Help The Homeless 5K

On Saturday November 12, 2011, I ran in the Help the Homeless Run and Walk 5K at Fair Park in Dallas, TX. Honoring Dallas Homeless Veterans, the proceeds of this event benefitted The Bridge, and Back on My Feet. The Program Director for Back on My Feet, Lea Velez, led the stretching before race aided by a large number of homeless runners and walkers from the organization and their Run-On! training partners. Race registration started at 2:00 PM, at the race started at 3:30 PM which is later than usual for these types of races. As it turns out, there was an Alzheimer's walk at the same location in the morning. There was a huge amount of sponsor support for this event, including: Orix Foundation, Walmart, Baylor, Fannie Mae, Marianne and Roger Staubach, Run-On!, 103.7 Lite FM, My Fit Foods, Cliff Bars, Poweraide, Community Coffee, and more. The fun walk started at 4:30 PM, and there was live music from a band called Emerald City afterwords. I arrived early, and took my 1 mile slow warm up jog, then took a picture with 103.7 radio and talked to the Run-On! crew. I lined up on the first row along side a few homeless runners to start the race. I took off fast, and after about half a mile I was running at a 7:07 pace. I told myself to  slow down, there was still a long way to go. We started inside of Fair Park, then went on the street outside park, eventually running back into park to the finish line. I crossed the finish line and stopped my watch at 25:07. I later checked the posted race results and it showed that I had finished in 23:31. That seemed way too fast. I asked other runners and they said their times were fast too. I spoke to the Run-On! race timer and he found and corrected the times, and listed them on the websites final results. I knew I didn't run that fast. I only want the results that I earn from my Run-On! training and my own effort. Everyone seemed to have a great time at the race. There was dancing, music, food, and all that good stuff. There were only 157 chip timed finishers but many hundred more ran and walked without the chip. It cost $5.00 more if you wanted to have chip timed, and many opted to run without it.  I finished 1st place in this, my last race in the 55-59 age division and 17th out of 157. My final time 25:06 at 8:06 / mile pace.  Place   Bib #    Men       Overall    Chip Time     Pace 1/4     364     15/71    17/157     25:06        8:06 / M I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The DRC Half Marathon

On sunday, November 6, 2011 I ran in my second half marathon race, the DRC Half at Norbuck Park in White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX. The event benefitted the Tal Morrison Scholarship Fund, and there were many sponsors, including: DRC, Run-On!, New Balance, ESP, Cliff Bar, Muscle Milk, Powerade, and many more. The first 3,500 registered runners received a long sleeve technical shirt; yellow for the men and pink for the women. I volunteered at the Dallas Run-On! store for the first morning of packet pickup, and noticed that there were more runners that registered without getting the shirt. They gave away cash prizes for the top half marathon finishers, totaling $5,000.00. DISD (Dallas Independent School District) had a shuttle service for runners that used DART (Dallas public transportation). At 7:30 AM there was a early marathon start for those that planned on finishing the race in over 3 hours and 15 minutes. The half officially started at at 8:00 and the 5K started at 8:20. There was a large food tent and the Beer Garden opened at 10:00. Looking around, I was proud to see that there was a large turnout of Run-On! runners and volunteers at the event.  Since there was no parking at Norbuck Park, I arrived early and parked across the street at Flagpole Hill. I volunteered to take some pictures for DRC, and wanted to do a good job. I took some pics before I ran my half then had to go back to my truck to get the camera again after the race (since I didn't want to run with it). Usually I like to start at the front, close to the starting line, but for this race everyone was told to line up according to pace group. I got behind the 1:50 / mile pace group which I knew was too fast for me, but I didn't want to start too far behind in such a large crowd of runners. The humidity was high, and there were tons of hills which slowed down most of the runners around me. Thanks to Run-On! Training Coordinator Jennifer Kimble, I had a good plan on how to run this race course. The first 3.5 miles were mostly flat, then there were many hills. I trained with my Run-On! coaches and 10:30 pace members to take these hills a bit more effectively. I was running at a comfortable pace, but every time I came to a hill, my pace started to slow down. The final 3 miles of the race was back to the White Rock Lake trail and then back to the finish line at Norbuck Park. It was mostly flat course but I had exhausted a lot of energy making it over those hills. At about 2 miles left, many runners started to pass me up. In a shorter race, I like to save some energy for the last mile or so but my legs just didn't want to run any faster. I just tried to keep the pace I had, and finish the race. I wanted to finish under 2 hours. Back at Norbuck Park I passed the 13 mile marker, and gave what I had left. When I crossed the finish line, the clock said 2:00:04. I was a little disappointed that I had missed my goal by 4 seconds. Theresa, who I train with at Run-On!, said that since I started further back, behind the pace group, I should have finished under 2 hours. Later, I checked the results and found that I had finished in 1:59:30. Looks like I just made it. This was by far my most challenging race so far. I would like to thank USMD Prostate Cancer Center and everyone who has encouraged me at my Run-On! training. My next half is the Dallas White Rock Half on December 4, 2011. I received my DRC 35 Anniversary Commemorative medal for finishing this half. Place     Bib #       Overall      Chip Time    Pace                25/82     1633      880/2716      1:59:30     9:10 / m I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Double Trouble 5K and 10K

My race on Saturday, October 22 was the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers (LGRAW) Double Trouble 5K and 10K near Oak Grove Park in Grapevine, TX.  The 5K started at 8:00 AM and then after a short rest, the 10K started at about 8:50.  They gave out a great technical T-Shirt with registration. Before the 5K race, I was able to meet Charles Clines. He did a report with pictures and results for his running website (www.clinesrunningcorner.com).  I check his site every weekend for all of the area race results. Thank you Charles.  Kenny Stice, an 18 year old cross country runner at Plano High School, and Laura Nelson, 46, of Grapevine won the RRCA Texas State 10K male and female titles.   I started on the 1st row in 5K.  I planned on running this race a little easier than a normal 5K since I was running the 10K right after.  The temperature was about 70 degrees, and there were many hills on the course.   My mile 1 time was 8:07, and my mile 2 time was 16:43 (8:35 / mile pace).  At this point, I slowed down some, but on the 3rd mile, my competitive spirit kicked in, and I started running faster.  My time was 24:41 (7:58 / mile pace).   I finished the 5K race in the time of 25:59:5, third place out of 7 in my age division, and 33 out of 78 men, and 47 out of 162 overall finishers.  Place   Bib #    Men     Overall    Chip Time     Pace 3/7     276     33/78     47/162     25:59:5      8:23   I rested a little before the 10K start, and then lined up about half way back at the starting line.  We ran some of the same course as the 5K, then got on the Grapevine trail.  These were hilly courses, not ideal for me to run fast.  I just planed on doing my best and to not run too hard.   My 1 mile time was 8:30, and my 2 mile time was 17:21 (8:51 / mile pace).  I started to slow down again, and my 3 mile time was 26:0 (8:58 / mile pace).  I was about halfway there to the finish line.   My mile 4 time was 35:23 (9:03 / mile pace), and my mile 5 time was 44:25 (9:02 / mile pace).  On the last mile, I gave everything that I had left; I even passed a few runners.  My mile 6 time was 52:47 (8:21 / mile pace), and I finished the state championship 10K race in the time of 55:15:3.  My last 10K was on January 15, 2011, the Snowman Shuffle, so it's been a while.  I finished in 4th place out of 9 in my age division, just out of the award group. I finished 32 out of 69 men and 43 out of 145 overall, and I had a new personal best 10K time.  Kenny Gardner of Plano won both the 5K and 10K in the 55-59 age division. Place   Bib #    Men     Overall    Chip Time   Pace 4/9     276     32/69    43/145       55:15:3    8:55 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Dallas Running Club: The Loop 5K

On Saturday October 1, 2011 I ran in the last of the 8 free Dallas Running Club races that they offer to members each year, The DRC Loop 15K and 5K. I chose to run in the 5K since I had my long run of 11 miles the next morning with my 10:30 pace Run-On! training group. As usual, this annual event took place at Winfrey Point in White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX, and started at 8:00 AM. The event benefited Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and Back on My Feet. Led by Lea Velez and Run-On! Training Coordinator, Jennifer Kimble, many of the Run-On! team ran with a homeless runner. Some of these team members are in my 10:30 pace group, including Nancy Fallen, Teresa Nichols, and Rebecca Lange. As the DRC photographer, I took a few pictures of the Run-On! group, and runners that finished the 15K after I finished my 5K race. Both races started at the same time together. I lined up late, and got stuck about 25 rows back. There were 632 Run-On! Chip timed finishers, with 223 5K finishers including 45 5K runners and 68 15K runners in the Clydesdale and Athena divisions. I didn't start out running all out, like I usually do, because there was such a crowd. The 5K race had a turnaround, but the 15K did a complete loop around the lake. My 1st mile time was 8:00. I got to the turnaround at about halfway to the 2nd mile. When I crossed the 2 mile marker, my time was 15:54 (a 7:53 / mile pace). My 3 mile time was 23:47 (a 7:53 / mile pace). I finished the race in the time of 25:09, 43rd out of 223 5K finishers, and 4th in my age division. As it turns out, the first place winner in my age group was moved up to a Master's winner, and I was surprised when they called my name at the awards ceremony for the 3rd place award. Because the 1st place winner was moved into the Master's division, I ended up finishing 3rd out of 8 in my age group, and 36 out of 104 men. I received 7 points for the DRC Championship, and finished in the top 10 in Volunteering and Racing combined. You can see other runner's results at the DRC site. During my long run the next morning, both feet swelled up and became numb. Thanks to Jennifer Kimble, who recommended an area foot Doctor, I found out that I had arthritis in both feet, which is probably due to over-training. I listened to the Doctor and stopped running for a couple of weeks, but ran another race on October 22. Place   Bib #    Men     Overall   Chip Time  Pace                                          3/8     897    36/104   43/208     25:09     8:07 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 2011 Prarie Man Half Marathon

On September 21, 2011 I ran in my 1st Half Marathon ever, the 2011 Prarie Man Half Marathon, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run. I want to thank Jennifer Kimble, the Run-On! Training Class Coordinator and RRCA Certified Coach, Mitch Hayes the Assistant Coordinator, and the training group at Run-on! for preparing me for this event. I've never had a coach or been in a training program before, and I can tell you from personal experience that it makes all the difference. The race took place along the shore of Joe Pool Lake in Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prarie, TX, and benefited the MP Foundation for ALS Awareness (Lou Gehrig's Disease). I dedicate this race in memory of fellow Run-On! runner Diane Proud who passed away from ALS a few weeks ago. Diane was a 2 time national duathlon title holder, an 8 time USA Triathlon All-American, and a world class runner. Longtime coach at the Cooper Fitness Center. She had her own race, ALS Run "Proud for Dessert", which she attended on September 10. She showed tremendous courage by running races the best she could, even with her illness. Thank you for inspiring me Diane! All half marathon and 5K runners received a free Brooks Tech shirt. The race course took runners around a pair of loops along the lake's shoreline and then out of the park to the intersection of Mansfield Road. From there, the course turned right and then followed a long straightaway stretch along the northern shoreline of the lake, leading all the way to the Joe Pool Lake Dam. At the Dam was the half way point of this 13.1 mile course. From the turnaround, we just followed the same course back. Ironhead Race Production promoted the race, led by CEO and Race Director, Jack Weiss, who is a certified USAT Training Coach, USA Cycling Level 3 Elite Coach, and a USA Certified Triathlon Coach. Run Far Racing Services planned the event, and professional photos were conducted by Celebrated Images. There were many sponsors at the event, including Mobility Outfitters, inc, Richardson Bike Mart, Spring Valley Spine and Sportscare, Gatorade, as well as a lot of other food and drink sponsors. To participate in the event, you had to arrive by 6:15 AM, because the park was closed to traffic for race. The half marathon started at 7:00 AM with temperture in the low 70 degrees. About a half a mile after the race started I checked my Garmin timing device, and saw that I was at a 5:40 mile pace. I felt comfortable, so I just kept the pace as best I could. I had planned on starting at a 9:25 / mile pace, but my first mile time was actually 8:39. My 2 mile time was 17:28 (a 8:49 / mile pace), and my 3 mile time was 26:12 (a 8:43 / mile pace). I kept my average pace at about 8:40 / mile. The faster runners were way ahead of me and there were not many runners to follow behind, like a normal 5K race. The water stops were great; they had one every 1 mile or so. At mile 4 my time was 34:50 (a 8:38 / mile pace), and my mile 5 time was 43:31 (a 8:41 / mile pace). The 6th mile was my fastest mile at 52:06 (a 8:34 / mile pace). I finally made it to the the turnaround at the Dam, and made my way back. My mile 7 time was 1:00:47 (a 8:41 / mile pace), and my mile 8 time was 1:09:30 (a 8:43 mile pace). At this point, my average pace started to climb a few seconds. My mile 9 my time 1:18:23 (a 8:53 / mile pace), at my mile 10 time was 1:27:19 (a 8:55 / mile pace). I picked it back up a bit at mile 11 with a time of 1:36:01 ( a 8:42 / mile pace). I made my was back inside the park and finished the 12th mile in 1:44:54 (a 8:52 / mile pace). On about mile 13, we got teased by the finish line in front of us. All that remained was to turn left and loop around the back-way to the finish line. I came to a crossroad, and there were no volunteers to say which way to go to get around the loop and back around the shroeline. There were not any runners to follow, so I got confused and stopped running. I just wanted until the next runner came by, and I followed her to the finish line. My 13 mile time was 1:54:24 (a 9:29 / mile pace). I lost at least 45 seconds due to the confusion. My Garmin finished the race at 13:36 (a 8:56 / mile pace). My Garmin doesn't seem to be 100% accurate, but it does help me keep a good pace and record. My official chip time was 1:57:41. I finished 21 out of only 57 overall finishers, 14 out of 23 men, and won my age group with 2 other men. My official halfway time was 57:30 (a 8:47 / mile pace), and finished the 2nd half in 1:00:11 (a 9:11 / mile pace). My overall pace was 8:59 / mile in my first half marathon. I would have been happy with a 2:09:00 finish. I've been running for almost 2 years, and with alot of help and encouragement, was able to accomplish something I never thought I could do. Thank you USMD Prostate Cancer Center, Jennifer, Mitch, and Run-On! Place   Bib#    Men    Overall   Chip Time   1st Half   2nd Half   Final Pace    1/3    529    14/23    21/57     1:57:41      57:30    1:00:11      8:59 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The Lewisville Lodge Race for Children

On September 17, 2011, I raced in the Lewisville Lodge Race for Children in Lewisville, TX. The event benefited the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation and the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for children. This is one of those races that I ran in last year, so I had an idea of what to expect. I arrived early and ran a slow jog, then met up with my son, John, and his girlfriend who both live in Lewisville.  Their youngest daughter was interested in signing up as a runner, and I was very proud as she registered for her very first race.  There were a large number of volunteers from Lewisville Lodge no. 201, and many sponsors, led by Napa Auto Parts, Chase, AOJ Bart, Inc (lithographers) and many more who donated door prizes after the awards ceremony. This was a well-run race conducted by Run-On! John took a few pictures of us before at the 1 mile fun run, and then it was time to get serious. The 5k started in front of City Hall, and I lined up in the first row, ready to go all out from start-to-finish. It had rained the night before for the first time in months, and it was very humid by the time the race started. Thankfully, this was a race course with no turnaround. The bad news is that there were several hills and many turns on different streets. During the first mile I was feeling pretty good, and my time was 7:39. I started to struggle going up the hills and my pace slowed down a bit. My 2nd mile time was 15:57 (8:17 mile pace). After the 2nd mile, there was a long straight away then a turn to the finish line. My 3 mile time was 24:19 (8:22 mile pace). I ended up finishing in the time of 25:12.  Finishing about 1 second ahead of me was a 10 year old girl. I wish I had started running when I was her age; she has a great future ahead of her. I finished 35th out of 184 chip time finishers, 3rd place in my age division. As I have said before, my hope is to inspire others to try walking and running as a way to their better health, and so I was very happy to run with my son's girlfriend's daughter who finished 2nd place in her very first race. My next race will be my first half marathon 13.1 miles September 24 (which you'll be able to read about soon!). Place   Bib#    Men    Overall  Chip Time  Gun Time  Pace   3/6    3201   27/93   35/184    25:12      25:13      8:07 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 1st Annual Great Prostate Cancer Challenge - DFW

First of all, I want to thank all of the participants of this very special event that I competed in last week, on Saturday September 10, The 1st Annual Great Prostate Cancer Challenge - DFW. Thank you to the walkers, runners, volunteers, and of course, the sponsors. Specifically, I want to thank ZeroCancer, DFW Runs, and all the UANT / USMD staff. The event took place at the Mavericks Activity Center (MAC) at UT Arlington.  Nationwide, a man dies from prostate cancer every 18 minutes, and affects 1 in 6 men. Almost 30,000 men will die this year alone. If those statistics bother you, then please do something about it by getting involved with this event next year. After I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June of 2007, I chose USMD Prostate Cancer Center as the place where I would have have robotic surgery. Now, after a successful surgery, changing my diet, and running, my PSA is still undetectable. Please help support this amazing facility by joining them at their third annual open house on September 24 from 10AM - 2PM. There will be tours, food, exhibitions on leading cancer treatment technologies, and you'll be able to meet Dallas Cowboy Hall of Famer Bob Lilly, and DFW Today personality Jody Dean.  The sponsors of this very important event were ZeroCancer The Project to End Prostate Cancer, Urology Associates of North Texas, USMD Prostate Cancer Center, Abbot, Amgen, Vantos, Hockey Fights Cancer, Cliff Bar, Muscle Milk, Chick-Fil-A, The Runner Shop, Honest Tea, Genghis Grill, Bob Moore Subaru, and many more. The live band sponsor was Sun and Ski Sports. Pam Turner Volunteered and organized an incredible team from USMD and UANT.  Jessica Sixkiller was the team leader for USMD, which included several doctors running with their children. These dedicated individuals included Dr. Rich Bevan-Thomas, Dr. Justin Lee, Dr. Cliff Vestal, and Dr. Scott Thurman. Paul Rothschild attended the USMD tent where he handed out free items to the runners. There was a special room inside the MAC for prostate cancer survivors and their families. USMD's Brenda May was there handing out free t-shirts, food, and drinks. She and the other volunteers also hosted drawings for gifts. There were about 12 different races on Saturday and a few more the next day, on September 11. I trained hard for this race with 25 beautiful ladies in the 10:30 pace half marathon group at Run-On! My 5K race started at 9 AM in front of the MAC, and looped onto the street, off campus, and around the neighborhood. There was no turnaround at this race, which was excellent. There were a few small hills, but I was determined to not allow that to slow me down; I wanted to run a good race so I could give proper thanks to USMD Cancer Center for all that they have done for me and all their other patients. I lined up on the 1st row ready to give all I could for this great cause. While I waited for the start, several prostate cancer survivors talked to me and said they had read my running blog, which made me feel great. Last week, my Garmin timing device didn't work, so I had a lady that I met from LSU reset it for me. Now I know my average pace when I am running, but still can't figure out how to see my per lap pace while I am running. I started out fast. After a long stretch, we turned left, off campus, then ran on a long straightaway. My mile 1 time was 7:56. To my surprise there seemed to not be many runners ahead of me. Most races, there are at least over a hundred that pass me up at the beginning of the race. I guess this motivated me more, as I kept running hard, not letting up. I even passed a few more runners on my way to the next mile marker. My mile 2 time was 15:38 (a 7:42 / mile pace). With about half a mile to go, I could see the finish area up ahead. I knew that my son John and his girlfriend and her children would be at the finish line waiting for me, so I did my best to maintain my pace. My mile 3 time 23:32 (a 7:53 / mile pace). I turned on the straight away back to the finish line at the MAC, and I could see the large Muscle Milk display around the finish line. I never look back in a race, because if you want to beat me to the finish line you are going to have to run past me. Everyone knows who I am because I wear a USMD Prostate Cancer shirt, and a sign in the front of my shirt to promote prostate cancer awareness, prevention, and to show support the organizations that have helped me overcome my cancer.   My final time was 24:04 (7:43 / mile pace), and a new personal best 5K. I finished 13th place overall out of 260 chip timed finishers, 1st out of 14 in my 55-59 age division, and 10th out of 110 men. You can see the full race results at mychiptime.com. There were 150 ladies that participated in the race, which was surprisingly even more than the 110 men. Thanks to you ladies for supporting this important cause. Do it now so you will not have to be a caregiver to your man later. Keep this race open on your calendar for next year and help me spread the word. Remember, September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. There is free prostate cancer screenings at many local hospitals. Thank You. I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com