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.”
Here is yet another of my Race Reports with Photos. I am not exactly a good photographer but hey, at least all the photos are free so my ‘subjects’ can save and share their photos if they so desire. Mucho thanks to all the people I interacted with at this event for their graciousness, patience, and good humor in letting me take photos of them.
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!
If you don't want to read the full report below, here is a slideshow of the photos: http://s166.photobucket.com/user/scottydog69/slideshow/2016%20Race%20Reports/2016%20Race%2033%20Too%20Hot%20To%20Handle
BEFORE THE START
This was my 33rd race of 2016. Held at Boerne Lake Park, with a 7:30 a.m. start for both the 5K and the 15K, so I was up at 5 to eat my usual oatmeal pre-race breakfast and then off to the park I went. Arrived around 6:40. Participants were directed to park in this big field....
...and then we walked across the field to the start/finish area.
The lake at this time in the morning was quite peaceful.
Wanted a pre-start stretch or massage? These folks were there to do just that.
Race Director Mitch Allen and volunteers
Mitch and I
Mitch going to the dogs; just beautiful dogs, very friendly.
Announcer Extra-Ordinaire Mark Purnell who always does a GREAT job at the events he does.
Me and friend Karen, who walked the 5K course
Some of the participants, volunteers, family members, supporters, etc.
Me and my 'running wife", lol, Bernadette. Over the year, we do a lot of the same races and Bernadette does just about as many in a year as I do. The difference being, Bernadette actually RACES hers, while I do run/walk and take photos - and she usually places in every race she does. She has got a houseful of medals!
Fellow Team RWB Team-Mates Cecy and Trinnie. These ladies just cannot take a bad photo, always look lovely...even post-race!
Getting ready to go...National Anthem sung beautifully by a retired Air Force lady
ON THE COURSE
Here we go.....right off the bat, we climbed a small uphill trail...
...then ran along the top of this 'berm"....
Looking behind me they way I'd just come....
....and ahead of me.....
Around part of the lake we went, finally reaching a paved road that took we 5K folks to the turn-around point...
The cone was the 5K turn-around point. The 15K folks continued on...to MAJOR hills on their course. Compared to what they dealt with, the 5K course was not really bad at all.
15K folks literally heading for the hills
Meanwhile I made it around the cone and it was now back the way we'd come out...
I think I accidentally hit my flash for this photo and everyone became quite colorful.
Our race volunteer "traffic controller' on this part of the course. Thanks, buddy!
Back onto the trail, climbing up this short but steep hill that was downhill on the way out
Back on top of the berm heading for the finish
After that last photo, I was off again. I passed quite a few people that had passed me during my photo/walk break. Down that last hill we'd come up at the start, then back to the finish line. I ended up with 37:24, and was pretty happy with that - only 3- 4 minutes off my usual 5K finish time when I was healthy, so made me feel I am making progress in my previously torn adductor muscle continuing to heal well. I ended up 4th in my age group. The 3rd place guy in my age group finished just 32 seconds ahead of me. Guess I should not have stopped to take that last photo. It's all good!
AFTER THE FINISH
Behave myself, lol, per my doc's orders, and did my post-race stretching. Then it was off to get photos of the "Happy Finishers' etc. Unfortunately at times I forgot to wipe my sweaty lens - yes, I REALLY sweat when I run. As comedian Louie once said 'I'm a fat guy; I have to sweat or I'll explode." So apologies to those who may have a bit of a 'blurry spot" on their photos.
Post-race goodies included fruits, bagels, and breakfast tacos
One of my favorite "30-something" lady runner friends, Kim, and friend. Kim placed in her age group for the 5K. Her friend here is obviously her angel, as you can tell since he 'shines".
My friends Gene and Loyce
Bernadette and friend
Fellow Team RWB team-mates Victor and Cecy. Victor placed in the 5K.
My very speedy friend, Erik, who was 1st male finisher in the 15K.
Erik, wife Kristine who also placed - she is quite darn speedy too! - and their little family
And others...
Shiner Beer folks; because it was Sunday, we had to wait until 10 a.m. to get beer (stupid 'blue laws" ) I told them I grew up in the Washington DC area so since I was East Coast, it was already 10 a.m. for me...but they didn't buy off on it, lol.
iRun Texas folks preparing the awards medals. Thanks for being there for us!
Time for your closeup...
iRun Texas staff; He told me they had to be at race site at 4 a.m., dang! Thanks for being out there for us!
My "Walking Strong" friend, Karen, with friends, some of whom placed in their age groups
My friends Bernadette and Elaine (left) as usual for their speedy selves, placed in their events.
These two fellows placed in the 15K. The guy on the right actually fell on the course - and even got a photo of it that he showed me - and he still placed.
Team RWB members
I did not place in the 5K but I got my reward...my beer, finally, and I won a door prize, this water bottle with a strap for easy carrying. I jokingly told my friend, Karen, since I only do shorter runs I really don't need to carry water with me; but maybe I could use it as a "pee can" when I'm out on the trail with no restrooms around. Hey, if my aim gets really good enough that might even make my wife happy...as I'd be able to hit INSIDE the toilet at home once in a while...
EPILOGUE
iRun Texas really knows how to put on an event! I've done the Too Hot Too Handle for several years and it is always enjoyable. Nice race venue, nice after-party, nice race shirts, nice door prizes, nice medals, nice post-race goodies and services...nice EVERYTHING! Definitely a keeper on my race calendar. MUCHO thanks to all the volunteers and organizers - who had to be out there WAAAY early to get everything going - sponsors, law enforcement out there for us, etc.; all the folks who make this one happen for we participants.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt