INTRO

I am Scott aka Scottydog, runner since 1983, cancer survivor, retired Air Force, 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

My 68th race of 2013.   A small event, about 50 or so folks.  Weather was very cooperative, about 53 degrees at race start time, low humidity, low dewpoint, a bit overcast, no wind.  Event started and finished at Bluebonnet Palace, a local entertainment venue.   I was feeling really good today for some reason and managed to finish in 31:12, even with my photo stops.

LONG VERSION REPORT WITH PHOTOS

Before The Race

At the Bluebonnet Palace.   The red, long-sleeved Toys for Tots shirts are the race shirts participants got.

Friend and Race Director John Purnell

Young Marines, San Antonio chapter, who served as course volunteers; and the Young Marines color guard for the National Anthem.

Registration volunteers

Two representatives of one of the race sponsors

Rudolph getting some energy for his upcoming Christmas Eve outing...

Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Did you know that Mrs. Claus is actually a Texan?  That's why her name is Santa Anna...

It's gonna be a 'wired" Christmas Eve!

I guess I've been good this year...

This was the first ever race for this young lady

On The Course

My buddy, George

I was in proximity for most of the race with this young lady, wearing bib 9

One of  the Young Marine course volunteers

Following that last photo, I got really energized for some reason and went nonstop for the last 1.2 miles to the finish.  I passed a few people and I think only 1 person passed me.    I caught up to my buddy, George, which surprised me because, even though he is in his 70s,  he is still much faster than I am.  I think he was feeling some effects from his 4-mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and was not his usual speedy self today.  I kept on truckin', turned the last corner, headed to the finish, and crossed at 31:12, per my chrono, about 6 seconds difference from the gun time. I averaged about 10:04 per mile and I noticed my last mile was done in 9:47....WHAT?  My old legs did an under 10 minute mile pace? A freakin' holiday miracle, lol.   I waited near the finish line and got a photo of this lady finishing...

...and then I got some water and then waited for my buddy George to come into the finish.  But I never did see him.  So either I missed him, or he was really hurting and called it a day and headed on home.  Either way, I feel for him cuz I could tell it was not a good race day for him, as he almost always finishes ahead of me.  Take care of yourself, buddy!

After The Race

This young lady and I chatted before the race and when I told her what pace I would run  - I predicted 11 to 12 minutes per mile for me, zowie,  was I way off, lol - she said she might just stick with me.   Then we started and I never saw her again until the finish, as she finished in the 20's.   Speedy young lady!

Her good running earned her an age group medal too

and she graciously allowed a photo with an old man...Beauty and the Beast here...I'm sure you can figure out which is which...

More 'Happy Finishers" et al....

Kudos, young lady, on your first race done!

All this red...and one oddball out guy....

Another running friend and also a fellow retired veteran

EPILOG

Race #68 for the year done!  Small event, but a fun one.   All the good folks out there - organizers, volunteers, participants - are what made this event so nice. Good cause too.  Not a very scenic course, but it was a nice one in that  it was mostly flat and we had lots of room on very wide streets.   I would do this one again.

Next Up For Me:  Race #69:  Santa Antonio 5K on Sunday, December 1, 2013.

Nice race Scott. Way to speed things up at the end.

Scotty, I love how you "immortalize" people through your pictures. You capture their first race, their victories, their struggles, their smiles. It's so cool of you to do this! And it's nice to see that even in such a small event, there are all types of people participating. So Santa and the Mrs are vacationing in Texas before they return to Canada to load up the sleigh with presents? Lucky them!  Congratulations on a great finish time and on your 68th race of the year! 68!!!! I also hope that your friend George is ok. :-(