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 photos only:  http://s166.photobucket.com/user/scottydog69/slideshow/2016%20Race%20Reports/2016%20Race%2058%20Day%20Of%20The%20Dead%205K

BEFORE THE START

Day of the Dead 5K, held at 4 PM on Oct 29, was my 58th race of 2016 and my 2nd of the Oct 29-30 weekend.  Location was Lady Bird Johnson Park, a local park with off-road paved trails.  There was also a 10K.  Weather was unusually warm - even for Texas - for us in late October, with temp of about 84 degrees and the 4 pm start time and a whole lot of sunshine.  After doing a 5K earlier this same morning, I had about just enough time to go home, have some lunch, rehydrate, change into my next set of running gear, and head to the park.  Arrived with about an hour to go to start time and wandered around getting photos of participants and volunteers, some of whom were in some really imaginative Dios de Los Muertos costumes.  Which must have been quite warm for this event.

Race Director Cecy with friend Jim

Kids Run

ON THE COURSE

The 5K course at this park - which I have done before at other event - is quite shaded.  The poor 10K folk did not have that luck.  They went the opposite direction from we 5K folks - and their course included a pretty fair-sized hill - and when they got to their turn around point they had to come back to the finish area with the sun right in their faces.  I was so glad I chose the 5K to do!

AFTER MY FINISH

My first stop after the race. Alamo Beer served up by owner and Pourer Extraordinaire Eugene.

Found a perfect rock in the shade to enjoy my sausage and beer.  The rock even came with a built-in cupholder, lol

And then all around the park taking photos of some people finishing, some already finished, volunteers, supporters, etc.

Finisher medal that all finishers got

EPILOGUE

Cecy and iaapweb.com always throw a good event and good after-party.  This is one of their more popular events and always has a nice turnout.  It used to be closer to nightfall but the earlier start time at this park is a necessity as there are no lights on the trails so for safety everyone had to be done before it got dark. Even wearing a headlamp, this park is still pretty darn dark.  Very colorful costumes at this event, sausages and beer post-race for those who want that - also lots and lots of cold water - costume contest, raffle for some prizes, and so forth.  Really nicely done event, one which continues to be on my race calendar year after year.  Definitely give this one a try if you are ever in San Antonio or are a local runner in this area, you will not regret it.  Mucho thanks to all the people who made this one happen for us:  iaapweb.com, sponsors, volunteers, law enforcement, park officials, etc.

Love the dia de Los muertos pics!

Love your race reports!  The people always look so happy.

You're looking pretty good these days, yourself.