Barking Mad To Run
INTRO AND SHORT VERSION REPORT
I am Scott aka Scottydog aka Scotty Dogg, 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.
My 14th race of 2015, held at McAllister Park in San Antonio on March 28, 2015. This race supports cancer colon research - the type of cancer I had - so I always try to do this local event whenever I can. Weather for we South Texans was just about perfect, upper 50s, low 60s, sunny, very low humidity and dew-point. There was a very nice turn-out for this event too, about 1100 registered runners and walkers, and there was also a Kid's Run. There was some confusion, apparently, about shuttle bus parking and pickup place, so the race was delayed by about 30 - 40 minutes or so to allow time for everyone to get to the start area. I ended up with a chip time of 34:47, and got 1st in my age group of 60-69...mainly because I was the only one in my age group, lol. After I finished, 3 separate friends of mine, each with their own Garmins, all told me the course actually was a little long, at 3.3 miles instead of 3.1 No worries, it's all good.. and just means I'm all that much 'speedier', right? . With my AG placing, a pretty nice looking medal to add to my collection to donate to the cancer kids at the local hospital.
LONG VERSION REPORT WITH PHOTOS
Before the Start
McAllister Park, one of the largest parks in San Antonio, has several activity pavilions and one of them is where the 5K started and finished. There were also lots of 'teams' at this event and various awards were given to them pre-race, for stuff like most funds raised by a team, most imaginative team, largest team, etc.
Randy Beamer, news anchor of local area TV station WOAI was there as our MC. One of the nicest guys ever. Even if he is a Dallas Cowboys fan. I joke, because I grew up in Washington DC area and so happen to be a Redskins fan. He graciously let me have a photo with him.
A memorial table of one of the teams, Angels in Blue
The mascot of Las Palapas, a very good local restaurant, was there
This "Blue Fairy' was there, a very inspirational lady
My good friend Scott Wood of Athlete Guild, which did the course set up, race timing, etc, and one of the event organizers
Some of the volunteers, supporters, and participants, pre-start
For some reason, there were a lot of Florida Gator fans there. My wife is a Gator fan, as she was born in Gainesville. I happen to be a Florida State fan, so it gets real interesting around our house when they play each other, lol.
These 3 are wearing the tech tees that all participants got
Fellow retirees. Yay Air Force!
My friend, Bethany (pink, on the right) with her team, Miriam's Mob, supporting cancer patient Miriam, the lovely lady 2nd from left in the front.
I took a few photos of this group....the sunshine and the trees and the shadows were playing havoc with my camera at times...so I'll just let them pick the one they like the best
Me and one of my favorite ladies in the world, Karin
Two lovely ladies that I see at a lot of the local events that I do
On the Course
This park is quite popular for events and has about 6 different 5K routes that can be used. So, of course, the ONLY route that has a hill was the one that was used, lol. I think it was announced, too, there was a water stop at about the halfway point, but there was not one, actually, so I guess those volunteers must've got delayed or something. Didn't bother me, as I don't take in water for a 5K, but I felt bad for the folks doing the 5K walk behind us, who were probably going to be out there longer, and maybe had kids with them, they might have appreciated some water along the way. Well, it is what it is, and it appeared everyone dealt with it and I really did not hear any post-event complaints about it. The paved running trails in the park are very nice - and quite green at this time of year - so those of my friends who are 'real winter' folks back east, north, etc, and still have snow and are reading this....enjoy the greenery and sunshine!
After the Finish
Shiner Beer Ladies - my first stop post-race.
Yeah, beer!
Other goodies included sausages served up by these two folks
Three kinds of tacos served up by these ladies
Various fruits
There were also various nutrition bars, bottled water, and other stuff. Quite a nice and 'busy' after-party on a beautiful day, as you can see from these folks enjoying themselves at it.
And, of course, some of the "Happy Finishers, volunteers, and supporters.
"Miriam's Mob" walkers coming in to the finish
Medal Scotty Dogg
EPILOG
In spite of the late start, one of the best events I've done all year thus far. Lots of people turned out; a beautiful day for it; a really nice course; lots of post-race goodies; nice tech-tee shirt for participants. Definitely a worth-while and fun event to, all for a good cause. Much thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, law enforcement, etc., who made were all out there for us to make this event happen.
Next up for me: April Fools 5K on April 1st at 6:30 pm. at Lady Bird Johnson Park.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt
Looks like a really nice event in a lovely place to run. Great that there were so many participants. I like the slogan on the race t-shirts.
What a nice course! Congrats on the AG win.
There was lots of sun but lots of sleeves too. Soon enough though it will be hot as Hades down there...and here too!
I can't see the pictures on these computers at work. The event is the one you mailed me the shirt from a year or two ago. Thanks.
race obsessed
Beautiful park and nice liking event!
I dig the beer and food spread!
From the Internet.
What a lovely place for a 5K! I feel warmer just looking at your pictures Spring cannot get here soon enough - up here we woke up to a fresh crust of snow and ice on everything. :C Mother Nature hates New England this year.
What a pretty course! Makes me long for some outdoor running (in nice weather). Congratulations, Scotty, on your AG award! You were the only brave 60-69 year old to show up that day, you deserve the medal. And it's so nice of you to donate it to sick children.
PRs: Boston Marathon, 3:27, April 15th 2013
Cornwall Half-Marathon, 1:35, April 27th 2013
18 marathons, 18 BQs since 2010
Thanks for running this race to support cancer colon research. A family member of mine passed away from it several years ago.
Looks like you deserved the well-earned beer.
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” - T.S. Eliot
Great report as usual, Scotty!
Damaris
As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.
Fundraising Page
Wow, finally a really nice day and great racing weather, and of course a good cause too. Glad it went so well.
That dog's expression in one of the pre-race photos is cracking me up. He does NOT look like he wants to be photographed!
MM#5991
Always loved reading your RRs back in the day. Awesome as usual.
Lori
*it's Bertha or me. My money is on me.*
**"There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone".---- Sandy**