The Stubborn Tortoise

I'm trying to make a lot of changes. Some are going better than others, but I haven't given up. One of the biggest realizations is the need to be grateful for something every day, no matter how crappy the day is. This is hard for me because I am hard on myself and sometimes set unrealistic expectations. But I'm getting there.

Jenny Gruber is a tough woman. She has limped for miles on a bad ankle because she didn't want to let her husband and son down. She has tackled some tough races and persevered. Her latest challenge is bouncing back after contracting COVID-19. Plus bonus content of Hazel at the end. (Well, in the video version. In the audio, I try to describe it.)

Sweet Jesus, I really beat myself up on Saturday at the Hippie Hill challenge. We need to respect our bodies and what they are capable of, including getting a massage, using a roller stick, massage gun etc. I sprang for a massage gun on Sunday after being debilitated by Saturday's challenge. Folks, if you are even mildly serious about this sport, book a massage and/or get an implement to aid in your recovery. It will help you in the  (ha ha ) long run.

Paz and Hundo sweat. A LOT. We could run 10 miles and end up wringing out our socks. We know how to handle summer heat and humidity. And it's coming. So listen up and heed our advice.

I got a really cool gift box from my sister called a Runner Box. I show you what was in mine, along with an update on my new Suunto 3 and its maddening learning curve. Finally, a shoutout to my friend, Agatha, who logged more than 175 miles in 100 hours last weekend at Jackalope Jam. (Apologies for giving out the wrong number of miles when I recorded this. I was off by about 10 miles.)

I celebrated my birthday by running a 50K. It was my first in three years. I wanted to quit three times but persevered. I also jammed my finger and banged up my left knee in a spectacular fall. The day before, I was given the highest award from Tejas Trails -- a huge surprise.

Vivian Montalvo of San Antonio is not only an accomplished runner but she also applies her experience to help other runners. She is there to crew people on long runs or just a quick Sunday morning run. She'll load up her Town and Country with coolers full of refreshments and be there to hand them out if needed. She selflessly drove us to Brazos Bend in December for Maria's 50-miler and my marathon. She and Maria just got back from Maria's race at Big Bend. Vivian is someone I am proud to call a friend.

Ben Garcia lost his ability to walk after a devastating motorcycle accident. But, through grit and determination, he regained that ability as well as the aptitude for running long distances. He is a veteran of the Iraq War and is now a 12-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department's downtown bike patrol. Running is Garcia's therapy and he uses it as a way to give back to the community. In the past few years, he ran a couple of 200-plus mile fundraisers for children's cancer as well as for law enforcement families. One of those was called from "210 to the 956," where he ran from San Antonio (the 210 area code) to Alamo, Texas (the 956), which is adjacent to his hometown of San Juan, Texas. This Rio Grande Valley native's story is upbeat and inspiring. This is the third video episode and the first with visuals to accompany the intro and outtro music.

I rang in the new year as part of Team Wildebeest at the Snowdrop 55-Hour Race and Relay for children's cancer research and scholarships for children's cancer survivors. A few of my friends: Hundo and Babe (Mrs. Hundo), along with Seresa, Tanya, Agatha, Don and others tackled the 100-mile challenge. The weather was like summer: mid-80s with wicked humidity. We were all struggling -- some with injuries, some with mental demons. But everyone did their best despite the challenges. I was a Player to be Named Later for my team and ran as well as I could. My teammates were uplifting and suuportive. If you get a chance, you should sign up for next year's race. It is a unique and satisfying way to see in a new year.

Paz n Hundo (aka Orlando Montalvo) discuss their best ideas for gifts for the runner in your life. This is our first video episode, so there are visual aids in addition to our expressions. Hope you enjoy this one. We loved recording this.

I finished my first marathon on Saturday. According to my watch, it was 28.56 miles, so it was more of a 50K than a marathon, but who's counting? It went well, despite my not-so-great training. Running at sea level is a wholly different experience and one that I prefer almost anytime. It helped that we had an amazing support crew in Vivian and Rebecca. Vivian drove us, cooked for us, anticipated what we needed, while Rebecca flitted about, filling bottles, delivering food and drink and just being amazing. Maria finished her first (and possibly only) 50-miler with a smile on her face. I introduced my crew to Orly and Kathy (Hundo and Babe), who also finished the 50-miler. The weather was wicked humid and unseasonably warm, which beat us down on the second loop. But, it was uplifting to see friends along the way during the out and backs, that it was hard to contemplate quitting (which I never did). I am planning to tackle this one again next year because the loops aren't too long or awful and it's just an all-ou good time. Photo: Vivian, Maria, me and Rebecca

I volunteered this past weekend at the Trivium race, hosted by Tejas Trails. It is their only road race, but it is challenging with lots of hills. I introduced my friend, Jessica, to the volunteer life, and she was a big hit with the crew. She also said she wants to do more of this. At times, we wore costumes, rang cowbells, cut up fruits and put out snacks. In short, we had a great time encouraging others to reach their goal.