Barking Mad To Run
INTRO
I am Scott aka Scottydog, runner since 1983, cancer survivor, retired Air Force, employee of University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), friend of dogs, fun-runner, and all-around goofball. In 2003 I had spinal arthritis flare up and ever since then I’ve done the run/walk method since it hurts my back too much now to run continuously with no walk breaks. I’m on what I call my “2F Plan” which stands for Fun and Finish. At events that I now do for fun I carry my camera, chase “Great Legs” to help motivate my slow old man self to keep moving forward, and take pictures before, during, and after the race. Sometimes I even get a nice post-race sweaty hug from one of the Great Legs ladies. I then do a pictorial race report of my events. I also carry dog biscuits with me to treat any dogs I may meet at a run, hence my nickname “Scottydog.” Here is yet another of my Race Reports With Photos, and my thanks to all the people I interacted with for their graciousness and good humor in letting me take photos of them.
SHORT VERSION REPORT
My 70th race of 2013, and the first of three 5Ks I did this weekend. Held on Saturday, Dec 7, 2013 in San Marcos, Texas, about a 40 minute drive from San Antonio. Weather at 9 a.m. start time was 29 degrees with a 'feels like' temp of about 19. That is COLD for we South Texans. I was wearing my orange shirt with 3 layers underneath, lol. This race is associated with the "Sights and Sounds of Christmas Festival -http://www.sights-n-sounds.org/ - held in San Marcos each year. We started and finished near the festival grounds. 240 participants - probably some stayed home because of the weather - 106 male and 134 female, proving the ladies are generally more hard-core than the men for coming out into the cold. There were lots in my age group (55-59) so I didn't even come close to placing, and did not expect too anyway, as slow as I am. But even with my photo stops, I did manage to finish in 32:49, surprising myself; I had guessed about 34 to 36 minutes for me for this one.
LONG VERSION REPORT WITH PHOTOS
Before The Race
I parked in City Park of San Marcos and then to get to the start/finish area, I walked through the park and took a few photos in there..
On the festival grounds near the start/finish area
Santa Claus was there
And so was the Chik-Fil-A Cow
Yours truly, with Santa and Chik-Fil-A Cow
"Speedy", the mascot of Speedy Cash
Participants, volunteers, supporters, pre-race
This guy is wearing the tech-tee participants got in the goody bag
On The Course
I put my jacket aside and lined up, and off we went. The course was a loop course took us through parts of historic San Marcos. Mainly flat with a couple of slight upgrades and a downhill grade just before the finish. It was cold, but at least we were moving. I felt sorry for the volunteers along the course who had to just stand in their spots...BRRR! Going out, hardly any wind at all. Going back toward the finish, we had the wind in our face for a bit. For most of the race, I was right with that dog at the back in the first photo.
Some huge houses along this part of the course, like this one
After The Race
Santa and Mrs. Claus were at the finish cheering everyone in
Happy Finishers, etc.
My 'running buddy" on the course, with his humans
A runner friend of mine, in line post-race to get the free chicken biscuits from Chik-Fil-A
Speedy Cash folks....they gave out goody bags to all the participants too
EPILOG
I think this race has been done 5 times and I have done 3 of the 5. It as a very fun event - even it it was cold this year - with a free pass to the festival in the goody bag, a nice shirt, a nice course, and lots of friendly volunteers and participants. Kudos to Central Texas Medical Center, the presenting sponsor, for a great event. AhtleteGuild did their usual great job of course setup and timing. And Jill, the race director, did a great job too, from what I saw everything went great. I missed out getting a photo with Jill on Race Day, probably because she was very busy, so I never saw her. But I did get to meet her at packet pick-up when I went to get my packet and ended up helping out for an hour or so, as they were short-handed right then. Very nice lady - and very pretty too - one of the nicest people you could meet. Hopefully I can get a photo with her next year, as this race will definitely stay on my race calendar.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt
Everybody looks so cold; it's great that they had so many participants.
Antipodean
Yay, Scotty, another one done and dusted. Good on you for doing it in any kind of weather. Is this year going to be any kind of record for you in terms of races done or anything?
Julie
"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves."
~ Sir Edmund Hillary
LOVED having you be a part of our race!!!!! Thanks for the dedication to taking great photos of our course, race, and fabulous runners! It's runners like you that make me continue to do what I do. Otherwise, I'd just be insane!!! Happy Holidays Scott! I posted the blog link on our Angel Drops facebook page. Very much appreciate the work you do. Jill
Nice job, Scotty! Loved your RR, especially all the great pics!
But The Smile That I Sent Out Returned With You.
Congrats Scotty! Looks really cold for south Texas.
At first glance, I thought that was you dressed as Santa in the pic before this one!
SheCan
What a cold race! But still lots of smiles. And now we know that you do own long running pants. Congratulations on the first of your busy race weekend!
Cherie
"We do not become the people who this world needs simply by turning our backs on anyone we don’t like, trust, or deem healthy enough to be in our presence. " ---- Shasta Nelson
Smaller By The Day
Looking good Scotty. Nice finish time. I think you are now officially ready for an Indiana race.
Improvements
Weight 100 pounds lost
5K 31:02 Sept. 2012 / 23:36 Sept. 2013 (Same Course)
10K 48:59 April 2013
HM 2:03:56 Nov. 2012 / 1:46:50 March 2013
MARATHON 3:57:33 Nov. 2013
Looks like a fun and festive time. The weather was just helping you get into the holiday spirit, right?
Isn't San Marcos the same town that has the dreaded "clock tower view" race? Glad this one looked more scenic!