the Texas Half 5k on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Norbuck Park, White Rock Lake, Dallas TX. I only had one day of training as my leg and knee pain continued. Because of the pain, I planned to take a couple of weeks off to rest up and heal after this race. The Half Marathon started at 8am and had 1,138 finishers. The 5k started down the hill at 8:15, and had 288 finishers. A few of my running friends that are in my age group and ran the half last year, decided to enter in the 5k instead.  At the starting line I could see Greg Gornes who I have never finished ahead of. So right off the bat I was shooting for 2nd place.  After the start, I followed long time fast runner, John Nance, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury. I continued to follow John until after the turnaround. Then I started to increase my pace. I knew I would lose time climbing up the hill to the finish line. I did my best and crossed at 25:21. As expected, Greg Gornes finished first with a time of 23:02. I finished second, John Nance finished third, and my friend Scott Mickissick finished fourth.   Place    Bib#     Men     Overall   Gun Time    Pace 2/5      383     28/112    53/288     25:21     8:11  I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Too Cold to Hold 15K & 5K

On the birthday of my youngest son, January 22, 2012, I ran in the 17th annual Too Cold to Hold 15k/5k at Norbuck Park in White Rock Lake, Dallas TX.  This race  benefited the Protective Animal League, and was the 2nd of 7 Run-On! Premier Metroplex Race Series races.  New Balance has given $100 off a new pair of NB shoes bought at any Run-On! store for the first 200 runners to sign up for all 7 races.   I had originally signed up for the 15k but at the Run-On! package pick up, I changed my mind and switched to the 5k because I have IT Band pain in my knee, hip, and lower leg.   There were over 1300 finishers in both races combined, which started together. After about three tenths of a mile the 15k runners stayed straight, while the 5k runners went left up a steep hill. It seemed like about 30 or 40 runners passed me up... I felt like I was running in quick sand. I picked it back up going down hill and on to flat ground.  I saw Run-On! employee Alex Courrall already coming back from the turnaround close behind the other top runners. After I made the turnaround, I tried to make up some time by running faster on the flat groud. I glanced at my Garmin timer and with three tenths of a mile left, it read 22:47.  I was trying to hit a PR in honor of my son's Birthday to thank him for all he does and show him how much he means to me.  He is the one that types up my race blogs and adds the pictures.  He has a full-time job now that eats up a lot of his time, which is why it there's a delay in getting these online, but I really appreciate his help.   I met Gene who trained me at www.fitstepsforlife.org which is a cancer center. I haven't seen Gene in a while because he took a different job, but it was good seing him again.  Jan Goss, who also trains with Run On!, finished the 15k with a time of 1:16:31. She is 63 years young and way faster that I am.   My friend Alex finished 8th overall and first in his age group with a 5k time of 19:59. Place    Bib#     Men       Overall    Chip Time   Pace 1/6      176    65/289    83/707      24:22       7:52 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 9th Annual MLK Day and Dream 5K

Two days after my last race (Hotcake Hustle) which was dedicated to my mother's 87th birthday, I ran in the ninth annual MLK Day + Dream 5k, 1 mile run/walk. This is the third year in a row that I have participated in this race which was held January 16, 2012, at River Legacy Park in Arlington TX. The race benefited AISD's Blanton and Crow Elementary Schools. With help of volunteers from St. Alban's Episcopal Church, race director Jeph  Abara, always puts on a great low cost race. There were over 20 drawings from several sponsors who donated gifts. As luck would have it, my bib number was selected and I won a pair of sunglasses. It was a bit cloudy at 67 degrees for the 10am 5k start. This is a flat, fast, wooded tree lined course. I was having some discomfort in my right knee, but wouldn't let it slow me down. We started on the street in front of the pavilion. After a short distance we reached the trail. Once I got moving I started to feel a little  better. At the turnaround, I was feeling pretty good and was able to run all out to the finish line. I finished with a time of 24:17 and a 7:49 pace.  I ended up getting 1st place out of 4 in my age group, 22 out of 73 men, and 27 out of 171 overall finishers.  There were 98 female and 73 male finishers.   In the fast 55-59 age group, long time Run On! runner, J.J. Jenkens, and Tony Colon finished 6th and 7th overall with a time of 19:57.  John Ball finished 3rd in that age group and 11th overall. These guys make me glad to be 60. It will only be a few months before they join me in the 60-64 age group, so I guess I should enjoy it while I can.   Maybe I should have dedicated THIS race to my mother...since I actually finished in 1st place. Jeph picks runners at random that did not get an award in their age group and awards them his special Souls + Soules award. When you train and do you best, you appreciate an award like this very much.  He is the only person that I've met that gives out these kind of awards... I think it's pretty cool. The results for this race can be found at www.runningintheusa.com. Place  Bib #   Men   Overall   Pace   1/4   2783   22/73   27/171   7:49 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 2012 Hotcake Hustle 10K

On Saturday, January 14, 2012...my beautiful mother's 87th birthday, I ran in The Hotcake Hustle 5K/10K at the Addison conference center in Addison, TX. This was the first of seven races for the Run On! Project Premier DFW Metroplex Race Series. My mother, who has Alzheimer's, no longer knows who I am. I ran this race in honor of her and for everyone else who has this terrible debilitating disease. I picked up my race package, which included a free coffee mug and long sleeve t-shirt, at the Dallas Run On! store before the event.  This race was sold out with over 2,000 entries. The fun run started on a trail in front of our starting line at 8am, and the 5k and 10k started together at 8:30. The race benefited the Addison Midday Rotary Club, and several of their members volunteered to help with the race.  and Jerry Glover, of Jerry Glover Photography, took some amazing race photos, like he always does.  The weather was in the low 40s for the start of the race.  There was a Run On! table, where I met several other Run On! runners before and after the race. I saw Kevin Lipski, my Sunday long distance trainer that helps me train for my Half Marathons, among others. Kevin ran back-to-back marathons in 2 days in Allen, TX at the first of the year. Now you know why I have him help me train.   There was a nice straight away at the start of the race.  I was running under a 7 minute pace, which is way to fast, but since I was running for my mom, I was trying to finish under 24 minutes. We then came to a long bridge which had steep incline. I naturally slowed down going up the hill, but I tried to make it up by speeding up on the down hill. We then reached the 5k turnaround while the 10k runners split off. Since I ran the 5k, I hit the turnaround and headed  back the way we came.   I started to run faster as I headed back towards the  bridge for a second time. I crossed the bridge and then made up some time while passing a few runners. I was giving all I could while I thinking about my mother. I couldn't help but thank her for all that she has done for me.  At this point, I reached the straight away where I sprinted as fast as I could. Just  before reaching the finish line, I glanced over and saw timer at just over 24 minutes. I was a little disappointed as I crossed the finish line at 24:08, and the race announcer said my name and age over the speaker.  I finished 2nd place out of 13.  The winning time in the 60-64 age group was 23:41. I finished 72 out of 1,081 total 5k runners with a 7:47 pace. Because Alztiemer's disease is hereditary, I now take the Exelon patch for early signs of Dementia. Hopefully it will help slow down the process. I would hate to get Alztiemer's and no longer be able to remember my two sons, who I love so much. I love you mama... Place    Bib #      Men       Overall    Chip Time    Pace 2/13    165     55/376   72/1081      24:08       7:47 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com