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Tag Archives: BCRT

Saharan Dust

28 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Covid-19, Running

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

BCRT

IMG_4324

I’m not usually a pessimist, but until you’re dead, things can always get worse.  And things did get worse this weekend.  You might think I’m referencing the Covid-19 spike here in Texas, but no, that was true last week.  This weekend, the Saharan sands blew in from North Africa.

You can actually see the massive plume of sand extending westward from North Africa toward the Gulf of Mexico in this photo below, as it sails in the Sahara air layer at an altitude of twenty thousand feet.

SaharaDust

Incidentally, mask wearing was much more prevalent this weekend on my running trail. Few runners, but many walkers and bikers.  I can’t say if it was due to the Covid-19 spike, or the dirty air.  Guessing the latter.

The dirty air wasn’t good for running.  I struggled Friday and Saturday.  I had one of my best runs in a long time today though, despite the dust.  A storm front was blowing in and the strong breeze and heavy clouds helped keep my body temperature down.  It felt really good running the fast pace.

I could have run farther today, which would have also been nice, but I limited my exposure to the dust by keeping my run under six miles.  If it’s not the heat, it’s the air quality.  These masks and bandanas are proving handy.

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My Day

21 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

BCRT

IMG_4312

I ran seven in the Texas rain yesterday, but I swear to you, I was more drenched today after running four in the Texas sun.  I’ve resigned myself to running shirtless this summer.  I don’t care how many small children fall off their bikes after catching sight of me.  Eventually, my flesh will tan.

It’s Father’s Day and I’m having my way with it.  Didn’t get out of bed until 7am.  Drank coffee.  Read the paper.  Drank more coffee.  Seasoned some baby back ribs and set them on low in the slow cooker.  Drank the rest of the coffee.  Went out for a run.  The girls will zoom me in the next hour to ask how my day has gone.

My day has gone well.

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The Hot Runner

07 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Covid-19, Running

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

BCRT

IMG_4303

Texas has been in the nineties all week.  The forecast calls for 104° tomorrow.  These are hot days.  Given everything else, I don’t expect the weather to do anyone any favors this summer.  It’s been forcing short runs for me during the week – three to four miles.  I try for eight-mile runs on the weekends, but five miles was all I could endure this weekend.

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I start off fully dressed with best intentions.  Halfway, I’m stripped down, baring my bloated, butt-white belly to feel the breeze on more skin.  Completing a run in this heat is like playing a game of strip poker.  My hair isn’t much better than my stomach.  I’ve been cutting it myself all year.  With Texas open for business now though, I’ve scheduled a tapered drop fade for Wednesday night.  Maybe I can at least look good above the neck.

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Snow & Rain

02 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

BCRT

IMG_4217

Our first call of the day was before 6 am mountain time.  We facetime because I can’t get a strong enough signal for a voice call and need to leverage the wifi with a video app.  Karen doesn’t let me see her that early in the morning, so I stare at the ceiling fan while she watches me sip my second cup of coffee.

She said, because it was snowing, she might not walk today.  She often walks while talking over the phone to other friends while they walk remotely.  I told her there is no better time to walk in Colorado than under falling snow.  With no wind and 30°, the snow filters out the sound and you can hear your heart beat in the silence.  I was jealous.

I was also motivated and ran a few miles after work.  In the rain.  It’ll be raining here in Austin for as many days as the weather lady could forecast into the future.  Inside the house, the overcast is dreary.  But out on the trail, man, running in the warm Texas rain rivals the Colorado snowfall.  The rain poured down on me, cleansing me of sorrow and grief.  And the trail, which has been quite crowded on the weekends, was as empty as Times Square.

Karen also told me this am that she’s noticed nature sounding louder with all the cars off the street.  The morning birds’ chirping is deafening.  I reminded her that it is spring.  She stood by her statement, the birds are louder.  I agree with her now that I had my run.  This post-apocalyptic nature is special.  Get outside and hear it for yourself.

 

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Running Through Sadness

22 Saturday Feb 2020

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

BCRT, Hospice

ATX Half

I’ve been running the Brushy Creek Regional Trail for the last four weeks.  Just on weekends as that’s all I have time for.  I target twelve miles by not turning around until I’ve run six.  On more than half my runs, today included, I walk in the final three miles.  An optimistic strategy that I don’t recommend to swimmers in the ocean.

My legs aren’t fatigued.  I am.  Just emotionally drained.  They say it’s mind over matter, and it is.

I try to start back up again and find myself running every other quarter mile.  Conveniently, the BCRT has stone mile markers every quarter mile.  It’s a fair argument that I’m not currently in shape to be attempting twelve mile runs, and that’s okay.  Walking is just as good.  It’s nice to get out.

As you see in the photo above, I recently completed the Austin Half Marathon without walking.  The 9:30 mile pace wasn’t up to my standards.  In shape, I run an 8:00 mile pace for a full marathon.  Still, that run felt really good.

Gueros

Mom is on hospice and I’m in Round Rock helping my brother care for her.  I wouldn’t call either of us ideal care givers.  Sorry mom, we’re your boys.

I’ve followed my facebook friends’ similar stories.  My high school friends are all in the same position.  So are many of my friends back at home.  But it’s not about us.  It’s about our ailing parents.

I can’t imagine what mom is going through.  I see it, every day.  I don’t like seeing it – as I said before, it’s emotionally draining.  A part of me is dying with her.  I feel it in my runs where I end up walking.  But I’m glad to be part of it.  To give back.  She raised seven children, much of it as a single, working parent.  I’ve been impressed with her my entire life.

Born in 1933, mom represents the silent generation.  Known for their heads-down work ethic, I’ll never compare.  I hope I’m as strong at the end of my time.  She should be bed-bound by now but continues to shuffle around the house, squeezing the blood out of my wrist as she holds on.  I literally feel her tenacity.  Every day I can spend with her will reinforce my memories.

My wife traveled to be with her when I had to travel for work.  I felt so guilty enjoying my respite.  The king-sized, Marriott bed felt like a vacation compared to my twin bed here where my feet hang off the end.  My sister who lives in the area will begin to help as her FMLA is approved next week.  It’s a family affair.  It’s sad.  And I have to stop writing because I’m starting to cry.

mom

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Fat & Slow

18 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

512, BCRT

mom 031818

I like to blog on my good runs.  My fast races.  Those moments where running is almost an out of body experience of exhilarating performance.  Today, I’m just thankful for not ever speaking ill of slower, less fit runners because right now, those are my people.    Running fat and slow is certainly less satisfying but I’ll take it.  So happy to get in my one run each week.  Sad that I can’t seem to run both Saturday and Sunday, but I’ve learned to take and enjoy what the trail gives me.

I never ventured beyond the Brushy Creek Regional Trail as part of my trip to Round Rock, but I got in a couple of six milers.  My positive spin is that these massively slow runs in the Texas spring have contributed to my acclimation to heat and humidity.  Part of my prepping for the summer conditioning plan.  All part of the master plan.

I didn’t do much of anything down here outside of working my 12 hour days and spending what time I could with my mom.  I’d get up at 5am to spend some quality time sitting together in the morning, both reading the paper and watching CNBC.  Our conversations would center on her top concerns, and occasional family history.  I have to say, old people are extremely regular in their tendency to reference BMs and constipation in a sentence.  By the time my work day was over, it was nearly her bed time.  I did get some things done around the house and went to church with her on Sundays.  Roasting a chicken at this very moment.

Wish I could have met up with friends.  Sorry I couldn’t hook up with George at the 512 Brew Pub.  I did however sample multiple locally crafted IPAs.  512 was my hands-down favorite.  My brother-in-law, who plays tonight at the Carousel, told me last night to try their Pecan Porter. I head home Wednesday night.  Glad to have had the opportunity to visit.

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Weekend in Texas

05 Saturday Mar 2016

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

BCRT, Faust Brewing Company, New Braunfels

BCRT mile marker

I arrived at ATX last night a little before midnight.  The car rental desk at Budget was unmanned.  There were no signs with instructions but I got lucky somehow by asking the staff at the Avis desk for help.  I seem to recall those firms merging a few years back.  Not sure but Avis did indeed have my rental.  Got a Jeep Patriot for $12 a day.  First they upgraded me for free.  Then they pitched about $70 dollars in various options for insurance coverage, which I suspect was more expensive for my upgrade.  I declined everything.  I was too tired to understand anything being said and it felt like such a scam.  Not happy with the Patriot.  Big box with low visibility.  Handles speed bumps well though.

Got in 13 miles on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail this morning.  Weather Channel called for a 10% chance of rain.  That would be an all out rain shower in Colorado but it translates to clear skies in Central Texas.  After a half mile, mold spores began to form under the brim of my cap.  Before a full mile, the mold dropped from my hat and dammed up on my eyebrows.  By two miles, sweat was streaming across my face like the river over the spillway at Perdernales Falls.  I don’t know how people live here.  Many other runners were shirtless.  Not me.  A 53 year old running shirtless is like Trump referencing his penis at a GOP Debate.  People aren’t asking to see my white belly.  I suspect when we do see Trump’s tax returns, we’ll find out he’s been exaggerating the size of all his assets.

BCRT Sign

A half marathon is as much as I get from the BCRT.  6.75 miles one way but I run out and back from the east end along Harry Man Road.  I’m down here for my niece’s wedding tomorrow.  Thought I could squeeze in another run but I’ve since been tasked with some Uncle duties driving people around.  That’s fine.  The wedding is in New Braunfels and I’ve already set plans for lunch at the Faust Brewpub.  The day will be full of reuniting with sisters and family whom I don’t often see.  Looking forward to it.

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Hill Country Winter Runs

22 Sunday Feb 2015

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Austin Marathon, BCRT, Central Texas

kickToday’s weather was rain, light wind, and 40°.  I know what you’re thinking, absolutely ideal running conditions.  I ran 13 evenly paced miles today on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail and it was perfect.  I wore shorts and two shirts – my light, long-sleeved Boulder Marathon shirt layered over my Moab tech t-shirt. And a running hat.  I rolled up my sleeves at one point and rolled them back down on the return into the 10 mph wind.  My gear choices were perfect too.  Then there was the Brushy Creek scenery.  Mostly brown foliage but so pretty.  The trail feels so much more remote than the surrounding sprawl would indicate.  The cool, humidity paired well with the winter colors.

I neglected to mention that Central Texas rained on me around the twenty-third mile of the Austin Marathon.  Even though the rain down here is like warm bath water, I found it refreshing at a time I was over-heating.  I ran three very comfortable 7 milers this last week in sunny weather – upper 60°s and lower 70°s.  Very nice but I prefer this more typical Central Texas winter weather.  It reminds me of running through high school and college, growing up down here.  Nostalgia pairs well with long runs.

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Running with Reindeer

26 Friday Dec 2014

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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Tags

BCRT, believe, keep Austin weird, magic of Christmas, Town Lake

RudolfSomeone stuck a red reflector onto the nose of the deer in this sign.  Along with every other deer crossing sign near my mom’s house outside Austin.  This is what makes Austin weird.  Oh, and I can tell you that there are countless deer for the next 8 miles rather than just 1.5 miles.  Unless of course this sign is specific to reindeer.  I saw zero reindeer during my runs along the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, but I could feel their presence.  I believe they were nearby, playing reindeer games.

I got in 13 miles Monday afternoon.  Felt good to unwind after two days of driving.  I-35 from Dallas to Austin has been under construction longer than any airport project I know.  I swear to you there’s nearly two hundred miles under construction, and it’s been this way for ten years.  Talk about nerve-wracking.  Whereas most states require so many hours of instructor-lead driving lessons, Texas parents can home school their children with Parent Taught Driver Education packets available to order online.  I believe this is Governor Perry’s response to NAFTA, intended to put the fear of God into Mexican truck drivers as they transport goods on Texas highways.  Driving between two hundred miles of concrete barriers and half-erected raised roadways among Texans felt like navigating through a cement rainforest in a dystopian video game.

momThe holidays are inexplicably busy and I find myself errand boy for this and that.  While I initially expect to run every day on vacation, I ended up running every other day.  I squeezed in another five miles on Christmas Eve along the BCRT and then nine miles down on Town Lake the day after Christmas.  Austin renamed this area Lady Byrd Lake a few years back, but I still reference the original designation.  I like to run the 4.4 mile loop between the MoPac and South 1st Street bridges.

Today’s weather was cloudy with the warm winter rain common to Austin.  Warm to me anyway.  I wore shorts and a light shirt.  Most runners were bundled up, including gloves.  I found myself sweating non-stop.  Oh the humidity.  I found the conditions perfect for running nonetheless.  The trail was never crowded although I enjoyed the company of a steady stream of runners.  Mostly younger, no doubt out of school for the holidays.

long boardBrit and Ellie did some running down here too.  Ellie also got in some long board action.  Ellie is pictured here next to her cousin.  Rachel had to fly out to San Diego early this morning to appear in a dance routine at the Holiday Bowl Halftime Show.  I feel this is a short week for us but her family is even more rushed to get everything in.

I just got back from seeing “Into the Woods” with the girls.  Highly recommended if you like lots of singing.  Next up is dinner with Steve and Susan at Sushi Tomo – my favorite Austin sushi joint.  Karen’s parents were nice to watch over Steve and Susan’s kids so that we could go out.  This week has gone by quick but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  I’m off next week too.  There’s plenty to do around the house but I also expect to increase my mileage – weather permitting.  I need to be in shape for my return back down here in seven weeks to run the Austin Marathon.

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Writing from Amarillo

20 Saturday Dec 2014

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Medical Files, Running

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Aspen Chiropractic & Wellness Center, BCRT

race_604_photo_13905086This is a short training week because I’ll be driving all weekend to Austin.  So I ran my big mileage on Friday.  I didn’t have the three hours needed to run twenty miles.  Still, 15 miles took 2:10 hours.  I squeezed my run in between my morning Chiropractor session and finishing up Christmas cards and other errands.  I could go on about the Christmas cards.  Instead though, I’ll relate the story of my first visit to a Chiropractor.  Oh, and I keep meaning to give credit to the Colder Bolder for these race photos.  A dozen hi-res digital pictures for absolutely free.  Unbelievable race perk!

I’m currently sitting poolside in an Amarillo hotel.  I wanted to make it to Vernon to shorten tomorrow’s drive but my ass hurt too much to keep driving.  I think from doing leg weights.  I’m bad at weights, but I like to include them in my routine when training for a marathon.  Not because I think weights will improve my speed.  My experience suggests weights help me avoid injury as I increase my miles.

My Chiropractor is Dr. Doug Brisson at the Aspen Chiropractic & Wellness Center in my neighborhood.  He comes across to me as a very sensible doctor.  The kind of doctor who, after you say it hurts to do something would say, “Then don’t do that.”  I have zero experience with Chiropractic medicine and Dr. Brisson explained some things to me I never knew.  He detailed how his adjustments affect the nerves around the joints.  The nerves need to be trained on the proper musculoskeletal positions.  And they benefit from receiving the increased blood flow and nutrition that result from his corrections.  I wouldn’t really know but I believed him.  His assessment of my physical condition was this.  I have a “really twisted body.”  I’m not surprised by this.  That’s why I’m here.

He popped a few joints and I felt better.  He told me to expect feeling fatigue afterward.  It was hard to say if I did.  I went on my 15 mile run directly afterward.  I felt fatigue after that.  Saw the Sebestas out on their bikes on the LoBo Trail.  Amy gave me a high-five with her gloved hand.  With her biking momentum, she nearly broke my hand.  My muscles were heavy but I think that was due to my run the previous evening.  I ran a fast seven miles fairly late in the day.  Us older guys need a full 24 hours to recover from intense workouts.

I expect to run next on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail near my Mom’s house on Monday.  Hoping to get in some decent miles at low altitude.  And get a run or two in down on Town Lake.  If anyone wants to run with me in Austin, ping me.  I’ll be there through Friday.

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Keep Austin Weird

08 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Alamo Draft House, BCRT, Flemings, Johnny Martinez, Moab Half Marathon, Susan Collier, Tomo's, Top Golf

finisher fotoGot in a couple more miles in Austin today before flying home.  Thirteen more to be exact.  My flight isn’t until 8:30 tonight.  Too late to make Steve’s poker game.  Not too late to see Karen after my three weeks away.  Ellie will be at a sleep-over.  I imagine Karen will have already eaten dinner.  Maybe she’ll want to stop off for a drink somewhere.  Of course it’ll be after 10pm.  We’ll think of something.

I had some good runs down here.  I ran 26.2 miles across the streets of Central Austin – surprisingly fast (for me) in 3:45 and felt good doing it.  I had a fantastic trail run at Pedernales Falls – a state park with special memories for me.  I ate at my favorite restaurants and discovered some new ones – from sushi to steakhouses.  Saw a movie at the new Alamo Drafthouse at Lakeline.

sister-in-law at Tomo'sI hung out with family; eating multiple plates of sushi bombs followed by quail egg shooters at Tomo’s, ate the best Thai ever.  My father-in-law plied me with a 2011 Round Pond cab sav and bought me one of the best ribeyes ever at Flemings in the Domain.  I played several rounds of Cards Against Humanity – always a riot.  I also saw some old friends.  Visited Ray Johnson in San Antonio where I drank home brew better than I can buy in a store.  I met up with Johnny Martinez in Austin.  This was a complete surprise as my sister ran into him in the grocery store.  We first synched up at a Starbucks but went out last night to Top Golf.  If you haven’t been to a Top Golf locale, think bowling.  No, think swanky outdoor club with fire pits and live music and dance floor.  No, think pub food.  It’s hard to describe but pretty fun.

Johnny MartinezMy run today was in the quintessential Central Texas rain and mist.  Actually great for running.  I planned to run down on Town Lake for my last day but Mom wasn’t feeling well so I opted to stay close by.  I ran 13 miles on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail.  Fairly pedestrian but really nice with the creek, Live Oak and Texas Cedar.  My knees don’t care for the pavement but a good half of it is softer trail.  Next weekend is Moab.  That will be my last run for awhile.  Which is fine.  I have a sore knee that could use the time off.  I’d like to squeeze in another snowshoe or two with Karen.  I’ll need something to blog about.

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Oxygen Therapy

22 Saturday Feb 2014

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Austin Marathon, BCRT, Moab Canyonlands Half Marathon

finishI’m currently training in Austin for my next big event, the Moab Half Marathon on March 15th. My plan is to leverage the oxygen at low altitude for the next couple of weeks to train at a faster pace.  Success will be demonstrated by a PR in the Half at Moab.  I PR’d there last March with a 1:38.  Considering I just ran the first half of the Austin Marathon in 1:42, I think I have a shot at it.  I just need to teach my body how to run faster.  For distance runners, speed is learned.

This picture captures my kick in the Austin Marathon last Sunday.  Both feet off the pavement.  That’s a little oxygen in my step.  If I’m going to be running in Austin for three weeks, I’m going to run fast.  I think I wrote of my 2014 plans in one of my end of year blogs that my goal would be to simply maintain.  And it’s still true that I reached a level of fitness last year that I am more than pleased with.  And that I obtained an equilibrium of sorts with my race pace.  I was rarely competitive in terms of placing but I oftentimes felt like I was racing which is what it’s all about for me.  I suggested I would be more than happy to simply enjoy a 2014 on par with my 2013.  No need to improve.

Turns out, I expect to take some time off from running this spring.  Maybe longer.  Priorities.  Moab might be my last race for awhile.  Possibly all year.  So I’m motivated to go out with a bang.  Not sure what to expect as a target but breaking a 7:30 pace would be nice.  Working against me will be 4000 feet of elevation.  Austin will allow me to push my heart rate higher.  Great opportunity for fartleks and tempo runs.  But three weeks is also enough time to lose the benefits of altitude adaptation.  It comes down to oxygen therapy.  Real or hype?  I got in a nice 13 mile run today in 73° on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail.  Ran it slow though.  Still working the kinks out from last Sunday.

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The Santa Claus Rally

26 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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Tags

Austin Marathon, BCRT, happy new years, Town Lake

zilker treeFor stock traders, the Santa Claus Rally ends on Jan 3rd.  My 2013 running exploits will end with my vacation on Jan 1st, so I’m giving it my all in a final sprint.  These final days include significant driving time too, so I can’t run every day.  I began with a ten mile run Monday after a half day drive to Austin from Abilene.  I ran this in Round Rock on the BCRT.  After that brutal 2.5 day drive down from Colorado, this was the perfect recovery.  The weather was sunny and 55° or so.  I ran in shorts and layered a long sleeved shirt over a short sleeved shirt.

mom and the boysAn added wrinkle to my last running week is that I only packed my minimalist Merrell trail gloves.  They pack nice because they are so small and light.  The risk is whether or not I can log any real miles in them.  I ran this first ten miles strong but my legs were super fatigued the next day and I could only run six.  I took off Christmas day, as much to recover as due to the time suck.  Even on vacation, not every day can be all about me.  I could have squeezeed in a run but opted for family time.  I figured the recovery day might be smart considering these high impact shoes.

I was ready to go Thursday and ran 4.5 crisp miles on Town Lake.  I park at the boat ramp near Austin High.  The modern Austin downtown cityscape does little to dent my nostalgic mood racing past Auditorium Shores.  I recall running here with my high school buddies thirty years ago.  Or the very first Capitol 10,000 that started on Congress Avenue and ran entirely on the Town Lake trail.  I have great running memories from my high school years.

Matt's El RanchoI think about my past year of running too and on my plans for 2014.  I had my best year ever in terms of strong performances and injury-free running.  I don’t even care to run faster next year, I feel satisfied I’ve reached my target times.  I’d like to be able to maintain my 10K time in the Bolder Boulder and remain in the B starting wave.  That will require some speed work to hold a 7 minute pace for six miles.  I’ve already registered for the Austin Marathon in February and the Moab Half Marathon in March.  I’d like to run the marathon in about 3:45 but will be happy with anything under 4 hours.  I don’t think I have any time goals for Moab but will want to race against any of my other neighbors who are going too.  Lastly, I’m certain I want to run either or both the IPR and Durango Ultra again next year.  Those are my plans.  Mostly just looking to maintain consistency with this year and stay healthy.  These photos are all family pics taken over the holidays in Austin.  Happy new years.

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Sweating Down in Texas

20 Saturday Jul 2013

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Barton Creek Greenbelt, BCRT, Camp Craft, Hill of Life, Twin Falls

Camp Craft TailheadMy first couple of runs in Austin were tolerable because it’s been raining down in Texas.  That didn’t help much with the humidity, but you can’t have it all.  Not sure which I’d prefer to avoid, melting under a blazing sun or drowning in humidity.  Probably end up drenched in a puddle of sweat either way.  I didn’t mind running in the rain.  It’s such a warm, comfortable rain in Texas.  Try running an hour in the mountains during the rain and you’ll die from hypothermia.  Colorado rain is really just a warm snowfall.

Per plan, I made it down to the Barton Springs Greenbelt today.  I’ve always launched from the Loop 360 Trailhead – which is about halfway along the trail.  Today I decided to learn some new trailheads and started on the Hill of Life Trail which begins at the Camp Craft Trailhead.  You find this trailhead at the end of Scottish Woods Trail, around the corner a few feet to the right on Camp Craft Road.  There are signs along Loop 360 for the Scottish Trail intersection.  You take the southwest street.  It’s a residential street that goes for maybe 200 yards before ending at Camp Craft Road.  There were tons of cars parked along the street, setting my expectations for a crowded trail.

The crowd began immediately at the trailhead where some organized training event was finishing up.  The coach was yelling out times for a couple dozen runners coming up the hill.  This trail starts down what looks like a creek bed, which is to say an extremely rocky 10% slope.  It reaches Barton Creek after a half mile.  I heard the coach counting off about four and a half minutes.  That sounds right for climbing a half mile hill.  I’m guessing he was having his runners repeat hill climbs.  Hard to say how many.

This crowd thinned out once I hit the main trail, but I was constantly passing hikers and bikers.  One guy passed me with a couple of dogs.  And I passed a couple of bikers that had passed me earlier.  The trail was too technical for them.  It’s fairly flat but has some big rocks in places.  I hesitate to say it isn’t well marked.  It has green mile markers every quarter mile.  But as you could imagine near a creek, the trail constantly branches out and it’s difficult to know which is the main path at times.  The branches typically fork back together so it’s usually not too critical but some decisions can lead you back uphill to the road and those are to be avoided.

SignAt one such decision point, I forked left which I quickly understood was going to lead me up to the road.  I decided to stay with it because others were on it and I figured I might learn of a new trailhead.  Plus this was near 3 miles and would give me a nice 6 mile run.  Had I continued on the right fork I would have encountered another option toward this trailhead, but marked by this sign.  The trailhead turned out to be what’s called Twin Falls.  You park along the MoPac service road on the southwest exit ramp of its intersection with Loop 360.  I returned back down to the main trail forking left to complete the Twin Falls loop clockwise.  I went in the direction of the red arrow on the sign which I expect points to Twin Falls.  The two miles of Barton Creek between Twin Falls and the Hill of Life contain some good swimming holes and explains where many of the hikers were headed.  I wouldn’t call these swimming holes billabongs exactly, but they can become isolated ponds when the creek dries up in the winter.  Sculpture Falls is another popular spot and there are actually restrooms near the creek where it meets up with the Hill of Life.

Twin FallsI drove around after today’s trail run looking for the Greenbelt map I expected to find for sale.  I started at the REI Store on Lamar.  They directed me to Lance Armstrong’s bike shop which is named Mellow Johnny’s.  They weren’t selling it either but printed me off a free copy of the trail and called around to find it for me.  They discovered I could buy a copy at Whole Earth located a few blocks up Lamar.  I did buy it there and can highly recommend it for the detail of all the unmarked trails and the six different trailheads.  Proceeds go toward the Save our Springs Alliance.  These pictures probably look the same but the first one up top is at Camp Craft and this one here is at the Twin Falls Trailhead.

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Floodin’ Down in Texas

10 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

3M Half Marathon, BCRT, Kerbey Lane, Magnolia Cafe

BCRTSeriously.  Two days of non-stop rain.  Today was great (although I didn’t run) and tomorrow should be awesome too, but then it will rain again for the weekend – during the 3M Half Marathon.  And it will be cold – around 40°.  Bummer.  This pic is at the east end of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail after a 6 mile run Wednesday.  The trail was flooded throughout my run like the water you see behind me.  The ground is pretty saturated around here.  Worse, the mold count is high.

My brother will drive me to the race start which is cool because it’s located 13 miles away from the race finish and this over-priced event doesn’t provide transportation.  My suggestion to them is to use their gear bag buses to drive runners from the finish to the start.  Runners could park at the finish, take the bus to the start, leave their gear in the bus, and run the course back to where they parked their car.  But what do I know?

I’m hoping to buy some inserts at the race expo on Friday or Saturday because my racing flats don’t have any inserts of any kind in them currently.  I could transfer the inserts from my training shoes if necessary.  Race start is early – at 6:45 am Sunday.  Breakfast will be around 10am at either Magnolia Cafe on Lake Austin Boulevard or Kerbey Lane Cafe on Kerbey Lane.

40.137598 -105.107652

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3M Half Prep

06 Sunday Jan 2013

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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Tags

3M, 3M Half Marathon, arthritis, BCRT, symphysis

austin marathon 2010Ran 56 miles so far this week, some on Town Lake but mostly on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail.  Much of it in the Texas rain.  That’s a really good week of mileage for me considering this is winter.  Haven’t been doing weights or situps; I did try one day but they hurt.  First trick is to establish my routine, then I can enhance it with calisthenics.  One more week of prep before running the Austin 3M Half Marathon on Sunday the 13th.

Not sure how well I’ll do but would like to push myself a bit.  I’ll have been in Texas for 3 weeks at that point so my blood will have lost most of its high altitude benefits.  At least I’ve always been told it takes about 3 weeks for the cardiopulmonary system to acclimate to altitude changes.  That’s to start to adapt, maybe 6 weeks to fully acclimate.  But all I ever really read on the topic is to adjust to higher altitude.  I know it’s critical to hydrate and vitamins are smart.  I’m just assuming it takes a similar amount of time to lose the conditioning.

It’s a funny thing anyway.  At sea level, you can run harder and faster.  Very curious to understand training techniques for adapting to lower altitude.  I suspect speed workouts, fartleks, repetitions on the track are all advisable.  I’m even thinking of running an asynchronous pace in the 3M Half – fartlek style.  There’s really not that much time to train so why not do it in the run itself?  I’ll start out controlled (slow) and rather than smoothly unwinding I might over pace myself, then recover with a slower pace, and repeat.  That will likely annoy other runners pacing with me.  They can suck it, I’m in an experimental mood.  And it won’t be easy to pull off.  I’m gambling that my conditioning is good enough to be able to recover from oxygen debt after each fast pace run.

I am somewhat concerned on how much situps hurt when I tried some the other day.  My core is feeling like it did when I had arthritis.  I’ll be bummed if it returned.  If I have to get another steroid shot, despite what I might have said in previous blog posts on the topic, I think I’ll opt for the anesthesia next time.  Taking a shot from a needle bigger than Dallas in a hip joint isn’t something I care to ever experience again.

A little word on the pic above.  It’s from the 2010  Austin Marathon – which I ran in 2011.  This pic still works for me as it symbolizes running in Austin and it’s free.  I don’t see any good graphics from the 3M Half Marathon which I’ll be running next weekend.  Sort of disappointing considering their outrageous registration fee.  The Boulder Marathon prints up cool posters too.  Cool enough like this one to frame and hang on the wall.  3M better at least have some good swag.

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Training in Texas

22 Saturday Dec 2012

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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Tags

BCRT

colder bolder 5Flew into Austin yesterday for the holidays.  I’ll remain here through much of January.  Previous plans to snow shoe and exercise in other winter sports are now shelved until I return.  Which is fine.  I can keep running.  While some nagging aches and pains continue to linger, I don’t have any injuries that would require me to lay off for the winter.  I got in a slow and easy 13 miles on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail this morning.  A fine start.

And so you know, this is my last photo from the recent Colder Bolder 5K.  Off next to ride the North Pole Flyer – an Austin Polar Express train ride that launches out of Cedar Park.  Dinner at Chuy’s afterward and perhaps a visit to the Zilker Park Christmas lights.  Same game plan as last year.

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Leaving Texas

01 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Storytelling

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

ABIA, BCRT, hospital, Monica Augustine, travel, Wildflower

I fly home tomorrow from ABIA at 1:30pm on Southwest flight 365. From a foodie’s perspective – one of the world’s best airports. I’ll plan for lunch after passing through security. I have to pay a small fare increase for delaying my return a week – but hard to complain with a $200 round-trip ticket. That’s like a dime per mile. And my return flight is now direct and no longer transfers in Houston.

I had some fairly straightforward expectations of this trip. High-level – spend quality time with my mom. She’s 78 and has more than her fair share of maladies slowing her down. I thought I could get into her routine. Handle things as they come up without the rushed pressure of the holidays. And of course I could become aware of important financial matters – at the level of logging into her online accounts, etc. – as I will be the executor of her estate. I even thought my brother might benefit. He lives with her but has his own house and no doubt would appreciate a month off.

And my expectations were mostly met initially. It’s almost spooky how we both start our mornings with coffee and the newspapers. We even subscribe to the same stuff – local paper, WSJ and Barrons. Although I cancelled my local paper recently because I didn’t have sufficient time to read it. And our favorite network is CNBC. But it’s like a holiday here because my mom has CNBC on 24×7. Ellie won’t allow that at home. My mom and I have totally different personalities, but oddly similar interests – cooking and gardening included.

I even got to hang with her friends. We meet the Desormeaus and Bill Scott for breakfast each Sunday morning and then attend church. I’m now friends with Dave and Barb on facebook. Dave is an ex-IBMer. Both are mile-a-minute New Yorkers who won’t let me buy a meal. Bill turned me on to the free version of anti virus software Microsoft makes available for download called Essentials. I used it to replace Norton AV on my mom’s computer. Norton was slowing it down more than any actual virus or spyware. The result was fantastic and the bonus is it’s free.

My mom generally went to bed early but sometimes she’d stay up and we’d watch the first season of Downton Abbey which I bought for her on DVD for Christmas. What old lady doesn’t like that show? Otherwise I’d do some work or put on my Marshall headphones and listen to a playlist while cruising facebook or blogging. This is a pic of me blogging this post right now – but is indicative of me any night of the week while here.

I also got to cook for my brother and sister a few nights, as well as my mom’s very good friend Irv. The first time I cooked pork chops, I followed my mom’s recipe. The second time I did it my way. Same thing for a couple of roasts. I like my pork chops style more but my mom taught me a thing or two about cooking a roast. She liked my grilled asparagus and steamed spinach with garlic. And I squeezed in the Austin Half Marathon which turned out much more pleasant than last year’s run of the Austin Full Marathon. I’ve been running almost daily on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail – an amazing path that meanders for nearly seven miles along Brushy Creek and Harry Man’s Road.

I have to thank Karen for holding down the fort in my absence. She drove Ellie to her singing lessons on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Held sleep-overs for Ellie’s friends. Took out the garbage and picked up after the dog. Her thanks is that she is now one step higher up on Jack’s pecking order. We called every night but I couldn’t get Karen to match Ellie’s technical aptitude with communication. Ellie would video call me with facetime from her iPod Touch. I used to be concerned Brittany wouldn’t know what an album was. Ellie won’t know how to call without video.

It was Karen who convinced me I needed to take this trip now. Not a day goes by she doesn’t miss her mother who passed away entirely too young. And now the three weeks have stretched out to four as my mom became ill. I had to call EMS to take her to the ER. After nearly a week she was finally moved from ICU to a regular room and she was able to come back home today. Turns out working a week from the St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center wasn’t much different from working from my mom’s house – or my own basement office for that matter. Maybe Dell contributed but their wifi is totally pervasive throughout that campus and even the acceptable use policy statement works lightening fast. That hospital kicks ass over any airport I know of. Man, I can’t even complain about the AT&T signal for my iPhone.

My mom’s tremendous circle of friends all came through for her. Next door neighbor Beverly didn’t just bake me chocolate chip cookies – she dropped off a bag of over three dozen. I’ll be taking some of those home with me. I continued to meet the Desormeaus and Bill for breakfast. And I haven’t been sitting alone at the hospital. Mom has a wonderful support group.

The exercise wasn’t entirely bad for me. It started badly. As I called each family member outside ER the first day, I had to take longer and longer between calls to maintain composure. I called Karen last and couldn’t speak. My throat locked up and when it finally loosened, all I did was basically sob. I doubt I completed a full sentence the entire call. It was fairly pathetic but Karen understood. What was good was that I started to perform my mom’s routine of getting the mail, processing bills, monitoring online accounts. That will help me later on.

I’m excited to return to my family. No doubt this trip was more of a hardship on them than me. They experienced winter. Karen was a single working parent. I missed Ellie’s first science fair where she came home with top honors, but I’ll be home in time to catch her first public singing performance. It’ll be at this sound studio in Boulder but Ellie takes lessons with Monica Augustine at Wildflower School of Voice – a super voice teacher who is already teaching Ellie to compose her own songs. If Ellie lets me, I’ll post video of her performance on my YouTube account.

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