The Stubborn Tortoise

When you're training for and doing ultramarathons, there aren't enough hours in the day to strength train. So, like a lot of people, I skipped it. I did some cursory stuff, but, as I am now finding out, it wasn't enough.

I'm back at physical therapy once again, doing millions of squats, clamshells, and lunges, because I didn't do them before. Or at least enough of them.

Turns out, afflictions like arthritis can be...

I hit a sad realization over the weekend: my arthritic hip won't let me attempt a half-marathon next month. After I ran-hiked an 8K on Saturday, the hip yelled at me all day and night, and I knew if I tried doing 13.1 miles on pavement, I would destroy what's left of it.

So, I did what I considered the unthinkable: I dropped to the 5K.

Immediately, I felt loss and like the character of Fran, in "Strictly Ballroom," ...

Kate Mihevc Edwards used to run for no particular reason, except that she loved it. Then, she discovered the world of competitive running in college and ran numerous half marathons and 13 marathons -- three of which were Boston. On her son's first birthday, she went for a run, like always. As she returned home, her heart rate skyrocketed to 300 bpm. She was later diagnosed with a rare heart condition that sidelined any hope of ...

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...