Barking Mad To Run
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
I don’t have great camera skills and take photos with a camera that is like me - old fashioned, lol - so sorry if a photo appears a bit blurry, etc. However, they are free to save, share, etc.
Here is yet another of my photo reports. Full report below.
Link to photos only:
http://s166.photobucket.com/user/scottydog69/slideshow/2018%20Race%20Reports/2018%20Race%20Number%2056%20Alamo%20Beer%205K%20and%2010K?sort=2
BEFORE MY START
My 56th race of 2018 was the Alamo Beer 5K on August 5th, held at Alamo Beer, a local brewery near downtown San Antonio. There also was a 10K. The event was put on by local race management company “Scallywompus” which has some of the best local area races around. Timing was done by one of their partnership companies, iaapweb., another local race management company which puts on some pretty darn good races too.. This was the first race in a series of 4 races designed to gradually build up mileage for the upcoming San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon. Each increasing race distance event – starting with the 10K for the first one – also has a 5K included at each of the races. I live fairly close to the Alamo Brewery – it’s almost a straight shot right down the highway from my area – so was able to sleep in a bit and then arrived with about an hour to go to the 8 a.m. start of the 10K. The 5K started at 8:30 a.m. Parking was already pretty crowded when I arrived, but found a space, got my timing chip, and then got some pre-start photos of some of the 10K and 5K people, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, etc.
With "Mr. Scallywompus" - Bart
Welcome to Alamo Beer
Our Music Man
Friend Jose, co-owner of iaap which did the timing, results, etc.
Various participants, volunteers, etc.
Official photographer, my friend Cecilia
With her hubby, 'adversting' for their upcoming Loteria 5K
Our MC, Jason
ON THE COURSE
National Anthem was played and then the 10K folks took off at 8 a.m. The 10K participants were doing two loops of the course, the 5K folks one loop. The 5K folks started at a different start line to keep the finish area clear for the 10K folks doing their two loops. The finish line for the 10K and 5K was the same. The course was on local neighborhood streets near the brewery, with a climb up and then down historic Hays Street bridge and also on a challenging but not too steep hill – more long than steep. After that hill we did an out-and-back part on the course, then down the hill and headed to the finish. I was near the back of the pack at the start, to took me a while to get going after I crossed the timing mat – this is a very popular event so was quite crowded – and then took a few more photos on course than I normally do. Also, with my recent back episode, did not really want to push it just yet. Ended up with a 36:19 finish time, 5th in my age group and felt really good the whole way, so I was happy with that.
10K folks getting ready to go. My friend Max always runs with the flag - and quite speedily too - 7-something mintute pace. Our MC, Jason, doing the countdown
My friend George was bike pacer for the 10k
And the 10K folks are off! The guy that won did it in 39:18
Dogs were allowed
On the 5K course now. Historic Hays Street Bridge above me. I will be there in a few minutes, going up that thing.
Heading toward the bridge ramp
Bridge behind us now. We made a left turn at the next corner, and the bridge ramp was on our left.
On the bridge, looking ahead, into the sun
Behind me...nice view of some of downtown San Antonio
Down the bridge, right turn, left turn onto the long hill on the course, and then on the road where we did an out-and-back. It was not really that far to the turn-round point but mentally, lol, it felt like it took forever.
Heading into the sun again. Some of the 10K folks, who did 2 loops and some of the speedier 5K folks coming toward me.
Looking behind me where I'd just been
Made the turn-round and an now heading for the finish. I am on the right. People coming toward me are heading to the turn-round.
Looking behind me...
Looking ahead again. Once this incline is crested it will be down the hill we came up, a right turn and then back to the finish line.
AFTER MY FINISH
First-thing, got a banana and some water and sat down in the shade just to relax for a few and cool down and get rehydrated. Pretty warm day, in the upper 70s for the event and not a lot of shade on the course. After that, got my free Alamo Beer – hit the spot – and between my rehydrating and banana-eating and enjoying my beer, and after too, wandered around taking photos of the happy finishers, volunteers, supporters, etc.
Various
Award guys, displaying the age-group award glasses
70+, enjoying that beer he earned on a warm 5K day
All participants got a finisher medal
My friend Don (holding the walking stick), inspiring guy. This guy - a brain cancer survivor - is one speedy walker and he does long distance walks too. He is inspiring.
Enjoying the beer!
This guy walked the course.....hills and all...took him a while, but he sure did it! Way to go!
My friend Joe - 2nd from left - has overcome so many challenges, it's amazing he's still here. One inspiring guy.
Some of the age group winners
Finally....a look at the race shirt....
EPILOGUE
The Scallywompus slogan is “Come for the race. Stay for the party.” They are not kidding either. Always a great after-party for their events. Bottled water, Gatorade, cold beer – and some vendors with stronger drinks if you wanted that – sausage on a stick, several kinds of fruits, lots of give-away stuff by the sponsors and vendors, food truck on the premises…so much stuff I forget what some of it was; but all good and lots of fun. Also, our Music Man Paul playing tunes. Nice quality-tee race shirt and nicely laid-out course – challenging in places, but nice. Scallywompus age group awards are always these really nice glasses and mugs. I’ve been doing Scallywompus events for years…will certainly continue to do them as long as I am able….and most assuredly would recommend them to others.
Mucho thanks to all the people that made this one happen for we participants: all the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, police officers out there for us, Alamo Beer for hosting, and, of course, “Mr. Scallywompus” himself, Bart Childers. Also anyone I may not have mentioned
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt