INTRO

I am Scott aka Scottydog aka Scotty Dogg, runner since 1983, cancer survivor – caught very early, so I actually had a fairly easy time of it - , retired Air Force, employee of University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), friend of dogs, fun-runner, and all-around punster and 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.  My only goals for a race these days are finish everything I start, have fun along the way, and finish standing up with no ambulance waiting for me.  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 – unless it’s a mean dog; then the biscuit goes in one direction and I go in another.  Hence my nickname “Scottydog.”

And a big thanks to runningahead.com for allowing me a “home” for my many many MANY race reports and photos.  Great site, free training log; calendars; running routes; maps; conversation forums for runners; and much more

Here is yet another of my photo reports.  Full report below. 

Link to a slideshow of just the photos: http://s166.photobucket.com/user/scottydog69/slideshow/2016%20Race%20Reports/2016%20Race%2047%20Head%20For%20The%20Cure%205K

BEFORE THE START

This was my 47th race of 2016, held Sep 24, 2016.  This 5K was started by local TV station KSAT-13 in honor and memory of their news director who died of brain cancer and this event raises money for brain cancer research.    Start and finish at Providence High School whose folks kindly open their campus for this event each year.  KSAT is just about right across the street from the school.   Having done this event before I picked up my race packet the day before since I know from experience how busy this one gets on race morning - and a nice touch of KSAT to put the timing chip in the packet, so no standing in line on race morning to get the chip, that saved a lot of time.  I still got there early with my "old faithful' old-time Canon camera and wandered around until start time getting some pre-start photos.

Me and friend Karen

Our hosts and the founders of the race

The lonely start/finish line before the majority of people have arrived; and our timing and results guy getting ready.

Our MC who did a great job.  Sorry about the photo quality...my old-time camera does not always do so well when the light is low.

Our Music Masters, who kept it lively for us.  They did a great job.

These ladies were part of the group that sang The National Anthem

The Scouts did the flag-raising as the Anthem was sung

Various participants, supporters, etc.  The yellow shirts some are wearing are the race shirts.

I told Superman sorry, I borrowed a pair of his socks...

This speedy guy was the overall winner - 17 minutes something, I think.  He lapped me on the way to the finish as I was just starting my 2nd lap.

Providence girls running team

My very speedy friend Anthony with a beautiful lady who hangs out with him because she is probably sorry for him.    Kinda like my wife with me at times...   

National Anthem and Flag Raising

ON THE COURSE

We started at the school, went out onto St. Mary's Street, and then did a course of two laps around the surrounding area, finishing up back at the school on the second lap.  Nice, wide roads, so plenty of room for everyone.  There was a walking event too, so most of we runners encountered the walkers on our second lap as we runners were heading to the finish; the walkers were pretty polite and primarily stayed to the left, we we runners went down the right side of the road. Where I was at any given time, I did not see any runners having problems with any of the walkers.  I ended up finishing in 34:08, which was good enough for 2nd in my age group of 60-64.  I think, though, there were only 3 IN my age group, lol.  Never mind...I'll take it.    All participants also got a memorial finish medal.

2nd lap....and I hope it's not a bad sign I'm near a funeral home....  

AFTER THE FINISH

Got a bottle of water - and NICE, the organizers had it all iced down in wading pools and right there at the finish, so we did not have to go looking for it.  I wish every race I participate in would do that, so convenient! - and then found some shade, drank a bit of water, and did my post-race stretches.  After that...onto to get some  photos of the "Happy Finishers" and others.

Goodies included...

Krispy Kreme

Bagels and brownies

Goldfish crackers and various nutrition bars

...and this ice-cold and very refreshing kinda-like-gelata thingy - I forget the actual name of the stuff - that these folks are enjoying; it came in several flavors and was quite popular post-race.

Run Wild Sports provided packet pickup location pre-race day.  Very good running store operated by my friends here.

Wait, little lady, the photo isn't over yet...

There you are...

This little lady is currently being treated for brain cancer - prayers appreciated! - so I gave her my finisher medal so she would have a 'double prize".  May God bless you, little one.

I took 3 photos of this group - actually, all I wanted was a photo of the giant dog...  ....just kidding - since people kept joining the group, lol.  With the last photo, I think I finally got everyone in.  The dog even cooperated in the last photo, facing toward the camera. 

As usual, my friend Bernadette placed in her age group, so she had two medals.

EPILOGUE

I've done every one of these since this event started, so kept my streak going. Really well done event, nice finisher medals, nice course, very flat, not a hill in sight, good course to shoot for a PR.  LOTS of sponsors and many many, MANY post-race goodies - they just need to add beer to the goodies list.    Very nice tech tee race shirts; and, of course, all for a great cause.  This one keeps growing and all the people and 'characters' I have ever interacted with at this one have been great.  Definitely a keeper on my race calendar.  Mucho thanks to all the people who made this one happen for us:  law enforcement, sponsors, KSAT-13 folks, Providence High School, etc.

I need a nap now...I've got two more races this weekend, a night time run on Sep 24 and another 5K on Sep 25.