The Stubborn Tortoise

Saturday marked the first time I've done what I call "Big Boy" trail races since last November.

I was not especially trained for the hilly terrain, but gave it a shot.

It was embarrassingly slow, included a downhill tumble, and I considered quitting a couple of times. Mind you, it was "only" a 5-mile (actually, 5.4-mile) distance.

I finished, humbled but determined to keep going through challenging things inste...

I'm signing up for races all over the place. I guess that means getting out of the house and actually running.

Strangely, a memory came up on Facebook the other day. It was a photo of me and Orly (Hundo) with Normita looking on as we wrung out our socks midway through a 20-miler. I mentioned that I went out later and got in 3 more miles. (!) Those were the days when I was training for a 50-miler.

I look back on that time and real...

Geez, Louise, it's been a wild few days. My car began vibrating like it did last year when the front control arm/bushing (listen to me talking like I know what I'm talking about) cracked. I fear that the rear version is faulty and did not feel great about driving up to Killeen for last night's Hill Country Strong race. Putting the car in the shop on Wednesday after my summer class (Podcasting!) ends. Meanwhile, I look b...

The Kerrville flood remains a horrific piece of Texas/national history. I have signed up for a couple of races to help give back to that community. I even kicked in some extra at HEB's fancy Central Market to help. I also signed up for a race in San Antonio next month called Poker 5K. I misremembered the name of the org benefiting from this.

Also, a big shout-out to my dear friend, PJ Izaguierre, for all that he is doing for th...

I have been gutted all weekend by the news of the floods in Hill Country, my playground. I weep for the families of lost children and my former police-reporter sensibilities kicked in this morning when I thought of all of the funerals and small caskets.

It's a little too much.

There are a lot of factors that played into this disaster.

Most are political, unfortunately.

I can only hope this unites us to work toward our best interest...

I feel like I'm stepping into the confessional: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last podcast was two months ago."

Ha ha.

I haven't really been running. Hiking, sure. I'm beginning to wonder if this is what my future holds. I'm determined to try running again. I signed up for a half marathon in December, so I have that on my radar. Contemplating doing the 25K at Wild Hare in November because I'v...

I've been making concerted efforts to return to running and volunteering, but sometimes life gets in the way. That said, I am determined to do the inaugural half marathon in December at the San Antonio Marathon.

I also take a little time to get political, if you will.

Not sorry. I am honestly concerned about what is happening and if you never hear from me again, I've told you why. Not crazy about the idea of being thrown into...

Tia Banks is a former professional flag football and basketball player. Injuries caused her to switch gears. She took up hiking and in 2021, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in six days. She was sick with an unknown illness but persevered. She has translated that experience into a career as a resilience coach: helping people of all ages to reframe their negative thoughts. Her story is inspirational. To contact her or read more, go here: ...

It's been a frustrating six or so weeks. Weather and arthritis in my hip and lower back are creating havoc for my return to running.

In the last week, I managed to hike 2 miles until my hip yelled at me to stop. Later last week, I returned to the ol' walk-run format.

It's a start, but not what I envision. Hoping to get back at it gradually until I can knock out a half or 25K without it killing me.

Also, some tales about why you should...

A dozen years ago I happened upon a book in the middle of a dirt road surrounding a cotton field. It was a Bible. In Spanish.

I still wonder why someone who had likely carried it with them across the US-Mexico border suddenly dropped it and left it behind. Were they being chased by border patrol or some law enforcement agency? I will never know for sure.

But it got me to thinking about all of the random things trail runners find di...

A longish story about why I did not volunteer on Sunday at the Bandera trail race, plus some history. Also, why I won't be running Big Bend this weekend.

But the real story involves a terrific indoor rowing event at my favorite workout spot, overcoming mental obstacles and treating it like an ultra.

Oh, and I threw in a couple of journalism references, explained, along with a nod to my Documentary Film History class and the new Bob...

Hey, it's New Year's Eve, and I am looking back a little on the year.

This episode gives you a very brief peek at Snowdrop, but more importantly, a look at some creeps from this past year.

The last of which I skillfully avoided at Snowdrop.

He does not deserve my time or attention, but here I am, outlining his creepy behavior.

For 2025, I only want to meet decent men who aren't social retards or who think they're my last hope for r...

I ran my first race in almost six months. It went well, except for the men who decided not to alert me that they were passing me, or who scared the hell out of me when they passed, or who almost ran me over on the course.

I am a 12-year veteran of trail races.

I am accustomed to the "on your left," courtesy.

Or "good job, runner!"

Yesterday, I seldom heard this, as guys nearly mowed me over because they thought they were going to w...