INTRO

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.

SHORT VERSION REPORT  (to the tune of Beverly Hillbillies)

Come listen to a story about an old Scottydog,

A slow old runner whose pace is usually a jog,

Out one day doing Freda’s Run for the Arts,

Finished standing up without falling apart…

..always a good thing for an old dog….

Well, right after the start, Scottydog is on some wooded trails,

Breathing like a fat ole bulldog and being passed by snails;

Taking photos too; stop and run, stop and run…

Not about time for him, it’s all about fun…

…which is a good thing for a slow dog….

He go a second wind for the race’s back half,

Went nonstop to the end, looking like a running giraffe;

In other words, no grace or form on a Scottydog run,

But somehow he always manages to get it done.

…33:09, Scottydog Style….

Scottydog's 28th race of this year,

And there will be more to come, never fear.

If you want a photo, come out to a local race,

And Scottydog will help you get to a happy place.

...y'all come out now ya hear?   With your race shoes on...

LONG VERSION REPORT WITH PHOTOS

Before the Start

Freeda's Run for the Arts is an event put on annually by  iaapweb.com and has become quite a popular local event. Name for artist Freda, this race was held on the campus of local University of the Incarnate Word and the event benefited the UIW Art Department.   I live fairly close to UIW, so got there about an hour before start time and took some pre-start photos.

This lady was shining so much I knew she had to be an angel!  OK, actually I turned my flash on by accident....but even so, she probably is an angel...

OK, that's better...

The lonely start line before the crowd gathers...still a little quiet at the time I arrived at the race venue

Freeda lookalike..she ran the whole route in this outfit too..which probably got quite warm!

The lovely Ceci, our Race Director

A bit more crowded than when I first arrived

Getting ready to start....

Nice Freda socks!

On the Course

The course was a mix of paved campus roads and some of the off-road trails located on the campus grounds. We did a sort of looping out-and-back, winding around a good part of the campus, including going near UIW's athletic stadium.

After the Finish

Found a nice shady spot near a creek and this historic bridge to rest a bit post-race and drink some water...

Then it was off to get some beer from the great Alamo Brewery folks...this guy is so good he can serve with his eyes closed...

Personalize bib - everyone could get their name on their bib - and a beer.....nice race!

There were also sausage wraps served up by these lovely ladies.  I had two.....

Shades of the 60s!  VW bus of iaapweb, Ceci and her mate, Rog...and the thing still runs too!

EPILOG

Always a great event!  I have done this one in previous years and it is always a lot of fun, with great post-race goodies, lots of Freda-themed costumes, and lots of really great people showing up.  iaapweb.com always does a fantastic job with this event.   Mucho Gracias to all the sponsors, volunteers, law enforcement, vendors, etc., who make this one happen for we participants each year.  And thanks to UIW for allowing the race route to be here....although, if this this race's popularity keeps growing - I think there were 300 or 400 participants this year, it might get a bit too big for the campus trails, which are a bit narrow for crowds.  Whatever happens and wherever the race locale may end up eventually, it's definitely a keeper on the race calendar!

Is it Freda or Frida? I thought it was Frida... Freda or Frida, it doesn't matter, what matters is that she would have loved this race in her honor. So many beautiful and colorful people! Thanks for sharing, Scotty!

Is it Freda or Frida? I thought it was Frida...

Freda, Freda bobeda

Banana fana fofeda

Me mi momeda...

Freda!

 

Freda, Freda bobeda

Banana fana fofeda

Me mi momeda...

Freda!

I LOVE that song!!!! Now I'm happy happy! Thank you for putting it in my head today!

 

Hopefully it doesn't drive you nuts.

I'm already nuts.