Dallas Running Club The Loop 15K / 5K

My last race was the Dallas Running Club The Loop 15K / 5K on Saturday October 2, 2010 at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake. Both the 15K and the 5K started at 8:00 down the hill on the lake side. The kids 1K race started afterwards so most parents had finished their race were able to watch and run with their children. I took photos of the kids race and the award winners, which can be viewed at the DRC web site for free. On the same site you can see photos from the other photo guy, George, who took a couple of thousand pictures of the runners. Thank you George for the beautiful pictures.

There were 812 DRC members that pre registered for the race. As usual, Jason McGhee was the event leader. In total, there were 534 15K finishers and 190 5K finishers. At the race, I met Sam, a DRC member who hadn't been able to run in 6 months or more, who was running the 5K. Sam is the one that introduced me to the DRC over a year ago, and it made me very happy to have him healthy enough to run again. I arrived early found a close up parking spot, and then took some pictures of the DRC volunteers and runners as they arrived and gathered before the race. I also took a few pictures of the Run-On! booth which is always at DRC races. Run-On! was voted one of the best running stores in Texas. They are very active in the running community, helping to set-up races and selling running shoes and clothing in their stores. On their website, they have a great calendar that has all the upcoming races for the upcoming months so that you can plan out which races and benefits you would like to run in. It's my personal favorite site.

I went to my car to drink my pre race drinks, put my camera away and wend down the hill to warm up and stretch before the race. Greg Hall, who has been DRC president since January 1, 2009, started both races together. This venue is the same one where we cross the bridge that makes your legs give way, but we unlike previous races, we started the opposite direction. There was a turnaround for the 5K, but I believe the 15K ran a complete circle around the Lake. Most of the runners chose the 15K to prepare themselves for the DRC Half Marathon November 7.

I took off at a quick and steady pace. This was a cool morning, which was perfect for running. I thought I was running under 9:00 minutes per mile for the first mile, but I'm not sure since I don't have one of those timing devices yet. This time when I got to the water stop, I just kept running by. Since the temperature was so cool, I figured I could make it to the finish line, then replenish liquids after the race. As with all races with a turnaround, it wasn't long before I saw the fastest runners coming back on the opposite way. We cheered them on like gladiators as they passed us by. I only wish I could run a little faster. With the turnaround ahead, I had to slow down to go around the corner then headed back in the direction where we started toward the finish. I decided to pick up my pace more since it was cooler and I felt I had more energy left to give.

I started to pass up a few runners which kept my spirits and pace up. Toward the end of the race, I was in a running group with a 30 year old woman, a 70 year old man, and a 12 year old boy. Well, the first 2 beat my time and I was able to finish before the 12 year old. As I have said before, I run to stay healthy and give awareness to others so that my running will hopefully inspire people to try walking and running as a way to stay healthy. More important than my time or how I finish in the overall ranking is my personal satisfaction that I did my best and maybe helped someone to try running or walking. If you start now, it won't be long before you feel more energy in your body and mind.

I planned on running October 9, 2010 in the 24th annual Grand Prairie Metro Rotary Club Lake Joe Pool 10K, 5K run & 5K Walk, Fun Run & Pumpkin Fest. DFW sports broadcaster and fellow prostate cancer survivor, Scott Murray, will be master of ceremonies for the event which benefits the Alzheimer's Association. I wanted to run this race since my mother has Alzheimer's, but I read that they will be waiting until after 10:30 to open the gates so you can leave the park after the race. Me and my son Edward are going to the Texas Ranger's playoff game against Tampa Bay and I like to get there early for parking and pass the security check at the ballpark before the game. So no race this weekend this time.

You can see some pictures of the race

here - here - here - here - here - here - here - here - here

You can view the complete results here.

My final line for 5k male 55-59:

Place Bib# Age Div Men Overall Place Pace Time
6/8 6153 58 46/85 55/190 8.59/m 27:55:28

Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K

My race this week, on Saturday, September 25th was the inaugural running of the Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K at their location which is off of Main Street in Fort Worth, TX. The race was set up to benefit the Trinity Habitat for Humanity in the Fort Worth area. There were a bunch of sponsors at this race, including Central Market, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training, Jerry Glover Photography (who has the best racing pictures in the DFW area by the way. The attached picture is from Jerry), and DFW Runs who organized this race for Rahr & Sons.   I started about 4 or 5 rows back. The race started at 9:00am in the rain, and just like last week, the race was started by Cliff Couch. This was my first ever race in the rain, and I had to leave my glasses in the car since I couldn't see with the rain falling over the lenses. Unfortunately, that means that I couldn't see all the beautiful women during this race. The rain was not too bad to start, but the streets were full of water so you had to watch where you stepped. By the end of the race my shoes were soaked; you just could not miss all of the big puddles.   I took off like last week at a steady quick pace for the first mile or so, then there were a few inclines which slowed me down. There was a water stop at 1.9 miles, and I slowed to get a cup of water (kind of ironic since it was raining), then picked up my pace again. After the 2 mile marker I gave it all I had but my time was slower than last week. I blame the rain. We started the race with us runners turning right out of the Rahr Brewery, and we finished by going through downtown Fort Worth and turning back into the brewery. Again there was no turnaround for this race, which I like. Everyone had a great time after the race, with the food and drinks (if you know what I mean). We weren't going to let a little rain spoil the race and a great cause. My final line in male 55-59 division:   Place   Bib#  Age   Chip Time    Gun Time   Overall     Male                                    9/20    495    58       28:57           28:59     236/745  175/395   You can see pictures of the race on Jerry Glover's website:   here - here - here - here - here   You can see the complete results here.   As most of you already know, my interview and article with Cure Magazine came out a few days ago. Story by Don Vaughan, photographed and produced by Glenn Zamora, interview by Lena Huang. You can find it at my site. Just so you know, you will need to download Apple Quicktime if you don't already have it so that you can see the video (which is basically a photo slideshow with my voiceover).   Also, I always forget to say this, but if you no longer want me to send you my running blog, please let me know. I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. Visit my blog

Cure Magazine video interview

You can see the interview I did for Cure Magazine online at http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/article.showVideo/article_video_id/24  The article should be in the magazine, but I haven't gotten it yet.   Regards, Teddy I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. Visit my blog

Race for the Children 5K

Like last week's race, there was no turnaround on this course. There was a starting line in front of the court house, and 3.1 miles away was the finish line on a street adjacent to the court house. I arrived early and took a few pictures in front of the court house by a statue of a giant horse and rider, and of some clowns who attended the event. I also took a few pictures with Cliff Couch, who was the announcer, and who has probably started a dozen of the 33 races that I have raced since I began almost a year ago. He always does a great job making it fun so that everyone has a good time.   I stretched and did a little light jogging before the race, then went to check out the farmer market one street over. While at the farmers market, I saw my son and his girlfriend who had just parked. I gave him my camera and he took a few more shots of me before the race (notice how they are all in focus). After the fun 1 mile run, it was time to get serious. I lined up on the first row, and waited for the start of the race.   Cliff sounded the starting horn, and I took off at a quick pace. I slowed down a little but still kept a faster pace than last week. It was another hot and humid morning and sweat was covering my glasses. I just wiped it off and kept going. At the 1 mile marker a volunteer called out the time. Mine was 8:48. I was satisfied with that, so I tried to keep that same pace. Before we got to the 2 mile marker there were a few inclines and hills. Some of the runners stopped and walked at this point. I kept running the best I could.   When I came to the 2 mile marker the volunteers (who I believe were from the Masonic Lodge) said my time was 18:20 or as I can figure 9:32 for the second mile. It was a little slower than my first mile, and I was getting tired, but I didn't want to slow down my pace. Actually, I tried to run harder. With only 1.1 miles to go I ran at my best speed to the finish line. Based on the final time, I figure I ran that last 1 mile in 9:14 and about 1:00 for the .1 mile for a total of 28:34, which was good enough for first place award in the 55 to 59 age division where there were 7 runners.   You can see the full results at the Run-On! website.   There were alot of free gifts given at random by bib number. My lucky streak continued and I won a gift basket with a ton of goodies, which I later shared with my family. Included in the gift basket was a gift certificate for Red Lobster worth $75.00. I took my son and his girlfriend and her daughter out to eat after the race, and gave the rest of the balance to my younger son and his girlfriend.   I'd like to thank USMD for my new compression Under Armor shirt . It felt great running in it; I almost feel like a runner now. Well, a very old prostate survivor runner anyway. Thank you for the kind comments about my blog, and remember that September is prostate cancer awareness month.   There are some pictures of me at the official race for the children website. Here are some direct links to the ones with me in them:   Photo 1 - Photo 2 - Photo 3 - Photo 4   Also, you can see more pictures from this event and others at my blog, www.runningforacause.tumblr.com   My final line was:   Place   Bib#   Overall   Chip Time   Gun Time   Pace  1/7     1433   51/169    28:34:00     28:34:00  9:09/m I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. Visit my blog

Run Proud for Dessert 5K

My race this week was Run Proud for Dessert 5K, which was held at Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas. The race was created to benefit the ALS Association, and is named after Diane Proud, a certified USA Triathlon Coach who holds elite certifications from different areas at Cooper Institute. She was diagnosed with ALS in early 2009, and is trying to receive bone marrow treatment. She shows us all the courage to battle through our own illnesses and health issues.

My favorite picture man, Jerry Glover, of Jerry Glover Photography was at the race. Sponsoring the race were New Balance, Koala Health and Wellness Centers, and many others. I arrived early before daybreak for the 8:00 am start. Normally, on most 5K races there is a point in the race where you have to turn around and run back toward the start/finish line. This particular race had a starting line at Preston Road, and a finish line at Cooper Fitness Center, with no turnaround in between.

I started a few rows back and Diane started the race with the sound of a horn. I started off at a slow and steady pace in this hot and humid race. I passed the 1 mile marker and kept the same pace until I reached the 2 mile marker. With a mile to go I started to try to increase my pace, but my energy was limited. I gave it my best anyway, and passed the 3 mile marker and made my way in to the Cooper Fitness Center to the finish line. I stumbled and almost fell, but was able to stay on my feet and cross the finish line with a final time of 29:17:00.

Everyone received a cupcake after the race, which was nice. Later in the day I went to the USMD open house where they had a tour of their center, and had NFL Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboy, Bob Lilly, sign autographs. Then on the same night, I went to see the Texas Rangers beat the NY Yankees.

For those of you that don't know, the best kept secret at The Ball Park in Arlington is that you can sign up (close to guest relations) to be a designated driver. When you sign up, you are entered into a nightly drawing to win a Texas Rangers' jacket, and are given a voucher for a free 24oz soft drink. I've been trying to win that jacket for about 2 years, and finally on Sunday, I was chosen as the lucky winner. The funny thing is, I didn't even know I had won until I came to the next home game on Tuesday. I went to sign up like always, and was told that I had won. I was so happy, and put the jacket on right away. My oldest son, John came to that game and kept joking with me, telling me to give him the jacket. I told him to sign up and win his own... and he did. We were both stunned to see his name on the center field board in the 8th inning. Attached is a picture of us wearing our newly acquired Texas Rangers jackets.

You can see some pictures from the race here. You can find me at the starting line on some of them, or you can search for my bib number (2013) to find a nice solo picture.

My line for 55 to 59 male:

Place Bib # Age Overall Chip Time Gun Time

11/16 2013 58 110/350 29:17:00 29:18:00

I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community.

Visit my blog

DRC Breakfast Bash 5 mile

My race this week, which was free to members of the Dallas Running Club, was the DRC Breakfast Bash 5 mile on Saturday, September 4, 2010. The race was held at the beautiful White Rock Lake, and included a free breakfast after the race. Registration began at 7:00 and the race started at 8:00. The kids' race started at 9:00 so most of the parents who were racing in the 5 mile event would be able to watch and cheer on their children. Over 700 people pre-registered for this popular DRC race, and the tunout was huge. I had signed up as a volunteer to take pictures before and after the race. I tried to include most of the great volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning on race day, and who make this and all DRC races special. It is an honor to be one of the many. My pictures and those of the other DRC photographer, George, are available free on the DRC Web site. I can't make any excuses about the weather this time; It was near perfect running weather at the race time, with temperatures in the 60s. I had some new running shoes to break in on this run, which I bought at my favorite store, Run-On! thanks to some help from my friends at USMD Prostate Cancer Center. Speaking of which, USMD will be holding an open house with special guest, NFL Hall of Famer, and former Dallas Cowboy, Bob Lilly, on September 11 at their center in Arlington from 10am to 2pm. You can find information about this event as well as others this month at the North Texas Prostate Coalition website (http://www.ntxpcacoalition.org/). I will be there as soon as I can after my race next week. I didn't want to push myself too hard for this race. After running in the Hottest Half 2 weeks ago, I felt dehydrated, and it took a while for my body to feel normal again. I lined up at the starting line about 4 rows back. DRC President, Greg Hall, started this race. Greg has done a wonderful job of leading the DRC, and will step down at the end of the year to make way for a new President. I took off at a slow and steady pace, which I maintained for 4 miles. It seemed like everyone was passing me up, but I kept to my slow pace. At just over a mile, we started crossing that dreaded bridge. This time, it wasn't so bad. My friend Walter passed me up, and I told him to go for it. This time, I made sure to pick up some water from the water stop located at 1.9 miles into the race. Those new New Balance shoes really came in handy. I got a half a size larger than what I usually wear since I have been having trouble with the front of my feet swelling up after races. I was still pretty far from the turn around when I saw the first runner on his way back. We all cheered the runners on as they passed us by. When I finally got to the turnaround, I was amazed to see that there were still a lot of runners behind me. I knew this was only about half way through the race, so I decided not to slow my pace at all. On the way back, I didn't stop for water. I just kept running my pace to make sure that I had enough in the tank so that I wouldn't have to walk like I did during the last race. Going back across the bridge, my legs felt a little weaker than the first time crossing over. I saw my friend, and fellow volunteer, Walter up ahead of me. This gave me some inspiration, and I sped up my pace. As I passed Walter, I encouraged him. At this point, I gave it all I had left. Before the race, I met the two Herrera brothers, Ramon and Mario, who I had ran with in last months DRC relay race. Ramon was at the finish line, ready to cheer on his brother Mario. When he saw me, he started cheering for me, which felt really good. After I finished, I walked uphill back to my car to get my drinks that I use to re hydrate after a race. I immediately started cooling my feet so that I could keep the swelling down, then I got my camera out so that I could take some post race pictures. I got some good pics of the crowd of runners who had finished the race, and were getting in line for their breakfast. I also took pictures of the award winners. Remember, September is Prostate Cancer month, and with so many free screenings being held, there's no better time to get screened. Women, encourage the men in your life to get screened. This is what my running is all about, to create awareness to everyone I can that early screenings are an important part of keeping up with your health. Pictures can be found here. Results can be found here. Age Group Place Bib # Men Place Overall Place Pace Time 19/27 4914 242/359 350/721 9:36/m 48:00.47 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. Visit my blog

The Hottest Half and 10k

I sure picked a special race this week, The Hottest Half and 10k August 15, 2010 at Norbuck Park, White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX. Of course I picked the 10k. The race was set to start at 7:30am. Both the 10k and half marathon started together. At a point in the race, you could choose to go right for the half marathon, or left for the 10k. Some people who had signed up for the half marathon decided on the spot to play it safe and do the 10k instead since it was so hot.

I arrived early to find a parking spot close to the event. After the sponsor booths went up, I made my rounds, and checked out the Run On!, Jamba Juice, and Tom Thumb booths. Since this race was a Mellew production, Mr. Lewis George, the man that started the Dadfest 5k 7 or 8 years ago, was in attendance. As most of you know, I'm a 3 year cancer survivor, so Dadfest is very important to me. When I started running, it was my goal to run Dadfest. Less than a year later, here I am in my 30th race.

I took a few pictures of myself by the finish line before the race , did my usual stretching, and short warm up run, then headed to the starting line. Most races count your chip time as your final time, but this race used the gun time as the final time, so I knew that it was important to start toward the front. I always run in my USMD sponsor T-Shirt, but in the heat I thought it would be best to run in my cut off technical shirt that I got from the Too Hot To Handle race. I did wear my USMD shirt to the Texas Rangers game on Friday night with over 48,000 in attendance. I spent some time walking around the ballpark talking to people about prostate cancer.

The race announcer got the race started on time, no 20 minute delay this time. I usually start out at a fast pace but since this was a 10k run in the heat, I just took off at an easy pace. It was a back and forth run. We had to share the track with people that hadn't signed up to run, just out for a morning run. I was running at a slower pace than usual, but I was still getting tired. I passed the 1 mile mark and crossed over a bridge on the lake. At this point, my feet and legs felt a little weak. When I got to the 2 mile marker I just kept running at a slow pace.

I saw people already coming back from the turn around on the left of me. I wished I could have been on that side, but I still had a long way to go. I hadn't run a 10k since I had gotten injured in the Butterfly Boogie 10k a few months ago. I finally reached the turn around and knew I was only half way there. A friend of mine, Mark, who follows my blog (www.runningforacause.tumblr.com) told me I shouldn't run this race since it was going to be so hot, and another friend told me that some Army reserve soldiers needed medical treatment after a training run on Saturday. With that in mind, I decided to stick to my philosophy which I discussed with Debbie Fetterman when we discussed the Dadfest 5k in June, "Just finish the race"! Check out Debbie's article about me and Dadfest on the Dallas Morning News website.

With all that in mind, and seeing much younger runners stopping to walk, I decided to do the same. I had to walk about 4 or 5 times, to make sure I didn't over do it in this heat. With diabetes, a pacemaker, and all of my other ailments, I just wanted to finish and be able to run another day. While going back over that bridge, I had to hold on to the railing because my legs felt like they were going to collapse. Soon after crossing the bridge, I came to the big turn, and boy I made sure that I went on the 10k turn and not the half marathon. Somehow with I mile to go I told myself to have the heart of a champion, and took off as fast as I could to the finish line. It turned out to be my slowest 10k, but the others were run in the winter or fall, and I didn't have to deal with so much heat. My final time was 108:03:40

If running this race in the heat was not bad enough, I went to the Texas Ranger's baseball game after the race and spent another 3 hours in the heat to see the Rangers defeat the Red Sox. Monday I went to my Dr. who first diagnosed me with prostate cancer on June 6, 2007, and who is also a prostate cancer survivor himself. He was very proud of my new slimmed down look. I thanked him for finding my cancer early so I could change my diet, and start exercising before my cancer spread to the rest of my body. My grandfather and uncle both died of prostate cancer so finding mine early gave me a better chance for a longer life. That is my basic message to men, and women who have male loved ones to get screened early; every year get a check up. Maybe my message will save a few lives along the way as I run in my races. Thinking about that makes me very happy!

September is prostate cancer month and one of the prostate support groups that I attend every month for men and their wife or caregiver will honor me for my running. and a little volunteering at Baylor Hospital on Gaston Avenue. Thank you Polly Candela and Alan Wright who run the support group and get us great speakers every month and kindly encourage me after each of my runs.

Results can be seen on the Run On! website here.

Pictures can be seen here (bib #1076)

Div Place: 4/9

Bib #: 1076

Overall Place: 237/569

Age: 58

Chip Time: 1:08:03:23

Gun Time: 1:08:03:40

Pace: 10:28